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Toffoli EC, van Vliet AA, Forbes C, Arns AJ, Verheul HWM, Tuynman J, van der Vliet HJ, Spanholtz J, de Gruijl TD. Allogeneic NK cells induce the in vitro activation of monocyte-derived and conventional type-2 dendritic cells and trigger an inflammatory response under cancer-associated conditions. Clin Exp Immunol 2024; 216:159-171. [PMID: 38330230 PMCID: PMC11036108 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxae007] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes capable to recognize and kill virus-infected and cancer cells. In the past years, the use of allogeneic NK cells as anti-cancer therapy gained interest due to their ability to induce graft-versus-cancer responses without causing graft-versus-host disease and multiple protocols have been developed to produce high numbers of activated NK cells. While the ability of these cells to mediate tumor kill has been extensively studied, less is known about their capacity to influence the activity of other immune cells that may contribute to a concerted anti-tumor response in the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this study, we analyzed how an allogeneic off-the-shelf cord blood stem cell-derived NK-cell product influenced the activation of dendritic cells (DC). Crosstalk between NK cells and healthy donor monocyte-derived DC (MoDC) resulted in the release of IFNγ and TNF, MoDC activation, and the release of the T-cell-recruiting chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10. Moreover, in the presence of prostaglandin-E2, NK cell/MoDC crosstalk antagonized the detrimental effect of IL-10 on MoDC maturation leading to higher expression of multiple (co-)stimulatory markers. The NK cells also induced activation of conventional DC2 (cDC2) and CD8+ T cells, and the release of TNF, GM-CSF, and CXCL9/10 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. The activated phenotype of MoDC/cDC2 and the increased release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and T-cell-recruiting chemokines resulting from NK cell/DC crosstalk should contribute to a more inflamed TME and may thus enhance the efficacy of T-cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- E C Toffoli
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A A van Vliet
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Glycostem Therapeutics, Oss, The Netherlands
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C Forbes
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A J Arns
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - H W M Verheul
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J Tuynman
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - H J van der Vliet
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Lava Therapeutics, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - J Spanholtz
- Glycostem Therapeutics, Oss, The Netherlands
| | - T D de Gruijl
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Raimo M, Zavoianu AG, Meijs W, Scholten P, Spanholtz J. Qualification of a flow cytometry-based method for the evaluation of in vitro cytotoxicity of GTA002 natural killer cell therapy. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24715. [PMID: 38304826 PMCID: PMC10830575 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24715] [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: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Natural Killer (NK) cell-based therapies represent a ground-breaking opportunity for the treatment of solid tumors and hematological malignancies. NK cell manufacturing under good manufacturing practice (GMP) is complex and requires attentive assessment the product's safety and efficacy through quality control (QC). Release testing includes monitoring of in vitro cell expansion, differentiation, purity, phenotype, and cytotoxicity. As NK cells are biologically active products, the establishment of potency methods is particularly relevant; surrogate or improper assays can lead to rejection of qualifiable batches or to release of products that falsely meet potency specifications, potentially causing low efficacy during clinical trials. As cell-based therapeutics are highly heterogeneous, no universal guidelines for product characterization are available, and developers must invest significant effort in establishing and validating robust and fit-to-purpose assays. In this study, we describe the qualification procedure of a flow cytometry-based analytical method to assess in vitro potency of GTA002 NK cells, to be applied to oNKord®/inaleucel allogeneic off-the-shelf NK cell product from Glycostem Therapeutics, undergoing a Phase I/IIa clinical trial in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients (NCT04632316). Methods First, we established multi-color flow cytometry panels to quantitatively determine the count of effector (E) GTA002 cells and leukemia target (T) K562 cells alone and in co-culture at different E:T ratios (10:1, 3:1, 1:1). Effector potency was then qualitatively expressed as percentage of cytotoxicity. Next, we defined protocols for method qualification to assess the pivotal features of the assays, including accuracy, precision, linearity, range, specificity, robustness, and carryover; quantitative acceptance criteria were determined for all parameters. Results of the qualification procedure are reported and discussed against pre-defined acceptance criteria. Results Overall, our methods show robust performance across all parameters, ensuring QC-compliant assessment of NK cell potency as part of the release test panel for clinical batches. Notably, we identified relevant aspects to address when progressing towards method validation to support pivotal clinical studies. Conclusions This article provides a "case-study" of how analytical method development for cell therapeutics is planned and executed from early clinical stages, anticipating the need to establish robust procedures to overcome scientific and regulatory challenges during method validation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wilma Meijs
- Glycostem Therapeutics, Kloosterstraat 9, 5349, AB Oss, the Netherlands
| | - Pascal Scholten
- Glycostem Therapeutics, Kloosterstraat 9, 5349, AB Oss, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Spanholtz
- Glycostem Therapeutics, Kloosterstraat 9, 5349, AB Oss, the Netherlands
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3
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Toffoli EC, van Vliet AA, Verheul HWM, van der Vliet HJ, Tuynman J, Spanholtz J, de Gruijl TD. Allogeneic NK cells induce monocyte-to-dendritic cell conversion, control tumor growth, and trigger a pro-inflammatory shift in patient-derived cultures of primary and metastatic colorectal cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007554. [PMID: 38056896 PMCID: PMC10711876 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007554] [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] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes with a key role in the defense against tumors. Recently, allogeneic NK cell-based therapies have gained interest because of their ability to directly lyse tumor cells without inducing graft-versus-host disease. As NK cells are also able to influence the function of other immune cells (most notably dendritic cells (DC)), a better understanding of the effects of allogeneic NK cell products on the host immune system is required. In this study, we analyzed the effects of an allogeneic off-the-shelf NK cell product, on the tumor microenvironment (TME) of primary and metastatic colorectal cancer (pCRC and mCRC, respectively). Moreover, we explored if the combination of NK cells with R848, a toll-like receptors 7/8 ligand, could further enhance any pro-inflammatory effects. METHODS Ex vivo expanded umbilical cord blood stem cell derived NK cells were co-cultured with pCRC or mCRC single-cell suspensions in the presence or absence of R848 for 5 days, during and after which flow cytometry and cytokine release profiling were performed. RESULTS NK cells efficiently induced lysis of tumor cells in both pCRC and mCRC single-cell suspensions and thereby controlled growth rates during culture. They also induced differentiation of infiltrating monocytic cells to an activated DC phenotype. Importantly, this NK-mediated myeloid conversion was also apparent in cultures after tumor cell depletion and was further enhanced by combining NK cells with R848. Moreover, NK cells, and to a greater extent, the combination of NK cells and R848, triggered CD8+ and CD4+ T-cell activation as well as a reduction in activated regulatory T cell rates. Finally, the combination of NK cells and R848 induced a pro-inflammatory shift in the cytokine release profile resulting in higher levels of interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-12p70, and IFN-α as well as a reduction in IL-6, in both pCRC and mCRC cultures. CONCLUSION Allogeneic NK cells engaged in favorable myeloid crosstalk, displayed effective antitumor activity and, when combined with R848, induced a pro-inflammatory shift of the CRC TME. These findings prompt the investigation of NK cells and R848 as a combination therapy for solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa C Toffoli
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Amanda A van Vliet
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Glycostem Therapeutics, Oss, The Netherlands
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henk W M Verheul
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hans J van der Vliet
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Lava Therapeutics, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jurriaan Tuynman
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Tanja D de Gruijl
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Douka S, Brandenburg LE, Casadidio C, Walther J, Garcia BBM, Spanholtz J, Raimo M, Hennink WE, Mastrobattista E, Caiazzo M. Lipid nanoparticle-mediated messenger RNA delivery for ex vivo engineering of natural killer cells. J Control Release 2023; 361:455-469. [PMID: 37567506 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.08.014] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells participate in the immune system by eliminating cancer and virally infected cells through germline-encoded surface receptors. Their independence from prior activation as well as their significantly lower toxicity have placed them in the spotlight as an alternative to T cells for adoptive cell therapy (ACT). Engineering NK cells with mRNA has shown great potential in ACT by enhancing their tumor targeting and cytotoxicity. However, mRNA transfection of NK cells is challenging, as the most common delivery methods, such as electroporation, show limitations. Therefore, an alternative non-viral delivery system that enables high mRNA transfection efficiency with preservation of the cell viability would be beneficial for the development of NK cell therapies. In this study, we investigated both polymeric and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations for eGFP-mRNA delivery to NK cells, based on a dimethylethanolamine and diethylethanolamine polymeric library and on different ionizable lipids, respectively. The mRNA nanoparticles based on cationic polymers showed limited internalization by NK cells and low transfection efficiency. On the other hand, mRNA-LNP formulations were optimized by tailoring the lipid composition and the microfluidic parameters, resulting in a high transfection efficiency (∼100%) and high protein expression in NK cells. In conclusion, compared to polyplexes and electroporation, the optimized LNPs show a greater transfection efficiency and higher overall eGFP expression, when tested in NK (KHYG-1) and T (Jurkat) cell lines, and cord blood-derived NK cells. Thus, LNP-based mRNA delivery represents a promising strategy to further develop novel NK cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Douka
- Pharmaceutics division, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584, CG, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lisa E Brandenburg
- Pharmaceutics division, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584, CG, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Cristina Casadidio
- Pharmaceutics division, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584, CG, Utrecht, the Netherlands; School of Pharmacy, Drug Delivery Division, University of Camerino, CHiP Research Center, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Johanna Walther
- Pharmaceutics division, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584, CG, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Bianca Bonetto Moreno Garcia
- Pharmaceutics division, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584, CG, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Biophysics, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Jan Spanholtz
- Glycostem Therapeutics B.V., Kloosterstraat 9, 5349 AB Oss, the Netherlands
| | - Monica Raimo
- Glycostem Therapeutics B.V., Kloosterstraat 9, 5349 AB Oss, the Netherlands
| | - Wim E Hennink
- Pharmaceutics division, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584, CG, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Enrico Mastrobattista
- Pharmaceutics division, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584, CG, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Massimiliano Caiazzo
- Pharmaceutics division, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584, CG, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
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van Vliet AA, Peters E, Vodegel D, Steenmans D, Raimo M, Gibbs S, de Gruijl TD, Duru AD, Spanholtz J, Georgoudaki AM. Early TRAIL-engagement elicits potent multimodal targeting of melanoma by CD34 + progenitor cell-derived NK cells. iScience 2023; 26:107078. [PMID: 37426355 PMCID: PMC10329179 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107078] [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: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Umbilical cord blood (UCB) CD34+ progenitor cell-derived natural killer (NK) cells exert efficient cytotoxicity against various melanoma cell lines. Of interest, the relative cytotoxic performance of individual UCB donors was consistent throughout the melanoma panel and correlated with IFNγ, TNF, perforin and granzyme B levels. Importantly, intrinsic perforin and Granzyme B load predicts NK cell cytotoxic capacity. Exploring the mode of action revealed involvement of the activating receptors NKG2D, DNAM-1, NKp30, NKp44, NKp46 and most importantly of TRAIL. Strikingly, combinatorial receptor blocking led to more pronounced inhibition of cytotoxicity (up to 95%) than individual receptor blocking, especially in combination with TRAIL-blocking, suggesting synergistic cytotoxic NK cell activity via engagement of multiple receptors which was also confirmed in a spheroid model. Importantly, lack of NK cell-related gene signature in metastatic melanomas correlates with poor survival highlighting the clinical significance of NK cell therapies as a promising treatment for high-risk melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda A. van Vliet
- Glycostem Therapeutics, Kloosterstraat 9, 5349 AB Oss, the Netherlands
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ella Peters
- Glycostem Therapeutics, Kloosterstraat 9, 5349 AB Oss, the Netherlands
| | - Denise Vodegel
- Glycostem Therapeutics, Kloosterstraat 9, 5349 AB Oss, the Netherlands
| | | | - Monica Raimo
- Glycostem Therapeutics, Kloosterstraat 9, 5349 AB Oss, the Netherlands
| | - Susan Gibbs
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tanja D. de Gruijl
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Adil D. Duru
- Glycostem Therapeutics, Kloosterstraat 9, 5349 AB Oss, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Spanholtz
- Glycostem Therapeutics, Kloosterstraat 9, 5349 AB Oss, the Netherlands
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Georgoudaki AM, Lamers-Kok N, Van Vliet A, Özkazanc D, Vodegel D, Steenmans D, Raimo M, Duru A, Spanholtz J. 13P Universal prospects of cryopreserved umbilical cord blood CD34+ progenitor cell-derived NK cells: Clinical and preclinical evaluation of non-engineered and genetically engineered candidates. ESMO Open 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2023.100979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
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Lamers-Kok N, Panella D, Georgoudaki AM, Liu H, Özkazanc D, Kučerová L, Duru AD, Spanholtz J, Raimo M. Natural killer cells in clinical development as non-engineered, engineered, and combination therapies. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:164. [DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01382-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractNatural killer (NK) cells are unique immune effectors able to kill cancer cells by direct recognition of surface ligands, without prior sensitization. Allogeneic NK transfer is a highly valuable treatment option for cancer and has recently emerged with hundreds of clinical trials paving the way to finally achieve market authorization. Advantages of NK cell therapies include the use of allogenic cell sources, off-the-shelf availability, and no risk of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). Allogeneic NK cell therapies have reached the clinical stage as ex vivo expanded and differentiated non-engineered cells, as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered or CD16-engineered products, or as combination therapies with antibodies, priming agents, and other drugs. This review summarizes the recent clinical status of allogeneic NK cell-based therapies for the treatment of hematological and solid tumors, discussing the main characteristics of the different cell sources used for NK product development, their use in cell manufacturing processes, the engineering methods and strategies adopted for genetically modified products, and the chosen approaches for combination therapies. A comparative analysis between NK-based non-engineered, engineered, and combination therapies is presented, examining the choices made by product developers regarding the NK cell source and the targeted tumor indications, for both solid and hematological cancers. Clinical trial outcomes are discussed and, when available, assessed in comparison with preclinical data. Regulatory challenges for product approval are reviewed, highlighting the lack of specificity of requirements and standardization between products. Additionally, the competitive landscape and business field is presented. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the effort driven by biotech and pharmaceutical companies and by academic centers to bring NK cell therapies to pivotal clinical trial stages and to market authorization.
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Saha T, van Vliet AA, Cui C, Macias JJ, Kulkarni A, Pham LN, Lawler S, Spanholtz J, Georgoudaki AM, Duru AD, Goldman A. Boosting Natural Killer Cell Therapies in Glioblastoma Multiforme Using Supramolecular Cationic Inhibitors of Heat Shock Protein 90. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:754443. [PMID: 34926577 PMCID: PMC8673718 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.754443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic natural killer (aNK) cell adoptive therapy has the potential to dramatically impact clinical outcomes of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). However, in order to exert therapeutic activity, NK cells require tumor expression of ligands for activating receptors, such as MHC Class I peptide A/B (MICA/B) and ULBPs. Here, we describe the use of a blood-brain barrier (BBB) permissive supramolecular cationic drug vehicle comprising an inhibitor of the chaperone heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), which sustains a cytotoxic effect on GBM cells, boosts the expression of MICA/B and ULBPs on the residual population, and augments the activity of clinical-grade aNK cells (GTA002). First, we identify Hsp90 mRNA transcription and gain of function as significantly upregulated in GBM compared to other central nervous system tumors. Through a rational chemical design, we optimize a radicicol supramolecular prodrug containing cationic excipients, SCI-101, which displays >2-fold increase in relative BBB penetration compared to less cationic formulations in organoids, in vitro. Using 2D and 3D biological models, we confirm SCI-101 sustains GBM cytotoxicity 72 h after drug removal and induces cell surface MICA/B protein and ULBP mRNA up to 200% in residual tumor cells compared to the naked drug alone without augmenting the shedding of MICA/B, in vitro. Finally, we generate and test the sequential administration of SCI-101 with a clinical aNK cell therapy, GTA002, differentiated and expanded from healthy umbilical cord blood CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells. Using a longitudinal in vitro model, we demonstrate >350% relative cell killing is achieved in SCI-101-treated cell lines compared to vehicle controls. In summary, these data provide a first-of-its-kind BBB-penetrating, long-acting inhibitor of Hsp90 with monotherapy efficacy, which improves response to aNK cells and thus may rapidly alter the treatment paradigm for patients with GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanmoy Saha
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Chunxiao Cui
- Xsphera Biosciences Inc., Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jorge Jimenez Macias
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Arpita Kulkarni
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Luu Nhat Pham
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sean Lawler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | | | | | - Aaron Goldman
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Glycostem Therapeutics B.V., Oss, Netherlands.,Cancer Immunology, Dana Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Boston, MA, United States
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Toffoli EC, Sheikhi A, Lameris R, King LA, van Vliet A, Walcheck B, Verheul HMW, Spanholtz J, Tuynman J, de Gruijl TD, van der Vliet HJ. Enhancement of NK Cell Antitumor Effector Functions Using a Bispecific Single Domain Antibody Targeting CD16 and the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215446. [PMID: 34771609 PMCID: PMC8582566 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Strategies to enhance the preferential accumulation and activation of Natural Killer (NK) cells in the tumor microenvironment can be expected to increase the efficacy of NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy. In this study, we report that a bispecific single domain antibody (VHH) that targets CD16 (FcRγIII) on NK cells and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on tumor cells can be used to target and enhance cytolysis of cancer cells. The bispecific VHH enhanced NK cell activation and cytotoxicity in an EGFR- and CD16-dependent and KRAS-independent manner. Moreover, the bispecific VHH induced stronger activity of cancer patient-derived NK cells and resulted in tumor control in a co-culture of metastatic colorectal cancer cells and either autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells or allogeneic CD16+ NK cells. We believe that this novel approach could represent a valid therapeutic strategy either alone or in combination with other NK cell-based therapies. Abstract The ability to kill tumor cells while maintaining an acceptable safety profile makes Natural Killer (NK) cells promising assets for cancer therapy. Strategies to enhance the preferential accumulation and activation of NK cells in the tumor microenvironment can be expected to increase the efficacy of NK cell-based therapies. In this study, we show binding of a novel bispecific single domain antibody (VHH) to both CD16 (FcRγIII) on NK cells and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on tumor cells of epithelial origin. The bispecific VHH triggered CD16- and EGFR-dependent activation of NK cells and subsequent lysis of tumor cells, regardless of the KRAS mutational status of the tumor. Enhancement of NK cell activation by the bispecific VHH was also observed when NK cells of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients were co-cultured with EGFR expressing tumor cells. Finally, higher levels of cytotoxicity were found against patient-derived metastatic CRC cells in the presence of the bispecific VHH and autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells or allogeneic CD16 expressing NK cells. The anticancer activity of CD16-EGFR bispecific VHHs reported here merits further exploration to assess its potential therapeutic activity either alone or in combination with adoptive NK cell-based therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa C. Toffoli
- Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (E.C.T.); (A.S.); (R.L.); (L.A.K.); (T.D.d.G.)
| | - Abdolkarim Sheikhi
- Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (E.C.T.); (A.S.); (R.L.); (L.A.K.); (T.D.d.G.)
- School of Medicine, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Department of Immunology, Dezful 64616-43993, Iran
| | - Roeland Lameris
- Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (E.C.T.); (A.S.); (R.L.); (L.A.K.); (T.D.d.G.)
| | - Lisa A. King
- Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (E.C.T.); (A.S.); (R.L.); (L.A.K.); (T.D.d.G.)
| | - Amanda van Vliet
- Glycostem Therapeutics, 5349 AB Oss, The Netherlands; (A.v.V.); (J.S.)
| | - Bruce Walcheck
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA;
| | - Henk M. W. Verheul
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Medical Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Jan Spanholtz
- Glycostem Therapeutics, 5349 AB Oss, The Netherlands; (A.v.V.); (J.S.)
| | - Jurriaan Tuynman
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Surgery, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Tanja D. de Gruijl
- Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (E.C.T.); (A.S.); (R.L.); (L.A.K.); (T.D.d.G.)
| | - Hans J. van der Vliet
- Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (E.C.T.); (A.S.); (R.L.); (L.A.K.); (T.D.d.G.)
- Lava Therapeutics, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
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10
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Heuser M, Fiedler WM, Kerre T, Maertens J, Passweg J, Van De Loosdrecht A, Mueller AM, Bourhis JH, Nowek K, Spanholtz J, Bonnamain V, Winckels S, Ganser A. A prospective phase I/IIa trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of GTA002, an off-the-shelf, ex vivo-cultured allogeneic NK cell preparation in patients with acute myeloid leukemia in complete morphological remission who have measurable residual disease. J Clin Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2021.39.15_suppl.tps7053] [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: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
TPS7053 Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignant disease with poor long-term prognosis in patients who cannot achieve morphological and molecular remission. Although insights into AML biology and treatment modalities have improved over recent years and even though many patients achieve morphological complete remission (CR), most are still relapsing. These relapses are due to residual leukemia stem cells that can be identified as minimal/measurable residual disease (MRD), with MRD serving as a predictive factor for relapse and mortality. Elimination of MRD in patients having reached CR is seen as essential for optimal and persistent clinical responses. A promising approach is the development of adoptive immunotherapies aimed at directly eradicating tumor cells using T-cells or natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells are part of the body’s innate immune system and play a key role in controlling viral infections and conducting tumor immunosurveillance. Furthermore, NK cells can be applied clinically in an allogeneic setting, enabling the supply of high numbers of immune effector cells, which were not exposed to cytotoxic chemotherapeutics. A proprietary ex vivo expansion and differentiation method in a fully closed, automated manufacturing platform was developed to generate GTA002, an “off-the-shelf” (allogeneic), cryopreserved NK cell preparation, generated from CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells derived from umbilical cord blood. The safety and tolerability of the product was already demonstrated in a Phase I trial in elderly patients with AML (PMLA25) (Dolstra et al. 2017). Methods: We are currently conducting a prospective 2-stage, open-label, single arm, multicenter Phase I/IIa trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of GTA002 in 33 adults with AML who are in CR with MRD and who are not proceeding to allogeneic HSCT (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04632316). Patients enrolled in the clinical trial receive a lymphodepleting conditioning regimen consisting of cyclophosphamide and fludarabine (Cy/Flu) followed by up to 3 NK cell infusions 4 days apart and will be followed up for 12 months. The dose escalation stage of the trial will assess the safety and tolerability of repeat NK cell infusions in a 3+3 design with 3 cohorts and a cumulative dose range of 325 to 3,000 x106 viable NK cells. The expansion stage will evaluate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of NK cell infusions in 24 additional subjects. The primary efficacy endpoint is the cumulative incidence of the MRD response and secondary efficacy endpoints include the duration of the MRD response, event-free survival, overall survival and cumulative incidence of relapse. Enrollment in the first cohort (one single NK cell infusion) started in December 2020. Clinical trial information: EudraCT number 2019-003686-17.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Heuser
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Arnold Ganser
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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11
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Toffoli EC, Sheikhi A, Höppner YD, de Kok P, Yazdanpanah-Samani M, Spanholtz J, Verheul HMW, van der Vliet HJ, de Gruijl TD. Natural Killer Cells and Anti-Cancer Therapies: Reciprocal Effects on Immune Function and Therapeutic Response. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040711. [PMID: 33572396 PMCID: PMC7916216 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [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: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Natural Killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that play an important role in the immune response against cancer. Their activity is controlled by a balance of inhibitory and activating receptors, which in cancer can be skewed to favor their suppression in support of immune escape. It is therefore imperative to find ways to optimize their antitumor functionality. In this review, we explore and discuss how their activity influences, or even mediates, the efficacy of various anti-cancer therapies and, vice versa, how their activity can be affected by these therapies. Knowledge of the mechanisms underlying these observations could provide rationales for combining anti-cancer treatments with strategies enhancing NK cell function in order to improve their therapeutic efficacy. Abstract Natural Killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells with the unique ability to recognize and kill virus-infected and cancer cells without prior immune sensitization. Due to their expression of the Fc receptor CD16, effector NK cells can kill tumor cells through antibody-dependent cytotoxicity, making them relevant players in antibody-based cancer therapies. The role of NK cells in other approved and experimental anti-cancer therapies is more elusive. Here, we review the possible role of NK cells in the efficacy of various anti-tumor therapies, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, as well as the impact of these therapies on NK cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa C. Toffoli
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (E.C.T.); (A.S.); (Y.D.H.); (P.d.K.); (H.J.v.d.V.)
| | - Abdolkarim Sheikhi
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (E.C.T.); (A.S.); (Y.D.H.); (P.d.K.); (H.J.v.d.V.)
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful 64616-43993, Iran
| | - Yannick D. Höppner
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (E.C.T.); (A.S.); (Y.D.H.); (P.d.K.); (H.J.v.d.V.)
| | - Pita de Kok
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (E.C.T.); (A.S.); (Y.D.H.); (P.d.K.); (H.J.v.d.V.)
| | - Mahsa Yazdanpanah-Samani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-45794, Iran;
| | - Jan Spanholtz
- Glycostem, Kloosterstraat 9, 5349 AB Oss, The Netherlands;
| | - Henk M. W. Verheul
- Department of Medical Oncology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Hans J. van der Vliet
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (E.C.T.); (A.S.); (Y.D.H.); (P.d.K.); (H.J.v.d.V.)
- Lava Therapeutics, Yalelaan 60, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tanja D. de Gruijl
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (E.C.T.); (A.S.); (Y.D.H.); (P.d.K.); (H.J.v.d.V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-20-4444063
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12
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Mantesso S, Geerts D, Spanholtz J, Kučerová L. Genetic Engineering of Natural Killer Cells for Enhanced Antitumor Function. Front Immunol 2020; 11:607131. [PMID: 33391277 PMCID: PMC7772419 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.607131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are unique immune cells capable of efficient killing of infected and transformed cells. Indeed, NK cell-based therapies induced response against hematological malignancies in the absence of adverse toxicity in clinical trials. Nevertheless, adoptive NK cell therapies are reported to have exhibited poor outcome against many solid tumors. This can be mainly attributed to limited infiltration of NK cells into solid tumors, downregulation of target antigens on the tumor cells, or suppression by the chemokines and secreted factors present within the tumor microenvironment. Several methods for genetic engineering of NK cells were established and consistently improved over the last decade, leading to the generation of novel NK cell products with enhanced anti-tumor activity and improved tumor homing. New generations of engineered NK cells are developed to better target refractory tumors and/or to overcome inhibitory tumor microenvironment. This review summarizes recent improvements in approaches to NK cell genetic engineering and strategies implemented to enhance NK cell effector functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Mantesso
- Research and Development, Glycostem Therapeutics, Oss, Netherlands
| | - Dirk Geerts
- Research and Development, Glycostem Therapeutics, Oss, Netherlands
| | - Jan Spanholtz
- Research and Development, Glycostem Therapeutics, Oss, Netherlands
| | - Lucia Kučerová
- Research and Development, Glycostem Therapeutics, Oss, Netherlands
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13
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Veluchamy JP, Kok N, van der Vliet HJ, Verheul HMW, de Gruijl TD, Spanholtz J. The Rise of Allogeneic Natural Killer Cells As a Platform for Cancer Immunotherapy: Recent Innovations and Future Developments. Front Immunol 2017; 8:631. [PMID: 28620386 PMCID: PMC5450018 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [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: 03/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are critical immune effector cells in the fight against cancer. As NK cells in cancer patients are highly dysfunctional and reduced in number, adoptive transfer of large numbers of cytolytic NK cells and their potential to induce relevant antitumor responses are widely explored in cancer immunotherapy. Early studies from autologous NK cells have failed to demonstrate significant clinical benefit. In this review, the clinical benefits of adoptively transferred allogeneic NK cells in a transplant and non-transplant setting are compared and discussed in the context of relevant NK cell platforms that are being developed and optimized by various biotech industries with a special focus on augmenting NK cell functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Veluchamy
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Glycostem Therapeutics, Oss, Netherlands
| | - Nina Kok
- Glycostem Therapeutics, Oss, Netherlands
| | - Hans J van der Vliet
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Henk M W Verheul
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Tanja D de Gruijl
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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14
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Post M, Cuapio A, Osl M, Lehmann D, Resch U, Davies DM, Bilban M, Schlechta B, Eppel W, Nathwani A, Stoiber D, Spanholtz J, Casanova E, Hofer E. The Transcription Factor ZNF683/HOBIT Regulates Human NK-Cell Development. Front Immunol 2017; 8:535. [PMID: 28555134 PMCID: PMC5430038 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [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: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
We identified ZNF683/HOBIT as the most highly upregulated transcription factor gene during ex vivo differentiation of human CD34+ cord blood progenitor cells to CD56+ natural killer (NK) cells. ZNF683/HOBIT mRNA was preferentially expressed in NK cells compared to other human peripheral blood lymphocytes and monocytes. During ex vivo differentiation, ZNF683/HOBIT mRNA started to increase shortly after addition of IL-15 and further accumulated in parallel to the generation of CD56+ NK cells. shRNA-mediated knockdown of ZNF683/HOBIT resulted in a substantial reduction of CD56−CD14− NK-cell progenitors and the following generation of CD56+ NK cells was largely abrogated. The few CD56+ NK cells, which escaped the developmental inhibition in the ZNF683/HOBIT knockdown cultures, displayed normal levels of NKG2A and KIR receptors. Functional analyses of these cells showed no differences in degranulation capacity from control cultures. However, the proportion of IFN-γ-producing cells appeared to be increased upon ZNF683/HOBIT knockdown. These results indicate a key role of ZNF683/HOBIT for the differentiation of the human NK-cell lineage and further suggest a potential negative control on IFN-γ production in more mature human NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirte Post
- Institute of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Angelica Cuapio
- Institute of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Osl
- Institute of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dorit Lehmann
- Institute of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrike Resch
- Institute of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - David M Davies
- Department of Oncology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Martin Bilban
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard Schlechta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Eppel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Amit Nathwani
- Department of Oncology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Dagmar Stoiber
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Cancer Research, Vienna, Austria.,Institute of Pharmacology, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Emilio Casanova
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Cancer Research, Vienna, Austria.,Institute of Physiology, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Erhard Hofer
- Institute of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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15
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Dolstra H, Roeven MWH, Spanholtz J, Hangalapura BN, Tordoir M, Maas F, Leenders M, Bohme F, Kok N, Trilsbeek C, Paardekooper J, van der Waart AB, Westerweel PE, Snijders TJF, Cornelissen J, Bos G, Pruijt HFM, de Graaf AO, van der Reijden BA, Jansen JH, van der Meer A, Huls G, Cany J, Preijers F, Blijlevens NMA, Schaap NM. Successful Transfer of Umbilical Cord Blood CD34 + Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor-derived NK Cells in Older Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients. Clin Cancer Res 2017; 23:4107-4118. [PMID: 28280089 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-16-2981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Older acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients have a poor prognosis; therefore, novel therapies are needed. Allogeneic natural killer (NK) cells have been adoptively transferred with promising clinical results. Here, we report the first-in-human study exploiting a unique scalable NK-cell product generated ex vivo from CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) from partially HLA-matched umbilical cord blood units.Experimental Design: Ten older AML patients in morphologic complete remission received an escalating HSPC-NK cell dose (between 3 and 30 × 106/kg body weight) after lymphodepleting chemotherapy without cytokine boosting.Results: HSPC-NK cell products contained a median of 75% highly activated NK cells, with <1 × 104 T cells/kg and <3 × 105 B cells/kg body weight. HSPC-NK cells were well tolerated, and neither graft-versus-host disease nor toxicity was observed. Despite no cytokine boosting being given, transient HSPC-NK cell persistence was clearly found in peripheral blood up to 21% until day 8, which was accompanied by augmented IL15 plasma levels. Moreover, donor chimerism up to 3.5% was found in bone marrow. Interestingly, in vivo HSPC-NK cell maturation was observed, indicated by the rapid acquisition of CD16 and KIR expression, while expression of most activating receptors was sustained. Notably, 2 of 4 patients with minimal residual disease (MRD) in bone marrow before infusion became MRD negative (<0.1%), which lasted for 6 months.Conclusions: These findings indicate that HSPC-NK cell adoptive transfer is a promising, potential "off-the-shelf" translational immunotherapy approach in AML. Clin Cancer Res; 23(15); 4107-18. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Dolstra
- Department of Laboratory Medicine - Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Mieke W H Roeven
- Department of Laboratory Medicine - Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Department of Hematology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Basav N Hangalapura
- Department of Laboratory Medicine - Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Frans Maas
- Department of Laboratory Medicine - Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Marij Leenders
- Department of Laboratory Medicine - Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Fenna Bohme
- Glycostem Therapeutics, Oss, the Netherlands
| | - Nina Kok
- Glycostem Therapeutics, Oss, the Netherlands
| | - Carel Trilsbeek
- Department of Laboratory Medicine - Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jos Paardekooper
- Department of Laboratory Medicine - Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Anniek B van der Waart
- Department of Laboratory Medicine - Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Jan Cornelissen
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus Medical Center Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Gerard Bos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Hans F M Pruijt
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jeroen Bosch Hospital, 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands
| | - Aniek O de Graaf
- Department of Laboratory Medicine - Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Bert A van der Reijden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine - Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Joop H Jansen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine - Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Arnold van der Meer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine - Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Gerwin Huls
- Department of Hematology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jeannette Cany
- Department of Laboratory Medicine - Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Frank Preijers
- Department of Laboratory Medicine - Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Nicole M A Blijlevens
- Department of Hematology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Nicolaas M Schaap
- Department of Hematology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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16
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Veluchamy JP, Lopez-Lastra S, Spanholtz J, Bohme F, Kok N, Heideman DAM, Verheul HMW, Di Santo JP, de Gruijl TD, van der Vliet HJ. In Vivo Efficacy of Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cell-Derived NK Cells in the Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Front Immunol 2017; 8:87. [PMID: 28220124 PMCID: PMC5292674 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [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: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) act by inhibiting EGFR downstream signaling and by eliciting a natural killer (NK) cell-mediated antitumor response. The IgG1 mAb cetuximab has been used for treatment of RASwt metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients, showing limited efficacy. In the present study, we address the potential of adoptive NK cell therapy to overcome these limitations investigating two allogeneic NK cell products, i.e., allogeneic activated peripheral blood NK cells (A-PBNK) and umbilical cord blood stem cell-derived NK cells (UCB-NK). While cetuximab monotherapy was not effective against EGFR− RASwt, EGFR+ RASmut, and EGFR+ BRAFmut cells, A-PBNK were able to initiate lysis of EGFR+ colon cancer cells irrespective of RAS or BRAF status. Cytotoxic effects of A-PBNK (but not UCB-NK) were further potentiated significantly by coating EGFR+ colon cancer cells with cetuximab. Of note, a significantly higher cytotoxicity was induced by UCB-NK in EGFR−RASwt (42 ± 8 versus 67 ± 7%), EGFR+ RASmut (20 ± 2 versus 37 ± 6%), and EGFR+ BRAFmut (23 ± 3 versus 43 ± 7%) colon cancer cells compared to A-PBNK and equaled the cytotoxic efficacy of the combination of A-PBNK and cetuximab. The antitumor efficacy of UCB-NK cells against cetuximab-resistant human EGFR+ RASmut colon cancer cells was further confirmed in an in vivo preclinical mouse model where UCB-NK showed enhanced antitumor cytotoxicity against colon cancer independent of EGFR and RAS status. As UCB-NK have been proven safe in a recently conducted phase I clinical trial in acute myeloid leukemia, a fast translation into clinical proof of concept for mCRC could be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Veluchamy
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Glycostem Therapeutics, Oss, Netherlands
| | - Silvia Lopez-Lastra
- Innate Immunity Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France; Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1223, Paris, France; Université Paris-Sud (Paris-Saclay), Paris, France
| | | | | | - Nina Kok
- Glycostem Therapeutics , Oss , Netherlands
| | | | - Henk M W Verheul
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam , Amsterdam , Netherlands
| | - James P Di Santo
- Innate Immunity Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France; Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1223, Paris, France
| | - Tanja D de Gruijl
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam , Amsterdam , Netherlands
| | - Hans J van der Vliet
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam , Amsterdam , Netherlands
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17
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Veluchamy JP, Heeren AM, Spanholtz J, van Eendenburg JDH, Heideman DAM, Kenter GG, Verheul HM, van der Vliet HJ, Jordanova ES, de Gruijl TD. High-efficiency lysis of cervical cancer by allogeneic NK cells derived from umbilical cord progenitors is independent of HLA status. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2016; 66:51-61. [PMID: 27783105 PMCID: PMC5222919 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-016-1919-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [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: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Down-regulation of HLA in tumor cells, low numbers and dysfunctionality of NK cells are commonly observed in patients with end-stage cervical cancer. Adoptive transfer of high numbers of cytotoxic NK cells might be a promising treatment approach in this setting. Here, we explored the cytotoxic efficacy on ten cervical cancer cell lines of activated allogeneic NK cells from two sources, i.e., peripheral blood (PBNK) with and without cetuximab (CET), a tumor-specific monoclonal antibody directed against EGFR, or derived from umbilical cord blood (UCB-NK). Whereas CET monotherapy was ineffective against the panel of cervical cancer cell lines, irrespective of their EGFR expression levels and despite their RASwt status, it significantly enhanced the in vitro cytotoxic efficacy of activated PBNK (P = 0.002). Equally superior cytotoxicity over activated PBNK alone was achieved by UCB-NK (P < 0.001). Both PBNK- and UCB-NK-mediated cytotoxic activity was dependent on the NK-activating receptors natural killer group 2, member D receptor (NKG2D) and DNAX accessory molecule-1 (DNAM-1) (P < 0.05) and unrelated to expression levels of the inhibitory receptors HLA-E and/or HLA-G. Most strikingly, whereas the PBNK’s cytotoxic activity was inversely correlated with HLA-ABC levels (P = 0.036), PBNK + CET and UCB-NK cytotoxicity were entirely independent of HLA-ABC expression. In conclusion, this study provides a rationale to initiate a clinical trial for cervical cancer with adoptively transferred allogeneic NK cells, employing either UCB-NK or PBNK + CET for EGFR-expressing tumors. Adoptive transfer of UCB-NK might serve as a generally applicable treatment for cervical cancer, enabled by HLA-, histology- and HPV-independent killing mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Veluchamy
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU (Vrije Universiteit) University Medical Center-Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Glycostem Therapeutics, Oss, The Netherlands
| | - A Marijne Heeren
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU (Vrije Universiteit) University Medical Center-Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center Gynecological Oncology Amsterdam (CGOA), VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jaap D H van Eendenburg
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Daniëlle A M Heideman
- Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gemma G Kenter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center Gynecological Oncology Amsterdam (CGOA), VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henk M Verheul
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU (Vrije Universiteit) University Medical Center-Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hans J van der Vliet
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU (Vrije Universiteit) University Medical Center-Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ekaterina S Jordanova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center Gynecological Oncology Amsterdam (CGOA), VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tanja D de Gruijl
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU (Vrije Universiteit) University Medical Center-Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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18
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Veluchamy J, Heeren A, Spanholtz J, van Eendenburg JD, Heideman D, Verheul HM, Kenter G, Van Der Vliet HJ, Jordanova ES, de Gruijl TD. Allogeneic NK cells generated from cord blood as universal treatment for cervical cancer enabled by HLA independent killing mechanisms. J Clin Oncol 2016. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2016.34.15_suppl.e14526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Henk M.W. Verheul
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Gemma Kenter
- Amsterdam Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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19
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Veluchamy J, Spanholtz J, Kok N, Bohme F, Verheul HM, de Gruijl TD, Van Der Vliet HJ. Umbilical cord blood stem cell derived NK cells as universal treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer using EGFR independent killing mechanisms. J Clin Oncol 2016. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2016.34.15_suppl.e14525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nina Kok
- Glycostem Therapeutics, Oss, Netherlands
| | | | - Henk M.W. Verheul
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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20
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Koehl U, Kalberer C, Spanholtz J, Lee DA, Miller JS, Cooley S, Lowdell M, Uharek L, Klingemann H, Curti A, Leung W, Alici E. Advances in clinical NK cell studies: Donor selection, manufacturing and quality control. Oncoimmunology 2015; 5:e1115178. [PMID: 27141397 PMCID: PMC4839369 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1115178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [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: 08/12/2015] [Revised: 10/24/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are increasingly used in clinical studies in order to treat patients with various malignancies. The following review summarizes platform lectures and 2013–2015 consortium meetings on manufacturing and clinical use of NK cells in Europe and United States. A broad overview of recent pre-clinical and clinical results in NK cell therapies is provided based on unstimulated, cytokine-activated, as well as genetically engineered NK cells using chimeric antigen receptors (CAR). Differences in donor selection, manufacturing and quality control of NK cells for cancer immunotherapies are described and basic recommendations are outlined for harmonization in future NK cell studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Koehl
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany
| | - C Kalberer
- Diagnostic Hematology, University Hospital Basel , Basel, Switzerland
| | - J Spanholtz
- Glycostem Therapeutics , Oss, the Netherlands
| | - D A Lee
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Pediatrics , Houston, TX, USA
| | - J S Miller
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - S Cooley
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - M Lowdell
- Department of Hematology, Royal Free Hospital, UCL Medical School , London, UK
| | - L Uharek
- Hematology and Oncology, Benjamin Franklin faculty of Charité , Berlin, Germany
| | - H Klingemann
- NantKwest Inc., Research & Development , Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - A Curti
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Institute of Hematology "L. and A. Seràgnoli", Berlin, University of Bologna , Italy
| | - W Leung
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , Memphis, TN, USA
| | - E Alici
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm Sweden; Cell therapies institute, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA; Hematology Center, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
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21
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van Bijnen STA, Cossu M, Roeven MWH, Jansen TL, Preijers F, Spanholtz J, Dolstra H, Radstake TRDJ. Functionally active NKG2A-expressing natural killer cells are elevated in rheumatoid arthritis patients compared to psoriatic arthritis patients and healthy donors. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2015; 33:795-804. [PMID: 26411696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Natural killer cell receptors (NKR) have been implicated in rheumatoid (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) pathogenesis. To gain more insight into their role, we characterised NKR (co-)expression patterns on NK and T cells and NK cell function in RA and PsA. METHODS The frequency of NK and T cells expressing killer like immunoglobulin (KIR) and NKG2 receptors and natural cytotoxicity receptors was assessed by 10-colour flow cytometry in peripheral blood of 23 RA, 12 PsA patients and 18 healthy donors (HD). NK cell cytotoxicity and IFN-gamma production was assessed in 8 RA patients and 8 HD. RESULTS In RA but not PsA, the frequency of NK cells (median; range) expressing NKG2A (42%; 14-81%) was elevated compared to HD (23%; 9-58%). NKG2A⁺ NK cells predominantly lack KIR, but display normal cytotoxicity and IFN-γ production. In contrast, RA patients with normal NKG2A⁺ NK cell frequency have less functional NK cells compared to HD. T cells expressing Fc-gamma receptor CD16 were elevated in RA (median 0.75%) versus HD (0.3%). Furthermore, T cells expressing the KIRs CD158ah in both RA (0.7%) and PsA (0.3%), and CD158e1e2 in RA (1.5%) were elevated compared to HD (0.2% and 0.4%, respectively). In RA, CD4⁺ T cells expressing the KIRs CD158ah, CD158b1b2j and CD158e1e2 were low (<2%) but significantly elevated compared to HD. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the presence of an elevated, functionally active NKG2A⁺ KIR- NK cell population in RA. Together with an elevated frequency of NKR-expressing T cells, these changes may reflect differential pathogenetic involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- S T A van Bijnen
- Department of Hematology, and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - M Cossu
- Dept.of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Lab. of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands; and Referral Center for Systemic Autoimmune Dis., Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - M W H Roeven
- Department of Hematology, and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - T L Jansen
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - F Preijers
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - J Spanholtz
- Glycostem Therapeutics, Oss, The Netherlands
| | - H Dolstra
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - T R D J Radstake
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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22
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Spanholtz J, Veluchamy J, Verheul HM, de Gruijl TD, Van Der Vliet HJ. A novel combinatorial therapy using cytolytic NK cells and anti-EGFR moAb to improve the treatment of EGFR expressing solid tumors. J Clin Oncol 2015. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2015.33.15_suppl.e14017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Henk M.W. Verheul
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Tanja D. de Gruijl
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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23
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Cany J, van der Waart AB, Spanholtz J, Tordoir M, Jansen JH, van der Voort R, Schaap NM, Dolstra H. Combined IL-15 and IL-12 drives the generation of CD34 +-derived natural killer cells with superior maturation and alloreactivity potential following adoptive transfer. Oncoimmunology 2015; 4:e1017701. [PMID: 26140247 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1017701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [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: 11/07/2014] [Revised: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of allogeneic natural killer (NK) cells represents a promising treatment approach against cancer, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Previously, we reported a cytokine-based culture method for the generation of NK cell products with high cell number and purity. In this system, CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) were expanded and differentiated into NK cells under stroma-free conditions in the presence of IL-15 and IL-2. We show that combining IL-15 with IL-12 drives the generation of more mature and highly functional NK cells. In particular, replacement of IL-2 by IL-12 enhanced the cytolytic activity and IFNγ production of HPC-NK cells toward cultured and primary AML cells in vitro, and improved antileukemic responses in NOD/SCID-IL2Rγnull (NSG) mice bearing human AML cells. Phenotypically, IL-12 increased the frequency of HPC-NK cells expressing NKG2A and killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR), which were more responsive to target cell stimulation. In addition, NK15/12 cell products demonstrated superior maturation potential, resulting in >70% positivity for CD16 and/or KIR within 2 weeks after infusion into NSG mice. We predict that higher functionality and faster in vivo maturation will favor HPC-NK cell alloreactivity toward malignant cells in patients, making this cytokine combination an attractive strategy to generate clinical HPC-NK cell products for cancer adoptive immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeannette Cany
- Department of Laboratory Medicine; Laboratory of Hematology; Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc); Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Anniek B van der Waart
- Department of Laboratory Medicine; Laboratory of Hematology; Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc); Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Spanholtz
- Glycostem Therapeutics; 's-Hertogenbosch , The Netherlands
| | | | - Joop H Jansen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine; Laboratory of Hematology; Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc); Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Robbert van der Voort
- Department of Laboratory Medicine; Laboratory of Hematology; Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc); Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Harry Dolstra
- Department of Laboratory Medicine; Laboratory of Hematology; Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc); Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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24
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Duinhouwer LE, Tüysüz N, Rombouts EWJC, ter Borg MND, Mastrobattista E, Spanholtz J, Cornelissen JJ, ten Berge D, Braakman E. Wnt3a protein reduces growth factor-driven expansion of human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in serum-free cultures. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119086. [PMID: 25807521 PMCID: PMC4373922 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) is a promising approach to improve insufficient engraftment after umbilical cord blood stem cell transplantation (UCB-SCT). Although culturing HSPC with hematopoietic cytokines results in robust proliferation, it is accompanied with extensive differentiation and loss of self-renewal capacity. Wnt signaling has been implicated in regulating HSPC fate decisions in vivo and in promoting HSPC self-renewal by inhibition of differentiation, but the effects of Wnt on the ex vivo expansion of HSPC are controversial. Here, we demonstrate that exogenous Wnt3a protein suppresses rather than promotes the expansion of UCB-derived CD34+ cells in serum free expansion cultures. The reduced expansion was also observed in cultures initiated with Lin-CD34+CD38lowCD45RA-CD90+ cells which are highly enriched in HSC and was also observed in response to activation of beta-catenin signaling by GSK3 inhibition. The presence of Wnt3a protein during the culture reduced the frequency of multilineage CFU-GEMM and the long-term repopulation ability of the expanded HSPC. These data suggest that Wnt signaling reduces expansion of human HSPC in growth factor-driven expansion cultures by promoting differentiation of HSPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia E. Duinhouwer
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nesrin Tüysüz
- Erasmus MC Stem Cell Institute, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | - Jan J. Cornelissen
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Derk ten Berge
- Erasmus MC Stem Cell Institute, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eric Braakman
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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25
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Chouaib S, Pittari G, Nanbakhsh A, El Ayoubi H, Amsellem S, Bourhis JH, Spanholtz J. Improving the outcome of leukemia by natural killer cell-based immunotherapeutic strategies. Front Immunol 2014; 5:95. [PMID: 24672522 PMCID: PMC3956082 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Accepted: 02/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Blurring the boundary between innate and adaptive immune system, natural killer (NK) cells are widely recognized as potent anti-leukemia mediators. Alloreactive donor NK cells have been shown to improve the outcome of allogeneic stem-cell transplantation for leukemia. In addition, in vivo transfer of NK cells may soon reveal an important therapeutic tool for leukemia, if tolerance to NK-mediated anti-leukemia effects is overcome. This will require, at a minimum, the ex vivo generation of a clinically safe NK cell product containing adequate numbers of NK cells with robust anti-leukemia potential. Ideally, ex vivo generated NK cells should also have similar anti-leukemia potential in different patients, and be easy to obtain for convenient clinical scale-up. Moreover, optimal clinical protocols for NK therapy in leukemia and other cancers are still lacking. These and other issues are being currently addressed by multiple research groups. This review will first describe current laboratory NK cell expansion and differentiation techniques by separately addressing different NK cell sources. Subsequently, it will address the mechanisms known to be responsible for NK cell alloreactivity, as well as their clinical impact in the hematopoietic stem cells transplantation setting. Finally, it will briefly provide insight on past NK-based clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salem Chouaib
- INSERM U753, Institut de Cancérologie Gustave Roussy , Villejuif , France
| | - Gianfranco Pittari
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation , Doha , Qatar
| | - Arash Nanbakhsh
- INSERM U753, Institut de Cancérologie Gustave Roussy , Villejuif , France
| | - Hanadi El Ayoubi
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation , Doha , Qatar
| | - Sophie Amsellem
- Centre d'Investigation Clinique Biothérapies, Institut Gustave Roussy , Villejuif , France
| | - Jean-Henri Bourhis
- Département d'Hématologie Clinique, Institut de Cancérologie Gustave Roussy , Villejuif , France
| | - Jan Spanholtz
- Glycostem Therapeutics , Hertogenbosch , Netherlands
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26
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Lehmann D, Spanholtz J, Sturtzel C, Tordoir M, Schlechta B, Groenewegen D, Hofer E. IL-12 directs further maturation of ex vivo differentiated NK cells with improved therapeutic potential. PLoS One 2014; 9:e87131. [PMID: 24498025 PMCID: PMC3909052 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The possibility to modulate ex vivo human NK cell differentiation towards specific phenotypes will contribute to a better understanding of NK cell differentiation and facilitate tailored production of NK cells for immunotherapy. In this study, we show that addition of a specific low dose of IL-12 to an ex vivo NK cell differentiation system from cord blood CD34(+) stem cells will result in significantly increased proportions of cells with expression of CD62L as well as KIRs and CD16 which are preferentially expressed on mature CD56(dim) peripheral blood NK cells. In addition, the cells displayed decreased expression of receptors such as CCR6 and CXCR3, which are typically expressed to a lower extent by CD56(dim) than CD56(bright) peripheral blood NK cells. The increased number of CD62L and KIR positive cells prevailed in a population of CD33(+)NKG2A(+) NK cells, supporting that maturation occurs via this subtype. Among a series of transcription factors tested we found Gata3 and TOX to be significantly downregulated, whereas ID3 was upregulated in the IL-12-modulated ex vivo NK cells, implicating these factors in the observed changes. Importantly, the cells differentiated in the presence of IL-12 showed enhanced cytokine production and cytolytic activity against MHC class I negative and positive targets. Moreover, in line with the enhanced CD16 expression, these cells exhibited improved antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity for B-cell leukemia target cells in the presence of the clinically applied antibody rituximab. Altogether, these data provide evidence that IL-12 directs human ex vivo NK cell differentiation towards more mature NK cells with improved properties for potential cancer therapies.
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MESH Headings
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived/immunology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived/pharmacology
- Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity/drug effects
- Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity/immunology
- Antigens, CD34/immunology
- Antigens, CD34/metabolism
- Antineoplastic Agents/immunology
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Cell Differentiation/drug effects
- Cell Differentiation/genetics
- Cell Differentiation/immunology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cells, Cultured
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Fetal Blood/cytology
- Fetal Blood/immunology
- Fetal Blood/metabolism
- Flow Cytometry
- GATA3 Transcription Factor/genetics
- GATA3 Transcription Factor/immunology
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells/drug effects
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells/immunology
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells/metabolism
- High Mobility Group Proteins/genetics
- High Mobility Group Proteins/immunology
- Humans
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Inhibitor of Differentiation Proteins/genetics
- Inhibitor of Differentiation Proteins/immunology
- Interleukin-2/immunology
- Interleukin-2/pharmacology
- K562 Cells
- Killer Cells, Natural/drug effects
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- L-Selectin/immunology
- L-Selectin/metabolism
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- Neoplasm Proteins/immunology
- Receptors, CCR6/immunology
- Receptors, CCR6/metabolism
- Receptors, CXCR3/immunology
- Receptors, CXCR3/metabolism
- Receptors, IgG/immunology
- Receptors, IgG/metabolism
- Receptors, KIR/immunology
- Receptors, KIR/metabolism
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Rituximab
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorit Lehmann
- Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jan Spanholtz
- Glycostem Therapeutics, s-Hertogenbosch, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Caterina Sturtzel
- Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marleen Tordoir
- Glycostem Therapeutics, s-Hertogenbosch, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bernhard Schlechta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dirk Groenewegen
- Glycostem Therapeutics, s-Hertogenbosch, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Erhard Hofer
- Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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27
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Thordardottir S, Hangalapura BN, Hutten T, Cossu M, Spanholtz J, Schaap N, Radstake TRDJ, van der Voort R, Dolstra H. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonist StemRegenin 1 promotes human plasmacytoid and myeloid dendritic cell development from CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells. Stem Cells Dev 2014; 23:955-67. [PMID: 24325394 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2013.0521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [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 superiority of dendritic cells (DCs) as antigen-presenting cells has been exploited in numerous clinical trials, where generally monocyte-derived DCs (Mo-DCs) are injected to induce immunity in patients with cancer or infectious diseases. Despite promising expansion of antigen-specific T cells, the clinical responses following vaccination have been limited, indicating that further improvements of DC vaccine potency are necessary. Pre-clinical studies suggest that vaccination with combination of primary DC subsets, such as myeloid and plasmacytoid blood DCs (mDCs and pDCs, respectively), may result in stronger clinical responses. However, it is a challenge to obtain high enough numbers of primary DCs for immunotherapy, since their frequency in blood is very low. We therefore explored the possibility to generate them from hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs). Here, we show that by inhibiting the aryl hydrocarbon receptor with its antagonist StemRegenin 1 (SR1), clinical-scale numbers of functional BDCA2(+)BDCA4(+) pDCs, BDCA1(+) mDCs, and BDCA3(+)DNGR1(+) mDCs can be efficiently generated from human CD34(+) HPCs. The ex vivo-generated DCs were phenotypically and functionally comparable to peripheral blood DCs. They secreted high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interferon (IFN)-α, interleukin (IL)-12, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and upregulated co-stimulatory molecules and maturation markers following stimulation with Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands. Further, they induced potent allogeneic T-cell responses and activated antigen-experienced T cells. These findings demonstrate that SR1 can be exploited to generate high numbers of functional pDCs and mDCs from CD34(+) HPCs, providing an alternative option to Mo-DCs for immunotherapy of patients with cancer or infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soley Thordardottir
- 1 Laboratory of Hematology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud university medical center , Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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28
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Cany J, van der Waart AB, Tordoir M, Franssen GM, Hangalapura BN, de Vries J, Boerman O, Schaap N, van der Voort R, Spanholtz J, Dolstra H. Natural killer cells generated from cord blood hematopoietic progenitor cells efficiently target bone marrow-residing human leukemia cells in NOD/SCID/IL2Rg(null) mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e64384. [PMID: 23755121 PMCID: PMC3673996 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0064384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2013] [Accepted: 04/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell-based adoptive immunotherapy is an attractive adjuvant treatment option for patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Recently, we reported a clinical-grade, cytokine-based culture method for the generation of NK cells from umbilical cord blood (UCB) CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells with high yield, purity and in vitro functionality. The present study was designed to evaluate the in vivo anti-leukemic potential of UCB-NK cells generated with our GMP-compliant culture system in terms of biodistribution, survival and cytolytic activity following adoptive transfer in immunodeficient NOD/SCID/IL2Rgnull mice. Using single photon emission computed tomography, we first demonstrated active migration of UCB-NK cells to bone marrow, spleen and liver within 24 h after infusion. Analysis of the chemokine receptor expression profile of UCB-NK cells matched in vivo findings. Particularly, a firm proportion of UCB-NK cells functionally expressed CXCR4, what could trigger BM homing in response to its ligand CXCL12. In addition, high expression of CXCR3 and CCR6 supported the capacity of UCB-NK cells to migrate to inflamed tissues via the CXCR3/CXCL10-11 and CCR6/CCL20 axis. Thereafter, we showed that low dose IL-15 mediates efficient survival, expansion and maturation of UCB-NK cells in vivo. Most importantly, we demonstrate that a single UCB-NK cell infusion combined with supportive IL-15 administration efficiently inhibited growth of human leukemia cells implanted in the femur of mice, resulting in significant prolongation of mice survival. These preclinical studies strongly support the therapeutic potential of ex vivo-generated UCB-NK cells in the treatment of myeloid leukemia after immunosuppressive chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeannette Cany
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre-RUNMC, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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29
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Lehmann D, Spanholtz J, Osl M, Tordoir M, Lipnik K, Bilban M, Schlechta B, Dolstra H, Hofer E. Ex vivo generated natural killer cells acquire typical natural killer receptors and display a cytotoxic gene expression profile similar to peripheral blood natural killer cells. Stem Cells Dev 2012; 21:2926-38. [PMID: 22571679 PMCID: PMC3475144 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2011.0659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 11/24/2011] [Accepted: 05/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ex vivo differentiation systems of natural killer (NK) cells from CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells are of potential importance for adjuvant immunotherapy of cancer. Here, we analyzed ex vivo differentiation of NK cells from cord blood-derived CD34+ stem cells by gene expression profiling, real-time RT-PCR, flow cytometry, and functional analysis. Additionally, we compared the identified characteristics to peripheral blood (PB) CD56(bright) and CD56(dim) NK cells. The data show sequential expression of CD56 and the CD94 and NKG2 receptor chains during ex vivo NK cell development, resulting finally in the expression of a range of genes with partial characteristics of CD56(bright) and CD56(dim) NK cells from PB. Expression of characteristic NK cell receptors and cytotoxic genes was mainly found within the predominant ex vivo generated population of NKG2A+ NK cells, indicating the importance of NKG2A expression during NK cell differentiation and maturation. Furthermore, despite distinct phenotypic characteristics, the detailed analysis of cytolytic genes expressed within the ex vivo differentiated NK cells revealed a pattern close to CD56(dim) NK cells. In line with this finding, ex vivo generated NK cells displayed potent cytotoxicity. This supports that the ex vivo differentiation system faithfully reproduces major steps of the differentiation of NK cells from their progenitors, constitutes an excellent model to study NK cell differentiation, and is valuable to generate large-scale NK cells appropriate for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorit Lehmann
- Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jan Spanholtz
- Laboratory of Hematology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Markus Osl
- Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marleen Tordoir
- Laboratory of Hematology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Karoline Lipnik
- Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Bilban
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard Schlechta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Harry Dolstra
- Laboratory of Hematology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Erhard Hofer
- Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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30
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Dezell SA, Ahn YO, Spanholtz J, Wang H, Weeres M, Jackson S, Cooley S, Dolstra H, Miller JS, Verneris MR. Natural killer cell differentiation from hematopoietic stem cells: a comparative analysis of heparin- and stromal cell-supported methods. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2012; 18:536-45. [PMID: 22155502 PMCID: PMC3303970 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2011.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2011] [Accepted: 11/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells differentiated from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) may have significant clinical benefits over NK cells from adult donors, including the ability to choose alloreactive donors and potentially more robust in vivo expansion. Stromal-based methods have been used to study the differentiation of NK cells from HSCs. Stroma and cytokines support NK cell differentiation, but may face considerable regulatory hurdles. A recently reported clinical-grade, heparin-based method could serve as an alternative. How the stromal-based and heparin-based approaches compare in terms of NK cell generating efficiency or function is unknown. We show that compared with heparin-based cultures, stroma significantly increases the yield of HSC-derived NK cells by differentiating less-committed progenitors into the NK lineage. NK cells generated by both approaches were similar for most NK-activating and -inhibiting receptors. Although both approaches resulted in a phenotype consistent with CD56(bright) stage IV NK cells, heparin-based cultures favored the development of CD56(+)CD16(+) cells, whereas stroma produced more NK cell immunoglobulin-like receptor-expressing NK cells, both of which are markers of terminal maturation. At day 21, stromal-based cultures demonstrated significantly more IL-22 production, and both methods yielded similar amounts of IFN-γ production and cytotoxicity by day 35. These findings suggest that heparin-based cultures are an effective replacement for stroma and may facilitate clinical trials testing HSC-derived NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven A Dezell
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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van Bijnen STA, Cossu M, Preijers F, Spanholtz J, Dolstra H, Radstake TRDJ. Extensive natural killer cell receptor phenotyping on NK and T cells discloses differences in RA and PsA, potentially mirroring diverse immunoregulatory functions. Lab Invest 2011. [PMCID: PMC3242271 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-9-s2-p42] [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: 11/10/2022]
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32
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Spanholtz J, Preijers F, Tordoir M, Trilsbeek C, Paardekooper J, de Witte T, Schaap N, Dolstra H. Clinical-grade generation of active NK cells from cord blood hematopoietic progenitor cells for immunotherapy using a closed-system culture process. PLoS One 2011; 6:e20740. [PMID: 21698239 PMCID: PMC3116834 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0020740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2010] [Accepted: 05/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell-based adoptive immunotherapy is a promising treatment approach for many cancers. However, development of protocols that provide large numbers of functional NK cells produced under GMP conditions are required to facilitate clinical studies. In this study, we translated our cytokine-based culture protocol for ex vivo expansion of NK cells from umbilical cord blood (UCB) hematopoietic stem cells into a fully closed, large-scale, cell culture bioprocess. We optimized enrichment of CD34+ cells from cryopreserved UCB units using the CliniMACS system followed by efficient expansion for 14 days in gas-permeable cell culture bags. Thereafter, expanded CD34+ UCB cells could be reproducibly amplified and differentiated into CD56+CD3− NK cell products using bioreactors with a mean expansion of more than 2,000 fold and a purity of >90%. Moreover, expansion in the bioreactor yielded a clinically relevant dose of NK cells (mean: 2×109 NK cells), which display high expression of activating NK receptors and cytolytic activity against K562. Finally, we established a versatile closed washing procedure resulting in optimal reduction of medium, serum and cytokines used in the cell culture process without changes in phenotype and cytotoxic activity. These results demonstrate that large numbers of UCB stem cell-derived NK cell products for adoptive immunotherapy can be produced in closed, large-scale bioreactors for the use in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Spanholtz
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Frank Preijers
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marleen Tordoir
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Carel Trilsbeek
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jos Paardekooper
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Theo de Witte
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nicolaas Schaap
- Department of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Harry Dolstra
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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33
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Spanholtz J, Tordoir M, Eissens D, Preijers F, van der Meer A, Joosten I, Schaap N, de Witte TM, Dolstra H. High log-scale expansion of functional human natural killer cells from umbilical cord blood CD34-positive cells for adoptive cancer immunotherapy. PLoS One 2010; 5:e9221. [PMID: 20169160 PMCID: PMC2821405 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0009221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2009] [Accepted: 01/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy based on natural killer (NK) cell infusions is a potential adjuvant treatment for many cancers. Such therapeutic application in humans requires large numbers of functional NK cells that have been selected and expanded using clinical grade protocols. We established an extremely efficient cytokine-based culture system for ex vivo expansion of NK cells from hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells from umbilical cord blood (UCB). Systematic refinement of this two-step system using a novel clinical grade medium resulted in a therapeutically applicable cell culture protocol. CD56+CD3− NK cell products could be routinely generated from freshly selected CD34+ UCB cells with a mean expansion of >15,000 fold and a nearly 100% purity. Moreover, our protocol has the capacity to produce more than 3-log NK cell expansion from frozen CD34+ UCB cells. These ex vivo-generated cell products contain NK cell subsets differentially expressing NKG2A and killer immunoglobulin-like receptors. Furthermore, UCB-derived CD56+ NK cells generated by our protocol uniformly express high levels of activating NKG2D and natural cytotoxicity receptors. Functional analysis showed that these ex vivo-generated NK cells efficiently target myeloid leukemia and melanoma tumor cell lines, and mediate cytolysis of primary leukemia cells at low NK-target ratios. Our culture system exemplifies a major breakthrough in producing pure NK cell products from limited numbers of CD34+ cells for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Spanholtz
- Laboratory of Hematology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marleen Tordoir
- Laboratory of Hematology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Diana Eissens
- Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Frank Preijers
- Laboratory of Hematology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Arnold van der Meer
- Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Irma Joosten
- Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nicolaas Schaap
- Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Department of Hematology, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Theo M. de Witte
- Laboratory of Hematology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Department of Hematology, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Harry Dolstra
- Laboratory of Hematology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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von Levetzow G, Spanholtz J, Beckmann J, Fischer J, Kögler G, Wernet P, Punzel M, Giebel B. Nucleofection, an efficient nonviral method to transfer genes into human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Stem Cells Dev 2006; 15:278-85. [PMID: 16646674 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2006.15.278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The targeted manipulation of the genetic program of single cells as well as of complete organisms has strongly enhanced our understanding of cellular and developmental processes and should also help to increase our knowledge of primary human stem cells, e.g., hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), within the next few years. An essential requirement for such genetic approaches is the existence of a reliable and efficient method to introduce genetic elements into living cells. Retro- and lentiviral techniques are efficient in transducing primary human HSCs, but remain labor and time consuming and require special safety conditions, which do not exist in many laboratories. In our study, we have optimized the nucleofection technology, a modified electroporation strategy, to introduce plasmid DNA into freshly isolated human HSC-enriched CD34(+) cells. Using enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP)-encoding plasmids, we obtained transfection efficiencies of approximately 80% and a mean survival rate of 50%. Performing functional assays using GFU-GEMM and long-term culture initiating cells (LTC-IC), we demonstrate that apart from a reduction in the survival rate the nucleofection method itself does not recognizably change the short- or long-term cell fate of primitive hematopoietic cells. Therefore, we conclude, the nucleofection method is a reliable and efficient method to manipulate primitive hematopoietic cells genetically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregor von Levetzow
- Institute for Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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Giebel B, Zhang T, Beckmann J, Spanholtz J, Wernet P, Ho AD, Punzel M. Primitive human hematopoietic cells give rise to differentially specified daughter cells upon their initial cell division. Blood 2006; 107:2146-52. [PMID: 16249381 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2005-08-3139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [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: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
It is often predicted that stem cells divide asymmetrically, creating a daughter cell that maintains the stem-cell capacity, and 1 daughter cell committed to differentiation. While asymmetric stem-cell divisions have been proven to occur in model organisms (eg, in Drosophila), it remains illusive whether primitive hematopoietic cells in mammals actually can divide asymmetrically. In our experiments we have challenged this question and analyzed the developmental capacity of separated offspring of primitive human hematopoietic cells at a single-cell level. We show for the first time that the vast majority of the most primitive, in vitro–detectable human hematopoietic cells give rise to daughter cells adopting different cell fates; 1 inheriting the developmental capacity of the mother cell, and 1 becoming more specified. In contrast, approximately half of the committed progenitor cells studied gave rise to daughter cells, both of which adopted the cell fate of their mother. Although our data are compatible with the model of asymmetric cell division, other mechanisms of cell fate specification are discussed. In addition, we describe a novel human hematopoietic progenitor cell that has the capacity to form natural killer (NK) cells as well as macrophages, but not cells of other myeloid lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Giebel
- Institute for Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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Bracker TU, Giebel B, Spanholtz J, Sorg UR, Klein-Hitpass L, Moritz T, Thomale J. Stringent Regulation of DNA Repair During Human Hematopoietic Differentiation: A Gene Expression and Functional Analysis. Stem Cells 2006; 24:722-30. [PMID: 16195417 DOI: 10.1634/stemcells.2005-0227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
For the lymphohematopoietic system, maturation-dependent alterations in DNA repair function have been demonstrated. Because little information is available on the regulatory mechanisms underlying these changes, we have correlated the expression of DNA damage response genes and the functional repair capacity of cells at distinct stages of human hematopoietic differentiation. Comparing fractions of mature (CD34-), progenitor (CD34+ 38+), and stem cells (CD34+ 38-) isolated from umbilical cord blood, we observed: 1) stringently regulated differentiation-dependent shifts in both the cellular processing of DNA lesions and the expression profiles of related genes and 2) considerable interindividual variability of DNA repair at transcriptional and functional levels. The respective repair phenotype was found to be constitutively regulated and not dominated by adaptive response to acute DNA damage. During blood cell development, the removal of DNA adducts, the resealing of repair gaps, the resistance to DNA-reactive drugs clearly increased in stem or mature compared with progenitor cells of the same individual. On the other hand, the vast majority of differentially expressed repair genes was consistently upregulated in the progenitor fraction. A positive correlation of repair function and transcript levels was found for a small number of genes such as RAD23 or ATM, which may serve as key regulators for DNA damage processing via specific pathways. These data indicate that the organism might aim to protect the small number of valuable slow dividing stem cells by extensive DNA repair, whereas fast-proliferating progenitor cells, once damaged, are rather eliminated by apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomke U Bracker
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen Medical School, Essen, Germany
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