Engineered natural killer cells impede the immunometabolic CD73-adenosine axis in solid tumors

Immunometabolic reprogramming due to CD73-produced adenosine is a recognized immunosuppressive mechanism contributing to immune evasion in solid tumors. Adenosine is not only known to contribute to tumor progression, but it has specific roles in driving dysfunction of immune cells, including natural killer (NK) cells. Here, we engineered NK cells to directly target the CD73-adenosine axis by blocking the enzymatic activity of CD73. In doing so, the engineered NK cells not only impaired adenosinergic metabolism driven by the hypoxic uptake of ATP by cancer cells, but also mediated killing of tumor cells due to the specific recognition of overexpressed CD73. This results in a "single agent" immunotherapy that combines antibody specificity, blockade of purinergic signaling, and killing of targets mediated by NK cells. We also showed that CD73-targeted NK cells are potent in vivo and result in tumor arrest, while promoting NK cell infiltration into CD73+ tumors and enhanced intratumoral activation.

Download Full-text

799 Neoantigen-cytokine-chemokine multifunctional natural killer cell engager for immunotherapy of solid tumors

Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer ◽

10.1136/jitc-2021-sitc2021.799 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (Suppl 3) ◽

pp. A834-A834

Author(s):

Xue Yao ◽

Sandro Matosevic

Keyword(s):

Tumor Microenvironment ◽

Cell Therapy ◽

Nk Cells ◽

Natural Killer ◽

Solid Tumors ◽

Tumor Cells ◽

Nk Cell ◽

Killer Cell ◽

Nk Cell Therapy

BackgroundThe effectiveness of natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy against solid tumors is limited by the lack of specific antigens and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one such heavily immunosuppressive tumor that has been particularly hard to target and remains without a viable treatment. The development of novel approaches to enhance the efficacy of NK cells against GBM is urgently needed. NK cell engagers (NKCE) have been developed to enhance the efficacy of NK cell therapy.MethodsTo improve the clinical efficacy of NK cell therapy, we are developing a new generation of multi-specific killer engagers, which consists of a neoantigen-targeting moiety, together with cytokine and chemokine-producing domains. Neoantigens are new antigens formed specifically in tumor cells due to genome mutations, making them highly specific tools to target tumor cells. Our engager has been designed to target Wilms' tumor-1 (WT-1), a highly specific antigen overexpressed in GBM among other solid tumors. This is done through the generation of an scFv specific targeting the complex of WT-1126-134/HLA-A*02:01 on the surface of GBM. On the NK cell side, the engager is designed to target the activating receptor NKp46. Incorporation of the cytokine IL-15 within the engager supports the maturation, persistence, and expansion of NK cells in vivo while favoring their proliferation and survival in the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, our data indicated that the chemokine CXCL10 plays an important role in the infiltration of NK cells into GBM, however, GBM tumors produce low levels of this chemokine. Incorporation of a CXCL10-producing function into our engager supports intratumoral NK cell trafficking by promoting, through their synthetic production, increased levels of CXCL10 locally in the tumor microenvironment.ResultsCollectively, this has resulted in a novel multifunctional NK cell engager, combining neoantigen-cytokine-chemokine elements fused to an activating domain-specific to NK cells, and we have investigated its ability to support and enhance NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity against solid tumors in vitro and in vivo against patient-derived GBM models. The multi-specific engager shows both high tumor specificity, as well as the ability to overcome NK cell dysfunction encountered in the GBM TME.ConclusionsWe hypothesize that taking advantage of our multi-functional engager, NK cells will exhibit superior ex vivo expansion, infiltration, and antitumor activity in the treatment of GBM and other solid tumors.

Download Full-text

163 Nice: neoantigen-cytokine-chemokine multifunctional engager for NK cell immunotherapy of solid tumors

Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer ◽

10.1136/jitc-2020-sitc2020.0163 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (Suppl 3) ◽

pp. A176-A176

Author(s):

Xue Yao ◽

Sandro Matosevic

Keyword(s):

Tumor Microenvironment ◽

Nk Cells ◽

Solid Tumors ◽

Immune Cells ◽

Nk Cell ◽

Wilms Tumor ◽

Killer Cell ◽

Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment

BackgroundThe effectiveness of natural killer cell-based immunotherapy against solid tumors is limited by the lack of specific antigens and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. To improve the clinical efficacy and specificity of NK cell therapy, we are designing, developing, and characterizing a new generation of multi-specific killer engagers, which consists of a neoantigen-targeting moiety, together with cytokine and chemokine-producing domains.MethodsTargeting a neoantigen-an antigen formed specifically in response to tumor genome mutations-enables substantially enhanced tumor specificity to be achieved. We evaluated the responsiveness of NK cells to Wilms Tumor 1 (WT1) antigen in GBM by synthesizing an antibody that is able to recognize the WT1/HLA complex. Incorporation of cytokine (namely IL-2, IL-15, and IL-21)-essential for the maturation, persistence, and expansion of NK cells in vivo-favors the proliferation and survival of NK cells in the tumor microenvironment, thereby leading to more sustained anti-tumor responses. Additionally, our data have indicated that the chemokine CXCL10 plays an important role in the infiltration of immune cells into GBM, yet the chemokine itself is expressed at low levels in GBM. Incorporation of a CXCL10-producing element into our construct further supports NK cell recruitment and may stimulate the recruitment of other immune cells. NK activation through the tri-specific engager is achieved through NKp46-mediated signaling. We are investigating the ability of the tri-functional engager to support and enhance NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity against GBM in vitro and in patient-derived GBM xenografts in vivo.ResultsWe hypothesize that taking advantage of our multi-functional engager, NK cells will exhibit, at once, superior persistence, infiltration and antitumor activity, simultaneously addressing three of the main limitations to the use of NK cells in immunotherapy of GBM and other solid tumors.ConclusionsN/AAcknowledgementsN/A

Download Full-text

The Molecular Imaging of Natural Killer Cells

Molecular Imaging ◽

10.1177/1536012118794816 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 17 ◽

pp. 153601211879481 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Mariya Shapovalova ◽

Sean R. Pyper ◽

Branden S. Moriarity ◽

Aaron M. LeBeau

Keyword(s):

Molecular Imaging ◽

Natural Killer Cells ◽

Nk Cells ◽

Natural Killer ◽

Solid Tumors ◽

Nk Cell ◽

Human Leukocyte ◽

Cytotoxic Lymphocytes ◽

Killer Cells

The recent success of autologous T cell-based therapies in hematological malignancies has spurred interest in applying similar immunotherapy strategies to the treatment of solid tumors. Identified nearly 4 decades ago, natural killer (NK) cells represent an arguably better cell type for immunotherapy development. Natural killer cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes that mediate the direct killing of transformed cells with reduced or absent major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and are the effector cells in antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Unlike T cells, they do not require human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching allowing for the adoptive transfer of allogeneic NK cells in the clinic. The development of NK cell-based therapies for solid tumors is complicated by the presence of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that can potentially disarm NK cells rendering them inactive. The molecular imaging of NK cells in vivo will be crucial for the development of new therapies allowing for the immediate assessment of therapeutic response and off-target effects. A number of groups have investigated methods for detecting NK cells by optical, nuclear, and magnetic resonance imaging. In this review, we will provide an overview of the advances made in imaging NK cells in both preclinical and clinical studies.

Download Full-text

Impact of β2 integrin deficiency on mouse natural killer cell development and function

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2010-10-315457 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 117 (10) ◽

pp. 2874-2882 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Karine Crozat ◽

Céline Eidenschenk ◽

Baptiste N. Jaeger ◽

Philippe Krebs ◽

Sophie Guia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Surface ◽

Nk Cells ◽

Natural Killer ◽

Nk Cell ◽

Surface Expression ◽

Cell Maturation ◽

Cell Surface Expression ◽

Mcmv Infection ◽

Β2 Integrin

Abstract Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells that express members of the leukocyte β2 integrin family in humans and mice. These CD11/CD18 heterodimers play critical roles in leukocyte trafficking, immune synapse formation, and costimulation. The cell-surface expression of one of these integrins, CD11b/CD18, is also recognized as a major marker of mouse NK-cell maturation, but its function on NK cells has been largely ignored. Using N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) mutagenesis, we generated a mouse carrying an A → T transverse mutation in the Itgb2 gene, resulting in a mutation that prevented the cell-surface expression of CD18 and its associated CD11a, CD11b, and CD11c proteins. We show that β2 integrin–deficient NK cells have a hyporesponsive phenotype in vitro, and present an alteration of their in vivo developmental program characterized by a selective accumulation of c-kit+ cells. NK-cell missing-self recognition was partially altered in vivo, whereas the early immune response to mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infection occurred normally in CD18-deficient mice. Therefore, β2 integrins are required for optimal NK-cell maturation, but this deficiency is partial and can be bypassed during MCMV infection, highlighting the robustness of antiviral protective responses.

Download Full-text

Approaches to Enhance Natural Killer Cell-Based Immunotherapy for Pediatric Solid Tumors

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers13112796 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (11) ◽

pp. 2796

Author(s):

Aicha E. Quamine ◽

Mallery R. Olsen ◽

Monica M. Cho ◽

Christian M. Capitini

Keyword(s):

Nk Cells ◽

Natural Killer ◽

Solid Tumors ◽

Nk Cell ◽

Therapeutic Option ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Intensive Therapy ◽

Killer Cell ◽

Cell Therapies ◽

Pediatric Solid Tumors

Treatment of metastatic pediatric solid tumors remain a significant challenge, particularly in relapsed and refractory settings. Standard treatment has included surgical resection, radiation, chemotherapy, and, in the case of neuroblastoma, immunotherapy. Despite such intensive therapy, cancer recurrence is common, and most tumors become refractory to prior therapy, leaving patients with few conventional treatment options. Natural killer (NK) cells are non-major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted lymphocytes that boast several complex killing mechanisms but at an added advantage of not causing graft-versus-host disease, making use of allogeneic NK cells a potential therapeutic option. On top of their killing capacity, NK cells also produce several cytokines and growth factors that act as key regulators of the adaptive immune system, positioning themselves as ideal effector cells for stimulating heavily pretreated immune systems. Despite this promise, clinical efficacy of adoptive NK cell therapy to date has been inconsistent, prompting a detailed understanding of the biological pathways within NK cells that can be leveraged to develop “next generation” NK cell therapies. Here, we review advances in current approaches to optimizing the NK cell antitumor response including combination with other immunotherapies, cytokines, checkpoint inhibition, and engineering NK cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) for the treatment of pediatric solid tumors.

Download Full-text

150 GAIA-102: a new class off-the-shelf allogeneic NK-like cells that can eliminate solid tumors

Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer ◽

10.1136/jitc-2020-sitc2020.0150 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (Suppl 3) ◽

pp. A163-A163

Author(s):

Yui Harada ◽

Yoshikazu Yonemitsu

Keyword(s):

Nk Cells ◽

Solid Tumors ◽

Tumor Cells ◽

Adoptive Immunotherapy ◽

Nk Cell ◽

Peritoneal Dissemination ◽

Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽

Antitumor Effects ◽

Car T

BackgroundCancer immunotherapy has been established as a new therapeutic category since the recent success of immune checkpoint inhibitors and a type of adoptive immunotherapy, namely chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells (CAR-T). Although CAR-T demonstrated impressive clinical results, serious adverse effects (cytokine storm and on-target off-tumor toxicity) and undefined efficacy on solid tumors are important issues to be solved. We’ve developed a cutting-edge, simple, and feeder-free method to generate highly activated and expanded human NK cells from peripheral blood (US9404083, PCT/JP2019/012744, PCT/JP2020/012386), and have been conducting further investigation why our new type of NK cells, named as GAIA-102, are so effective to kill malignant cells.MethodsCryopreserved PBMCs purchased from vendors were mixed and processed by using LOVO and CliniMACS® Prodigy (automated/closed systems). CD3+ and CD34+ cells were depleted, and the cells were cultured with high concentration of hIL-2 and 5% UltraGRO® for 14 days in our original closed system. Then, we confirmed the expression of surface markers, CD107a mobilization and cell-mediated cytotoxicity against various tumor cells and normal cells with or without monoclonal antibody drugs in vitro and antitumor effects against peritoneal dissemination model using SKOV3 in vivo.ResultsImportantly, we’ve found that our GAIA-102 exhibited CD3-/CD56bright/CD57- immature phenotype that could kill various tumor cells efficiently from various origins, including Raji cells that was highly resistant to NK cell killing. More importantly, massive accumulation, retention, infiltration and sphere destruction by GAIA-102 were affected neither by myeloid-derived suppressor cells nor regulatory T-lymphocytes. GAIA-102 was also effective in vivo to murine model of peritoneal dissemination of human ovarian cancer; thus, these findings indicate that GAIA-102 has a potential to be an ‘upward compatible’ modality over CAR-T strategy, and would be a new and promising candidate for adoptive immunotherapy against solid tumors.ConclusionsWe now just started GMP/GCTP production of this new and powerful NK cells and first-in-human clinical trials in use of GAIA-102 will be initiated on 2021.Ethics ApprovalThe animal experiments were reviewed and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Kyushu University (approval nos. A30-234-0 and A30-359-0).

Download Full-text

Prognostic significance of natural killer cell-associated markers in gastric cancer: quantitative analysis using multiplex immunohistochemistry

Journal of Translational Medicine ◽

10.1186/s12967-021-03203-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Hee Young Na ◽

Yujun Park ◽

Soo Kyung Nam ◽

Jiwon Koh ◽

Yoonjin Kwak ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gastric Cancer ◽

T Cells ◽

B Cells ◽

Nk Cells ◽

Natural Killer ◽

Immune Cells ◽

Nk Cell ◽

Critical Role ◽

Killer Cell ◽

Prognostic Significance

Abstract Background Natural killer (NK) cells mediate the anti-tumoral immune response as an important component of innate immunity. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance and functional implication of NK cell-associated surface receptors in gastric cancer (GC) by using multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC). Methods We performed an mIHC on tissue microarray slides, including 55 GC tissue samples. A total of 11 antibodies including CD57, NKG2A, CD16, HLA-E, CD3, CD20, CD45, CD68, CK, SMA, and ki-67 were used. CD45 + CD3-CD57 + cells were considered as CD57 + NK cells. Results Among CD45 + immune cells, the proportion of CD57 + NK cell was the lowest (3.8%), whereas that of CD57 + and CD57- T cells (65.5%) was the highest, followed by macrophages (25.4%), and B cells (5.3%). CD57 + NK cells constituted 20% of CD45 + CD57 + immune cells while the remaining 80% were CD57 + T cells. The expression of HLA-E in tumor cells correlated with that in tumoral T cells, B cells, and macrophages, but not CD57 + NK cells. The higher density of tumoral CD57 + NK cells and tumoral CD57 + NKG2A + NK cells was associated with inferior survival. Conclusions Although the number of CD57 + NK cells was lower than that of other immune cells, CD57 + NK cells and CD57 + NKG2A + NK cells were significantly associated with poor outcomes, suggesting that NK cell subsets play a critical role in GC progression. NK cells and their inhibitory receptor, NKG2A, may be potential targets in GC.

Download Full-text

Mechanosensation and Mechanotransduction in Natural Killer Cells

Frontiers in Immunology ◽

10.3389/fimmu.2021.688918 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Giorgio Santoni ◽

Consuelo Amantini ◽

Matteo Santoni ◽

Federica Maggi ◽

Maria Beatrice Morelli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nk Cells ◽

Natural Killer ◽

Target Cell ◽

Nk Cell ◽

Tyrosine Phosphatase ◽

Cell Interaction ◽

Structural Basis ◽

Adhesive Interactions

Natural killer (NK) cells are a main subset of innate lymphocytes that contribute to host immune protection against viruses and tumors by mediating target cell killing and secreting a wide array of cytokines. Their functions are finely regulated by a balance between activating and inhibitory receptors and involve also adhesive interactions. Mechanotransduction is the process in which physical forces sensed by mechanosensors are translated into chemical signaling. Herein, we report findings on the involvement of this mechanism that is mainly mediated by actin cytoskeleton, in the regulation of NK cell adhesion, migration, tissue infiltration and functions. Actin represents the structural basis for NK cell immunological synapse (NKIS) and polarization of secretory apparatus. NK-target cell interaction involves the formation of both uropods and membrane nanotubes that allow target cell interaction over long distances. Actin retrograde flow (ARF) regulates NK cell signaling and controls the equilibrium between activation versus inhibition. Activating NKIS is associated with rapid lamellipodial ARF, whereas lower centripetal actin flow is present during inhibitory NKIS where β actin can associate with the tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1. Overall, a better knowledge of mechanotransduction might represent a future challenge: Realization of nanomaterials tailored for NK cells, would be important to translate in vitro studies in in vivo new immunotherapeutic approaches.

Download Full-text

RTID-07. HUMAN PLACENTAL HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL DERIVED NATURAL KILLER CELLS (CYNK-001) FOR TREATMENT OF RECURRENT GLIOBLASTOMA

Neuro-Oncology ◽

10.1093/neuonc/noaa215.812 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. ii194-ii195

Author(s):

Nazanin Majd ◽

Maha Rizk ◽

Solveig Ericson ◽

Kris Grzegorzewski ◽

Sharmila Koppisetti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Therapy ◽

Nk Cells ◽

Natural Killer ◽

Nk Cell ◽

In Vitro Cytotoxicity ◽

Orthotopic Mouse Model ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Dismal Prognosis

Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive primary brain tumor with dismal prognosis. Recent advances of immunotherapy in cancer have sparked interest in the use of cell therapy for treatment of GBM. Active transfer of Natural Killer (NK) cells is of particular interest in GBM because NK cells are capable of exerting anti-tumor cytotoxicity without the need for antigen presentation and sensitization, processes that are impaired in GBM. CYNK-001 is an allogeneic, off-the-shelf product enriched for CD56+/CD3- NK cells expanded from placental CD34+ cells manufactured by Celularity. Here, we demonstrate in vitro cytotoxicity of CYNK-001 against several GBM lines and its in vivo anti-tumor activity in a U87MG orthotopic mouse model via intracranial administration resulting in 94.5% maximum reduction in tumor volume. We have developed a phase I window-of-opportunity trial of CYNK-001 in recurrent GBM via intravenous (IV) and intratumoral (IT) routes. In the IV cohort, subjects receive cyclophosphamide for lymphodepletion followed by 3-doses of IV CYNK-001 weekly. In the IT cohort, subjects undergo placement of an IT catheter with an ommaya reservoir followed by 3-doses of IT CYNK-001 weekly. Patients are monitored for 28-days after last infusion for toxicity. Once maximum safe dose (MSD) is determined, patients undergo IV or IT treatments at MSD followed by surgical resection and the tumor tissue will be analyzed for NK cell engraftment and persistence. We will utilize a 3 + 3 dose de-escalation design (maximum n=36). Primary endpoint is safety and feasibility. Secondary endpoints are overall response rate, duration of response, time to progression, progression free survival and overall survival. Main eligibility criteria include age ≥18, KPS ≥60, GBM at first or second relapse with a measurable lesion on ≤2mg dexamethasone. This is the first clinical trial to investigate CYNK-001 in GBM and will lay the foundation for future NK cell therapy in solid tumors.

Download Full-text

Contribution of Natural Killer Cells to Inhibition of Angiogenesis by Interleukin-12

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v93.5.1612 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 93 (5) ◽

pp. 1612-1621 ◽

Cited By ~ 127

Author(s):

Lei Yao ◽

Cecilia Sgadari ◽

Keizo Furuke ◽

Eda T. Bloom ◽

Julie Teruya-Feldstein ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Endothelial Cells ◽

Nk Cells ◽

Natural Killer ◽

Cell Function ◽

Nk Cell ◽

Primary Cultures ◽

Interleukin 12 ◽

Ifn Γ

Abstract Interleukin-12 (IL-12) inhibits angiogenesis in vivo by inducing interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and other downstream mediators. Here, we report that neutralization of natural killer (NK) cell function with antibodies to either asialo GM1 or NK 1.1 reversed IL-12 inhibition of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-induced angiogenesis in athymic mice. By immunohistochemistry, those sites where bFGF-induced neovascularization was inhibited by IL-12 displayed accumulation of NK cells and the presence of IP-10–positive cells. Based on expression of the cytolytic mediators perforin and granzyme B, the NK cells were locally activated. Experimental Burkitt lymphomas treated locally with IL-12 displayed tumor tissue necrosis, vascular damage, and NK-cell infiltration surrounding small vessels. After activation in vitro with IL-12, NK cells from nude mice became strongly cytotoxic for primary cultures of syngeneic aortic endothelial cells. Cytotoxicity was neutralized by antibodies to IFN-γ. These results document that NK cells are required mediators of angiogenesis inhibition by IL-12, and provide evidence that NK-cell cytotoxicity of endothelial cells is a potential mechanism by which IL-12 can suppress neovascularization.

Download Full-text