scholarly journals Human Placental Hematopoietic Stem Cell Derived Natural Killer Cells (CYNK-001) Mediate Protection Against Influenza A Viral Infection

Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 2-3
Author(s):  
Shuyang He ◽  
Tanel Mahlakõiv ◽  
Joseph Gleason ◽  
William Van Der Touw ◽  
Lin Kang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Lung Injury ◽  
Viral Infection ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
A549 Cells ◽  
Private Company ◽  
Antiviral Activities

Background: Influenza A virus (IAV) infections are associated with a high healthcare burden around the world and there is an urgent need to develop more effective therapies. Natural killer (NK) cells provide the first line of innate defense against IAV by killing infected epithelial cells, by producing antiviral cytokines and affecting adaptive immunity. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that NK cells play a pivotal role in reducing IAV-induced pulmonary infection; however, little is known about the therapeutic potential of adoptively transferred NK cells for IAV infections. Celularity Inc. is developing human placental hematopoietic stem cell-derived allogeneic, off-the-shelf NK cell therapy (CYNK-001) for the treatment of viral infections, including coronavirus disease of 2019. Here, we report the evaluation of antiviral activities of CYNK-001 against IAV infection. Methods: In vitro antiviral activities of CYNK-001 were evaluated using human alveolar epithelial cell line A549, infected with IAV strain A/PR/8/34 (H1N1) at variable multiplicity of infection (MOI). The expression of ligands for NK cell receptors was analyzed on infected A549 cells using Fc-coupled recombinant proteins. CYNK-001 was added to A549 cells 16 hours post infection. CYNK-001 degranulation was measured after 4 hours of coculture, and CYNK-001 cytotoxicity against IAV-infected A549 was measured real-time using impedance-based xCELLigence platform. In vivo antiviral and immunomodulatory activities of CYNK-001 were assessed in A/PR/8/34 (H1N1)-induced severe acute lung injury mouse model. Mice were intranasally infected with 2500 PFU IAV. PBS or 1 x 107 CYNK-001 cells were intravenously administered twice at 1 and 3 days post infection (dpi). At 6 dpi, lungs were collected for the evaluation of viral load by qPCR, lung injury and immune cell profiling by histology. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected at 6 dpi for cytokine analysis by multiplex assays, total protein concentration by ELISA and immune cell profiling by flow cytometry. Results: In vitro, IAV infection corresponded with dose-dependent expression of ligands to NK cell-activating receptors, including NKp44, NKp46 and NKG2D. CYNK-001 cells exhibited increased IFNγ, TNFα and GM-CSF production, and elevated level of degranulation upon coculture with IAV-infected A549 cells. Cytokines in culture supernatant and CD107a expression in CYNK-001 cells were upregulated in a virus dose-dependent manner. Consistent with this finding, CYNK-001 cytotoxicity against IAV-infected A549 cells increased from 35% at 0 MOI to 50%, 60% and 75% at 0.001, 0.01 and 0.1 MOI, respectively. These data indicate that CYNK-001 cells recognize virally infected cells, resulting in specific cytotoxic elimination of the source of infection. In vivo, treatment of IAV-infected mice with CYNK-001 reduced weight loss and increased their likelihood of survival. PBS control group developed a severe disease and 37.5% mortality was observed as early as day 4. In the group treated with CYNK-001, disease onset was delayed by 2 days. qPCR analysis of viral RNA showed that CYNK-001-treated mice had lower viral load in the lung than vehicle-treated mice, demonstrating antiviral function of CYNK-001 in vivo. CYNK-001-treated mice had reduced lung injury as assessed by lower total protein concentration in BALF. Moreover, CYNK-001 reduced BALF murine cytokines and chemokines, including IFNγ (p<0.001), IL-6, TNFα, MCP-1 (p<0.05), CXCL2 and CXCL9. Lastly, immunohistochemical analysis of the lung showed that CYNK-001-treated mice had an altered immune response to IAV with higher number of CD68+ macrophages and CD8+ T cells at 6 dpi. Conclusions: Our in vitro and in vivo data show the promising antiviral activities of CYNK-001 against IAV infection. In a severe IAV infection mouse model, CYNK-001 treatment demonstrates lower mortality rate, lower weight loss, lower lung viral load and reduced lung injury along with reduced inflammation. These results support our hypothesis that the adoptive transfer of CYNK-001 could reduce the burden of viral infection through the elimination of infected epithelial cells, coordinate a more effective immune response, and result in a clinical benefit in patients with severe viral infection. Disclosures He: Celularity Inc.: Current Employment. Mahlakõiv:Celularity Inc.: Current Employment. Gleason:Celularity Inc.: Current Employment, Current equity holder in private company. Van Der Touw:Celularity Inc.: Current Employment. Kang:Celularity Inc.: Current Employment. Hariri:Celularity Inc.: Current Employment, Current equity holder in private company. Zhang:Celularity Inc.: Current Employment, Current equity holder in private company.

scholarly journals Viral infection modulates Qa-1b in infected and bystander cells to properly direct NK cell killing

2021 ◽  
Vol 218 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Ferez ◽  
Cory J. Knudson ◽  
Avital Lev ◽  
Eric B. Wong ◽  
Pedro Alves-Peixoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Infection ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Inhibitory Receptors ◽  
Inflammatory Monocytes ◽  
Activating Receptors ◽  
Infected Cells

Natural killer (NK) cell activation depends on the signaling balance of activating and inhibitory receptors. CD94 forms inhibitory receptors with NKG2A and activating receptors with NKG2E or NKG2C. We previously demonstrated that CD94-NKG2 on NK cells and its ligand Qa-1b are important for the resistance of C57BL/6 mice to lethal ectromelia virus (ECTV) infection. We now show that NKG2C or NKG2E deficiency does not increase susceptibility to lethal ECTV infection, but overexpression of Qa-1b in infected cells does. We also demonstrate that Qa-1b is down-regulated in infected and up-regulated in bystander inflammatory monocytes and B cells. Moreover, NK cells activated by ECTV infection kill Qa-1b–deficient cells in vitro and in vivo. Thus, during viral infection, recognition of Qa-1b by activating CD94/NKG2 receptors is not critical. Instead, the levels of Qa-1b expression are down-regulated in infected cells but increased in some bystander immune cells to respectively promote or inhibit their killing by activated NK cells.

scholarly journals Glucose Oligosaccharide and Long-Chain Glucomannan Feed Additives Induce Enhanced Activation of Intraepithelial NK Cells and Relative Abundance of Commensal Lactic Acid Bacteria in Broiler Chickens

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 110
Author(s):  
Nathalie Meijerink ◽  
Jean E. de Oliveira ◽  
Daphne A. van Haarlem ◽  
Guilherme Hosotani ◽  
David M. Lamot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Feed Additives ◽  
Microbiota Composition ◽  
In Ovo ◽  
Long Chain

Restrictions on the use of antibiotics in the poultry industry stimulate the development of alternative nutritional solutions to maintain or improve poultry health. This requires more insight in the modulatory effects of feed additives on the immune system and microbiota composition. Compounds known to influence the innate immune system and microbiota composition were selected and screened in vitro, in ovo, and in vivo. Among all compounds, 57 enhanced NK cell activation, 56 increased phagocytosis, and 22 increased NO production of the macrophage cell line HD11 in vitro. Based on these results, availability and regulatory status, six compounds were selected for further analysis. None of these compounds showed negative effects on growth, hatchability, and feed conversion in in ovo and in vivo studies. Based on the most interesting numerical results and highest future potential feasibility, two compounds were analyzed further. Administration of glucose oligosaccharide and long-chain glucomannan in vivo both enhanced activation of intraepithelial NK cells and led to increased relative abundance of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) amongst ileum and ceca microbiota after seven days of supplementation. Positive correlations between NK cell subsets and activation, and relative abundance of LAB suggest the involvement of microbiota in the modulation of the function of intraepithelial NK cells. This study identifies glucose oligosaccharide and long-chain glucomannan supplementation as effective nutritional strategies to modulate the intestinal microbiota composition and strengthen the intraepithelial innate immune system.

scholarly journals DNAM-1 promotes activation of cytotoxic lymphocytes by nonprofessional antigen-presenting cells and tumors

2008 ◽  
Vol 205 (13) ◽  
pp. 2965-2973 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Gilfillan ◽  
Christopher J. Chan ◽  
Marina Cella ◽  
Nicole M. Haynes ◽  
Aaron S. Rapaport ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
Adhesion Molecules ◽  
Cd8 T Cells ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Cd8 T Cell ◽  
Antigen Presenting

Natural killer (NK) cells and CD8 T cells require adhesion molecules for migration, activation, expansion, differentiation, and effector functions. DNAX accessory molecule 1 (DNAM-1), an adhesion molecule belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily, promotes many of these functions in vitro. However, because NK cells and CD8 T cells express multiple adhesion molecules, it is unclear whether DNAM-1 has a unique function or is effectively redundant in vivo. To address this question, we generated mice lacking DNAM-1 and evaluated DNAM-1–deficient CD8 T cell and NK cell function in vitro and in vivo. Our results demonstrate that CD8 T cells require DNAM-1 for co-stimulation when recognizing antigen presented by nonprofessional antigen-presenting cells; in contrast, DNAM-1 is dispensable when dendritic cells present the antigen. Similarly, NK cells require DNAM-1 for the elimination of tumor cells that are comparatively resistant to NK cell–mediated cytotoxicity caused by the paucity of other NK cell–activating ligands. We conclude that DNAM-1 serves to extend the range of target cells that can activate CD8 T cell and NK cells and, hence, may be essential for immunosurveillance against tumors and/or viruses that evade recognition by other activating or accessory molecules.

scholarly journals Combining Immunocytokine and Ex Vivo Activated NK Cells as a Platform for Enhancing Graft-Versus-Tumor Effects Against GD2+ Murine Neuroblastoma

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul D. Bates ◽  
Alexander L. Rakhmilevich ◽  
Monica M. Cho ◽  
Myriam N. Bouchlaka ◽  
Seema L. Rao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Cell Transplant ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
Allogeneic Hsct ◽  
Tnf Α

Management for high-risk neuroblastoma (NBL) has included autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) and anti-GD2 immunotherapy, but survival remains around 50%. The aim of this study was to determine if allogeneic HSCT could serve as a platform for inducing a graft-versus-tumor (GVT) effect against NBL with combination immunocytokine and NK cells in a murine model. Lethally irradiated C57BL/6 (B6) x A/J recipients were transplanted with B6 bone marrow on Day +0. On day +10, allogeneic HSCT recipients were challenged with NXS2, a GD2+ NBL. On days +14-16, mice were treated with the anti-GD2 immunocytokine hu14.18-IL2. In select groups, hu14.18-IL2 was combined with infusions of B6 NK cells activated with IL-15/IL-15Rα and CD137L ex vivo. Allogeneic HSCT alone was insufficient to control NXS2 tumor growth, but the addition of hu14.18-IL2 controlled tumor growth and improved survival. Adoptive transfer of ex vivo CD137L/IL-15/IL-15Rα activated NK cells with or without hu14.18-IL2 exacerbated lethality. CD137L/IL-15/IL-15Rα activated NK cells showed enhanced cytotoxicity and produced high levels of TNF-α in vitro, but induced cytokine release syndrome (CRS) in vivo. Infusing Perforin-/- CD137L/IL-15/IL-15Rα activated NK cells had no impact on GVT, whereas TNF-α-/- CD137L/IL-15/IL-15Rα activated NK cells improved GVT by decreasing peripheral effector cell subsets while preserving tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Depletion of Ly49H+ NK cells also improved GVT. Using allogeneic HSCT for NBL is a viable platform for immunocytokines and ex vivo activated NK cell infusions, but must be balanced with induction of CRS. Regulation of TNFα or activating NK subsets may be needed to improve GVT effects.

scholarly journals Mechanosensation and Mechanotransduction in Natural Killer Cells

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.

scholarly journals 852 Trifunctional NKp46/CD16a-NK cell engager targeting CD123 overcomes acute myeloid leukemia resistance to ADCC

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (Suppl 3) ◽  
pp. A893-A893
Author(s):  
Laurent Gauthier ◽  
Angela Virone-Oddos ◽  
Angela Virone-Oddos ◽  
Jochen Beninga ◽  
Benjamin Rossi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Antitumor Activity ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Activating Receptors ◽  
Acute Myeloid

BackgroundThere is a clear need for targeted therapies to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the most common acute leukemia in adults. CD123 (IL-3 receptor alpha chain) is an attractive target for AML treatment.1 However, cytotoxic antibody targeting CD123 proved insufficiently effective in a combination setting in phase II/III clinical trials.2 T-cell engagers targeting CD123 displayed some clinical efficacy but were often associated with cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity.3 Interest in the use of NK cells for therapeutic interventions has increased in recent years, as a potential safer alternative to T cells. Several NK-cell activating receptors, such as CD16a, NKG2D, and the natural cytotoxicity receptors NKp30 and NKp46, can be targeted to induce antitumor immunity. We previously reported the development of trifunctional NK-cell engagers (NKCEs) targeting a tumor antigen on cancer cells and co-engaging NKp46 and CD16a on NK cells.4MethodsWe report here the design, characterization and preclinical development of a novel trifunctional NK cell engager (NKCE) targeting CD123 on AML cells and engaging the activating receptors NKp46 and CD16a on NK cells. The CD123 NKCE therapeutic molecule was engineered with humanized antibodies targeting NKp464 and CD123.5 We compared CD123-NKCE and a cytotoxic ADCC-enhanced antibody (Ab) targeting CD123, in terms of antitumor activity in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo. Pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and safety profile of CD123-NKCE were evaluated in non-human primate (NHP) studies.ResultsThe expression of the high affinity Fc gamma receptor CD64 on patient-derived AML cells inhibited the ADCC of the Ab targeting CD123 in vitro and ex vivo, but not the antitumor activity of CD123-NKCE. CD123-NKCE had potent antitumor activity against primary AML blasts and AML cell lines, promoted strong NK-cell activation and induced cytokine secretion only in the presence of AML target cells. Its antitumor activity in mouse model was greater than that of the comparator antibody. Moreover, CD123-NKCE had strong and prolonged pharmacodynamic effects in NHP when used at very low doses, was well-tolerated up to high 3 mg/kg dose and triggered only minor cytokine release.ConclusionsThe data for activity, safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics provided here demonstrate the superiority of CD123-NKCE over comparator cytotoxic antibody, in terms of antitumor activity in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo, and its favorable safety profile, as compared to T-cell therapies. These results constitute proof-of-principle for the efficacy of CD123-NKCE for controlling AML tumors in vivo, and provide consistent support for their clinical development.ReferencesEhninger A, Kramer M, Rollig C, et al. Distribution and levels of cell surface expression of CD33 and CD123 in acute myeloid leukemia. Blood Cancer J 2014;4:e218.Montesinos P, Gail J Roboz GJ, et al. Safety and efficacy of talacotuzumab plus decitabine or decitabine alone in patients with acute myeloid leukemia not eligible for chemotherapy: results from a multicenter, randomized, phase 2/3 study. Leukemia 2021;35(1):62–74.Uy GL, Aldoss I, Foster MC, et al. Flotetuzumab as salvage immunotherapy for refractory acute myeloid leukemia. Blood 2021;137(6):751–762.Gauthier L, Morel A, Anceriz N, et al. Multifunctional natural killer cell engagers targeting NKp46 trigger protective tumor immunity. Cell 2019;177(7):1701–13.Jin L, Lee EM, Ramshaw HS, et al. Monoclonal antibody-mediated targeting of CD123, IL-3 receptor alpha chain, eliminates human acute myeloid leukemic stem cells. Cell Stem Cell 2009;5:31–42.

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

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.

scholarly journals Stem Cell Factor Enhances Interleukin-2–Mediated Expansion of Murine Natural Killer Cells In Vivo

Blood ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 90 (9) ◽  
pp. 3647-3653 ◽  
Author(s):  
Todd A. Fehniger ◽  
William E. Carson ◽  
Ewa Mrózek ◽  
Michael A. Caligiuri
Keyword(s):  
Nk Cells ◽  
Cell Expansion ◽  
Stem Cell Factor ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Interleukin 2 ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Ifn Γ

Abstract The administration of low dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) results in a selective expansion of natural killer (NK) cells in vivo, and promotes the differentiation of NK cells from hematopoietic precursor cells in vitro. We have previously shown that stem cell factor (SCF ), the ligand to the c-kit tyrosine kinase receptor, enhances IL-2–induced NK cell proliferation and differentiation in vitro. Here, we investigated the effects of SCF plus IL-2 delivered to mice in vivo. Eight-week-old C57BL/6 mice were treated with a continuous subcutaneous infusion of IL-2 (1 × 104 IU/d) plus a daily intraperitoneal dose of SCF (100 μg/kg/d), IL-2 alone, SCF alone, or vehicle alone for 8 weeks. The in vivo serum concentration of IL-2 ranged between 352 ± 12.0 pg/mL and 606 ± 9.0 pg/mL, achieving selective saturation of the high affinity IL-2 receptor, while the peak SCF serum concentration was 296 ± 13.09 ng/mL. Alone, the daily administration of SCF had no effect on the expansion of NK cells. The continuous infusion of IL-2 alone did result in a significant expansion of NK1.1+CD3− cells compared to mice treated with placebo or SCF. However, mice treated with both SCF and IL-2 showed an increase in the absolute number of NK cells that was more than twofold that seen with IL-2 alone, in the spleen (P ≤ .005), bone marrow (P ≤ .025), and blood (P < .05). NK cytotoxic activity against YAC-1 target cells was significantly higher for mice treated with SCF plus IL-2, compared to mice treated with IL-2 alone (P ≤ .0005). Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production in cytokine-activated splenocytes was also greater for the SCF plus IL-2 group, over IL-2 treatment alone (P ≤ .01). The effect of SCF plus IL-2 on NK cell expansion was likely mediated via NK cell precursors, rather than mature NK cells. In summary, we provide the first evidence that SCF can significantly enhance expansion of functional NK cells induced by the prolonged administration of low dose IL-2 in vivo. Since the NK cell is a cytotoxic innate immune effector and a potent source of IFN-γ, this therapeutic strategy for NK cell expansion may serve to further enhance innate immune surveillance against malignant transformation and infection in the setting of cancer and/or immunodeficiency.

scholarly journals Interleukin-2-activated natural killer cells can support hematopoiesis in vitro and promote marrow engraftment in vivo

Blood ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 80 (3) ◽  
pp. 670-677 ◽  
Author(s):  
WJ Murphy ◽  
JR Keller ◽  
CL Harrison ◽  
HA Young ◽  
DL Longo
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factors ◽  
Nk Cells ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Interleukin 2 ◽  
Hematopoietic Growth Factors ◽  
Ifn Gamma ◽  
Gm Csf ◽  
Growth Promoting

Abstract Purified natural killer (NK) cells were obtained from mice with severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) to ascertain their effect on hematopoiesis. When activated and propagated with recombinant human interleukin-2 (rhIL-2) in vitro, SCID spleen cells maintained a phenotypic and lytic spectrum consistent with a pure population of activated NK cells. When added with syngeneic bone marrow cells (BMC) in soft agar, the activated NK cells could support hematopoietic growth in vitro without the addition of exogenous hematopoietic growth factors. However, when syngeneic BMC were added along with cytokines to produce optimal growth conditions, the addition of NK cells was then inhibitory for hematopoietic colony formation. Antibodies to interferon- gamma (IFN-gamma) partially reversed the inhibitory effects. Supernatants from the NK-cell cultures could also exert these effects on hematopoiesis, although to a lesser extent. Analysis of the NK cell RNA demonstrated that activated NK cells express genes for hematopoietic growth factors such as granulocyte-macrophage colony- stimulating factor (GM-CSF), granulocyte CSF (G-CSF), and IL-1 beta. The NK cells were also found to express IFN-gamma, transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) mRNA. Analysis of the NK-cell supernatants using factor-dependent myeloid progenitor cell lines showed that the NK cells were producing G- CSF and growth-promoting activity that could not be attributed to IL-1, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, GM-CSF, G-CSF, macrophage CSF (M-CSF), or stem cell factor. The transfer of activated NK cells with BMC into lethally irradiated syngeneic mice resulted in greater BMC engraftment in the recipients. Thus, these results using a pure population of activated NK cells indicate that when activated, these cells can produce a variety of growth factors for hematopoiesis and exert significant hematopoietic growth-promoting effects in vivo.

scholarly journals Pharmacologic inhibition of lysine-specific demethylase 1 as a therapeutic and immune-sensitization strategy in pediatric high-grade glioma

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. 1302-1314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cavan P Bailey ◽  
Mary Figueroa ◽  
Achintyan Gangadharan ◽  
Yanwen Yang ◽  
Megan M Romero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nk Cells ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Nk Cell ◽  
Gene Signature ◽  
Immune Gene ◽  
High Grade ◽  
Cell Cytotoxicity ◽  
Lysine Specific Demethylase

Abstract Background Diffuse midline gliomas (DMG), including brainstem diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), are incurable pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGG). Mutations in the H3 histone tail (H3.1/3.3-K27M) are a feature of DIPG, rendering them therapeutically sensitive to small-molecule inhibition of chromatin modifiers. Pharmacological inhibition of lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) is clinically relevant but has not been carefully investigated in pHGG or DIPG. Methods Patient-derived DIPG cell lines, orthotopic mouse models, and pHGG datasets were used to evaluate effects of LSD1 inhibitors on cytotoxicity and immune gene expression. Immune cell cytotoxicity was assessed in DIPG cells pretreated with LSD1 inhibitors, and informatics platforms were used to determine immune infiltration of pHGG. Results Selective cytotoxicity and an immunogenic gene signature were established in DIPG cell lines using clinically relevant LSD1 inhibitors. Pediatric HGG patient sequencing data demonstrated survival benefit of this LSD1-dependent gene signature. Pretreatment of DIPG with these inhibitors increased lysis by natural killer (NK) cells. Catalytic LSD1 inhibitors induced tumor regression and augmented NK cell infusion in vivo to reduce tumor burden. CIBERSORT analysis of patient data confirmed NK infiltration is beneficial to patient survival, while CD8 T cells are negatively prognostic. Catalytic LSD1 inhibitors are nonperturbing to NK cells, while scaffolding LSD1 inhibitors are toxic to NK cells and do not induce the gene signature in DIPG cells. Conclusions LSD1 inhibition using catalytic inhibitors is selectively cytotoxic and promotes an immune gene signature that increases NK cell killing in vitro and in vivo, representing a therapeutic opportunity for pHGG. Key Points 1. LSD1 inhibition using several clinically relevant compounds is selectively cytotoxic in DIPG and shows in vivo efficacy as a single agent. 2. An LSD1-controlled gene signature predicts survival in pHGG patients and is seen in neural tissue from LSD1 inhibitor–treated mice. 3. LSD1 inhibition enhances NK cell cytotoxicity against DIPG in vivo and in vitro with correlative genetic biomarkers.

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