RESUMO
ABSTRACT: TCRαß/CD19 cell depletion is a promising graft manipulation technique frequently used in the context of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We previously reported the results of a phase I-II clinical trial (NCT01810120) to assess the safety and the efficacy of this type of exvivo T-cell depletion in 80 children with acute leukemia, showing promising survival outcomes. We now report an updated analysis on a cohort of 213 children with a longer follow-up (median, 47.6 months for surviving patients). With a 5-year cumulative incidence of nonrelapse mortality of 5.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.8%-8.8%) and a cumulative incidence of relapse of 22.7% (95% CI, 16.9%-29.2%), projected 10-year overall and disease-free survival (DFS) were 75.4% (95% CI, 68.6%-80.9%) and 71.6% (95% CI, 64.4%-77.6%), respectively. Cumulative incidence of both grade II-IV acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease were low (14.7% and 8.1%, respectively). In a multivariable analysis for DFS including type of disease, use of total body irradiation in the conditioning regimen (hazard ratio [HR], 0.5; 95% CI, 0.26-0.98; P = .04), disease status at HSCT (complete remission [CR] ≥3 vs CR 1/2; HR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.20-4.16; P = .01), and high levels of pre-HSCT minimal residual disease (HR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.01-4.33; P = .04) were independently associated with outcome. In summary, besides confirming the good outcome results already reported (which are almost superimposable on those of transplant from HLA-matched donors), this clinical update allows the identification of patients at higher risk of treatment failure for whom personalized approaches, aimed at reducing the risk of relapse, are warranted.
Assuntos
Doença Enxerto-Hospedeiro , Transplante de Células-Tronco Hematopoéticas , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda , Criança , Humanos , Receptores de Antígenos de Linfócitos T alfa-beta , Transplante Haploidêntico/efeitos adversos , Antígenos HLA , Transplante de Células-Tronco Hematopoéticas/métodos , Antígenos de Histocompatibilidade Classe II , Recidiva , Condicionamento Pré-Transplante/métodos , Estudos RetrospectivosRESUMO
X-linked lymphoproliferative disease 1 (XLP1) is a monogenic disorder caused by mutations in SH2D1A, resulting in the absence/dysfunction of the signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM)-associated protein (SAP). Consequently, SLAM receptors as 2B4 (CD244) and NTB-A (SLAMF6), upon ligand engagement, exert inhibitory instead of activating function. This causes an immune dysfunction that is worsened by the selective inability of NK and T cells to kill EBV-infected B cells with dramatic clinical sequelae (e.g. fulminant mononucleosis, hyperinflammation, lymphoma). Here we outline recent findings on the interplay between inhibitory 2B4 and the various activating receptors in NK cells. 2B4 engagement selectively blocks ITAM-dependent activating receptors as NCR and CD16, while it does not affect NKG2D and DNAM-1. Furthermore, inhibitory 2B4 participates to NK cell education, as highlighted by the existence in XLP1 patients of a large subset of fully functional NK cells that lack self-HLA specific inhibitory receptors and exert autoreactivity against mature dendritic cells.
Assuntos
Infecções por Vírus Epstein-Barr/imunologia , Síndromes de Imunodeficiência/imunologia , Células Matadoras Naturais/imunologia , Transtornos Linfoproliferativos/imunologia , Família de Moléculas de Sinalização da Ativação Linfocitária/imunologia , Animais , Humanos , Síndromes de Imunodeficiência/metabolismo , Células Matadoras Naturais/metabolismo , Transtornos Linfoproliferativos/metabolismo , Masculino , Família de Moléculas de Sinalização da Ativação Linfocitária/metabolismoRESUMO
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) from an HLA-haploidentical relative (haplo-HSCT) is a suitable option for children with acute leukemia (AL) either relapsed or at high-risk of treatment failure. We developed a novel method of graft manipulation based on negative depletion of αß T and B cells and conducted a prospective trial evaluating the outcome of children with AL transplanted with this approach. Eighty AL children, transplanted between September 2011 and September 2014, were enrolled in the trial. All children were given a fully myeloablative preparative regimen. Anti-T-lymphocyte globulin from day -5 to -3 was used for preventing graft rejection and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD); no patient received any posttransplantation GVHD prophylaxis. Two children experienced primary graft failure. The cumulative incidence of skin-only, grade 1-2 acute GVHD was 30%; no patient developed extensive chronic GVHD. Four patients died, the cumulative incidence of nonrelapse mortality being 5%, whereas 19 relapsed, resulting in a 24% cumulative incidence of relapse. With a median follow-up of 46 months for surviving patients, the 5-year probability of chronic GVHD-free, relapse-free survival (GRFS) is 71%. Total body irradiation-containing preparative regimen was the only variable favorably influencing relapse incidence and GRFS. The outcomes of these 80 patients are comparable to those of 41 and 51 children given transplantation from an HLA-identical sibling or a 10/10 allelic-matched unrelated donor in the same period. These data indicate that haplo-HSCT after αß T- and B-cell depletion represents a competitive alternative for children with AL in need of urgent allograft. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01810120.
Assuntos
Linfócitos B , Transplante de Células-Tronco Hematopoéticas , Leucemia , Depleção Linfocítica , Receptores de Antígenos de Linfócitos T alfa-beta , Linfócitos T , Doença Aguda , Adolescente , Adulto , Aloenxertos , Soro Antilinfocitário/administração & dosagem , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Intervalo Livre de Doença , Feminino , Seguimentos , Doença Enxerto-Hospedeiro/mortalidade , Doença Enxerto-Hospedeiro/prevenção & controle , Humanos , Lactente , Leucemia/mortalidade , Leucemia/terapia , Masculino , Taxa de SobrevidaRESUMO
X-linked lymphoproliferative disease 1 (XLP1) is an inherited immunodeficiency, caused by mutations in SH2D1A encoding Signaling Lymphocyte Activation Molecule (SLAM)-associated protein (SAP). In XLP1, 2B4, upon engagement with CD48, has inhibitory instead of activating function. This causes a selective inability of cytotoxic effectors to kill EBV-infected cells, with dramatic clinical sequelae. Here, we investigated the NK cell education in XLP1, upon characterization of killer Ig-like receptor (KIR)/KIR-L genotype and phenotypic repertoire of self-HLA class I specific inhibitory NK receptors (self-iNKRs). We also analyzed NK-cell cytotoxicity against CD48+ or CD48- KIR-ligand matched or autologous hematopoietic cells in XLP1 patients and healthy controls. XLP1 NK cells may show a defective phenotypic repertoire with substantial proportion of cells lacking self-iNKR. These NK cells are cytotoxic and the inhibitory 2B4/CD48 pathway plays a major role to prevent killing of CD48+ EBV-transformed B cells and M1 macrophages. Importantly, self-iNKR defective NK cells kill CD48- targets, such as mature DCs. Self-iNKR- NK cells in XLP1 patients are functional even in resting conditions, suggesting a role of the inhibitory 2B4/CD48 pathway in the education process during NK-cell maturation. Killing of autologous mature DC by self-iNKR defective XLP1 NK cells may impair adaptive responses, further exacerbating the patients' immune defect.
Assuntos
Células Matadoras Naturais/imunologia , Transtornos Linfoproliferativos/imunologia , Transtornos Linfoproliferativos/fisiopatologia , Receptores de Células Matadoras Naturais/imunologia , Família de Moléculas de Sinalização da Ativação Linfocitária/metabolismo , Antígeno CD48/imunologia , Antígeno CD48/metabolismo , Genes MHC Classe I , Humanos , Células Matadoras Naturais/metabolismo , Ativação Linfocitária , Canais de Potássio Corretores do Fluxo de Internalização/imunologia , Receptores Imunológicos/metabolismo , Transdução de Sinais , Proteína Associada à Molécula de Sinalização da Ativação Linfocitária/metabolismo , Família de Moléculas de Sinalização da Ativação Linfocitária/imunologiaRESUMO
RATIONALE: Hyperthermic isolated lung Perfusion (ILuP) is used to deliver high-dose chemotherapy to pulmonary metastases while sparing systemic toxicity. Accurate leakage monitoring is however necessary. This study aimed to verify the accuracy of radionuclide leakage monitoring in patients undergoing ILuP, by comparing this method with serial blood sampling. METHODS: A total of 15 consecutive ILuP procedures were performed on eleven patients affected by lung metastases from soft tissue sarcoma. After establishing isolated perfusion, erythrocytes of systemic blood (SB) were labelled with 0.2 MBq/kg of 99mTc. The baseline SB counting rate (CR) was assessed using a γ-probe. Subsequently, erythrocytes of the circuit blood (CB) were labelled with 2 Mbq/kg of 99mTc. Radioactivity leakage factor (RLF) was continuously measured using a formula, accounting for CR, systemic/circuit activity ratio and total/systemic volume ratio. The TNF-α concentration in SB and CB was measured by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) throughout the procedure. RESULTS: RLF averaged 2.3 ± 1.5%, while the systemic/circuit TNF-α ratio was 0.05 ± 0.12%. These two indices were strictly correlated in all of the procedures (average Rvalue 0.88 ± 0.07). RLF exceeded 5% during three of 15 procedures, prompting the application of compensatory manoeuvres. ELISA confirmed a marked increase in systemic TNF-α levels in these patients (2.6 ± 3.5 ng/ml). Conversely, patients whose RLF did not exceed the 5% threshold presented a mean TNF-α of 0.02 ± 0.005 ng/ml (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In patients submitted to ILuP, RLF monitoring is feasible and accurate. Moreover, it grants immediate results, permitting for the adoption of corrective manoeuvres for leakage, thus minimising toxicity.
Assuntos
Quimioterapia do Câncer por Perfusão Regional , Hipertermia Induzida , Neoplasias Pulmonares/terapia , Radioisótopos/sangue , Compostos Radiofarmacêuticos/sangue , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Feminino , Humanos , Neoplasias Pulmonares/sangue , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Fator de Necrose Tumoral alfa/metabolismo , Adulto JovemRESUMO
KIR3DL1 is a natural killer (NK) cell receptor that recognizes the Bw4 epitope of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules. Following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for patients lacking Bw4, KIR3DL1-expressing NK cells from Bw4-positive donors can be alloreactive and eliminate tumor cells. However, KIR3DL1 alleles having T instead of C at nucleotide 320 (encoding leucine 86 instead of serine 86) are not expressed on the cell surface. Thus, not all individuals testing positive for KIR3DL1 are optimal donors for Bw4-negative recipients. Therefore, we developed a method for genotyping codon 86, which was validated by its perfect correlation with NK cell phenotype for 100 donors of diverse KIR3DL1/S1 genotype. We typed 600 donors and found that â¼12.2% had the KIR3DL1 gene, but did not express cell-surface KIR3DL1. By contrast, high-expressing allotypes were identified when haplotypes from four families with duplicated KIR3DL1/S1 genes were characterized at high resolution. Identifying donors who have KIR3DL1 but lack cell-surface KIR3DL1 would refine donor selection. With this technique, the number of individuals identified who may not be optimal donors for Bw4-negative patients increases by threefold, when compared with standard methods. Taken together, we propose that allele typing of killer cell Ig-like receptor (KIR) polymorphisms should become a standard practice when selecting donors.
Assuntos
Códon , Seleção do Doador , Antígenos HLA-B/imunologia , Transplante de Células-Tronco Hematopoéticas , Células-Tronco Hematopoéticas/imunologia , Células-Tronco Hematopoéticas/metabolismo , Receptores KIR3DL1/genética , Receptores KIR3DS1/genética , Alelos , Membrana Celular/metabolismo , Expressão Gênica , Genótipo , Haplótipos , Humanos , Células Matadoras Naturais/imunologia , Células Matadoras Naturais/metabolismo , Modelos Biológicos , Polimorfismo de Nucleotídeo Único , Receptores KIR3DL1/metabolismo , Receptores KIR3DS1/metabolismo , Transplante HomólogoRESUMO
We prospectively assessed functional and phenotypic characteristics of γδ T lymphocytes up to 7 months after HLA-haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT) depleted of αß(+) T cells and CD19(+) B cells in 27 children with either malignant or nonmalignant disorders. We demonstrate that (1) γδ T cells are the predominant T-cell population in patients during the first weeks after transplantation, being mainly, albeit not only, derived from cells infused with the graft and expanding in vivo; (2) central-memory cells predominated very early posttransplantation for both Vδ1 and Vδ2 subsets; (3) Vδ1 cells are specifically expanded in patients experiencing cytomegalovirus reactivation and are more cytotoxic compared with those of children who did not experience reactivation; (4) these subsets display a cytotoxic phenotype and degranulate when challenged with primary acute myeloid and lymphoid leukemia blasts; and (5) Vδ2 cells are expanded in vitro after exposure to zoledronic acid (ZOL) and efficiently lyse primary lymphoid and myeloid blasts. This is the first detailed characterization of γδ T cells emerging in peripheral blood of children after CD19(+) B-cell and αß(+) T-cell-depleted haplo-HSCT. Our results can be instrumental to the development of clinical trials using ZOL for improving γδ T-cell killing capacity against leukemia cells. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01810120.
Assuntos
Antígenos CD19/análise , Linfócitos B/citologia , Transplante de Células-Tronco Hematopoéticas , Leucemia/terapia , Receptores de Antígenos de Linfócitos T alfa-beta/análise , Receptores de Antígenos de Linfócitos T gama-delta/análise , Linfócitos T/transplante , Adolescente , Degranulação Celular , Células Cultivadas , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Transplante de Células-Tronco Hematopoéticas/métodos , Humanos , Lactente , Masculino , Linfócitos T/citologiaRESUMO
We analyzed the impact of human cytomegalovirus infection on the development of natural killer cells in 27 pediatric patients affected by hematological malignancies, who had received a HLA-haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, depleted of both α/ß+ T cells and B cells. In line with previous studies in adult recipients of umbilical cord blood transplantation, we found that human cytomegalovirus reactivation accelerated the emergence of mature natural killer cells. Thus, most children displayed a progressive expansion of a memory-like natural killer cell subset expressing NKG2C, a putative receptor for human cytomegalovirus, and CD57, a marker of terminal natural killer cell differentiation. NKG2C(+)CD57(+) natural killer cells were detectable by month 3 following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and expanded until at least month 12. These cells were characterized by high killer Ig-like receptors (KIRs) and leukocyte inhibitory receptor 1 (LIR-1) and low Siglec-7, NKG2A and Interleukin-18Rα expression, killed tumor targets and responded to cells expressing HLA-E (a NKG2C ligand). In addition, they were poor Interferon-γ producers in response to Interleukin-12 and Interleukin-18. The impaired response to these cytokines, together with their highly differentiated profile, may reflect their skewing toward an adaptive condition specialized in controlling human cytomegalovirus. In conclusion, in pediatric patients receiving a type of allograft different from umbilical cord blood transplantation, human cytomegalovirus also induced memory-like natural killer cells, possibly contributing to controlling infections and reinforcing anti-leukemia effects.
Assuntos
Infecções por Citomegalovirus/terapia , Neoplasias Hematológicas/terapia , Transplante de Células-Tronco Hematopoéticas , Memória Imunológica , Células Matadoras Naturais/imunologia , Linfócitos B/efeitos dos fármacos , Linfócitos B/imunologia , Linfócitos B/patologia , Antígenos CD57/genética , Antígenos CD57/imunologia , Criança , Citomegalovirus/imunologia , Infecções por Citomegalovirus/complicações , Infecções por Citomegalovirus/genética , Infecções por Citomegalovirus/imunologia , Feminino , Regulação da Expressão Gênica , Neoplasias Hematológicas/complicações , Neoplasias Hematológicas/genética , Neoplasias Hematológicas/imunologia , Teste de Histocompatibilidade , Humanos , Interleucina-12/farmacologia , Interleucina-18/farmacologia , Células Matadoras Naturais/efeitos dos fármacos , Células Matadoras Naturais/patologia , Depleção Linfocítica , Masculino , Subfamília C de Receptores Semelhantes a Lectina de Células NK/genética , Subfamília C de Receptores Semelhantes a Lectina de Células NK/imunologia , Cultura Primária de Células , Receptores de Antígenos de Linfócitos T alfa-beta/genética , Receptores de Antígenos de Linfócitos T alfa-beta/imunologia , Receptores KIR/genética , Receptores KIR/imunologia , Linfócitos T/efeitos dos fármacos , Linfócitos T/imunologia , Linfócitos T/patologia , Transplante HomólogoRESUMO
X-linked lymphoproliferative disease 1 (XLP1) is a rare congenital immunodeficiency caused by SH2D1A (Xq25) mutations resulting in lack or dysfunction of SLAM-associated protein adaptor molecule. In XLP1 patients, upon ligand (CD48) engagement, 2B4 delivers inhibitory signals that impair the cytolytic activity of NK (and T) cells. This causes the selective inability to control EBV infections and the occurrence of B-cell lymphomas. Here, we show that in the absence of SLAM-associated protein, co-engagement of 2B4 with different activating receptors, either by antibodies or specific ligands on target cells, inhibits different ITAM-dependent signaling pathways including activating killer Ig-like receptors. In XLP1 NK cells, 2B4 affected both the cytolytic and IFN-γ production capabilities, functions that were restored upon disruption of the 2B4/CD48 interactions. Notably, we provide evidence that 2B4 dysfunction does not affect the activity of DNAM-1 and NKG2D triggering receptors. Thus, while CD48(+) B-EBV and lymphoma B cells devoid of NKG2D and DNAM-1 ligands were resistant to lysis, the preferential usage of these receptors allowed XLP1 NK cells to kill lymphomas that expressed sufficient amounts of the specific ligands. The study sheds new light on the XLP1 immunological defect and on the cross-talk of inhibitory 2B4 with triggering NK (and T) receptors.
Assuntos
Antígenos CD/imunologia , Antígenos de Diferenciação de Linfócitos T/imunologia , Células Matadoras Naturais/imunologia , Transtornos Linfoproliferativos/imunologia , Subfamília K de Receptores Semelhantes a Lectina de Células NK/imunologia , Receptores Imunológicos/imunologia , Transdução de Sinais/imunologia , Antígenos CD/genética , Antígenos de Diferenciação de Linfócitos T/genética , Antígeno CD48 , Infecções por Vírus Epstein-Barr/genética , Infecções por Vírus Epstein-Barr/imunologia , Infecções por Vírus Epstein-Barr/patologia , Feminino , Herpesvirus Humano 4/imunologia , Humanos , Interferon gama/genética , Interferon gama/imunologia , Células Matadoras Naturais/patologia , Linfoma de Células B/genética , Linfoma de Células B/imunologia , Linfoma de Células B/patologia , Transtornos Linfoproliferativos/genética , Transtornos Linfoproliferativos/patologia , Masculino , Subfamília K de Receptores Semelhantes a Lectina de Células NK/genética , Receptores Imunológicos/genética , Transdução de Sinais/genética , Família de Moléculas de Sinalização da Ativação LinfocitáriaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening, heterogeneous, hyperinflammmatory disorder. Prompt identification of inherited forms resulting from mutation in genes involved in cellular cytotoxicity can be crucial. X-linked lymphoproliferative disease 1 (XLP1), due to mutations in SH2D1A (Xq25) encoding signaling lymphocyte activation molecule-associated protein (SAP), may present with HLH. Defective SAP induces paradoxical inhibitory function of the 2B4 coreceptor and impaired natural killer (NK) (and T) cell response against EBV-infected cells. OBJECTIVE: To characterize a cohort of patients with HLH and XLP1 for SAP expression and 2B4 function in lymphocytes, proposing a rapid diagnostic screening to direct mutation analysis. METHODS: We set up rapid assays for 2B4 function (degranulation or (51)Cr-release) to be combined with intracellular SAP expression in peripheral blood NK cells. We studied 12 patients with confirmed mutation in SH2D1A and some family members. RESULTS: The combined phenotypic/functional assays allowed efficient and complete diagnostic evaluation of all patients with XLP1, thus directing mutation analysis and treatment. Nine cases were SAP(-), 2 expressed SAP with mean relative fluorescence intensity values below the range of healthy controls (SAP(dull)), and 1, carrying the R55L mutation, was SAP(+). NK cells from all patients showed inhibitory 2B4 function and defective killing of B-EBV cells. Carriers with SH2D1A mutations abolishing SAP expression and low percentage of SAP(+) cells showed neutral 2B4 function at the polyclonal NK cell level. Three novel SH2D1A mutations have been identified. CONCLUSIONS: Study of SAP expression is specific but may have insufficient sensitivity for screening XLP1 as a single tool. Combination with 2B4 functional assay allows identification of all cases.
Assuntos
Antígenos CD/imunologia , Peptídeos e Proteínas de Sinalização Intracelular/imunologia , Linfo-Histiocitose Hemofagocítica/diagnóstico , Transtornos Linfoproliferativos/diagnóstico , Receptores Imunológicos/imunologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Humanos , Lactente , Peptídeos e Proteínas de Sinalização Intracelular/genética , Células Matadoras Naturais/imunologia , Leucócitos Mononucleares/imunologia , Linfo-Histiocitose Hemofagocítica/genética , Linfo-Histiocitose Hemofagocítica/imunologia , Transtornos Linfoproliferativos/genética , Transtornos Linfoproliferativos/imunologia , Masculino , Mutação , Proteína Associada à Molécula de Sinalização da Ativação Linfocitária , Família de Moléculas de Sinalização da Ativação Linfocitária , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL) is a life-threatening disorder of immune regulation caused by defects in lymphocyte cytotoxicity. Rapid differentiation of primary, genetic forms from secondary forms of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is crucial for treatment decisions. We prospectively evaluated the performance of degranulation assays based on surface up-regulation of CD107a on natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes in a cohort of 494 patients referred for evaluation for suspected HLH. Seventy-five of 77 patients (97%) with FHL3-5 and 11 of 13 patients (85%) with Griscelli syndrome type 2 or Chediak-Higashi syndrome had abnormal resting NK-cell degranulation. In contrast, NK-cell degranulation was normal in 14 of 16 patients (88%) with X-linked lymphoproliferative disease and in 8 of 14 patients (57%) with FHL2, who were identified by diminished intracellular SLAM-associated protein (SAP), X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), and perforin expression, respectively. Among 66 patients with a clinical diagnosis of secondary HLH, 13 of 59 (22%) had abnormal resting NK-cell degranulation, whereas 0 of 43 had abnormal degranulation using IL-2-activated NK cells. Active disease or immunosuppressive therapy did not impair the assay performance. Overall, resting NK-cell degranulation below 5% provided a 96% sensitivity for a genetic degranulation disorder and a specificity of 88%. Therefore, degranulation assays allow a rapid and reliable classification of patients, benefiting treatment decisions.
Assuntos
Degranulação Celular/fisiologia , Testes Imunológicos/métodos , Células Matadoras Naturais/fisiologia , Linfo-Histiocitose Hemofagocítica/diagnóstico , Linfócitos T Citotóxicos/fisiologia , Humanos , Linfo-Histiocitose Hemofagocítica/imunologia , Linfo-Histiocitose Hemofagocítica/metabolismo , Proteína 1 de Membrana Associada ao Lisossomo , Estudos Prospectivos , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
Natural killer (NK) cell-based adoptive immunotherapy in leukemia patients is an emerging field of interest based on clinical evidence of efficacy and safety. Elderly acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients have been successfully treated with NK cells from HLA-haploidentical donors, especially when high amounts of alloreactive NK cells were infused. The aim of this study was comparing two approaches to define the size of alloreactive NK cells in haploidentical donors for AML patients recruited in two clinical trials with the acronym "NK-AML" (NCT03955848), and "MRD-NK". The standard methodology was based on the frequency of NK cell clones capable of lysing the related patient-derived cells. The alternative approach consisted of the phenotypic identification of freshly derived NK cells expressing, as inhibitory receptors, only the inhibitory KIR(s) specific for the mismatched KIR-Ligand(s) (HLA-C1, HLA-C2, HLA-Bw4). However, in KIR2DS2+ donors and HLA-C1+ patients, the unavailability of reagents staining only the inhibitory counterpart (KIR2DL2/L3) may lead to an underestimated identification of the alloreactive NK cell subset. Conversely, in the case of HLA-C1 mismatch, the alloreactive NK cell subset could be overestimated due to the ability of KIR2DL2/L3 to recognize with low-affinity also HLA-C2. Especially in this context, the additional exclusion of LIR1-expressing cells might be relevant to refine the size of the alloreactive NK cell subset. We could also associate degranulation assays, using as effector cells IL-2 activated donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) or NK cells upon co-culture with the related patient target cells. The donor alloreactive NK cell subset always displayed the highest functional activity, confirming its identification accuracy by flow cytometry. Despite the phenotypic limitations and considering the proposed corrective actions, a good correlation was shown by the comparison of the two investigated approaches. In addition, the characterization of receptor expression on a fraction of NK cell clones revealed expected but also few unexpected patterns. Thus, in most instances, the quantification of phenotypically defined alloreactive NK cells from PBMC can provide data similar to the analysis of lytic clones, with several advantages, such as a shorter time to achieve the results and, perhaps, higher reproducibility/feasibility in many laboratories.
Assuntos
Seleção do Doador , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda , Idoso , Humanos , Leucócitos Mononucleares , Imunoterapia Adotiva , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/terapia , Células Matadoras Naturais , Células ClonaisRESUMO
Killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genes code for a family of inhibitory and activating receptors, finely tuning NK cell function. Numerous studies reported the relevance of KIR allelic polymorphism on KIR expression, ligand affinity, and strength in signal transduction. Although KIR variability, including gene copy number and allelic polymorphism, in combination with HLA class I polymorphism, impacts both KIR expression and NK cell education, only a precise phenotypic analysis can define the size of the different KIRpos NK cell subsets. In this context, reagents recognizing a limited number of KIRs is essential. In this study, we have characterized the specificity of an anti-KIR mAb termed HP-DM1. Testing its binding to HEK-293T cells transfected with plasmids coding for different KIRs, we demonstrated that HP-DM1 mAb exclusively reacts with KIR2DL1. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we identified the four amino acids relevant for HP-DM1 recognition: M44, S67, R68, and T70. HP-DM1 mAb binds to a conformational epitope including M44, the residue crucial for HLA-C K80 recognition by KIR2DL1. Based on the HP-DM1 epitope characterization, we could extend its reactivity to all KIR2DL1 allotypes identified except for KIR2DL1*022 and, most likely, KIR2DL1*020, predicting that it does not recognize any other KIR with the only exception of KIR2DS1*013. Moreover, by identifying the residues relevant for HP-DM1 binding, continuously updating of its reactivity will be facilitated.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Monoclonais , Receptores KIR , Alelos , Epitopos , Antígenos HLA-C/genética , Humanos , Células Matadoras Naturais , Receptores KIR2DL1/genéticaRESUMO
Natural killer (NK) cells represent a promising cell type in antitumor immunotherapy for efficacy and safety, particularly in the treatment of hematologic malignancies. NK cells have been shown to exert antileukemia activity in the context of haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT). Products have been developed to boost the activation of NK cells only when cross-linked by tumor cells, avoiding any off-target effect. Here, we tested the in vitro effect of different NK-cell engagers (NKCE), which trigger either NKp46 or NKp30 together with CD16A, and target either CD19 or CD20 to induce killing of pediatric B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL). Target cells were NALM-16 and MHH-CALL-4 cell lines and four primary leukemias, while effector cells were resting NK cells derived from healthy donors and pediatric patients with leukemia after αßT/B-depleted haplo-HSCT. The NK cell-resistant MHH-CALL-4 was efficiently killed using all NKCEs. Boosting of NK activity against MHH-CALL-4 was also evident by degranulation and IFNγ production. Because of the lack of CD20 and high expression of CD19 on primary BCP-ALL, we focused on NKCEs targeting CD19. NKp46- and NKp30-based NKCEs displayed similar potency at inducing NK-cell activity, even when challenged with primary BCP-ALL blasts. Their efficacy was shown also using NK cells derived from transplanted patients. NKCE-induced activation against BCP-ALL can override HLA-specific inhibitory interactions, although the strongest response was observed by the alloreactive NK-cell subset. These data support the therapeutic use of NKp46/CD16A/CD19-NKCE to fight refractory/relapsed leukemia in pretransplantation or posttransplantation settings.
Assuntos
Transplante de Células-Tronco Hematopoéticas , Leucemia-Linfoma Linfoblástico de Células Precursoras , Antígenos CD19/metabolismo , Criança , Humanos , Imunoterapia , Células Matadoras Naturais , Leucemia-Linfoma Linfoblástico de Células Precursoras/patologiaRESUMO
The phenotypic identification of different NK cell subsets allows more in-depth characterization of KIR repertoire and function, which are of potential interest in KIR and disease association studies. KIR genes are highly polymorphic, but a great homology exists among the various sequences and few monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specifically recognize a single KIR. This is the case of HP-DM1 which was demonstrated by analysis of cell transfectants and epitope mapping to be exclusively KIR2DL1-specific, covering all allotypes identified to date, except for KIR2DL1*022 and *020, and also to react with KIR2DS1*013. Here, we compared in immunofluorescence analyses the staining of HP-DM1 with other available mAbs to precisely identify KIR2DL1+ NK cells in potential donors for αßT/B-depleted haplo-HSCT, with known KIR genotype. HP-DM1 mAb was used in combination with EB6 or 11PB6 (anti-KIR2DL1/S1 and anti-KIR2DL3*005), 143211 (anti-KIR2DL1/S5), and HP-MA4 (anti-KIR2DL1/S1/S3/S5) mAbs, allowing the accurate identification of different KIR+ NK cell subsets. These phenotypic evaluations appeared useful to dissect the expression pattern of various KIR2D in NK cells from KIR2DL3*005+ individuals, particularly if KIR2DS1 is present. HP-DM1 mAb remarkably refined NK cell phenotyping of donors carrying KIR2DS5, either in the centromeric or telomeric region. Functional assays with KIR2DL1+ /S1+ /S5+ NK cells confirmed that only HP-DM1 exclusively reacts with KIR2DL1. Finally, we demonstrated that HP-DM1 mAb blocked KIR2DL1 recognition of C2+ HLA-C. Altogether, the data support that HP-DM1 is a unique reagent valuable for characterizing KIR+ NK cell subsets.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Monoclonais , Antígenos HLA-C , Alelos , Anticorpos Monoclonais/metabolismo , Genes MHC Classe I , Humanos , Células Matadoras Naturais , Receptores KIR , Receptores KIR2DL1/genéticaRESUMO
NK cells are components of the innate immunity system and play an important role as a first-line defense mechanism against viral infections and in tumor immune surveillance. Their development and their functional activities are controlled by several factors among which cytokines sharing the usage of the common cytokine-receptor gamma chain play a pivotal role. In particular, IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, and IL-21 are the members of this family predominantly involved in NK cell biology. In this paper, we will address their role in NK cell ontogeny, regulation of functional activities, development of specialized cell subsets, and acquisition of memory-like functions. Finally, the potential application of these cytokines as recombinant molecules to NK cell-based immunotherapy approaches will be discussed.
Assuntos
Imunoterapia , Subunidade gama Comum de Receptores de Interleucina/imunologia , Interleucinas/imunologia , Células Matadoras Naturais/imunologia , Neoplasias/terapia , Humanos , Imunidade Celular/imunologia , Interferon gama/imunologia , Interleucina-15/imunologia , Interleucina-2/imunologia , Interleucina-7/imunologia , Neoplasias/imunologiaRESUMO
NK cells can exert remarkable graft-versus-leukemia (GvL) effect in HLA-haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT). Here, we dissected the NK-cell repertoire of 80 pediatric acute leukemia patients previously reported to have an excellent clinical outcome after αßT/B-depleted haplo-HSCT. This graft manipulation strategy allows the co-infusion of mature immune cells, mainly NK and γδT cells, and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). To promote NK-cell based antileukemia activity, 36/80 patients were transplanted with an NK alloreactive donor, defined according to the KIR/KIR-Ligand mismatch in the graft-versus-host direction. The analysis of the reconstituted NK-cell repertoire in these patients showed relatively high proportions of mature and functional KIR+NKG2A-CD57+ NK cells, including the alloreactive NK cell subset, one month after HSCT. Thus, the NK cells adoptively transfused with the graft persist as a mature source of effector cells while new NK cells differentiate from the donor HSCs. Notably, the alloreactive NK cell subset was endowed with the highest anti-leukemia activity and its size in the reconstituted repertoire could be influenced by human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) reactivation. While the phenotypic pattern of donor NK cells did not impact on post-transplant HCMV reactivation, in the recipients, HCMV infection/reactivation fostered a more differentiated NK-cell phenotype. In this cohort, no significant correlation between differentiated NK cells and relapse-free survival was observed.
RESUMO
The Eleventh Killer Immunoglobulin-like Receptor (KIR) Workshop was held in Camogli (Genoa, Italy) in October 2018. This congress brought together 113 participants working on KIR field. Fifty-eight studies have been presented, the majority of which included unpublished data. Thus, KIR workshop, allowing the meeting of people sharing their knowledge and experience in a friendly atmosphere, still represents a special event of fruitful discussion and exchange of novel breakthrough, results, and ideas. In this report, we summarize all the scientific contributions highlighting the most recent advances in KIR field. Forty abstracts presented at the KIR Workshop are published in this issue.
Assuntos
Polimorfismo Genético , Receptores KIR/genética , Evolução Biológica , Doença/genética , Genética Populacional , Teste de Histocompatibilidade , Humanos , Ligantes , TransplanteRESUMO
This chapter will describe the current methodologies to isolate and expand NK cells from Peripheral Blood (PB) or tissues for "in vitro" studies, including NK cell antitumor immune function. In addition, methods to induce NK cell maturation, differentiation, and expansion from CD34+ precursors will also be described. Finally, it will also be treated the topical issue of the characterization of new functionally and phenotypically defined NK cell subsets.