Review
Oncology
Matthew R. Lordo, Steven D. Scoville, Akul Goel, Jianhua Yu, Aharon G. Freud, Michael A. Caligiuri, Bethany L. Mundy-Bosse
Summary: AML is an aggressive form of blood cancer with poor survival rates. Patients with AML often have defects in their immune system, particularly in NK cells. Recent studies are shedding light on the role of other ILC family members in AML, enhancing our understanding of AML treatment.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stefanie Maurer, Xiaoxuan Zhong, Betsy Deza Prada, John Mascarenhas, Lucas Ferrari de Andrade
Summary: The advancements in immunotherapy provide new hope for the treatment of AML. The development of antibodies, chimeric proteins, and immune checkpoint blockers has shown promising results in preclinical studies, and cellular therapies involving allogeneic NK cells or targeting leukemia antigens are also being explored.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Mark Gurney, Michael O'Dwyer
Summary: CAR-NK cells, as an alternative cell therapy, offer advantages such as rapid availability and potentially fewer side effects, making them particularly suitable for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Research indicates that this therapy has the potential to be a new option for AML treatment.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yu-Jun Dai, Si-Yuan He, Fang Hu, Xue-Ping Li, Jian-Ming Zhang, Si-Liang Chen, Wei-Na Zhang, Hai-Min Sun, Da-Wei Wang
Summary: The proportion of NK cells in the bone marrow could predict the prognosis of ND-AML patients, and combination of MCL1 inhibitor with NK cell-based immunotherapy could effectively improve therapeutic efficiency.
Article
Oncology
Hana Komic, Alexander Hallner, Brwa Ali Hussein, Chiara Badami, Anne Wohr, Kristoffer Hellstrand, Elin Bernson, Fredrik B. Thoren
Summary: HLA-B genotypes may have an impact on the efficacy of immunotherapy for relapse prevention in AML. HLA-B*44 is associated with worse outcomes, while other alleles of the HLA-B44 supertype are not. Furthermore, a strong interaction between KIR3DL1 and Bw4 is associated with better prognosis in AML patients.
CANCER IMMUNOLOGY IMMUNOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Brwa Ali Hussein, Alexander Hallner, Lovisa Wennstrom, Mats Brune, Anna Martner, Kristoffer Hellstrand, Elin Bernson, Fredrik B. Thoren
Summary: Natural killer cells play a vital role in the immune response against AML, with the expression of activating NK cell receptors impacting patient survival. Gene variants influencing NK cell receptor expression were found to affect clinical outcomes in AML patients undergoing immunotherapy. These results suggest that variations in genes encoding activating NK cell receptors can determine receptor expression levels and clinical outcomes in AML immunotherapy.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Naveen Premnath, Yazan F. F. Madanat
Summary: Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) has a 5-year overall survival rate of 32% from 2012 to 2018, and the number decreases significantly with age and adverse disease risk. This provides opportunities for new drug development and addresses an urgent unmet need. Researchers worldwide are focusing on developing new and existing molecule formulations and combination strategies to improve outcomes in AML patients. This review discusses promising novel agents in different stages of clinical development for AML patients.
Review
Oncology
Shayan Rahmani, Niloufar Yazdanpanah, Nima Rezaei
Summary: This article highlights the potential of NK cells for the treatment of AML and discusses the challenges associated with such therapeutic methods. The clinical application of NK cells, primarily in patients with AML, is described based on existing evidence.
CANCER IMMUNOLOGY IMMUNOTHERAPY
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Carola Riva, Chiara Vernarecci, Paola Minetto, Rayan Goda, Marco Greppi, Silvia Pesce, Maria Chies, Giada Zecchetti, Beatrice Ferro, Elena Maio, Michele Cea, Roberto Massimo Lemoli, Emanuela Marcenaro, Fabio Guolo
Summary: Despite advancements in conventional chemotherapy and targeted therapies, the survival rate for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains unsatisfactory, particularly for relapsed/refractory or elderly/unfit patients. Cellular therapy has shown promising results in other hematological malignancies but has not been approved for clinical use in AML. Cellular therapy could be a powerful alternative to stem cell transplantation for ineligible patients.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Larissa S. Carnevalli, Hormas Ghadially, Simon T. Barry
Summary: This article discusses how interactions between myeloid and NK cells shape anti-tumor responses by influencing an immunosuppressive TME, and how this may impact outcomes of treatment strategies involving drugs that target myeloid and NK cells.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Selma Z. D'Silva, Meenakshi Singh, Andrea S. Pinto
Summary: Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a complex and rapidly progressing disease with poor outcomes. Natural Killer cells have been shown to have potential against AML, but disease-associated defects can limit their effectiveness. Different NK cell therapies, such as adoptive NK cell transfer and CAR-NK cell therapy, have shown promise, but data is limited and outcomes vary. In this mini-review, the role of NK cell defects in AML progression, available therapies, and trial results are discussed.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dandan Guo, Chenxu Jin, Yaoxin Gao, Haizhen Lin, Li Zhang, Ying Zhou, Jie Yao, Yixin Duan, Yaojun Ren, Xinhui Hui, Yujia Ge, Renzheng Yang, Wenzheng Jiang
Summary: This study found that GPR116 receptor negatively regulates the function of NK cells, and downregulation of GPR116 receptor can enhance the antitumor activity of NKG2D-CAR-NK92 cells.
CELL AND BIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Silvia D'Amico, Valerio D'Alicandro, Mirco Compagnone, Patrizia Tempora, Giusy Guida, Paolo Romania, Valeria Lucarini, Ombretta Melaiu, Michela Falco, Mattia Algeri, Daniela Pende, Loredana Cifaldi, Doriana Fruci
Summary: The study found that the lack of ERAP1 leads to differential recognition of HLA-B*51:01 by NK cells, particularly affecting KIR3DL1-positive NK cells. This suggests that HLA-B*51:01/KIR3DL1 is one of the most sensitive combinations for ERAP1 inhibition, and individuals carrying HLA-B*51:01-like antigens may be candidates for immunotherapy based on pharmacological inhibition of ERAP1.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Virology
Ensie Sadat Mirsharif, Maryam Rajabnia Chenary, Mahmood Bozorgmehr, Saeed Mohammadi, Seyed Mahmoud Hashemi, Susan Kabudanian Ardestani, Mohammad-Taghi Beigmohammadi, Alireza Abdollahi, Alireza Sadeghipour, Amina Kariminia, Fatemeh Tuserkani, Tooba Ghazanfari
Summary: The aim of this study was to identify biomarker(s) to predict mortality risk in COVID-19 patients. The study found that the count of CD8+ HLA-DR+ T cells was significantly associated with disease severity and mortality in COVID-19 patients. It suggests that monitoring the levels of these cells may help identify high-risk patients.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Paolo Sportoletti, Filomena De Falco, Beatrice Del Papa, Stefano Baldoni, Valerio Guarente, Andrea Marra, Erica Dorillo, Chiara Rompietti, Francesco Maria Adamo, Loredana Ruggeri, Mauro Di Ianni, Emanuela Rosati
Summary: Key features of CLL include immune system defects and leukemic cells’ ability to evade immune defenses, leading to increased susceptibility to infections and disease progression. The role of NK cells in CLL is less understood, but evidence suggests that NK cell dysfunctions in CLL mainly depend on escape mechanisms employed by leukemic cells. NK cells, with their preserved ADCC function and reversible dysfunctions, are an attractive source for novel immunotherapeutic strategies in CLL.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Roberta Kif, Junko Johansson, Roger Olofsson Bagge, Anna Martner
Summary: The study demonstrates that the combination of melphalan-based therapy with PD-1 blockade shows significant reduction in early-stage tumor growth compared to monotherapies. The induction of PD-1 expression on CD8(+) tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes by melphalan-based therapy suggests a potential synergistic effect when combined with anti-PD-1 therapy.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Jesper Waldenstrom, Kristoffer Hellstrand, Johan Westin, Staffan Nilsson, Peer Christensen, Martti Farkkila, Kristine Morch, Nina Langeland, Gunnar Norkrans, Martin Lagging
Summary: The study indicates that patients who can produce IFN-lambda 4, along with male gender, milder steatosis, and lower viral load, have higher levels of antibodies against HCV. This suggests that IFN-lambda 4 may be associated with Th2 immune skewing and could have clinical implications beyond HCV infection.
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Andreas Tornell, Roberta Kiffin, Sara Haghighi, Natalia Mossberg, Oluf Andersen, Kristoffer Hellstrand, Anna Martner
Summary: This study found that genetic variations within the CYBA gene, which affects the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), are associated with the severity and progression of multiple sclerosis (MS). Specifically, low-ROS alleles were linked to reduced MS severity and delayed onset of secondary progressive MS (SPMS). These findings suggest that targeting the NOX2 enzyme may be a potential therapeutic strategy to delay secondary progression in MS.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Johan Ringlander, Joshua Fingal, Hanna Kann, Kasthuri Prakash, Gustaf Rydell, Maria Andersson, Anna Martner, Magnus Lindh, Peter Horal, Kristoffer Hellstrand, Michael Kann
Summary: This study utilized deep sequencing to analyze RNA mutations in early-phase SARS-CoV-2 infected patients, and found that ADAR-induced RNA editing played an important role in these mutations. A->G mutations were abundant in minor viral populations and significantly associated with low viral load. Moreover, the frequency of these mutations increased in European consensus sequences and then decreased in autumn and early winter.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Correction
Immunology
Brwa Ali Hussein, Alexander Hallner, Lovisa Wennstrom, Mats Brune, Anna Martner, Kristoffer Hellstrand, Elin Bernson, Fredrik B. Thoren
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anna Martner, Hanna Grauers Wiktorin, Andreas Tornell, Johan Ringlander, Mohammad Arabpour, Magnus Lindh, Martin Lagging, Staffan Nilsson, Kristoffer Hellstrand
Summary: This study identified two phases of T cell reactivity in COVID-19 patients: an early transient response and a durable cell memory.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Mohammad Arabpour, Sanchari Paul, Hanna Grauers Wiktorin, Mustafa Kaya, Roberta Kiffin, Nils Lycke, Kristoffer Hellstrand, Anna Martner
Summary: In this study, recombinant fusion cancer vaccines were developed to deliver tumor antigen and adjuvant to CD103(+) migratory cDC1. The CTA1-I/II-aCD103 vaccine demonstrated the most efficacy in inducing strong tumor antigen-specific CD8(+) T cell responses and Th17-polarized CD4(+) T cell responses. The vaccine exhibited antigen-specific and long-lasting anti-tumor effects, effectively controlling tumor growth and metastasis.
Article
Oncology
Hana Komic, Alexander Hallner, Brwa Ali Hussein, Chiara Badami, Anne Wohr, Kristoffer Hellstrand, Elin Bernson, Fredrik B. Thoren
Summary: HLA-B genotypes may have an impact on the efficacy of immunotherapy for relapse prevention in AML. HLA-B*44 is associated with worse outcomes, while other alleles of the HLA-B44 supertype are not. Furthermore, a strong interaction between KIR3DL1 and Bw4 is associated with better prognosis in AML patients.
CANCER IMMUNOLOGY IMMUNOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Samer Al-Dury, Jesper Waldenstrom, Johan Ringlander, Sigrun Einarsdottir, Markus Andersson, Hevar Hamah Saed, Johan Waern, Anna Martner, Kristoffer Hellstrand, Martin Lagging
Summary: This study investigated the impact of repeated vaccination and hybrid immunity on antibody levels in immunosuppressed patients. The results showed that immunosuppressed patients achieved antibody levels comparable to controls after receiving three doses of the vaccine. Hybrid immunity resulted in approximately 10-fold higher antibody levels than vaccine-induced immunity alone in all study cohorts.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Brwa Ali Hussein, Linnea Kristenson, Silvia Pesce, Anne Wohr, Yarong Tian, Alexander Hallner, Mats Brune, Kristoffer Hellstrand, Ka-Wei Tang, Elin Bernson, Fredrik B. Thoren
Summary: This study found that the NKG2A gene variant is associated with enhanced NK cell effector function and improved outcome of IL-2-based immunotherapy in AML.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Elin Bernson, Oisin Huhn, Veronika Karlsson, Delia Hawkes, Maria Lycke, Valentina Cazzetta, Joanna Mikulak, James Hall, Anna M. Piskorz, Rosalba Portuesi, Domenico Vitobello, Barbara Fiamengo, Gabriele Siesto, Amir Horowitz, Hormas Ghadially, Domenico Mavilio, James D. Brenton, Karin Sundfeldt, Francesco Colucci
Summary: Ovarian cancer, the deadliest among gynecological cancers, requires new treatment options. Immunotherapy shows great potential but has not yet been successful for most ovarian cancer patients. By studying lymphocytes in high-grade serous ovarian cancer patients, we found the presence of natural killer cells and T cells in primary tumors and ascites. These cells express tissue-resident markers and the inhibitory receptor, NKG2A, and can kill ovarian cancer cells. In summary, we report a functional subset of lymphocytes that may be targeted in future immunotherapeutic approaches.
Article
Hematology
Sigrun Einarsdottir, Anna Martner, Jesper Waldenstrom, Malin Nicklasson, Johan Ringlander, Mohammad Arabpour, Andreas Tornell, Hanna Grauers Wiktorin, Staffan Nilsson, Rudy Bittar, Malin Nilsson, Mikael Lisak, Malin Veje, Vanda Friman, Samer Al-Dury, Tomas Bergstrom, Per Ljungman, Mats Brune, Kristoffer Hellstrand, Martin Lagging
Summary: The study analyzed the immune response of allo-HSCT recipients to COVID-19 vaccines and found that some patients lacked specific T-cell immunity after vaccination, which may result in insufficient immune response.