Article
Cell Biology
Joonbeom Bae, Longchao Liu, Casey Moore, Eric Hsu, Anli Zhang, Zhenhua Ren, Zhichen Sun, Xue Wang, Jiankun Zhu, Jiao Shen, Jian Qiao, Yang-Xin Fu
Summary: This study highlights the essential role of endogenous IL-2 in immune checkpoint blockade-based immunotherapy and reveals the correlation between insufficient IL-2 signaling and T-cell exhaustion during tumor progression. The study also demonstrates that engineered mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) delivering IL-2 can overcome ICB resistance and elicit anti-tumor immunity without toxicity. Engineered MSCs rejuvenate CD8(+) tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and potentiate the effects of ICB and chemotherapy.
NATURE CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
L. Krabbendam, B. A. Heesters, C. M. A. Kradolfer, N. J. E. Haverkate, M. A. J. Becker, C. J. Buskens, W. A. Bemelman, J. H. Bernink, H. Spits
Summary: The study identifies two populations of CD127+CD94+ ILCs in the intestinal lamina propria, designated as population A and B, with population B expressing granulysin. Granulysin-expressing effector CD127+CD94+ ILCs are shown to be expanded in patients with Crohn's disease. The overlapping phenotypic markers between ILC1 and NK populations have impacted the specific analysis of these immune cell populations.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Anatomy & Morphology
Soheila Montazersaheb, Ezzatollah Fathi, Raheleh Farahzadi
Summary: NK cells, derived from common lymphoid progenitors, are innate immune cells primarily developed in the bone marrow, responding to stress signals, inflammatory cytokines, and cancerous cells through secretion of active immune mediators. The differentiation of NK cells is regulated by a set of crucial cytokines and factors.
Article
Immunology
Johanna Euchner, Jasmin Sprissler, Toni Cathomen, Daniel Fuerst, Hubert Schrezenmeier, Klaus-Michael Debatin, Klaus Schwarz, Kerstin Felgentreff
Summary: The study focused on generating CD56(+)CD16(+)CD3(-) NK lymphocytes from hiPSC, and characterized the development of NK cells by examining the surface expression of NK-lineage markers. Through hematopoietic priming, high purity CD56(bright)CD16(-) and CD56(bright)CD16(+) NK cells were efficiently differentiated. The generated NK cells exhibited functional cytotoxicity, degranulation, and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, confirming their maturity up to stage 4b.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Noella Lopes, Justine Galluso, Bertrand Escaliere, Sabrina Carpentier, Yann M. Kerdiles, Eric Vivier
Summary: NK cells and ILC1 are distinct populations of lymphocytes in peripheral tissues. This study used single-cell RNA sequencing and CITE-seq to explore the heterogeneity of NK and ILC1 between tissues. The researchers identified gene expression patterns specific to different subsets and markers to distinguish ILC1 from NK cells. This data provides valuable insights into the origin, phenotype, and biology of NK and ILC1 cells.
CELL REPORTS MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Emily Chiu, Martin Felices, Frank Cichocki, Zachary Davis, Hongbo Wang, Katie Tuninga, Daniel A. Vallera, Tom Lee, Ryan Bjordahl, Karl Johan Malmberg, Bahram Valamehr, Jeffrey S. Miller
Summary: The researchers developed an immune therapy called NKG2C-KE, which directs specific types of NK cells to attack leukemia cells. This method showed promising results in experiments and could potentially become a new treatment strategy for leukemia.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shunsuke Funakoshi, Ian Fernandes, Olya Mastikhina, Dan Wilkinson, Thinh Tran, Wahiba Dhahri, Amine Mazine, Donghe Yang, Benjamin Burnett, Jeehoon Lee, Stephanie Protze, Gary D. Bader, Sara S. Nunes, Michael Laflamme, Gordon Keller
Summary: The study established a differentiation strategy for generating structurally, metabolically, and functionally mature compact ventricular cardiomyocytes from human pluripotent stem cells. These cardiomyocytes exhibited metabolic changes indicative of heart failure when challenged with pathological stimuli.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Phatchanat Klaihmon, Xing Kang, Surapol Issaragrisil, Sudjit Luanpitpong
Summary: Natural killer (NK) cells can be rapidly activated to target tumor antigens without prior sensitization, making them a promising alternative to CAR-T cells for cellular immunotherapy. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a renewable source for clinical NK cells. In this study, a third-generation CAR targeting CD19 was successfully introduced into umbilical cord blood NK-derived iPSCs, resulting in the generation of CAR19-iNK-like cells with improved anti-tumor activity compared to wild-type (WT) iNK-like cells. This approach provides a feasible alternative source for off-the-shelf CAR-NK cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
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)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lisa Schlicher, Paulina Kulig, Audrey von Munchow, Mark J. Murphy, Marcel P. Keller
Summary: Cenerimod, a potent S1P(1) receptor modulator, effectively prevents T and B cell migration in a concentration-dependent manner. This study provides insights into the molecular role of S1P(1) receptor and the potential therapeutic application of Cenerimod in autoimmune disorders.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Allergy
Linda Quatrini, Paola Vacca, Nicola Tumino, Francesca Besi, Anna Laura Di Pace, Francesca Scordamaglia, Stefania Martini, Enrico Munari, Maria Cristina Mingari, Sophie Ugolini, Lorenzo Moretta
Summary: The induction of PD-1 expression on human NK cells in the tumor setting is dependent on the cooperative action of glucocorticoids and cytokines, leading to enhanced mRNA translation and increased PD-1 levels.
JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Kari A. Shaver, Tayler J. Croom-Perez, Alicja J. Copik
Summary: This review highlights the crucial role of NK cells in cancer immunotherapy, emphasizing their importance in priming the immune system, activating the adaptive immune response, and improving treatment success rates. However, compromised NK cell immunity in many patients reduces the likelihood of successful outcomes from immunotherapy.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Hematology
Rajesh Somasundaram, Christina T. Jensen, Johanna Tingvall-Gustafsson, Josefine Ahsberg, Kazuki Okuyama, Mahadesh Prasad, James R. Hagman, Xun Wang, Shamit Soneji, Tobias Strid, Jonas Ungerback, Mikael Sigvardsson
Summary: The study reveals that EBF1 directly regulates the Myc gene and EBF1 and PAX5 have opposing roles in regulating Myc levels. Experimental results demonstrate that EBF1 and PAX5 interact with each other in pro-B cell expansion and play important roles in regulating the MYC gene.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jacqueline Feyen, Zhen Ping, Lanpeng Chen, Claire van Dijk, Tim V. D. van Tienhoven, Paulina M. H. van Strien, Remco M. Hoogenboezem, Michiel J. W. Wevers, Mathijs A. Sanders, Ivo P. Touw, Marc H. G. P. Raaijmakers
Summary: Myeloid cells reduce the function of HSCs through interferon signaling via a neutrophil-NK cell dependent process.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Y. F. van Lier, L. Krabbendam, N. J. E. Haverkate, S. S. Zeerleder, C. E. Rutten, B. Blom, H. Spits, M. D. Hazenberg
Summary: Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are important regulators of immune response in barrier tissues, playing roles in protection against pathogens, maintaining epithelial integrity, regulating immune responses, and shaping the gut microbiota. GATA2 haploinsufficiency, a condition characterized by bone marrow failure and deficiency of certain immune cells, results in the absence of ILCs and their progenitors. However, after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, all subsets of ILCs appear, suggesting the involvement of GATA2 in the development of hematopoietic precursor cells (HPC) towards the ILC lineage.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Correction
Immunology
Nadia Caccamo, Gabriella Pietra, Lucy C. Sullivan, Andrew G. Brooks, Teresa Prezzemolo, Marco P. La Manna, Diana Di Liberto, Simone A. Joosten, Krista E. van Meijgaarden, Paola Di Carlo, Lucina Titone, Lorenzo Moretta, Maria C. Mingari, Tom H. M. Ottenhoff, Francesco Dieli
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Letter
Oncology
Nicola Tumino, Francesca Besi, Anna Laura Di Pace, Francesca Romana Mariotti, Pietro Merli, Giuseppina Li Pira, Federica Galaverna, Angela Pitisci, Tiziano Ingegnere, Andrea Pelosi, Linda Quatrini, Enrico Munari, Franco Locatelli, Lorenzo Moretta, Paola Vacca
Article
Allergy
Linda Quatrini, Paola Vacca, Nicola Tumino, Francesca Besi, Anna Laura Di Pace, Francesca Scordamaglia, Stefania Martini, Enrico Munari, Maria Cristina Mingari, Sophie Ugolini, Lorenzo Moretta
Summary: The induction of PD-1 expression on human NK cells in the tumor setting is dependent on the cooperative action of glucocorticoids and cytokines, leading to enhanced mRNA translation and increased PD-1 levels.
JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Simona Sivori, Daniela Pende, Linda Quatrini, Gabriella Pietra, Mariella Della Chiesa, Paola Vacca, Nicola Tumino, Francesca Moretta, Maria Cristina Mingari, Franco Locatelli, Lorenzo Moretta
Summary: Innate immune cells, especially NK cells, play an important role in tumor immunotherapy by controlling tumor growth and metastasis. Various approaches have been developed, such as using IL-15 to improve NK cell function and utilizing NK cell engagers to activate NK cells. Additionally, NK cells may express inhibitory checkpoints like PD-1, which can be targeted for therapeutic use against certain tumors.
MOLECULAR ASPECTS OF MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Raffaella Meazza, Michela Falco, Fabrizio Loiacono, Paolo Canevali, Mariella Della Chiesa, Alice Bertaina, Daria Pagliara, Pietro Merli, Valentina Indio, Federica Galaverna, Mattia Algeri, Francesca Moretta, Natalia Colomar-Carando, Letizia Muccio, Simona Sivori, Andrea Pession, Maria Cristina Mingari, Lorenzo Moretta, Alessandro Moretta, Franco Locatelli, Daniela Pende
Editorial Material
Oncology
Gabriella Pietra, Maria Cristina Mingari, Lorenzo Moretta
CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2020)
Review
Immunology
Linda Quatrini, Nicola Tumino, Francesca Moretta, Francesca Besi, Paola Vacca, Lorenzo Moretta
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2020)
Review
Immunology
Simona Sivori, Mariella Della Chiesa, Simona Carlomagno, Linda Quatrini, Enrico Munari, Paola Vacca, Nicola Tumino, Francesca Romana Mariotti, Maria Cristina Mingari, Daniela Pende, Lorenzo Moretta
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Oncology
Laura Damele, Adriana Amaro, Alberto Serio, Silvia Luchetti, Ulrich Pfeffer, Maria Cristina Mingari, Chiara Vitale
Summary: EZH1/2 enzymes play a critical role in tumor development and hematopoiesis, with inhibitors potentially affecting NK cell differentiation and function. Clinical trials on EZH1/2 inhibitors against solid tumors are ongoing, but these inhibitors may also impact hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells and the generation of anti-tumor lymphocytes.
Review
Immunology
Nicoletta Caronni, Elisa Montaldo, Luca Mezzanzanica, Francesco Cilenti, Marco Genua, Renato Ostuni
Summary: The development of cancer is influenced by the tumor microenvironment, and advancements in single-cell analysis technologies have helped unravel the contributions of the immune system to cancer progression. Tumor-associated macrophages and neutrophils play crucial roles in disrupting immune homeostasis and providing therapeutic opportunities for reprogramming the tumor microenvironment.
IMMUNOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Francesco Cilenti, Giulia Barbiera, Nicoletta Caronni, Dario Iodice, Elisa Montaldo, Simona Barresi, Eleonora Lusito, Vincenzo Cuzzola, Francesco Maria Vittoria, Luca Mezzanzanica, Paolo Miotto, Pietro Di Lucia, Dejan Lazarevic, Daniela Maria Cirillo, Matteo Iannacone, Marco Genua, Renato Ostuni
Summary: Tightly controlling inflammatory gene expression by antagonistic environmental signals is crucial for immune protection and tissue damage prevention. PGE(2) modulates macrophage activation and interferes with LPS-induced gene expression through targeting the MEF2A-ERK5 interaction, impacting IFN I induction.
Article
Ophthalmology
Stefano Barabino, Elisa Montaldo, Maria Cristina Mingari, Cosimo Mazzotta, Sebastiano Giuffrida, Maurizio Rolando
Summary: The study demonstrated that tapered doses of loteprednol etabonate effectively reduced dry eye symptoms and improved ocular surface inflammation, while maintaining intraocular pressure and best corrected visual acuity.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Elisa Montaldo, Eleonora Lusito, Valentina Bianchessi, Nicoletta Caronni, Serena Scala, Luca Basso-Ricci, Carla Cantaffa, Alice Masserdotti, Mattia Barilaro, Simona Barresi, Marco Genua, Francesco Maria Vittoria, Giulia Barbiera, Dejan Lazarevic, Carlo Messina, Elisabetta Xue, Sarah Marktel, Cristina Tresoldi, Raffaella Milani, Paola Ronchi, Salvatore Gattillo, Luca Santoleri, Raffaella Di Micco, Andrea Ditadi, Giulio Belfiori, Francesca Aleotti, Matteo Maria Naldini, Bernhard Gentner, Elisa Gardiman, Nicola Tamassia, Marco Antonio Cassatella, Andres Hidalgo, Immanuel Kwok, Lai Guan Ng, Stefano Crippa, Massimo Falconi, Francesca Pettinella, Patrizia Scapini, Luigi Naldini, Fabio Ciceri, Alessandro Aiuti, Renato Ostuni
Summary: Recent studies have found that human neutrophils exhibit substantial function diversity. This study performs immunophenotyping and transcriptome analysis to characterize the heterogeneity of human neutrophils under steady state and stress-induced conditions. The researchers uncover an extreme diversity of human neutrophils in vivo, reflecting the rates of cell mobilization, differentiation, and exposure to environmental signals. The findings suggest that systematic characterization of neutrophil plasticity may lead to the discovery of clinically relevant biomarkers and the development of diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
Review
Oncology
Laura Damele, Grazia Maria Spaggiari, Monica Parodi, Maria Cristina Mingari, Massimo Vitale, Chiara Vitale
Summary: NK cells have established anti-tumor activity against hematological malignancies and their role in controlling solid tumor growth and metastasis generation is supported by many studies. However, the tumor microenvironment may influence NK cell function. In this context, umbilical cord blood (UCB) is an important source of NK cells and CD34(+) HSPCs, which can generate NK cells. UCB-derived NK cells are valuable for in vitro and preclinical analyses and have been used in clinical settings against hematological malignancies. This review summarizes the characteristics of UCB-derived NK cells and the in vitro models for their expansion, highlighting their importance in cancer immunotherapy protocols.
Review
Oncology
Linda Quatrini, Francesca Romana Mariotti, Enrico Munari, Nicola Tumino, Paola Vacca, Lorenzo Moretta
