Review
Oncology
Zhengli Xu, Xiaojun Huang
Summary: Advancements in cellular immunotherapy have revolutionized the treatment of hematologic malignancies by utilizing the patient's immune system to target cancer cells. While CAR-T cell therapy has shown success in treating certain malignancies, challenges such as resistance and non-durable efficacy remain. Strategies like NK cell therapy and haploidentical allografts are being explored as complementary treatments to achieve curative effects, especially in refractory cases.
CANCER BIOLOGY & MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Marie Tourret, Nana Talvard-Balland, Marion Lambert, Ghada Ben Youssef, Mathieu F. Chevalier, Armelle Bohineust, Thomas Yvorra, Florence Morin, Saba Azarnoush, Olivier Lantz, Jean-Hugues Dalle, Sophie Caillat-Zucman
Summary: MAIT cells are semi-invariant T cells that recognize microbial antigens presented by MR1. They are predominantly found in the liver and barrier tissues, and are potent effectors of antimicrobial defense. Although they have potential therapeutic applications, it remains to be demonstrated whether they lack alloreactive potential.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Matteo Tanzi, Michela Consonni, Michela Falco, Federica Ferulli, Enrica Montini, Annamaria Pasi, Rosalia Cacciatore, Silvia Brugnatelli, Paolo Pedrazzoli, Marco Zecca, Stella Boghen, Paolo Dellabona, Giulia Casorati, Daniela Montagna
Summary: Strategies to enhance anti-tumor responses in patients with poor prognosis have been explored, with NK cells showing advantage in killing tumor cells. In vitro activation of NK cells to generate cells with memory-like properties, ensuring long-lasting function in vivo, demonstrates potential therapeutic efficacy.
Article
Oncology
Audrey Moatti, Anais Debesset, Caroline Pilon, Asma Beldi-Ferchiou, Mathieu Leclerc, Rabah Redjoul, Frederic Charlotte, Nhu Hanh To, Adeline Bak, Yazid Belkacemi, Benoit Laurent Salomon, Fadi Issa, David Michonneau, Sebastien Maury, Jose Laurent Cohen, Allan Thiolat
Summary: This study reveals the potential of targeting TNFR2 to enhance anti-tumor responses and treat relapse of blood malignancies. The researchers also found that TNFR2 is over-expressed in Tregs from healthy donors and patients with leukemia relapse or GVHD. These findings provide new perspectives for the development of immunotherapies.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Sara Alonso-Alvarez, Enrique Colado, Marco A. Moro-Garcia, Rebeca Alonso-Arias
Summary: The intricate relationship between herpesvirus and humans has evolved over millions of years, resulting in a low level of viral activity due to latency. This balance is disrupted in immunosuppressed patients, particularly those with hematologic disorders. New treatment modalities have shed light on the role of various immune cells and the impact of CMV infection in different patient groups.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Chantal Saberian, Noha Abdel-Wahab, Ala Abudayyeh, Hind Rafei, Jacinth Joseph, Gabriela Rondon, Laura Whited, Stephen Gruschkus, Faisal Fa'ak, May Daher, Cristina Knape, Houssein Safa, Mahran Shoukier, Maria E. Suarez-Almazor, Megan Marcotulli, Kaysia Ludford, Alison M. Gulbis, Marina Konopleva, Maro Ohanian, Farhad Ravandi, Guillermo Garcia-Manero, Betul Oran, Uday R. Popat, Rotesh Mehta, Amin M. Alousi, Naval Daver, Richard Champlin, Adi Diab, Gheath Al-Atrash
Summary: This study analyzed the association between GVHD prophylaxis and the frequency of GVHD in patients who received immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The results indicated that post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) was associated with a significantly reduced risk of acute GVHD in this group of patients.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Goran Micevic, Andrew Daniels, Karine Flem-Karlsen, Koonam Park, Ronan Talty, Meaghan McGeary, Haris Mirza, Holly N. Blackburn, Esen Sefik, Julie F. Cheung, Noah I. Hornick, Lilach Aizenbud, Nikhil S. Joshi, Harriet Kluger, Akiko Iwasaki, Marcus W. Bosenberg, Richard A. Flavell
Summary: This study identifies a specific immune cell population with high IL-7R expression that plays a critical role in antitumor memory and can be enhanced through epigenetics to generate powerful antitumor immune responses. These findings have significant implications for preventing melanoma recurrence and developing new treatment options.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Junfeng Chu, Fengcai Gao, Meimei Yan, Shuang Zhao, Zheng Yan, Bian Shi, Yanyan Liu
Summary: This article summarizes the recent advances and clinical applications of natural killer (NK) cell immunotherapy, focusing on the biology and function of NK cells, different types of NK cell therapy, and clinical trials and future perspectives of NK cell therapy.
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Carolyn Shembrey, Momeneh Foroutan, Frederic Hollande
Summary: The protective role of NK cell tumour immunosurveillance in CRC has been recognized, but most patients have limited intra-tumoral NK cell infiltration. To identify patients with high NK cell activity, a novel CRC-specific NK cell gene signature was derived and validated. This signature is highly specific for CRC-infiltrating NK cells and includes genes representative of NK cell maturation, activation status, and anatomical origin.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mehmet Gunduz, Pinar Ataca Atilla, Erden Atilla
Summary: NK cell-mediated adoptive immunotherapy has gained attention in hematology field due to the advancing understanding of NK cell receptor structure, biology and function. Recent technological advancements in gene editing and CARs have enabled the generation of genetically modified NK cells to enhance anti-tumor efficacy.
Review
Immunology
Cedric Hupperetz, Sangjoon Lah, Hyojin Kim, Chan Hyuk Kim
Summary: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has shown remarkable potential in treating hematological malignancies, but its application in solid tumors faces challenges such as antigen heterogeneity and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Additionally, CAR T cell therapy holds promise in infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases.
Review
Oncology
Hamid Khodayari, Saeed Khodayari, Elmira Ebrahimi, Farimah Hadjilooei, Miko Vesovic, Habibollah Mahmoodzadeh, Tomo Saric, Wilfried Stuecker, Stefaan Van Gool, Juergen Hescheler, Karim Nayernia
Summary: NK cell-based immunotherapy has become a practical therapeutic strategy for patients with advanced solid tumors, but still faces some technical limitations. Stem cell technology offers a new opportunity to generate more effective and universal sources of NK cells.
CANCER IMMUNOLOGY IMMUNOTHERAPY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Hematology
Edmund K. Waller
Summary: In this study, a novel mechanism was identified in which donor NK cells accelerate posttransplant immune reconstitution, shedding light on the importance of this process in allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xianwu Wang, Xi Luo, Yunpeng Tian, Ting Wu, Jian Weng, Zhu Li, Feng Ye, Xuefei Huang
Summary: The study demonstrates that functionalizing NK cells with cetuximab through metabolic glycoengineering enhances tumor targeting abilities and improves anticancer efficacy against KRAS mutant colon cancer cells.
ACS CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Joel G. Rurik, Haig Aghajanian, Jonathan A. Epstein
Summary: Cardiac injury remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with a lack of understanding on why the heart fails to fully recover function after acute injury and why progressive heart failure frequently ensues. Recent studies have brought to light the significant contributions of the immune system to normal cardiac function and response to injury, offering promise for new treatment avenues for cardiac disease through immune modifying therapies.
CIRCULATION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Rebecca B. Klisovic, Wing H. Leung, Wolfram Brugger, Maren Dirnberger-Hertweck, Mark Winderlich, Sumeet V. Ambarkhane, Elias J. Jabbour
Summary: The study showed that Fc-modified anti-CD19 antibody tafasitamab demonstrated clinical activity in a subset of patients with R/R B-ALL, including short-lasting complete remission and MRD-negative complete remission. Tafasitamab rapidly depleted B-cells/blasts in most patients within 1-2 weeks of treatment, with infusion-related reactions and fatigue being the most common adverse events. Further exploration of tafasitamab in chemoimmunotherapy combinations and MRD settings is warranted due to its favorable tolerability profile.
Article
Immunology
Gilbert T. Chua, Mike Yat Wah Kwan, Celine S. L. Chui, Robert David Smith, Edmund Chi-Lok Cheung, Tian Tian, Miriam T. Y. Leung, Sabrina Siu Ling Tsao, Elaine Kan, Wing Kei Carol Ng, Victor Chi Man Chan, Shuk Mui Tai, Tak Ching Yu, Kwok Piu Lee, Joshua Sung Chih Wong, Ying Kit Lin, Chi Chiu Shek, Agnes Sze Yin Leung, Chit Kwong Chow, Ka Wah Li, Johnny Ma, Wai Yuk Fung, Daniel Lee, Ming Yen Ng, Wilfred Hing Sang Wong, Hing Wai Tsang, Janette Kwok, Daniel Leung, Kin Lai Chung, Chun Bong Chow, Godfrey Chi Fung Chan, Wing Hang Leung, Kelvin Kai Wang To, Kwok Yung Yuen, Yu Lung Lau, Ian Chi Kei Wong, Patrick Ip
Summary: There is a significant increase in the risk of acute myocarditis/pericarditis following Comirnaty vaccination among Chinese male adolescents, especially after the second dose. It is recommended for Hong Kong adolescents to receive only one dose of the Comirnaty vaccine.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Chi Hang Wong, Jaime Rosa Duque, Joshua Sung Chih Wong, Chi-man Victor Chan, Cheuk San Ivan Lam, Yu Ming Fu, Kai-Ning Cheong, Gilbert T. Chua, Pamela P. Lee, Ip Patrick, Marco Hok Kung Ho, Ian Chi Kei Wong, Godfrey Chi Fung Chan, Wing Hang Leung, So Lun Lee, Kwok Piu Lee, Chi Chiu Shek, Ming Sum Rosanna Wong, Mabel Siu Chun Wong, Yu-Lung Lau, Mike Yat-wah Kwan
Summary: This study investigated pathogens, antibiotic resistance, and the change in incidence of neonatal and young infant meningitis in Hong Kong. The results showed that Group B Streptococcus and Escherichia coli were the most common bacterial pathogens, with a decrease in early-onset GBS meningitis rates attributed to universal screening and intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis. Antimicrobial-resistant bacterial strains causing meningitis require further attention in clinical and public health settings.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Wayne L. Furman, Beth McCarville, Barry L. Shulkin, Andrew Davidoff, Matthew Krasin, Chia-Wei Hsu, Haitao Pan, Jianrong Wu, Rachel Brennan, Michael W. Bishop, Sara Helmig, Elizabeth Stewart, Fariba Navid, Brandon Triplett, Victor Santana, Teresa Santiago, Jacquelyn A. Hank, Stephen D. Gillies, Alice Yu, Paul M. Sondel, Wing H. Leung, Alberto Pappo, Sara M. Federico
Summary: Combining hu14.18K322A with chemotherapy improves early response and outcomes in high-risk neuroblastoma. This treatment is well-tolerated and reduces tumor volume in most patients, leading to improved end-of-induction response rates and encouraging 3-year event-free survival.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Xiwei Wang, Yanmei Zhang, Xiaofeng Mu, Chloe Ran Tu, Yuet Chung, Sai Wah Tsao, Godfrey Chi-Fung Chan, Wing-Hang Leung, Yu-Lung Lau, Yinping Liu, Wenwei Tu
Summary: This study demonstrates that gamma delta-T cell-derived exosomes synergize with radiotherapy to control nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) by overcoming radioresistance of NPC cancer stem cells (CSCs). Additionally, gamma delta-T-Exos preserve their tumor-killing and T cell-promoting activities in the immunosuppressive NPC microenvironment.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2022)
Letter
Emergency Medicine
Kam Lun Ellis Hon, Karen Ka Yan Leung, Wun Fung Hui, Wing Lum Cheung, Wing Hang Leung
PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY CARE
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Wilson Y. K. Chan, Nelson C. N. Chan, Jason C. C. So, Pamela P. W. Lee, Daniel K. L. Cheuk, S. Y. Ha, Godfrey C. F. Chan, Wing Leung
Summary: This article reports a successful treatment of a patient with hemoglobin Hammersmith through haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Prior to the transplant, the patient was unable to receive the desired blood transfusion due to social and geographical reasons, leading to bone marrow hyperplasia and progressive splenomegaly. With a more intensive transfusion regimen and preconditioning chemotherapy, the patient underwent the transplant and achieved successful engraftment.
PEDIATRIC TRANSPLANTATION
(2022)
Article
Hematology
Michael A. Pulsipher, Kwang W. Ahn, Nancy J. Bunin, Nahal Lalefar, Eric Anderson, Allyson Flower, Mitchell S. Cairo, Julie-An Talano, Sonali Chaudhury, Carrie L. Kitko, Jamie L. Duke, Dimitrios Monos, Wing Leung, Christopher C. Dvorak, Hisham Abdel-Azim
Summary: A prospective multicenter study was conducted to evaluate the use of TCR-alpha beta/CD19-depleted haploidentical donors in hematopoietic cell transplantation for children with acute leukemia and MDS. The study showed improved outcomes in terms of disease-free survival and overall survival, especially in younger patients, those treated with reduced toxicity conditioning, and children with minimal residual disease before transplantation.
Letter
Oncology
Wilson Y. K. Chan, Pamela P. W. Lee, Daniel K. L. Cheuk, Eva W. M. Yeung, Kenneth C. W. Wong, C. K. Li, Godfrey C. F. Chan, Wing Leung
PEDIATRIC BLOOD & CANCER
(2023)
Letter
Oncology
Anthony P. Y. Liu, Grace K. S. Lam, Wilson Y. K. Chan, Terry T. W. Chow, Jeanny Cheung, Sally C. Y. Wong, Wing Leung, Pamela P. W. Lee, Frankie W. T. Cheng, Godfrey C. F. Chan
PEDIATRIC BLOOD & CANCER
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Wilson Yau Ki Chan, Alison Lap Tak Ma, Eugene Yu Hin Chan, Amanda Nim Chi Kan, Wai Fu Ng, Pamela Pui Wah Lee, Daniel Ka Leung Cheuk, Alan Kwok Shing Chiang, Wing Leung, Godfrey Chi Fung Chan
Summary: This study summarizes the demographics and outcomes of pediatric TA-TMA in Hong Kong over a two-year period. Recognizing and diagnosing TA-TMA is challenging, but early identification and prompt treatment may improve outcomes. Further prospective research is recommended to enhance the management of TA-TMA.
PEDIATRIC TRANSPLANTATION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jaime S. Rosa Duque, Xiwei Wang, Daniel Leung, Samuel M. S. Cheng, Carolyn A. Cohen, Xiaofeng Mu, Asmaa Hachim, Yanmei Zhang, Sau Man Chan, Sara Chaothai, Kelvin K. H. Kwan, Karl C. K. Chan, John K. C. Li, Leo L. H. Luk, Leo C. H. Tsang, Wilfred H. S. Wong, Cheuk Hei Cheang, Timothy K. Hung, Jennifer H. Y. Lam, Gilbert T. Chua, Winnie W. Y. Tso, Patrick Ip, Masashi Mori, Niloufar Kavian, Wing Hang Leung, Sophie Valkenburg, Malik Peiris, Wenwei Tu, Yu Lung Lau
Summary: This study compares the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of two widely available SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, BNT162b2 (an mRNA vaccine) and CoronaVac (a whole-virus inactivated vaccine), in healthy adolescents. The results show that the antibody and T cell immune responses in adolescents receiving two doses of either BNT162b2 or CoronaVac are similar to those seen in adults receiving two doses of the same vaccine. However, the immune response to a single dose of BNT162b2 in adolescents is not as robust. Additionally, CoronaVac induces a higher proportion of adolescents to have positive antibody responses compared to adults. Adverse reactions are generally mild for both vaccines, with BNT162b2 having slightly more frequent adverse reactions.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Amos H. P. Loh, Clara Angelina, Meng Kang Wong, Sheng Hui Tan, Sarvesh A. Sukhatme, Trifanny Yeo, Su Bin Lim, York Tien Lee, Shui Yen Soh, Wing Leung, Kenneth T. E. Chang, Yong Wei Chua, Syed M. F. Alkaff, Tony K. H. Lim, Chwee Teck Lim, Zhi Xiong Chen
Summary: Using a cell size-based separation method, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) in neuroblastoma patients can be enriched and their gene expression profiles may vary dynamically with different disease states during treatment.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Tianyi Wang, Yanjing Tang, Jiaoyang Cai, Xinyu Wan, Shaoyan Hu, Xiaoxi Lu, Zhiwei Xie, Xiaohong Qiao, Hui Jiang, Jingbo Shao, Fan Yang, Hong Ren, Qing Cao, Juan Qian, Jian Zhang, Kang An, Jianmin Wang, Chengjuan Luo, Huanhuan Liang, Yan Miao, Yani Ma, Xiang Wang, Lixia Ding, Lili Song, Hailong He, Wenhua Shi, Peifang Xiao, Xiaomin Yang, Jing Yang, Wenjie Li, Yiping Zhu, Ningling Wang, Longjun Gu, Qimin Chen, Jingyan Tang, Jun J. Yang, Cheng Cheng, Wing Leung, Jing Chen, Jun Lu, Benshang Li, Ching-Hon Pui
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of coadministration of CD19- and CD22-chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells in patients with refractory or relapsed B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The results showed that 99.0% of patients with refractory leukemia or hematologic relapse achieved complete remission, and all patients were negative for minimal residual disease. Consolidative transplantation and persistent B-cell aplasia at 6 months were associated with favorable outcomes. However, cytokine release syndrome and CAR T-cell neurotoxicity occurred in a minority of patients.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Xiaofeng Mu, Zheng Xiang, Yan Xu, Jing He, Jianwen Lu, Yuyuan Chen, Xiwei Wang, Chloe Ran Tu, Yanmei Zhang, Wenyue Zhang, Zhinan Yin, Wing-hang Leung, Yu-Lung Lau, Yinping Liu, Wenwei Tu
Summary: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus have an increased risk of cancer, with dysregulated glucose metabolism potentially impairing the anticancer activity of immune cells. Restoring AMPK pathway through metformin treatment may improve tumor immunosurveillance.
CELLULAR & MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
