Low levels of Her2/neu expressed by Ewing's family tumor cell lines can redirect cytokine-induced killer cells.

PURPOSE: To identify novel treatments for pediatric solid tumors and/or for malignancies with low-level Her2/neu expression. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Using fluorescence-activated cell sorting and immunohistochemistry, Her2/neu expression was determined on cell lines derived vfrom Ewing's family tumors (EFT) and neuroblastoma. Sensitivity to trastuzumab treatment was investigated using an in vitro proliferation assay. Cytotoxicity against EFT cell lines was done with either freshly isolated or ex vivo activated and expanded T cells (cytokine-induced killer cells, CIK cells), with or without addition of a CD3xHer2/neu bispecific antibody. The effects of either trastuzumab, CIK cells alone, or CD3xHer2/neu bispecific antibody redirected CIK cells was determined using a SCID/hu model of EFTs and serial, noninvasive bioluminescent imaging. RESULTS: EFT cell lines express 5- to 10-fold lower levels of her2/neu than either breast (BT-474) or ovarian (SK-OV-3) cell lines. Treatment of EFT cell lines with trastuzumab did not induce growth inhibition either in vitro or in vivo. In contrast, Her2/neu could be used to redirect CIK cell to mediate cytotoxicity against EFTs both in vitro and in vivo (using two different treatment schemas). CONCLUSIONS: CD3xHer2/neu bispecific antibody and CIK cells may be a suitable approach to treat malignancies with low-level Her2/neu expression not responsive to trastuzumab.     

IL-15上调NKG2D表达对CIK细胞杀伤活性的增强效应

目的观察IL-15对细胞因子诱导的杀伤细胞( Cytokine-induced killer cells,CIK)NKG2D受体表达及其对食管癌EC9706细胞杀伤活性的影响。方法体外分离外周血单个核细胞,分为两组。对照组：干扰素-γ、白细胞介素-2、CD3单抗诱导培养CIK细胞。IL-15组：加用IL-15培养。流式细胞仪检测细胞免疫表型及CD3+细胞、CD56+细胞表面NKG2D的表达,LDH法测定第14天细胞在效靶比20∶1、30∶1时对EC9706细胞的杀伤活性;效靶比30∶1时,观察NKG2D单抗封闭细胞表面NKG2D分子后对两组细胞杀伤活性的影响。结果随着培养时间的延长,CIK群体细胞及CD56+细胞表面NKG2D表达逐渐增强,IL-15组与对照组相比差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);效靶比20∶1、30∶1时,IL-15组细胞对EC9706细胞的杀伤活性均较对照组明显增强,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05);效靶比30∶1时NKG2D单抗封闭CIK细胞表面NKG2D分子后,对照组细胞、IL-15组细胞对EC9706细胞的杀伤活性均较阻断前明显下降,差异均有统计学意义 (P＜0.05)。结论IL-15上调CIK细胞表面NKG2D分子表达,增强CIK细胞对EC9706细胞的杀伤活性,CIK细胞通过NKG2D发挥作用。     

CD3xCD19 bispecific antibodies and CD28 bivalent antibodies enhance T-cell reactivity against autologous leukemic cells in pediatric B-ALL bone marrow

Bispecific CD3xCD19 antibodies and CD28 co-stimulating antibodies were used to activate T cells in bone marrow aspirates (n = 8) of children with B cell-derived acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Bone marrow specimens were incubated for 10 days with CD3xCD19 bispecific and CD28 antibodies. Changes in the numbers of T lymphocytes and tumoral B cells as well as surface expression of T cell-activation markers were determined by flow cytometry, and cytokines (human IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-12) were measured in the cell culture supernatant. In 7 of 8 bone marrow samples, an increase in the number of CD4- and CD8-positive T lymphocytes was found, which correlated with an up-regulation of T cell-activation markers. Additionally, we demonstrated a decrease of tumoral B cells in 3 samples and enhanced cytotoxic T-cell activity against autologous malignant B cells. ELISpot analyses in an autologous Epstein-Barr virus model showed that bispecific antibodies (CD3xCD19+CD28) were more potent at generating T-cell responses against autologous and allogeneic tumoral targets than a combination of monospecific antibodies (CD3+CD28). Thus, T-cell targeting by CD3xCD19 bispecific and CD28 antibodies may be used to eliminate leukemic B cells ex vivo and reconstitute immunological control of residual malignant disease by the induction of anti-tumoral T-cell responses.     

Role of NKG2D in cytokine-induced killer cells against multiple myeloma cells

The cytokine-induced killer cells (CIK) have been reported to have potent cytotoxicity against a variety of tumor cells including multiple myleoma (MM) cells. The mechanisms that CIK cell recognizing MM cells remain unknown. Recent studies indicated that the interaction between NKG2D receptor and NKG2D ligands plays an important role in inducing cytotoxicity against various target cells by natural killer cells (NK). We suspect whether NKG2D receptor and NKG2D ligands interaction is also responsible for the killing of MM cells by CIK as the same way did NK cells. We expanded CIK cells from healthy controls with interferon (IFN)-γ, CD3 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) and interleukin-2 (IL-2), and checked expression of NK cell receptors on CIK cells by flow cytometry. About 86% bulk CIK cells expressed NKG2D receptor but not other NK receptors, such as CD158a, CD158b and NCRs. We analyzed NKG2D ligands expression in MM patients by flow cytometry, primary plasma cells from 8 out of 13 (62%) MM patients expressed different levels of ULBPs or MICA/B on the cell surface. Interestingly, when stimulated with MM cell line U266 that expressed some levels of MICA/B, only NKG2D expressing CIK cells released IFN-γ. CIK cells showed cytotoxicity against NKG2D ligands expressing U266 and primary MM cells, and the cytotoxicity was partially blocked by treating CIK with anti-NKG2D antibody. We conclude that NKG2D-NKG2D ligand interaction may be one of the mechanisms by which CIK cells kill MM cells.     

Chimeric NKG2D receptor-bearing T cells as immunotherapy for ovarian cancer

Despite advancements in the treatment of ovarian cancer, this disease continues to be a leading cause of cancer death in women. Adoptive transfer of tumor-reactive T cells is a promising antitumor therapy for many cancers. We designed a chimeric receptor linking NKG2D, a natural killer (NK) cell-activating receptor, to the CD3zeta chain of the T-cell receptor to target ovarian tumor cells. Engagement of chimeric NKG2D receptors (chNKG2D) with ligands for NKG2D, which are commonly expressed on tumor cells, leads to T-cell secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and tumor cytotoxicity. In this study, we show that >80% of primary human ovarian cancer samples expressed ligands for NKG2D on the cell surface. The tumor samples expressed MHC class I-related protein A, MICB, and UL-16 binding proteins 1 and 3. ChNKG2D-expressing T cells lysed ovarian cancer cell lines. We show that T cells from ovarian cancer patients that express chNKG2D secreted proinflammatory cytokines when cultured with autologous tumor cells. In addition, we show that chNKG2D T cells can be used therapeutically in a murine model of ovarian cancer. These data indicate that treatment with chNKG2D-expressing T cells is a potential immunotherapy for ovarian cancer.     

Cytotoxicity of Cytokine-Induced Killer Cells Coated with Bispecific Antibody Against Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells

Various types of cytokines have been used in in vitro experiments to generate cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells that are reactive to patient acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. Of these CIK cells, interleukin-2 (IL-2)-activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells, i.e., lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells, with the initial addition of the anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (T3 LAK cells), are the most potent cytotoxic lymphocytes, and have marked proliferative capacity. The cytotoxicity of such T3 LAK cells against CD13⁺ AML cells is further enhanced by the addition of anti-CD3 x anti-CD 13 bispecific antibody (BsAb) during the cytotoxicity assay. The combined use of T3 LAK cells and the BsAb can be used for ex vivo purging of CD13⁺ AML cells in autologous bone marrow transplantation. Other cytokines, such as IL-7 or IL-7 in combination with IL-2, or newly identified cytokines, will also be tested in attempts to obtain more specific and more potent effector cells. Studies of methods to increase the susceptibility of AML cells to CIK are also required.     

双特异抗体介导的CD_3AK对人小细胞肺癌细胞株的细胞毒作用

目的 :研究在双特异性抗体的介导下CD3AK细胞 (CD3单克隆性激活的杀伤细胞 )对人小细胞肺癌细胞株LTEP sm1的细胞毒作用。方法 :用51Cr Na2 CrO4 释放试验检测单抗 (2D6、UCHT1)和双特异性抗体 (WST H7)与CD3AK共同对人小细胞肺癌细胞株的杀伤活性。结果 :双特异性抗体体外能明显增强CD3AK细胞对人小细胞肺细胞株LTEP sm1的杀伤活性。结论 :与单纯CD3AK相比 ,加入双特异性抗体后的CD3AK细胞的细胞毒活性显著增强     

NKG2D 介导CIK 细胞对食管癌EC9706细胞杀伤作用的体外研究*

目的:研究细胞因子诱导的杀伤细胞（Cytokine-induced killer cells ,CIK）对食管癌EC9706细胞株的体外杀伤活性。方法:流式细胞仪检测EC9706细胞NKG2D 配体的表达;体外分离健康者外周血单个核细胞,干扰素-γ 、白细胞介素-2、CD3 单抗诱导培养,流式细胞仪检测 0、14天的细胞 CD3+CD56+、NKG2D 的表达,乳酸脱氢酶释放法测定培养14天的 CIK 细胞在效靶比 10 :1、2 0 :1、3 0 :1、4 0 :1、5 0 :1 时对EC9706细胞的杀伤活性;效靶比3 0 :1 时,观察NKG2D 单抗封闭CIK 细胞表面NKG2D 分子后对CIK细胞杀伤活性的影响。结果:EC9706细胞表达MICA、ULBP2,不表达MICB、ULBP1、ULBP3。0、14天细胞表面NKG2D 表达率分别为（26.30± 1.12）% 、（67.13± 1.34）% ,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;CD3+CD56+细胞分别为（0.68± 0.07）% ,（56.55± 2.01）% ,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;效靶比1 0 :1、2 0 :1、3 0 :1、4 0 :1、5 0 :1 时CIK 细胞对EC9706细胞的杀伤活性分别为（28.81± 0.47）% 、（37.78±0.22）%、（44.31± 1.06）%、（47.25± 0.47）%、（57.62± 0.94）%;随着效靶比增高,CIK 细胞对 EC9706细胞的杀伤活性明显增强（P<0.05）;效靶比3 0 :1 时NKG2D 单抗封闭CIK 细胞表面NKG2D 分子后,CIK 细胞对EC9706细胞的杀伤活性为（30.29± 1.45）% ,与阻断前（44.31± 1.06）% 相比差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。 结论:体外CIK 细胞培养增殖过程中,NKG2D 分子表达逐渐上调,CD3+CD56+细胞逐渐增多,CIK 细胞杀伤EC9706细胞通过NKG2D 发挥作用。      

Study on the antitumor effects of autologous and allogeneic CIK cells in patients with breast cancer

Objective This study aimed to compare the anti-tumor effects of cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells induced by autologous cytokines in patients with breast cancer and those of allogeneic CIK cells from healthy adults. Methods We used conventional methods to induce CIK cells originating from two peripheral blood mononuclear cell types (from patients with breast cancer and healthy adults). Killing activity was detected using an LDH assay, immunophenotypic changes were analyzed by flow cytometry, and the IFN-γ level of culture supernatants was detected by ELISA. Results The results showed that the proliferative capacity of the allogeneic CIK cells was significantly higher than that of the autologous CIK cells. Compared with autologous CIK cells, the allogeneic CIK cells had significantly enhanced anti-tumor activity against SKBR-3 cells (P < 0.01) and IFN-γ secretion (P < 0.05); moreover, they increased the ratio of CD3+ CD56+ cells and CD3+ CD8+ cells (P < 0.05). Conclusion Healthy adult-derived induced CIK cells exhibited a stronger anti-tumor effect than induced CIK cells derived from patients with breast cancer. The results of this study could provide experimental evidence for the clinical application of CIK cells.     

In vivo localization of a bispecific antibody which targets human T lymphocytes to lyse human colon cancer cells

A bispecific MAb was derived from the fusion of a hybridoma producing MAb CD3 with a hybridoma producing MAb L-DI (which is directed against a 41-kDa glycoprotein expressed in most gastro-intestinal and pancreatic carcinomas). Bispecific antibody molecules were isolated from parental antibody molecules by the use of hydroxylapatite-HPLC and shown to target human cytolytic T lymphocytes, irrespective of their original specificity, to specifically lyse human colon carcinoma cells. Localization studies in vivo using nude mice bearing human colon carcinoma xenografts showed significant accumulation of the HPLC-purified 125I-labelled bispecific antibodies into the tumor compared to 131I-labelled control CD3 antibody.     

Efficient inhibition of human B-cell lymphoma xenografts with an anti-CD20 x anti-CD3 bispecific diabody.

Bispecific antibodies have been exploited both as cancer immunodiagnostics and as cancer therapeutics, and have shown promise in several clinical trials in cancer imaging and therapy. A number of bispecific antibodies against B-cell markers have been shown to be effective in vitro in mediating tumor cell lysis and in vivo in inhibiting tumor growth in animal models. We have constructed a bispecific diabody from the variable genes encoding two hybridoma-derived monoclonal antibodies directed against human CD20 on B cells and CD3 on T cells. The anti-CD20 x anti-CD3 diabody was expressed in a single Escherichia coli host and purified by a one-step affinity chromatography. The bispecific diabody bound as efficiently to both CD20- and CD3-positive cells as the respective parental antibodies, and was capable of cross-linking CD20-positive tumor cells and human T lymphocytes as shown by cellular rosetting. The diabody effectively lysed human B-lymphoma cells in the presence of T-enriched human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). Further, when combined with human PBL and interleukin-2, the diabody significantly prolonged the survival of nude mice inoculated with human B-lymphoma cells. Taken together, our results suggest that an anti-CD20 x anti-CD3 diabody may have significant clinical application in the treatment of human CD20-positive B-cell malignancies.     

自体和半相合异体细胞因子诱导的杀伤细胞联合化疗治疗非小细胞肺癌的临床疗效评价

 目的　评价自体和半相合异体细胞因子诱导的杀伤（CIK）细胞联合化疗治疗非小细胞肺癌（NSCLC）的临床疗效及安全性。方法　选择42例NSCLC患者为研究对象,按照成组匹配原则将病例分为3组：自体CIK细胞联合化疗组（自体CIK组）,半相合异体CIK细胞联合化疗组（异体CIK组）,单纯化疗组。观察自体和异体CIK细胞免疫治疗的安全性,流式细胞术（FCM）分析比较各治疗组治疗前后体内T细胞亚群变化,并对3组的临床近期疗效进行比较。结果　FCM检测结果显示,自体与异体CIK组CIK细胞输注后CD+3、CD+4／CD+8比值、NK细胞（CD-3 CD+56）和CIK细胞（CD+3 CD+56）比例较治疗前明显升高,自体CIK组治疗前分别为（47.2±10.1）%、1.0±0.1、（15.1±2.7）%、（0.7±0.2）%。治疗后分别为（58.8±12.3）%、1.3±0.2、（24.6±7.1）%、（3.8±2.2）%;异体CIK组治疗前为（49.4±11.4）%、0.9±0.2、（14.8±3.2）%、（0.9±0.3）%,治疗后为（57.3±9.2）%、1.4±0.3、（25.4±6.7）%、（4.3±2.6）%,差异有统计学意义（t值分别为22、20、19,均P＜0.05）,而单纯化疗组治疗前后T细胞亚群水平未见明显改变。临床近期疗效比较结果显示,自体及异体CIK细胞治疗组客观有效率和疾病控制率（分别为35.7 %、28.6 %和64.3 %、71.4 %）均稍高于单纯化疗组（21.4 %、57.1 %）,但差异无统计学意义（χ2＝38.85、χ2＝41.24,均P＞0.05）。结论　自体或半相合异体CIK细胞免疫治疗安全性好、毒副作用低,有一定的近期疗效,可有效延缓肿瘤复发,是一种值得在临床上推广的肿瘤辅助治疗模式。     

MHC I-related chain a expression in gastric carcinoma and the efficacy of immunotherapy with cytokine-induced killer cells

Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells have shown promising activity against gastric cancer in vitro and in vivo. Previous studies showed that cell signaling through MHC I-related Chain A (MICA)-Natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) results in CIK cell activation leading to cytolytic activities against tumor cells. In this study, we investigate the MICA status in patients with gastric carcinoma, and determine the potential relationship between MICA and clinical outcome of a CIK containing therapy. Two hundred and forty-three patients with gastric cancer who had received curative D2 gastrectomy were enrolled. The MICA expression of their tumors was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. One hundred and forty-eight patients received adjuvant chemotherapy alone, and 95 patients received adjuvant chemotherapy combined with autologous CIK cell therapy. Patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy plus CIK had significantly longer DFS, 42.0 months vs. 32.0 months (P = 0.012), and OS, 45.0 months vs. 42.0 months (P = 0.039), by log-rank test. MICA high-expression, IHC scores of 5-7, was found in tumors from 89 of 243 patients (36.6%). The MICA expression was significantly correlated with the stage (P = 0.007) and there was a borderline association with histological grade (P = 0.054). In the adjuvant chemotherapy plus CIK group (n = 95), patients with high MICA expression had longer DFS, 46.0 months vs. 41.0 months (P = 0.027), and OS, 48.0 months vs. 42.0 months (P = 0.031). In the adjuvant chemotherapy alone group (n = 148), the median DFS and OS had no significant correlation with the MICA status. In a multivariate analysis stage, CIK therapy, and the interaction of MICA status and CIK therapy were independent prognostic factors for DFS and OS. Our study indicated that adjuvant chemotherapy plus CIK immunotherapy is a promising modality for treating gastric cancer patients after D2 gastrectomy. MICA status was associated with the outcome measures in CIK therapy, validation in prospective clinical trials is required to assess the value of this biomarker in the clinical decision-making process.     

肺癌患者外周血CD+8 自然杀伤T细胞表面受体NKG2D和NKG2A表达的临床意义

 【摘要】　目的　检测肺癌患者外周血CD+8 自然杀伤（NK）T细胞表面受体NKG2D和NKG2A的表达,探讨二者表达失衡与肺癌免疫逃逸的关系。方法　选择95例原发未治疗的肺癌患者,采用流式细胞术检测CD+8 NKT细胞表面受体NKG2D和NKG2A的表达,以50名健康人为对照。结果　肺癌组CD+8 NKT细胞NKG2D+表达率[（77.07±5.77）%]明显低于对照组[（84.13±4.49）%],差异有统计学意义（t＝8.14,P＜0.05）;在TNM分期中,Ⅰ～ⅢA、ⅢB、Ⅳ期患者CD+8 NKT细胞NKG2D+表达率依次为（81.07±5.02）%、（76.95±4.70）%、（72.80±5.16）%,差异有统计学意义（F＝18.74,P＜0.05）。肺癌组CD+8 NKT细胞NKG2A+表达率[（33.58±8.82）%]明显高于对照组[（25.31±8.38）%],差异有统计学意义（t＝-5.46,P＜0.05）;在TNM分期中,Ⅰ～ⅢA、ⅢB、Ⅳ期患者CD+8 NKT细胞NKG2A+的表达率依次为（25.10±6.93）%、（33.24±3.76）%、（43.64±6.10）%,差异有统计学意义（F＝75.73,P＜0.05）。结论　肺癌患者CD+8 NKT细胞表面NKG2A和NKG2D表达失衡可能抑制该细胞的杀伤功能,而这可能是肿瘤免疫逃逸的机制之一。     

CIK细胞辅助治疗Ⅲ期胃癌

目的 分析细胞因子诱导的杀伤细胞(CIK)辅助治疗Ⅲ期胃癌的临床意义.方法 对 88 例Ⅲ期胃癌根治术后行6周期化疗患者资料进行回顾性分析,其中43例患者于辅助化疗结束后接受CIK细胞治疗至少3个周期为CIK治疗组,45例患者单纯化疗为对照组.对CIK细胞治疗前后T细胞亚群检测结果进行随访观察,对2组总生存期与无瘤生存期进行比较.结果 第1次CIK细胞治疗后2周时,CD3+细胞与CD4+/CD8+ 比值显著升高,2个月时又下降到接近治疗前水平,而CIK细胞连续治疗3周期后2个月CD3+细胞与CD4+/CD8+ 比值均维持在高水平.CIK治疗组与单纯化疗组的中位生存期分别为(42.0±2.6)个月与(36.0±2.9)个月,2组中位无瘤生存期分别为(34.0±2.7)个月与(25.0±2.8)个月,2组总生存期与无瘤生存期比较差异均有统计学意义(P均<0.05).结论 采用CIK细胞辅助治疗Ⅲ期胃癌可以改善患者免疫功能,延缓肿瘤复发,延长患者生存期.     

Analysis of the Expression of Surface Receptors on NK Cells and NKG2D on Immunocytes in Peripheral Blood of Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Background: The aberrant expression of surface receptors on immunocytes may represent potential markers of tumorescape for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of representativereceptors on natural killer (NK) cells and NK group 2, member D (NKG2D) on immunocytes in the peripheral bloodof patients with NPC. Methods: Patients (n = 64) with NPC prior to initiation of treatment were defined as the studygroup. Healthy volunteers (n = 31) served as the control group. The expression of NK cells and NKT cells; the triggeringreceptors NKp30, NKp44, and NKp46 on NK cells; the activating receptor NKG2D on NK cells, CD4+ T cells, andCD8+ T cells; and the inhibitory receptors CD158b and CD159a on NK cells were analyzed by flow cytometry in thetwo groups. Results: Here, our study showed that no differences were observed in terms of the numbers of NK cells orNKT cells, or the expression of CD158b and CD159a on the surface of NK cells between the two groups. Nevertheless,the expression levels of NKp30 and NKp46 on NK cells in the NPC patients were significantly lower than in the healthyindividuals (P < 0.05). No differences existed in the expression of NKG2D on NK cells, but NKG2D on CD8+ T cellsshowed a markedly lower expression in the study group (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Our findings may reflect a possiblemechanism of immune evasion for NPC. The enhancement of immunotherapy concerning NKp30, NKp46, and NKG2Dmay be an innovative treatment strategy for patients with NPC.     

Altered CD94/NKG2A and perforin expression reduce the cytotoxic activity in malignant pleural effusions

CD94/NKG2A is an inhibitory receptor expressed by NK cells and cytotoxic lymphocytes and, upon activation by HLA-E, downregulates the cytolytic activities of these cells thus representing a tumour immune escape mechanism.This study was aimed at assessing whether cytotoxic lymphocytes (CD8+) and NK cells from malignant pleural effusions have a deregulated expression of CD94/NKG2A.The expression of membrane CD94/NKG2A and perforin was evaluated by flow-cytometry in CD8+ and NK cells from pleural effusions and autologous peripheral blood of cancer (n = 19) and congestive heart failure (CHF) (n = 11) patients. Intracellular CD94/NKG2A expression was evaluated by flow-cytometry in pleural effusion CD8+ and NK cells from cancer patients (n = 10). Cytotoxic activity against cancer cells exerted by pleural and autologous peripheral blood T lymphocytes from cancer patients was assessed by flow-cytometry assay.Pleural CD8+ from cancer patients showed a reduced expression of membrane CD94/NKG2A and perforin when compared to autologous peripheral blood and CHF pleural effusions. Reduced numbers of NK cells were present in pleural effusions from both cancer and CHF patients. Pleural NK from cancer patients showed a reduced expression of membrane CD94/NKG2A and perforin when compared to autologous peripheral blood. Pleural T lymphocytes from cancer patients exhibited a reduced cytotoxic activity against cancer cells when compared to autologous peripheral blood T lymphocytes. The intracellular expression of CD94/NKG2A in CD8+ and NK cells from cancer patients was higher than membrane expression.In conclusion, this study provides compelling evidences of new mechanisms underlying the reduced host defence against cancer within the pleural space.     

Ovarian carcinoma expresses the NKG2D ligand Letal and promotes the survival and expansion of CD28- antitumor T cells

The role of the NKG2D immunoreceptor and its ligands in antitumor immune response is incompletely understood. Here, we report that effector immune cells infiltrating ovarian carcinoma are mostly CD8+ lymphocytes lacking CD28 but expressing the NKG2D costimulatory receptor. Human ovarian carcinoma expresses the novel NKG2D ligand lymphocyte effector cell toxicity-activating ligand (Letal). Letal was found to be an independent prognosticator of improved survival in advanced ovarian cancer. Higher levels of tumor-derived Letal were associated with stronger lymphocyte infiltration. Letal exerted marked costimulatory effects and induced type-1 polarization in CD8+CD28- tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes ex vivo. Letal engagement increased the expression of the glucose transporter Glut-1, enhanced glucose up-take, and protected CD8+ lymphocytes from cisplatin-induced killing. Letal also down-regulated the expression of Fas in CD8+ cells and rendered them resistant to Fas ligand-induced apoptosis. Our results indicate that Letal promotes tumor immune surveillance by promoting the survival and intratumoral expansion of antitumor cytotoxic lymphocytes. We propose that Letal could be used for the ex vivo expansion of apoptosis-resistant tumor-reactive cytotoxic lymphocytes for adoptive transfer.     

自体CIK细胞联合同步放化疗治疗局部晚期食管癌的临床研究

目的:探讨自体CIK细胞联合同步放化疗对局部晚期食管癌患者的临床疗效,监测患者细胞免疫功能、生活质量的变化,并评价其近期疗效和毒副反应。方法:选取2011年9月至2013年12月60例局部晚期食管癌患者,分为对照组30例,采用同步放化疗治疗;试验组30例,采用同步放化疗联合CIK细胞治疗。采用流式细胞术检测患者外周血T淋巴细胞亚群水平变化。结果:治疗后组间比较,试验组患者较对照组患者细胞免疫功能显著升高,其中CD3+T淋巴细胞百分率［(73.5±5.6）% vs （64.8±5.8）%,P=0.041］和CD3+CD56+T淋巴细胞百分率［(16.1±1.6）% vs （4.2±0.8）%,P=0.011］均较对照组显著升高。试验组的DCR较对照组明显提高,差异有统计学意义（90.0% vs 63.3%,P=0.030）。试验组生存质量明显改善且毒副反应轻。结论:与单纯同步放化疗相比,自体CIK细胞联合同步放化疗可显著提高局部晚期食管癌患者T淋巴细胞免疫功能,有效控制肿瘤生长,安全可靠。     

The phenotype of ex vivo generated cytokine-induced killer cells is associated with overall survival in patients with cancer

Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells are ex vivo generated heterogeneous NK-like T lymphocytes. It is not very clear whether the phenotype of CIK cells is associated with their therapeutic efficacy to cancer patients. Thus, in this study, the association of phenotype of CIK cells and the overall survival of 121 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), 74 patients with lung cancer and 42 patients with colorectal cancer, all of whom underwent surgical resection and received autogenous CIK cell therapy, was analyzed. We found that high ratio of the CD3+CD4+ subset was associated with poorer overall survival in colorectal cancer, but not HCC or lung cancer. A high ratio of the CD3+CD8+ subset was associated with improved overall survival in all three types of cancer. A high ratio of the CD3+CD56+ NK-like subset was associated with improved overall survival in lung and colorectal cancer, but not HCC. A high ratio of the CD3-CD56+ NK subset was associated with poorer overall survival in lung and colorectal cancer, but not HCC. In conclusion, the CD3+CD8+ and CD3+CD56+ subsets, especially the CD3+CD8+ subset, may be the major phenotypes responsible for anti-tumor immunity in vivo after autogenous CIK cell therapy.