InVivoPlus anti-mouse NK1.1

Catalog #BP0036
Product Citations:
27
Clone:
PK136
Reactivities:
Mouse

$781.00 - $5,568.00

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Product Details

The PK136 monoclonal antibody reacts with mouse NK1.1 also known as CD161b/CD161c, KLRB1, NKR-P1A and Ly-55. NK1.1 is a type II integral membrane glycoprotein with a C-type lectin domain and is encoded by the Klrb1c/NKR-P1C gene. NK1.1 plays roles in NK cell activation and differentiation, IFN-Ī³ production, cytotoxic granule release, and is thought to be involved in the generation of Th2 cells. NK1.1 is predominantly expressed as a disulfide-linked homodimer on NK cells however, it is also expressed on NK-T cells, a rare population of T lymphocytes. NK 1.1 is only expressed by C57BL/6, FVB/N, and NZB strains of mice and not AKR, BALB/c, CBA/J, C3H, DBA/1, DBA/2, NOD, SJL, and 129 strains.

Specifications

Isotype Mouse IgG2a,Ā Īŗ
Recommended Isotype Control(s) InVivoPlus mouse IgG2a isotype control, unknown specificity
Recommended Dilution Buffer InVivoPure pH 7.0 Dilution Buffer
Conjugation This product is unconjugated. Conjugation is available via our Antibody Conjugation Services.
Immunogen Mouse spleen and bone marrow cells enriched for NK1+ cells
Reported Applications in vivo NK cell depletion
Flow cytometry
Formulation PBS, pH 7.0
Contains no stabilizers or preservatives
Endotoxin* <1EU/mg (<0.001EU/Ī¼g)
Determined by LAL gel clotting assay
Aggregation* <5%
Determined by DLS
Purity >95%
Determined by SDS-PAGE
Sterility 0.2 Āµm filtration
Production Purified from cell culture supernatant in an animal-free facility
Purification Protein A
RRID AB_1107737
Molecular Weight 150 kDa
Murine Pathogen Tests* Ectromelia/Mousepox Virus: Negative
Hantavirus: Negative
K Virus: Negative
Lactate Dehydrogenase-Elevating Virus: Negative
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis virus: Negative
Mouse Adenovirus: Negative
Mouse Cytomegalovirus: Negative
Mouse Hepatitis Virus: Negative
Mouse Minute Virus: Negative
Mouse Norovirus: Negative
Mouse Parvovirus: Negative
Mouse Rotavirus: Negative
Mycoplasma Pulmonis: Negative
Pneumonia Virus of Mice: Negative
Polyoma Virus: Negative
Reovirus Screen: Negative
Sendai Virus: Negative
Theilerā€™s Murine Encephalomyelitis: Negative
Storage The antibody solution should be stored at the stock concentration at 4Ā°C. Do not freeze.
* Additional quality control measures for our InVivoPlusā„¢ products include advanced binding validation, murine pathogen screening, protein aggregation screening, and ultra-low endotoxin levels. The superior quality of our InVivoPlusā„¢ products will meet and exceed the strict demands and rigorous standards required for in vivo research. Learn more about the InVivoPlusā„¢ difference here.

Additional Formats

in vivo NK cell depletion
Glasner, A., et al. (2018). "NKp46 Receptor-Mediated Interferon-gamma Production by Natural Killer Cells Increases Fibronectin 1 to Alter Tumor Architecture and Control Metastasis" Immunity 48(1): 107-119 e104. PubMed

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells, and their presence within human tumors correlates with better prognosis. However, the mechanisms by which NK cells control tumors in vivo are unclear. Here, we used reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) imaging in humans and in mice to visualize tumor architecture in vivo. We demonstrated that signaling via the NK cell receptor NKp46 (human) and Ncr1 (mouse) induced interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) secretion from intratumoral NK cells. NKp46- and Ncr1-mediated IFN-gamma production led to the increased expression of the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin 1 (FN1) in the tumors, which altered primary tumor architecture and resulted in decreased metastases formation. Injection of IFN-gamma into tumor-bearing mice or transgenic overexpression of Ncr1 in NK cells in mice resulted in decreased metastasis formation. Thus, we have defined a mechanism of NK cell-mediated control of metastases in vivo that may help develop NK cell-dependent cancer therapies.

in vivo NK cell depletion
Burrack, K. S., et al. (2018). "Interleukin-15 Complex Treatment Protects Mice from Cerebral Malaria by Inducing Interleukin-10-Producing Natural Killer Cells" Immunity 48(4): 760-772 e764. PubMed

Cerebral malaria is a deadly complication of Plasmodium infection and involves blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption following infiltration of white blood cells. During experimental cerebral malaria (ECM), mice inoculated with Plasmodium berghei ANKA-infected red blood cells develop a fatal CM-like disease caused by CD8(+) T cell-mediated pathology. We found that treatment with interleukin-15 complex (IL-15C) prevented ECM, whereas IL-2C treatment had no effect. IL-15C-expanded natural killer (NK) cells were necessary and sufficient for protection against ECM. IL-15C treatment also decreased CD8(+) T cell activation in the brain and prevented BBB breakdown without influencing parasite load. IL-15C induced NK cells to express IL-10, which was required for IL-15C-mediated protection against ECM. Finally, we show that ALT-803, a modified human IL-15C, mediates similar induction of IL-10 in NK cells and protection against ECM. These data identify a regulatory role for cytokine-stimulated NK cells in the prevention of a pathogenic immune response.

in vivo NK cell depletion
Moynihan, K. D., et al. (2016). "Eradication of large established tumors in mice by combination immunotherapy that engages innate and adaptive immune responses" Nat Med. doi : 10.1038/nm.4200. PubMed

Checkpoint blockade with antibodies specific for cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein (CTLA)-4 or programmed cell death 1 (PDCD1; also known as PD-1) elicits durable tumor regression in metastatic cancer, but these dramatic responses are confined to a minority of patients. This suboptimal outcome is probably due in part to the complex network of immunosuppressive pathways present in advanced tumors, which are unlikely to be overcome by intervention at a single signaling checkpoint. Here we describe a combination immunotherapy that recruits a variety of innate and adaptive immune cells to eliminate large tumor burdens in syngeneic tumor models and a genetically engineered mouse model of melanoma; to our knowledge tumors of this size have not previously been curable by treatments relying on endogenous immunity. Maximal antitumor efficacy required four components: a tumor-antigen-targeting antibody, a recombinant interleukin-2 with an extended half-life, anti-PD-1 and a powerful T cell vaccine. Depletion experiments revealed that CD8+ T cells, cross-presenting dendritic cells and several other innate immune cell subsets were required for tumor regression. Effective treatment induced infiltration of immune cells and production of inflammatory cytokines in the tumor, enhanced antibody-mediated tumor antigen uptake and promoted antigen spreading. These results demonstrate the capacity of an elicited endogenous immune response to destroy large, established tumors and elucidate essential characteristics of combination immunotherapies that are capable of curing a majority of tumors in experimental settings typically viewed as intractable.

in vivo NK cell depletion, Flow Cytometry
Ludigs, K., et al. (2016). "NLRC5 shields T lymphocytes from NK-cell-mediated elimination under inflammatory conditions" Nat Commun 7: 10554. PubMed

NLRC5 is a transcriptional regulator of MHC class I (MHCI), which maintains high MHCI expression particularly in T cells. Recent evidence highlights an important NK-T-cell crosstalk, raising the question on whether NLRC5 specifically modulates this interaction. Here we show that NK cells from Nlrc5-deficient mice exhibit moderate alterations in inhibitory receptor expression and responsiveness. Interestingly, NLRC5 expression in T cells is required to protect them from NK-cell-mediated elimination upon inflammation. Using T-cell-specific Nlrc5-deficient mice, we show that NK cells surprisingly break tolerance even towards ā€˜selfā€™ Nlrc5-deficient T cells under inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, during chronic LCMV infection, the total CD8(+) T-cell population is severely decreased in these mice, a phenotype reverted by NK-cell depletion. These findings strongly suggest that endogenous T cells with low MHCI expression become NK-cell targets, having thus important implications for T-cell responses in naturally or therapeutically induced inflammatory conditions.

in vivo NK cell depletion
Ghasemi, R., et al. (2016). "Selective targeting of IL-2 to NKG2D bearing cells for improved immunotherapy" Nat Commun 7: 12878. PubMed

Despite over 20 years of clinical use, IL-2 has not fulfilled expectations as a safe and effective form of tumour immunotherapy. Expression of the high affinity IL-2Ralpha chain on regulatory T cells mitigates the anti-tumour immune response and its expression on vascular endothelium is responsible for life threatening complications such as diffuse capillary leak and pulmonary oedema. Here we describe the development of a recombinant fusion protein comprised of a cowpox virus encoded NKG2D binding protein (OMCP) and a mutated form of IL-2 with poor affinity for IL-2Ralpha. This fusion protein (OMCP-mutIL-2) potently and selectively activates IL-2 signalling only on NKG2D-bearing cells, such as natural killer (NK) cells, without broadly activating IL-2Ralpha-bearing cells. OMCP-mutIL-2 provides superior tumour control in several mouse models of malignancy and is not limited by mouse strain-specific variability of NK function. In addition, OMCP-mutIL-2 lacks the toxicity and vascular complications associated with parental wild-type IL-2.

in vivo NK cell depletion, Flow Cytometry
Maltez, V. I., et al. (2015). "Inflammasomes Coordinate Pyroptosis and Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxicity to Clear Infection by a Ubiquitous Environmental Bacterium" Immunity 43(5): 987-997. PubMed

Defective neutrophils in patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) cause susceptibility to extracellular and intracellular infections. Microbes must first be ejected from intracellular niches to expose them to neutrophil attack, so we hypothesized that inflammasomes detect certain CGD pathogens upstream of neutrophil killing. Here, we identified one such ubiquitous environmental bacterium, Chromobacterium violaceum, whose extreme virulence was fully counteracted by the NLRC4 inflammasome. Caspase-1 protected via two parallel pathways that eliminated intracellular replication niches. Pyroptosis was the primary bacterial clearance mechanism in the spleen, but both pyroptosis and interleukin-18 (IL-18)-driven natural killer (NK) cell responses were required for liver defense. NK cells cleared hepatocyte replication niches via perforin-dependent cytotoxicity, whereas interferon-gamma was not required. These insights suggested a therapeutic approach: exogenous IL-18 restored perforin-dependent cytotoxicity during infection by the inflammasome-evasive bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. Therefore, inflammasomes can trigger complementary programmed cell death mechanisms, directing sterilizing immunity against intracellular bacterial pathogens.

in vivo NK cell depletion, Flow Cytometry
Wensveen, F. M., et al. (2015). "NK cells link obesity-induced adipose stress to inflammation and insulin resistance" Nat Immunol 16(4): 376-385. PubMed

An important cause of obesity-induced insulin resistance is chronic systemic inflammation originating in visceral adipose tissue (VAT). VAT inflammation is associated with the accumulation of proinflammatory macrophages in adipose tissue, but the immunological signals that trigger their accumulation remain unknown. We found that a phenotypically distinct population of tissue-resident natural killer (NK) cells represented a crucial link between obesity-induced adipose stress and VAT inflammation. Obesity drove the upregulation of ligands of the NK cell-activating receptor NCR1 on adipocytes; this stimulated NK cell proliferation and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production, which in turn triggered the differentiation of proinflammatory macrophages and promoted insulin resistance. Deficiency of NK cells, NCR1 or IFN-gamma prevented the accumulation of proinflammatory macrophages in VAT and greatly ameliorated insulin sensitivity. Thus NK cells are key regulators of macrophage polarization and insulin resistance in response to obesity-induced adipocyte stress.

in vivo NK cell depletion
Yamada, D. H., et al. (2015). "Suppression of Fcgamma-receptor-mediated antibody effector function during persistent viral infection" Immunity 42(2): 379-390. PubMed

Understanding how viruses subvert host immunity and persist is essential for developing strategies to eliminate infection. T cell exhaustion during chronic viral infection is well described, but effects on antibody-mediated effector activity are unclear. Herein, we show that increased amounts of immune complexes generated in mice persistently infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) suppressed multiple Fcgamma-receptor (FcgammaR) functions. The high amounts of immune complexes suppressed antibody-mediated cell depletion, therapeutic antibody-killing of LCMV infected cells and human CD20-expressing tumors, as well as reduced immune complex-mediated cross-presentation to T cells. Suppression of FcgammaR activity was not due to inhibitory FcgammaRs or high concentrations of free antibody, and proper FcgammaR functions were restored when persistently infected mice specifically lacked immune complexes. Thus, we identify a mechanism of immunosuppression during viral persistence with implications for understanding effective antibody activity aimed at pathogen control.

in vivo NK cell depletion
Mitchell, D. A., et al. (2015). "Tetanus toxoid and CCL3 improve dendritic cell vaccines in mice and glioblastoma patients" Nature 519(7543): 366-369. PubMed

After stimulation, dendritic cells (DCs) mature and migrate to draining lymph nodes to induce immune responses. As such, autologous DCs generated ex vivo have been pulsed with tumour antigens and injected back into patients as immunotherapy. While DC vaccines have shown limited promise in the treatment of patients with advanced cancers including glioblastoma, the factors dictating DC vaccine efficacy remain poorly understood. Here we show that pre-conditioning the vaccine site with a potent recall antigen such as tetanus/diphtheria (Td) toxoid can significantly improve the lymph node homing and efficacy of tumour-antigen-specific DCs. To assess the effect of vaccine site pre-conditioning in humans, we randomized patients with glioblastoma to pre-conditioning with either mature DCs or Td unilaterally before bilateral vaccination with DCs pulsed with Cytomegalovirus phosphoprotein 65 (pp65) RNA. We and other laboratories have shown that pp65 is expressed in more than 90% of glioblastoma specimens but not in surrounding normal brain, providing an unparalleled opportunity to subvert this viral protein as a tumour-specific target. Patients given Td had enhanced DC migration bilaterally and significantly improved survival. In mice, Td pre-conditioning also enhanced bilateral DC migration and suppressed tumour growth in a manner dependent on the chemokine CCL3. Our clinical studies and corroborating investigations in mice suggest that pre-conditioning with a potent recall antigen may represent a viable strategy to improve anti-tumour immunotherapy.

in vivo NK cell depletion, Flow Cytometry
Walsh, K. B., et al. (2014). "Animal model of respiratory syncytial virus: CD8+ T cells cause a cytokine storm that is chemically tractable by sphingosine-1-phosphate 1 receptor agonist therapy" J Virol 88(11): 6281-6293. PubMed

The cytokine storm is an intensified, dysregulated, tissue-injurious inflammatory response driven by cytokine and immune cell components. The cytokine storm during influenza virus infection, whereby the amplified innate immune response is primarily responsible for pulmonary damage, has been well characterized. Now we describe a novel event where virus-specific T cells induce a cytokine storm. The paramyxovirus pneumonia virus of mice (PVM) is a model of human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV). Unexpectedly, when C57BL/6 mice were infected with PVM, the innate inflammatory response was undetectable until day 5 postinfection, at which time CD8(+) T cells infiltrated into the lung, initiating a cytokine storm by their production of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). Administration of an immunomodulatory sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor 1 (S1P1R) agonist significantly inhibited PVM-elicited cytokine storm by blunting the PVM-specific CD8(+) T cell response, resulting in diminished pulmonary disease and enhanced survival. IMPORTANCE: A dysregulated overly exuberant immune response, termed a ā€œcytokine storm,ā€ accompanies virus-induced acute respiratory diseases (VARV), is primarily responsible for the accompanying high morbidity and mortality, and can be controlled therapeutically in influenza virus infection of mice and ferrets by administration of sphingosine-1-phosphate 1 receptor (S1P1R) agonists. Here, two novel findings are recorded. First, in contrast to influenza infection, where the cytokine storm is initiated early by the innate immune system, for pneumonia virus of mice (PVM), a model of RSV, the cytokine storm is initiated late in infection by the adaptive immune response: specifically, by virus-specific CD8 T cells via their release of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha. Blockading these cytokines with neutralizing antibodies blunts the cytokine storm and protects the host. Second, PVM infection is controlled by administration of an S1P1R agonist.

in vivo NK cell depletion, Flow Cytometry
Uddin, M. N., et al. (2014). "TNF-alpha-dependent hematopoiesis following Bcl11b deletion in T cells restricts metastatic melanoma" J Immunol 192(4): 1946-1953. PubMed

Using several tumor models, we demonstrate that mice deficient in Bcl11b in T cells, although having reduced numbers of T cells in the peripheral lymphoid organs, developed significantly less tumors compared with wild-type mice. Bcl11b(-/-) CD4(+) T cells, with elevated TNF-alpha levels, but not the Bcl11b(-/-) CD8(+) T cells, were required for the reduced tumor burden, as were NK1.1(+) cells, found in increased numbers in Bcl11b(F/F)/CD4-Cre mice. Among NK1.1(+) cells, the NK cell population was predominant in number and was the only population displaying elevated granzyme B levels and increased degranulation, although not increased proliferation. Although the number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells was increased in the lungs with metastatic tumors of Bcl11b(F/F)/CD4-Cre mice, their arginase-1 levels were severely reduced. The increase in NK cell and myeloid-derived suppressor cell numbers was associated with increased bone marrow and splenic hematopoiesis. Finally, the reduced tumor burden, increased numbers of NK cells in the lung, and increased hematopoiesis in Bcl11b(F/F)/CD4-Cre mice were all dependent on TNF-alpha. Moreover, TNF-alpha treatment of wild-type mice also reduced the tumor burden and increased hematopoiesis and the numbers and activity of NK cells in the lung. In vitro treatment with TNF-alpha of lineage-negative hematopoietic progenitors increased NK and myeloid differentiation, further supporting a role of TNF-alpha in promoting hematopoiesis. These studies reveal a novel role for TNF-alpha in the antitumor immune response, specifically in stimulating hematopoiesis and increasing the numbers and activity of NK cells.

in vivo NK cell depletion
Guo, Z., et al. (2014). "PD-1 blockade and OX40 triggering synergistically protects against tumor growth in a murine model of ovarian cancer" PLoS One 9(2): e89350. PubMed

The co-inhibitory receptor Programmed Death-1 (PD-1) curtails immune responses and prevent autoimmunity, however, tumors exploit this pathway to escape from immune destruction. The co-stimulatory receptor OX40 is upregulated on T cells following activation and increases their clonal expansion, survival and cytokine production when engaged. Although antagonistic anti-PD-1 or agonistic anti-OX40 antibodies can promote the rejection of several murine tumors, some poorly immunogenic tumors were refractory to this treatment. In the present study, we evaluated the antitumor effects and mechanisms of combinatorial PD-1 blockade and OX40 triggering in a murine ID8 ovarian cancer model. Although individual anti-PD-1 or OX40 mAb treatment was ineffective in tumor protection against 10-day established ID8 tumor, combined anti-PD-1/OX40 mAb treatment markedly inhibited tumor outgrowth with 60% of mice tumor free 90 days after tumor inoculation. Tumor protection was associated with a systemic immune response with memory and antigen specificity and required CD4(+) cells and CD8(+) T cells. The anti-PD-1/OX40 mAb treatment increased CD4(+) and CD8(+) cells and decreased immunosuppressive CD4(+)FoxP3(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells and CD11b(+)Gr-1(+) myeloid suppressor cells (MDSC), giving rise to significantly higher ratios of both effector CD4(+) and CD8(+) cells to Treg and MDSC in peritoneal cavity; Quantitative RT-PCR data further demonstrated the induction of a local immunostimulatory milieu by anti-PD-1/OX40 mAb treatment. The splenic CD8(+) T cells from combined mAb treated mice produced high levels of IFN-gamma upon tumor antigen stimulation and exhibited antigen-specific cytolytic activity. To our knowledge, this is the first study testing the antitumor effects of combined anti-PD-1/OX40 mAb in a murine ovarian cancer model, and our results provide a rationale for clinical trials evaluating ovarian cancer immunotherapy using this combination of mAb.

in vivo NK cell depletion
Hervieu, A., et al. (2013). "Dacarbazine-mediated upregulation of NKG2D ligands on tumor cells activates NK and CD8 T cells and restrains melanoma growth" J Invest Dermatol 133(2): 499-508. PubMed

Dacarbazine (DTIC) is a cytotoxic drug widely used for melanoma treatment. However, the putative contribution of anticancer immune responses in the efficacy of DTIC has not been evaluated. By testing how DTIC affects host immune responses to cancer in a mouse model of melanoma, we unexpectedly found that both natural killer (NK) and CD8(+) T cells were indispensable for DTIC therapeutic effect. Although DTIC did not directly affect immune cells, it triggered the upregulation of NKG2D ligands on tumor cells, leading to NK cell activation and IFNgamma secretion in mice and humans. NK cell-derived IFNgamma subsequently favored upregulation of major histocompatibility complex class I molecules on tumor cells, rendering them sensitive to cytotoxic CD8(+) T cells. Accordingly, DTIC markedly enhanced cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 inhibition efficacy in vivo in an NK-dependent manner. These results underscore the immunogenic properties of DTIC and provide a rationale to combine DTIC with immunotherapeutic agents that relieve immunosuppression in vivo.

in vivo NK cell depletion
Dai, M., et al. (2013). "Long-lasting complete regression of established mouse tumors by counteracting Th2 inflammation" J Immunother 36(4): 248-257. PubMed

40% of mice with SW1 tumors remained healthy >150 days after last treatment and are probably cured. Therapeutic efficacy was associated with a systemic immune response with memory and antigen specificity, required CD4 cells and involved CD8 cells and NK cells to a less extent. The 3 mAb combination significantly decreased CD19 cells at tumor sites, increased IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha producing CD4 and CD8 T cells and mature CD86 dendritic cells (DC), and it increased the ratios of effector CD4 and CD8 T cells to CD4Foxp3 regulatory T (Treg) cells and to CD11bGr-1 myeloid suppressor cells (MDSC). This is consistent with shifting the tumor microenvironment from an immunosuppressive Th2 to an immunostimulatory Th1 type and is further supported by PCR data. Adding an anti-CD19 mAb to the 3 mAb combination in the SW1 model further increased therapeutic efficacy. Data from ongoing experiments show that intratumoral injection of a combination of mAbs to CD137PD-1CTLA4CD19 can induce complete regression and dramatically prolong survival also in the TC1 carcinoma and B16 melanoma models, suggesting that the approach has general validity.ā€}ā€ data-sheets-userformat=ā€{ā€œ2ā€³:14851,ā€3ā€:{ā€œ1ā€³:0},ā€4ā€:{ā€œ1ā€³:2,ā€2ā€³:16777215},ā€12ā€³:0,ā€14ā€:{ā€œ1ā€³:2,ā€2ā€³:1521491},ā€15ā€³:ā€Roboto, sans-serifā€,ā€16ā€³:12}ā€>Mice with intraperitoneal ID8 ovarian carcinoma or subcutaneous SW1 melanoma were injected with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to CD137PD-1CTLA4 7-15 days after tumor initiation. Survival of mice with ID8 tumors tripled and >40% of mice with SW1 tumors remained healthy >150 days after last treatment and are probably cured. Therapeutic efficacy was associated with a systemic immune response with memory and antigen specificity, required CD4 cells and involved CD8 cells and NK cells to a less extent. The 3 mAb combination significantly decreased CD19 cells at tumor sites, increased IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha producing CD4 and CD8 T cells and mature CD86 dendritic cells (DC), and it increased the ratios of effector CD4 and CD8 T cells to CD4Foxp3 regulatory T (Treg) cells and to CD11bGr-1 myeloid suppressor cells (MDSC). This is consistent with shifting the tumor microenvironment from an immunosuppressive Th2 to an immunostimulatory Th1 type and is further supported by PCR data. Adding an anti-CD19 mAb to the 3 mAb combination in the SW1 model further increased therapeutic efficacy. Data from ongoing experiments show that intratumoral injection of a combination of mAbs to CD137PD-1CTLA4CD19 can induce complete regression and dramatically prolong survival also in the TC1 carcinoma and B16 melanoma models, suggesting that the approach has general validity.

in vivo NK cell depletion
Richter, K., et al. (2013). "Macrophage and T cell produced IL-10 promotes viral chronicity" PLoS Pathog 9(11): e1003735. PubMed

Chronic viral infections lead to CD8(+) T cell exhaustion, characterized by impaired cytokine secretion. Presence of the immune-regulatory cytokine IL-10 promotes chronicity of Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV) Clone 13 infection, while absence of IL-10/IL-10R signaling early during infection results in viral clearance and higher percentages and numbers of antiviral, cytokine producing T cells. IL-10 is produced by several cell types during LCMV infection but it is currently unclear which cellular sources are responsible for induction of viral chronicity. Here, we demonstrate that although dendritic cells produce IL-10 and overall IL-10 mRNA levels decrease significantly in absence of CD11c(+) cells, absence of IL-10 produced by CD11c(+) cells failed to improve the LCMV-specific T cell response and control of LCMV infection. Similarly, NK cell specific IL-10 deficiency had no positive impact on the LCMV-specific T cell response or viral control, even though high percentages of NK cells produced IL-10 at early time points after infection. Interestingly, we found markedly improved T cell responses and clearance of normally chronic LCMV Clone 13 infection when either myeloid cells or T cells lacked IL-10 production and mice depleted of monocytes/macrophages or CD4(+) T cells exhibited reduced overall levels of IL-10 mRNA. These data suggest that the decision whether LCMV infection becomes chronic or can be cleared critically depends on early CD4(+) T cell and monocyte/macrophage produced IL-10.

in vivo NK cell depletion, Flow Cytometry
Kearl, T. J., et al. (2013). "Programmed death receptor-1/programmed death receptor ligand-1 blockade after transient lymphodepletion to treat myeloma" J Immunol 190(11): 5620-5628. PubMed

Early phase clinical trials targeting the programmed death receptor-1/ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) pathway to overcome tumor-mediated immunosuppression have reported promising results for a variety of cancers. This pathway appears to play an important role in the failure of immune reactivity to malignant plasma cells in multiple myeloma patients, as the tumor cells express relatively high levels of PD-L1, and T cells show increased PD-1 expression. In the current study, we demonstrate that PD-1/PD-L1 blockade with a PD-L1-specific Ab elicits rejection of a murine myeloma when combined with lymphodepleting irradiation. This particular combined approach by itself has not previously been shown to be efficacious in other tumor models. The antitumor effect of lymphodepletion/anti-PD-L1 therapy was most robust when tumor Ag-experienced T cells were present either through cell transfer or survival after nonmyeloablative irradiation. In vivo depletion of CD4 or CD8 T cells completely eliminated antitumor efficacy of the lymphodepletion/anti-PD-L1 therapy, indicating that both T cell subsets are necessary for tumor rejection. Elimination of myeloma by T cells occurs relatively quickly as tumor cells in the bone marrow were nearly nondetectable by 5 d after the first anti-PD-L1 treatment, suggesting that antimyeloma reactivity is primarily mediated by preactivated T cells, rather than newly generated myeloma-reactive T cells. Anti-PD-L1 plus lymphodepletion failed to improve survival in two solid tumor models, but demonstrated significant efficacy in two hematologic malignancy models. In summary, our results support the clinical testing of lymphodepletion and PD-1/PD-L1 blockade as a novel approach for improving the survival of patients with multiple myeloma.

in vivo NK cell depletion
Ellermeier, J., et al. (2013). "Therapeutic efficacy of bifunctional siRNA combining TGF-beta1 silencing with RIG-I activation in pancreatic cancer" Cancer Res 73(6): 1709-1720. PubMed

Deregulated TGF-beta signaling in pancreatic cancer promotes tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, and a potent immunosuppressive network. A strategy for disrupting this tumor-promoting pathway is silencing TGF-beta by siRNA. By introducing a triphosphate group at the 5ā€² end of siRNA (ppp-siRNA), gene silencing can be combined with immune activation via the cytosolic helicase retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I), a ubiquitously expressed receptor recognizing viral RNA. We validated RIG-I as a therapeutic target by showing that activation of RIG-I in pancreatic carcinoma cells induced IRF-3 phosphorylation, production of type I IFN, the chemokine CXCL10, as well as caspase-9-mediated tumor cell apoptosis. Next, we generated a bifunctional ppp-siRNA that combines RIG-I activation with gene silencing of TGF-beta1 (ppp-TGF-beta) and studied its therapeutic efficacy in the orthotopic Panc02 mouse model of pancreatic cancer. Intravenous injection of ppp-TGF-beta reduced systemic and tumor-associated TGF-beta levels. In addition, it induced high levels of type I IFN and CXCL10 in serum and tumor tissue, systemic immune cell activation, and profound tumor cell apoptosis in vivo. Treatment of mice with established tumors with ppp-TGF-beta significantly prolonged survival as compared with ppp-RNA or TGF-beta siRNA alone. Furthermore, we observed the recruitment of activated CD8(+) T cells to the tumor and a reduced frequency of CD11b(+) Gr-1(+) myeloid cells. Therapeutic efficacy was dependent on CD8(+) T cells, whereas natural killer cells were dispensable. In conclusion, combing TGF-beta gene silencing with RIG-I signaling confers potent antitumor efficacy against pancreatic cancer by breaking tumor-induced CD8(+) T cell suppression.

in vivo NK cell depletion, Flow Cytometry
Monticelli, L. A., et al. (2011). "Innate lymphoid cells promote lung-tissue homeostasis after infection with influenza virus" Nat Immunol 12(11): 1045-1054. PubMed

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), a heterogeneous cell population, are critical in orchestrating immunity and inflammation in the intestine, but whether ILCs influence immune responses or tissue homeostasis at other mucosal sites remains poorly characterized. Here we identify a population of lung-resident ILCs in mice and humans that expressed the alloantigen Thy-1 (CD90), interleukin 2 (IL-2) receptor a-chain (CD25), IL-7 receptor a-chain (CD127) and the IL-33 receptor subunit T1-ST2. Notably, mouse ILCs accumulated in the lung after infection with influenza virus, and depletion of ILCs resulted in loss of airway epithelial integrity, diminished lung function and impaired airway remodeling. These defects were restored by administration of the lung ILC product amphiregulin. Collectively, our results demonstrate a critical role for lung ILCs in restoring airway epithelial integrity and tissue homeostasis after infection with influenza virus.

    • Mus musculus (House mouse)
    • ,
    • Immunology and Microbiology
    • ,
    • Cardiovascular biology
    • ,
    • Cancer Research
    Radiofrequency radiation reshapes tumor immune microenvironment into antitumor phenotype in pulmonary metastatic melanoma by inducing active transformation of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T and NK cells.

    In Acta Pharmacologica Sinica on 27 March 2024 by Jiao, J. Z., Zhang, Y., et al.

    PubMed

    Immunosuppression by the tumor microenvironment is a pivotal factor contributing to tumor progression and immunotherapy resistance. Priming the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) has emerged as a promising strategy for improving the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. In this study we investigated the effects of noninvasive radiofrequency radiation (RFR) exposure on tumor progression and TIME phenotype, as well as the antitumor potential of PD-1 blockage in a model of pulmonary metastatic melanoma (PMM). Mouse model of PMM was established by tail vein injection of B16F10 cells. From day 3 after injection, the mice were exposed to RFR at an average specific absorption rate of 9.7ā€‰W/kg for 1ā€‰h per day for 14 days. After RFR exposure, lung tissues were harvested and RNAs were extracted for transcriptome sequencing; PMM-infiltrating immune cells were isolated for single-cell RNA-seq analysis. We showed that RFR exposure significantly impeded PMM progression accompanied by remodeled TIME of PMM via altering the proportion and transcription profile of tumor-infiltrating immune cells. RFR exposure increased the activation and cytotoxicity signatures of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells, particularly in the early activation subset with upregulated genes associated with T cell cytotoxicity. The PD-1 checkpoint pathway was upregulated by RFR exposure in CD8+ T cells. RFR exposure also augmented NK cell subsets with increased cytotoxic characteristics in PMM. RFR exposure enhanced the effector function of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells and NK cells, evidenced by increased expression of cytotoxic molecules. RFR-induced inhibition of PMM growth was mediated by RFR-activated CD8+ T cells and NK cells. We conclude that noninvasive RFR exposure induces antitumor remodeling of the TIME, leading to inhibition of tumor progression, which provides a promising novel strategy for TIME priming and potential combination with cancer immunotherapy. Ā© 2024. The Author(s).

    • Mus musculus (House mouse)
    • ,
    • Neuroscience
    IL-12 sensing in neurons induces neuroprotective CNS tissue adaptation and attenuates neuroinflammation in mice.

    In Nature Neuroscience on 1 October 2023 by Andreadou, M., Ingelfinger, F., et al.

    PubMed

    Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a potent driver of type 1 immunity. Paradoxically, in autoimmune conditions, including of the CNS, IL-12 reduces inflammation. The underlying mechanism behind these opposing properties and the involved cellular players remain elusive. Here we map IL-12 receptor (IL-12R) expression to NK and T cells as well as neurons and oligodendrocytes. Conditionally ablating the IL-12R across these cell types in adult mice and assessing their susceptibility to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis revealed that the neuroprotective role of IL-12 is mediated by neuroectoderm-derived cells, specifically neurons, and not immune cells. In human brain tissue from donors with multiple sclerosis, we observe an IL-12R distribution comparable to mice, suggesting similar mechanisms in mice and humans. Combining flow cytometry, bulk and single-nucleus RNA sequencing, we reveal an IL-12-induced neuroprotective tissue adaption preventing early neurodegeneration and sustaining trophic factor release during neuroinflammation, thereby maintaining CNS integrity in mice. Ā© 2023. The Author(s).

    • Cancer Research
    CD200R signaling contributes to unfavorable tumor microenvironment through regulating production of chemokines by tumor-associated myeloid cells.

    In IScience on 16 June 2023 by Lin, C. H., Talebian, F., et al.

    PubMed

    CD200 is overexpressed in many solid tumors and considered as an immune checkpoint molecule dampening cancer immunity. In this study, we found that CD200R-/- mice were significantly more potent in rejecting these CD200+ tumors. scRNA sequencing demonstrated that tumors from CD200R-/- mice had more infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ TĀ cells, and NK cells but less infiltration of neutrophils. Antibody depletion experiments revealed that immune effector cells are crucial in inhibiting tumor growth in CD200R-/- mice. Mechanistically, we found that CD200R signaling regulates the expression of chemokines in tumor-associated myeloid cells (TAMCs). In the absence of CD200R, TAMCs increased expression of CCL24 and resulted in increased infiltration of eosinophils, which contributes to anti-tumor activity. Overall, we conclude that CD200R signaling contributes to unfavorable TME through chemokine-dependent recruitment of immune suppressive neutrophils and exclusion of anti-cancer immune effectors. Our study has implications in developing CD200-CD200R targeted immunotherapy of solid tumors. Ā© 2023 The Author(s).

    • Cancer Research
    • ,
    • Immunology and Microbiology
    STING agonist delivery by tumour-penetrating PEG-lipid nanodiscs primes robust anticancer immunity.

    In Nature Materials on 1 June 2022 by Dane, E. L., Belessiotis-Richards, A., et al.

    PubMed

    Activation of the innate immune STimulator of INterferon Genes (STING) pathway potentiates antitumour immunity, but systemic delivery of STING agonists to tumours is challenging. We conjugated STING-activating cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) to PEGylated lipids (CDN-PEG-lipids; PEG, polyethylene glycol) via a cleavable linker and incorporated them into lipid nanodiscs (LNDs), which are discoid nanoparticles formed by self-assembly. Compared to state-of-the-art liposomes, intravenously administered LNDs carrying CDN-PEG-lipid (LND-CDNs) exhibited more efficient penetration of tumours, exposing the majority of tumour cells to STING agonist. A single dose of LND-CDNs induced rejection of established tumours, coincident with immune memory against tumour rechallenge. Although CDNs were not directly tumoricidal, LND-CDN uptake by cancer cells correlated with robust T-cell activation by promoting CDN and tumour antigen co-localization in dendritic cells. LNDs thus appear promising as a vehicle for robust delivery of compounds throughout solid tumours, which can be exploited for enhanced immunotherapy. Ā© 2022. The Author(s).

    • FC/FACS
    • ,
    • Cancer Research
    Remodeling the tumor microenvironment via blockade of LAIR-1 and TGF-Ī² signaling enables PD-L1-mediated tumor eradication.

    In The Journal of Clinical Investigation on 15 April 2022 by Horn, L. A., Chariou, P. L., et al.

    PubMed

    Collagens in the extracellular matrix (ECM) provide a physical barrier to tumor immune infiltration, while also acting as a ligand for immune inhibitory receptors. Transforming growth factor-Ī² (TGF-Ī²) is a key contributor to shaping the ECM by stimulating the production and remodeling of collagens. TGF-Ī² activation signatures and collagen-rich environments have both been associated with T cell exclusion and lack of responses to immunotherapy. Here, we describe the effect of targeting collagens that signal through the inhibitory leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor-1 (LAIR-1) in combination with blockade of TGF-Ī² and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1). This approach remodeled the tumor collagenous matrix, enhanced tumor infiltration and activation of CD8+ T cells, and repolarized suppressive macrophage populations, resulting in high cure rates and long-term tumor-specific protection across murine models of colon and mammary carcinoma. The results highlight the advantage of direct targeting of ECM components in combination with immune checkpoint blockade therapy.

    • In Vivo
    • ,
    • Mus musculus (House mouse)
    • ,
    • Cancer Research
    • ,
    • Immunology and Microbiology
    Type I interferon activates MHC class I-dressed CD11b+ conventional dendritic cells to promote protective anti-tumor CD8+ TĀ cell immunity.

    In Immunity on 8 February 2022 by Duong, E., Fessenden, T. B., et al.

    PubMed

    Tumor-infiltrating dendritic cells (DCs) assume varied functional states that impact anti-tumor immunity. To delineate the DC states associated with productive anti-tumor TĀ cell immunity, we compared spontaneously regressing and progressing tumors. Tumor-reactive CD8+ TĀ cell responses in Batf3-/- mice lacking type 1 DCs (DC1s) were lost in progressor tumors but preserved in regressor tumors. Transcriptional profiling of intra-tumoral DCs within regressor tumors revealed an activation state of CD11b+ conventional DCs (DC2s) characterized by expression of interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes (ISGs) (ISG+ DCs). ISG+ DC-activated CD8+ TĀ cells exĀ vivo comparably to DC1. Unlike cross-presenting DC1, ISG+ DCs acquired and presented intact tumor-derived peptide-major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC class I) complexes. Constitutive type I IFN production by regressor tumors drove the ISG+ DC state, and activation of MHC class I-dressed ISG+ DCs by exogenous IFN-Ī² rescued anti-tumor immunity against progressor tumors in Batf3-/- mice. The ISG+ DC gene signature is detectable in human tumors. Engaging this functional DC state may present an approach for the treatment of human disease. Copyright Ā© 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

    • Immunology and Microbiology
    An engineered oncolytic vaccinia virus encoding a single-chain variable fragment against TIGIT induces effective antitumor immunity and synergizes with PD-1 or LAG-3 blockade.

    In Journal for Immunotherapy of Cancer on 1 December 2021 by Zuo, S., Wei, M., et al.

    PubMed

    In addition to directly lysing tumors, oncolytic viruses also induce antitumor immunity by recruiting and activating immune cells in the local tumor microenvironment. However, the activation of the immune cells induced by oncolytic viruses is always accompanied by high-level expression of immune checkpoints in these cells, which may reduce the efficacy of the oncolytic viruses. The aim of this study is to arm the oncolytic vaccinia virus (VV) with immune checkpoint blockade to enhance its antitumor efficacy. Through homologous recombination with the parental VV, an engineered VV-scFv-TIGIT was produced, which encodes a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) targeting T-cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT). The antitumor efficacy of the VV-scFv-TIGIT was explored in several subcutaneous and ascites tumor models. The antitumor efficacy of VV-scFv-TIGIT combined with programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) or lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3) blockade was also investigated. The VV-scFv-TIGIT effectively replicated in tumor cells and lysed them, and prompt the infected tumor cells to secret the functional scFv-TIGIT. Compared with control VV, intratumoral injection of VV-scFv-TIGIT in several mouse subcutaneous tumor models showed superior antitumor efficacy, accompanied by more T cell infiltration and a higher degree of CD8+ T cells activation. Intraperitoneal injection of VV-scFv-TIGIT in a mouse model of malignant ascites also significantly improved T cell infiltration and CD8+ T cell activation, resulting in more than 90% of the tumor-bearing mice being cured. Furthermore, the antitumor immune response induced by VV-scFv-TIGIT was dependent on CD8+ T cells which mediated a long-term immunological memory and a systemic antitumor immunity against the same tumor. Finally, the additional combination of PD-1 or LAG-3 blockade further enhanced the antitumor efficacy of VV-scFv-TIGIT, increasing the complete response rate of tumor-bearing mice. Oncolytic virotherapy using engineered VV-scFv-TIGIT was an effective strategy for cancer immunotherapy. Administration of VV-scFv-TIGIT caused a profound reshaping of the suppressive tumor microenvironment from 'cold' to 'hot' status. VV-scFv-TIGIT also synergized with PD-1 or LAG-3 blockade to achieve a complete response to tumors with poor response to VV or immune checkpoint blockade monotherapy. Ā© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2021. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.

    • Cancer Research
    • ,
    • Immunology and Microbiology
    Redefining innate natural antibodies as important contributors to anti-tumor immunity.

    In eLife on 5 October 2021 by Rawat, K., Tewari, A., et al.

    PubMed

    Myeloid, T, and NK cells are key players in the elimination phase of cancer immunoediting, also referred to as cancer immunosurveillance. However, the role of B cells and NAbs, which are present prior to the encounter with cognate antigens, has been overlooked. One reason is due to the popular use of a single B cell-deficient mouse model, muMT mice. Cancer models using muMT mice display a similar tumor burden as their wild-type (WT) counterparts. Empirically, we observe what others have previously reported with muMT mice. However, using two other B cell-deficient mouse models (IgHELMD4 and CD19creDTA), we show a three- to fivefold increase in tumor burden relative to WT mice. In addition, using an unconventional, non-cancer-related, immune neoantigen model where hypoxic conditions and cell clustering are absent, we provide evidence that B cells and their innate, natural antibodies (NAbs) are critical for the detection and elimination of neoantigen-expressing cells. Finally, we find that muMT mice display anti-tumor immunity because of an unexpected compensatory mechanism consisting of significantly enhanced type 1 interferon (IFN)-producing plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), which recruit a substantial number of NK cells to the tumor microenvironment compared to WT mice. Diminishing this compensatory pDC-IFN-NK cell mechanism revealed that muMT mice develop a three- to fivefold increase in tumor burden compared to WT mice. In summary, our findings suggest that NAbs are part of an early defense against not only microorganisms and dying cells, but precancerous cells as well. Ā© 2021, Rawat et al.

    • Immunology and Microbiology
    Oncolytic herpes virus G47Ī” works synergistically with CTLA-4 inhibition via dynamic intratumoral immune modulation.

    In Molecular Therapy Oncolytics on 24 September 2021 by Sugawara, K., Iwai, M., et al.

    PubMed

    Oncolytic virus therapy can increase the immunogenicity of tumors and remodel the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, leading to an increased antitumor response to immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of G47Ī”, a third-generation oncolytic herpes simplex virus type 1, in combination with immune-checkpoint inhibitors using various syngeneic murine subcutaneous tumor models. Intratumoral inoculations with G47Ī” and systemic anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) antibody administration caused an enhanced antitumor activity when combined and worked synergistically. Conversely, the efficacy of G47Ī” in combination with anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) antibody was equivalent to that of the anti-PD-1 antibody alone in all murine models examined. The combination of intratumoral G47Ī” and systemic anti-CTLA-4 antibody was shown to recruit effector TĀ cells into the tumor efficiently while decreasing regulatory TĀ cells. Furthermore, a wide range of gene signatures related to inflammation, lymphoid lineage, and TĀ cell activation was highly upregulated with the combination therapy, suggesting the conversion of immune-insusceptible tumors to immune susceptible. The therapeutic effect proved tumor specific and long lasting. Immune cell subset depletion studies demonstrated that CD4+ TĀ cells were required for synergistic curative activity. The results depict the dynamics of immune modulation of the tumor microenvironment and provide a clinical rationale for using G47Ī” with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Ā© 2021 The Author(s).

    • Cancer Research
    • ,
    • Immunology and Microbiology
    • ,
    • Stem Cells and Developmental Biology
    • ,
    • In Vivo
    • ,
    • Mus musculus (House mouse)
    CD276 expression enables squamous cell carcinoma stem cells to evade immune surveillance.

    In Cell Stem Cell on 2 September 2021 by Wang, C., Li, Y., et al.

    PubMed

    Immunosurveillance is a critical mechanism guarding against tumor development and progression. Checkpoint inhibitors have shown significant success in cancer treatment, but expression of key factors such as PD-L1 in putative cancer stem cell (CSC) populations in squamous cell carcinoma has been inconclusive, suggesting that CSCs may have developed other mechanisms to escape immune surveillance. Here we show that CSCs upregulate the immune checkpoint molecule CD276 (B7-H3) to evade host immune responses. CD276 is highly expressed by CSCs in mouse and human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and can be used to prospectively isolate tumorigenic CSCs. Anti-CD276 antibodies eliminate CSCs in a CD8+ TĀ cell-dependent manner, inhibiting tumor growth and lymph node metastases in a mouse HNSCC model. Single-cell RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) showed that CD276 blockade remodels SCC heterogeneity and reduces epithelial-mesenchymal transition. These results show that CSCs utilize CD276 for immune escape and suggest that targeting CD276 may reduce CSCs in HNSCC. Copyright Ā© 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

    • Cardiovascular biology
    • ,
    • Immunology and Microbiology
    Mucosal Vaccination Primes NK Cell-Dependent Development of CD8+ T Cells Against Pulmonary Brucella Infection.

    In Frontiers in Immunology on 27 July 2021 by Bhagyaraj, E., Wang, H., et al.

    PubMed

    Past studies with the live, double-mutantĀ B. abortusĀ (znBAZ) strain resulted in nearly complete protection of mice against pulmonary challenge with wild-type (wt) Brucella via a dominant CD8+ T cell response. To understand the contribution innate immune cells in priming CD8+ T cell responses, mice were nasally dosed with wt B. abortus, smooth vaccine strain 19 (S19), or znBAZ, and examined for innate immune cell activation. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that znBAZ, but not wt B. abortus nor S19 infection, induces up to a 5-fold increase in the frequency of IFN-Ī³-producing NK cells in mouse lungs. These NK cells express increased CXCR3 and Ki67, indicating their recruitment and proliferation subsequent to znBAZ infection. Their activation status was augmented noted by the increased NKp46 and granzyme B, but decreased NKG2A expression. Further analysis demonstrated that both lung caspase-1+ inflammatory monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages secrete chemokines and cytokines responsible for NK cell recruitment and activation. Moreover, neutralizing IL-18, an NK cell-activating cytokine, reduced the znBAZ-induced early NK cell response. NK cell depletion also significantly impaired lung dendritic cell (DC) activation and migration to the lower respiratory lymph nodes (LRLNs). Both lung DC activation and migration to LRLNs were significantly impaired in NK cell-depleted or IFN-Ī³-/- mice, particularly the CD11b+ and monocytic DC subsets. Furthermore, znBAZ vaccination significantly induced CD8+ T cells, and upon in vivo NK cell depletion, CD8+ T cells were reduced 3-fold compared to isotype-treated mice. In summary, these data show that znBAZ induces lung IFN-Ī³+ NK cells, which plays a critical role in influencing lung DC activation, migration, and promoting protective CD8+Ā T cell development. Copyright Ā© 2021 Bhagyaraj, Wang, Yang, Hoffman, Akgul, Goodwin and Pascual.

    • Immunology and Microbiology
    Prolonged activation of innate immune pathways by a polyvalent STING agonist.

    In Nature Biomedical Engineering on 1 May 2021 by Li, S., Luo, M., et al.

    PubMed

    The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is an endoplasmic reticulum transmembrane protein that is a target of therapeutics for infectious diseases and cancer. However, early-phase clinical trials of small-molecule STING agonists have shown limited antitumour efficacy and dose-limiting toxicity. Here, we show that a polyvalent STING agonist-a pH-sensitive polymer bearing a seven-membered ring with a tertiary amine (PC7A)-activates innate-immunity pathways through the polymer-induced formation of STING-PC7A condensates. In contrast to the natural STING ligand 2',3'-cyclic-GMP-AMP (cGAMP), PC7A stimulates the prolonged production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by binding to a non-competitive STING surface site that is distinct from the cGAMP binding pocket. PC7A induces antitumour responses that are dependent on STING expression and CD8+ T-cell activity, and the combination of PC7A and cGAMP led to synergistic therapeutic outcomes (including the activation of cGAMP-resistant STING variants) in mice bearing subcutaneous tumours and in resected human tumours and lymph nodes. The activation of the STING pathway through polymer-induced STING condensation may offer new therapeutic opportunities.

    • Cancer Research
    • ,
    • Immunology and Microbiology
    • ,
    • Mus musculus (House mouse)
    5-Fluorouracil efficacy requires anti-tumor immunity triggered by cancer-cell-intrinsic STING.

    In The EMBO Journal on 1 April 2021 by Tian, J., Zhang, D., et al.

    PubMed

    5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a widely used chemotherapeutic drug, but the mechanisms underlying 5-FU efficacy in immunocompetent hosts in vivo remain largely elusive. Through modeling 5-FU response of murine colon and melanoma tumors, we report that effective reduction of tumor burden by 5-FU is dependent on anti-tumor immunity triggered by the activation of cancer-cell-intrinsic STING. While the loss of STING does not induce 5-FU resistance in vitro, effective 5-FU responsiveness in vivo requires cancer-cell-intrinsic cGAS, STING, and subsequent type I interferon (IFN) production, as well as IFN-sensing by bone-marrow-derived cells. In the absence of cancer-cell-intrinsic STING, a much higher dose of 5-FU is needed to reduce tumor burden. 5-FU treatment leads to increased intratumoral T cells, and T-cell depletion significantly reduces the efficacy of 5-FU in vivo. In human colorectal specimens, higher STING expression is associated with better survival and responsiveness to chemotherapy. Our results support a model in which 5-FU triggers cancer-cell-initiated anti-tumor immunity to reduce tumor burden, and our findings could be harnessed to improve therapeutic effectiveness and toxicity for colon and other cancers. Ā© 2021 The Authors.

    • In Vivo
    • ,
    • Mus musculus (House mouse)
    • ,
    • Immunology and Microbiology
    Enhanced antitumor efficacy of a novel oncolytic vaccinia virus encoding a fully monoclonal antibody against T-cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT).

    In EBioMedicine on 1 February 2021 by Zuo, S., Wei, M., et al.

    PubMed

    Oncolytic virotherapy with vaccinia virus (VV) can lead to effective anti-tumor immunity by turning "cold" tumors into "hot" tumors. However, its therapeutic potential is affected by the tumor's local immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Therefore, it is necessary to explore the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors to arm oncolytic VVs to enhance their anti-tumor efficacy. A novel recombinant oncolytic VV, VV-Ī±-TIGIT, which encoded a fully monoclonal antibody against T-cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT) was generated by homologous recombination with a shuttle plasmid. The anti-tumor efficacy of the VV-Ī±-TIGIT was investigated in several subcutaneous and ascites tumor models. The functional Ī±-TIGIT was sufficiently produced and secreted by tumor cells infected with VV-Ī±-TIGIT, which effectively replicated in tumor cells leading to significant oncolysis. Intratumoral injection of VV-Ī±-TIGIT improved anti-tumor efficacy in several murine subcutaneous tumor models compared to VV-Control (without Ī±-TIGIT insertion). Intraperitoneal injection of VV-Ī±-TIGIT achieved approximately 70% of complete tumor regression in an ascites tumor model. At the same time, treatment with VV-Ī±-TIGIT significantly increased the recruitment and activation of T cells in TME. Moreover, the in vivo anti-tumor activity of VV-Ī±-TIGIT was largely dependent on CD8+ T cell-mediated immunity. Finally, the tumor-bearing mice cured of VV-Ī±-TIGIT treatment resisted rechallenge with the same tumor cells, suggesting a long-term persistence of tumor-specific immunological memory. The recombinant oncolytic virus VV-Ī±-TIGIT successfully combines the advantages of oncolytic virotherapy and intratumorally expression of immune checkpoint inhibitor against TIGIT. This novel strategy can provide information on the optimal design of novel antibody-armed oncolytic viruses for cancer immunotherapy. This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81773255, 81472820, and 81700037), the Science and Technology Innovation Foundation of Nanjing University (14913414), and the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province of China (BK20171098). Copyright Ā© 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

    • Cancer Research
    • ,
    • Immunology and Microbiology
    Repression of the Type I Interferon Pathway Underlies MYC- and KRAS-Dependent Evasion of NK and B Cells in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.

    In Cancer Discovery on 1 June 2020 by Muthalagu, N., Monteverde, T., et al.

    PubMed

    MYC is implicated in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer, yet the precise level of MYC deregulation required to contribute to tumor development has been difficult to define. We used modestly elevated expression of human MYC, driven from the Rosa26 locus, to investigate the pancreatic phenotypes arising in mice from an approximation of MYC trisomy. We show that this level of MYC alone suffices to drive pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, and to accelerate progression of KRAS-initiated precursor lesions to metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Our phenotype exposed suppression of the type I interferon (IFN) pathway by the combined actions of MYC and KRAS, and we present evidence of repressive MYC-MIZ1 complexes binding directly to the promoters of the genes encodiing the type I IFN regulators IRF5, IRF7, STAT1, and STAT2. Derepression of IFN regulator genes allows pancreatic tumor infiltration by B and natural killer (NK) cells, resulting in increased survival. SIGNIFICANCE: We define herein a novel mechanism of evasion of NK cell-mediated immunity through the combined actions of endogenously expressed mutant KRAS and modestly deregulated expression of MYC, via suppression of the type I IFN pathway. Restoration of IFN signaling may improve outcomes for patients with PDAC.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 747. Ā©2020 American Association for Cancer Research.

    • FC/FACS
    • ,
    • Cancer Research
    • ,
    • Immunology and Microbiology
    • ,
    • Mus musculus (House mouse)
    Blocking Antibodies Targeting the CD39/CD73 Immunosuppressive Pathway Unleash Immune Responses in Combination Cancer Therapies.

    In Cell Reports on 21 May 2019 by Perrot, I., Michaud, H. A., et al.

    PubMed

    Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer treatment. However, many cancers are resistant to ICIs, and the targeting of additional inhibitory signals is crucial for limiting tumor evasion. The production of adenosine via the sequential activity of CD39 and CD73 ectoenzymes participates to the generation of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In order to disrupt the adenosine pathway, we generated two antibodies, IPH5201 and IPH5301, targeting human membrane-associated and soluble forms of CD39 and CD73, respectively, and efficiently blocking the hydrolysis of immunogenic ATP into immunosuppressive adenosine. These antibodies promoted antitumor immunity by stimulating dendritic cells and macrophages and by restoring the activation of TĀ cells isolated from cancer patients. In a human CD39 knockin mouse preclinical model, IPH5201 increased the anti-tumor activity of the ATP-inducing chemotherapeutic drug oxaliplatin. These results support the use of anti-CD39 and anti-CD73 monoclonal antibodies and their combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors and chemotherapies in cancer.Copyright Ā© 2019 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

    • Cancer Research
    • ,
    • Immunology and Microbiology
    Intravesical Ty21a Vaccine Promotes Dendritic Cells and T Cell-Mediated Tumor Regression in the MB49 Bladder Cancer Model.

    In Cancer Immunology Research on 1 April 2019 by Domingos-Pereira, S., Sathiyanadan, K., et al.

    PubMed

    Preclinical data show that intravesical instillation of Ty21a/Vivotif, a commercial vaccine against typhoid fever, is an effective alternative option to standard Bacillus Calmette-GuĆ©rin (BCG) immunotherapy for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Here, we characterized the inflammatory effects of Ty21a on the bladder and investigated the immune mechanisms underlying tumor regression toward the use of this bacterial vaccine in NMIBC patients. MB49 bladder tumor-bearing mice had significantly improved survival after intravesical instillations of Ty21a doses of 106 to 108 colony-forming units. By IHC and morphology, both BCG and Ty21a instillations were associated with bladder inflammation, which was decreased with the use of low, but effective doses of Ty21a. Flow-cytometry analysis showed a significant infiltration of T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and myeloid cells, compared with controls, after a single dose of Ty21a, whereas this was only observed after multiple doses of BCG. The induced myeloid cells were predominantly neutrophils and Ly6C+CD103+ dendritic cells (DC), the latter being significantly more numerous after instillation of Ty21a than BCG. Ex vivo infection of human leukocytes with Ty21a, but not BCG, similarly significantly increased DC frequency. CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, but not NK cells nor neutrophils, were required for effective bladder tumor regression upon Ty21a treatment. Thus, the generation of antitumor adaptive immunity was identified as a key process underlying Ty21a-mediated treatment efficacy. Altogether, these results demonstrate mechanisms behind intravesical Ty21a therapy and suggest its potential as a safe and effective treatment for NMIBC patients. Ā©2019 American Association for Cancer Research.

    • Immunology and Microbiology
    Innate lymphoid cells support regulatory T cells in the intestine through interleukin-2.

    In Nature on 1 April 2019 by Zhou, L., Chu, C., et al.

    PubMed

    Interleukin (IL)-2 is a pleiotropic cytokine that is necessary to prevent chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract1-4. The protective effects of IL-2 involve the generation, maintenance and function of regulatory T (Treg) cells4-8, and the use of low doses of IL-2 has emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy for patients with inflammatory bowel disease9. However, the cellular and molecular pathways that control the production of IL-2 in the context of intestinal health are undefined. Here we show, in a mouse model, that IL-2 is acutely required to maintain Treg cells and immunological homeostasis throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Notably, lineage-specific deletion of IL-2 in T cells did not reduce Treg cells in the small intestine. Unbiased analyses revealed that, in the small intestine, group-3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) are the dominant cellular source of IL-2, which is induced selectively by IL-1Ī². Macrophages in the small intestine produce IL-1Ī², and activation of this pathway involves MYD88- and NOD2-dependent sensing of the microbiota. Our loss-of-function studies show that ILC3-derived IL-2 is essential for maintaining Treg cells, immunological homeostasis and oral tolerance to dietary antigens in the small intestine. Furthermore, production of IL-2 by ILC3s was significantly reduced in the small intestine of patients with Crohn's disease, and this correlated with lower frequencies of Treg cells. Our results reveal a previously unappreciated pathway in which a microbiota- and IL-1Ī²-dependent axis promotes the production of IL-2 by ILC3s to orchestrate immune regulation in the intestine.

    • Mus musculus (House mouse)
    • ,
    • Immunology and Microbiology
    Influenza Vaccination Induces NK-Cell-Mediated Type-II IFN Response that Regulates Humoral Immunity in an IL-6-Dependent Manner.

    In Cell Reports on 26 February 2019 by Farsakoglu, Y., Palomino-Segura, M., et al.

    PubMed

    The role of natural killer (NK) cells in the immune response against vaccines is not fully understood. Here, we examine the function of infiltrated NK cells in the initiation of the inflammatory response triggered by inactivated influenza virus vaccine in the draining lymph node (LN). We observed that, following vaccination, NK cells are recruited to the interfollicular and medullary areas of the LN and become activated by type I interferons (IFNs) produced by LN macrophages. The activation of NK cells leads to their early production of IFNĪ³, which in turn regulates the recruitment of IL-6+ CD11b+ dendritic cells. Finally, we demonstrate that the interleukin-6 (IL-6)-mediated inflammation is important for the development of an effective humoral response against influenza virus in the draining LN. Copyright Ā© 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

    • Immunology and Microbiology
    • ,
    • Mus musculus (House mouse)
    STAT1 signaling shields T cells from NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity.

    In Nature Communications on 22 February 2019 by Kang, Y. H., Biswas, A., et al.

    PubMed

    The JAK-STAT pathway critically regulates T-cell differentiation, and STAT1 is postulated to regulate several immune-mediated diseases by inducing proinflammatory subsets. Here we show that STAT1 enables CD4+ T-cell-mediated intestinal inflammation by protecting them from natural killer (NK) cell-mediated elimination. Stat1-/- T cells fail to expand and establish colitis in lymphopenic mice. This defect is not fully recapitulated by the combinatorial loss of type I and II IFN signaling. Mechanistically, Stat1-/- T cells have reduced expression of Nlrc5 and multiple MHC class I molecules that serve to protect cells from NK cell-mediated killing. Consequently, the depletion of NK cells significantly rescues the survival and spontaneous proliferation of Stat1-/- T cells, and restores their ability to induce colitis in adoptive transfer mouse models. Stat1-/- mice however have normal CD4+ T cell numbers as innate STAT1 signaling is required for their elimination. Overall, our findings reveal a critical perspective on JAK-STAT1 signaling that might apply to multiple inflammatory diseases.

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