IL-18–Primed Helper NK Cells Collaborate with Dendritic Cells to Promote Recruitment of Effector CD8+ T Cells to the Tumor Microenvironment

JL Wong, E Berk, RP Edwards, P Kalinski - Cancer research, 2013 - AACR
JL Wong, E Berk, RP Edwards, P Kalinski
Cancer research, 2013AACR
Chemokine-driven interactions of immune cells are essential for effective antitumor
immunity. Human natural killer (NK) cells can be primed by the interleukin (IL)-1–related
proinflammatory cytokine IL-18 for unique helper activity, which promotes dendritic cell (DC)
activation and DC-mediated induction of type-1 immune responses against cancer. Here, we
show that such IL-18–primed" helper" NK cells produce high levels of the immature DC
(iDC)–attracting chemokines CCL3 and CCL4 upon exposure to tumor cells or the additional …
Abstract
Chemokine-driven interactions of immune cells are essential for effective antitumor immunity. Human natural killer (NK) cells can be primed by the interleukin (IL)-1–related proinflammatory cytokine IL-18 for unique helper activity, which promotes dendritic cell (DC) activation and DC-mediated induction of type-1 immune responses against cancer. Here, we show that such IL-18–primed "helper" NK cells produce high levels of the immature DC (iDC)–attracting chemokines CCL3 and CCL4 upon exposure to tumor cells or the additional inflammatory signals IFN-α, IL-15, IL-12, or IL-2. These "helper" NK cells potently attract iDCs in a CCR5-dependent mechanism and induce high DC production of CXCR3 and CCR5 ligands (CXCL9, CXCL10, and CCL5), facilitating the subsequent recruitment of type-1 effector CD8+ T (Teff) cells. Using cells isolated from the malignant ascites of patients with advanced ovarian cancer, we show that "helper" NK cell-inducing factors can be used to enhance local production of Teff cell-recruiting chemokines. Our findings reveal the unique chemokine expression profile of "helper" NK cells and highlight the potential for using two-signal–activated NK cells to promote homing of type-1 immune effectors to the human tumor environment. Cancer Res; 73(15); 4653–62. ©2013 AACR.
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