Mimicking an induced self phenotype by coating lymphomas with the NKp30 ligand B7-H6 promotes NK cell cytotoxicity

J Immunol. 2012 Nov 15;189(10):5037-46. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.1201321. Epub 2012 Oct 12.

Abstract

Induced self expression of the NKp30 ligand B7-H6 facilitates NK cell-mediated elimination of stressed cells. A fusion protein consisting of the ectodomain of B7-H6 and the CD20 single-chain fragment variable 7D8 was generated to mimic an induced self phenotype required for NK cell-mediated target cell elimination. B7-H6:7D8 had bifunctional properties as reflected by its ability to simultaneously bind to the CD20 Ag and to the NKp30 receptor. B7-H6:7D8 bound by CD20(+) lymphoma cells activated human NK cells and triggered degranulation. Consequently, the immunoligand B7-H6:7D8 induced killing of lymphoma-derived cell lines as well as fresh tumor cells from chronic lymphocytic leukemia or lymphoma patients. B7-H6:7D8 was active at nanomolar concentrations in a strictly Ag-specific manner and required interaction with both CD20 and NKp30. Remarkably, NK cell cytotoxicity was further augmented by concomitant activation of Fcγ receptor IIIa or NK group 2 member D. Thus, B7-H6:7D8 acted synergistically with the CD20 Ab rituximab and the immunoligand ULBP2:7D8, which was similarly designed as B7-H6:7D8 but engaging the NK group 2 member D receptor. In conclusion, to our knowledge, B7-H6:7D8 represents the first Ab-based molecule stimulating NKp30-mediated NK cell cytotoxicity for therapeutic purposes and provides proof of concept that Ag-specific NKp30 engagement may represent an innovative strategy to enhance antitumoral NK cell cytotoxicity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived / immunology
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived / pharmacology
  • Antigens, CD20 / genetics
  • Antigens, CD20 / immunology
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / genetics
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / immunology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / immunology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • B7 Antigens / agonists
  • B7 Antigens / genetics
  • B7 Antigens / pharmacology*
  • Cell Degranulation / drug effects*
  • Cell Degranulation / genetics
  • Cell Degranulation / immunology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Drug Synergism
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Cellular / drug effects*
  • Immunity, Cellular / genetics
  • Immunotherapy
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
  • Lymphocyte Activation / drug effects*
  • Lymphocyte Activation / genetics
  • Lymphoma / genetics
  • Lymphoma / immunology
  • Lymphoma / therapy*
  • Natural Cytotoxicity Triggering Receptor 3 / genetics
  • Natural Cytotoxicity Triggering Receptor 3 / immunology*
  • Receptors, IgG
  • Rituximab

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Antigens, CD20
  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • B7 Antigens
  • FCGR3A protein, human
  • NCR3 protein, human
  • NCR3LG1 protein, human
  • Natural Cytotoxicity Triggering Receptor 3
  • Receptors, IgG
  • Rituximab