TGF-β1 potentiates Vγ9Vδ2 T cell adoptive immunotherapy of cancer

Cell Rep Med. 2021 Dec 21;2(12):100473. doi: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2021.100473.

Abstract

Despite its role in cancer surveillance, adoptive immunotherapy using γδ T cells has achieved limited efficacy. To enhance trafficking to bone marrow, circulating Vγ9Vδ2 T cells are expanded in serum-free medium containing TGF-β1 and IL-2 (γδ[T2] cells) or medium containing IL-2 alone (γδ[2] cells, as the control). Unexpectedly, the yield and viability of γδ[T2] cells are also increased by TGF-β1, when compared to γδ[2] controls. γδ[T2] cells are less differentiated and yet display increased cytolytic activity, cytokine release, and antitumor activity in several leukemic and solid tumor models. Efficacy is further enhanced by cancer cell sensitization using aminobisphosphonates or Ara-C. A number of contributory effects of TGF-β are described, including prostaglandin E2 receptor downmodulation, TGF-β insensitivity, and upregulated integrin activity. Biological relevance is supported by the identification of a favorable γδ[T2] signature in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Given their enhanced therapeutic activity and compatibility with allogeneic use, γδ[T2] cells warrant evaluation in cancer immunotherapy.

Keywords: Ara-C; Gamma delta T-cell; TGF-β; acute myeloid leukemia; aminobisphosphonate; prostaglandin E2.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Marrow Cells / pathology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Culture Media, Serum-Free / pharmacology
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic
  • Humans
  • Immunophenotyping
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive*
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / genetics
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / immunology*
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / pathology
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / therapy*
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Mice
  • Mice, SCID
  • Prognosis
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / metabolism*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / metabolism*

Substances

  • Culture Media, Serum-Free
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1