In this paper , we present an overview of our findings on NK cell biology and its significance in selection and differentiation of stem-like tumors using in vitro and in vivo studies conducted in non obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency (scid)/interleukin-R[gamma] humanized-bone-marrow/liver/thymus (hu-BLT) mice, and those of human cancer patients. Moreover, we present recent advances in NK cell expansion and therapeutic delivery and discuss the superiority of allogeneic supercharged NK cells over their autologous counterparts for cancer treatment. Additionally, the role of cysteine peptidases and their inhibitors in the function of supercharged NK cells is explained.
COBISS.SI-ID: 14129923
We demonstrate the potential of the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line to generate functional MDSCs from CD14+ cells of healthy human donors. During this transition to MDSCs, the overall levels of cysteine cathepsins increased, with the largest responses for cathepsins L and X. Interactions with peripheral blood mononuclear cells reduced MDA-MB-231 cell invasion, while inhibition of cathepsin X activity by Z9 restored invasion. The role of endogenous cysteine peptidase inhibitor cystatin F was tested on MDSC, however, its function seems negligible.
COBISS.SI-ID: 14118403
Cysteine cathepsins are key regulators of the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. Their expression, activity, and subcellular localization are associated with the distinct development and differentiation stages of immune cells. Importantly, cysteine cathepsins are involved in cytotoxic granule mediated killing in cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells. As such they represent interesting targets for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in cancer.
COBISS.SI-ID: 4843889