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Meng Q, Lu YX, Ruan DY, Yu K, Chen YX, Xiao M, Wang Y, Liu ZX, Xu RH, Ju HQ, Qiu MZ. DNA methylation regulator-mediated modification patterns and tumor microenvironment characterization in gastric cancer. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 24:695-710. [PMID: 33996253 PMCID: PMC8099484 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Growing evidence implies a link between DNA methylation and tumor immunity/immunotherapy. However, the global influence of DNA methylation on the characteristics of the tumor microenvironment and the efficacy of immunotherapy remains to be clarified. In this study, we systematically evaluated the DNA methylation regulator patterns and tumor microenvironment characteristics of 1,619 gastric cancer patients by clustering the gene expression of 20 DNA methylation regulators. Three gastric cancer subtypes that had different DNA methylation modification patterns and distinct tumor microenvironment characteristics were recognized. Then, a DNA methylation score (DMS) was constructed to evaluate DNA methylation modification individually. High DMS was characterized by immune activation status, increased tumor mutation burden, and tumor neoantigens, with a favorable prognosis. Conversely, activation of the stroma and absence of immune cell infiltration were observed in the low DMS group, with relatively poor survival. High DMS was also certified to be correlated with enhanced efficacy of immunotherapy in four immune checkpoint blocking treatment cohorts. In conclusion, the characterization of DNA methylation modification patterns may help to enhance our recognition of the tumor immune microenvironment of gastric cancer and guide more personalized immunotherapy strategies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China.,Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Yun-Xin Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China.,Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China.,Department of medical oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Dan-Yun Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China.,Department of Medical Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Kai Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China.,Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Yan-Xing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China.,Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Min Xiao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Yun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China.,Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China.,Department of medical oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Ze-Xian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China.,Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Rui-Hua Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China.,Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China.,Department of medical oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Huai-Qiang Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China.,Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Miao-Zhen Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China.,Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China.,Department of medical oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
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Kim HJ, Cantor H, Cosmopoulos K. Overcoming Immune Checkpoint Blockade Resistance via EZH2 Inhibition. Trends Immunol 2021; 41:948-963. [PMID: 32976740 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2020.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recent progress in cancer immunotherapy highlights the power of the immune system to control tumors, although a small patient subset responds to current immunotherapies. Additional approaches to mobilize antitumor immunity are required to overcome primary and acquired resistance to immunotherapy such as immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Emerging evidence shows that targeting epigenetic elements that promote tumor progression and inhibit immune cell activity can enhance antitumor immunity by reshaping the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we review the pleiotropic functions in tumor and immune cells of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), the catalytic subunit of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), with a focus on EZH2 inhibition as a potentially promising approach to enhance current immunotherapies and improve patient outcomes for certain cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Jung Kim
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Harvey Cantor
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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53
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Quinn Z, Mao W, Xia Y, John R, Wan Y. Conferring receptors on recipient cells with extracellular vesicles for targeted drug delivery. Bioact Mater 2021; 6:749-756. [PMID: 33024896 PMCID: PMC7522541 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2020.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous subset of breast cancer characterized by its lack of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), which altogether prevents TNBC from being treated effectively. For many years, the treatment paradigms and overall survival of patients with TNBC have remained largely stagnant. Recent attempts to convert cold tumors to hot tumors by promoting antigen presentation have shown increased T cell infiltration and significantly induced immune responses for tumor killing. Inspired by this concept, the expression of specific targetable antigens on TNBC cells may further benefit relevant targeted drug delivery. In this study, we successfully conferred sufficient HER2 on the surface of TNBC MDA-MB-231 cells via simple EV-plasma membrane fusion with HER2+ extracellular vesicles (EV) derived from HER2 overexpressing BT-474 cells. Subsequently, anti-HER2 antibody conjugated paclitaxel-loaded liposomes were used for HER2-targeted drug delivery. Our findings demonstrated this HER2 grafting, in conjunction with targeted drug delivery, can improve the treatment efficacy in vitro and in vivo. This novel approach represents a facile method of altering cell membrane antigen presentation via convenient EVs uptake and may pave the way for the burgeoning wave of targeted therapy and/or immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Quinn
- The Pq Laboratory of Micro/Nano BiomeDx, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Binghamton University-SUNY, Binghamton, NY, 13902, United States
| | - Wenjun Mao
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214023, PR China
| | - Yiqiu Xia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States
| | - Rhea John
- The Pq Laboratory of Micro/Nano BiomeDx, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Binghamton University-SUNY, Binghamton, NY, 13902, United States
| | - Yuan Wan
- The Pq Laboratory of Micro/Nano BiomeDx, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Binghamton University-SUNY, Binghamton, NY, 13902, United States
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Wong KK, Hassan R, Yaacob NS. Hypomethylating Agents and Immunotherapy: Therapeutic Synergism in Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndromes. Front Oncol 2021; 11:624742. [PMID: 33718188 PMCID: PMC7947882 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.624742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Decitabine and guadecitabine are hypomethylating agents (HMAs) that exert inhibitory effects against cancer cells. This includes stimulation of anti-tumor immunity in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) patients. Treatment of AML and MDS patients with the HMAs confers upregulation of cancer/testis antigens (CTAs) expression including the highly immunogenic CTA NY-ESO-1. This leads to activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells for elimination of cancer cells, and it establishes the feasibility to combine cancer vaccine with HMAs to enhance vaccine immunogenicity. Moreover, decitabine and guadecitabine induce the expression of immune checkpoint molecules in AML cells. In this review, the accumulating knowledge on the immunopotentiating properties of decitabine and guadecitabine in AML and MDS patients are presented and discussed. In summary, combination of decitabine or guadecitabine with NY-ESO-1 vaccine enhances vaccine immunogenicity in AML patients. T cells from AML patients stimulated with dendritic cell (DC)/AML fusion vaccine and guadecitabine display increased capacity to lyse AML cells. Moreover, decitabine enhances NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity or CD123-specific chimeric antigen receptor-engineered T cells antileukemic activities against AML. Furthermore, combination of either HMAs with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy may circumvent their resistance. Finally, clinical trials of either HMAs combined with cancer vaccines, NK cell infusion or ICB therapy in relapsed/refractory AML and high-risk MDS patients are currently underway, highlighting the promising efficacy of HMAs and immunotherapy synergy against these malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kah Keng Wong
- Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Rosline Hassan
- Department of Haematology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Nik Soriani Yaacob
- Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
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Mehdi A, Rabbani SA. Role of Methylation in Pro- and Anti-Cancer Immunity. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030545. [PMID: 33535484 PMCID: PMC7867049 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA and RNA methylation play a vital role in the transcriptional regulation of various cell types including the differentiation and function of immune cells involved in pro- and anti-cancer immunity. Interactions of tumor and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are complex. TME shapes the fate of tumors by modulating the dynamic DNA (and RNA) methylation patterns of these immune cells to alter their differentiation into pro-cancer (e.g., regulatory T cells) or anti-cancer (e.g., CD8+ T cells) cell types. This review considers the role of DNA and RNA methylation in myeloid and lymphoid cells in the activation, differentiation, and function that control the innate and adaptive immune responses in cancer and non-cancer contexts. Understanding the complex transcriptional regulation modulating differentiation and function of immune cells can help identify and validate therapeutic targets aimed at targeting DNA and RNA methylation to reduce cancer-associated morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mehdi
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada;
- Department of Medicine, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Shafaat A. Rabbani
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada;
- Department of Medicine, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-514-843-1632
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56
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Peng M, Xiao D, Bu Y, Long J, Yang X, Lv S, Yang X. Novel Combination Therapies for the Treatment of Bladder Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 10:539527. [PMID: 33585182 PMCID: PMC7873600 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.539527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer is the ninth most frequently diagnosed cancer world-wide and ranks 13th in cancer-related deaths. Two tremendous breakthroughs in bladder cancer therapy over the last decades are the approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)and the fibroblast growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (FGFR-TKI) erdafitinib for treating this deadly disease. Despite the beneficial effects of these approaches, the low response rate and the potential resistance of the cancer are major concerns. Hence, novel combination therapies to overcome these limitations have been investigated. In this context, combining immunotherapy with targeted drugs is an appealing therapeutic option to improve response and reduce the emergence of resistance in the management of bladder cancer. In this review, the rationale of using different therapeutic combinations is discussed according to the mechanistic differences, emphasizing the efficacy and safety based on evidence collected from preclinical and clinical studies. Finally, we highlight the limitations of these combinations and provide suggestions for further efforts in this challenging field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Peng
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Di Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yizhi Bu
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiahui Long
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Xue Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shuhe Lv
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoping Yang
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
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Histone Lysine-to-Methionine Mutation as Anticancer Drug Target. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1283:85-96. [PMID: 33155140 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-8104-5_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Histone modification stands for a vital genetic information form, which shows tight correlation with the modulation of normal physiological activities by genes. Abnormal regulation of histone methylation due to histone modification enzyme changes and histone mutations plays an important role in the development of cancer. Histone mutations, especially H3K27M and H3K36M, have been identified in various cancers such as pediatric DIPG (diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma) and chondroblastoma respectively. "K to M" mutation results overall downregulation of methylation on these lysine residues. Also, "K to M" mutant histones can inhibit the enzymatic activity of the responsible HMT (histone methyltransferase); for instance, SETD2 indicates H3K36 methylation, and Ezh2 represents H3K27 methylation. In-depth analysis of the mechanism of tumor formation triggered by the K to M mutation results in possible targeted therapies. This chapter is going to briefly introduce the mechanism of histone lysine-to-methionine mutation and review the recently identified targeted therapeutic strategies.
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58
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Leal AS, Liu P, Krieger-Burke T, Ruggeri B, Liby KT. The Bromodomain Inhibitor, INCB057643, Targets Both Cancer Cells and the Tumor Microenvironment in Two Preclinical Models of Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 13:cancers13010096. [PMID: 33396954 PMCID: PMC7794921 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13010096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic cancer remains a highly lethal disease, with only ~10% of patients still alive five years after diagnosis, as most patients already have advanced, metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. Therefore, new treatments are needed for these patients. We tested INCB057643, a novel bromodomain inhibitor, in a relevant mouse model of pancreatic cancer, and this compound improves survival and reduces metastasis. Pancreatic cancers are very dense, as the stroma within the tumor can account for up to 90% of the tumor mass and is responsible for the failure of many drugs. INCB057643 modulates the immune cells within the tumor so they can attack and kill tumor cells. INCB057643 also alters immune cells within the pancreas in a mouse model of pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas that can promote the development of pancreatic cancer. Abstract In pancreatic cancer the tumor microenvironment (TME) can account for up to 90% of the tumor mass. The TME drives essential functions in disease progression, invasion and metastasis. Tumor cells can use epigenetic modulation to evade immune recognition and shape the TME toward an immunosuppressive phenotype. Bromodomain inhibitors are a class of drugs that target BET (bromodomain and extra-terminal) proteins, impairing their ability to bind to acetylated lysines and therefore interfering with transcriptional initiation and elongation. INCB057643 is a new generation, orally bioavailable BET inhibitor that was developed for treating patients with advanced malignancies. KrasG12D/+; Trp53R172H/+; Pdx-1-Cre (KPC) mice mimic human disease, with similar progression and incidence of metastasis. Treatment of established tumors in KPC mice with INCB057643 increased survival by an average of 55 days, compared to the control group. Moreover, INCB057643 reduced metastatic burden in these mice. KPC mice treated with INCB057643, starting at 4 weeks of age, showed beneficial changes in immune cell populations in the pancreas and liver. Similarly, INCB057643 modified immune cell populations in the pancreas of KrasG12D/+; Pdx-1-Cre (KC) mice with pancreatitis, an inflammatory process known to promote pancreatic cancer progression. The data presented here suggest that the bromodomain inhibitor INCB057643 modulates the TME, reducing disease burden in two mouse models of pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, this work suggests that BRD4 may play a role in establishing the TME in the liver, a primary metastatic site for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana S. Leal
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Michigan State University, B430 Life Science Building, 1355 Bogue Street, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (A.S.L.); (T.K.-B.)
| | - Phillip Liu
- Incyte Corporation, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA; (P.L.); (B.R.)
| | - Teresa Krieger-Burke
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Michigan State University, B430 Life Science Building, 1355 Bogue Street, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (A.S.L.); (T.K.-B.)
| | - Bruce Ruggeri
- Incyte Corporation, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA; (P.L.); (B.R.)
| | - Karen T. Liby
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Michigan State University, B430 Life Science Building, 1355 Bogue Street, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (A.S.L.); (T.K.-B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-517-884-8955; Fax: +1-517-353-8915
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Hussein NH, Amin NS, El Tayebi HM. GPI-AP: Unraveling a New Class of Malignancy Mediators and Potential Immunotherapy Targets. Front Oncol 2020; 10:537311. [PMID: 33344222 PMCID: PMC7746843 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.537311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
With millions of cases diagnosed annually and high economic burden to cover expensive costs, cancer is one of the most difficult diseases to treat due to late diagnosis and severe adverse effects from conventional therapy. This creates an urgent need to find new targets for early diagnosis and therapy. Progress in research revealed the key steps of carcinogenesis. They are called cancer hallmarks. Zooming in, cancer hallmarks are characterized by ligands binding to their cognate receptor and so triggering signaling cascade within cell to make response for stimulus. Accordingly, understanding membrane topology is vital. In this review, we shall discuss one type of transmembrane proteins: Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-Anchored Proteins (GPI-APs), with specific emphasis on those involved in tumor cells by evading immune surveillance and future applications for diagnosis and immune targeted therapy.
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Barili V, Boni C, Rossi M, Vecchi A, Zecca A, Penna A, Missale G, Ferrari C, Fisicaro P. Metabolic regulation of the HBV-specific T cell function. Antiviral Res 2020; 185:104989. [PMID: 33248194 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Chronically HBV infected subjects are more than 260 million worldwide; cirrhosis and liver cancer represent possible outcomes which affect around 700,000 patients per year. Both innate and adaptive immune responses are necessary for viral control and both have been shown to be defective in chronic patients. Metabolic remodeling is an essential process in T cell biology, particularly for T cell activation, differentiation and survival. Cellular metabolism relies on the conversion of nutrients into energy to support intracellular processes, and to generate fundamental intermediate components for cell proliferation and growth. Adaptive immune responses are the central mechanisms for the resolution of primary human infections leading to the activation of pathogen-specific B and T cell functions. In chronic HBV infection the anti-viral immune response fails to contain the virus and leads to persistent hepatic tissue damage which may finally result in liver cirrhosis and cancer. This T cell failure is associated with metabolic alterations suggesting that control of nutrient uptake and intracellular utilization as well as correct regulation of intracellular metabolic pathways are strategic for T cell differentiation during persistent chronic infections. This review will discuss some of the main features of the T cell metabolic processes which are relevant to the generation of an efficient antiviral response, with specific focus on their clinical relevance in chronic HBV infection in the perspective of possible strategies to correct deregulated metabolic pathways underlying T cell dysfunction of chronic HBV patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Barili
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Carolina Boni
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Marzia Rossi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Andrea Vecchi
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Alessandra Zecca
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Amalia Penna
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Gabriele Missale
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Carlo Ferrari
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy.
| | - Paola Fisicaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
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Washah HN, Salifu EY, Soremekun O, Elrashedy AA, Munsamy G, Olotu FA, Soliman ME. Integrating Bioinformatics Strategies in Cancer Immunotherapy: Current and Future Perspectives. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen 2020; 23:687-698. [DOI: 10.2174/1386207323666200427113734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
For the past few decades, the mechanisms of immune responses to cancer have been
exploited extensively and significant attention has been given into utilizing the therapeutic
potential of the immune system. Cancer immunotherapy has been established as a promising
innovative treatment for many forms of cancer. Immunotherapy has gained its prominence through
various strategies, including cancer vaccines, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), adoptive T cell cancer
therapy, and immune checkpoint therapy. However, the full potential of cancer immunotherapy is yet
to be attained. Recent studies have identified the use of bioinformatics tools as a viable option to help
transform the treatment paradigm of several tumors by providing a therapeutically efficient method of
cataloging, predicting and selecting immunotherapeutic targets, which are known bottlenecks in the
application of immunotherapy. Herein, we gave an insightful overview of the types of
immunotherapy techniques used currently, their mechanisms of action, and discussed some
bioinformatics tools and databases applied in the immunotherapy of cancer. This review also provides
some future perspectives in the use of bioinformatics tools for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houda N. Washah
- Molecular Bio-computation and Drug Design Lab, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Elliasu Y. Salifu
- Molecular Bio-computation and Drug Design Lab, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Opeyemi Soremekun
- Molecular Bio-computation and Drug Design Lab, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Ahmed A. Elrashedy
- Molecular Bio-computation and Drug Design Lab, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Geraldene Munsamy
- Molecular Bio-computation and Drug Design Lab, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Fisayo A. Olotu
- Molecular Bio-computation and Drug Design Lab, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Mahmoud E.S. Soliman
- Molecular Bio-computation and Drug Design Lab, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4001, South Africa
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Ramezankhani R, Solhi R, Es HA, Vosough M, Hassan M. Novel molecular targets in gastric adenocarcinoma. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 220:107714. [PMID: 33172596 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. A high mortality rate and resistance to treatment protocols due to a heterogeneous molecular pathogenesis has made discovering the key etiologic molecular alterations of the utmost importance. The remarkable role played by epigenetic modifications in repressing or activating many cancer-related genes and forming new epigenetic signatures can affect cancer initiation and progression. Hence, targeting the key epigenetic drivers could potentially attenuate cancer progression. MLLs, ARID1A and EZH2 are among the major epigenetic players that are frequently mutated in GACs. In this paper, we have proposed the existence of a network between these proteins that, together with PCAF and KDM6A, control the 3D chromatin structure and regulate the expression of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) and oncogenes in GAC. Therefore, we suggest that manipulating the expression of EZH2, PCAF, and KDM6A or their downstream targets may reduce the cancerous phenotype in GAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Ramezankhani
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Basic Science and Advanced Medical Technologies, Royan Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran; Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran; Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Biology and Embryology, KU Leuven Stem Cell Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Roya Solhi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran; Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Moustapha Hassan
- Experimental Cancer Medicine, Institution for Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; ECM, Clinical research center (KFC), Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Sweden.
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63
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Jin K, Ren C, Liu Y, Lan H, Wang Z. An update on colorectal cancer microenvironment, epigenetic and immunotherapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 89:107041. [PMID: 33045561 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is considered as the second most common cancer worldwide. For the past few years, the role of immunotherapy has been extensively studied and it has been demonstrated that its related approaches, such as programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors, are promising. In addition to identifying molecular characteristics of tumor cells, recent studies are mainly focused on the profiling of tumor microenvironment. Dissecting immune status of a tumor is interesting, since development of a tumor is associated with deficiencies relate to immune defense, immune surveillance and immune hemostasis. In this review, we discuss main obstacles of immunotherapy including immunosuppressive niche and low immunogenicity of CRC as well as reviewing current achievements in immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ketao Jin
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, Zhejiang 321000, China
| | - Chengcheng Ren
- Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Research Institute of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Yuyao Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Shaoxing 312000, Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Huanrong Lan
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Shaoxing 312000, Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Research Institute of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China.
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64
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Exposing Hidden Targets: Combining epigenetic and immunotherapy to overcome cancer resistance. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 65:114-122. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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65
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Cortez MA, Masrorpour F, Ivan C, Zhang J, Younes AI, Lu Y, Estecio MR, Barsoumian HB, Menon H, Caetano MDS, Ramapriyan R, Schoenhals JE, Wang X, Skoulidis F, Wasley MD, Calin G, Hwu P, Welsh JW. Bone morphogenetic protein 7 promotes resistance to immunotherapy. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4840. [PMID: 32973129 PMCID: PMC7519103 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18617-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies revolutionized cancer treatment by harnessing the immune system to target cancer cells. However, most patients are resistant to immunotherapies and the mechanisms underlying this resistant is still poorly understood. Here, we report that overexpression of BMP7, a member of the TGFB superfamily, represents a mechanism for resistance to anti-PD1 therapy in preclinical models and in patients with disease progression while on immunotherapies. BMP7 secreted by tumor cells acts on macrophages and CD4+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment, inhibiting MAPK14 expression and impairing pro-inflammatory responses. Knockdown of BMP7 or its neutralization via follistatin in combination with anti-PD1 re-sensitizes resistant tumors to immunotherapies. Thus, we identify the BMP7 signaling pathway as a potential immunotherapeutic target in cancer. The mechanisms underlying resistance to immunotherapy are still poorly understood. Here, the authors show that BMP7, a molecule part of the TGF-beta superfamily, suppresses proinflammatory antitumor responses and may represent a target for overcoming resistance to PD1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Angelica Cortez
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Fatemeh Masrorpour
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Cristina Ivan
- Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jie Zhang
- Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ahmed I Younes
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yue Lu
- Epigenetic and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marcos R Estecio
- Epigenetic and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hampartsoum B Barsoumian
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hari Menon
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mauricio da Silva Caetano
- Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rishab Ramapriyan
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jonathan E Schoenhals
- Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ferdinandos Skoulidis
- Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mark D Wasley
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - George Calin
- Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Patrick Hwu
- Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - James W Welsh
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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66
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Papulino C, Chianese U, Nicoletti MM, Benedetti R, Altucci L. Preclinical and Clinical Epigenetic-Based Reconsideration of Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome. Front Genet 2020; 11:563718. [PMID: 33101381 PMCID: PMC7522569 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.563718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics has achieved a profound impact in the biomedical field, providing new experimental opportunities and innovative therapeutic strategies to face a plethora of diseases. In the rare diseases scenario, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is a pediatric pathological condition characterized by a complex molecular basis, showing alterations in the expression of different growth-regulating genes. The molecular origin of BWS is associated with impairments in the genomic imprinting of two domains at the 11p15.5 chromosomal region. The first domain contains three different regions: insulin growth like factor gene (IGF2), H19, and abnormally methylated DMR1 region. The second domain consists of cell proliferation and regulating-genes such as CDKN1C gene encoding for cyclin kinase inhibitor its role is to block cell proliferation. Although most cases are sporadic, about 5-10% of BWS patients have inheritance characteristics. In the 11p15.5 region, some of the patients have maternal chromosomal rearrangements while others have Uniparental Paternal Disomy UPD(11)pat. Defects in DNA methylation cause alteration of genes and the genomic structure equilibrium leading uncontrolled cell proliferation, which is a typical tumorigenesis event. Indeed, in BWS patients an increased childhood tumor predisposition is observed. Here, we summarize the latest knowledge on BWS and focus on the impact of epigenetic alterations to an increased cancer risk development and to metabolic disorders. Moreover, we highlight the correlation between assisted reproductive technologies and this rare disease. We also discuss intriguing aspects of BWS in twinning. Epigenetic therapies in clinical trials have already demonstrated effectiveness in oncological and non-oncological diseases. In this review, we propose a potential "epigenetic-based" approaches may unveil new therapeutic options for BWS patients. Although the complexity of the syndrome is high, patients can be able to lead a normal life but tumor predispositions might impair life expectancy. In this sense epigenetic therapies should have a supporting role in order to guarantee a good prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Papulino
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Ugo Chianese
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Maddalena Nicoletti
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Benedetti
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia Altucci
- Department of Precision Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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67
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Targeting the epigenetic regulation of antitumour immunity. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2020; 19:776-800. [PMID: 32929243 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-020-0077-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 293] [Impact Index Per Article: 73.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the epigenome drives aberrant transcriptional programmes that promote cancer onset and progression. Although defective gene regulation often affects oncogenic and tumour-suppressor networks, tumour immunogenicity and immune cells involved in antitumour responses may also be affected by epigenomic alterations. This could have important implications for the development and application of both epigenetic therapies and cancer immunotherapies, and combinations thereof. Here, we review the role of key aberrant epigenetic processes - DNA methylation and post-translational modification of histones - in tumour immunogenicity, as well as the effects of epigenetic modulation on antitumour immune cell function. We emphasize opportunities for small-molecule inhibitors of epigenetic regulators to enhance antitumour immune responses, and discuss the challenges of exploiting the complex interplay between cancer epigenetics and cancer immunology to develop treatment regimens combining epigenetic therapies with immunotherapies.
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68
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Macpherson AM, Barry SC, Ricciardelli C, Oehler MK. Epithelial Ovarian Cancer and the Immune System: Biology, Interactions, Challenges and Potential Advances for Immunotherapy. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E2967. [PMID: 32937961 PMCID: PMC7564553 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9092967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in the understanding of immune function and the interactions with tumour cells have led to the development of various cancer immunotherapies and strategies for specific cancer types. However, despite some stunning successes with some malignancies such as melanomas and lung cancer, most patients receive little or no benefit from immunotherapy, which has been attributed to the tumour microenvironment and immune evasion. Although the US Food and Drug Administration have approved immunotherapies for some cancers, to date, only the anti-angiogenic antibody bevacizumab is approved for the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer. Immunotherapeutic strategies for ovarian cancer are still under development and being tested in numerous clinical trials. A detailed understanding of the interactions between cancer and the immune system is vital for optimisation of immunotherapies either alone or when combined with chemotherapy and other therapies. This article, in two main parts, provides an overview of: (1) components of the normal immune system and current knowledge regarding tumour immunology, biology and their interactions; (2) strategies, and targets, together with challenges and potential innovative approaches for cancer immunotherapy, with attention given to epithelial ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M. Macpherson
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Adelaide Medical School, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia; (A.M.M.); (C.R.)
| | - Simon C. Barry
- Molecular Immunology, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia;
| | - Carmela Ricciardelli
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Adelaide Medical School, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia; (A.M.M.); (C.R.)
| | - Martin K. Oehler
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Adelaide Medical School, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia; (A.M.M.); (C.R.)
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide 5000, Australia
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69
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Mehdi A, Attias M, Mahmood N, Arakelian A, Mihalcioiu C, Piccirillo CA, Szyf M, Rabbani SA. Enhanced Anticancer Effect of a Combination of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor (ICPi) in a Syngeneic Mouse Model of Advanced Melanoma. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1361. [PMID: 32983966 PMCID: PMC7492272 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPi) targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway have shown marked success in patients with advanced melanoma. However, 60-70% of patients fail to respond, warranting a therapeutic intervention that could increase response rates. We and others have shown that S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), a universal methyl donor, has significant anticancer effects in numerous cancers previously; however, its effect on melanoma progression has not been evaluated. Interestingly, SAM was reported to be essential for T cell activation and proliferation and, thus, could potentially cooperate with ICPi and block melanoma progression. In this study, we examined the antitumor effects of SAM and ICPi alone and in combination in a well-established melanoma mouse model wherein syngeneic C57BL/6 mouse were subcutaneously (orthotopic) injected with B16-F1 cells. Treatment of mice with either SAM or anti-PD-1 antibody alone resulted in significant reduction in tumor volumes and weights; effects that were highest in mice treated with a combination of SAM+anti-PD-1. RNA-sequencing analysis of the primary tumors showed numerous differentially expressed genes (DEGs) following treatment with SAM+anti-PD-1, which was shown to downregulate cancer, MAPK, and tyrosine kinase pathways. Indeed, SAM+anti-PD-1 reversed the aberrant expression of some known melanoma genes. Tumor immunophenotyping revealed the SAM+anti-PD-1 combination was significantly more effective than either SAM or anti-PD-1 as the CD8+ T cells had higher activation, proliferation, and cytokine production compared to all other groups. This study shows that the combination of currently approved agents SAM and ICPi can effectively block melanoma via alteration of key genes/pathways implicated in cancer and immune response pathways, providing the rationale for the initiation of clinical trials with SAM and ICPi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mehdi
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Program in Metabolic Disorders and Complications (MeDiC), Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mikhael Attias
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Microbiology & Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Niaz Mahmood
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Program in Metabolic Disorders and Complications (MeDiC), Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ani Arakelian
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Program in Metabolic Disorders and Complications (MeDiC), Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Ciriaco A Piccirillo
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Microbiology & Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Program in Infectious Diseases and Immunology in Global Health, Centre for Translational Biology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology (CETI), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Moshe Szyf
- Department of Pharmacology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Shafaat Ahmed Rabbani
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Program in Metabolic Disorders and Complications (MeDiC), Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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70
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Genome-wide identification of differentially methylated promoters and enhancers associated with response to anti-PD-1 therapy in non-small cell lung cancer. Exp Mol Med 2020; 52:1550-1563. [PMID: 32879421 PMCID: PMC8080767 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-020-00493-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Although approved programmed cell death protein (PD)-1 inhibitors show durable responses, clinical benefits to these agents are only seen in one-third of patients in most cancer types. Therefore, strategies for improving the response to PD-1 inhibitor for treating various cancers including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are urgently needed. Compared with genome and transcriptome, tumor DNA methylome in anti-PD-1 response was relatively unexplored. We compared the pre-treatment methylation status of cis-regulatory elements between responders and non-responders to treatment with nivolumab or pembrolizumab using the Infinium Methylation EPIC Array, which can profile ~850,000 CpG sites, including ~350,000 CpG sites located in enhancer regions. Then, we analyzed differentially methylated regions overlapping promoters (pDMRs) or enhancers (eDMRs) between responders and non-responders to PD-1 inhibitors. We identified 1007 pDMRs and 607 eDMRs associated with the anti-PD-1 response. We also identified 1109 and 1173 target genes putatively regulated by these pDMRs and eDMRs, respectively. We found that eDMRs contribute to the epigenetic regulation of the anti-PD-1 response more than pDMRs. Hypomethylated pDMRs of Cytohesin 1 Interacting Protein (CYTIP) and TNF superfamily member 8 (TNFSF8) were more predictive than programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression for anti-PD-1 response and progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in a validation cohort, suggesting their potential as predictive biomarkers for anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. The catalog of promoters and enhancers differentially methylated between responders and non-responders to PD-1 inhibitors presented herein will guide the development of biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for improving anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in NSCLC.
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71
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72
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Banik D, Noonepalle S, Hadley M, Palmer E, Gracia-Hernandez M, Zevallos-Delgado C, Manhas N, Simonyan H, Young CN, Popratiloff A, Chiappinelli KB, Fernandes R, Sotomayor EM, Villagra A. HDAC6 Plays a Noncanonical Role in the Regulation of Antitumor Immune Responses, Dissemination, and Invasiveness of Breast Cancer. Cancer Res 2020; 80:3649-3662. [PMID: 32605998 PMCID: PMC7484424 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-3738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite the outstanding clinical results of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in melanoma and other cancers, clinical trials in breast cancer have reported low responses to these therapies. Current efforts are now focused on improving the treatment efficacy of ICB in breast cancer using new combination designs such as molecularly targeted agents, including histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi). These epigenetic drugs have been widely described as potent cytotoxic agents for cancer cells. In this work, we report new noncanonical regulatory properties of ultra-selective HDAC6i over the expression and function of epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathways and the invasiveness potential of breast cancer. These unexplored roles position HDAC6i as attractive options to potentiate ongoing immunotherapeutic approaches. These new functional activities of HDAC6i involved regulation of the E-cadherin/STAT3 axis. Pretreatment of tumors with HDAC6i induced critical changes in the tumor microenvironment, resulting in improved effectiveness of ICB and preventing dissemination of cancer cells to secondary niches. Our results demonstrate for the first time that HDAC6i can both improve ICB antitumor immune responses and diminish the invasiveness of breast cancer with minimal cytotoxic effects, thus departing from the cytotoxicity-centric paradigm previously assigned to HDACi. SIGNIFICANCE: Ultraselective HDAC6 inhibitors can reduce tumor growth and invasiveness of breast cancer by noncanonical mechanisms unrelated to the previously cytotoxic properties attributed to HDAC inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Erica Palmer
- The George Washington University, Washington, DC
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The complex role of EZH2 in the tumor microenvironment: opportunities and challenges for immunotherapy combinations. Future Med Chem 2020; 12:1415-1430. [PMID: 32723083 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2020-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune dysfunction in the tumor microenvironment occurs through epigenetic changes in both tumor cells and immune cells that alter transcriptional programs driving cell fate and cell function. Oncogenic activation of the histone methyltransferase EZH2 mediates gene expression changes, governing tumor immunogenicity as well as differentiation, survival and activation states of immune lineages. Emerging preclinical studies have highlighted the potential for EZH2 inhibitors to reverse epigenetic immune suppression in tumors and combine with immune checkpoint therapies. However, EZH2 activity is essential for the development of lymphoid cells, performing critical immune effector functions within tumors. In this review, we highlight the complexity of EZH2 function in immune regulation which may impact the implementation of combination with immunotherapy agents in clinic.
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74
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Ostrovsky O, Vlodavsky I, Nagler A. Mechanism of HPSE Gene SNPs Function: From Normal Processes to Inflammation, Cancerogenesis and Tumor Progression. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1221:231-249. [PMID: 32274712 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-34521-1_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) is the substitution of a single nucleotide, stably inherited, highly abundant, and distributed throughout the genome. Up today 9746 SNPs were found in the HPSE gene. During 12 years 21 SNPs were analyzed in normal and pathological samples. The most prominent SNPs are rs4693608, rs11099592, rs4693084, and rs4364254. These SNPs were found in correlation with heparanase mRNA and protein expression among healthy persons. Moreover, an association of the HPSE gene SNPs with inflammatory processes, cancer development and progression was detected. SNP investigation allowed the identification of strong HPSE gene enhancer in the intron 2. In normal leukocytes, heparanase binds to the enhancer region and regulates HPSE gene expression via negative feedback in rs4693608 SNP-dependent manner. In malignant cells, heparanase halted self-regulation of the enhancer region. Instead of heparanase, the helicase-like transcription factor (HLTF) binds to the regulatory region. These and subsequent studies will elucidate how modification in the HPSE enhancer region could be applied to develop new approaches for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Ostrovsky
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.
| | - Israel Vlodavsky
- Technion Integrated Cancer Center (TICC), Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel, Institute of Technology, Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Arnon Nagler
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
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Lima RS, Assis Silva Gomes J, Moreira PR. An overview about DNA methylation in childhood obesity: Characteristics of the studies and main findings. J Cell Biochem 2020; 121:3042-3057. [DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Silva Lima
- Laboratory of Cell‐Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological SciencesFederal University of Minas Gerais Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - Juliana Assis Silva Gomes
- Laboratory of Cell‐Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological SciencesFederal University of Minas Gerais Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - Paula Rocha Moreira
- Laboratory of Cell‐Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological SciencesFederal University of Minas Gerais Minas Gerais Brazil
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Salem ME, Battaglin F, Goldberg RM, Puccini A, Shields AF, Arguello D, Korn WM, Marshall JL, Grothey A, Lenz H. Molecular Analyses of Left- and Right-Sided Tumors in Adolescents and Young Adults with Colorectal Cancer. Oncologist 2020; 25:404-413. [PMID: 31848314 PMCID: PMC7216442 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2019-0552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC), particularly left-sided tumors (LT), in adolescents and young adults (AYA) is rising. Epigenetic events appear to play an important role in tumorigenesis and cancer progression, especially in younger patients. We compared molecular features of LT to right-sided tumors (RT) in AYA. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 246 LT and 56 RT were identified in a cohort of 612 AYA with primary CRC. Tumors were examined by next-generation sequencing (NGS), protein expression, and gene amplification. Tumor mutational burden (TMB) and microsatellite instability (MSI) were determined based on NGS data. RESULTS RT showed higher mutation rates compared with LT in several genes including BRAF (10.3% vs. 2.8%), KRAS (64.1% vs. 45.5%), PIK3CA (27% vs. 11.2%), and RNF43 (24.2% vs. 2.9%). Notably, additional mutations in distinct genes involved in histone modification and chromatin remodeling, as well as genes associated with DNA repair and cancer-predisposing syndromes, were characteristic of RT; most frequently KMT2D (27.8% vs. 3.4%), ARID1A (53.3% vs. 21.4%), MSH6 (11.1% vs. 2.3%), MLH1 (10.5% vs. 2.3%), MSH2 (10.5% vs. 1.2%), POLE (5.9% vs. 0.6%), PTEN (10.8% vs. 2.3%), and BRCA1 (5.4% vs. 0.6%). MSI was seen in 20.8% of RT versus 4.8% of LT. RT had a higher frequency of TMB-high regardless of MSI status. CONCLUSION Molecular profiling of AYA CRC revealed different molecular characteristics in RT versus LT. Epigenetic mechanisms and alteration in DNA repair genes warrant further investigation and may be a promising treatment target for CRC in AYA. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Colorectal cancer (CRC) in adolescents and young adults (AYA) comprises a distinct entity with different clinicopathologic features and prognosis compared with older patients. Molecular profiling of right- and left-sided tumors in AYA is needed to gain novel insight into CRC biology and to tailor targeted treatment in this age group. This study found that right- and left-sided CRC show distinct molecular features in AYA, overall and in subgroups based on microsatellite instability status. Alterations in DNA double-strand break repair and homologous recombination repair, as well as epigenetic mechanisms, appear to play a critical role. The present molecular profiling data may support the development of personalized treatment strategies in the AYA population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed E. Salem
- Department of Medical Oncology, Levine Cancer Institute, Atrium HealthCharlotteNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Francesca Battaglin
- Division of Medical Oncology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Alberto Puccini
- Division of Medical Oncology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Medical Oncology Unit 1, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University of GenoaItaly
| | - Anthony F. Shields
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State UniversityDetroitMichiganUSA
| | | | - W. Michael Korn
- Caris Life SciencesPhoenixArizonaUSA
- University of California at San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - John L. Marshall
- The Ruesch Center and Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer CenterWashingtonDCUSA
| | | | - Heinz‐Josef Lenz
- Division of Medical Oncology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
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Vikas P, Borcherding N, Chennamadhavuni A, Garje R. Therapeutic Potential of Combining PARP Inhibitor and Immunotherapy in Solid Tumors. Front Oncol 2020; 10:570. [PMID: 32457830 PMCID: PMC7228136 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of both hematological malignancies and solid tumors. The use of immunotherapy has improved outcome for patients with cancer across multiple tumor types, including lung, melanoma, ovarian, genitourinary, and more recently breast cancer with durable responses seen even in patients with widespread metastatic disease. Despite the promising results, immunotherapy still helps only a subset of patients due to overall low response rates. Moreover, the response to immunotherapy is highly cancer specific and results have not been as promising in cancers that are considered less immunogenic. The strategies to improve immunotherapy responses have focused on biomarker selection, like PD-L1 status, and usage of combinatorial agents, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiotherapy. Of particular interest, DNA-damaging agents have the potential to enhance the response to immunotherapy by promoting neoantigen release, increasing tumor mutational burden, and enhancing PD-L1 expression. Poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors are one such class of drugs that has shown synergy with immunotherapy in preclinical and early clinical studies. PARP-based therapies work through the inhibition of single-strand DNA repair leading to DNA damage, increased tumor mutational burden, making the tumor a more attractive target for immunotherapy. Of the solid tumors reviewed, breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers have demonstrated efficacy in the combination of PARP inhibition and immunotherapy, predominately in BRCA-mutated tumors. However, initial investigations into wildtype BRCA and gastrointestinal tumors have shown moderate overall response or disease control rates, dependent on the tumor type. In contrast, although a number of clinical trials underway, there is a paucity of published results for the use of the combination in lung or urothelial cancers. Overall this article focuses on the promise of combinatorial PARP inhibition and immunotherapy to improve patient outcomes in solid tumors, summarizing both early results and looking toward ongoing trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Vikas
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa, IA, United States
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Iowa city, IA, United States
| | - Nicholas Borcherding
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Iowa city, IA, United States
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa, IA, United States
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa, IA, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa, IA, United States
| | - Adithya Chennamadhavuni
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa, IA, United States
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Iowa city, IA, United States
| | - Rohan Garje
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa, IA, United States
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Iowa city, IA, United States
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McGoverne I, Dunn J, Batham J, Tu WJ, Chrisp J, Rao S. Epitherapy and immune checkpoint blockade: using epigenetic reinvigoration of exhausted and dysfunctional T cells to reimburse immunotherapy response. BMC Immunol 2020; 21:22. [PMID: 32316916 PMCID: PMC7175524 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-020-00353-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer cells subvert natural immunosuppression by upregulating the expression of checkpoint proteins and their ligands. For example, tumor cells expressing programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) induce immune cell tolerance to cancers, thereby facilitating tumor progression. The recent clinical success of immunotherapy, particularly checkpoint blockade, represents a significant advance in cancer therapy. However, many cancers develop resistance to immunotherapies, and the underlying mechanisms and how these might be exploited to overcome resistance still need to be determined. METHODS T cell dysfunction, in part caused by chronic T cell receptor stimulation, diminishes the capacity for durable responses to checkpoint blockade. Furthermore, T cell populations are phenotypically and functionally heterogeneous, resulting in varying responses to checkpoint blockade. Recent molecular studies of T cell heterogeneity have shown that checkpoint blockade on its own does not alter the epigenetic landscape of T cells, despite epigenetic changes governing T cell phenotype. CONCLUSION Here we argue that epigenetic modifiers can be used to prime and sensitize T cells to immunotherapy. Administering epitherapy in conjunction with checkpoint blockade could decrease T cell exhaustion and immunotherapy resistance in many cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella McGoverne
- Melanie Swan Memorial Translational Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
| | - Jenny Dunn
- Gene Regulation and Translational Medicine Laboratory, Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jacob Batham
- Melanie Swan Memorial Translational Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
| | - Wen Juan Tu
- Gene Regulation and Translational Medicine Laboratory, Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Sudha Rao
- Gene Regulation and Translational Medicine Laboratory, Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
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79
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Dzobo K. Epigenomics-Guided Drug Development: Recent Advances in Solving the Cancer Treatment "jigsaw puzzle". OMICS-A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2020; 23:70-85. [PMID: 30767728 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2018.0206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The human epigenome plays a key role in determining cellular identity and eventually function. Drug discovery undertakings have focused mainly on the role of genomics in carcinogenesis, with the focus turning to the epigenome recently. Drugs targeting DNA and histone modifications are under development with some such as 5-azacytidine, decitabine, vorinostat, and panobinostat already approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). This expert review offers a critical analysis of the epigenomics-guided drug discovery and development and the opportunities and challenges for the next decade. Importantly, the coupling of epigenetic editing techniques, such as clustered regularly interspersed short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein-9 (Cas9) and APOBEC-coupled epigenetic sequencing (ACE-seq) with epigenetic drug screens, will allow the identification of small-molecule inhibitors or drugs able to reverse epigenetic changes responsible for many diseases. In addition, concrete and sustainable innovation in cancer treatment ought to integrate epigenome targeting drugs with classic therapies such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Dzobo
- 1 International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town Component, Cape Town, South Africa.,2 Division of Medical Biochemistry and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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80
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Epigenetic therapies in acute myeloid leukemia: where to from here? Blood 2020; 134:1891-1901. [PMID: 31697822 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019003262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A hallmark of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is epigenetic dysregulation, which is initiated by recurrent translocations and/or mutations in transcription factors and chromatin regulators. This manifests as a block in myeloid differentiation and an increase in malignant self-renewal. These common features of AML have led to widespread optimism that epigenetic therapies would dramatically change the natural history of this disease. Although preclinical studies with these drugs fueled this optimism, results from early clinical trials have offered a more sobering message. Here, we provide an overview of epigenetic therapies that are currently approved by therapeutic regulatory authorities across the world and those undergoing early-phase clinical trials. We also discuss the conceptual and molecular factors that may explain some of the disparity between the bench and bedside, as well as emerging avenues for combining the current generation of epigenetic therapies with other classes of agents and the development of novel epigenetic therapies. With further research and development of this exciting class of drugs, we may finally be able to dramatically improve outcomes for patients afflicted with this aggressive and often incurable malignancy.
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81
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Filipovic A, Miller G, Bolen J. Progress Toward Identifying Exact Proxies for Predicting Response to Immunotherapies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:155. [PMID: 32258034 PMCID: PMC7092703 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical value and utility of checkpoint inhibitors, a drug class targeting adaptive immune suppression pathways (PD-1, PDL-1, and CTLA-4), is growing rapidly and maintains status of a landmark achievement in oncology. Their efficacy has transformed life expectancy in multiple deadly cancer types (melanoma, lung cancer, renal/urothelial carcinoma, certain colorectal cancers, lymphomas, etc.). Despite significant clinical development efforts, therapeutic indication of approved checkpoint inhibitors are not as wide as the oncology community and patients would like them to be, potentially bringing into question their universal efficacy across tumor histologies. With the main goal of expanding immunotherapy applications, identifying of biomarkers to accurately predict therapeutic response and treatment related side-effects are a paramount need in the field. Specificities surrounding checkpoint inhibitors in clinic, such as unexpected tumor response patterns (pseudo- and hyper-progression), late responders, as well as specific immune mediated toxicities, complicate the management of patients. They stem from the complexities and dynamics of the tumor/host immune interactions, as well as baseline tumor biology. Search for clinically effective biomarkers therefore calls for a holistic approach, rather than implementation of a single analyte. The goal is to achieve dynamic and comprehensive acquisition, analyses and interpretation of immunological and biologic information about the tumor and the immune system, and to compute these parameters into an actionable, maximally predictive value at the individual patient level. Limitation delaying swift incorporation of validated immuno-oncology biomarkers span from standardized biospecimens acquisition and processing, selection of proficient biomarker discovery and validation methods, to establishing multidisciplinary consortiums and data sharing platforms. Multi-disciplinary efforts have already yielded some approved (PDL-1 and MSI-status) and other advanced tests (TMB, neoantigen pattern, and TIL infiltration rate). Importantly, clinical trial taskforces now recognize the imperative of the biomarker-driven trial design and execution, to enable translating biomarker discoveries into the clinical setting. This will ensure we utilize the “conspiracy” between the peripheral and intra-tumoral dynamic markers in shaping responses to checkpoint blockade, for the ultimate patient benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - George Miller
- New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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82
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Wang Y, Lu J, Jiang B, Guo J. The roles of curcumin in regulating the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment. Oncol Lett 2020; 19:3059-3070. [PMID: 32256807 PMCID: PMC7074405 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a harmful threat to human health. In addition to surgery, a variety of anticancer drugs are increasingly used in cancer therapy; however, despite the developments in multimodality treatment, the morbidity and mortality of patients with cancer patients are on the increase. The tumor-specific immunosuppressive microenvironment serves an important function in tumor tolerance and escape from immune surveillance leading to tumor progression. Therefore, identifying new drugs or foods that can enhance the tumor immune response is critical to develop improved cancer prevention methods and treatment. Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound extracted from ginger, has been shown to effectively inhibit tumor growth, proliferation, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis in a variety of tumors. Recent studies have also indicated that curcumin can modulate the tumor immune response and remodel the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment, indicating its potential in the immunotherapy of cancer. In this review, a brief introduction to the effects of curcumin on the tumor immune response and tumor immune microenvironment is provided and recent clinical trials investigating the potential of curcumin in cancer therapy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhi Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Bolun Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
| | - Junchao Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, P.R. China
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83
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Sathe A, Grimes SM, Lau BT, Chen J, Suarez C, Huang RJ, Poultsides G, Ji HP. Single-Cell Genomic Characterization Reveals the Cellular Reprogramming of the Gastric Tumor Microenvironment. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:2640-2653. [PMID: 32060101 PMCID: PMC7269843 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-3231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 203] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a heterogenous cellular milieu that can influence cancer cell behavior. Its characteristics have an impact on treatments such as immunotherapy. These features can be revealed with single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). We hypothesized that scRNA-seq analysis of gastric cancer together with paired normal tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) would identify critical elements of cellular deregulation not apparent with other approaches. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN scRNA-seq was conducted on seven patients with gastric cancer and one patient with intestinal metaplasia. We sequenced 56,167 cells comprising gastric cancer (32,407 cells), paired normal tissue (18,657 cells), and PBMCs (5,103 cells). Protein expression was validated by multiplex immunofluorescence. RESULTS Tumor epithelium had copy number alterations, a distinct gene expression program from normal, with intratumor heterogeneity. Gastric cancer TME was significantly enriched for stromal cells, macrophages, dendritic cells (DC), and Tregs. TME-exclusive stromal cells expressed distinct extracellular matrix components than normal. Macrophages were transcriptionally heterogenous and did not conform to a binary M1/M2 paradigm. Tumor DCs had a unique gene expression program compared to PBMC DCs. TME-specific cytotoxic T cells were exhausted with two heterogenous subsets. Helper, cytotoxic T, Treg, and NK cells expressed multiple immune checkpoint or co-stimulatory molecules. Receptor-ligand analysis revealed TME-exclusive intercellular communication. CONCLUSIONS Single-cell gene expression studies revealed widespread reprogramming across multiple cellular elements in the gastric cancer TME. Cellular remodeling was delineated by changes in cell numbers, transcriptional states, and intercellular interactions. This characterization facilitates understanding of tumor biology and enables identification of novel targets including for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuja Sathe
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Susan M Grimes
- Stanford Genome Technology Center, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Billy T Lau
- Stanford Genome Technology Center, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Jiamin Chen
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Carlos Suarez
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Robert J Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | | | - Hanlee P Ji
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California. .,Stanford Genome Technology Center, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
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84
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Lobo J, Jerónimo C, Henrique R. Targeting the Immune system and Epigenetic Landscape of Urological Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E829. [PMID: 32012885 PMCID: PMC7037817 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last years, we have witnessed remarkable advances in targeted therapies for cancer patients. There is a growing effort to either replace or reduce the dose of unspecific, systemic (chemo)therapies, given the associated short- and long-term side effects, by introducing more specific targeted therapies as single or combination agents. Due to the well-known implications of the immune system and epigenetic landscape in modulating cancer development, both have been explored as potential targets in several malignancies, including those affecting the genitourinary tract. As the immune system function is also epigenetically regulated, there is rationale for combining both strategies. However, this is still rather underexplored, namely in urological tumors. We aim to briefly review the use of immune therapies in prostate, kidney, bladder, and testicular cancer, and further describe studies providing supporting evidence on their combination with epigenetic-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Lobo
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP) and Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal;
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP) and Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal;
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Henrique
- Department of Pathology, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPOP), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (GEBC CI-IPOP) and Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (P.CCC), R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal;
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
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85
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Strub T, Ballotti R, Bertolotto C. The "ART" of Epigenetics in Melanoma: From histone "Alterations, to Resistance and Therapies". Theranostics 2020; 10:1777-1797. [PMID: 32042336 PMCID: PMC6993228 DOI: 10.7150/thno.36218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer. It originates from melanocytic cells and can also arise at other body sites. Early diagnosis and appropriate medical care offer excellent prognosis with up to 5-year survival rate in more than 95% of all patients. However, long-term survival rate for metastatic melanoma patients remains at only 5%. Indeed, malignant melanoma is known for its notorious resistance to most current therapies and is characterized by both genetic and epigenetic alterations. In cutaneous melanoma (CM), genetic alterations have been implicated in drug resistance, yet the main cause of this resistance seems to be non-genetic in nature with a change in transcription programs within cell subpopulations. This change can adapt and escape targeted therapy and immunotherapy cytotoxic effects favoring relapse. Because they are reversible in nature, epigenetic changes are a growing focus in cancer research aiming to prevent or revert the drug resistance with current therapies. As such, the field of epigenetic therapeutics is among the most active area of preclinical and clinical research with effects of many classes of epigenetic drugs being investigated. Here, we review the multiplicity of epigenetic alterations, mainly histone alterations and chromatin remodeling in both cutaneous and uveal melanomas, opening opportunities for further research in the field and providing clues to specifically control these modifications. We also discuss how epigenetic dysregulations may be exploited to achieve clinical benefits for the patients, the limitations of these therapies, and recent data exploring this potential through combinatorial epigenetic and traditional therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Strub
- Université Nice Côte d'Azur, Inserm, C3M, France
- Biology and pathologies of melanocytes, Equipe labellisée ARC 2019, C3M, team 1, France
| | - Robert Ballotti
- Université Nice Côte d'Azur, Inserm, C3M, France
- Biology and pathologies of melanocytes, Equipe labellisée ARC 2019, C3M, team 1, France
| | - Corine Bertolotto
- Université Nice Côte d'Azur, Inserm, C3M, France
- Biology and pathologies of melanocytes, Equipe labellisée ARC 2019, C3M, team 1, France
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Palmisano A, Krushkal J, Li MC, Fang J, Sonkin D, Wright G, Yee L, Zhao Y, McShane L. Bioinformatics Tools and Resources for Cancer Immunotherapy Study. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2055:649-678. [PMID: 31502173 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9773-2_29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a highly promising approach to treat patients with cancer, as the patient's own immune system is harnessed to attack cancer cells. However, the application of these approaches is still limited to a minority of patients with cancer and it is difficult to predict which patients will derive the greatest clinical benefit.One of the challenges faced by the biomedical community in the search of more effective biomarkers is the fact that translational research efforts involve collecting and accessing data at many different levels: from the type of material examined (e.g., cell line, animal models, clinical samples) to multiple data type (e.g., pharmacodynamic markers, genetic sequencing data) to the scale of a study (e.g., small preclinical study, moderate retrospective study on stored specimen sets, clinical trials with large cohorts).This chapter reviews several publicly available bioinformatics tools and data resources for high throughput molecular analyses applied to a range of data types, including those generated from microarray, whole-exome sequencing (WES), RNA-seq, DNA copy number, and DNA methylation assays, that are extensively used for integrative multidimensional data analysis and visualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alida Palmisano
- Biometric Research Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Julia Krushkal
- Biometric Research Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ming-Chung Li
- Biometric Research Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jianwen Fang
- Biometric Research Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Dmitriy Sonkin
- Biometric Research Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - George Wright
- Biometric Research Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Laura Yee
- Biometric Research Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yingdong Zhao
- Biometric Research Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Lisa McShane
- Biometric Research Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Tomaselli D, Lucidi A, Rotili D, Mai A. Epigenetic polypharmacology: A new frontier for epi-drug discovery. Med Res Rev 2020; 40:190-244. [PMID: 31218726 PMCID: PMC6917854 DOI: 10.1002/med.21600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recently, despite the great success achieved by the so-called "magic bullets" in the treatment of different diseases through a marked and specific interaction with the target of interest, the pharmacological research is moving toward the development of "molecular network active compounds," embracing the related polypharmacology approach. This strategy was born to overcome the main limitations of the single target therapy leading to a superior therapeutic effect, a decrease of adverse reactions, and a reduction of potential mechanism(s) of drug resistance caused by robustness and redundancy of biological pathways. It has become clear that multifactorial diseases such as cancer, neurological, and inflammatory disorders, may require more complex therapeutic approaches hitting a certain biological system as a whole. Concerning epigenetics, the goal of the multi-epi-target approach consists in the development of small molecules able to simultaneously and (often) reversibly bind different specific epi-targets. To date, two dual histone deacetylase/kinase inhibitors (CUDC-101 and CUDC-907) are in an advanced stage of clinical trials. In the last years, the growing interest in polypharmacology encouraged the publication of high-quality reviews on combination therapy and hybrid molecules. Hence, to update the state-of-the-art of these therapeutic approaches avoiding redundancy, herein we focused only on multiple medication therapies and multitargeting compounds exploiting epigenetic plus nonepigenetic drugs reported in the literature in 2018. In addition, all the multi-epi-target inhibitors known in literature so far, hitting two or more epigenetic targets, have been included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Tomaselli
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs,
“Sapienza” University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Alessia Lucidi
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs,
“Sapienza” University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Dante Rotili
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs,
“Sapienza” University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Chemistry and Technologies of Drugs,
“Sapienza” University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy
- Pasteur Institute - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Viale
Regina Elena 291, 00161 Roma, Italy
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88
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Abstract
Recent advances in immunotherapy have revolutionized the treatment of certain cancers. Some patients show a durable response to these immunotherapies, while others show little benefit or develop resistance. Identification of biomarkers to predict responsiveness will be helpful for informing treatment strategies; and would furthermore lead to the identification of molecular pathways dysregulated in nonresponding patients that could be targeted for therapeutic development. Pathways of epigenetic modification, such as histone posttranslational modifications (PTMs), have been shown to be dysregulated in certain cancer and immune cells. Histones are abundant cellular proteins readily assayed with high-throughput technologies, making them attractive targets as biomarkers. We explore promising advancements for using histone PTMs as immunotherapy responsiveness biomarkers in both cancer and immune cells, and provide a methodological workflow for assaying histone PTMs in relevant samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M Taylor
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Brian Koss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Lauren E Davis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Alan J Tackett
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
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89
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Krill L, Deng W, Eskander R, Mutch D, Zweizig S, Hoang B, Ioffe O, Randall L, Lankes H, Miller DS, Birrer M. Overexpression of enhance of Zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) in endometrial carcinoma: An NRG Oncology/Gynecologic Oncology Group Study. Gynecol Oncol 2019; 156:423-429. [PMID: 31843273 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2019.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a histone methyl transferase that mediates epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes. It is commonly over-expressed in several solid tumors and has been shown to be a prognostic biomarker. We investigated patterns of EZH2 expression in endometrial cancer. METHODS Evaluation of EZH2 expression was completed on both early and advanced stage endometrioid adenocarcinoma tissues and a subset of matched normal mullerian tissue samples, from participants enrolled in Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) protocol 210, using real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot (WB) analysis. Non-parametric methods were used to assess differences in mRNA and protein expression respectively with known clinical/pathologic prognostic factors. Survival analysis was performed using techniques including Cox proportional hazards (PH) model to evaluate differences in progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) based on EZH2 expression. RESULTS Eighty-seven patient samples were analyzed that included 60 tumors and 27 matched-normal tissue specimens. EZH2 mRNA (p < .0001) and protein expression (p < .0001) in tumor specimens were significantly higher than in matched-normal tissue. In primary tumors, EZH2 protein expression was associated with lympho-vascular space invasion (LVSI, p = .044), and EZH2 mRNA expression was associated with age (p = .037). Differences in EZH2 expression between primary tumors and matched normal tissue were not associated with other known clinical and pathologic factors. However, there did appear to be a trend toward decreased progression-free survival among patients with high EZH2 expression levels. CONCLUSIONS Our results confirm the differential expression of EZH2 in uterine cancers compared to normal tissues. However, there were no statistically significant differences in survival associated with EZH2 expression in patients with endometrial cancer. NCT #: NCT00340808.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Krill
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper, Camden, NJ, United States of America.
| | - Wei Deng
- NRG Oncology, Clinical Trial Development Division, Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States of America.
| | - Ramez Eskander
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA, United States of America.
| | - David Mutch
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University; St. Louis, MO.
| | - Susan Zweizig
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; University of Massachusetts; Worcester, MA, United States of America.
| | - Bang Hoang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center, The University Hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States of America.
| | - Olga Ioffe
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland Medical Center; Baltimore, MD 21201, United States of America.
| | - Leslie Randall
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, United States of America.
| | - Heather Lankes
- Biopathology Center, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States of America; Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States of America.
| | - David S Miller
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; Dallas, TX 75390-9032, United States of America.
| | - Michael Birrer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America.
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Miranda Furtado CL, Dos Santos Luciano MC, Silva Santos RD, Furtado GP, Moraes MO, Pessoa C. Epidrugs: targeting epigenetic marks in cancer treatment. Epigenetics 2019; 14:1164-1176. [PMID: 31282279 PMCID: PMC6791710 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2019.1640546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that aberrant epigenetic regulation of gene function is strongly related to the genesis of cancer. Unlike genetic mutations, the ability to reprogram the epigenetic landscape in the cancer epigenome is one of the most promising target therapies in both treatment and reversibility of drug resistance. Epigenetic alterations in cancer development and progression may be the basis for the individual variation in drug response. Thus, this review focuses on the emerging area of pharmaco(epi)genomics, specifically highlighting epigenetic reprogramming during tumorigenesis and how epigenetic markers are targeted as a therapy (epidrugs) and the clinical implications of this for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Renan Da Silva Santos
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | | | - Manoel Odorico Moraes
- Department of Surgery, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Claudia Pessoa
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
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Martinez VG, Munera-Maravilla E, Bernardini A, Rubio C, Suarez-Cabrera C, Segovia C, Lodewijk I, Dueñas M, Martínez-Fernández M, Paramio JM. Epigenetics of Bladder Cancer: Where Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets Meet. Front Genet 2019; 10:1125. [PMID: 31850055 PMCID: PMC6902278 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.01125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) is the most common neoplasia of the urothelial tract. Due to its high incidence, prevalence, recurrence and mortality, it remains an unsolved clinical and social problem. The treatment of BC is challenging and, although immunotherapies have revealed potential benefit in a percentage of patients, it remains mostly an incurable disease at its advanced state. Epigenetic alterations, including aberrant DNA methylation, altered chromatin remodeling and deregulated expression of non-coding RNAs are common events in BC and can be driver events in BC pathogenesis. Accordingly, these epigenetic alterations are now being used as potential biomarkers for these disorders and are being envisioned as potential therapeutic targets for the future management of BC. In this review, we summarize the recent findings in these emerging and exciting new aspects paving the way for future clinical treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor G. Martinez
- Biomedical Research Institute I + 12, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ester Munera-Maravilla
- Biomedical Research Institute I + 12, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandra Bernardini
- Biomedical Research Institute I + 12, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Rubio
- Biomedical Research Institute I + 12, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristian Suarez-Cabrera
- Biomedical Research Institute I + 12, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Segovia
- Biomedical Research Institute I + 12, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
| | - Iris Lodewijk
- Biomedical Research Institute I + 12, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Dueñas
- Biomedical Research Institute I + 12, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica Martínez-Fernández
- Genomes & Disease Lab, CiMUS (Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Jesus Maria Paramio
- Biomedical Research Institute I + 12, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
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92
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Wu HX, Chen YX, Wang ZX, Zhao Q, He MM, Wang YN, Wang F, Xu RH. Alteration in TET1 as potential biomarker for immune checkpoint blockade in multiple cancers. J Immunother Cancer 2019; 7:264. [PMID: 31623662 PMCID: PMC6798429 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-019-0737-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have achieved impressive success in different cancer types, yet responses vary and predictive biomarkers are urgently needed. Growing evidence points to a link between DNA methylation and anti-tumor immunity, while clinical data on the association of genomic alterations in DNA methylation-related genes and ICI response are lacking. METHODS Clinical cohorts with annotated response and survival data and matched mutational data from published studies were collected and consolidated. The predictive function of specific mutated genes was first tested in the discovery cohort and later validated in the validation cohort. The association between specific mutated genes and tumor immunogenicity and anti-tumor immunity was further investigated in the Cancer Genome Altas (TCGA) dataset. RESULTS Among twenty-one key genes involving in the regulation of DNA methylation, TET1-mutant (TET1-MUT) was enriched in patients responding to ICI treatment in the discovery cohort (p=0.003). TET1 was recurrently mutated across multiple cancers and more frequently seen in skin, lung, gastrointestinal, and urogenital cancers. In the discovery cohort (n = 519), significant differences were observed between TET1-MUT and TET1-wildtype (TET1-WT) patients regarding objective response rate (ORR, 60.9% versus 22.8%, P < 0.001), durable clinical benefit (DCB, 71.4% versus 31.6%, P < 0.001), and progression-free survival (PFS, hazard ratio = 0.46 [95% confidence interval, 0.25 to 0.82], P = 0.008). In the validation cohort (n = 1395), significant overall survival (OS) benefit was detected in the TET1-MUT patients compared to TET1-WT patients (hazard ratio = 0.47 [95% confidence interval, 0.25 to 0.88], P = 0.019), which was, importantly, independent of tumor mutational burden and high microsatellite instability; as well as not attributed to the prognostic impact of TET1-MUT (P > 0.05 in both two non-ICI-treated cohorts). In TCGA dataset, TET1-MUT was strongly associated with higher tumor mutational burden and neoantigen load, and inflamed pattern of tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes, immune signatures and immune-related gene expressions. CONCLUSIONS TET1-MUT was strongly associated with higher ORR, better DCB, longer PFS, and improved OS in patients receiving ICI treatment, suggesting that TET1-MUT is a novel predictive biomarker for immune checkpoint blockade across multiple cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Xiang Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Yan-Xing Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Zi-Xian Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Ming-Ming He
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Ying-Nan Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| | - Rui-Hua Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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93
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Gougelet A. Epigenetic modulation of immunity: towards new therapeutic avenues in hepatocellular carcinoma? Gut 2019; 68:1727-1728. [PMID: 31243054 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2019-319084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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94
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Current Perspectives in Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101472. [PMID: 31575023 PMCID: PMC6826426 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Different immunotherapeutic approaches have proved to be of significant clinical value to many patients with different types of advanced cancer. However, we need more precise immunotherapies and predictive biomarkers to increase the successful response rates. The advent of next generation sequencing technologies and their applications in immuno-oncology has helped us tremendously towards this aim. We are now moving towards the realization of personalized medicine, thus, significantly increasing our expectations for a more successful management of the disease. Here, we discuss the current immunotherapeutic approaches against cancer, including immune checkpoint blockade with an emphasis on anti-PD-L1 and anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibodies. We also analyze a growing list of other co-inhibitory and co-stimulatory markers and emphasize the mechanism of action of the principal pathway for each of these, as well as on drugs that either have been FDA-approved or are under clinical investigation. We further discuss recent advances in other immunotherapies, including cytokine therapy, adoptive cell transfer therapy and therapeutic vaccines. We finally discuss the modulation of gut microbiota composition and response to immunotherapy, as well as how tumor-intrinsic factors and immunological processes influence the mutational and epigenetic landscape of progressing tumors and response to immunotherapy but also how immunotherapeutic intervention influences the landscape of cancer neoepitopes and tumor immunoediting.
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95
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Sarmento-Ribeiro AB, Scorilas A, Gonçalves AC, Efferth T, Trougakos IP. The emergence of drug resistance to targeted cancer therapies: Clinical evidence. Drug Resist Updat 2019; 47:100646. [PMID: 31733611 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2019.100646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
For many decades classical anti-tumor therapies included chemotherapy, radiation and surgery; however, in the last two decades, following the identification of the genomic drivers and main hallmarks of cancer, the introduction of therapies that target specific tumor-promoting oncogenic or non-oncogenic pathways, has revolutionized cancer therapeutics. Despite the significant progress in cancer therapy, clinical oncologists are often facing the primary impediment of anticancer drug resistance, as many cancer patients display either intrinsic chemoresistance from the very beginning of the therapy or after initial responses and upon repeated drug treatment cycles, acquired drug resistance develops and thus relapse emerges, resulting in increased mortality. Our attempts to understand the molecular basis underlying these drug resistance phenotypes in pre-clinical models and patient specimens revealed the extreme plasticity and adaptive pathways employed by tumor cells, being under sustained stress and extensive genomic/proteomic instability due to the applied therapeutic regimens. Subsequent efforts have yielded more effective inhibitors and combinatorial approaches (e.g. the use of specific pharmacologic inhibitors with immunotherapy) that exhibit synergistic effects against tumor cells, hence enhancing therapeutic indices. Furthermore, new advanced methodologies that allow for the early detection of genetic/epigenetic alterations that lead to drug chemoresistance and prospective validation of biomarkers which identify patients that will benefit from certain drug classes, have started to improve the clinical outcome. This review discusses emerging principles of drug resistance to cancer therapies targeting a wide array of oncogenic kinases, along with hedgehog pathway and the proteasome and apoptotic inducers, as well as epigenetic and metabolic modulators. We further discuss mechanisms of resistance to monoclonal antibodies, immunomodulators and immune checkpoint inhibitors, potential biomarkers of drug response/drug resistance, along with possible new therapeutic avenues for the clinicians to combat devastating drug resistant malignancies. It is foreseen that these topics will be major areas of focused multidisciplinary translational research in the years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Bela Sarmento-Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology and University Clinic of Hematology and Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research - Group of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (iCBR/CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra (FMUC), Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal; Hematology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Andreas Scorilas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ana Cristina Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology and University Clinic of Hematology and Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research - Group of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (iCBR/CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra (FMUC), Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ioannis P Trougakos
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece.
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96
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Jiang T, Shi T, Zhang H, Hu J, Song Y, Wei J, Ren S, Zhou C. Tumor neoantigens: from basic research to clinical applications. J Hematol Oncol 2019; 12:93. [PMID: 31492199 PMCID: PMC6731555 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-019-0787-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 235] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor neoantigen is the truly foreign protein and entirely absent from normal human organs/tissues. It could be specifically recognized by neoantigen-specific T cell receptors (TCRs) in the context of major histocompatibility complexes (MHCs) molecules. Emerging evidence has suggested that neoantigens play a critical role in tumor-specific T cell-mediated antitumor immune response and successful cancer immunotherapies. From a theoretical perspective, neoantigen is an ideal immunotherapy target because they are distinguished from germline and could be recognized as non-self by the host immune system. Neoantigen-based therapeutic personalized vaccines and adoptive T cell transfer have shown promising preliminary results. Furthermore, recent studies suggested the significant role of neoantigen in immune escape, immunoediting, and sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this review, we systematically summarize the recent advances of understanding and identification of tumor-specific neoantigens and its role on current cancer immunotherapies. We also discuss the ongoing development of strategies based on neoantigens and its future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Jiang
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital & Thoracic Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 507, Zheng Min Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Tao Shi
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, No. 321, Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | | | - Jie Hu
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanlin Song
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Shanghai Respiratory Research Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Wei
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, No. 321, Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Shengxiang Ren
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital & Thoracic Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 507, Zheng Min Road, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Caicun Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital & Thoracic Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 507, Zheng Min Road, Shanghai, 200433, China.
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Prasanna T, Wu F, Yip D, Rao S. Immune modulation via epigenetic targeting to overcome immune checkpoint inhibitor resistance. Immunotherapy 2019; 11:1263-1266. [PMID: 31462109 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2019-0140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Thiru Prasanna
- Epigenetics & Transcription Laboratory Melanie Swan Memorial Translational Centre, Sci-Tech, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,Department of Medical Oncology, The Canberra Hospital, Garran, ACT 2605, Australia
| | - Fan Wu
- Epigenetics & Transcription Laboratory Melanie Swan Memorial Translational Centre, Sci-Tech, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Desmond Yip
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Canberra Hospital, Garran, ACT 2605, Australia.,ANU Medical School, Australian National University, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Sudha Rao
- Epigenetics & Transcription Laboratory Melanie Swan Memorial Translational Centre, Sci-Tech, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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98
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A disparate role of RP11-424C20.2/UHRF1 axis through control of tumor immune escape in liver hepatocellular carcinoma and thymoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 11:6422-6439. [PMID: 31442209 PMCID: PMC6738438 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The immune system is critical in modulating cancer progression. Pseudogenes are a special type of long non-coding RNAs that regulate different tumorigenic processes. However, the potential roles of pseudogenes in tumor-immune interaction remain largely unclear. Here, we reported that pseudogene RP11-424C20.2 and its parental gene UHRF1 were frequently up-regulated and positively correlated in liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) and thymoma (THYM), but associated with distinct clinical outcomes. We further found that RP11-424C20.2 may act as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to increase UHRF1 expression through sponging miR-378a-3p. Functional enrichment analysis showed a strong association of UHRF1 with immune-related biological processes. We also observed that UHRF1 expression significantly correlated with immune infiltration, and different types of tumor-infiltrating immune cells displayed different impacts on clinical outcomes. Furthermore, UHRF1 expression in LIHC and THYM showed an opposite correlation with biomarkers from monocyte, dendritic cell, Th1 and T cell exhaustion. Mechanism investigations revealed that RP11-424C20.2/UHRF1 axis regulated immune escape of LIHC and THYM at least partly through IFN-γ-mediated CLTA-4 and PD-L1 pathway. These findings demonstrate a disparate role of RP11-424C20.2/UHRF1 axis in LIHC and THYM via regulating immune infiltrates, and also indicate a therapeutic value for UHRF1 inhibitors in combination with anti-PD-L1/CLTA-4 blockade.
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Phuengkham H, Ren L, Shin IW, Lim YT. Nanoengineered Immune Niches for Reprogramming the Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment and Enhancing Cancer Immunotherapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2019; 31:e1803322. [PMID: 30773696 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201803322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapies that harness the body's immune system to combat tumors have received extensive attention and become mainstream strategies for treating cancer. Despite promising results, some problems remain, such as the limited patient response rate and the emergence of severe immune-related adverse effects. For most patients, the therapeutic efficacy of cancer immunotherapy is mainly limited by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). To overcome such obstacles in the TME, the immunomodulation of immunosuppressive factors and therapeutic immune cells (e.g., T cells and antigen-presenting cells) should be carefully designed and evaluated. Nanoengineered synthetic immune niches have emerged as highly customizable platforms with a potent capability for reprogramming the immunosuppressive TME. Here, recent developments in nano-biomaterials that are rationally designed to modulate the immunosuppressive TME in a spatiotemporal manner for enhanced cancer immunotherapy which are rationally designed to modulate the immunosuppressive TME in a spatiotemporal manner for enhanced cancer immunotherapy are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hathaichanok Phuengkham
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Department of Nano Engineering, and School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Long Ren
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Department of Nano Engineering, and School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Il Woo Shin
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Department of Nano Engineering, and School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Taik Lim
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Department of Nano Engineering, and School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16419, Republic of Korea
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Regulation of Immunity in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11081080. [PMID: 31366131 PMCID: PMC6721298 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11081080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer affects millions of women worldwide, leading to many deaths and significant economic burden. Although there are numerous treatment options available, the huge potentials of immunotherapy in the management of localized and metastatic breast cancer is currently being explored. However, there are significant gaps in understanding the complex interactions between the immune system and breast cancer. The immune system can be pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic depending on the cells involved and the conditions of the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we discuss current knowledge of breast cancer, including treatment options. We also give a brief overview of the immune system and comprehensively highlight the roles of different cells of the immune system in breast tumorigenesis, including recent research discoveries. Lastly, we discuss some immunotherapeutic strategies for the management of breast cancer.
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