51
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Domvri K, Petanidis S, Zarogoulidis P, Anestakis D, Tsavlis D, Bai C, Huang H, Freitag L, Hohenforst-Schmidt W, Porpodis K, Katopodi T. Treg-dependent immunosuppression triggers effector T cell dysfunction via the STING/ILC2 axis. Clin Immunol 2020; 222:108620. [PMID: 33176208 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2020.108620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths and despite extensive research, the survival rate of lung cancer patients remains significantly low. Recent data reveal that aberrant Kras signaling drives regulatory T cells (Tregs) present in lung tumor microenvironment to establish immune deregulation and immunosuppression but the exact pathogenic mechanism is still unknown. In this study, we investigate the role of oncogenic Kras in Treg-related immunosuppression and its involvement in tumor-associated metabolic reprogramming. Findings reveal Tregs to prompt GATA3/NOS2-related immunosuppression via STING inhibition which triggers a decline in CD4+ T infiltration, and a subsequent increase in lung metastatic burden. Enhanced Treg expression was also associated with low T/MDSC ratio through restriction of CD8+CD44+CD62L- T effector cells, contributing to a tumor-promoting status. Specifically, TIM3+/LAG3+ Tregs prompted Kras-related immunosuppressive chemoresistance and were associated with T cell dysfunction. This Treg-dependent immunosuppression correlated with CD8 T cell exhaustion phenotype and ILC2 augmentation in mice. Moreover, enhanced Treg expression promoted activation-induced cell death (AICD) of T lymphocytes and guided lymph node metastasis in vivo. Overall, these findings demonstrate the multifaceted roles of Tregs in sustaining lung immunosuppressive neoplasia through tumor microenvironment remodeling and provide new opportunities for effective metastasis inhibition, especially in chemoresistant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalliopi Domvri
- Pulmonary Department-Oncology Unit, "G. Papanikolaou" General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 57010, Greece
| | - Savvas Petanidis
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Medical Biology and Genetics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece; Department of Pulmonology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119992, Russian Federation.
| | - Paul Zarogoulidis
- Third Department of Surgery, "AHEPA" University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 55236 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Doxakis Anestakis
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece
| | - Drosos Tsavlis
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Physiology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece
| | - Chong Bai
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Haidong Huang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Lutz Freitag
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Konstantinos Porpodis
- Pulmonary Department-Oncology Unit, "G. Papanikolaou" General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 57010, Greece
| | - Theodora Katopodi
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Medical Biology and Genetics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece
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52
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Kaboli PJ, Zhang L, Xiang S, Shen J, Li M, Zhao Y, Wu X, Zhao Q, Zhang H, Lin L, Yin J, Wu Y, Wan L, Yi T, Li X, Cho CH, Li J, Xiao Z, Wen Q. Molecular Markers of Regulatory T Cells in Cancer Immunotherapy with Special Focus on Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) - A Systematic Review. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:4673-4698. [PMID: 31584362 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666191004164041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The next-generation immunotherapy can only be effective if researchers have an in-depth understanding of the function and regulation of Treg cells in antitumor immunity combined with the discovery of new immunity targets. This can enhance clinical efficacy of future and novel therapies and reduces any adverse reactions arising from the latter. This review discusses tumor treatment strategies using regulatory T (Treg) cell therapy in a Tumor Microenvironment (TME). It also discusses factors affecting TME instability as well as relevant treatments to prevent future immune disorders. It is prognosticated that PD-1 inhibitors are risky and their adverse effects should be taken into account when they are administered to treat Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), lung adenocarcinoma, and prostate adenocarcinoma. In contrast, Treg molecular markers FoxP3 and CD25 analyzed here have stronger expression in almost all kinds of cancers compared with normal people. However, CD25 inhibitors are more effective compared to FoxP3 inhibitors, especially in combination with TGF-β blockade, in predicting patient survival. According to the data obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas, we then concentrate on AML immunotherapy and discuss different therapeutic strategies including anti-CD25/IL-2, anti-CTLA-4, anti-IDO, antityrosine kinase receptor, and anti-PI3K therapies and highlight the recent advances and clinical achievements in AML immunotherapy. In order to prognosticate the risk and adverse effects of key target inhibitors (namely against CTLA-4, FoxP3, CD25, and PD-1), we finally analyzed and compared the Cancer Genome Atlas derived from ten common cancers. This review shows that Treg cells are strongly increased in AML and the comparative review of key markers shows that Tregbased immunotherapy is not effective for all kinds of cancer. Therefore, blocking CD25(+)FoxP3(+) Treg cells is suggested in AML more than other kinds of cancer; meanwhile, Treg markers studied in other cancers have also great lessons for AML immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parham Jabbarzadeh Kaboli
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan, China
| | - Lingling Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan, China
| | - Shixin Xiang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Shen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan, China
| | - Mingxing Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan, China
| | - Yueshui Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan, China
| | - Xu Wu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan, China
| | - Qijie Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan, China
| | - Hanyu Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan, China
| | - Ling Lin
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan, China
| | - Jianhua Yin
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan, China
| | - Yuanlin Wu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan, China
| | - Lin Wan
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, The Children's Hospital of Soochow, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tao Yi
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan, China
| | - Chi Hin Cho
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Hospital (T.C.M) Affiliated to Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhangang Xiao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan, China
| | - Qinglian Wen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
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53
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Li T, Wu B, Yang T, Zhang L, Jin K. The outstanding antitumor capacity of CD4 + T helper lymphocytes. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1874:188439. [PMID: 32980465 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decades, tumor-resident immune cells have been extensively studied to dissect their biological functions and clinical roles. Tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells, because of their cytotoxic and killing ability, have been under the spotlight for a long time, whereas CD4+ T cells are considered just a supporting actor in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Until recently, accumulating evidence has demonstrated the ability of CD4+ T cells in eradicating solid tumors, and their functions in mediating antitumor immunity have been investigated in various orientations. In this review, we highlight the pivotal role of CD4+ T cells in eliciting vigorous antitumor immune responses, summarize key signaling axes and molecular networks behind these antitumor functions, and also propose possible targets and promising strategies which might translate into more efficient immunotherapies against human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Li
- Laboratory of Human Diseases and Immunotherapies, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Bowen Wu
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94304, USA
| | - Tao Yang
- Laboratory of Human Diseases and Immunotherapies, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Long Zhang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ke Jin
- Laboratory of Human Diseases and Immunotherapies, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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54
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Targeting Receptors on Cancer Cells with Protein Toxins. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10091331. [PMID: 32957689 PMCID: PMC7563326 DOI: 10.3390/biom10091331] [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: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells frequently upregulate surface receptors that promote growth and survival. These receptors constitute valid targets for intervention. One strategy involves the delivery of toxic payloads with the goal of killing those cancer cells with high receptor levels. Delivery can be accomplished by attaching a toxic payload to either a receptor-binding antibody or a receptor-binding ligand. Generally, the cell-binding domain of the toxin is replaced with a ligand or antibody that dictates a new binding specificity. The advantage of this “immunotoxin” approach lies in the potency of these chimeric molecules for killing cancer cells. However, receptor expression on normal tissue represents a significant obstacle to therapeutic intervention.
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55
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Semionatto IF, Palameta S, Toscaro JM, Manrique-Rincón AJ, Ruas LP, Paes Leme AF, Bajgelman MC. Extracellular vesicles produced by immunomodulatory cells harboring OX40 ligand and 4-1BB ligand enhance antitumor immunity. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15160. [PMID: 32939048 PMCID: PMC7495001 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72122-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetically modified tumor cells harboring immunomodulators may be used as therapeutic vaccines to stimulate antitumor immunity. The therapeutic benefit of these tumor vaccines is extensively investigated and mechanisms by which they boost antitumor response may be further explored. Tumor cells are large secretors of extracellular vesicles (EVs). These EVs are able to vehiculate RNA and proteins to target cells, and engineered EVs also vehiculate recombinant proteins. In this study, we explore immunomodulatory properties of EVs derived from antitumor vaccines expressing the TNFSF ligands 4-1BBL and OX40L, modulating immune response mediated by immune cells and eliminating tumors. Our results suggest that the EVs secreted by genetically modified tumor cells harboring TNFSF ligands can induce T cell proliferation, inhibit the transcription factor FoxP3, associated with the maintenance of Treg phenotype, and enhance antitumor activity mediated by immune cells. The immunomodulatory extracellular vesicles have potential to be further engineered for developing new approaches for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isadora Ferraz Semionatto
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, SP, Brazil.,Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Soledad Palameta
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, SP, Brazil.,Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Marcelino Toscaro
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, SP, Brazil.,Medical School, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Andrea Johanna Manrique-Rincón
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, SP, Brazil.,Medical School, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Luciana Pereira Ruas
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Adriana Franco Paes Leme
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, SP, Brazil.,Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcio Chaim Bajgelman
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, SP, Brazil. .,Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil. .,Medical School, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
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56
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Zammarchi F, Havenith K, Bertelli F, Vijayakrishnan B, Chivers S, van Berkel PH. CD25-targeted antibody-drug conjugate depletes regulatory T cells and eliminates established syngeneic tumors via antitumor immunity. J Immunother Cancer 2020; 8:jitc-2020-000860. [PMID: 32912922 PMCID: PMC7482493 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-000860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Regulatory T cells (Tregs) contribute to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. They play an important role in the establishment and progression of tumors with high Tregs infiltration and present a major obstacle to tumor eradication by immunotherapies. Numerous strategies have been attempted to deplete or block Tregs, although their success has been limited. Methods A CD25-targeted, pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) dimer-based antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) was investigated for its ability to deplete Tregs and induce antitumor immunity. Antitumor activity of CD25-ADC either alone or in combination with an anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) antibody was evaluated in CD25-negative syngeneic models that exhibit tumor infiltration of CD25-expressing Tregs, and its pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics were assessed. Results Single low doses of CD25-ADC resulted in potent and durable antitumor activity in established syngeneic solid tumor models and the combination of a suboptimal dose was synergistic with PD-1 blockade. Tumor eradication by the CD25-targeted ADC was CD8+ T cell-dependent and CD25-ADC induced protective immunity. Importantly, while CD25-ADC mediated a significant and sustained intratumoral Tregs depletion, accompanied by a concomitant increase in the number of activated and proliferating tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T effector cells, systemic Tregs depletion was transient, alleviating concerns of potential autoimmune side effects. Conclusions This study shows that a PBD dimer-based, CD25-targeted ADC is able to deplete Tregs and eradicate established tumors via antitumor immunity. This represents a novel approach to efficiently deplete Tregs via a very potent DNA damaging toxin known to induce immunogenic cell death. Moreover, this study provides proof of concept for a completely new application of ADCs as immunotherapeutic agents, as the main mode of action relies on the ADC directly targeting immune cells, rather than tumor cells. These strong preclinical data warrant the clinical evaluation of camidanlumab tesirine (ADCT-301), a PBD-based ADC targeting human CD25, either alone or in combination with checkpoint inhibitors in solid tumors with known Tregs infiltration. A phase I trial (NCT03621982) of camidanlumab tesirine in patients with selected advanced solid tumors is ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karin Havenith
- ADC Therapeutics (UK) Limited, QMB Innovation Centre, London, UK
| | | | | | - Simon Chivers
- ADC Therapeutics (UK) Limited, QMB Innovation Centre, London, UK
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57
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Yang F, Zhao L, Wei Z, Yang Y, Liu J, Li Y, Tian X, Liu X, Lü X, Sui J. A Cross-Species Reactive TIGIT-Blocking Antibody Fc Dependently Confers Potent Antitumor Effects. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 205:2156-2168. [PMID: 32887749 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1901413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT) has been shown to exert inhibitory roles in antitumor immune responses. In this study, we report the development of a human mAb, T4, which recognizes both human and mouse TIGIT and blocks the interaction of TIGIT with its ligand CD155 in both species. The T4 Ab targets the segment connecting F and G strands of TIGIT's extracellular IgV domain, and we show in studies with mouse tumor models that the T4 Ab exerts strong antitumor activity and induces durable immune memory against various tumor types. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that the T4 Ab's antitumor effects are mediated via multiple immunological impacts, including a CD8+ T immune response and Fc-mediated effector functions, through NK cells that cause significant reduction in the frequency of intratumoral T regulatory cells (Tregs). Notably, this Treg reduction apparently activates additional antitumor CD8+ T cell responses, targeting tumor-shared Ags that are normally cryptic or suppressed by Tregs, thus conferring cross-tumor immune memory. Subsequent engineering for Fc variants of the T4 Ab with enhanced Fc-mediated effector functions yielded yet further improvements in antitumor efficacy. Thus, beyond demonstrating the T4 Ab as a promising candidate for the development of cancer immunotherapies, our study illustrates how the therapeutic efficacy of an anti-TIGIT Ab can be improved by enhancing Fc-mediated immune effector functions. Our insights about the multiple mechanisms of action of the T4 Ab and its Fc variants should help in developing new strategies that can realize the full clinical potential of anti-TIGIT Ab therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Yang
- College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.,National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Linlin Zhao
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing 102206, China.,Peking University-Tsinghua University-National Institute of Biological Sciences Joint Graduate Program, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zhizhong Wei
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing 102206, China.,Peking University-Tsinghua University-National Institute of Biological Sciences Joint Graduate Program, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yajing Yang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing 102206, China.,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Juan Liu
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yulu Li
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing 102206, China.,Peking University-Tsinghua University-National Institute of Biological Sciences Joint Graduate Program, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; and
| | - Xinxin Tian
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Ximing Liu
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xueyuan Lü
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing 102206, China.,Peking University-Tsinghua University-National Institute of Biological Sciences Joint Graduate Program, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jianhua Sui
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing 102206, China; .,Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102206, China
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58
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Camidanlumab tesirine, an antibody-drug conjugate, in relapsed/refractory CD25-positive acute myeloid leukemia or acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A phase I study. Leuk Res 2020; 95:106385. [DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2020.106385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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59
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Li C, Jiang P, Wei S, Xu X, Wang J. Regulatory T cells in tumor microenvironment: new mechanisms, potential therapeutic strategies and future prospects. Mol Cancer 2020; 19:116. [PMID: 32680511 PMCID: PMC7367382 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01234-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 378] [Impact Index Per Article: 94.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) characterized by the expression of the master transcription factor forkhead box protein p3 (Foxp3) suppress anticancer immunity, thereby hindering protective immunosurveillance of tumours and hampering effective antitumour immune responses in tumour-bearing hosts, constitute a current research hotspot in the field. However, Tregs are also essential for the maintenance of the immune tolerance of the body and share many molecular signalling pathways with conventional T cells, including cytotoxic T cells, the primary mediators of tumour immunity. Hence, the inability to specifically target and neutralize Tregs in the tumour microenvironment without globally compromising self-tolerance poses a significant challenge. Here, we review recent advances in characterizing tumour-infiltrating Tregs with a focus on the functional roles of costimulatory and inhibitory receptors in Tregs, evaluate their potential as clinical targets, and systematically summarize their roles in potential treatment strategies. Also, we propose modalities to integrate our increasing knowledge on Tregs phenotype and function for the rational design of checkpoint inhibitor-based combination therapies. Finally, we propose possible treatment strategies that can be used to develop Treg-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxiao Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Ping Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Shuhua Wei
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiaofei Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Junjie Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
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60
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Janssen E, Subtil B, de la Jara Ortiz F, Verheul HMW, Tauriello DVF. Combinatorial Immunotherapies for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12071875. [PMID: 32664619 PMCID: PMC7408881 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequent and deadly forms of cancer. About half of patients are affected by metastasis, with the cancer spreading to e.g., liver, lungs or the peritoneum. The majority of these patients cannot be cured despite steady advances in treatment options. Immunotherapies are currently not widely applicable for this disease, yet show potential in preclinical models and clinical translation. The tumour microenvironment (TME) has emerged as a key factor in CRC metastasis, including by means of immune evasion-forming a major barrier to effective immuno-oncology. Several approaches are in development that aim to overcome the immunosuppressive environment and boost anti-tumour immunity. Among them are vaccination strategies, cellular transplantation therapies, and targeted treatments. Given the complexity of the system, we argue for rational design of combinatorial therapies and consider the implications of precision medicine in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline Janssen
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (E.J.); (B.S.); (F.d.l.J.O.)
| | - Beatriz Subtil
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (E.J.); (B.S.); (F.d.l.J.O.)
| | - Fàtima de la Jara Ortiz
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (E.J.); (B.S.); (F.d.l.J.O.)
| | - Henk M. W. Verheul
- Department of Medical Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HBNijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Daniele V. F. Tauriello
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (E.J.); (B.S.); (F.d.l.J.O.)
- Correspondence:
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Dieffenbach M, Pastan I. Mechanisms of Resistance to Immunotoxins Containing Pseudomonas Exotoxin A in Cancer Therapy. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E979. [PMID: 32630017 PMCID: PMC7408526 DOI: 10.3390/biom10070979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotoxins are a class of targeted cancer therapeutics in which a toxin such as Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE) is linked to an antibody or cytokine to direct the toxin to a target on cancer cells. While a variety of PE-based immunotoxins have been developed and a few have demonstrated promising clinical and preclinical results, cancer cells frequently have or develop resistance to these immunotoxins. This review presents our current understanding of the mechanism of action of PE-based immunotoxins and discusses cellular mechanisms of resistance that interfere with various steps of the pathway. These steps include binding of the immunotoxin to the target antigen, internalization, intracellular processing and trafficking to reach the cytosol, inhibition of protein synthesis through ADP-ribosylation of elongation factor 2 (EF2), and induction of apoptosis. Combination therapies that increase immunotoxin action and overcome specific mechanisms of resistance are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ira Pastan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, USA;
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Mesothelial cells regulate immune responses in health and disease: role for immunotherapy in malignant mesothelioma. Curr Opin Immunol 2020; 64:88-109. [PMID: 32485577 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2020.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The mesothelium when first described was thought to function purely as a non-adhesive surface to facilitate intracoelomic movement of organs. However, the mesothelium is now recognized as a dynamic cellular membrane with many important functions that maintain serosal integrity and homeostasis. For example, mesothelial cells interact with and help regulate the body's inflammatory and immune system following infection, injury, or malignancy. With recent advances in our understanding of checkpoint molecules and the advent of novel immunotherapy approaches, there has been an increase in the number of studies examining mesothelial and immune cell interaction, in particular the role of these interactions in malignant mesothelioma. This review will highlight some of the recent advances in our understanding of how mesothelial cells help regulate serosal immunity and how in a malignant environment, the immune system is hijacked to stimulate tumor growth. Ways to treat mesothelioma using immunotherapy approaches will also be discussed.
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63
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Abstract
The immune system has evolved complex effector mechanisms to protect the host against a diversity of pathogenic organisms and regulatory adaptations that can curtail pathological sequelae of inflammatory events, prevent autoimmunity, and assist in tissue repair. Cancers, by virtue of their local manifestations of tissue dysfunction and destruction, inflammation, and genomic instability, can evoke these protective mechanisms, which support the progression of tumors and prevent their immune eradication. Central to these processes is a subset of CD4+ T cells, known as regulatory T (Treg) cells, that express the X chromosome–linked transcription factor FOXP3. In addition to their critical role in controlling autoimmunity and suppressing inflammatory responses in diverse biological settings, Treg cells are ubiquitously present in the tumor microenvironment where they promote tumor development and progression by dampening antitumor immune responses. Furthermore, Treg cells can directly support the survival of transformed cells through the elaboration of growth factors and interacting with accessory cells in tumors such as fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Current insights into the biology of tumor-associated Treg cells have opened up opportunities for their selective targeting in cancer, with the goal of alleviating their suppression of antitumor immune responses while maintaining overall immune homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Plitas
- Immunology Program and Ludwig Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA;,
- Breast Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Alexander Y. Rudensky
- Immunology Program and Ludwig Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA;,
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
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64
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Li H, Yu J, Wu Y, Shao B, Wei X. In situ antitumor vaccination: Targeting the tumor microenvironment. J Cell Physiol 2020; 235:5490-5500. [PMID: 32030759 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment is known to play important roles in tumor progression. Many therapies, targeting the tumor microenvironment, are designed and applied in the clinic. One of these approaches is in situ antitumor therapy. This way, bacteria, antibodies, plasmid DNA, viruses, and cells are intratumorally delivered into the tumor site as "in-situ antitumor vaccine," which seeks to enhance immunogenicity and generate systemic T cell responses. In addition, this intratumoral therapy can alter the tumor microenvironment from immunosuppressive to immunostimulatory while limiting the risk of systemic exposure and associated toxicity. Contemporarily, promising preclinical results and some initial success in clinical trials have been obtained after intratumoral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanwen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiayun Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yongyao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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65
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Balancing cancer immunotherapy and immune-related adverse events: The emerging role of regulatory T cells. J Autoimmun 2019; 104:102310. [PMID: 31421963 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2019.102310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Advances in our understanding οf tumor immunity have prompted a paradigm shift in oncology, with the emergence of immunotherapy, where therapeutic agents are used to target immune cells rather than cancer cells. A real breakthrough in the field of immunotherapy came with the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), namely antagonistic antibodies that block key immune regulatory molecules (checkpoint molecules), such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death protein (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1, that under physiologic conditions suppress T cell effector function. However, despite the enormous success, a significant proportion of patients do not respond, while responses are frequently accompanied by life-threatening autoimmune related adverse events (irAEs). A major impediment in the effectiveness of ICI immunotherapy is the tumoral resistance, which is dependent on the immunosuppressive nature of tumor microenvironment (TME). Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are among the most abundant suppressive cells in the TME and their presence has been correlated with tumor progression, invasiveness as well as metastasis. Tregs are characterized by the expression of the transcription factor Foxp3 and various mechanisms ranging from cell-to-cell contact to secretion of inhibitory molecules have been implicated in their function. Notably, Tregs amply express most of the checkpoint molecules such as CTLA4, PD1 and LAG3 and therefore represent a direct target of ICI immunotherapy. Taking into consideration the critical role of Tregs in maintenance of immune homeostasis and avoidance of autoimmunity it is plausible that targeting of Tregs by ICI immunotherapy results in the development of irAEs. Since the use of ICI becomes common, and new immune checkpoint molecules are currently under clinical trials for the treatment of cancer, the occurrence of irAEs is expected to dramatically rise. Herein we review the current literature focusing on the role of Tregs in cancer evolution, ICI response and development of irAEs. Unraveling the complex mechanisms that hinder the tumor immune surveillance and in particular how ICI immunotherapy imprint on Treg activities to promote cancer regression while avoid development of irAEs, will empower the design of novel immunotherapeutic modalities in cancer with increased efficacy and diminished adverse events.
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66
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Yong SB, Chung JY, Song Y, Kim J, Ra S, Kim YH. Non-viral nano-immunotherapeutics targeting tumor microenvironmental immune cells. Biomaterials 2019; 219:119401. [PMID: 31398571 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.119401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironmental immune cells (TMICs) consists of myeloid cells (tumor-associated macrophages, dendritic cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, etc.) and lymphocytes (T cells and B cells), all of which could be immunologically suppressed through their interactions with cancer cells. Immunological understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) has led to great success in the development of clinical cancer immunotherapeutic. The most advanced cancer immunotherapies are chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells (CAR-T cells) and checkpoint inhibiting antibodies blocking CTLA4, PD-1 and PD-L1. However, many hurdles remain that should be addressed for improved therapeutic efficacy and reduced side effects such as cytokine release syndrome and patient-death. In recent decades, nanoparticles have been demonstrated as an efficient drug delivery tool due to their ease of modification, biocompatibility and intrinsic tumor targeting effect, and also been applied for cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we briefly introduce the immunosuppressive functions of TMICs and review recent advances in the development of TMIC-targeted nanotherapeutics for cancer immunotherapy. Tumor-associated macrophage (TAM)-targeted systems have shown to deplete or repolarize macrophages to M1 state for anti-tumoral immune responses. Tumor-infiltrating T cell (TIT)-targeted strategies have provided the activation of effector T cells and suppression of regulatory T cells in tumor, overcoming the current hurdles of single regimen checkpoint inhibitors. Lastly, recent studies on dendritic cell-targeted mRNA vaccination are discussed and the future perspectives of nano-immunotherapeutic for next-generation of cancer immunotherapy is emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seok-Beom Yong
- Department of Bioengineering, Institute for Bioengineering and Biopharmaceutical Research, BK 21 Plus Future Biopharmaceutical Human Resources Training and Research Team, Hanyang University, 133-791, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee Young Chung
- Department of Bioengineering, Institute for Bioengineering and Biopharmaceutical Research, BK 21 Plus Future Biopharmaceutical Human Resources Training and Research Team, Hanyang University, 133-791, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonsung Song
- Department of Bioengineering, Institute for Bioengineering and Biopharmaceutical Research, BK 21 Plus Future Biopharmaceutical Human Resources Training and Research Team, Hanyang University, 133-791, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehyun Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, Institute for Bioengineering and Biopharmaceutical Research, BK 21 Plus Future Biopharmaceutical Human Resources Training and Research Team, Hanyang University, 133-791, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sehee Ra
- Department of Bioengineering, Institute for Bioengineering and Biopharmaceutical Research, BK 21 Plus Future Biopharmaceutical Human Resources Training and Research Team, Hanyang University, 133-791, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Hee Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, Institute for Bioengineering and Biopharmaceutical Research, BK 21 Plus Future Biopharmaceutical Human Resources Training and Research Team, Hanyang University, 133-791, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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67
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Local T regulatory cells depletion by an integrated nanodrug system for efficient chem-immunotherapy of tumor. Sci China Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11426-019-9507-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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