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Worsley CM, Veale RB, Mayne ES. The acidic tumour microenvironment: Manipulating the immune response to elicit escape. Hum Immunol 2022; 83:399-408. [PMID: 35216847 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2022.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The success of cancer treatment relies on the composition of the tumour microenvironment which is comprised of tumour cells, blood vessels, stromal cells, immune cells, and extracellular matrix components. Barriers to effective cancer treatment need to be overcome, and the acidic microenvironment of the tumour provides a key target for treatment. This review intends to provide an overview of the effects that low extracellular pH has on components of the tumour microenvironment and how they contribute to immune escape. Further, potential therapeutic targets will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M Worsley
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Haematology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; National Health Laboratory Service, South Africa.
| | - Rob B Veale
- School of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Elizabeth S Mayne
- Department of Haematology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Department of Immunology Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa
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102
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Wang Z, Zhang J, Zhang H, Dai Z, Liang X, Li S, Peng R, Zhang X, Liu F, Liu Z, Yang K, Cheng Q. CMTM Family Genes Affect Prognosis and Modulate Immunocytes Infiltration in Grade II/III Glioma Patients by Influencing the Tumor Immune Landscape and Activating Associated Immunosuppressing Pathways. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:740822. [PMID: 35252165 PMCID: PMC8891612 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.740822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Lower-grade glioma (LGG) is one of the most common primary tumor types in adults. The chemokine-like factor (CKLF)-like Marvel transmembrane domain-containing (CMTM) family is widely expressed in the immune system and can modulate tumor progression. However, the role of the CMTM family in LGG remains unknown. A total of 508 LGG patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were used as a training cohort, and 155 LGG patients from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) array database, 142 LGG patients from the CGGA RNA-sequencing database, and 168 LGG patients from the GSE108474 database were used as the validation cohorts. Patients were subdivided into two groups using consensus clustering. The ENET algorithm was applied to build a scoring model based on the cluster model. Finally, ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT, and xCell algorithms were performed to define the tumor immune landscape. The expression levels of the CMTM family genes were associated with glioma grades and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) status. Patients in cluster 2 and the high-risk score group exhibited a poor prognosis and were enriched with higher grade, wild-type IDH (IDH-WT), 1p19q non-codeletion, MGMT promoter unmethylation, and IDH-WT subtype. Patients in cluster 1 and low-risk score group were associated with high tumor purity and reduced immune cell infiltration. Enrichment pathways analysis indicated that several essential pathways involved in tumor progression were associated with the expression of CMTM family genes. Importantly, PD-1, PD-L1, and PD-L2 expression levels were increased in cluster 2 and high-risk groups. Therefore, the CMTM family contributes to LGG progression through modulating tumor immune landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Jingwei Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ziyu Dai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xisong Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shuwang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Renjun Peng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xun Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fangkun Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhixiong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Changsha, China
- Clinical Diagnosis and Therapy Center for Glioma of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Kui Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Quan Cheng, ; Kui Yang,
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Changsha, China
- Clinical Diagnosis and Therapy Center for Glioma of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Quan Cheng, ; Kui Yang,
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Wu Y, Zheng LE, Chen S, Lv C, Huang Y. DLC1 Is a Prognosis-Related Biomarker Correlated With Tumor Microenvironment Remodeling in Endometrial Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:823018. [PMID: 35223504 PMCID: PMC8874285 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.823018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Deleted in liver cancer 1 (DLC1) is confirmed as a metastasis suppressor gene in endometrial carcinoma (EC). However, its functional mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the relationship between DLC1 expression and EC. Methods The Cancer Genome Atlas database was used for evaluating the expression of DLC1 in pan-cancer. CIBERSORT was used to assess the relationship between DLC1 and tumor immune infiltration. We applied real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction to determine the expression of DLC1 in EC and adjacent normal tissue samples. The targeting endogenous protein levels were assessed using the dataset from the cBioPortal database. Results DLC1 expression negatively correlated with the clinical characteristics (clinical stage, histologic grade) and positively correlated with the survival of patients with uterine corpus EC (UCEC). The gene set enrichment analysis displayed that the low-expression DLC1 group was enriched in metabolic pathways. Concomitantly, the high-expression DLC1 group was enriched in tumor immune-related activities. The CIBERSORT analysis showed that the number of resting memory CD4 T cells and resting mast cells positively correlated with DLC1 expression, while the number of macrophages M2 had a negative correlation, indicating that DLC1 played a key role in mediating immune cell infiltration. The target gene validation confirmed that DLC1 expression was downregulated in tumor samples. The target protein level was consistently downregulated in tumor samples. Conclusions DLC1 levels might be useful in predicting the prognosis of patients with UCEC and especially governing the status of tumor microenvironment transition from immune-dominant to metabolic-dominant. The findings shed a different light on the immune therapeutics of UCEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalan Wu
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated First Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Li-e Zheng
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated First Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shumin Chen
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated First Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chengyu Lv
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yuxiu Huang
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated First Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yuxiu Huang,
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104
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CAR T targets and microenvironmental barriers of osteosarcoma. Cytotherapy 2022; 24:567-576. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2021.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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105
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Multifaceted Interplay between Hormones, Growth Factors and Hypoxia in the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030539. [PMID: 35158804 PMCID: PMC8833523 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hormones and growth factors impact many processes in the cell. Moreover, these molecules influence tumor growth, as does a lack of oxygen (hypoxia) that characterizes cancer progression. Proteins that are stabilized by low oxygen tension, known as hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), help tumor cells to adapt to their environment. Of note, hormones and growth factors regulate the activity of HIFs toward malignant aggressiveness, including the resistance to therapy. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the role of hormones and growth factors in cancer development with a particular focus on their interplay with hypoxia and HIFs and comment on how these factors influence the response to cancer immunotherapy. Abstract Hormones and growth factors (GFs) are signaling molecules implicated in the regulation of a variety of cellular processes. They play important roles in both healthy and tumor cells, where they function by binding to specific receptors on target cells and activating downstream signaling cascades. The stages of tumor progression are influenced by hormones and GF signaling. Hypoxia, a hallmark of cancer progression, contributes to tumor plasticity and heterogeneity. Most solid tumors contain a hypoxic core due to rapid cellular proliferation that outgrows the blood supply. In these circumstances, hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) play a central role in the adaptation of tumor cells to their new environment, dramatically reshaping their transcriptional profile. HIF signaling is modulated by a variety of factors including hormones and GFs, which activate signaling pathways that enhance tumor growth and metastatic potential and impair responses to therapy. In this review, we summarize the role of hormones and GFs during cancer onset and progression with a particular focus on hypoxia and the interplay with HIF proteins. We also discuss how hypoxia influences the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy, considering that a hypoxic environment may act as a determinant of the immune-excluded phenotype and a major hindrance to the success of adoptive cell therapies.
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106
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Zhang C, Zhuang Q, Liu J, Liu X. Synthetic Biology in Chimeric Antigen Receptor T (CAR T) Cell Engineering. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:1-15. [PMID: 35005887 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic biology is a novel interdisciplinary research area following engineering principles to redesign and construct biological systems for useful purposes. As one of the most notable clinically relevant application of synthetic biology, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have demonstrated tremendous success for the treatment of advanced hematological malignancies in recent years. However, various unsolved obstacles limit the widespread application of CAR T cell therapies, including treatment-associated toxicities, antigen heterogeneity, antigen escape, poor CAR T cell persistence and expansion, and particularly inefficient homing, infiltrating into, and surviving within solid tumors. Accordingly, to improve therapeutic efficacy and minimize side effects, innovative CAR design becomes urgently necessary, and researchers are developing numerous methods to overcome the limitations. Here we summarize currently available bioengineering strategies and discuss the future development from a viewpoint of synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuilin Zhang
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, P. R. China
- The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, P. R. China
| | - Qiuyu Zhuang
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, P. R. China
- The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, P. R. China
| | - Jingfeng Liu
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, P. R. China
- Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, 350014, P. R. China
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, P. R. China
- The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, P. R. China
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107
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Turbeville HR, Toni TA, Allen C. Immune Landscape and Role of Immunotherapy in Treatment of HPV-Associated Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC). CURRENT OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40136-021-00384-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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108
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Zur RT, Adler G, Shamalov K, Tal Y, Ankri C, Cohen CJ. Adoptive T-cell Immunotherapy: Perfecting Self-Defenses. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2022; 113:253-294. [PMID: 35165867 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-91311-3_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
As an important part of the immune system, T lymphocytes exhibit undoubtedly an important role in targeting and eradicating cancer. However, despite these characteristics, their natural antitumor response may be insufficient. Numerous clinical trials in terminally ill cancer patients testing the design of novel and efficient immunotherapeutic approaches based on the adoptive transfer of autologous tumor-specific T lymphocytes have shown encouraging results. Moreover, this also led to the approval of engineered T-cell therapies in patients. Herein, we will expand on the development and the use of such strategies using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes or genetically engineered T-cells. We will also comment on the requirements and potential hurdles encountered when elaborating and implementing such treatments as well as the exciting prospects for this kind of emerging personalized medicine therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphaëlle Toledano Zur
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Galit Adler
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Katerina Shamalov
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Yair Tal
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Chen Ankri
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Cyrille J Cohen
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.
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109
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Distinct Hypoxia-Related Gene Profiling Characterizes Clinicopathological Features and Immune Status of Mismatch Repair-Deficient Colon Cancer. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2021; 2021:2427427. [PMID: 34917146 PMCID: PMC8670907 DOI: 10.1155/2021/2427427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Despite dramatic responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in patients with colon cancer (CC) harboring deficient mismatch repair (dMMR), more than half of these patients ultimately progress and experience primary or secondary drug resistance. There is no useful biomarker that is currently validated to accurately predict this resistance or stratify patients who may benefit from ICI-based immunotherapy. As hypoxic and acidic tumor microenvironment would greatly impair tumor-suppressing functions of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), we sought to explore distinct immunological phenotypes by analysis of the intratumoral hypoxia state using a well-established gene signature. Based on the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) (n = 88) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) (n = 49) databases of patients with CC, we found that dMMR CC patients could be separated into normoxia subgroup (NS) and hypoxia subgroup (HS) with different levels of expression of hypoxia-related genes (lower in NS group and higher in HS group) using NMF package. Tumoral parenchyma in the HS group had a relatively lower level of immune cell infiltration, particularly CD8+ T cells and M1 macrophages than the NS group, and coincided with higher expression of immune checkpoint molecules and C-X-C motif chemokines, which might be associated with ICI resistance and prognosis. Furthermore, three genes, namely, MT1E, MT2A, and MAFF, were identified to be differentially expressed between NS and HS groups in both GEO and TCGA cohorts. Based on these genes, a prognostic model with stable and valuable predicting ability has been built for clinical application. In conclusion, the varying tumor-immune microenvironment (TIME) classified by hypoxia-related genes might be closely associated with different therapeutic responses of ICIs and prognosis of dMMR CC patients.
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110
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β-Hydroxy-β-Methylbutyrate Supplementation Promotes Antitumor Immunity in an Obesity Responsive Mouse Model of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246359. [PMID: 34944981 PMCID: PMC8699071 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic cancer (PDAC) is a deadly disease, exacerbated by obesity, which lacks effective therapeutic interventions. Most PDAC has a limited response to immune- and chemotherapy. Treating PDAC is made additionally challenging by the rapid emergence of muscle wasting and cachexia, which predict poor response to several therapies. We have found that dietary supplementation with β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate promotes immunosurveillance in PDAC tumors and protects muscle. This dietary supplement has the potential to be an important adjuvant in PDAC therapy, opening the doors to immunotherapy response. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, and effective therapies for PDAC are currently lacking. Moreover, PDAC is promoted and exacerbated by obesity, while cachexia and sarcopenia are exceptionally common comorbidities that predict both poor survival and treatment response. Managing PDAC with immunotherapies has thus far proven ineffective, partly due to the metabolically hostile tumor microenvironment. β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB), a metabolite of leucine commonly used as a dietary supplement to boost muscle growth and immune function, may be an attractive candidate to augment PDAC therapy. We therefore sought to test the hypothesis that HMB would enhance antitumor immunity while protecting mouse muscle mass. Control and diet-induced obese C57BL/6 male mice bearing subcutaneously injected Panc02 tumors were supplemented with 1% HMB and treated with or without 50 mg/kg gemcitabine (n = 15/group). HMB was associated with reduced muscle inflammation and increased muscle fiber size. HMB also reduced tumor growth and promoted antitumor immunity in obese, but not lean, mice, independent of the gemcitabine treatment. Separately, in lean tumor-bearing mice, HMB supplementation promoted an anti-PD1 immunotherapy response (n = 15/group). Digital cytometry implicated the decreased abundance of M2-like macrophages in PDAC tumors, an effect that was enhanced by anti-PD1 immunotherapy. We confirmed that HMB augments M1-like macrophage (antitumor) polarization. These preclinical findings suggest that HMB has muscle-sparing and antitumor activities against PDAC in the context of obesity, and that it may sensitize otherwise nonresponsive PDAC to immunotherapy.
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111
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The Upregulation of PLXDC2 Correlates with Immune Microenvironment Characteristics and Predicts Prognosis in Gastric Cancer. DISEASE MARKERS 2021; 2021:5669635. [PMID: 34777633 PMCID: PMC8589478 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5669635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment (TME) has been demonstrated to exhibit a regulatory effect on the progressions of gastric cancer (GC). However, the related functions of stromal and immune components (TME-associated genes) in TME remain largely unclear. From the TCGA dataset, we downloaded the clinical data of 375 GC cases and then estimated the percentage of tumor-infiltrating immunocytes (TICs) and the levels of immune and stromal constituents by the use of CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE tolls. Univariate assays were applied to study the differentially expressed genes. The associations between the clinical information of GC patients and the expressions of the specific genes were analyzed based on the TCGA datasets. The effect of Plexin domain containing 2 (PLXDC2) expression on TICs was conducted. We observed that PLXDC2 expression was distinctly upregulated in GC specimens compared with nontumor gastric specimens. Its upregulation was associated with advanced clinical stages and predicted a shorter overall survival of GC patients. The genes in the group of higher expressing PLXDC2 were primarily enriched in immunity-associated events. By the use of CIBERSORT, we observed that PLXDC2 expressions were related to the proportion of dendritic cells resting, T cell CD4 memory resting, eosinophils, mastocyte resting, mononuclear cells, plasma cells, T cell follicle helper, macrophage M2, and dendritic cells activated. Overall, our discoveries revealed that the expression of PLXDC2 was remarkable in GC, might be a possible biomarker for GC, and provided novel contents regarding immune infiltrates, offering novel insight for treatments of GC.
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112
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Singh K, Hotchkiss KM, Mohan AA, Reedy JL, Sampson JH, Khasraw M. For whom the T cells troll? Bispecific T-cell engagers in glioblastoma. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:e003679. [PMID: 34795007 PMCID: PMC8603282 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the the most common primary brain tumor in adults. Onset of disease is followed by a uniformly lethal prognosis and dismal overall survival. While immunotherapies have revolutionized treatment in other difficult-to-treat cancers, these have failed to demonstrate significant clinical benefit in patients with glioblastoma. Obstacles to success include the heterogeneous tumor microenvironment (TME), the immune-privileged intracranial space, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and local and systemic immunosuppressions. Monoclonal antibody-based therapies have failed at least in part due to their inability to access the intracranial compartment. Bispecific T-cell engagers are promising antibody fragment-based therapies which can bring T cells close to their target and capture them with a high binding affinity. They can redirect the entire repertoire of T cells against tumor, independent of T-cell receptor specificity. However, the multiple challenges posed by the TME, immune privilege and the BBB suggest that a single agent approach may be insufficient to yield durable, long-lasting antitumor efficacy. In this review, we discuss the mechanism of action of T-cell engagers, their preclinical and clinical developments to date. We also draw comparisons with other classes of multispecific antibodies and potential combinations using these antibody fragment therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirit Singh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Biomedical Engineering, Duke Universtiy, Durham, NC, USA
- Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27703
| | - Kelly M Hotchkiss
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27703
| | - Aditya A Mohan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jessica L Reedy
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27703
| | - John H Sampson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Biomedical Engineering, Duke Universtiy, Durham, NC, USA
- Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27703
| | - Mustafa Khasraw
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27703
- Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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113
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Mackie GM, Copland A, Takahashi M, Nakanishi Y, Everard I, Kato T, Oda H, Kanaya T, Ohno H, Maslowski KM. Bacterial cancer therapy in autochthonous colorectal cancer affects tumor growth and metabolic landscape. JCI Insight 2021; 6:e139900. [PMID: 34710062 PMCID: PMC8675204 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.139900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial cancer therapy (BCT) shows great promise for treatment of solid tumors, yet basic mechanisms of bacterial-induced tumor suppression remain undefined. Attenuated strains of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (STm) have commonly been used in mouse models of BCT in xenograft and orthotopic transplant cancer models. We aimed to better understand the tumor epithelium-targeted mechanisms of BCT by using autochthonous mouse models of intestinal cancer and tumor organoid cultures to assess the effectiveness and consequences of oral treatment with aromatase A-deficient STm (STmΔaroA). STmΔaroA delivered by oral gavage significantly reduced tumor burden and tumor load in both a colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) model and in a spontaneous Apcmin/+ intestinal cancer model. STmΔaroA colonization of tumors caused alterations in transcription of mRNAs associated with tumor stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and cell cycle. Metabolomic analysis of tumors demonstrated alteration in the metabolic environment of STmΔaroA-treated tumors, suggesting that STmΔaroA imposes metabolic competition on the tumor. Use of tumor organoid cultures in vitro recapitulated effects seen on tumor stemness, mesenchymal markers, and altered metabolome. Furthermore, live STmΔaroA was required, demonstrating active mechanisms including metabolite usage. We have demonstrated that oral BCT is efficacious in autochthonous intestinal cancer models, that BCT imposes metabolic competition, and that BCT has direct effects on the tumor epithelium affecting tumor stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian M. Mackie
- University of Birmingham, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy and Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Alastair Copland
- University of Birmingham, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy and Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Masumi Takahashi
- Laboratory for Intestinal Ecosystem, RIKEN Institute for Integrative Medical Science, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yumiko Nakanishi
- Laboratory for Intestinal Ecosystem, RIKEN Institute for Integrative Medical Science, Yokohama, Japan
- Intestinal Microbiota Project, Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, Kawasaki, Japan
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Isabel Everard
- University of Birmingham, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy and Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Tamotsu Kato
- Laboratory for Intestinal Ecosystem, RIKEN Institute for Integrative Medical Science, Yokohama, Japan
- Intestinal Microbiota Project, Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, Kawasaki, Japan
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hirotsugu Oda
- Laboratory for Integrative Genomics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- Inflammatory Disease Section, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Takashi Kanaya
- Laboratory for Intestinal Ecosystem, RIKEN Institute for Integrative Medical Science, Yokohama, Japan
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ohno
- Laboratory for Intestinal Ecosystem, RIKEN Institute for Integrative Medical Science, Yokohama, Japan
- Intestinal Microbiota Project, Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, Kawasaki, Japan
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kendle M. Maslowski
- University of Birmingham, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy and Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Laboratory for Intestinal Ecosystem, RIKEN Institute for Integrative Medical Science, Yokohama, Japan
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Singh K, Hotchkiss KM, Patel KK, Wilkinson DS, Mohan AA, Cook SL, Sampson JH. Enhancing T Cell Chemotaxis and Infiltration in Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5367. [PMID: 34771532 PMCID: PMC8582389 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is an immunologically 'cold' tumor, which are characterized by absent or minimal numbers of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). For those tumors that have been invaded by lymphocytes, they are profoundly exhausted and ineffective. While many immunotherapy approaches seek to reinvigorate immune cells at the tumor, this requires TILs to be present. Therefore, to unleash the full potential of immunotherapy in glioblastoma, the trafficking of lymphocytes to the tumor is highly desirable. However, the process of T cell recruitment into the central nervous system (CNS) is tightly regulated. Naïve T cells may undergo an initial licensing process to enter the migratory phenotype necessary to enter the CNS. T cells then must express appropriate integrins and selectin ligands to interact with transmembrane proteins at the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Finally, they must interact with antigen-presenting cells and undergo further licensing to enter the parenchyma. These T cells must then navigate the tumor microenvironment, which is rich in immunosuppressive factors. Altered tumoral metabolism also interferes with T cell motility. In this review, we will describe these processes and their mediators, along with potential therapeutic approaches to enhance trafficking. We also discuss safety considerations for such approaches as well as potential counteragents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirit Singh
- Duke Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (K.M.H.); (K.K.P.); (D.S.W.); (A.A.M.); (S.L.C.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - John H. Sampson
- Duke Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (K.M.H.); (K.K.P.); (D.S.W.); (A.A.M.); (S.L.C.)
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115
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Development of a novel humanized mouse model for improved evaluation of in vivo anti-cancer effects of anti-PD-1 antibody. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21087. [PMID: 34702924 PMCID: PMC8548333 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00641-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment of cancer in the clinic. Further discovery of novel drugs or therapeutic protocols that enhance efficacy requires reliable animal models that recapitulate human immune responses to ICI treatment in vivo. In this study, we utilized an immunodeficient NOG mouse substrain deficient for mouse FcγR genes, NOG-FcγR−/− mice, to evaluate the anti-cancer effects of nivolumab, an anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) antibody. After reconstitution of human immune systems by human hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (huNOG-FcγR−/− mice), four different programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)-positive human cancer cell lines were tested. Among them, the growth of three cell lines was strongly suppressed by nivolumab in huNOG-FcγR−/− mice, but not in conventional huNOG mice. Accordingly, immunohistochemistry demonstrated the enhanced infiltration of human T cells into tumor parenchyma in only nivolumab-treated huNOG-FcγR−/− mice. Consistently, the number of human T cells was increased in the spleen in huNOG-FcγR−/− mice by nivolumab but not in huNOG mice. Furthermore, human PD-L1 expression was strongly induced in the spleen of huNOG-FcγR−/− mice. Collectively, our results suggest that the anti-cancer effects of anti-PD-1 antibodies can be detected more clearly in NOG-FcγR−/− mice than in NOG mice.
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116
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De Lerma Barbaro A, Palano MT, Cucchiara M, Gallazzi M, Mortara L, Bruno A. Metabolic Rewiring in the Tumor Microenvironment to Support Immunotherapy: A Focus on Neutrophils, Polymorphonuclear Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells and Natural Killer Cells. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9101178. [PMID: 34696286 PMCID: PMC8539473 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9101178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukocytes often undergo rapid changes in cell phenotype, for example, from a resting to an activated state, which places significant metabolic demands on the cell. These rapid changes in metabolic demand need to be tightly regulated to support immune cell effector functions during the initiation and downregulation of an immune response. Prospects for implementing cancer immunotherapy also rest on the idea of optimizing the metabolic profile of immune cell effectors. Here, we examine this issue by focusing on neutrophils and NK cells as cells of increasing interest in cancer immunology and tumor immunometabolism, because they can be targeted or, in the case of NK, used as effectors in immunotherapy. In addition, neutrophils and NK cells have been shown to functionally interact. In the case of neutrophils, we also extended our interest to polymorphonuclear MDSC (PMN-MDSCs), since the granulocytic subset of MDSCs share many phenotypes and are functionally similar to pro-tumor neutrophils. Finally, we reviewed relevant strategies to target tumor metabolism, focusing on neutrophils and NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea De Lerma Barbaro
- Laboratory of Comparative Physiopathology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.D.L.B.); (A.B.)
| | - Maria Teresa Palano
- Laboratory of Innate Immunity, Unit of Molecular Pathology, Biochemistry and Immunology, IRCCS MultiMedica, 20100 Milan, Italy; (M.T.P.); (M.C.)
| | - Martina Cucchiara
- Laboratory of Innate Immunity, Unit of Molecular Pathology, Biochemistry and Immunology, IRCCS MultiMedica, 20100 Milan, Italy; (M.T.P.); (M.C.)
| | - Matteo Gallazzi
- Laboratory of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy; (M.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Lorenzo Mortara
- Laboratory of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy; (M.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Antonino Bruno
- Laboratory of Innate Immunity, Unit of Molecular Pathology, Biochemistry and Immunology, IRCCS MultiMedica, 20100 Milan, Italy; (M.T.P.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence: (A.D.L.B.); (A.B.)
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117
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Pietrobon V, Todd LA, Goswami A, Stefanson O, Yang Z, Marincola F. Improving CAR T-Cell Persistence. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910828. [PMID: 34639168 PMCID: PMC8509430 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade remarkable progress has been made in enhancing the efficacy of CAR T therapies. However, the clinical benefits are still limited, especially in solid tumors. Even in hematological settings, patients that respond to CAR T therapies remain at risk of relapsing due to several factors including poor T-cell expansion and lack of long-term persistence after adoptive transfer. This issue is even more evident in solid tumors, as the tumor microenvironment negatively influences the survival, infiltration, and activity of T-cells. Limited persistence remains a significant hindrance to the development of effective CAR T therapies due to several determinants, which are encountered from the cell manufacturing step and onwards. CAR design and ex vivo manipulation, including culture conditions, may play a pivotal role. Moreover, previous chemotherapy and lymphodepleting treatments may play a relevant role. In this review, the main causes for decreased persistence of CAR T-cells in patients will be discussed, focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying T-cell exhaustion. The approaches taken so far to overcome these limitations and to create exhaustion-resistant T-cells will be described. We will also examine the knowledge gained from several key clinical trials and highlight the molecular mechanisms determining T-cell stemness, as promoting stemness may represent an attractive approach to improve T-cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violena Pietrobon
- Refuge Biotechnologies, Inc., Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA; (A.G.); (O.S.); (Z.Y.)
- Correspondence: (V.P.); (F.M.)
| | - Lauren Anne Todd
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada;
| | - Anghsumala Goswami
- Refuge Biotechnologies, Inc., Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA; (A.G.); (O.S.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Ofir Stefanson
- Refuge Biotechnologies, Inc., Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA; (A.G.); (O.S.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Zhifen Yang
- Refuge Biotechnologies, Inc., Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA; (A.G.); (O.S.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Francesco Marincola
- Kite Pharma, Inc., Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA
- Correspondence: (V.P.); (F.M.)
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118
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Ghonime MG, Saini U, Kelly MC, Roth JC, Wang PY, Chen CY, Miller K, Hernandez-Aguirre I, Kim Y, Mo X, Stanek JR, Cripe T, Mardis E, Cassady KA. Eliciting an immune-mediated antitumor response through oncolytic herpes simplex virus-based shared antigen expression in tumors resistant to viroimmunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-002939. [PMID: 34599026 PMCID: PMC8488720 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oncolytic virotherapy (OV) is an immunotherapy that incorporates viral cancer cell lysis with engagement of the recruited immune response against cancer cells. Pediatric solid tumors are challenging targets because they contain both an inert immune environment and a quiet antigenic landscape, making them more resistant to conventional OV approaches. Further complicating this, herpes simplex virus suppresses host gene expression during virotherapy infection. Methods We therefore developed a multimodal oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) that expresses ephrin A2 (EphA2), a shared tumor-associated antigen (TAA) expressed by many tumors to improve immune-mediated antitumor activity. We verified the virus genotypically and phenotypically and then tested it in an oHSV-resistant orthotopic model (including immunophenotypic analysis), in flank and in T cell-deficient mouse models. We then assessed the antigen-expressing virus in an unrelated peripheral tumor model that also expresses the shared tumor antigen and evaluated functional T-cell response from the treated mice. Results Virus-based EphA2 expression induces a robust acquired antitumor immune responses in both an oHSV-resistant murine brain and peripheral tumor model. Our new multimodal oncolytic virus (1) improves survival in viroimmunotherapy resistant tumors, (2) alters both the infiltrating and peripheral T-cell populations capable of suppressing tumor growth on rechallenge, and (3) produces EphA2-specific CD8 effector-like populations. Conclusions Our results suggest that this flexible viral-based platform enables immune recognition of the shared TAA and improves the immune-therapeutic response, thus making it well suited for low-mutational load tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed G Ghonime
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Uksha Saini
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Michael C Kelly
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Justin C Roth
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Pin-Yi Wang
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Chun-Yu Chen
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Katherine Miller
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Yeaseul Kim
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Xiaokui Mo
- Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Joseph R Stanek
- Biostatistics Resource, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Tim Cripe
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Elaine Mardis
- Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Kevin A Cassady
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA .,Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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119
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Frades I, Foguet C, Cascante M, Araúzo-Bravo MJ. Genome Scale Modeling to Study the Metabolic Competition between Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4609. [PMID: 34572839 PMCID: PMC8470216 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor's physiology emerges from the dynamic interplay of numerous cell types, such as cancer cells, immune cells and stromal cells, within the tumor microenvironment. Immune and cancer cells compete for nutrients within the tumor microenvironment, leading to a metabolic battle between these cell populations. Tumor cells can reprogram their metabolism to meet the high demand of building blocks and ATP for proliferation, and to gain an advantage over the action of immune cells. The study of the metabolic reprogramming mechanisms underlying cancer requires the quantification of metabolic fluxes which can be estimated at the genome-scale with constraint-based or kinetic modeling. Constraint-based models use a set of linear constraints to simulate steady-state metabolic fluxes, whereas kinetic models can simulate both the transient behavior and steady-state values of cellular fluxes and concentrations. The integration of cell- or tissue-specific data enables the construction of context-specific models that reflect cell-type- or tissue-specific metabolic properties. While the available modeling frameworks enable limited modeling of the metabolic crosstalk between tumor and immune cells in the tumor stroma, future developments will likely involve new hybrid kinetic/stoichiometric formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itziar Frades
- Computational Biology and Systems Biomedicine Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20009 San Sebastian, Spain;
| | - Carles Foguet
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine of University of Barcelona, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (C.F.); (M.C.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD) (CB17/04/00023) and Metabolomics Node at Spanish National Bioinformatics Institute (INB-ISCIII-ES-ELIXIR), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28020 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Cascante
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine of University of Barcelona, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (C.F.); (M.C.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD) (CB17/04/00023) and Metabolomics Node at Spanish National Bioinformatics Institute (INB-ISCIII-ES-ELIXIR), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28020 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcos J. Araúzo-Bravo
- Computational Biology and Systems Biomedicine Group, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20009 San Sebastian, Spain;
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, 48167 Münster, Germany
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERfes), 28015 Madrid, Spain
- Translational Bioinformatics Network (TransBioNet), 8001 Barcelona, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, 48012 Bilbao, Spain
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120
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Chamseddine AN, Assi T, Mir O, Chouaib S. Modulating tumor-associated macrophages to enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors: A TAM-pting approach. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 231:107986. [PMID: 34481812 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) plasticity and diversity are both essential hallmarks of the monocyte-macrophage lineage and the tumor-derived inflammation. TAM exemplify the perfect adaptable cell with dynamic phenotypic modifications that reflect changes in their functional polarization status. Under several tumor microenvironment (TME)-related cues, TAM shift their polarization, hence promoting or halting cancer progression. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) displayed unprecedented clinical responses in various refractory cancers; but only approximately a third of patients experienced durable responses. It is, therefore, crucial to enhance the response rate of immunotherapy. Several mechanisms of resistance to ICI have been elucidated including TAM role with its essential immunosuppressive functions that reduce both anti-tumor immunity and the subsequent ICI efficacy. In the past few years, thorough research has led to a better understanding of TAM biology and innovative approaches can now be adapted through targeting macrophages' recruitment axis as well as TAM activation and polarization status within the TME. Some of these therapeutic strategies are currently being evaluated in several clinical trials in association with ICI agents. This combination between TAM modulation and ICI allows targeting TAM intrinsic immunosuppressive functions and tumor-promoting factors as well as overcoming ICI resistance. Hence, such strategies, with a better understanding of the mechanisms driving TAM modulation, may have the potential to optimize ICI efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali N Chamseddine
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy, F-94805, Villejuif, France; Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, CESP INSERM U1018, OncoStat, Gustave Roussy, F-94805, Villejuif, France.
| | - Tarek Assi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy, F-94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Olivier Mir
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy, F-94805, Villejuif, France; Department of Pharmacology, Gustave Roussy, F-94805, Villejuif, France; Department of Ambulatory Care, Gustave Roussy, F-94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Salem Chouaib
- INSERM UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Genetic Oncology, Gustave Roussy, F-94805, Villejuif, France
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121
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Kareva I, Luddy KA, O’Farrelly C, Gatenby RA, Brown JS. Predator-Prey in Tumor-Immune Interactions: A Wrong Model or Just an Incomplete One? Front Immunol 2021; 12:668221. [PMID: 34531851 PMCID: PMC8438324 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.668221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-immune interactions are often framed as predator-prey. This imperfect analogy describes how immune cells (the predators) hunt and kill immunogenic tumor cells (the prey). It allows for evaluation of tumor cell populations that change over time during immunoediting and it also considers how the immune system changes in response to these alterations. However, two aspects of predator-prey type models are not typically observed in immuno-oncology. The first concerns the conversion of prey killed into predator biomass. In standard predator-prey models, the predator relies on the prey for nutrients, while in the tumor microenvironment the predator and prey compete for resources (e.g. glucose). The second concerns oscillatory dynamics. Standard predator-prey models can show a perpetual cycling in both prey and predator population sizes, while in oncology we see increases in tumor volume and decreases in infiltrating immune cell populations. Here we discuss the applicability of predator-prey models in the context of cancer immunology and evaluate possible causes for discrepancies. Key processes include "safety in numbers", resource availability, time delays, interference competition, and immunoediting. Finally, we propose a way forward to reconcile differences between model predictions and empirical observations. The immune system is not just predator-prey. Like natural food webs, the immune-tumor community of cell types forms an immune-web of different and identifiable interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Kareva
- EMD Serono, Merck KGaA, Billerica, MA, United States
| | - Kimberly A. Luddy
- Department of Cancer Physiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cliona O’Farrelly
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Robert A. Gatenby
- Department of Integrated Mathematical Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Joel S. Brown
- Department of Integrated Mathematical Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, United States
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Guo J, Zhou Y, Xu C, Chen Q, Sztupinszki Z, Börcsök J, Xu C, Ye F, Tang W, Kang J, Yang L, Zhong J, Zhong T, Hu T, Yu R, Szallasi Z, Deng X, Li Q. Genetic Determinants of Somatic Selection of Mutational Processes in 3,566 Human Cancers. Cancer Res 2021; 81:4205-4217. [PMID: 34215622 PMCID: PMC9662923 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-0086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The somatic landscape of the cancer genome results from different mutational processes represented by distinct "mutational signatures." Although several mutagenic mechanisms are known to cause specific mutational signatures in cell lines, the variation of somatic mutational activities in patients, which is mostly attributed to somatic selection, is still poorly explained. Here, we introduce a quantitative trait, mutational propensity (MP), and describe an integrated method to infer genetic determinants of variations in the mutational processes in 3,566 cancers with specific underlying mechanisms. As a result, we report 2,314 candidate determinants with both significant germline and somatic effects on somatic selection of mutational processes, of which, 485 act via cancer gene expression and 1,427 act through the tumor-immune microenvironment. These data demonstrate that the genetic determinants of MPs provide complementary information to known cancer driver genes, clonal evolution, and clinical biomarkers. SIGNIFICANCE: The genetic determinants of the somatic mutational processes in cancer elucidate the biology underlying somatic selection and evolution of cancers and demonstrate complementary predictive power across cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jintao Guo
- National Institute for Data Science in Health and Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- National Institute for Data Science in Health and Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Chaoqun Xu
- National Institute for Data Science in Health and Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Qinwei Chen
- National Institute for Data Science in Health and Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | | | - Judit Börcsök
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Canqiang Xu
- XMU-Aginome Joint Lab, School of Informatics, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Feng Ye
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Teaching Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.,Xiamen Key Laboratory of Antitumor Drug Transformation Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Weiwei Tang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Teaching Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.,Xiamen Key Laboratory of Antitumor Drug Transformation Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jiapeng Kang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Teaching Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.,Xiamen Key Laboratory of Antitumor Drug Transformation Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Lu Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Teaching Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.,Xiamen Key Laboratory of Antitumor Drug Transformation Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhong
- National Institute for Data Science in Health and Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Taoling Zhong
- National Institute for Data Science in Health and Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Tianhui Hu
- National Institute for Data Science in Health and Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Rongshan Yu
- XMU-Aginome Joint Lab, School of Informatics, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zoltan Szallasi
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Xianming Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Qiyuan Li
- National Institute for Data Science in Health and Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Corresponding Author: Qiyuan Li, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China. Phone: 8659-2218-5175; E-mail:
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Kasmani MY, Cui W. Inhibiting BRD4 to generate BETter T cell memory. J Exp Med 2021; 218:e20210877. [PMID: 34132742 PMCID: PMC8212782 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20210877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BRD4 is a bromodomain-containing protein that binds acetylated histones to regulate transcription. In this issue of JEM, Milner et al. (2021. J. Exp. Med.https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20202512) show that BRD4 plays a critical role in the effector function of CD8 T cells responding to infection and cancer.
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Mosier JA, Schwager SC, Boyajian DA, Reinhart-King CA. Cancer cell metabolic plasticity in migration and metastasis. Clin Exp Metastasis 2021; 38:343-359. [PMID: 34076787 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-021-10102-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer metastasis in which cancer cells manipulate their metabolic profile to meet the dynamic energetic requirements of the tumor microenvironment. Though cancer cell proliferation and migration through the extracellular matrix are key steps of cancer progression, they are not necessarily fueled by the same metabolites and energy production pathways. The two main metabolic pathways cancer cells use to derive energy from glucose, glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, are preferentially and plastically utilized by cancer cells depending on both their intrinsic metabolic properties and their surrounding environment. Mechanical factors in the microenvironment, such as collagen density, pore size, and alignment, and biochemical factors, such as oxygen and glucose availability, have been shown to influence both cell migration and glucose metabolism. As cancer cells have been identified as preferentially utilizing glycolysis or oxidative phosphorylation based on heterogeneous intrinsic or extrinsic factors, the relationship between cancer cell metabolism and metastatic potential is of recent interest. Here, we review current in vitro and in vivo findings in the context of cancer cell metabolism during migration and metastasis and extrapolate potential clinical applications of this work that could aid in diagnosing and tracking cancer progression in vivo by monitoring metabolism. We also review current progress in the development of a variety of metabolically targeted anti-metastatic drugs, both in clinical trials and approved for distribution, and highlight potential routes for incorporating our recent understanding of metabolic plasticity into therapeutic directions. By further understanding cancer cell energy production pathways and metabolic plasticity, more effective and successful clinical imaging and therapeutics can be developed to diagnose, target, and inhibit metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna A Mosier
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Samantha C Schwager
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - David A Boyajian
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
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125
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Hazini A, Fisher K, Seymour L. Deregulation of HLA-I in cancer and its central importance for immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:e002899. [PMID: 34353849 PMCID: PMC8344275 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
It is now well accepted that many tumors undergo a process of clonal selection which means that tumor antigens arising at various stages of tumor progression are likely to be represented in just a subset of tumor cells. This process is thought to be driven by constant immunosurveillance which applies selective pressure by eliminating tumor cells expressing antigens that are recognized by T cells. It is becoming increasingly clear that the same selective pressure may also select for tumor cells that evade immune detection by acquiring deficiencies in their human leucocyte antigen (HLA) presentation pathways, allowing important tumor antigens to persist within cells undetected by the immune system. Deficiencies in antigen presentation pathway can arise by a variety of mechanisms, including genetic and epigenetic changes, and functional antigen presentation is a hard phenomenon to assess using our standard analytical techniques. Nevertheless, it is likely to have profound clinical significance and could well define whether an individual patient will respond to a particular type of therapy or not. In this review we consider the mechanisms by which HLA function may be lost in clinical disease, we assess the implications for current immunotherapy approaches using checkpoint inhibitors and examine the prognostic impact of HLA loss demonstrated in clinical trials so far. Finally, we propose strategies that might be explored for possible patient stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Hazini
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Kerry Fisher
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Len Seymour
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
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126
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Zimmermannova O, Caiado I, Ferreira AG, Pereira CF. Cell Fate Reprogramming in the Era of Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:714822. [PMID: 34367185 PMCID: PMC8336566 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.714822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in understanding how cancer cells interact with the immune system allowed the development of immunotherapeutic strategies, harnessing patients' immune system to fight cancer. Dendritic cell-based vaccines are being explored to reactivate anti-tumor adaptive immunity. Immune checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CAR T) were however the main approaches that catapulted the therapeutic success of immunotherapy. Despite their success across a broad range of human cancers, many challenges remain for basic understanding and clinical progress as only a minority of patients benefit from immunotherapy. In addition, cellular immunotherapies face important limitations imposed by the availability and quality of immune cells isolated from donors. Cell fate reprogramming is offering interesting alternatives to meet these challenges. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology not only enables studying immune cell specification but also serves as a platform for the differentiation of a myriad of clinically useful immune cells including T-cells, NK cells, or monocytes at scale. Moreover, the utilization of iPSCs allows introduction of genetic modifications and generation of T/NK cells with enhanced anti-tumor properties. Immune cells, such as macrophages and dendritic cells, can also be generated by direct cellular reprogramming employing lineage-specific master regulators bypassing the pluripotent stage. Thus, the cellular reprogramming toolbox is now providing the means to address the potential of patient-tailored immune cell types for cancer immunotherapy. In parallel, development of viral vectors for gene delivery has opened the door for in vivo reprogramming in regenerative medicine, an elegant strategy circumventing the current limitations of in vitro cell manipulation. An analogous paradigm has been recently developed in cancer immunotherapy by the generation of CAR T-cells in vivo. These new ideas on endogenous reprogramming, cross-fertilized from the fields of regenerative medicine and gene therapy, are opening exciting avenues for direct modulation of immune or tumor cells in situ, widening our strategies to remove cancer immunotherapy roadblocks. Here, we review current strategies for cancer immunotherapy, summarize technologies for generation of immune cells by cell fate reprogramming as well as highlight the future potential of inducing these unique cell identities in vivo, providing new and exciting tools for the fast-paced field of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Zimmermannova
- Cell Reprogramming in Hematopoiesis and Immunity Laboratory, Lund Stem Cell Center, Department of Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Inês Caiado
- Cell Reprogramming in Hematopoiesis and Immunity Laboratory, Lund Stem Cell Center, Department of Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Doctoral Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Alexandra G. Ferreira
- Cell Reprogramming in Hematopoiesis and Immunity Laboratory, Lund Stem Cell Center, Department of Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Doctoral Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carlos-Filipe Pereira
- Cell Reprogramming in Hematopoiesis and Immunity Laboratory, Lund Stem Cell Center, Department of Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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127
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Burchett JB, Knudsen-Clark AM, Altman BJ. MYC Ran Up the Clock: The Complex Interplay between MYC and the Molecular Circadian Clock in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7761. [PMID: 34299381 PMCID: PMC8305799 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The MYC oncoprotein and its family members N-MYC and L-MYC are known to drive a wide variety of human cancers. Emerging evidence suggests that MYC has a bi-directional relationship with the molecular clock in cancer. The molecular clock is responsible for circadian (~24 h) rhythms in most eukaryotic cells and organisms, as a mechanism to adapt to light/dark cycles. Disruption of human circadian rhythms, such as through shift work, may serve as a risk factor for cancer, but connections with oncogenic drivers such as MYC were previously not well understood. In this review, we examine recent evidence that MYC in cancer cells can disrupt the molecular clock; and conversely, that molecular clock disruption in cancer can deregulate and elevate MYC. Since MYC and the molecular clock control many of the same processes, we then consider competition between MYC and the molecular clock in several select aspects of tumor biology, including chromatin state, global transcriptional profile, metabolic rewiring, and immune infiltrate in the tumor. Finally, we discuss how the molecular clock can be monitored or diagnosed in human tumors, and how MYC inhibition could potentially restore molecular clock function. Further study of the relationship between the molecular clock and MYC in cancer may reveal previously unsuspected vulnerabilities which could lead to new treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamison B. Burchett
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA;
| | - Amelia M. Knudsen-Clark
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA;
| | - Brian J. Altman
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA;
- Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
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128
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Kronemberger GS, Miranda GASC, Tavares RSN, Montenegro B, Kopke ÚDA, Baptista LS. Recapitulating Tumorigenesis in vitro: Opportunities and Challenges of 3D Bioprinting. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:682498. [PMID: 34239860 PMCID: PMC8258101 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.682498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is considered one of the most predominant diseases in the world and one of the principal causes of mortality per year. The cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the development and establishment of solid tumors can be defined as tumorigenesis. Recent technological advances in the 3D cell culture field have enabled the recapitulation of tumorigenesis in vitro, including the complexity of stromal microenvironment. The establishment of these 3D solid tumor models has a crucial role in personalized medicine and drug discovery. Recently, spheroids and organoids are being largely explored as 3D solid tumor models for recreating tumorigenesis in vitro. In spheroids, the solid tumor can be recreated from cancer cells, cancer stem cells, stromal and immune cell lineages. Organoids must be derived from tumor biopsies, including cancer and cancer stem cells. Both models are considered as a suitable model for drug assessment and high-throughput screening. The main advantages of 3D bioprinting are its ability to engineer complex and controllable 3D tissue models in a higher resolution. Although 3D bioprinting represents a promising technology, main challenges need to be addressed to improve the results in cancer research. The aim of this review is to explore (1) the principal cell components and extracellular matrix composition of solid tumor microenvironment; (2) the recapitulation of tumorigenesis in vitro using spheroids and organoids as 3D culture models; and (3) the opportunities, challenges, and applications of 3D bioprinting in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela S. Kronemberger
- Nucleus of Multidisciplinary Research in Biology (Numpex-Bio), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Xerém, Duque de Caxias, Brazil
- Laboratory of Tissue Bioengineering, National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (Inmetro), Duque de Caxias, Brazil
- Post-graduation Program of Translational Biomedicine (Biotrans), Unigranrio, Duque de Caxias, Brazil
| | - Guilherme A. S. C. Miranda
- Nucleus of Multidisciplinary Research in Biology (Numpex-Bio), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Xerém, Duque de Caxias, Brazil
- Laboratory of Tissue Bioengineering, National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (Inmetro), Duque de Caxias, Brazil
- Post-graduation Program in Biotechnology, National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (Inmetro), Duque de Caxias, Brazil
| | - Renata S. N. Tavares
- Laboratory of Tissue Bioengineering, National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (Inmetro), Duque de Caxias, Brazil
| | - Bianca Montenegro
- Nucleus of Multidisciplinary Research in Biology (Numpex-Bio), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Xerém, Duque de Caxias, Brazil
- Laboratory of Tissue Bioengineering, National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (Inmetro), Duque de Caxias, Brazil
- Post-graduation Program of Translational Biomedicine (Biotrans), Unigranrio, Duque de Caxias, Brazil
| | - Úrsula de A. Kopke
- Nucleus of Multidisciplinary Research in Biology (Numpex-Bio), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Xerém, Duque de Caxias, Brazil
- Laboratory of Tissue Bioengineering, National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (Inmetro), Duque de Caxias, Brazil
| | - Leandra S. Baptista
- Nucleus of Multidisciplinary Research in Biology (Numpex-Bio), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Xerém, Duque de Caxias, Brazil
- Laboratory of Tissue Bioengineering, National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (Inmetro), Duque de Caxias, Brazil
- Post-graduation Program of Translational Biomedicine (Biotrans), Unigranrio, Duque de Caxias, Brazil
- Post-graduation Program in Biotechnology, National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (Inmetro), Duque de Caxias, Brazil
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129
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Schreiber S, Hammers CM, Kaasch AJ, Schraven B, Dudeck A, Kahlfuss S. Metabolic Interdependency of Th2 Cell-Mediated Type 2 Immunity and the Tumor Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2021; 12:632581. [PMID: 34135885 PMCID: PMC8201396 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.632581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The function of T cells is critically dependent on their ability to generate metabolic building blocks to fulfil energy demands for proliferation and consecutive differentiation into various T helper (Th) cells. Th cells then have to adapt their metabolism to specific microenvironments within different organs during physiological and pathological immune responses. In this context, Th2 cells mediate immunity to parasites and are involved in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases including asthma, while CD8+ T cells and Th1 cells mediate immunity to viruses and tumors. Importantly, recent studies have investigated the metabolism of Th2 cells in more detail, while others have studied the influence of Th2 cell-mediated type 2 immunity on the tumor microenvironment (TME) and on tumor progression. We here review recent findings on the metabolism of Th2 cells and discuss how Th2 cells contribute to antitumor immunity. Combining the evidence from both types of studies, we provide here for the first time a perspective on how the energy metabolism of Th2 cells and the TME interact. Finally, we elaborate how a more detailed understanding of the unique metabolic interdependency between Th2 cells and the TME could reveal novel avenues for the development of immunotherapies in treating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Schreiber
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | | | - Achim J. Kaasch
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI-3), Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Burkhart Schraven
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI-3), Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anne Dudeck
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI-3), Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sascha Kahlfuss
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI-3), Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
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130
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Metabolic reprogramming of terminally exhausted CD8 + T cells by IL-10 enhances anti-tumor immunity. Nat Immunol 2021; 22:746-756. [PMID: 34031618 PMCID: PMC7610876 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-021-00940-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
T cell exhaustion presents one of the major hurdles to cancer immunotherapy. Among exhausted CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), the terminally exhausted subset contributes directly to tumor cell killing owing to its cytotoxic effector function. However, this subset does not respond to immune checkpoint blockades and is difficult to be reinvigorated with restored proliferative capacity. Here, we show that a half-life–extended interleukin (IL)-10/Fc fusion protein directly and potently enhanced expansion and effector function of terminally exhausted CD8+ TILs by promoting oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), a process independent of the progenitor exhausted T cells. IL-10/Fc was a safe and highly efficient metabolic intervention that synergized with adoptive T cell transfer immunotherapy, leading to eradication of established solid tumors and durable cures in a majority of treated mice. These findings show that metabolic reprogramming by upregulating mitochondrial pyruvate carrier-dependent OXPHOS can revitalize terminally exhausted T cells and enhance the response to cancer immunotherapy.
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131
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Abstract
Recent evidence supports the notion that mitochondrial metabolism is necessary for T cell activation, proliferation, and function. Mitochondrial metabolism supports T cell anabolism by providing key metabolites for macromolecule synthesis and generating metabolites for T cell function. In this review, we focus on how mitochondrial metabolism controls conventional and regulatory T cell fates and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Steinert
- Department of Medicine, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA;
| | - Karthik Vasan
- Department of Medicine, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA;
| | - Navdeep S Chandel
- Department of Medicine, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA;
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132
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Di Ianni N, Musio S, Pellegatta S. Altered Metabolism in Glioblastoma: Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell (MDSC) Fitness and Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) Dysfunction. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094460. [PMID: 33923299 PMCID: PMC8123145 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The metabolism of glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive and lethal primary brain tumor, is flexible and adaptable to different adverse conditions, such as nutrient deprivation. Beyond glycolysis, altered lipid metabolism is implicated in GBM progression. Indeed, metabolic subtypes were recently identified based on divergent glucose and lipid metabolism. GBM is also characterized by an immunosuppressive microenvironment in which myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a powerful ally of tumor cells. Increasing evidence supports the interconnection between GBM and MDSC metabolic pathways. GBM cells exert a crucial contribution to MDSC recruitment and maturation within the tumor microenvironment, where the needs of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) with antitumor function are completely neglected. In this review, we will discuss the unique or alternative source of energy exploited by GBM and MDSCs, exploring how deprivation of specific nutrients and accumulation of toxic byproducts can induce T-cell dysfunction. Understanding the metabolic programs of these cell components and how they impact fitness or dysfunction will be useful to improve treatment modalities, including immunotherapeutic strategies.
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133
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王 婧, 彭 文, 江 美, 邬 麟. [Research Progress of Anti-angiogenic Agents Combined with Immunotherapy
in Patients with Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer]. ZHONGGUO FEI AI ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF LUNG CANCER 2021; 24:196-203. [PMID: 33819970 PMCID: PMC8143969 DOI: 10.3779/j.issn.1009-3419.2021.101.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer has the highest incidence rate and mortality in China, even in the world, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for about 85%. The growth and metastasis of tumor depend on the generation of blood vessels, and anti-angiogenic therapy is playing an increasingly important role, however, no significant improvement was observed in the underwent anti-angiogenic agents used for patients alone. In recent years, the application of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) has significantly improved the prognosis of some lung cancer patients, however, the objective response rate of patients receiving ICI alone is low. While anti-angiogenic agents and ICI both regulate the tumor immune microenvironment and have a potential synergistic mechanism, showing a bright prospect in the combined application of anti-tumor therapy. In this review, we focused on the research and application of anti-angiogenic agents in combination with ICI in advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- 婧怡 王
- />410013 长沙,中南大学湘雅医学院附属肿瘤医院/湖南省肿瘤医院胸部内二科The Second Department of Thoracic Oncology, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha 410013, China
| | - 文颖 彭
- />410013 长沙,中南大学湘雅医学院附属肿瘤医院/湖南省肿瘤医院胸部内二科The Second Department of Thoracic Oncology, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha 410013, China
| | - 美林 江
- />410013 长沙,中南大学湘雅医学院附属肿瘤医院/湖南省肿瘤医院胸部内二科The Second Department of Thoracic Oncology, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha 410013, China
| | - 麟 邬
- />410013 长沙,中南大学湘雅医学院附属肿瘤医院/湖南省肿瘤医院胸部内二科The Second Department of Thoracic Oncology, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University/Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha 410013, China
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134
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Mangal JL, Handlos JL, Esrafili A, Inamdar S, Mcmillian S, Wankhede M, Gottardi R, Acharya AP. Engineering Metabolism of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) Cells for Developing Efficient Immunotherapies. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1123. [PMID: 33807867 PMCID: PMC7962004 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell-based therapies have shown tremendous advancement in clinical and pre-clinical studies for the treatment of hematological malignancies, such as the refractory of pre-B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and large B cell lymphoma (LBCL). However, CAR T cell therapy for solid tumors has not been successful clinically. Although, some research efforts, such as combining CARs with immune checkpoint inhibitor-based therapy, have been used to expand the application of CAR T cells for the treatment of solid tumors. Importantly, further understanding of the coordination of nutrient and energy supplies needed for CAR T cell expansion and function, especially in the tumor microenvironment (TME), is greatly needed. In addition to CAR T cells, there is great interest in utilizing other types of CAR immune cells, such as CAR NK and CAR macrophages that can infiltrate solid tumors. However, the metabolic competition in the TME between cancer cells and immune cells remains a challenge. Bioengineering technologies, such as metabolic engineering, can make a substantial contribution when developing CAR cells to have an ability to overcome nutrient-paucity in the solid TME. This review introduces technologies that have been used to generate metabolically fit CAR-immune cells as a treatment for hematological malignancies and solid tumors, and briefly discusses the challenges to treat solid tumors with CAR-immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joslyn L. Mangal
- Biological Design Graduate Program, School for Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA;
| | - Jamie L. Handlos
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School for the Engineering of Matter, Transport, and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (J.L.H.); (A.E.); (S.I.); (S.M.); (M.W.)
| | - Arezoo Esrafili
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School for the Engineering of Matter, Transport, and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (J.L.H.); (A.E.); (S.I.); (S.M.); (M.W.)
| | - Sahil Inamdar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School for the Engineering of Matter, Transport, and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (J.L.H.); (A.E.); (S.I.); (S.M.); (M.W.)
| | - Sidnee Mcmillian
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School for the Engineering of Matter, Transport, and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (J.L.H.); (A.E.); (S.I.); (S.M.); (M.W.)
| | - Mamta Wankhede
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School for the Engineering of Matter, Transport, and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (J.L.H.); (A.E.); (S.I.); (S.M.); (M.W.)
| | - Riccardo Gottardi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
- Fondazione Ri.MED, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Abhinav P. Acharya
- Biological Design Graduate Program, School for Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA;
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School for the Engineering of Matter, Transport, and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (J.L.H.); (A.E.); (S.I.); (S.M.); (M.W.)
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School for the Engineering of Matter, Transport, and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
- Biodesign Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
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135
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Chehrazi-Raffle A, Dorff TB, Pal SK, Lyou Y. Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling and Immunotherapy Resistance: Lessons for the Treatment of Urothelial Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:889. [PMID: 33672668 PMCID: PMC7924395 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) is a significant public health burden. It accounts for approximately 90 percent of all bladder cancers with an estimated 200,000 annual deaths globally. Platinum based cytotoxic chemotherapy combinations are the current standard of care in the frontline setting for metastatic UCC. Even with these treatments the median overall survival is estimated to be about 15 months. Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have demonstrated superior clinical benefits compared to second line chemotherapy in UCC treatment. However only a minority of patients (~20%) respond to ICIs, which highlights the need to better understand the mechanisms behind resistance. In this review, we (i) examine the pathophysiology of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, (ii) discuss pre-clinical evidence that supports the combination of Wnt/β-catenin inhibitors and ICI, and (iii) propose future combination treatments that could be investigated through clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yung Lyou
- Department of Medical Oncology & Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (A.C.-R.); (T.B.D.); (S.K.P.)
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136
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Metabolic profiles of regulatory T cells in the tumour microenvironment. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 70:2417-2427. [DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-02881-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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137
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Mast cell proliferation in the cerebrospinal fluid after intraventricular administration of anti-B7H3 immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 70:2411-2414. [PMID: 33533945 PMCID: PMC8289752 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-020-02824-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Omburtamab is a B7H3-specific murine monoclonal antibody. B7H3 (CD 276) is a member of the B7 family of immune checkpoint co-inhibitory receptors overexpressed on many human malignancies. Radioimmunotherapy with 124I- or 131I-omburtamab administered in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), intraperitoneal or intratumoral cavity is currently under investigation for the treatment of CNS malignancies. The immunologic effects of anti-B7H3 therapy are not fully elucidated. A 6-year-old male was diagnosed with metastates of neuroblastoma to the received intraventricular 131I-omburtamab on an IRB-approved protocol. A treatment cycle consisted of a 2 mCi dosimetry dose and a 50 mCi treatment dose. Dosimetry by serial imaging, pharmacokinetics and safety were investigated. Clinical status, magnetic resonance imaging, CSF cell count and cytology were evaluated pre- and post-131I-omburtamab at 5 and 26 weeks. The patient did well with cycle 1. Three hours after the dosimetry dose of cycle 2, he developed a fever (39 °C), chills and headache. Blood and CSF samples were sent for culture. CSF was notable for nucleated cell pleocytosis with profound mast cell proliferation consistent with chemical meningitis. He was treated with supportive care; symptoms resolved over 48 h. Further therapy with 131I-omburtamab was electively discontinued. CSF cell count 5 weeks later demonstrated resolution of CSF pleocytosis. Local–regional administration of intraventricular 131I-omburtamab targeting B7H3 can result in a profound nucleated CSF pleocytosis with mastocytosis consistent with an acute allergic reaction.
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138
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Sasidharan Nair V, Saleh R, Toor SM, Cyprian FS, Elkord E. Metabolic reprogramming of T regulatory cells in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 70:2103-2121. [PMID: 33532902 PMCID: PMC8289790 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-020-02842-y] [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: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic dysregulation in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME) is considered as a hallmark of solid tumors, leading to changes in biosynthetic pathways favoring onset, survival and proliferation of malignant cells. Within the TME, hypoxic milieu favors metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells, which subsequently affects biological properties of tumor-infiltrating immune cells. T regulatory cells (Tregs), including both circulating and tissue-resident cells, are particularly susceptible to hypoxic metabolic signaling that can reprogram their biological and physicochemical properties. Furthermore, metabolic reprogramming modifies Tregs to utilize alternative substrates and undergo a plethora of metabolic events to meet their energy demands. Major impact of this metabolic reprogramming can result in differentiation, survival, excessive secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines and proliferation of Tregs within the TME, which in turn dampen anti-tumor immune responses. Studies on fine-tuning of Treg metabolism are challenging due to heterogenicity of tissue-resident Tregs and their dynamic functions. In this review, we highlight tumor intrinsic and extrinsic factors, which can influence Treg metabolism in the hypoxic TME. Moreover, we focus on metabolic reprogramming of Tregs that could unveil potential regulatory networks favoring tumorigenesis/progression, and provide novel insights, including inhibitors against acetyl-coA carboxylase 1 and transforming growth factor beta into targeting Treg metabolism for therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun Sasidharan Nair
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
| | - Reem Saleh
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
| | - Salman M Toor
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
| | - Farhan S Cyprian
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Eyad Elkord
- Biomedical Research Center, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester, M5 4WT, UK.
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139
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Chen J, Cao X, Li B, Zhao Z, Chen S, Lai SWT, Muend SA, Nossa GK, Wang L, Guo W, Ye J, Lee PP, Feng M. Warburg Effect Is a Cancer Immune Evasion Mechanism Against Macrophage Immunosurveillance. Front Immunol 2021; 11:621757. [PMID: 33603751 PMCID: PMC7884830 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.621757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Evasion of immunosurveillance is critical for cancer initiation and development. The expression of “don’t eat me” signals protects cancer cells from being phagocytosed by macrophages, and the blockade of such signals demonstrates therapeutic potential by restoring the susceptibility of cancer cells to macrophage-mediated phagocytosis. However, whether additional self-protective mechanisms play a role against macrophage surveillance remains unexplored. Here, we derived a macrophage-resistant cancer model from cells deficient in the expression of CD47, a major “don’t eat me” signal, via a macrophage selection assay. Comparative studies performed between the parental and resistant cells identified self-protective traits independent of CD47, which were examined with both pharmacological or genetic approaches in in vitro phagocytosis assays and in vivo tumor models for their roles in protecting against macrophage surveillance. Here we demonstrated that extracellular acidification resulting from glycolysis in cancer cells protected them against macrophage-mediated phagocytosis. The acidic tumor microenvironment resulted in direct inhibition of macrophage phagocytic ability and recruitment of weakly phagocytic macrophages. Targeting V-ATPase which transports excessive protons in cancer cells to acidify extracellular medium elicited a pro-phagocytic microenvironment with an increased ratio of M1-/M2-like macrophage populations, therefore inhibiting tumor development and metastasis. In addition, blockade of extracellular acidification enhanced cell surface exposure of CD71, targeting which by antibodies promoted cancer cell phagocytosis. Our results reveal that extracellular acidification due to the Warburg effect confers immune evasion ability on cancer cells. This previously unrecognized role highlights the components mediating the Warburg effect as potential targets for new immunotherapy harnessing the tumoricidal capabilities of macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Xu Cao
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Bolei Li
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Zhangchen Zhao
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Siqi Chen
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Seigmund W T Lai
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Sabina A Muend
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Gianna K Nossa
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Weihua Guo
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Jian Ye
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Peter P Lee
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Mingye Feng
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, United States
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140
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Gu M, Zhou X, Sohn JH, Zhu L, Jie Z, Yang JY, Zheng X, Xie X, Yang J, Shi Y, Brightbill HD, Kim JB, Wang J, Cheng X, Sun SC. NF-κB-inducing kinase maintains T cell metabolic fitness in antitumor immunity. Nat Immunol 2021; 22:193-204. [PMID: 33398181 PMCID: PMC7855506 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-020-00829-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic reprograming toward aerobic glycolysis is a pivotal mechanism shaping immune responses. Here we show that deficiency in NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK) impairs glycolysis induction, rendering CD8+ effector T cells hypofunctional in the tumor microenvironment. Conversely, ectopic expression of NIK promotes CD8+ T cell metabolism and effector function, thereby profoundly enhancing antitumor immunity and improving the efficacy of T cell adoptive therapy. NIK regulates T cell metabolism via a NF-κB-independent mechanism that involves stabilization of hexokinase 2 (HK2), a rate-limiting enzyme of the glycolytic pathway. NIK prevents autophagic degradation of HK2 through controlling cellular reactive oxygen species levels, which in turn involves modulation of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), an enzyme that mediates production of the antioxidant NADPH. We show that the G6PD-NADPH redox system is important for HK2 stability and metabolism in activated T cells. These findings establish NIK as a pivotal regulator of T cell metabolism and highlight a post-translational mechanism of metabolic regulation.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/enzymology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/transplantation
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Colonic Neoplasms/enzymology
- Colonic Neoplasms/immunology
- Colonic Neoplasms/pathology
- Colonic Neoplasms/therapy
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
- Energy Metabolism
- Enzyme Stability
- Female
- Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase/metabolism
- Glycolysis
- Hexokinase/genetics
- Hexokinase/metabolism
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive
- Lymphocyte Activation
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/enzymology
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/transplantation
- Male
- Melanoma, Experimental/enzymology
- Melanoma, Experimental/immunology
- Melanoma, Experimental/pathology
- Melanoma, Experimental/therapy
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- NADP/metabolism
- Phenotype
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/deficiency
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism
- Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Tumor Microenvironment
- NF-kappaB-Inducing Kinase
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Meidi Gu
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiaofei Zhou
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jee Hyung Sohn
- National Creative Research Initiatives Center for Adipose Tissue Remodeling, Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Lele Zhu
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zuliang Jie
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jin-Young Yang
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea
| | - Xiaofeng Zheng
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiaoping Xie
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Precision for Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yaoyao Shi
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hans D Brightbill
- Department of Immunology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jae Bum Kim
- National Creative Research Initiatives Center for Adipose Tissue Remodeling, Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xuhong Cheng
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shao-Cong Sun
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA.
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141
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Yamazaki T, Bravo-San Pedro JM, Galluzzi L, Kroemer G, Pietrocola F. Autophagy in the cancer-immunity dialogue. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 169:40-50. [PMID: 33301821 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy is quintessential for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis in all eukaryotic cells, explaining why both normal and malignant cells benefit from proficient autophagic responses. Moreover, autophagy is intimately involved in the immunological control of malignant transformation, tumor progression and response to therapy. However, the net effect of autophagy activation or inhibition on the natural growth or therapeutic response of tumors evolving in immunocompetent hosts exhibits a considerable degree of context dependency. Here, we discuss the complex cross-talk between autophagy and immuno-oncology as delineated by genetic and pharmacological approaches in mouse models of cancer.
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142
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Kaymak I, Williams KS, Cantor JR, Jones RG. Immunometabolic Interplay in the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancer Cell 2021; 39:28-37. [PMID: 33125860 PMCID: PMC7837268 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2020.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Immune cells' metabolism influences their differentiation and function. Given that a complex interplay of environmental factors within the tumor microenvironment (TME) can have a profound impact on the metabolic activities of immune, stromal, and tumor cell types, there is emerging interest to advance understanding of these diverse metabolic phenotypes in the TME. Here, we discuss cell-extrinsic contributions to the metabolic activities of immune cells. Then, considering recent technical advances in experimental systems and metabolic profiling technologies, we propose future directions to better understand how immune cells meet their metabolic demands in the TME, which can be leveraged for therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irem Kaymak
- Metabolic and Nutritional Programming, Center for Cancer and Cell Biology, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Kelsey S Williams
- Metabolic and Nutritional Programming, Center for Cancer and Cell Biology, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Jason R Cantor
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI 53715, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Russell G Jones
- Metabolic and Nutritional Programming, Center for Cancer and Cell Biology, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA.
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143
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Hetze S, Sure U, Schedlowski M, Hadamitzky M, Barthel L. Rodent Models to Analyze the Glioma Microenvironment. ASN Neuro 2021; 13:17590914211005074. [PMID: 33874781 PMCID: PMC8060738 DOI: 10.1177/17590914211005074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models are still indispensable for understanding the basic principles of glioma development and invasion. Preclinical approaches aim to analyze the treatment efficacy of new drugs before translation into clinical trials is possible. Various animal disease models are available, but not every approach is useful for addressing specific questions. In recent years, it has become increasingly evident that the tumor microenvironment plays a key role in the nature of glioma. In addition to providing an overview, this review evaluates available rodent models in terms of usability for research on the glioma microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susann Hetze
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of
Essen, Essen, Germany
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral
Immunobiology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Sure
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of
Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Manfred Schedlowski
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral
Immunobiology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Osher Center for
Integrative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Hadamitzky
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral
Immunobiology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Lennart Barthel
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of
Essen, Essen, Germany
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral
Immunobiology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
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144
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Poorebrahim M, Melief J, Pico de Coaña Y, L Wickström S, Cid-Arregui A, Kiessling R. Counteracting CAR T cell dysfunction. Oncogene 2021; 40:421-435. [PMID: 33168929 PMCID: PMC7808935 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01501-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In spite of high rates of complete remission following chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, the efficacy of this approach is limited by generation of dysfunctional CAR T cells in vivo, conceivably induced by immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and excessive antigen exposure. Exhaustion and senescence are two critical dysfunctional states that impose a pivotal hurdle for successful CAR T cell therapies. Recently, modified CAR T cells with an "exhaustion-resistant" phenotype have shown superior antitumor functions and prolonged lifespan. In addition, several studies have indicated the feasibility of senescence delay in CAR T cells. Here, we review the latest reports regarding blockade of CAR T cell exhaustion and senescence with a particular focus on the exhaustion-inducing pathways. Subsequently, we describe what potential these latest insights offer for boosting the potency of adoptive cell transfer (ACT) therapies involving CAR T cells. Furthermore, we discuss how induction of costimulation, cytokine exposure, and TME modulation can impact on CAR T cell efficacy and persistence, while potential safety issues associated with reinvigorated CAR T cells will also be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansour Poorebrahim
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Targeted Tumor Vaccines Group, Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Immunity, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Jeroen Melief
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yago Pico de Coaña
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stina L Wickström
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Angel Cid-Arregui
- Targeted Tumor Vaccines Group, Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Immunity, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rolf Kiessling
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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145
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Characteristics of the Tumor Microenvironment That Influence Immune Cell Functions: Hypoxia, Oxidative Stress, Metabolic Alterations. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123802. [PMID: 33348579 PMCID: PMC7765870 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy (IMT) is now a core component of cancer treatment, however, many patients do not respond to these novel therapies. Investigating the resistance mechanisms behind this differential response is now a critical area of research. Immune-based therapies, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), rely on a robust infiltration of T-cells into the tumor microenvironment (TME) for an effective response. While early efforts relied on quantifying tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) in the TME, characterizing the functional quality and degree of TIL exhaustion correlates more strongly with ICI response. Even with sufficient TME infiltration, immune cells face a harsh metabolic environment that can significantly impair effector function. These tumor-mediated metabolic perturbations include hypoxia, oxidative stress, and metabolites of cellular energetics. Primarily through HIF-1-dependent processes, hypoxia invokes an immunosuppressive phenotype via altered molecular markers, immune cell trafficking, and angiogenesis. Additionally, oxidative stress can promote lipid peroxidation, ER stress, and Treg dysfunction, all associated with immune dysregulation. Finally, the metabolic byproducts of lipids, amino acids, glucose, and cellular energetics are associated with immunosuppression and ICI resistance. This review will explore these biochemical pathways linked to immune cell dysfunction in the TME and highlight potential adjunctive therapies to be used alongside current IMT.
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146
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Ghini V, Laera L, Fantechi B, del Monte F, Benelli M, McCartney A, Tenori L, Luchinat C, Pozzessere D. Metabolomics to Assess Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Patients with Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123574. [PMID: 33265926 PMCID: PMC7760033 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Recently, immunotherapy has presented new opportunities for clinical development in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although effective in sustaining overall survival in several clinical trials, not all the NSCLC patients respond to these treatments. Thus, a better patient selection, as well as the identification of predictive biomarkers of treatment efficacy, are of paramount importance. In this work, metabolomics was used with the aim of identifying responder with respect to non-responder subjects. We show that the metabolomic fingerprint of serum samples, collected before therapy, acts as a predictive biomarker to treatment response. Prospective identification of subjects that will benefit from immunotherapy could improve patient stratification, thus optimizing the treatment and avoiding unsuccessful strategies. Abstract In the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown remarkable results. However, not all patients with NSCLC respond to this drug treatment or receive durable benefits. Thus, patient stratification and selection, as well as the identification of predictive biomarkers, represent pivotal aspects to address. In this framework, metabolomics can be used to support the discrimination between responders and non-responders. Here, metabolomics was used to analyze the sera samples from 50 patients with NSCL treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. All the samples were collected before the beginning of the treatment and were analyzed by NMR spectroscopy and multivariate statistical analyses. Significantly, we show that the metabolomic fingerprint of serum acts as a predictive “collective” biomarker to immune checkpoint inhibitors response, being able to predict individual therapy outcome with > 80% accuracy. Metabolomics represents a potential strategy for the real-time selection and monitoring of patients treated with immunotherapy. The prospective identification of responders and non-responders could improve NSCLC treatment and patient stratification, thus avoiding ineffective therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Ghini
- Cirmmp, Via Luigi Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy;
- Magnetic Resonance Center, CERM, University of Florence, Via Luigi Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy;
| | - Letizia Laera
- Sandro Pitigliani, Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital of Prato, via Suor Niccolina Infermiera, 20/22, 59100 Prato, Italy; (L.L.); (B.F.); (F.d.M.); (A.M.)
- Department of Oncology, Miulli hospital, Acquaviva delle Fonti, 70021 Bari, Italy
| | - Beatrice Fantechi
- Sandro Pitigliani, Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital of Prato, via Suor Niccolina Infermiera, 20/22, 59100 Prato, Italy; (L.L.); (B.F.); (F.d.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Francesca del Monte
- Sandro Pitigliani, Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital of Prato, via Suor Niccolina Infermiera, 20/22, 59100 Prato, Italy; (L.L.); (B.F.); (F.d.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Matteo Benelli
- Bioinformatics Unit, Hospital of Prato, via Suor Niccolina Infermiera, 20/22, 59100 Prato, Italy;
| | - Amelia McCartney
- Sandro Pitigliani, Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital of Prato, via Suor Niccolina Infermiera, 20/22, 59100 Prato, Italy; (L.L.); (B.F.); (F.d.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Leonardo Tenori
- Magnetic Resonance Center, CERM, University of Florence, Via Luigi Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy;
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Claudio Luchinat
- Magnetic Resonance Center, CERM, University of Florence, Via Luigi Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy;
- Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.L.); (D.P.); Tel.: +39-0554-574-296 (C.L.); +39-0574-802-520 (D.P.)
| | - Daniele Pozzessere
- Sandro Pitigliani, Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital of Prato, via Suor Niccolina Infermiera, 20/22, 59100 Prato, Italy; (L.L.); (B.F.); (F.d.M.); (A.M.)
- Correspondence: (C.L.); (D.P.); Tel.: +39-0554-574-296 (C.L.); +39-0574-802-520 (D.P.)
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147
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Galgani M, Bruzzaniti S, La Rocca C, Micillo T, de Candia P, Bifulco M, Matarese G. Immunometabolism of regulatory T cells in cancer. Mol Aspects Med 2020; 77:100936. [PMID: 33250195 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2020.100936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells are known to orchestrate the regulatory mechanisms aimed at suppressing pathological auto-reactive immune responses and are thus key in ensuring the maintenance of immune homeostasis. On the other hand, the presence of Treg cells with enhanced suppressive capability in a plethora of human cancers represents a major obstacle to an effective anti-cancer immune response. A relevant research effort has thus been dedicated to comprehend Treg cell biology, leading to a continuously refining characterization of their phenotype and function and unveiling the central role of metabolism in ensuring Treg cell fitness in cancer. Here we focus on how the peculiar biochemical characteristics of the tumor microenvironment actually support Treg cell metabolic activation and favor their selective survival and proliferation. Moreover, we examine the key metabolic pathways that may become useful targets of novel treatments directed at hampering tumor resident Treg cell proficiency, thus representing the next research frontier in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Galgani
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Napoli "Federico II", 80131, Napoli, Italy; Laboratorio di Immunologia, Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (IEOS-CNR), 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Sara Bruzzaniti
- Laboratorio di Immunologia, Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (IEOS-CNR), 80131, Napoli, Italy; Dipartimento di Biologia, Università Degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", 80126, Napoli, Italy
| | - Claudia La Rocca
- Laboratorio di Immunologia, Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (IEOS-CNR), 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Teresa Micillo
- Unità di Neuroimmunologia, Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, 00179, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Napoli "Federico II", 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Matarese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Napoli "Federico II", 80131, Napoli, Italy; Laboratorio di Immunologia, Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (IEOS-CNR), 80131, Napoli, Italy.
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148
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Drijvers JM, Sharpe AH, Haigis MC. The effects of age and systemic metabolism on anti-tumor T cell responses. eLife 2020; 9:e62420. [PMID: 33170123 PMCID: PMC7655106 DOI: 10.7554/elife.62420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Average age and obesity prevalence are increasing globally. Both aging and obesity are characterized by profound systemic metabolic and immunologic changes and are cancer risk factors. The mechanisms linking age and body weight to cancer are incompletely understood, but recent studies have provided evidence that the anti-tumor immune response is reduced in both conditions, while responsiveness to immune checkpoint blockade, a form of cancer immunotherapy, is paradoxically intact. Dietary restriction, which promotes health and lifespan, may enhance cancer immunity. These findings illustrate that the systemic context can impact anti-tumor immunity and immunotherapy responsiveness. Here, we review the current knowledge of how age and systemic metabolic state affect the anti-tumor immune response, with an emphasis on CD8+ T cells, which are key players in anti-tumor immunity. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms may lead to novel therapies enhancing anti-tumor immunity in the context of aging or metabolic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jefte M Drijvers
- Department of Immunology, Blavatnik Institute and Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s HospitalBostonUnited States
- Department of Cell Biology, Blavatnik Institute and Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Arlene H Sharpe
- Department of Immunology, Blavatnik Institute and Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s HospitalBostonUnited States
| | - Marcia C Haigis
- Department of Cell Biology, Blavatnik Institute and Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
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149
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Breast Cancer Heterogeneity and Response to Novel Therapeutics. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113271. [PMID: 33167363 PMCID: PMC7694303 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease that is driven by genetic, epigenetic and phenotypic modifications and is also affected by the microenvironment and the metabolism. In this article we review genetic and non-genetic causes of tumor heterogeneity focusing on the impact that heterogeneity has on resistance to therapy. We will provide examples of personalized medicines and their translation to the clinic. Abstract Targeted cancer therapies against oncogenic drivers are actively being developed and tested in clinical trials. Targeting an oncogenic driver may only prove effective if the mutation is present in most tumoral cells. Therefore, highly heterogeneous tumors may be refractory to these therapies. This makes tumor heterogeneity a major challenge in cancer therapy. Although heterogeneity has traditionally been attributed to genetic diversity within cancer cell populations, it is now widely recognized that human cancers are heterogeneous in almost all distinguishable phenotypic characteristics. Understanding the genetic variability and also the non-genetic influences of tumor heterogeneity will provide novel insights into how to reverse therapeutic resistance and improve cancer therapy.
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150
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Artyomov MN, Van den Bossche J. Immunometabolism in the Single-Cell Era. Cell Metab 2020; 32:710-725. [PMID: 33027638 PMCID: PMC7660984 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2020.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Emerging research has identified metabolic pathways that are crucial for the proper regulation of immune cells and how, when deranged, they can cause immune dysfunction and disease progression. However, due to technical limitations such insights have relied heavily on bulk measurements in immune cells, often activated in vitro. But with the emergence of single-cell applications, researchers can now estimate the metabolic state of individual immune cells in clinical samples. Here, we review these single-cell techniques and their ability to validate common principles in immunometabolism, while also revealing context-dependent metabolic heterogeneity within the immune cell compartment. We also discuss current gaps and limitations, as well as identify future opportunities to move the field forward toward the development of therapeutic targets and improved diagnostic capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim N Artyomov
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| | - Jan Van den Bossche
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081HZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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