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Matsubara T, Takada K, Azuma K, Takamori S, Toyokawa G, Haro A, Osoegawa A, Tagawa T, Kawahara A, Akiba J, Okamoto I, Nakanishi Y, Oda Y, Hoshino T, Maehara Y. A Clinicopathological and Prognostic Analysis of PD-L2 Expression in Surgically Resected Primary Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Ann Surg Oncol 2019; 26:1925-1933. [DOI: 10.1245/s10434-019-07257-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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152
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Nikolaev EV, Zloza A, Sontag ED. Immunobiochemical Reconstruction of Influenza Lung Infection-Melanoma Skin Cancer Interactions. Front Immunol 2019; 10:4. [PMID: 30745900 PMCID: PMC6360404 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
It was recently reported that acute influenza infection of the lung promoted distal melanoma growth in the dermis of mice. Melanoma-specific CD8+ T cells were shunted to the lung in the presence of the infection, where they expressed high levels of inflammation-induced cell-activation blocker PD-1, and became incapable of migrating back to the tumor site. At the same time, co-infection virus-specific CD8+ T cells remained functional while the infection was cleared. It was also unexpectedly found that PD-1 blockade immunotherapy reversed this effect. Here, we proceed to ground the experimental observations in a mechanistic immunobiochemical model that incorporates T cell pathways that control PD-1 expression. A core component of our model is a kinetic motif, which we call a PD-1 Double Incoherent Feed-Forward Loop (DIFFL), and which reflects known interactions between IRF4, Blimp-1, and Bcl-6. The different activity levels of the PD-1 DIFFL components, as a function of the cognate antigen levels and the given inflammation context, manifest themselves in phenotypically distinct outcomes. Collectively, the model allowed us to put forward a few working hypotheses as follows: (i) the melanoma-specific CD8+ T cells re-circulating with the blood flow enter the lung where they express high levels of inflammation-induced cell-activation blocker PD-1 in the presence of infection; (ii) when PD-1 receptors interact with abundant PD-L1, constitutively expressed in the lung, T cells loose motility; (iii) at the same time, virus-specific cells adapt to strong stimulation by their cognate antigen by lowering the transiently-elevated expression of PD-1, remaining functional and mobile in the inflamed lung, while the infection is cleared. The role that T cell receptor (TCR) activation and feedback loops play in the underlying processes are also highlighted and discussed. We hope that the results reported in our study could potentially contribute to the advancement of immunological approaches to cancer treatment and, as well, to a better understanding of a broader complexity of fundamental interactions between pathogens and tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeni V. Nikolaev
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
- Clinical Investigations and Precision Therapeutics Program, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Andrew Zloza
- Section of Surgical Oncology Research, Division of Surgical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
- Department of Surgery, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Eduardo D. Sontag
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
- Laboratory for Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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153
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Liang Z, Li Y, Tian Y, Zhang H, Cai W, Chen A, Chen L, Bao Y, Xiang B, Kan H, Li Y. High-affinity human programmed death-1 ligand-1 variant promotes redirected T cells to kill tumor cells. Cancer Lett 2019; 447:164-173. [PMID: 30677447 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Tumor cells can escape immune surveillance through the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) axis suppressing T cells. However, we recently demonstrated that high-affinity variants of soluble human programmed death-ligand 1 (shPD-L1) could diminish the suppression. We propose that in comparison to the wild-type shPD-L1, the further affinity enhancement will confer the molecule with opposite characteristics that augment T-cell activation and immunotherapeutic drug potential. In this study, a new shPD-L1 variant, L3C7c, has been generated to demonstrate ∼167 fold greater affinity than wild-type hPD-L1. The L3C7c-Fc fusion protein demonstrated completely opposite effects of conventional PD-1 axis by promoting redirected T-cell proliferation, activation and cytotoxicity in vitro, as being slightly better than that of anti-PD1-Ab (Pembrolizumab). Moreover, L3C7c-Fc was more effective than Pembrolizumab in enhancing redirected T cells' ability to suppress Mel624 melanoma growth in vivo. As a downsized L3C7c-Fc variant, L3C7v-Fc improved the anti-tumor efficacy in vivo when combined with dendritic cell vaccines. In conclusion, our studies demonstrate that high-affinity hPD-L1 variants could be developed as the next generation reagents for tumor immunotherapy based on the blockade of the PD-1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoduan Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 190 Kai Yuan Avenue, Science Park, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China.
| | - Yanyan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 190 Kai Yuan Avenue, Science Park, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China; School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, No. 96, Jinzhai road, Hefei, Anhui province, China.
| | - Ye Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 190 Kai Yuan Avenue, Science Park, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China.
| | - Huanling Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 190 Kai Yuan Avenue, Science Park, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China; School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, No. 96, Jinzhai road, Hefei, Anhui province, China.
| | - Wenxuan Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 190 Kai Yuan Avenue, Science Park, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China.
| | - Anan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 190 Kai Yuan Avenue, Science Park, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China.
| | - Lin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 190 Kai Yuan Avenue, Science Park, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China.
| | - Yifeng Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 190 Kai Yuan Avenue, Science Park, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China.
| | - Bo Xiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838, North Guangzhou Avenue, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China.
| | - Heping Kan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838, North Guangzhou Avenue, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China.
| | - Yi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 190 Kai Yuan Avenue, Science Park, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China.
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154
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Structures of Immune Checkpoints: An Overview on the CD28-B7 Family. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1172:63-78. [PMID: 31628651 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-9367-9_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The co-stimulation and co-inhibition signal pathways, immune checkpoints, are among the central mechanisms to regulate the T-cell immunity. Optimal signals involve intricate interactions of numerous ligands and receptors. Manipulation of these signals offers great clinical opportunities and has revolutionized the cancer treatment therapies. The 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to James P. Allison and Tasuku Honjo in recognition of their discovery of cancer immunotherapy by inhibition of immune checkpoint molecules. Despite the landmark discovery in cancer immunotherapy, the efforts to harness immunity against cancer are also restricted by the limited knowledge on the co-stimulation and co-inhibition signaling networks. Understanding the structures of these molecules, in particular, tackling the interaction paradigms from the structural perspective, help to provide more accurate insights into the signaling mechanisms, which may further facilitate the development of novel biologics and improve the efficacy of the existing biologics against these targets. Here we review our current understanding on the structures of these co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory molecules. Specifically, we focus on the structural basis of several checkpoint molecules among the CD28-B7 family and discuss the therapeutic drugs against these targets for the treatment of human cancers, autoimmune disorders, and transplantation.
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155
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Bhandaru M, Rotte A. Monoclonal Antibodies for the Treatment of Melanoma: Present and Future Strategies. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1904:83-108. [PMID: 30539467 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8958-4_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma is a dreadful type of skin cancer arising due to uncontrolled proliferation of melanocytes. It has very poor prognosis, low 5-year survival rates and until recently there were only handful of treatment options for metastatic melanoma patients. The drugs that were approved for the treatment had low response rates and were associated with severe adverse events. With the introduction of monoclonal antibodies against inhibitory immune checkpoints the treatment landscape for metastatic melanoma has changed dramatically. Ipilimumab, the first monoclonal antibody to be approved for the treatment of metastatic melanoma, showed significant improvements in durable response rates in patients and paved the way for next class of monoclonal antibodies. Nivolumab and pembrolizumab, the anti-PD-1 antibodies that were approved 3-years after the approval of ipilimumab, had decent response rates, low relapse rates and showed manageable safety profile. Antibodies against ligands for PD-1 receptors were then developed to overcome the adverse effects of anti-PD-1 antibodies and combination of monoclonal antibodies (ipilimumab plus nivolumab) was tested to increase the response rates. Additional target receptors that regulate T cell activity were identified on T cells and monoclonal antibodies against potential targets such as TIGIT, TIM-3, and LAG-3 were developed. This chapter discusses the details of monoclonal antibodies used for the treatment of melanoma along with the ones that could be introduced in the near future with emphasis on mechanisms by which antibodies stimulate anti-tumor immune response and the specifics of target molecules of the antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhuri Bhandaru
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Anand Rotte
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Genentech Research and Early Development, South San Francisco, CA, USA. .,Department of Clinical and Regulatory Affairs, Nevro Corp., Redwood City, CA, USA.
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156
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Lepir T, Zaghouani M, Roche SP, Li YY, Suarez M, Irias MJ, Savaraj N. Nivolumab to pembrolizumab switch induced a durable melanoma response: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e13804. [PMID: 30633154 PMCID: PMC6336603 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000013804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE While checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of melanoma, it is not known whether switching from one monoclonal antibody drug to another one would be justified in the case of a treatment failure. Herein, we report a case illustrating a durable response to pembrolizumab after a failure with nivolumab. PATIENT CONCERNS A 76-year-old white male noticed an enlarging papular lesion on his neck. DIAGNOSIS Malignant melanoma. INTERVENTIONS The patient underwent surgery in December 2013 and was found to have a B-Rapidly Accelerated Fibrosarcoma (BRAF) V600E mutated melanoma. Treatment with BRAF and MAPK/Erk kinase (MEK) inhibitors along with radiation was initiated. After 1 year, the disease progressed, and the treatment was switched to the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) blocking antibody, ipilimumab. As the tumor did not respond, the treatment was changed to programmed cell death receptor-1 (PD-1) blockers: nivolumab followed by pembrolizumab. Since the initial diagnosis, the tumor response was monitored by computed tomography (CT) scans. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was also used for the assessment of programmed death ligand 1 PD-L1) expression in the neck, lung, and spleen lesions. OUTCOMES The patient had an initial mixed response to nivolumab, but the disease ultimately progressed as evidenced by new metastases to the spleen, thus the treatment was switched to pembrolizumab. After 46 cycles of treatment, all sites of metastases disappeared, including a substantial shrinkage of the splenic metastasis. To gain understanding about the pharmacological differences between nivolumab and pembrolizumab, the PD-1-ligands interactions and conformational dynamics responsible for the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint blockade were investigated. The higher affinity of pembrolizumab might likely arise from a unique and large patch of interactions engaging the C'D loop of PD-1, thus forcing an important motion across the PD-1 immunoreceptor. LESSONS In this case report, we described the tolerance and response of a melanoma patient to a sequence of various agents, including ipilimumab, nivolumab, and pembrolizumab. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first clinical report highlighting differences between PD-1 blockers, as shown by the unexpected and durable response of the tumor to pembrolizumab, after a treatment failure with nivolumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Lepir
- Department of Veteran Affairs, Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center, Miami, FL
| | - Mehdi Zaghouani
- Florida Atlantic University, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Boca Raton, FL
| | - Stéphane P. Roche
- Florida Atlantic University, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Boca Raton, FL
- Center for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL
| | - Ying-Ying Li
- Department of Veteran Affairs, Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center, Miami, FL
| | - Miguel Suarez
- Department of Veteran Affairs, Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center, Miami, FL
| | - Maria Jose Irias
- Department of Veteran Affairs, Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center, Miami, FL
| | - Niramol Savaraj
- Department of Veteran Affairs, Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center, Miami, FL
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157
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Immune checkpoint blockade and its combination therapy with small-molecule inhibitors for cancer treatment. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2018; 1871:199-224. [PMID: 30605718 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Initially understood for its physiological maintenance of self-tolerance, the immune checkpoint molecule has recently been recognized as a promising anti-cancer target. There has been considerable interest in the biology and the action mechanism of the immune checkpoint therapy, and their incorporation with other therapeutic regimens. Recently the small-molecule inhibitor (SMI) has been identified as an attractive combination partner for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and is becoming a novel direction for the field of combination drug design. In this review, we provide a systematic discussion of the biology and function of major immune checkpoint molecules, and their interactions with corresponding targeting agents. With both preclinical studies and clinical trials, we especially highlight the ICI + SMI combination, with its recent advances as well as its application challenges.
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158
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Abstract
Background Checkpoint inhibitors have transformed the treatment of cancer in adults. This class of drugs has demonstrated encouraging results in various malignancies such as metastatic melanoma, bladder cancer, renal cancer, and non-small cell lung carcinoma. However, researchers have only begun investigating the effectiveness and tolerability of checkpoint inhibitors in pediatric patients. Methods We conducted a review of PubMed indexed literature and clinicaltrials.gov using combinations of the keywords checkpoint, inhibitor, pediatric, CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4), PD-1 (programmed cell death-1), and PD-L1 (programmed cell death receptor-1 ligand) to find every recently completed and ongoing trial evaluating checkpoint inhibitors in patients younger than 21 years old. Pertinent articles and clinical trials discussing the role of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the pediatric population were selected for final analysis and manuscript citation. Results This review presents an overview of the cellular mechanisms involved in checkpoint inhibition and of studies evaluating checkpoint inhibitors in humans. The review also details results and side effects from studies conducted with pediatric patients, current pediatric clinical trials, and future implications. Conclusion Immune checkpoint inhibitors have the potential to further therapeutic advances in pediatric oncology; however, we need more clinical trials and combination drug strategies targeted toward pediatric cancers.
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159
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Maas SL, Soehnlein O, Viola JR. Organ-Specific Mechanisms of Transendothelial Neutrophil Migration in the Lung, Liver, Kidney, and Aorta. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2739. [PMID: 30538702 PMCID: PMC6277681 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune responses are dependent on the recruitment of leukocytes to the site of inflammation. The classical leukocyte recruitment cascade, consisting of capture, rolling, arrest, adhesion, crawling, and transendothelial migration, is thoroughly studied but mostly in model systems, such as the cremasteric microcirculation. This cascade paradigm, which is widely accepted, might be applicable to many tissues, however recruitment mechanisms might substantially vary in different organs. Over the last decade, several studies shed light on organ-specific mechanisms of leukocyte recruitment. An improved awareness of this matter opens new therapeutic windows and allows targeting inflammation in a tissue-specific manner. The aim of this review is to summarize the current understanding of the leukocyte recruitment in general and how this varies in different organs. In particular we focus on neutrophils, as these are the first circulating leukocytes to reach the site of inflammation. Specifically, the recruitment mechanism in large arteries, as well as vessels in the lungs, liver, and kidney will be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne L Maas
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Oliver Soehnlein
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology (FyFa) and Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joana R Viola
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
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160
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Arulraj T, Barik D. Mathematical modeling identifies Lck as a potential mediator for PD-1 induced inhibition of early TCR signaling. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206232. [PMID: 30356330 PMCID: PMC6200280 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) is an inhibitory immune checkpoint receptor that negatively regulates the functioning of T cell. Although the direct targets of PD-1 were not identified, its inhibitory action on the TCR signaling pathway was known much earlier. Recent experiments suggest that the PD-1 inhibits the TCR and CD28 signaling pathways at a very early stage ─ at the level of phosphorylation of the cytoplasmic domain of TCR and CD28 receptors. Here, we develop a mathematical model to investigate the influence of inhibitory effect of PD-1 on the activation of early TCR and CD28 signaling molecules. Proposed model recaptures several quantitative experimental observations of PD-1 mediated inhibition. Model simulations show that PD-1 imposes a net inhibitory effect on the Lck kinase. Further, the inhibitory effect of PD-1 on the activation of TCR signaling molecules such as Zap70 and SLP76 is significantly enhanced by the PD-1 mediated inhibition of Lck. These results suggest a critical role for Lck as a mediator for PD-1 induced inhibition of TCR signaling network. Multi parametric sensitivity analysis explores the effect of parameter uncertainty on model simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theinmozhi Arulraj
- Centre for Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Central University P.O., Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Debashis Barik
- School of Chemistry, University of Hyderabad, Central University P.O., Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- * E-mail:
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161
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Romani M, Pistillo MP, Carosio R, Morabito A, Banelli B. Immune Checkpoints and Innovative Therapies in Glioblastoma. Front Oncol 2018; 8:464. [PMID: 30406030 PMCID: PMC6206227 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting the Immune Checkpoint molecules (ICs; CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L1/2, and others) which provide inhibitory signals to T cells, dramatically improves survival in hard-to-treat tumors. The establishment of an immunosuppressive environment prevents endogenous immune response in glioblastoma; therefore, manipulating the host immune system seems a reasonable strategy also for this tumor. In glioma patients the accumulation of CD4+/CD8+ T cells and Treg expressing high levels of CTLA-4 and PD-1, or the high expression of PD-L1 in glioma cells correlates with WHO high grade and short survival. Few clinical studies with IC inhibitors (ICis) were completed so far. Notably, the first large-scale randomized trial (NCT 02017717) that compared PD-1 blockade and anti-VEGF, did not show an OS increase in the patients treated with anti-PD-1. Several factors could have contributed to the failure of this trial and must be considered to design further clinical studies. In particular the possibility of targeting at the same time different ICs was pre-clinically tested in an animal model were inhibitors against IDO, CTLA-4 and PD-L1 were combined and showed persistent and significant antitumor effects in glioma-bearing mice. It is reasonable to hypothesize that the immunological characterization of the tumor in terms of type and level of expressed IC molecules on the tumor and TIL may be useful to design the optimal ICi combination for a given subset of tumor to overcome the immunosuppressive milieu of glioblastoma and to efficiently target a tumor with such high cellular complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Romani
- Laboratory of Tumor Epigenetics, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Pistillo
- Laboratory of Tumor Epigenetics, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Roberta Carosio
- Laboratory of Tumor Epigenetics, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Anna Morabito
- Laboratory of Tumor Epigenetics, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Barbara Banelli
- Laboratory of Tumor Epigenetics, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
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162
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Chen T, Li Q, Liu Z, Chen Y, Feng F, Sun H. Peptide-based and small synthetic molecule inhibitors on PD-1/PD-L1 pathway: A new choice for immunotherapy? Eur J Med Chem 2018; 161:378-398. [PMID: 30384043 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.10.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Blockade the interaction of the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand, programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) can prevent immune evasion of tumor cells and significantly prolong the survival of cancer patients. Currently marketed drugs targeting PD-1/PD-L1 pathway are all monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that have achieved great success in clinical trials. With the constantly emerging problems of antibody drugs, small molecule inhibitors have attracted the attention of pharmaceutical chemists due to their controllable pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties, which make them potential alternatives or supplements to mAbs to regulate PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. However, the insufficient target structure information hinders the development of small molecule inhibitors. Since the publication of human-PD-1/human-PD-L1 (hPD-1/hPD-L1) crystal structure, more and more cocrystal structures of mAbs, cyclopeptides and small molecules with PD-1 and PD-L1 have been resolved. These complexes provide a valuable starting point for the rational design of peptide-based and small synthetic molecule inhibitors. Here we reviewed the non-antibody inhibitors that have been published so far and analyzed their structure-activity relationships (SAR). We also summarized the cocrystal structures with hot spots identified, with the aim to provide reference for future drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingkai Chen
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Qi Li
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Zongliang Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China
| | - Yao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Feng Feng
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China.
| | - Haopeng Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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163
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Wang T, Wu X, Guo C, Zhang K, Xu J, Li Z, Jiang S. Development of Inhibitors of the Programmed Cell Death-1/Programmed Cell Death-Ligand 1 Signaling Pathway. J Med Chem 2018; 62:1715-1730. [PMID: 30247903 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The clinical success of inhibitors targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway has made this an active field in cancer immunotherapy. Currently, most drugs targeting this pathway are monoclonal antibodies. Small-molecule inhibitors as the alternative to monoclonal antibodies are expected to overcome the disadvantages of mAbs which include production difficulties and their long half-life. Recently, progress has been reported on anti-PD-1/PD-L1 small-molecule inhibitors. In this paper, we review the development of inhibitors targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, focusing mainly on peptide-based and nonpeptidic small-molecule inhibitors. The structures and the preclinical and clinical studies of several peptide-based small-molecule candidate compounds in clinical trials are discussed. We also illustrate the design strategies underlying reported nonpeptidic small-molecule inhibitors and provide insight into possible future exploration. Development of small-molecule drugs for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 activity with specific cancer applications is a promising and challenging prospect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy , China Pharmaceutical University , Nanjing 210009 , China
| | - Xiaoxing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy , China Pharmaceutical University , Nanjing 210009 , China
| | - Changying Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy , China Pharmaceutical University , Nanjing 210009 , China
| | - Kuojun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy , China Pharmaceutical University , Nanjing 210009 , China
| | - Jinyi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy , China Pharmaceutical University , Nanjing 210009 , China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Nanomedicine, Center for Bioenergetics , Houston Methodist Research Institute , 6670 Bertner Avenue , Houston , Texas 77030 , United States
| | - Sheng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy , China Pharmaceutical University , Nanjing 210009 , China
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164
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Passaro C, Alayo Q, De Laura I, McNulty J, Grauwet K, Ito H, Bhaskaran V, Mineo M, Lawler SE, Shah K, Speranza MC, Goins W, McLaughlin E, Fernandez S, Reardon DA, Freeman GJ, Chiocca EA, Nakashima H. Arming an Oncolytic Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 with a Single-chain Fragment Variable Antibody against PD-1 for Experimental Glioblastoma Therapy. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 25:290-299. [PMID: 30279232 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-2311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Glioblastoma (GBM) is resistant to standard of care. Immune checkpoints inhibitors (such as anti-PD-1 mAbs) efficiently restore antitumor T-cell activity. We engineered a new oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) expressing a single-chain antibody against PD-1 (scFvPD-1) to evaluate its efficacy in mouse models of GBM. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN NG34scFvPD-1 expresses the human GADD34 gene transcriptionally controlled by the Nestin promoter to allow replication in GBM cells and a scFvPD-1 cDNA transcriptionally controlled by the CMV promoter. ELISA assays were performed to detect binding of scFvPD-1 to mouse and human PD-1. In vitro cytotoxicity and replication assays were performed to measure NG34scFvPD-1 oncolysis, and scFvPD-1 expression and secretion were determined. In vivo survival studies using orthotopic mouse GBM models were performed to evaluate the therapeutic potency of NG34scFvPD-1. RESULTS NG34scFvPD-1-infected GBM cells express and secrete scFvPD-1 that binds mouse PD-1. The introduction of the scFvPD-1 sequence in the viral backbone does not alter the oncolytic properties of NG34scFvPD-1. In situ NG34scFvPD-1 treatment improved the survival with a tail of durable survivorship in 2 syngeneic immunocompetent mouse models of GBM. Mice that survived the first GBM challenge rejected the second challenge of GBM when implanted in the contralateral hemisphere. However, this was not true when athymic mice were employed as the recipients of the second challenge, consistent with the need for an intact immune system to obtain a memory response. CONCLUSIONS NG34scFvPD-1 treatment induces a durable antitumor response in 2 preclinical mouse models of GBM with evidence for antitumor memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Passaro
- Harvey W. Cushing Neuro-oncology Laboratories (HCNL), Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Quazim Alayo
- Harvey W. Cushing Neuro-oncology Laboratories (HCNL), Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Isabella De Laura
- Harvey W. Cushing Neuro-oncology Laboratories (HCNL), Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - John McNulty
- Harvey W. Cushing Neuro-oncology Laboratories (HCNL), Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Korneel Grauwet
- Harvey W. Cushing Neuro-oncology Laboratories (HCNL), Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hirotaka Ito
- Harvey W. Cushing Neuro-oncology Laboratories (HCNL), Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Vivek Bhaskaran
- Harvey W. Cushing Neuro-oncology Laboratories (HCNL), Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Marco Mineo
- Harvey W. Cushing Neuro-oncology Laboratories (HCNL), Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sean E Lawler
- Harvey W. Cushing Neuro-oncology Laboratories (HCNL), Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Khalid Shah
- Harvey W. Cushing Neuro-oncology Laboratories (HCNL), Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Center for Stem Cell Therapeutics and Imaging (CSTI), Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Maria C Speranza
- Harvey W. Cushing Neuro-oncology Laboratories (HCNL), Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - William Goins
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Eric McLaughlin
- Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | | | - David A Reardon
- Center for Neuro-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gordon J Freeman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - E Antonio Chiocca
- Harvey W. Cushing Neuro-oncology Laboratories (HCNL), Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Hiroshi Nakashima
- Harvey W. Cushing Neuro-oncology Laboratories (HCNL), Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
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165
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Bifunctional PD-1 × αCD3 × αCD33 fusion protein reverses adaptive immune escape in acute myeloid leukemia. Blood 2018; 132:2484-2494. [PMID: 30275109 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2018-05-849802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The CD33-targeting bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) AMG 330 proved to be highly efficient in mediating cytolysis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells in vitro and in mouse models. Yet, T-cell activation is correlated with upregulation of programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and other inhibitory checkpoints on AML cells that confer adaptive immune resistance. PD-1 and PD-L1 blocking agents may counteract T-cell dysfunction, however, at the expense of broadly distributed immune-related adverse events (irAEs). We developed a bifunctional checkpoint inhibitory T cell-engaging (CiTE) antibody that combines T-cell redirection to CD33 on AML cells with locally restricted immune checkpoint blockade. This is accomplished by fusing the extracellular domain of PD-1 (PD-1ex), which naturally holds a low affinity to PD-L1, to an αCD3.αCD33 BiTE-like scaffold. By a synergistic effect of checkpoint blockade and avidity-dependent binding, the PD-1ex attachment increases T-cell activation (3.3-fold elevation of interferon-γ) and leads to efficient and highly selective cytotoxicity against CD33+PD-L1+ cell lines (50% effective concentration = 2.3-26.9 pM) as well as patient-derived AML cells (n = 8). In a murine xenograft model, the CiTE induces complete AML eradication without initial signs of irAEs as measured by body weight loss. We conclude that our molecule preferentially targets AML cells, whereas high-affinity blockers, such as clinically approved anticancer agents, also address PD-L1+ non-AML cells. By combining the high efficacy of T-cell engagers with immune checkpoint blockade in a single molecule, we expect to minimize irAEs associated with the systemic application of immune checkpoint inhibitors and suggest high therapeutic potential, particularly for patients with relapsed/ refractory AML.
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166
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Yang J, Hu L. Immunomodulators targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 protein-protein interaction: From antibodies to small molecules. Med Res Rev 2018; 39:265-301. [PMID: 30215856 DOI: 10.1002/med.21530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has made great strides in the recent decade, especially in the area of immune checkpoint blockade. The outstanding efficacy, prolonged durability of effect, and rapid assimilation of anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies in clinical practice have been nothing short of a medical breakthrough in the treatment of numerous malignancies. The major advantages of these therapeutic antibodies over their small molecule counterparts have been their high binding affinity and target specificity. However, antibodies do have their flaws including immune-related toxicities, inadequate pharmacokinetics and tumor penetration, and high cost burden to manufacturers and consumers. These limitations hinder broader clinical applications of the antibodies and have heightened interests in developing the alternative small molecule platform that includes peptidomimetics and peptides to target the PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint system. The progress on these small molecule alternatives has been relatively slow compared to that of the antibodies. Fortunately, recent structural studies of the interactions among PD-1, PD-L1, and their respective antibodies have revealed key hotspots on PD-1 and PD-L1 that may facilitate drug discovery efforts for small molecule immunotherapeutics. This review is intended to discuss key concepts in immuno-oncology, describe the successes and shortcomings of PD-1/PD-L1 antibody-based therapies, and to highlight the recent development of small molecule inhibitors of the PD-1/PD-L1 protein-protein interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Longqin Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey.,Cancer Pharmacology Program, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
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167
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Acúrcio RC, Scomparin A, Conniot J, Salvador JAR, Satchi-Fainaro R, Florindo HF, Guedes RC. Structure–Function Analysis of Immune Checkpoint Receptors to Guide Emerging Anticancer Immunotherapy. J Med Chem 2018; 61:10957-10975. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rita C. Acúrcio
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Anna Scomparin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - João Conniot
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jorge A. R. Salvador
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, and Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ronit Satchi-Fainaro
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Helena F. Florindo
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rita C. Guedes
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
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168
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Sun X, Yan X, Zhuo W, Gu J, Zuo K, Liu W, Liang L, Gan Y, He G, Wan H, Gou X, Shi H, Hu J. PD-L1 Nanobody Competitively Inhibits the Formation of the PD-1/PD-L1 Complex: Comparative Molecular Dynamics Simulations. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E1984. [PMID: 29986511 PMCID: PMC6073277 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19071984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint has achieved outstanding results in clinical application and has become one of the most popular anti-cancer drugs. The mechanism of molecular recognition and inhibition of PD-L1 mAbs is not yet clear, which hinders the subsequent antibody design and modification. In this work, the trajectories of PD-1/PD-L1 and nanobody/PD-L1 complexes were obtained via comparative molecular dynamics simulations. Then, a series of physicochemical parameters including hydrogen bond, dihedral angle distribution, pKa value and binding free energy, and so forth, were all comparatively analyzed to investigate the recognition difference between PD-L1 and PD-1 and nanobody. Both LR113 (the amino acid residues in PD-L1 are represented by the lower left sign of L) and LR125 residues of PD-L1 undergo significant conformational change after association with mAbs, which dominates a strong electrostatic interaction. Solvation effect analysis revealed that solvent-water enhanced molecular recognition between PD-L1 and nanobody. By combining the analyses of the time-dependent root mean squared fluctuation (RMSF), free energy landscape, clustering and energy decomposition, the potential inhibition mechanism was proposed that the nanobody competitively and specifically bound to the β-sheet groups of PD-L1, reduced the PD-L1’s flexibility and finally blocked the formation of PD-1/PD-L1 complex. Based on the simulation results, site-directed mutagenesis of ND99 (the amino acid residues in Nano are displayed by the lower left sign of N) and NQ116 in the nanobody may be beneficial for improving antibody activity. This work offers some structural guidance for the design and modification of anticancer mAbs based on the structure of the PD-1/PD-L1 complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Sun
- College of Pharmacy and Biological Engineering, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Key Laboratory of Medicinal and Edible Plants Resources Development of Sichuan Education Department, Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China.
| | - Xiao Yan
- College of Pharmacy and Biological Engineering, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Key Laboratory of Medicinal and Edible Plants Resources Development of Sichuan Education Department, Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China.
| | - Wei Zhuo
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Jinke Gu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Protein Science, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Ke Zuo
- College of Pharmacy and Biological Engineering, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Key Laboratory of Medicinal and Edible Plants Resources Development of Sichuan Education Department, Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China.
| | - Wei Liu
- College of Pharmacy and Biological Engineering, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Key Laboratory of Medicinal and Edible Plants Resources Development of Sichuan Education Department, Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China.
| | - Li Liang
- College of Pharmacy and Biological Engineering, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Key Laboratory of Medicinal and Edible Plants Resources Development of Sichuan Education Department, Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China.
| | - Ya Gan
- College of Pharmacy and Biological Engineering, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Key Laboratory of Medicinal and Edible Plants Resources Development of Sichuan Education Department, Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China.
| | - Gang He
- College of Pharmacy and Biological Engineering, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Key Laboratory of Medicinal and Edible Plants Resources Development of Sichuan Education Department, Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China.
| | - Hua Wan
- College of Mathematics and Informatics, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Xiaojun Gou
- College of Pharmacy and Biological Engineering, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Key Laboratory of Medicinal and Edible Plants Resources Development of Sichuan Education Department, Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China.
| | - Hubing Shi
- Laboratory of tumor targeted and immune therapy, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Jianping Hu
- College of Pharmacy and Biological Engineering, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Key Laboratory of Medicinal and Edible Plants Resources Development of Sichuan Education Department, Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China.
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169
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Ganesan A, Arulraj T, Choulli T, Barakat KH. A mathematical modelling tool for unravelling the antibody-mediated effects on CTLA-4 interactions. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2018; 18:37. [PMID: 29890992 PMCID: PMC5996525 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-018-0606-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monoclonal antibodies blocking the Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) receptor have revolutionized the field of anti-cancer therapy for the last few years. The human T-cell-based immune responses are modulated by two contradicting signals. CTLA-4 provides a T cell inhibitory signal through its interaction with B7 ligands (B7-1 and B7-2), while CD28 provides a stimulatory signal when interacting with the same ligands. A previous theoretical model has focused on understanding the processes of costimulatory and inhibitory complex formations at the synapse. Nevertheless, the effects of monoclonal antibody (mAb)-mediation on these complexes are relatively unexplored. In this work, we expand on the previous model to develop a new mathematical framework for studying the effects of anti-CTLA-4 mAbs on the co-stimulatory (CD28/B7 ligands) and the co-inhibitory (CTLA-4/B7 ligands) complex formation at the immunological synapse. In particular, we focus on two promising anti-CTLA-4 mAbs, tremelimumab (from AstraZeneca) and ipilimumab (from Bristol-Myers Squibb), which are currently in clinical trials and the market, respectively, for targeting multiple tumors. METHODS The mathematical model in this work has been constructed based on ordinary differential equations and available experimental binding kinetics data for the anti-CTLA-4 antibodies from literature. RESULTS The numerical simulations from the current model are in agreement with a number of experimental data. Especially, the dose-curves for blocking the B7 ligand binding to CTLA-4 by ipilimumab are comparable with the results from a previous competitive binding assay by flow cytometry and ELISA. Our simulations predict the dose response and the relative efficacies of the two mAbs in blocking the inhibitory CTLA-4/B7 complexes. CONCLUSIONS The results show that different factors, such as multivalent interactions, mobility of molecules and competition effects, could impact the effects of antibody-mediation. The results, in particular, describe that the competitive effects could impact the dose-dependent inhibition by the mAbs very significantly. We present this model as a useful tool that can easily be translated to study the effects of any anti-CTLA-4 antibodies on immunological synaptic complex formation, provided reliable biophysical data for mAbs are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aravindhan Ganesan
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Theinmozhi Arulraj
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
| | - Tahir Choulli
- Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Khaled H Barakat
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. .,Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
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170
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Du J, Qin Y, Wu Y, Zhao W, Zhai W, Qi Y, Wang C, Gao Y. The design of high affinity human PD-1 mutants by using molecular dynamics simulations (MD). Cell Commun Signal 2018; 16:25. [PMID: 29879980 PMCID: PMC5992718 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-018-0239-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), a negative co-stimulatory molecule, plays crucial roles in immune escape. Blockade of the interaction between PD-1 and PD-L1 shows exciting clinical responses in a fraction of cancer patients and the success makes PD-1 as a valuable target in immune checkpoint therapy. For the rational design of PD-1 targeting modulators, the ligand binding mechanism of PD-1 should be well understood in prior. METHODS In this study, we applied 50 ns molecular dynamics simulations to observe the structural properties of PD-1 molecule in both apo and ligand bound states, and we studied the structural features of PD-1 in human and mouse respectively. RESULTS The results showed that the apo hPD-1 was more flexible than that in PD-L1 bound state. We unexpectedly found that K135 was important for binding energy although it was not at the binding interface. Moreover, the residues which stabilized the interactions with PD-L1 were distinguished. Taking the dynamic features of these residues into account, we identified several residual sites where mutations may gain the function of ligand binding. The in vitro binding experiments revealed the mutants M70I, S87 W, A129L, A132L, and K135 M were better in ligand binding than the wild type PD-1. CONCLUSIONS The structural information from MD simulation combined with in silico mutagenesis provides guidance to design engineered PD-1 mutants to modulate the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangfeng Du
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yaping Qin
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yahong Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Wenshan Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Wenjie Zhai
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yuanming Qi
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Chuchu Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yanfeng Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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171
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Chaudhri A, Xiao Y, Klee AN, Wang X, Zhu B, Freeman GJ. PD-L1 Binds to B7-1 Only In Cis on the Same Cell Surface. Cancer Immunol Res 2018; 6:921-929. [PMID: 29871885 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-17-0316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1)-mediated immunosuppression regulates peripheral tolerance and is often co-opted by tumors to evade immune attack. PD-L1 binds to PD-1 but also binds to B7-1 (CD80) to regulate T-cell function. The binding interaction of PD-L1 with B7-1 and its functional role need further investigation to understand differences between PD-1 and PD-L1 tumor immunotherapy. We examined the molecular orientation of PD-L1 binding to B7-1 using cell-to-cell binding assays, ELISA, and flow cytometry. As expected, PD-L1-transfected cells bound to PD-1-transfected cells, and B7-1 cells bound to CD28 or CTLA-4-transfected cells; however, PD-L1 cells did not bind to B7-1 cells. By ELISA and flow cytometry with purified proteins, we found PD-L1 and B7-1 had a strong binding interaction only when PD-L1 was flexible. Soluble PD-1 and B7-1 competed for binding to PD-L1. Binding of native PD-L1 and B7-1 in cis on the same cell surface was demonstrated with NanoBiT proximity assays. Thus, PD-L1-B7-1 interaction can occur in cis on the same cell but not in trans between two cells, which suggests a model in which PD-L1 can bend via its 11-amino acid, flexible stalk to bind to B7-1 in cis, in a manner that can competitively block the binding of PD-L1 to PD-1 or of B7-1 to CD28. This binding orientation emphasizes the functional importance of coexpression of PD-L1 and B7-1 on the same cell. We found such coexpression on tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells. Our findings may help better utilize these pathways in cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(8); 921-9. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apoorvi Chaudhri
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yanping Xiao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alyssa N Klee
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Xiaoxu Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Baogong Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gordon J Freeman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
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172
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Lai X, Stiff A, Duggan M, Wesolowski R, Carson WE, Friedman A. Modeling combination therapy for breast cancer with BET and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:5534-5539. [PMID: 29735668 PMCID: PMC6003484 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1721559115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
CTLA-4 is an immune checkpoint expressed on active anticancer T cells. When it combines with its ligand B7 on dendritic cells, it inhibits the activity of the T cells. The Bromo- and Extra-Terminal (BET) protein family includes proteins that regulate the expression of key oncogenes and antiapoptotic proteins. BET inhibitor (BETi) has been shown to reduce the expression of MYC by suppressing its transcription factors and to down-regulate the hypoxic transcriptome response to VEGF-A. This paper develops a mathematical model of the treatment of cancer by combination therapy of BETi and CTLA-4 inhibitor. The model shows that the two drugs are positively correlated in the sense that the tumor volume decreases as the dose of each of the drugs is increased. The model also considers the effect of the combined therapy on levels of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and the overexpression of TNF-α, which may predict gastrointestinal side effects of the combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiulan Lai
- Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Renmin University of China, 100872 Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Andrew Stiff
- Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Megan Duggan
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Robert Wesolowski
- Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43212
| | - William E Carson
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Avner Friedman
- Mathematical Bioscience Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210;
- Department of Mathematics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
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173
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Zak KM, Grudnik P, Magiera K, Dömling A, Dubin G, Holak TA. Structural Biology of the Immune Checkpoint Receptor PD-1 and Its Ligands PD-L1/PD-L2. Structure 2018; 25:1163-1174. [PMID: 28768162 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2017.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells can avoid and suppress immune responses through activation of inhibitory immune checkpoint proteins, such as PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4. Blocking the activities of these proteins with monoclonal antibodies, and thus restoring T cell function, has delivered breakthrough therapies against cancer. In this review, we describe the latest work on structural characterization of the checkpoint proteins, their interactions with cognate ligands and with therapeutic antibodies. Structures of the extracellular portions of these proteins reveal that they all have a similar modular structure, composed of small domains similar in topology to the domains found in antibodies. Structural basis for blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction by small molecules is illustrated with the compound BMS-202 that binds to and induces dimerization of PD-L1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof M Zak
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Przemyslaw Grudnik
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Magiera
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Ingardena 3, 30-060 Krakow, Poland
| | - Alexander Dömling
- Department for Drug Design, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 9, AV 9713 Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Grzegorz Dubin
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Tad A Holak
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Ingardena 3, 30-060 Krakow, Poland; Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18a, 82152 Martinsried, Germany.
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174
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Immune-Related Concepts in Biology and Treatment of Germ-Cell Tumors. Adv Urol 2018; 2018:3718165. [PMID: 29725351 PMCID: PMC5872660 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3718165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Germ-cell tumors (GCTs) are highly curable with chemotherapy. Salvage chemotherapy or surgery can cure a proportion of patients, but the ones failing these treatments will die of their disease in the young age. Immune checkpoint pathways are emerging as powerful targetable biomarkers, and a significant preclinical and clinical research is underway to widen our knowledge and expand the treatment possibilities with immune therapy. The concept of immune modulation that was currently adopted in many solid tumors is understudied in GCTs. Herein, we summarize the current knowledge of published literature discussing the immune mechanisms and immune therapy in GCTs.
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175
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Chemotherapy and immunotherapy for recurrent and metastatic head and neck cancer: a systematic review. Med Oncol 2018; 35:37. [PMID: 29441454 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-018-1096-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a fatal malignancy with an overall long-term survival of about 50% for all stages. The diagnosis is not rarely delayed, and the majority of patients present with loco-regionally advanced disease. The rate of second primary tumors after a diagnosis of HNC is about 3-7% per year, the highest rate among solid tumors. Currently, a single-modality or a combination of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy (CHT), is the standard treatment for stage III-IV HNC. For the recurrent/metastatic setting, in the last 40 years great efforts have been made in order to develop a more effective CHT regimen, from the use of methotrexate alone, to the combination of cisplatin (CDDP) and 5-fluorouracile (5FU) or paclitaxel. Recently, the introduction of cetuximab, an anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody, to the CDDP-5FU doublet (EXTREME regimen) has improved the overall response rate, the progression-free survival and the overall survival (OS) compared to CHT alone. Nowadays, the EXTREME regimen is the standard of care for the first-line treatment of recurrent/metastatic head and neck carcinoma (RMHNC). In the last years, new promising therapies for RMHNC such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), which have demonstrated favorable results in second-line clinical trials, gained special interest. Nivolumab and pembrolizumab are the first two ICIs able to prolong OS in the second-, later-line and platinum-refractory setting, with tolerable toxicities. This review summarizes the current state of the art in RMHNC treatment options.
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176
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Combination therapy for cancer with oncolytic virus and checkpoint inhibitor: A mathematical model. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0192449. [PMID: 29420595 PMCID: PMC5805294 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic virus (OV) is a replication competent virus that selectively invades cancer cells; as these cells die under the viral burden, the released virus particles proceed to infect other cancer cells. Oncolytic viruses are designed to also be able to stimulate the anticancer immune response. Thus, one may represent an OV by two parameters: its replication potential and its immunogenicity. In this paper we consider a combination therapy with OV and a checkpoint inhibitor, anti-PD-1. We evaluate the efficacy of the combination therapy in terms of the tumor volume at some later time, for example, 6 months from initial treatment. Since T cells kill not only virus-free cancer cells but also virus-infected cancer cells, the following question arises: Does increasing the amount of the checkpoint inhibitor always improve the efficacy? We address this question, by a mathematical model consisting of a system of partial differential equations. We use the model to construct, by simulations, an efficacy map in terms of the doses of the checkpoint inhibitor and the OV injection. We show that there are regions in the map where an increase in the checkpoint inhibitor actually decreases the efficacy of the treatment. We also construct efficacy maps with checkpoint inhibitor vs. the replication potential of the virus that show the same antagonism, namely, an increase in the checkpoint inhibitor may actually decrease the efficacy. These results have implications for clinical trials.
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177
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Tavares ABMLA, Lima Neto JX, Fulco UL, Albuquerque EL. Inhibition of the checkpoint protein PD-1 by the therapeutic antibody pembrolizumab outlined by quantum chemistry. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1840. [PMID: 29382901 PMCID: PMC5789983 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20325-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Much of the recent excitement in the cancer immunotherapy approach has been generated by the recognition that immune checkpoint proteins, like the receptor PD-1, can be blocked by antibody-based drugs with profound effects. Promising clinical data have already been released pointing to the efficiency of the drug pembrolizumab to block the PD-1 pathway, triggering the T-lymphocytes to destroy the cancer cells. Thus, a deep understanding of this drug/receptor complex is essential for the improvement of new drugs targeting the protein PD-1. In this context, by employing quantum chemistry methods based on the Density Functional Theory (DFT), we investigate in silico the binding energy features of the receptor PD-1 in complex with its drug inhibitor. Our computational results give a better understanding of the binding mechanisms, being also an efficient alternative towards the development of antibody-based drugs, pointing to new treatments for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Beatriz M L A Tavares
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 59072-970, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - José X Lima Neto
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 59072-970, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Umberto L Fulco
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 59072-970, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Eudenilson L Albuquerque
- Departamento de Biofísica e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, 59072-970, Natal, RN, Brazil.
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178
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Structural basis for small molecule targeting of the programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1). Oncotarget 2017; 7:30323-35. [PMID: 27083005 PMCID: PMC5058683 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 260] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 immunologic checkpoint with monoclonal antibodies has provided unprecedented results in cancer treatment in the recent years. Development of chemical inhibitors for this pathway lags the antibody development because of insufficient structural information. The first nonpeptidic chemical inhibitors that target the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction have only been recently disclosed by Bristol-Myers Squibb. Here, we show that these small-molecule compounds bind directly to PD-L1 and that they potently block PD-1 binding. Structural studies reveal a dimeric protein complex with a single small molecule which stabilizes the dimer thus occluding the PD-1 interaction surface of PD-L1s. The small-molecule interaction “hot spots” on PD-L1 surfaces suggest approaches for the PD-1/PD-L1 antagonist drug discovery.
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179
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Abstract
The characterization of protein interactions has become essential in many fields of life science, especially drug discovery. Microscale thermophoresis (MST) is a powerful new method for the quantitative analysis of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) with low sample consumption. In addition, one of the major advantages of this technique is that no tedious purification step is necessary to access the protein of interest. Here, we describe a protocol using MST to determine the binding affinity of the PD-1/PD-L1 couple, which is involved in tumour escape processes, without purification of the target protein from cell lysates. The method requires the overexpression of fluorescent proteins in CHO-K1 cells and describes the optimal conditions for determining the dissociation constant. The protocol has a variety of potential applications in studying the interactions of these proteins with small molecules and demonstrates that MST is a valuable method for studying the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway.
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180
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Xu-Monette ZY, Zhang M, Li J, Young KH. PD-1/PD-L1 Blockade: Have We Found the Key to Unleash the Antitumor Immune Response? Front Immunol 2017; 8:1597. [PMID: 29255458 PMCID: PMC5723106 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PD-1–PD-L1 interaction is known to drive T cell dysfunction, which can be blocked by anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies. However, studies have also shown that the function of the PD-1–PD-L1 axis is affected by the complex immunologic regulation network, and some CD8+ T cells can enter an irreversible dysfunctional state that cannot be rescued by PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. In most advanced cancers, except Hodgkin lymphoma (which has high PD-L1/L2 expression) and melanoma (which has high tumor mutational burden), the objective response rate with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapy is only ~20%, and immune-related toxicities and hyperprogression can occur in a small subset of patients during PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy. The lack of efficacy in up to 80% of patients was not necessarily associated with negative PD-1 and PD-L1 expression, suggesting that the roles of PD-1/PD-L1 in immune suppression and the mechanisms of action of antibodies remain to be better defined. In addition, important immune regulatory mechanisms within or outside of the PD-1/PD-L1 network need to be discovered and targeted to increase the response rate and to reduce the toxicities of immune checkpoint blockade therapies. This paper reviews the major functional and clinical studies of PD-1/PD-L1, including those with discrepancies in the pathologic and biomarker role of PD-1 and PD-L1 and the effectiveness of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. The goal is to improve understanding of the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade immunotherapy, as well as enhance the development of therapeutic strategies to overcome the resistance mechanisms and unleash the antitumor immune response to combat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijun Y Xu-Monette
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Mingzhi Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jianyong Li
- Department of Hematology, JiangSu Province Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of NanJing Medical University, NanJing, JiangSu Province, China
| | - Ken H Young
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States.,Graduate School of Biomedical Science, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
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181
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Chovanec M, Cierna Z, Miskovska V, Machalekova K, Svetlovska D, Kalavska K, Rejlekova K, Spanik S, Kajo K, Babal P, Mardiak J, Mego M. Prognostic role of programmed-death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expressing tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in testicular germ cell tumors. Oncotarget 2017; 8:21794-21805. [PMID: 28423520 PMCID: PMC5400624 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are nearly universally curable malignancies. Nevertheless, standard cisplatin-based chemotherapy is not curative in a small subgroup of patients. Previously, we showed that PD-L1 overexpression is associated with worse prognosis in TGCTs, while tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are prognostic in different types of cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of PD-1 and PD-L1 expressing TILs in TGCTs. RESULTS PD-L1 positive TILs were found significantly more often in seminomas (95.9% of patients) and embryonal carcinomas (91.0%) compared to yolk sac tumors (60.0%), choriocarcinomas (54.5%) or teratomas (35.7%) (All p < 0.05). TGCTs patients with high infiltration of PD-L1 positive TILs (HS ≥ 160) had significantly better progression-free survival (HR = 0.17, 95% CI 0.09 - 0.31, p = 0.0006) and overall survival (HR = 0.08, 95% CI 0.04 - 0.16, p = 0.001) opposite to patients with lower expression of PD-L1 (HS < 150). PD-1 expressing TILs were not prognostic in TGCTs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Surgical specimens from 240 patients with primary TGCTs were included into this translational study. The PD-1 and PD-L1 expression on tumor and TILs were detected by immunohistochemistry using anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody. Scoring was performed semiquantitatively by weighted histoscore (HS) method. CONCLUSIONS The prognostic value of PD-L1 expressing TILs in TGCTs was demonstrated for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Chovanec
- nd Department of Oncology, Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine & National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.,Translational Research Unit, 2nd Department of Oncology, Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine & National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.,Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Zuzana Cierna
- Department of Pathology, Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Viera Miskovska
- st Department of Oncology, Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine & St. Elisabeth Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Katarina Machalekova
- Department of Pathology, Slovak Medical University St. Elisabeth Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Daniela Svetlovska
- Translational Research Unit, 2nd Department of Oncology, Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine & National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.,Department of Clinical Trials, National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Katarina Kalavska
- Translational Research Unit, 2nd Department of Oncology, Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine & National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.,Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.,Cancer Research Institute, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Katarina Rejlekova
- nd Department of Oncology, Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine & National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.,Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Stanislav Spanik
- st Department of Oncology, Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine & St. Elisabeth Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Karol Kajo
- Department of Pathology, Slovak Medical University St. Elisabeth Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Pavel Babal
- Department of Pathology, Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.,Faculty Hospital with Policlinics Skalica, a.s., Skalica, Slovak Republic
| | - Jozef Mardiak
- nd Department of Oncology, Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine & National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.,Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Michal Mego
- nd Department of Oncology, Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine & National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.,Translational Research Unit, 2nd Department of Oncology, Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine & National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.,Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
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182
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Ahmed M, Barakat K. When theory meets experiment: the PD-1 challenge. J Mol Model 2017; 23:308. [PMID: 29019005 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-017-3482-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Applying atomistic computational modeling to drug discovery has proven to be a hugely successful approach, allowing drug-receptor interactions to be predicted and drugs to be optimized for potency, selectivity, and safety. However, when it comes to predicting protein-protein interactions and to rationally designing regulators of these interactions, computational tools often fail. Here, we report one of the rare instances where state-of-the-art computer simulations, guided by experiment, were able to correctly predict one of the most sophisticated protein-protein interactions. We revisit our previous discovery of the complex of human PD-1 with the ligand PD-L1 and compare our earlier findings with the recently published crystal structure of the same complex. Side-by-side comparison of the model of the complex with its crystal structure reveals outstanding agreement and suggests that our protein-protein prediction workflow could be applied to similar problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marawan Ahmed
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Khaled Barakat
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. .,Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. .,Li Ka Shing Applied Virology Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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183
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High-affinity human PD-L1 variants attenuate the suppression of T cell activation. Oncotarget 2017; 8:88360-88375. [PMID: 29179441 PMCID: PMC5687611 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The activated T cells can be suppressed by programed death-1 (PD-1) axis through low affinity interaction between PD-1 and PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in solution or on antigen presenting cells. In clinic, the concentration of soluble PD-L1 in peripheral blood negatively correlates with cancer prognosis. However, there is little information about the relation between the affinity of PD-1/PD-L1 interaction and the suppressive capacity of PD-1 axis. In this study, we analyzed inhibitory roles of high affinity soluble human PD-L1 (hPD-L1) variants, which were generated with directed molecular evolution. Resultant two clones L3C7-hPD-L1 and L3B3-hPD-L1 showed over 20 folds greater affinity than that of native hPD-L1. We found that L3B3-hPD-L1 and L3C7-hPD-L1 could compete with an anti-PD-1 antibody (EH12.1) for binding to hPD-1. More importantly, although native soluble hPD-L1 can induce suppressive effects on activated T cells, we found L3B3-hPD-L1 and L3C7-hPD-L1 attenuated the strength of PD-1 axis for suppressing the proliferation and interferon γ (IFN-γ) secretion of PBMC. In conclusion, our data provide direct evidence in which immune checkpoint receptor-ligand interactive strength can alter the the suppressive function, in particular, the suppressive capacity of PD-1 axis could be decreased with enhanced affinity of soluble PD-L1 and PD-1 interaction. Our study might provide a new direction for manipulating immune checkpoints.
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184
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Kalim M, Chen J, Wang S, Lin C, Ullah S, Liang K, Ding Q, Chen S, Zhan J. Construction of high level prokaryotic expression and purification system of PD-L1 extracellular domain by using Escherichia coli host cell machinery. Immunol Lett 2017; 190:34-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2017.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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185
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Miao L, Li J, Liu Q, Feng R, Das M, Lin CM, Goodwin TJ, Dorosheva O, Liu R, Huang L. Transient and Local Expression of Chemokine and Immune Checkpoint Traps To Treat Pancreatic Cancer. ACS NANO 2017; 11:8690-8706. [PMID: 28809532 PMCID: PMC5961942 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.7b01786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic tumors are known to be resistant to immunotherapy due to the extensive immune suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). We hypothesized that CXCL12 and PD-L1 are two key molecules controlling the immunosuppressive TME. Fusion proteins, called traps, designed to bind with these two molecules with high affinity (Kd = 4.1 and 0.22 nM, respectively) were manufactured and tested for specific binding with the targets. Plasmid DNA encoding for each trap was formulated in nanoparticles and intravenously injected to mice bearing orthotopic pancreatic cancer. Expression of traps was mainly seen in the tumor, and secondarily, accumulations were primarily in the liver. Combination trap therapy shrunk the tumor and significantly prolonged the host survival. Either trap alone only brought in a partial therapeutic effect. We also found that CXCL12 trap allowed T-cell penetration into the tumor, and PD-L1 trap allowed the infiltrated T-cells to kill the tumor cells. Combo trap therapy also significantly reduced metastasis of the tumor cells to other organs. We conclude that the trap therapy significantly modified the immunosuppressive TME to allow the host immune system to kill the tumor cells. This can be an effective therapy in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Miao
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics and Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Jingjing Li
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Qi Liu
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics and Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- UNC & NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Richard Feng
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Manisit Das
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics and Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - C. Michael Lin
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics and Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Tyler J. Goodwin
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics and Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Oleksandra Dorosheva
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Rihe Liu
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- Carolina Center for Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- Corresponding Authors: .
| | - Leaf Huang
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics and Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- UNC & NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- Corresponding Authors: .
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186
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Ahmed M, Barakat K. The Too Many Faces of PD-L1: A Comprehensive Conformational Analysis Study. Biochemistry 2017; 56:5428-5439. [PMID: 28898057 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.7b00655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In the current study, we focused on the immune-checkpoints PD-1 pathway and in particular on the ligand PD-L1. We studied the conformational dynamics of PD-L1 through principal component analysis of existing crystal structures combined with classical and accelerated molecular dynamics simulations. We identified the maximum structural displacements that take place in all PD-L1 crystal structures and in the molecular dynamics trajectories. We found that these displacements are attributed to specific flexible regions in the protein. We also investigated the conformational preference for small molecule binding and highlighted a methionine residue at the binding site, which plays a key role in drug binding. The binding mechanism of PD-L1 to other binding partners is also discussed in detail from a computational perspective. We hope that the data presented here support the ongoing efforts to discover effective therapies targeting the PD-1 immune-checkpoint pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marawan Ahmed
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and ‡Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Khaled Barakat
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and ‡Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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187
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Lai X, Friedman A. Combination therapy for melanoma with BRAF/MEK inhibitor and immune checkpoint inhibitor: a mathematical model. BMC SYSTEMS BIOLOGY 2017; 11:70. [PMID: 28724377 PMCID: PMC5517842 DOI: 10.1186/s12918-017-0446-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The B-raf gene is mutated in up to 66% of human malignant melanomas, and its protein product, BRAF kinase, is a key part of RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK (MAPK) pathway of cancer cell proliferation. BRAF-targeted therapy induces significant responses in the majority of patients, and the combination BRAF/MEK inhibitor enhances clinical efficacy, but the response to BRAF inhibitor and to BRAF/MEK inhibitor is short lived. On the other hand, treatment of melanoma with an immune checkpoint inhibitor, such as anti-PD-1, has lower response rate but the response is much more durable, lasting for years. For this reason, it was suggested that combination of BRAF/MEK and PD-1 inhibitors will significantly improve overall survival time. RESULTS This paper develops a mathematical model to address the question of the correlation between BRAF/MEK inhibitor and PD-1 inhibitor in melanoma therapy. The model includes dendritic and cancer cells, CD 4+ and CD 8+ T cells, MDSC cells, interleukins IL-12, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10 and TGF- β, PD-1 and PD-L1, and the two drugs: BRAF/MEK inhibitor (with concentration γ B ) and PD-1 inhibitor (with concentration γ A ). The model is represented by a system of partial differential equations, and is used to develop an efficacy map for the combined concentrations (γ B ,γ A ). It is shown that the two drugs are positively correlated if γ B and γ A are at low doses, that is, the growth of the tumor volume decreases if either γ B or γ A is increased. On the other hand, the two drugs are antagonistic at some high doses, that is, there are zones of (γ B ,γ A ) where an increase in one of the two drugs will increase the tumor volume growth, rather than decrease it. CONCLUSIONS It will be important to identify, by animal experiments or by early clinical trials, the zones of (γ B ,γ A ) where antagonism occurs, in order to avoid these zones in more advanced clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiulan Lai
- Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Renmin University of China, Beijing, 100872 People’s Republic of China
| | - Avner Friedman
- Mathematical Bioscience Institute & Department of Mathematics, Ohio State University, Columbus, 43210 OH USA
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188
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D'Arrigo P, Russo M, Rea A, Tufano M, Guadagno E, Del Basso De Caro ML, Pacelli R, Hausch F, Staibano S, Ilardi G, Parisi S, Romano MF, Romano S. A regulatory role for the co-chaperone FKBP51s in PD-L1 expression in glioma. Oncotarget 2017; 8:68291-68304. [PMID: 28978117 PMCID: PMC5620257 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background FKBP51 is a co-chaperone with isomerase activity, abundantly expressed in glioma. We previously identified a spliced isoform (FKBP51s) and highlighted a role for this protein in the upregulation of Programmed Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in melanoma. Because gliomas can express PD-L1 causing a defective host anti-tumoral immunity, we investigated whether FKBP51s was expressed in glioma and played a role in PD-L1 regulation in this tumour. Methods We used D54 and U251 glioblastoma cell lines that constitutively expressed PD-L1. FKBP51s was measured by immunoblot, flow cytometry and microscopy. In patient tumours, IHC and qPCR were used to measure protein and mRNA levels respectively. FKBP51s depletion was achieved by siRNAs, and its enzymatic function was inhibited using selective inhibitors (SAFit). We investigated protein maturation using N-glycosidase and cell fractionation approaches. Results FKBP51s was expressed at high levels in glioma cells. Glycosylated-PD-L1 was increased and reduced by FKBP51s overexpression or silencing, respectively. Naïve PD-L1 was found in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of glioma cells complexed with FKBP51s, whereas the glycosylated form was measured in the Golgi apparatus. SAFit reduced PD-L1 levels (constitutively expressed and ionizing radiation-induced). SAFit reduced cell death of PBMC co-cultured with glioma. Conclusions Here we addressed the mechanism of post-translational regulation of PD-L1 protein in glioma. FKBP51s upregulated PD-L1 expression on the plasma membrane by catalysing the protein folding required for subsequent glycosylation. Inhibition of FKBP51s isomerase activity by SAFit decreased PD-L1 levels. These findings suggest that FKBP51s is a potential target of immunomodulatory strategies for glioblastoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo D'Arrigo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Michele Russo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Rea
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Tufano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Elia Guadagno
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Pacelli
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Felix Hausch
- Technical University Darmstadt Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Stefania Staibano
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Ilardi
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Parisi
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Fiammetta Romano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Romano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
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189
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Molecular mechanism of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade via anti-PD-L1 antibodies atezolizumab and durvalumab. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5532. [PMID: 28717238 PMCID: PMC5514103 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06002-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2016 and 2017, monoclonal antibodies targeting PD-L1, including atezolizumab, durvalumab, and avelumab, were approved by the FDA for the treatment of multiple advanced cancers. And many other anti-PD-L1 antibodies are under clinical trials. Recently, the crystal structures of PD-L1 in complex with BMS-936559 and avelumab have been determined, revealing details of the antigen-antibody interactions. However, it is still unknown how atezolizumab and durvalumab specifically recognize PD-L1, although this is important for investigating novel binding sites on PD-L1 targeted by other therapeutic antibodies for the design and improvement of anti-PD-L1 agents. Here, we report the crystal structures of PD-L1 in complex with atezolizumab and durvalumab to elucidate the precise epitopes involved and the structural basis for PD-1/PD-L1 blockade by these antibodies. A comprehensive comparison of PD-L1 interactions with anti-PD-L1 antibodies provides a better understanding of the mechanism of PD-L1 blockade as well as new insights into the rational design of improved anti-PD-L1 therapeutics.
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190
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Ran X, Yang K. Inhibitors of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis for the treatment of head and neck cancer: current status and future perspectives. Drug Des Devel Ther 2017; 11:2007-2014. [PMID: 28721019 PMCID: PMC5501623 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s140687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a common malignant tumor, but traditional therapeutic methods have unsatisfactory curative effects and many complications occur. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop therapeutic methods that can elicit curative effects as well as low toxic and few side effects. With the development of cancer molecular biology and immunology, targeted therapy for immune checkpoints of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) has shown enormous development prospects for HNC treatment. Groundbreaking progress has been achieved in the treatment of recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This review describes current treatment by PD-1- and PD-L1-targeted drugs for HNC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiongwen Ran
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kai Yang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
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191
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Lai X, Friedman A. Combination therapy of cancer with cancer vaccine and immune checkpoint inhibitors: A mathematical model. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178479. [PMID: 28542574 PMCID: PMC5444846 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper we consider a combination therapy of cancer. One drug is a vaccine which activates dendritic cells so that they induce more T cells to infiltrate the tumor. The other drug is a checkpoint inhibitor, which enables the T cells to remain active against the cancer cells. The two drugs are positively correlated in the sense that an increase in the amount of each drug results in a reduction in the tumor volume. We consider the question whether a treatment with combination of the two drugs at certain levels is preferable to a treatment by one of the drugs alone at 'roughly' twice the dosage level; if that is the case, then we say that there is a positive 'synergy' for this combination of dosages. To address this question, we develop a mathematical model using a system of partial differential equations. The variables include dendritic and cancer cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, IL-12 and IL-2, GM-CSF produced by the vaccine, and a T cell checkpoint inhibitor associated with PD-1. We use the model to explore the efficacy of the two drugs, separately and in combination, and compare the simulations with data from mouse experiments. We next introduce the concept of synergy between the drugs and develop a synergy map which suggests in what proportion to administer the drugs in order to achieve the maximum reduction of tumor volume under the constraint of maximum tolerated dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiulan Lai
- Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Renmin University of China, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Avner Friedman
- Mathematical Biosciences Institute & Department of Mathematics, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
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192
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Pabon NA, Camacho CJ. Probing protein flexibility reveals a mechanism for selective promiscuity. eLife 2017; 6. [PMID: 28432789 PMCID: PMC5446241 DOI: 10.7554/elife.22889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many eukaryotic regulatory proteins adopt distinct bound and unbound conformations, and use this structural flexibility to bind specifically to multiple partners. However, we lack an understanding of how an interface can select some ligands, but not others. Here, we present a molecular dynamics approach to identify and quantitatively evaluate the interactions responsible for this selective promiscuity. We apply this approach to the anticancer target PD-1 and its ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2. We discover that while unbound PD-1 exhibits a hard-to-drug hydrophilic interface, conserved specific triggers encoded in the cognate ligands activate a promiscuous binding pathway that reveals a flexible hydrophobic binding cavity. Specificity is then established by additional contacts that stabilize the PD-1 cavity into distinct bound-like modes. Collectively, our studies provide insight into the structural basis and evolution of multiple binding partners, and also suggest a biophysical approach to exploit innate binding pathways to drug seemingly undruggable targets. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.22889.001 Many proteins need to interact with other proteins to carry out their various tasks in cells. Such interactions are essential for almost all biological processes and are often disrupted in disease. Cells have thousands of different types of proteins and each has a unique shape that determines which other proteins it can bind to. It was previously thought that two proteins bind to each other in a manner similar to that of a lock and a key, in which the rigid shape of one protein meshes perfectly with the rigid shape of its partner. However, many proteins are flexible and adopt different shapes depending on whether they are attached to their partner, or not. Moreover, an individual protein may also bind to several different partners, each requiring that protein to adopt several different shapes. These observations have challenged the lock and key model and suggest that flexibility in the structure of a protein plays a key role in its binding to other proteins. However, it is not clear how structural flexibility enables a protein to bind to several different partners while being selective enough to prevent the protein from binding to the wrong ones. A protein called PD-1 is involved in immune responses in humans and is an emerging target for drugs to treat cancer. Pabon and Camacho used computer simulations to model PD-1’s structural flexibility and to find out how this enables the protein to form different shapes when it binds to different partners. The experiments show that the region of PD-1 that binds to other proteins adopts a different shape in the absence and presence of its partners. The binding partners make initial contact with PD-1 via specific features that they share in common. This causes PD-1 to change shape, uncovering a surface of PD-1 that is flexible and is able to accommodate a variety of partners. After this, the binding partners form additional contacts with PD-1 that are specific to each partner. These findings suggest that the ability of a protein to bind to several different partners is unlocked by certain structures that are present in the binding partners. These structures are found in proteins produced by many different organisms, suggesting that this mechanism is likely to be widespread in nature. This work may open up new avenues for designing drugs to target PD-1 and other proteins that contribute to disease but have so far been impossible to target with drugs. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.22889.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas A Pabon
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Carlos J Camacho
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
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193
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Structural basis of a novel PD-L1 nanobody for immune checkpoint blockade. Cell Discov 2017; 3:17004. [PMID: 28280600 PMCID: PMC5341541 DOI: 10.1038/celldisc.2017.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of antibodies to target immune checkpoints, particularly PD-1/PD-L1, has made a profound impact in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Here, we identified KN035, an anti-PD-L1 nanobody that can strongly induce T-cell responses and inhibit tumor growth. The crystal structures of KN035 complexed with PD-L1 and free PD-L1, solved here at 1.7 and 2.7 Å resolution, respectively, show that KN035 competes with PD-1 (programmed death protein 1) for the same flat surface on PD-L1, mainly through a single surface loop of 21 amino acids. This loop forms two short helices and develops key hydrophobic and ionic interactions with PD-L1 residues, such as Ile54, Tyr56 and Arg113, which are also involved in PD-1 binding. The detailed mutagenesis study identified the hotspot residues of the PD-L1 surface and provides an explanation for the stronger (~1 000-fold) binding of KN035 to PD-L1 than PD-1 and its lack of binding to PD-L2. Overall, this study reveals how a single immunoglobulin-variable scaffold of KN035 or PD-1 can bind to a flat protein surface through either a single surface loop or beta-sheet strands; and provides a basis for designing new immune checkpoint blockers and generating bi-specific antibodies for combination therapy.
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194
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Li K, Cheng X, Tilevik A, Davis SJ, Zhu C. In situ and in silico kinetic analyses of programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) receptor, programmed cell death ligands, and B7-1 protein interaction network. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:6799-6809. [PMID: 28270509 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.763888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) is an inhibitory receptor with an essential role in maintaining peripheral tolerance and is among the most promising immunotherapeutic targets for treating cancer, autoimmunity, and infectious diseases. A complete understanding of the consequences of PD-1 engagement by its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, and of PD-L1 binding to B7-1 requires quantitative analysis of their interactions at the cell surface. We present here the first complete in situ kinetic analysis of the PD-1/PD-ligands/B7-1 system. Consistent with previous solution measurements, we observed higher in situ affinities for human (h) than murine (m) PD-1 interactions, stronger binding of hPD-1 to hPD-L2 than hPD-L1, and comparable binding of mPD-1 to both ligands. However, in contrast to the relatively weak solution affinities, the in situ affinities of PD-1 are as high as those of the T cell receptor for agonist pMHC and of LFA-1 (lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1) for ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule 1) but significantly lower than that of the B7-1/CTLA-4 interaction, suggesting a distinct basis for PD-1- versus CTLA-4-mediated inhibition. Notably, the in situ interactions of PD-1 are much stronger than that of B7-1 with PD-L1. Overall, the in situ affinity ranking greatly depends on the on-rate instead of the off-rate. In silico simulations predict that PD-1/PD-L1 interactions dominate at interfaces between activated T cells and mature dendritic cells and that these interactions will be highly sensitive to the dynamics of PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression. Our results provide a kinetic framework for better understanding inhibitory PD-1 activity in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitao Li
- From the Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta 30332-0535, Georgia
| | - Xiaoxiao Cheng
- the Radcliffe Department of Medicine and Medical Research Council Human Immunology Unit, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas Tilevik
- the Systems Biology Research Centre, School of Bioscience, University of Skövde, Box 408, Skövde, Sweden, and
| | - Simon J Davis
- the Radcliffe Department of Medicine and Medical Research Council Human Immunology Unit, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Cheng Zhu
- the Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, the Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, and the Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta 30332-0535, Georgia
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195
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Li D, Xu J, Wang Z, Gong Z, Liu J, Zheng Y, Li J, Li J. Epitope mapping reveals the binding mechanism of a functional antibody cross-reactive to both human and murine programmed death 1. MAbs 2017; 9:628-637. [PMID: 28300475 PMCID: PMC5419084 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2017.1296612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Revised: 02/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Of the inhibitory checkpoints in the immune system, programmed death 1 (PD-1) is one of the most promising targets for cancer immunotherapy. The anti-PD-1 antibodies currently approved for clinical use or under development bind to human PD-1 (hPD-1), but not murine PD-1. To facilitate studies in murine models, we developed a functional antibody against both human and murine PD-1, and compared the epitopes of such antibody to a counterpart that only bound to hPD-1. To quickly identify the epitopes of the 2 antibodies, we used alanine scanning and mammalian cell expression cassette. The epitope identification was based on PD-1-binding ELISA and supported by affinity ranking of surface plasmon resonance results. The hPD-1 epitopes of the 2 functional antibodies were also compared with the binding region on hPD-1 that is responsible for PD-L1 interaction. In silico modeling were conducted to explain the different binding modes of the 2 antibodies, suggesting a potential mechanism of the antibody cross-species binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Li
- Biologics Discovery, WuXi Biologics, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianqing Xu
- Biologics Discovery, WuXi Biologics, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuozhi Wang
- Biologics Discovery, WuXi Biologics, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Lead Compound Research, WuXi AppTec, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, China
| | - Jieying Liu
- Biologics Discovery, WuXi Biologics, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Zheng
- Biologics Discovery, WuXi Biologics, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Lead Compound Research, WuXi AppTec, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Li
- Biologics Discovery, WuXi Biologics, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, China
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196
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Structure-guided development of a high-affinity human Programmed Cell Death-1: Implications for tumor immunotherapy. EBioMedicine 2017; 17:30-44. [PMID: 28233730 PMCID: PMC5360572 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2017.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Programmed Cell Death-1 (PD-1) is an inhibitory immune receptor, which plays critical roles in T cell co-inhibition and exhaustion upon binding to its ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2. We report the crystal structure of the human PD-1 ectodomain and the mapping of the PD-1 binding interface. Mutagenesis studies confirmed the crystallographic interface, and resulted in mutant PD-1 receptors with altered affinity and ligand-specificity. In particular, a high-affinity mutant PD-1 (HA PD-1) exhibited 45 and 30-fold increase in binding to PD-L1 and PD-L2, respectively, due to slower dissociation rates. This mutant (A132L) was used to engineer a soluble chimeric Ig fusion protein for cell-based and in vivo studies. HA PD-1 Ig showed enhanced binding to human dendritic cells, and increased T cell proliferation and cytokine production in a mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) assay. Moreover, in an experimental model of murine Lewis lung carcinoma, HA PD-1 Ig treatment synergized with radiation therapy to decrease local and metastatic tumor burden, as well as in the establishment of immunological memory responses. Our studies highlight the value of structural considerations in guiding the design of a high-affinity chimeric PD-1 Ig fusion protein with robust immune modulatory properties, and underscore the power of combination therapies to selectively manipulate the PD-1 pathway for tumor immunotherapy. We report the crystal structure of human PD-1 and the mapping of the PD-1 ligand binding site. A high-affinity variant was identified and used to engineer a soluble PD-1 Ig fusion protein (HA PD-1 Ig) for immunotherapy. HA PD-1 Ig enhanced T cell activation and strongly synergized with RT to control tumor growth in a lung carcinoma model.
PD-1 is an inhibitory immune receptor that dampens T cell responses. PD-1 blockade is a successful strategy for cancer immunotherapy. We report the crystal structure of human PD-1 and mapping of its ligand binding site. A high-affinity mutant (HA PD-1) was identified and used to engineer a blocking Ig fusion protein, expected to disrupt the endogenous PD-L/PD-1 pathway. HA PD-1 Ig increased lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production. Moreover, in combination with radiation therapy it enhanced control of tumor growth in a Lewis lung carcinoma model. This study offers an alternative strategy to manipulate the PD-1 pathway for tumor immunotherapy.
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197
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Serganova I, Moroz E, Cohen I, Moroz M, Mane M, Zurita J, Shenker L, Ponomarev V, Blasberg R. Enhancement of PSMA-Directed CAR Adoptive Immunotherapy by PD-1/PD-L1 Blockade. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2016; 4:41-54. [PMID: 28345023 PMCID: PMC5363727 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2016.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy in hematologic malignancies has shown remarkable responses, but the same level of success has not been observed in solid tumors. A new prostate cancer model (Myc-CaP:PSMA(+)) and a second-generation anti-hPSMA human CAR T cells expressing a Click Beetle Red luciferase reporter) were used to study hPSMA targeting and assess CAR T cell trafficking and persistence by bioluminescence imaging (BLI). We investigated the antitumor efficacy of human CAR T cells targeting human prostate-specific membrane antigen (hPSMA), in the presence and absence of the target antigen; first alone and then combined with a monoclonal antibody targeting the human programmed death receptor 1 (anti-hPD1 mAb). PDL-1 expression was detected in Myc-CaP murine prostate tumors growing in immune competent FVB/N and immune-deficient SCID mice. Endogenous CD3+ T cells were restricted from the centers of Myc-CaP tumor nodules growing in FVB/N mice. Following anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) treatment, the restriction of CD3+ T cells was reversed, and a tumor-treatment response was observed. Adoptive hPSMA-CAR T cell immunotherapy was enhanced when combined with PD-1 blockade, but the treatment response was of comparatively short duration, suggesting other immune modulation mechanisms exist and restrict CAR T cell targeting, function, and persistence in hPSMA expressing Myc-CaP tumors. Interestingly, an “inverse pattern” of CAR T cell BLI intensity was observed in control and test tumors, which suggests CAR T cells undergo changes leading to a loss of signal and/or number following hPSMA-specific activation. The lower BLI signal intensity in the hPSMA test tumors (compared with controls) is due in part to a decrease in T cell mitochondrial function following T cell activation, which may limit the intensity of the ATP-dependent Luciferin-luciferase bioluminescence signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inna Serganova
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ekaterina Moroz
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ivan Cohen
- Gerstner Sloan Kettering Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Maxim Moroz
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Mayuresh Mane
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Juan Zurita
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Larissa Shenker
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Vladimir Ponomarev
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ronald Blasberg
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
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Tan S, Chen D, Liu K, He M, Song H, Shi Y, Liu J, Zhang CWH, Qi J, Yan J, Gao S, Gao GF. Crystal clear: visualizing the intervention mechanism of the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction by two cancer therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. Protein Cell 2016; 7:866-877. [PMID: 27815822 PMCID: PMC5205664 DOI: 10.1007/s13238-016-0337-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibody-based PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapies have taken center stage in immunotherapies for cancer, with multiple clinical successes. PD-1 signaling plays pivotal roles in tumor-driven T-cell dysfunction. In contrast to prior approaches to generate or boost tumor-specific T-cell responses, antibody-based PD-1/PD-L1 blockade targets tumor-induced T-cell defects and restores pre-existing T-cell function to modulate antitumor immunity. In this review, the fundamental knowledge on the expression regulations and inhibitory functions of PD-1 and the present understanding of antibody-based PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapies are briefly summarized. We then focus on the recent breakthrough work concerning the structural basis of the PD-1/PD-Ls interaction and how therapeutic antibodies, pembrolizumab targeting PD-1 and avelumab targeting PD-L1, compete with the binding of PD-1/PD-L1 to interrupt the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction. We believe that this structural information will benefit the design and improvement of therapeutic antibodies targeting PD-1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuguang Tan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Danqing Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Kefang Liu
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), Beijing, 102206, China
- College of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Mengnan He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hao Song
- Research Network of Immunity and Health (RNIH), Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yi Shi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jun Liu
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), Beijing, 102206, China
- College of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | | | - Jianxun Qi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jinghua Yan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Microbial Physiological and Metabolic Engineering, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Shan Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-medical Diagnostics, Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215163, China.
| | - George F Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), Beijing, 102206, China.
- Research Network of Immunity and Health (RNIH), Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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199
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Tan S, Zhang CWH, Gao GF. Seeing is believing: anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies in action for checkpoint blockade tumor immunotherapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2016; 1:16029. [PMID: 29263905 PMCID: PMC5661648 DOI: 10.1038/sigtrans.2016.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Revised: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Structural immunology, focusing on structures of host immune related molecules, enables the immunologists to see what the molecules look like, and more importantly, how they work together. Antibody-based PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy has achieved brilliant successes in clinical applications. The recent breakthrough of the complex structures of checkpoint blockade antibodies with their counterparts, pembrolizumab with PD-1 and avelumab with PD-L1, have made it clear how these monoclonal antibodies compete the binding of PD-1/PD-L1 and function to blockade the receptor-ligand interaction. Herein, we summarize the structural findings of these two reports and look into the future for how this information would facilitate the development of more efficient PD-1/PD-L1 targeting antibodies, small molecule drugs, and other protein or non-protein inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuguang Tan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - George F Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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200
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Structural basis of checkpoint blockade by monoclonal antibodies in cancer immunotherapy. Nat Commun 2016; 7:13354. [PMID: 27796306 PMCID: PMC5095608 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells express tumour-specific antigens derived via genetic and epigenetic alterations, which may be targeted by T-cell-mediated immune responses. However, cancer cells can avoid immune surveillance by suppressing immunity through activation of specific inhibitory signalling pathways, referred to as immune checkpoints. In recent years, the blockade of checkpoint molecules such as PD-1, PD-L1 and CTLA-4, with monoclonal antibodies has enabled the development of breakthrough therapies in oncology, and four therapeutic antibodies targeting these checkpoint molecules have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of several types of cancer. Here, we report the crystal structures of checkpoint molecules in complex with the Fab fragments of therapeutic antibodies, including PD-1/pembrolizumab, PD-1/nivolumab, PD-L1/BMS-936559 and CTLA-4/tremelimumab. These complex structures elucidate the precise epitopes of the antibodies and the molecular mechanisms underlying checkpoint blockade, providing useful information for the improvement of monoclonal antibodies capable of attenuating checkpoint signalling for the treatment of cancer.
Immunotherapy is offering patients with cancer new therapy options. Here, the authors report on the crystal structures of some of these therapies bound to their targets.
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