151
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Metelli A, Wu BX, Riesenberg B, Guglietta S, Huck JD, Mills C, Li A, Rachidi S, Krieg C, Rubinstein MP, Gewirth DT, Sun S, Lilly MB, Wahlquist AH, Carbone DP, Yang Y, Liu B, Li Z. Thrombin contributes to cancer immune evasion via proteolysis of platelet-bound GARP to activate LTGF-β. Sci Transl Med 2021; 12:12/525/eaay4860. [PMID: 31915300 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aay4860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cancer-associated thrombocytosis and high concentrations of circulating transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) are frequently observed in patients with progressive cancers. Using genetic and pharmacological approaches, we show a direct link between thrombin catalytic activity and release of mature TGF-β1 from platelets. We found that thrombin cleaves glycoprotein A repetitions predominant (GARP), a cell surface docking receptor for latent TGF-β1 (LTGF-β1) on platelets, resulting in liberation of active TGF-β1 from the GARP-LTGF-β1 complex. Furthermore, systemic inhibition of thrombin obliterates TGF-β1 maturation in platelet releasate and rewires the tumor microenvironment toward favorable antitumor immunity, which translates into efficient cancer control either alone or in combination with programmed cell death 1-based immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Last, we demonstrate that soluble GARP and GARP-LTGF-β1 complex are present in the circulation of patients with cancer. Together, our data reveal a mechanism of cancer immune evasion that involves thrombin-mediated GARP cleavage and the subsequent TGF-β1 release from platelets. We propose that blockade of GARP cleavage is a valuable therapeutic strategy to overcome cancer's resistance to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Metelli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Bill X Wu
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Brian Riesenberg
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Silvia Guglietta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - John D Huck
- Hauptman Woodward Medical Research Institute, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Catherine Mills
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Anqi Li
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Saleh Rachidi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Carsten Krieg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Mark P Rubinstein
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.,Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Daniel T Gewirth
- Hauptman Woodward Medical Research Institute, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Shaoli Sun
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Michael B Lilly
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Amy H Wahlquist
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - David P Carbone
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.,Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Yiping Yang
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.,Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Bei Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Zihai Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA. .,Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.,Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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152
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Linares J, Marín-Jiménez JA, Badia-Ramentol J, Calon A. Determinants and Functions of CAFs Secretome During Cancer Progression and Therapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:621070. [PMID: 33553157 PMCID: PMC7862334 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.621070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple lines of evidence are indicating that cancer development and malignant progression are not exclusively epithelial cancer cell-autonomous processes but may also depend on crosstalk with the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME). Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are abundantly represented in the TME and are continuously interacting with cancer cells. CAFs are regulating key mechanisms during progression to metastasis and response to treatment by enhancing cancer cells survival and aggressiveness. The latest advances in CAFs biology are pointing to CAFs-secreted factors as druggable targets and companion tools for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Especially, extensive research conducted in the recent years has underscored the potential of several cytokines as actionable biomarkers that are currently evaluated in the clinical setting. In this review, we explore the current understanding of CAFs secretome determinants and functions to discuss their clinical implication in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenniffer Linares
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan A. Marín-Jiménez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) - L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Badia-Ramentol
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alexandre Calon
- Cancer Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
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153
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Hu-Lieskovan S, Malouf GG, Jacobs I, Chou J, Liu L, Johnson ML. Addressing resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy: an urgent unmet need. Future Oncol 2021; 17:1401-1439. [PMID: 33475012 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2020-0967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment of various cancers by reversing the immunosuppressive mechanisms employed by tumors to restore anticancer immunity. Although ICIs have demonstrated substantial clinical efficacy, patient response can vary in depth and duration, and many do not respond at all or eventually develop resistance. ICI resistance mechanisms can be tumor-intrinsic, related to the tumor microenvironment or patient-specific factors. Multiple resistance mechanisms may be present within one tumor subtype, or heterogeneity exists among patients with the same tumor type. Consequently, designing effective combination treatment strategies is challenging. This review will discuss ICI resistance mechanisms, and summarize findings from key preclinical and clinical trials of ICIs, to identify potential treatment strategies or pathways to overcome ICI resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwen Hu-Lieskovan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Huntsman Cancer Institute / University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Gabriel G Malouf
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut de Cancérologie de Strasbourg & Department of Functional Genomics & Cancer, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/UNISTRA, Illkirch Cedex, Strasbourg, France
| | | | | | - Li Liu
- Pfizer Inc, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Melissa L Johnson
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute/Tennessee Oncology, PLLC, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
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154
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Puerta Cavanzo N, Bigaeva E, Boersema M, Olinga P, Bank RA. Macromolecular Crowding as a Tool to Screen Anti-fibrotic Drugs: The Scar-in-a-Jar System Revisited. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 7:615774. [PMID: 33521022 PMCID: PMC7841046 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.615774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
An unsolved therapeutic problem in fibrosis is the overproduction of collagen. In order to screen the effect of anti-fibrotic drugs on collagen deposition, the Scar-in-a-Jar approach has been introduced about a decade ago. With macromolecular crowding a rapid deposition of collagen is seen, resulting in a substantial decrease in culture time, but the system has never been tested in an adequate way. We therefore have compared six different macromolecular crowders [Ficoll PM 70 (Fc70), Ficoll PM 400 (Fc400), a mixture of Ficoll 70 and 400 (Fc70/400), polyvinylpyrrolidone 40 (PVP40), polyvinylpyrrolidone 360 (PVP360), neutral dextran 670 (ND670), dextran sulfate 500 (DxS500), and carrageenan (CR)] under profibrotic conditions (addition of TGFβ1) with primary human adult dermal fibroblasts in the presence of 0.5 and 10% FBS. We found that (1) collagen deposition and myofibroblast formation was superior with 0.5% FBS, (2) DxS500 and CR results in an aberrant collagen deposition pattern, (3) ND670 does not increase collagen deposition, and (4) CR, DxS500, and Fc40/700 affected important phenotypical properties of the cells when cultured under pro-fibrotic conditions, whereas PVP40 and PVP360 did less or not. Because of viscosity problems with PVP360, we conclude that PVP40 is the most optimal crowder for the screening of anti-fibrotic drugs. Finally, the effect of various concentrations of Imatinib, Galunisertib, Omipalisib or Nintedanib on collagen deposition and myofibroblast formation was tested with PVP40 as the crowder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataly Puerta Cavanzo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,MATRIX Research Group, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Emilia Bigaeva
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Miriam Boersema
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Peter Olinga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Ruud A Bank
- MATRIX Research Group, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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155
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Middelburg J, Kemper K, Engelberts P, Labrijn AF, Schuurman J, van Hall T. Overcoming Challenges for CD3-Bispecific Antibody Therapy in Solid Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:287. [PMID: 33466732 PMCID: PMC7829968 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy of cancer with CD3-bispecific antibodies is an approved therapeutic option for some hematological malignancies and is under clinical investigation for solid cancers. However, the treatment of solid tumors faces more pronounced hurdles, such as increased on-target off-tumor toxicities, sparse T-cell infiltration and impaired T-cell quality due to the presence of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, which affect the safety and limit efficacy of CD3-bispecific antibody therapy. In this review, we provide a brief status update of the CD3-bispecific antibody therapy field and identify intrinsic hurdles in solid cancers. Furthermore, we describe potential combinatorial approaches to overcome these challenges in order to generate selective and more effective responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jim Middelburg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Kristel Kemper
- Genmab, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (K.K.); (P.E.); (A.F.L.); (J.S.)
| | - Patrick Engelberts
- Genmab, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (K.K.); (P.E.); (A.F.L.); (J.S.)
| | - Aran F. Labrijn
- Genmab, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (K.K.); (P.E.); (A.F.L.); (J.S.)
| | - Janine Schuurman
- Genmab, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (K.K.); (P.E.); (A.F.L.); (J.S.)
| | - Thorbald van Hall
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands;
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156
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Dadey RE, Workman CJ, Vignali DAA. Regulatory T Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1273:105-134. [PMID: 33119878 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-49270-0_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are an immunosuppressive subpopulation of CD4+ T cells that are endowed with potent suppressive activity and function to limit immune activation and maintain homeostasis. These cells are identified by the hallmark transcription factor FOXP3 and the high-affinity interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor chain CD25. Tregs can be recruited to and persist within the tumor microenvironment (TME), acting as a potent barrier to effective antitumor immunity. This chapter will discuss [i] the history and hallmarks of Tregs; [ii] the recruitment, development, and persistence of Tregs within the TME; [iii] Treg function within TME; asnd [iv] the therapeutic targeting of Tregs in the clinic. This chapter will conclude with a discussion of likely trends and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah E Dadey
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Tumor Microenvironment Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Graduate Program of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Creg J Workman
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Tumor Microenvironment Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Dario A A Vignali
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. .,Tumor Microenvironment Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. .,Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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157
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Chen YP, Lv JW, Mao YP, Li XM, Li JY, Wang YQ, Xu C, Li YQ, He QM, Yang XJ, Lei Y, Shen JY, Tang LL, Chen L, Zhou GQ, Li WF, Du XJ, Guo R, Liu X, Zhang Y, Zeng J, Yun JP, Sun Y, Liu N, Ma J. Unraveling tumour microenvironment heterogeneity in nasopharyngeal carcinoma identifies biologically distinct immune subtypes predicting prognosis and immunotherapy responses. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:14. [PMID: 33430876 PMCID: PMC7798236 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01292-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, there is no strong evidence of the well-established biomarkers for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Here, we aimed to reveal the heterogeneity of tumour microenvironment (TME) through virtual microdissection of gene expression profiles. An immune-enriched subtype was identified in 38% (43/113) of patients, which was characterized by significant enrichment of immune cells or immune responses. The remaining patients were therefore classified as a non-Immune Subtype (non-IS), which exhibited highly proliferative features. Then we identified a tumour immune evasion state within the immune-enriched subtype (18/43, 42%), in which high expression of exclusion- and dysfunction-related signatures was observed. These subgroups were designated the Evaded and Active Immune Subtype (E-IS and A-IS), respectively. We further demonstrated that A-IS predicted favourable survival and improved ICI response as compared to E-IS and non-IS. In summary, this study introduces the novel immune subtypes and demonstrates their feasibility in tailoring immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Pei Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jia-Wei Lv
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Ping Mao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Min Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Yan Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya-Qin Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Xu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying-Qin Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing-Mei He
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Jing Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Lei
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Yi Shen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling-Long Tang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Guan-Qun Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Fei Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Jing Du
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Guo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Zeng
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Ping Yun
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Sun
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China.
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jun Ma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China.
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158
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Rawat K, Syeda S, Shrivastava A. Neutrophil-derived granule cargoes: paving the way for tumor growth and progression. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 40:221-244. [PMID: 33438104 PMCID: PMC7802614 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-020-09951-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Neutrophils are the key cells of our innate immune system mediating host defense via a range of effector functions including phagocytosis, degranulation, and NETosis. For this, they employ an arsenal of anti-microbial cargoes packed in their readily mobilizable granule subsets. Notably, the release of granule content is tightly regulated; however, under certain circumstances, their unregulated release can aggravate tissue damage and could be detrimental to the host. Several constituents of neutrophil granules have also been associated with various inflammatory diseases including cancer. In cancer setting, their excessive release may modulate tissue microenvironment which ultimately leads the way for tumor initiation, growth and metastasis. Neutrophils actively infiltrate within tumor tissues, wherein they show diverse phenotypic and functional heterogeneity. While most studies are focused at understanding the phenotypic heterogeneity of neutrophils, their functional heterogeneity, much of which is likely orchestrated by their granule cargoes, is beginning to emerge. Therefore, a better understanding of neutrophil granules and their cargoes will not only shed light on their diverse role in cancer but will also reveal them as novel therapeutic targets. This review provides an overview on existing knowledge of neutrophil granules and detailed insight into the pathological relevance of their cargoes in cancer. In addition, we also discuss the therapeutic approach for targeting neutrophils or their microenvironment in disease setting that will pave the way forward for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Rawat
- grid.8195.50000 0001 2109 4999Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007 India
| | - Saima Syeda
- grid.8195.50000 0001 2109 4999Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007 India
| | - Anju Shrivastava
- grid.8195.50000 0001 2109 4999Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, 110007 India
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159
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Teicher BA. TGFβ-Directed Therapeutics: 2020. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 217:107666. [PMID: 32835827 PMCID: PMC7770020 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) pathway is essential during embryo development and in maintaining normal homeostasis. During malignancy, the TGFβ pathway is co-opted by the tumor to increase fibrotic stroma, to promote epithelial to mesenchymal transition increasing metastasis and producing an immune-suppressed microenvironment which protects the tumor from recognition by the immune system. Compelling preclinical data demonstrate the therapeutic potential of blocking TGFβ function in cancer. However, the TGFβ pathway cannot be described as a driver of malignant disease. Two small molecule kinase inhibitors which block the serine-threonine kinase activity of TGFβRI on TGFβRII, a pan-TGFβ neutralizing antibody, a TGFβ trap, a TGFβ antisense agent, an antibody which stabilizes the latent complex of TGFβ and a fusion protein which neutralizes TGFβ and binds PD-L1 are in clinical development. The challenge is how to most effectively incorporate blocking TGFβ activity alone and in combination with other therapeutics to improve treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beverly A Teicher
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, DCTD, National Cancer Institute, RM 4-W602, MSC 9735, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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160
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Goulet CR, Pouliot F. TGFβ Signaling in the Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1270:89-105. [PMID: 33123995 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-47189-7_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) is a pleiotropic growth factor. Under normal physiological conditions, TGFβ maintains homeostasis in mammalian tissues by restraining the growth of cells and stimulating apoptosis. However, the role of TGFβ signaling in the carcinogenesis is complex. TGFβ acts as a tumor suppressor in the early stages of disease and as a tumor promoter in its later stages where cancer cells have been relieved from TGFβ growth controls. Overproduction of TGFβ by cancer cells lead to a local fibrotic and immune-suppressive microenvironment that fosters tumor growth and correlates with invasive and metastatic behavior of the cancer cells. Here, we present an overview of the complex biology of the TGFβ family, and we discuss the roles of TGFβ signaling in carcinogenesis and how this knowledge is being leveraged to develop TGFβ inhibition therapies against the tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra Ringuette Goulet
- Oncology Division, CHU de Québec Research Center, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Frédéric Pouliot
- Oncology Division, CHU de Québec Research Center, Quebec, QC, Canada.
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, QC, Canada.
- Department of surgery, CHU de Québec Research Center - Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada.
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161
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Roane BM, Meza-Perez S, Katre AA, Goldsberry WN, Randall TD, Norian LA, Birrer MJ, Arend RC. Neutralization of TGFβ Improves Tumor Immunity and Reduces Tumor Progression in Ovarian Carcinoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2020; 20:602-611. [PMID: 33323456 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The immunosuppressive effects of TGFβ promotes tumor progression and diminishes response to therapy. In this study, we used ID8-p53-/- tumors as a murine model of high-grade serous ovarian cancer. An mAb targeting all three TGFβ ligands was used to neutralize TGFβ. Ascites and omentum were collected and changes in T-cell response were measured using flow. Treatment with anti-TGFβ therapy every other day following injection of tumor cells resulted in decreased ascites volume (4.1 mL vs. 0.7 mL; P < 0.001) and improved the CD8:Treg ratio (0.37 vs. 2.5; P = 0.02) compared with untreated mice. A single dose of therapy prior to tumor challenge resulted in a similar reduction of ascites volume (2.7 vs. 0.67 mL; P = 0.002) and increased CD8:Tregs ratio (0.36 vs. 1.49; P = 0.007), while also significantly reducing omental weight (114.9 mg vs. 93.4 mg; P = 0.017). Beginning treatment before inoculation with tumor cells and continuing for 6 weeks, we observe similar changes and prolonged overall survival (median 70 days vs. 57.5 days). TGFβ neutralization results in favorable changes to the T-cell response within the tumor microenvironment, leading to decreased tumor progression in ovarian cancer. The utilization of anti-TGFβ therapy may be an option for management in patients with ovarian cancer to improve clinical outcomes and warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon M Roane
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Selene Meza-Perez
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Ashwini A Katre
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Whitney N Goldsberry
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Troy D Randall
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Lyse A Norian
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama.,Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Michael J Birrer
- Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Rebecca C Arend
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama. .,Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama
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162
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Integrated digital pathology and transcriptome analysis identifies molecular mediators of T-cell exclusion in ovarian cancer. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5583. [PMID: 33149148 PMCID: PMC7642433 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19408-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Close proximity between cytotoxic T lymphocytes and tumour cells is required for effective immunotherapy. However, what controls the spatial distribution of T cells in the tumour microenvironment is not well understood. Here we couple digital pathology and transcriptome analysis on a large ovarian tumour cohort and develop a machine learning approach to molecularly classify and characterize tumour-immune phenotypes. Our study identifies two important hallmarks characterizing T cell excluded tumours: 1) loss of antigen presentation on tumour cells and 2) upregulation of TGFβ and activated stroma. Furthermore, we identify TGFβ as an important mediator of T cell exclusion. TGFβ reduces MHC-I expression in ovarian cancer cells in vitro. TGFβ also activates fibroblasts and induces extracellular matrix production as a potential physical barrier to hinder T cell infiltration. Our findings indicate that targeting TGFβ might be a promising strategy to overcome T cell exclusion and improve clinical benefits of cancer immunotherapy. The exclusion of T cells from solid tumours is a potentially important mechanism that regulates whether or not cancer patients respond well to checkpoint blocking immunotherapies. Here the authors identify immune phenotypes and mediators of T cell exclusion among ovarian cancer patient samples from the ICON7 phase III trial.
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163
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Marvin DL, Heijboer R, ten Dijke P, Ritsma L. TGF-β signaling in liver metastasis. Clin Transl Med 2020; 10:e160. [PMID: 33252863 PMCID: PMC7701955 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of liver metastases drastically worsens the prognosis of cancer patients. The liver is the second most prevalent metastatic site in cancer patients, but systemic therapeutic opportunities that target liver metastases are still limited. To aid the discovery of novel treatment options for metastatic liver disease, we provide insight into the cellular and molecular steps required for liver colonization. For successful colonization in the liver, adaptation of tumor cells and surrounding stroma is essential. This includes the formation of a pre-metastatic niche, the creation of a fibrotic and immune suppressive environment, angiogenesis, and adaptation of tumor cells. We illustrate that transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is a central cytokine in all these processes. At last, we devise that future research should focus on TGF-β inhibitory strategies, especially in combination with immunotherapy. This promising systemic treatment strategy has potential to eliminate distant metastases as the efficacy of immunotherapy will be enhanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieuwke L Marvin
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Oncode InstituteLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Rosan Heijboer
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Oncode InstituteLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Peter ten Dijke
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Oncode InstituteLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Laila Ritsma
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology and Oncode InstituteLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
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164
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Wang J, Li Q, Cheng X, Zhang B, Lin J, Tang Y, Li F, Yang CS, Wang TC, Tu S. Bone Marrow-Derived Myofibroblasts Promote Gastric Cancer Metastasis by Activating TGF-β1 and IL-6/STAT3 Signalling Loop. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:10567-10580. [PMID: 33116635 PMCID: PMC7585554 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s266506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Murine bone marrow-derived myofibroblasts (BMFs) have previously been shown to promote gastric cancer growth. However, whether BMFs promote gastric cancer cell metastasis remains largely unknown. Methods Wound healing assay, Transwell invasion and migration assay and 3D organotypic co-culture systems were conducted to study the effects of BMFs on invasion and migration of gastric cancer cells and the invasion and migration ability of gastric cancer stem cell-like cells (CSC-LCs) induced by BMFs. We employed two animal model to study the role of BMFs on the in vivo metastasis of gastric cancer cells and the metastatic ability of gastric BMF-induced CSC-LCs. A human gastric cancer tissue microarray and TCGA gastric cancer database were analysed to study the relationship between the expression of IL-6 and TGF-β1 and clinicopathological characteristics and survival in gastric cancer. Results We found that BMFs promoted the in vitro migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells. BMFs promoted liver, lung, subcutaneous, and splenic metastases of MKN28 cells in the spleen injection liver metastasis model and co-injection of caudal vein (IOCV) mouse model. BMFs reprogrammed non-gastric cancer stem cell (CSC) to CSC-LCs and enhanced CSC-LC migration and metastasis. BMF-derived IL-6 and gastric cancer cell-secreted TGF-β1 mediated the interaction between BMFs and gastric cancer cells, promoting tumour metastasis. BMFs enhanced the expressions of STAT3 and p-STAT3 in co-cultured gastric cancer cells. A combination of Napabucasin and Galunisertib exhibited the strongest inhibition of cell migration compared to when administered alone. Gastric cancer tissue array and TCGA database indicated that the overexpression of IL-6 and TGF-β1 was associated with gastric cancer metastasis. Conclusion Our results demonstrated that BMFs promote gastric cancer metastasis through the activation of the TGF-β1 and IL-6/STAT3 signalling pathways. Targeting the inhibition of these interactions may be a potent therapeutic strategy for addressing gastric cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianzheng Wang
- Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200127, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingli Li
- Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200127, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojiao Cheng
- Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200127, People's Republic of China
| | - Baiwen Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200127, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiacheng Lin
- Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200127, People's Republic of China
| | - Yao Tang
- Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200127, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuli Li
- Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200127, People's Republic of China
| | - Chung S Yang
- Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Timothy C Wang
- Department of Medicine, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Shuiping Tu
- Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200127, People's Republic of China
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165
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Louault K, Li RR, DeClerck YA. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Understanding Their Heterogeneity. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113108. [PMID: 33114328 PMCID: PMC7690906 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important contributory role in the microenvironment of tumors. They originate from different cells, have multiple pro-and anti-tumorigenic functions in tumors and their presence is variable among cancer types. Recently, there has been evidence that CAFs represent a highly heterogeneous group of cells that can now be characterized and identified at the single cell level. This review article summarizes our recent understanding of the highly heterogeneous nature of the origin, phenotype and function of CAFs and how such understanding will lead to a more precise approach to target or use CAFs and their precursor cells in the treatment of cancer. Abstract The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a critical role in tumor progression. Among its multiple components are cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) that are the main suppliers of extracellular matrix molecules and important contributors to inflammation. As a source of growth factors, cytokines, chemokines and other regulatory molecules, they participate in cancer progression, metastasis, angiogenesis, immune cell reprogramming and therapeutic resistance. Nevertheless, their role is not fully understood, and is sometimes controversial due to their heterogeneity. CAFs are heterogeneous in their origin, phenotype, function and presence within tumors. As a result, strategies to target CAFs in cancer therapy have been hampered by the difficulties in better defining the various populations of CAFs and by the lack of clear recognition of their specific function in cancer progression. This review discusses how a greater understanding of the heterogeneous nature of CAFs could lead to better approaches aimed at their use or at their targeting in the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kévin Louault
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Correspondence: or (K.L); (Y.A.D.); Tel.: +1-323-361-5649 (Y.A.D.); Fax: +1-323-361-4902 (Y.A.D.)
| | - Rong-Rong Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA;
| | - Yves A. DeClerck
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Correspondence: or (K.L); (Y.A.D.); Tel.: +1-323-361-5649 (Y.A.D.); Fax: +1-323-361-4902 (Y.A.D.)
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166
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Zhao H, Wei J, Sun J. Roles of TGF-β signaling pathway in tumor microenvirionment and cancer therapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 89:107101. [PMID: 33099067 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGF- β) signaling pathway has pleiotropic effects on cell proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, senescence, and apoptosis. TGF-β can be widely produced by various immune or non-immune cells and regulate cell behaviors through autocrine and paracrine. It plays essential roles in biological processes including embryological development, immune response, and tumor progression. Few cell signalings can contribute to so many pleiotropic functions as the TGF- β signaling pathway in mammals. The significant function of TGF-β signaling in tumor progression and evasion leading it to draw great attention in scientific and clinical research. Understanding the mechanism of TGF- β signaling provides us with chances to potentiate the effectiveness and selectivity of this therapeutic method. Herein, we review the molecular and cellular mechanisms of TGF-β signaling in carcinomas and tumor microenvironment. Then, we enumerate main achievements of TGF-β blockades used or being evaluated in cancer therapy, providing us opportunities to improve therapeutical approaches in the tumor which thrive in a TGF-β-rich environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haodi Zhao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 30072, PR China
| | - Jing Wei
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery & High-Efficiency, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 30072, PR China; Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery & High-Efficiency, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China.
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167
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Lee YT, Tan YJ, Falasca M, Oon CE. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Epigenetic Regulation and Therapeutic Intervention in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2949. [PMID: 33066013 PMCID: PMC7600259 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women worldwide. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a heterogeneous population of cells in the solid tumour microenvironment. These cells are positively linked to breast cancer progression. Breast CAFs can be categorised into distinct subtypes according to their roles in breast carcinogenesis. Epigenetic modifications change gene expression patterns as a consequence of altered chromatin configuration and DNA accessibility to transcriptional machinery, without affecting the primary structure of DNA. Epigenetic dysregulation in breast CAFs may enhance breast cancer cell survival and ultimately lead to therapeutic resistance. A growing body of evidence has described epigenetic modulators that target histones, DNA, and miRNA as a promising approach to treat cancer. This review aims to summarise the current findings on the mechanisms involved in the epigenetic regulation in breast CAFs and discusses the potential therapeutic strategies via targeting these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeuan Ting Lee
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia; (Y.T.L.); (Y.J.T.)
| | - Yi Jer Tan
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia; (Y.T.L.); (Y.J.T.)
| | - Marco Falasca
- Metabolic Signalling Group, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Chern Ein Oon
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia; (Y.T.L.); (Y.J.T.)
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168
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Lotsberg ML, Rayford A, Thiery JP, Belleggia G, D'Mello Peters S, Lorens JB, Chouaib S, Terry S, Engelsen AST. Decoding cancer's camouflage: epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in resistance to immune checkpoint blockade. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2020; 3:832-853. [PMID: 35582229 PMCID: PMC8992561 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2020.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) of cancer cells contributes to cancer cell heterogeneity, and it is well established that EMP is a critical determinant of acquired resistance to cancer treatment modalities including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies. Here, we aimed to explore how EMP contributes to cancer cell camouflage, allowing an ever-changing population of cancer cells to pass under the radar of our immune system and consequently compromise the effect of immune checkpoint blockade therapies. The ultimate clinical benefit of any combination regimen is evidenced by the sum of the drug-induced alterations observed in the variety of cellular populations composing the tumor immune microenvironment. The finely-tuned molecular crosstalk between cancer and immune cells remains to be fully elucidated, particularly for the spectrum of malignant cells along the epithelial to mesenchymal axis. High-dimensional single cell analyses of specimens collected in ongoing clinical studies is becoming a key contributor to our understanding of these interactions. This review will explore to what extent targeting EMP in combination with immune checkpoint inhibition represents a promising therapeutic avenue within the overarching strategy to reactivate a halting cancer-immunity cycle and establish a robust host immune response against cancer cells. Therapeutic strategies currently in clinical development will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria L Lotsberg
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen 5009, Norway
- Equal contribution
| | - Austin Rayford
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen 5009, Norway
- BerGenBio ASA, Jonas Lies vei 91, Bergen 5009, Norway
- Equal contribution
| | - Jean Paul Thiery
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen 5009, Norway
- INSERM UMR 1186, Integrative Tumour Immunology and Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, Fac. de Médecine - Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif 94805, France
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, A-STAR, Singapore, Singapore 138673, Singapore
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health, Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Giuliana Belleggia
- School of Medicine, Clinical Skills Assessment Program, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Stacey D'Mello Peters
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen 5009, Norway
| | - James B Lorens
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen 5009, Norway
- BerGenBio ASA, Jonas Lies vei 91, Bergen 5009, Norway
| | - Salem Chouaib
- INSERM UMR 1186, Integrative Tumour Immunology and Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, Fac. de Médecine - Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif 94805, France
- Thumbay Research Institute of Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, United Arab Emirates
| | - Stephane Terry
- INSERM UMR 1186, Integrative Tumour Immunology and Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, Fac. de Médecine - Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif 94805, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Jouy-en-Josas 78350, France
| | - Agnete S T Engelsen
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen 5009, Norway
- INSERM UMR 1186, Integrative Tumour Immunology and Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, Fac. de Médecine - Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif 94805, France
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169
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Qin W, Zou J, Huang Y, Liu C, Kang Y, Han H, Tang Y, Li L, Liu B, Zhao W, Yuan X. Pirfenidone facilitates immune infiltration and enhances the antitumor efficacy of PD-L1 blockade in mice. Oncoimmunology 2020; 9:1824631. [PMID: 33457101 PMCID: PMC7781712 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2020.1824631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients have a high risk of developing lung cancer, with few treatment options available. Pirfenidone, an antifibrotic agent approved for the treatment of IPF, has been demonstrated to suppress the TGFβ signaling and modulate the expression of immune-related genes. However, for lung cancer patients with comorbid IPF, whether pirfenidone has any synergetic effect with immune checkpoint inhibitors has not been investigated. In this study, we showed that pirfenidone monotherapy attenuated tumor growth with an increased T cell inflammatory signature in tumors. Co-administration of pirfenidone with PD-L1 blockades significantly delayed the tumor growth and increased survival, compared with the effect of either treatment alone. Combination therapy promoted gene expression with a unique signature associated with innate and adaptive immune response resulted in the infiltration of immune cells and optimal T cell positioning. Furthermore, we showed a great benefit of combination therapy in alleviating the pulmonary fibrosis and reducing the tumor growth in a tumor-fibrosis model. Our results collectively demonstrated that pirfenidone facilitated antitumor immunity and enhanced the efficacy of PD-L1 blockades. It may act as an adjuvant to immunotherapy in cancer treatment, particularly, in lung cancer patients with preexisting IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Qin
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jun Zou
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yongbiao Huang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chaofan Liu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yalin Kang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hu Han
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yang Tang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Long Li
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Weiheng Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xianglin Yuan
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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170
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Wang Y, Lakoma A, Zogopoulos G. Building towards Precision Oncology for Pancreatic Cancer: Real-World Challenges and Opportunities. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E1098. [PMID: 32967105 PMCID: PMC7563487 DOI: 10.3390/genes11091098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) has provided unprecedented insight into the molecular complexity of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This has led to the emergence of biomarker-driven treatment paradigms that challenge empiric treatment approaches. However, the growth of sequencing technologies is outpacing the development of the infrastructure required to implement precision oncology as routine clinical practice. Addressing these logistical barriers is imperative to maximize the clinical impact of molecular profiling initiatives. In this review, we examine the evolution of precision oncology in PDAC, spanning from germline testing for cancer susceptibility genes to multi-omic tumor profiling. Furthermore, we highlight real-world challenges to delivering precision oncology for PDAC, and propose strategies to improve the generation, interpretation, and clinical translation of molecular profiling data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Wang
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (Y.W.); (A.L.)
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- The Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Anna Lakoma
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (Y.W.); (A.L.)
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- The Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - George Zogopoulos
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (Y.W.); (A.L.)
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- The Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
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171
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Zhang Y, Yang X. The Roles of TGF-β Signaling in Cerebrovascular Diseases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:567682. [PMID: 33072751 PMCID: PMC7530326 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.567682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebrovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of death worldwide, however, little progress has been made in preventing or treating these diseases to date. The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway plays crucial and highly complicated roles in cerebrovascular development and homeostasis, and dysregulated TGF-β signaling contributes to cerebrovascular diseases. In this review, we provide an updated overview of the functional role of TGF-β signaling in the cerebrovascular system under physiological and pathological conditions. We discuss the current understanding of TGF-β signaling in cerebral angiogenesis and the maintenance of brain vessel homeostasis. We also review the mechanisms by which disruption of TGF-β signaling triggers or promotes the progression of cerebrovascular diseases. Finally, we briefly discuss the potential of targeting TGF-β signaling to treat cerebrovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, China
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172
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Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Versatile Players in the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092652. [PMID: 32957515 PMCID: PMC7564346 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key players in the tumor microenvironment. They are responsible for potentiating growth and metastasis through versatile functions, including maintenance of the extracellular matrix, blood vessel formation, modulation of tumor metabolism, suppression of antitumor immunity, and promotion of chemotherapy resistance. As such, CAFs are associated with poor prognosis and have emerged as a focus of anticancer research. In this review, we discuss the origins of CAFs, their heterogenous subtypes and their properties. We then detail the current state of preclinical and clinical research targeting CAF activities. We believe the limited efficacy of current cancer therapeutic approaches is driven by an incomplete understanding of CAF functions and by a nonstandardized CAF classification system. Therefore, we suggest a unified CAF classification based on specific functions to develop a new class of therapies that will focus on targeting the pro-tumorigenic properties of CAFs during tumor progression. Abstract Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are indispensable architects of the tumor microenvironment. They perform the essential functions of extracellular matrix deposition, stromal remodeling, tumor vasculature modulation, modification of tumor metabolism, and participation in crosstalk between cancer and immune cells. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of the principal differences between normal fibroblasts and CAFs, the origin of CAFs, their functions, and ultimately, highlight the intimate connection of CAFs to virtually all of the hallmarks of cancer. We address the remarkable degree of functional diversity and phenotypic plasticity displayed by CAFs and strive to stratify CAF biology among different tumor types into practical functional groups. Finally, we summarize the status of recent and ongoing trials of CAF-directed therapies and contend that the paucity of trials resulting in Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals thus far is a consequence of the failure to identify targets exclusive of pro-tumorigenic CAF phenotypes that are mechanistically linked to specific CAF functions. We believe that the development of a unified CAF nomenclature, the standardization of functional assays to assess the loss-of-function of CAF properties, and the establishment of rigorous definitions of CAF subpopulations and their mechanistic functions in cancer progression will be crucial to fully realize the promise of CAF-targeted therapies.
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173
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Targeting the epigenetic regulation of antitumour immunity. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2020; 19:776-800. [PMID: 32929243 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-020-0077-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 262] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the epigenome drives aberrant transcriptional programmes that promote cancer onset and progression. Although defective gene regulation often affects oncogenic and tumour-suppressor networks, tumour immunogenicity and immune cells involved in antitumour responses may also be affected by epigenomic alterations. This could have important implications for the development and application of both epigenetic therapies and cancer immunotherapies, and combinations thereof. Here, we review the role of key aberrant epigenetic processes - DNA methylation and post-translational modification of histones - in tumour immunogenicity, as well as the effects of epigenetic modulation on antitumour immune cell function. We emphasize opportunities for small-molecule inhibitors of epigenetic regulators to enhance antitumour immune responses, and discuss the challenges of exploiting the complex interplay between cancer epigenetics and cancer immunology to develop treatment regimens combining epigenetic therapies with immunotherapies.
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174
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Greco R, Qu H, Qu H, Theilhaber J, Shapiro G, Gregory R, Winter C, Malkova N, Sun F, Jaworski J, Best A, Pao L, Hebert A, Levit M, Protopopov A, Pollard J, Bahjat K, Wiederschain D, Sharma S. Pan-TGFβ inhibition by SAR439459 relieves immunosuppression and improves antitumor efficacy of PD-1 blockade. Oncoimmunology 2020; 9:1811605. [PMID: 33224628 PMCID: PMC7657645 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2020.1811605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
TGFβ is a pleiotropic cytokine that may have both tumor inhibiting and tumor promoting properties, depending on tissue and cellular context. Emerging data support a role for TGFβ in suppression of antitumor immunity. Here we show that SAR439459, a pan-TGFβ neutralizing antibody, inhibits all active isoforms of human and murine TGFβ, blocks TGFβ-mediated pSMAD signaling, and TGFβ-mediated suppression of T cells and NK cells. In vitro, SAR439459 synergized with anti-PD1 to enhance T cell responsiveness. In syngeneic tumor models, SAR439459 treatment impaired tumor growth, while the combination of SAR439459 with anti–PD-1 resulted in complete tumor regression and a prolonged antitumor immunity. Mechanistically, we found that TGFβ inhibition with PD-1 blockade augmented intratumoral CD8+ T cell proliferation, reduced exhaustion, evoked proinflammatory cytokines, and promoted tumor-specific CD8+ T cell responses. Together, these data support the hypothesis that TGFβ neutralization using SAR439459 synergizes with PD-1 blockade to promote antitumor immunity and formed the basis for the ongoing clinical investigation of SAR439459 in patients with cancer (NCT03192345).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Greco
- Immuno-Oncology Research, Sanofi, 640 memorial drive, Cambridge
| | - Hongjing Qu
- Immuno-Oncology Research, Sanofi, 640 memorial drive, Cambridge
| | - Hui Qu
- Oncology In Vivo Pharmacology, Sanofi, 640 memorial drive, Cambridge
| | | | - Gary Shapiro
- Immuno-Oncology Research, Sanofi, 640 memorial drive, Cambridge
| | - Richard Gregory
- Immuno-Oncology Research, Sanofi, 640 memorial drive, Cambridge
| | | | - Natalia Malkova
- Oncology In Vivo Pharmacology, Sanofi, 640 memorial drive, Cambridge
| | - Frank Sun
- Oncology In Vivo Pharmacology, Sanofi, 640 memorial drive, Cambridge
| | | | - Annie Best
- Biologics Research, Sanofi, 49 New York Ave, Framingham
| | - Lily Pao
- Immuno-Oncology Research, Sanofi, 640 memorial drive, Cambridge
| | | | | | | | - Jack Pollard
- Precision Oncology, Sanofi, 270 albany street, Cambridge
| | - Keith Bahjat
- Immuno-Oncology Research, Sanofi, 640 memorial drive, Cambridge
| | | | - Sharad Sharma
- Immuno-Oncology Research, Sanofi, 640 memorial drive, Cambridge
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175
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Takamura S. Impact of multiple hits with cognate antigen on memory CD8+ T-cell fate. Int Immunol 2020; 32:571-581. [PMID: 32506114 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxaa039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Antigen-driven activation of CD8+ T cells results in the development of a robust anti-pathogen response and ultimately leads to the establishment of long-lived memory T cells. During the primary response, CD8+ T cells interact multiple times with cognate antigen on distinct types of antigen-presenting cells. The timing, location and context of these antigen encounters significantly impact the differentiation programs initiated in the cells. Moderate re-activation in the periphery promotes the establishment of the tissue-resident memory T cells that serve as sentinels at the portal of pathogen entry. Under some circumstances, moderate re-activation of T cells in the periphery can result in the excessive expansion and accumulation of circulatory memory T cells, a process called memory inflation. In contrast, excessive re-activation stimuli generally impede conventional T-cell differentiation programs and can result in T-cell exhaustion. However, these conditions can also elicit a small population of exhausted T cells with a memory-like signature and self-renewal capability that are capable of responding to immunotherapy, and restoration of functional activity. Although it is clear that antigen re-encounter during the primary immune response has a significant impact on memory T-cell development, we still do not understand the molecular details that drive these fate decisions. Here, we review our understanding of how antigen encounters and re-activation events impact the array of memory CD8+ T-cell subsets subsequently generated. Identification of the molecular programs that drive memory T-cell generation will advance the development of new vaccine strategies that elicit high-quality CD8+ T-cell memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiki Takamura
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, Ohno-Higashi, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, Japan
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176
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CD56 as a marker of an ILC1-like population with NK cell properties that is functionally impaired in AML. Blood Adv 2020; 3:3674-3687. [PMID: 31765481 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2018030478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
An understanding of natural killer (NK) cell physiology in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has led to the use of NK cell transfer in patients, demonstrating promising clinical results. However, AML is still characterized by a high relapse rate and poor overall survival. In addition to conventional NKs that can be considered the innate counterparts of CD8 T cells, another family of innate lymphocytes has been recently described with phenotypes and functions mirroring those of helper CD4 T cells. Here, in blood and tissues, we identified a CD56+ innate cell population harboring mixed transcriptional and phenotypic attributes of conventional helper innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) and lytic NK cells. These CD56+ ILC1-like cells possess strong cytotoxic capacities that are impaired in AML patients at diagnosis but are restored upon remission. Their cytotoxicity is KIR independent and relies on the expression of TRAIL, NKp30, NKp80, and NKG2A. However, the presence of leukemic blasts, HLA-E-positive cells, and/or transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) strongly affect their cytotoxic potential, at least partially by reducing the expression of cytotoxic-related molecules. Notably, CD56+ ILC1-like cells are also present in the NK cell preparations used in NK transfer-based clinical trials. Overall, we identified an NK cell-related CD56+ ILC population involved in tumor immunosurveillance in humans, and we propose that restoring their functions with anti-NKG2A antibodies and/or small molecules inhibiting TGF-β1 might represent a novel strategy for improving current immunotherapies.
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177
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FLASH Radiotherapy: Current Knowledge and Future Insights Using Proton-Beam Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186492. [PMID: 32899466 PMCID: PMC7556020 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
FLASH radiotherapy is the delivery of ultra-high dose rate radiation several orders of magnitude higher than what is currently used in conventional clinical radiotherapy, and has the potential to revolutionize the future of cancer treatment. FLASH radiotherapy induces a phenomenon known as the FLASH effect, whereby the ultra-high dose rate radiation reduces the normal tissue toxicities commonly associated with conventional radiotherapy, while still maintaining local tumor control. The underlying mechanism(s) responsible for the FLASH effect are yet to be fully elucidated, but a prominent role for oxygen tension and reactive oxygen species production is the most current valid hypothesis. The FLASH effect has been confirmed in many studies in recent years, both in vitro and in vivo, with even the first patient with T-cell cutaneous lymphoma being treated using FLASH radiotherapy. However, most of the studies into FLASH radiotherapy have used electron beams that have low tissue penetration, which presents a limitation for translation into clinical practice. A promising alternate FLASH delivery method is via proton beam therapy, as the dose can be deposited deeper within the tissue. However, studies into FLASH protons are currently sparse. This review will summarize FLASH radiotherapy research conducted to date and the current theories explaining the FLASH effect, with an emphasis on the future potential for FLASH proton beam therapy.
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178
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A Phase 2 Study of Galunisertib (TGF-β1 Receptor Type I Inhibitor) and Sorafenib in Patients With Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Clin Transl Gastroenterol 2020; 10:e00056. [PMID: 31295152 PMCID: PMC6708671 DOI: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000000056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of tumor growth factor-β (TGF-β) receptor type I potentiated the activity of sorafenib in preclinical models of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Galunisertib is a small-molecule selective inhibitor of TGF-β1 receptor type I, which demonstrated activity in a phase 2 trial as second-line HCC treatment.
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179
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Munir H, Mazzaglia C, Shields JD. Stromal regulation of tumor-associated lymphatics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2020; 161-162:75-89. [PMID: 32783989 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances have identified a growing array of roles played by lymphatics in the tumor microenvironment, from providing a route of metastasis to immune modulation. The tumor microenvironment represents an exceptionally complex, dynamic niche comprised of a diverse mixture of cancer cells and normal host cells termed the stroma. This review discusses our current understanding of stromal elements and how they regulate lymphatic growth and functional properties in the tumor context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafsa Munir
- MRC Cancer Unit, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Box 197 Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0XZ
| | - Corrado Mazzaglia
- MRC Cancer Unit, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Box 197 Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0XZ
| | - Jacqueline D Shields
- MRC Cancer Unit, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Box 197 Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0XZ.
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180
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Ries A, Schelch K, Falch D, Pany L, Hoda MA, Grusch M. Activin A: an emerging target for improving cancer treatment? Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:985-996. [PMID: 32700590 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1799350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Activin A is involved in the regulation of a surprisingly broad number of processes that are relevant for cancer development and treatment; it is implicated in cell autonomous functions and multiple regulatory functions in the tumor microenvironment. AREAS COVERED This article summarizes the current knowledge about activin A in cell growth and death, migration and metastasis, angiogenesis, stemness and drug resistance, regulation of antitumor immunity, and cancer cachexia. We explore the role of activin A as a biomarker and discuss strategies for using it as target for cancer therapy. Literature retrieved from Medline until 25 June 2020 was considered. EXPERT OPINION While many functions of activin A were investigated in preclinical models, there is currently limited experience from clinical trials. Activin A has growth- and migration-promoting effects, contributes to immune evasion and cachexia and is associated with shorter survival in several cancer types. Targeting activin A could offer the chance to simultaneously limit tumor growth and spreading, improve drug response, boost antitumor immune responses and improve cancer-associated or treatment-associated cachexia, bone loss, and anemia. Nevertheless, defining which patients have the highest likelihood of benefiting from these effects is challenging and will require further work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Ries
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna , Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Schelch
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna , Vienna, Austria
| | - David Falch
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna , Vienna, Austria
| | - Laura Pany
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna , Vienna, Austria
| | - Mir Alireza Hoda
- Translational Thoracic Oncology Laboratory, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna , Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Grusch
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna , Vienna, Austria
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181
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Shen Y, Teng Y, Lv Y, Zhao Y, Qiu Y, Chen W, Wang L, Wang Y, Mao F, Cheng P, Ma D, Zhuang Y, Zou Q, Peng L. PD-1 does not mark tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cell dysfunction in human gastric cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2020; 8:jitc-2019-000422. [PMID: 32753468 PMCID: PMC7406116 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2019-000422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Overexpression of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) is linked to CD8+ T cell dysfunction and contributes to tumor immune escape. However, the prevalence and functional regulations of PD-1 expression on CD8+ T cells in human gastric cancer (GC) remain largely unknown. Methods Flow cytometry was performed to analyze the level, phenotype, functional and clinical relevance of PD-1+CD8+ T cells in GC patients. Peripheral blood CD8+ T cells were purified and subsequently exposed to culture supernatants from digested primary GC tumor tissues (TSN) in vitro for PD-1 expression and functional assays. Tumor responses to adoptively transferred TSN-stimulated CD8+ T cells or to the TSN-stimulated CD8+ T cell transfer combined with an anti-PD-1 antibody injection were measured in an in vivo xenograft mouse model. Results GC patients’ tumors showed a significantly increased PD-1+CD8+ T cell infiltration. However, these GC-infiltrating PD-1+CD8+ T cells showed equivalent function to their PD-1−CD8+ counterparts and they did not predict tumor progression. High level of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in tumors was positively correlated with PD-1+CD8+ T cell infiltration, and in vitro GC-derived TGF-β1 induced PD-1 expression on CD8+ T cells via Smad3 signaling, whereas Smad2 signaling was involved in GC-derived TGF-β1-mediated CD8+ T cell dysfunction. Furthermore, GC-derived TGF-β1-mediated CD8+ T cell dysfunction contributed to tumor growth in vivo that could not be attenuated by PD-1 blockade. Conclusions Our data highlight that GC-derived TGF-β1 promotes PD-1 independent CD8+ T cell dysfunction. Therefore, restoring CD8+ T cell function by a combinational PD-1 and TGF-β1 blockade might benefit future GC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Shen
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Department of oncology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yongsheng Teng
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yipin Lv
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yongliang Zhao
- Department of General Surgery and Center of Minimal Invasive Gastrointestinal Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuan Qiu
- Department of General Surgery of Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Weisan Chen
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, School of Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lina Wang
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Wang
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fangyuan Mao
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Cheng
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Daiyuan Ma
- Department of oncology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yuan Zhuang
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Quanming Zou
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Liusheng Peng
- National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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182
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Principe DR, Narbutis M, Kumar S, Park A, Viswakarma N, Dorman MJ, Kamath SD, Grippo PJ, Fishel ML, Hwang RF, Thummuri D, Underwood PW, Munshi HG, Trevino JG, Rana A. Long-Term Gemcitabine Treatment Reshapes the Pancreatic Tumor Microenvironment and Sensitizes Murine Carcinoma to Combination Immunotherapy. Cancer Res 2020; 80:3101-3115. [PMID: 32238357 PMCID: PMC7777391 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-2959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death with a median survival time of 6-12 months. Most patients present with disseminated disease and the majority are offered palliative chemotherapy. With no approved treatment modalities for patients who progress on chemotherapy, we explored the effects of long-term gemcitabine administration on the tumor microenvironment to identify potential therapeutic options for chemorefractory PDAC. Using a combination of mouse models, primary cell line-derived xenografts, and established tumor cell lines, we first evaluated chemotherapy-induced alterations in the tumor secretome and immune surface proteins by high throughput proteomic arrays. In addition to enhancing antigen presentation and immune checkpoint expression, gemcitabine consistently increased the synthesis of CCL/CXCL chemokines and TGFβ-associated signals. These secreted factors altered the composition of the tumor stroma, conferring gemcitabine resistance to cancer-associated fibroblasts in vitro and further enhancing TGFβ1 biosynthesis. Combined gemcitabine and anti-PD-1 treatment in transgenic models of murine PDAC failed to alter disease course unless mice also underwent genetic or pharmacologic ablation of TGFβ signaling. In the setting of TGFβ signaling deficiency, gemcitabine and anti-PD-1 led to a robust CD8+ T-cell response and decrease in tumor burden, markedly enhancing overall survival. These results suggest that gemcitabine successfully primes PDAC tumors for immune checkpoint inhibition by enhancing antigen presentation only following disruption of the immunosuppressive cytokine barrier. Given the current lack of third-line treatment options, this approach warrants consideration in the clinical management of gemcitabine-refractory PDAC. SIGNIFICANCE: These data suggest that long-term treatment with gemcitabine leads to extensive reprogramming of the pancreatic tumor microenvironment and that patients who progress on gemcitabine-based regimens may benefit from multidrug immunotherapy.See related commentary by Carpenter et al., p. 3070 GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/80/15/3101/F1.large.jpg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Principe
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Matthew Narbutis
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Alex Park
- University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Navin Viswakarma
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Matthew J Dorman
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Suneel D Kamath
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Paul J Grippo
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Melissa L Fishel
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Rosa F Hwang
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, Division of Surgery, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, Texas
| | - Dinesh Thummuri
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Patrick W Underwood
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Hidayatullah G Munshi
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jose G Trevino
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Ajay Rana
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
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183
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Ngiow SF, Young A. Re-education of the Tumor Microenvironment With Targeted Therapies and Immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1633. [PMID: 32849557 PMCID: PMC7399169 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical success of cancer immunotherapies targeting PD-1 and CTLA-4 has ignited a substantial research effort to improve our understanding of tumor immunity. Recent studies have revealed that the immune contexture of a tumor influences therapeutic response and survival benefit for cancer patients. Identifying treatment modalities that limit immunosuppression, relieve T cell exhaustion, and potentiate effector functions in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is of much interest. In particular, combinatorial therapeutic approaches that re-educate the TME by limiting the accumulation of immunosuppressive immune cells, such as Foxp3 regulatory T cells (Tregs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), while promoting CD8+ and CD4+ effector T cell activity is critical. Here, we review key approaches to target these immunosuppressive immune cell subsets and signaling molecules and define the impact of these changes to the tumor milieu. We will highlight the preclinical and clinical evidence for their ability to improve anti-tumor immune responses as well as strategies and challenges for their implementation. Together, this review will provide understanding of therapeutic approaches to efficiently shape the TME and reinvigorate the immune response against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Foong Ngiow
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Immunology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Arabella Young
- Department of Immunology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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184
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Derynck R, Turley SJ, Akhurst RJ. TGFβ biology in cancer progression and immunotherapy. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2020; 18:9-34. [DOI: 10.1038/s41571-020-0403-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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185
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Ruan X, Lu X, Gao J, Jiang L, Zhu Y, Zhou Y, Meng J, Yan H, Yan F, Wang F. Multiomics data reveals the influences of myasthenia gravis on thymoma and its precision treatment. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:1214-1227. [PMID: 32700803 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Thymoma is a rare characterized by a unique association with autoimmune diseases, especially myasthenia gravis (MG). However, little is known about the molecular characteristics of MG-associated thymoma individuals. We aim to examine the influences of MG on thymoma by analyzing multiomics data. A total of 105 samples with thymoma was analyzed from TCGA and these samples were divided into subgroups with MG (MGT) or without MG (MGF) according to clinical information. We then characterized the differential gene expression, pathway activity, somatic mutation frequency, and likelihood of responding to chemotherapies and immunotherapies of the two identified subgroups. MGT subgroup was characterized by elevated inflammatory responses and metabolically related pathways, whereas the MGF subgroup was predicted to be more sensitive to chemotherapy and presented with mesenchymal characteristics. More copy number amplifications and deletions were observed in MGT, whereas GTF2I mutations occur at significantly higher frequencies in MGF. Two molecular subtypes were further identified within MGF samples by unsupervised clustering where one subtype was enriched in TGF-β and WNT pathways with higher sensitivity to relevant targeted drugs but hardly respond to immunotherapy. For another subtype, a higher recurrence rate of thymoma and more likelihood of responding to immunotherapy were observed. Our findings presented a comprehensive molecular characterization of thymoma patients given the status of MG, and provided potential strategies to help individualized management and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinjia Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Research Center of Biostatistics and Computational Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaofan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Research Center of Biostatistics and Computational Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Research Center of Biostatistics and Computational Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liyun Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Research Center of Biostatistics and Computational Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Yue Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Research Center of Biostatistics and Computational Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yujie Zhou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jialin Meng
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Institute of Urology and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Department of Urology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Hangyu Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Research Center of Biostatistics and Computational Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fangrong Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Research Center of Biostatistics and Computational Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Research Center of Biostatistics and Computational Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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186
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Janssen E, Subtil B, de la Jara Ortiz F, Verheul HMW, Tauriello DVF. Combinatorial Immunotherapies for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12071875. [PMID: 32664619 PMCID: PMC7408881 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequent and deadly forms of cancer. About half of patients are affected by metastasis, with the cancer spreading to e.g., liver, lungs or the peritoneum. The majority of these patients cannot be cured despite steady advances in treatment options. Immunotherapies are currently not widely applicable for this disease, yet show potential in preclinical models and clinical translation. The tumour microenvironment (TME) has emerged as a key factor in CRC metastasis, including by means of immune evasion-forming a major barrier to effective immuno-oncology. Several approaches are in development that aim to overcome the immunosuppressive environment and boost anti-tumour immunity. Among them are vaccination strategies, cellular transplantation therapies, and targeted treatments. Given the complexity of the system, we argue for rational design of combinatorial therapies and consider the implications of precision medicine in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline Janssen
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (E.J.); (B.S.); (F.d.l.J.O.)
| | - Beatriz Subtil
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (E.J.); (B.S.); (F.d.l.J.O.)
| | - Fàtima de la Jara Ortiz
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (E.J.); (B.S.); (F.d.l.J.O.)
| | - Henk M. W. Verheul
- Department of Medical Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HBNijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Daniele V. F. Tauriello
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (E.J.); (B.S.); (F.d.l.J.O.)
- Correspondence:
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187
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Montemagno C, Pagès G. Resistance to Anti-angiogenic Therapies: A Mechanism Depending on the Time of Exposure to the Drugs. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:584. [PMID: 32775327 PMCID: PMC7381352 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from preexisting one, represents a critical process for oxygen and nutrient supply to proliferating cells, therefore promoting tumor growth and metastasis. The Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) pathway is one of the key mediators of angiogenesis in cancer. Therefore, several therapies including monoclonal antibodies or tyrosine kinase inhibitors target this axis. Although preclinical studies demonstrated strong antitumor activity, clinical studies were disappointing. Antiangiogenic drugs, used to treat metastatic patients suffering of different types of cancers, prolonged survival to different extents but are not curative. In this review, we focused on different mechanisms involved in resistance to antiangiogenic therapies from early stage resistance involving mainly tumor cells to late stages related to the adaptation of the microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Montemagno
- Département de Biologie Médicale, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monaco, Monaco.,CNRS UMR 7284, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France.,INSERM U1081, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, France
| | - Gilles Pagès
- Département de Biologie Médicale, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monaco, Monaco.,CNRS UMR 7284, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France.,INSERM U1081, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, France
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188
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Wang Z, Liu Q, Risu N, Fu J, Zou Y, Tang J, Li L, Liu H, Zhou G, Zhu X. Galunisertib enhances chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cell function. Eur J Histochem 2020; 64. [PMID: 32705856 PMCID: PMC7388644 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2020.3122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy still faces the challenge of immunosuppression when treating solid tumors. TGF-β is one of the critical factors in the tumor microenvironment to help tumors escape surveillance by the immune system. Here we tried using the combination of a small molecule inhibitor of TGF-β receptor I, Galunisertib, and CAR T cells to explore whether Galunisertib could enhance CAR T cell function against solid tumor cells. In vitro experiments showed Galunisertib could significantly enhance the specific cytotoxicity of both CD133- and HER2-specific CAR T cells. However, Galunisertib had no direct killing effect on target cells. Galunisertib significantly increased the cytokine secretion of CAR T cells and T cells that do not express CAR (Nontransfected T cells). Galunisertib did not affect the proliferation of T cells, the antigen expression on target cells and CD69 on CAR T cells. We found that TGF-β was secreted by T cells themselves upon activation, and Galunisertib could reduce TGF-β signaling in CAR T cells. Our findings can provide the basis for further preclinical and clinical studies of the combination of Galunisertib and CAR T cells in the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiong Wang
- School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai.
| | - Qian Liu
- School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai.
| | - Na Risu
- Division of Health Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka.
| | - Jiayu Fu
- Division of Health Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka.
| | - Yan Zou
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai.
| | - Jiaxing Tang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai.
| | - Long Li
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai.
| | - Hui Liu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai.
| | - Guomin Zhou
- School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai.
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189
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Wang Z, Liu Q, Risu N, Fu J, Zou Y, Tang J, Li L, Liu H, Zhou G, Zhu X. Galunisertib enhances chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cell function. Eur J Histochem 2020. [PMID: 32705856 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2020.3122.pmid:32705856;pmcid:pmc7388644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy still faces the challenge of immunosuppression when treating solid tumors. TGF-β is one of the critical factors in the tumor microenvironment to help tumors escape surveillance by the immune system. Here we tried using the combination of a small molecule inhibitor of TGF-β receptor I, Galunisertib, and CAR T cells to explore whether Galunisertib could enhance CAR T cell function against solid tumor cells. In vitro experiments showed Galunisertib could significantly enhance the specific cytotoxicity of both CD133- and HER2-specific CAR T cells. However, Galunisertib had no direct killing effect on target cells. Galunisertib significantly increased the cytokine secretion of CAR T cells and T cells that do not express CAR (Nontransfected T cells). Galunisertib did not affect the proliferation of T cells, the antigen expression on target cells and CD69 on CAR T cells. We found that TGF-β was secreted by T cells themselves upon activation, and Galunisertib could reduce TGF-β signaling in CAR T cells. Our findings can provide the basis for further preclinical and clinical studies of the combination of Galunisertib and CAR T cells in the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiong Wang
- School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai.
| | - Qian Liu
- School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai.
| | - Na Risu
- Division of Health Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka.
| | - Jiayu Fu
- Division of Health Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka.
| | - Yan Zou
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai.
| | - Jiaxing Tang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai.
| | - Long Li
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai.
| | - Hui Liu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS), ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai.
| | - Guomin Zhou
- School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai.
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190
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Xu W, Yang Y, Hu Z, Head M, Mangold KA, Sullivan M, Wang E, Saha P, Gulukota K, Helseth DL, Guise T, Prabhkar BS, Kaul K, Schreiber H, Seth P. LyP-1-Modified Oncolytic Adenoviruses Targeting Transforming Growth Factor β Inhibit Tumor Growth and Metastases and Augment Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy in Breast Cancer Mouse Models. Hum Gene Ther 2020; 31:863-880. [PMID: 32394753 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We report here the development of oncolytic adenoviruses (Ads) that have reduced toxicity, enhanced tumor tropism, produce strong antitumor response, and can overcome resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in breast cancer. We have shown that LyP-1 receptor (p32) is highly expressed on the surface of breast cancer cells and tumors from cancer patients, and that increased stromal expression of transforming growth factor β-1 (TGFβ-1) is associated with triple-negative breast cancer. Therefore, we constructed oncolytic Ads, AdLyp.sT and mHAdLyp.sT, in which the p32-binding LyP-1 peptide was genetically inserted into the adenoviral fiber protein. Both AdLyp.sT and mHAdLyp.sT express sTGFβRIIFc, a TGFβ decoy that can inhibit TGFβ pathways. mHAdLyp.sT is an Ad5/48 chimeric hexon virus in which hypervariable regions (HVRs 1-7) of Ad5 are replaced with the corresponding Ad48 HVRs. AdLyp.sT and mHAdLyp.sT exhibited better binding, replication, and produced higher sTGFβRIIFc protein levels in breast cancer cell lines compared with Ad.sT or mHAd.sT control viruses without LyP-1 peptide modification. Systemic delivery of mHAdLyp.sT in mice resulted in reduced hepatic/systemic toxicity compared with Ad.sT and AdLyp.sT. Intravenous delivery of AdLyp.sT and mHAdLyp.sT elicited a strong antitumor response in a human MDA-MB-231 bone metastasis model in mice, as indicated by bioluminescence imaging, radiographic tumor burden, serum TRACP 5b and calcium, and body weight analyses. Furthermore, intratumoral delivery of AdLyp.sT in 4T1 model in immunocompetent mice inhibited tumor growth and metastases, and augmented anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 therapy. Based on these studies, we believe that AdLyp.sT and mHAdLyp.sT can be developed as potential targeted immunotherapy agents for the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Xu
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, NorthShore Research Institute, An Affiliate of the University of Chicago, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Yuefeng Yang
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, NorthShore Research Institute, An Affiliate of the University of Chicago, Evanston, Illinois, USA.,Department of Experimental Medical Science and Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors of Zhejiang Province, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, P.R. China
| | - Zebin Hu
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, NorthShore Research Institute, An Affiliate of the University of Chicago, Evanston, Illinois, USA.,National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC), Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Maria Head
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
| | | | | | - Edward Wang
- Biostatistics and Clinical Research Informatics, Department of Surgery
| | | | - Kamalakar Gulukota
- Center for Personalized Medicine; NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Donald L Helseth
- Center for Personalized Medicine; NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Theresa Guise
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Bellur S Prabhkar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Karen Kaul
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
| | - Hans Schreiber
- Department of Pathology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Prem Seth
- Gene Therapy Program, Department of Medicine, NorthShore Research Institute, An Affiliate of the University of Chicago, Evanston, Illinois, USA
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191
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Reprogramming of Mesothelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Chronic Peritoneal Diseases by Estrogen Receptor Modulation and TGF-β1 Inhibition. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21114158. [PMID: 32532126 PMCID: PMC7312018 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In chronic peritoneal diseases, mesothelial-mesenchymal transition is determined by cues from the extracellular environment rather than just the cellular genome. The transformation of peritoneal mesothelial cells and other host cells into myofibroblasts is mediated by cell membrane receptors, Transforming Growth Factor β1 (TGF-β1), Src and Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). This article provides a narrative review of the reprogramming of mesothelial mesenchymal transition in chronic peritoneal diseases, drawing on the similarities in pathophysiology between encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis and peritoneal metastasis, with a particular focus on TGF-β1 signaling and estrogen receptor modulators. Estrogen receptors act at the cell membrane/cytosol as tyrosine kinases that can phosphorylate Src, in a similar way to other receptor tyrosine kinases; or can activate the estrogen response element via nuclear translocation. Tamoxifen can modulate estrogen membrane receptors, and has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of mesothelial-mesenchymal transition (MMT), peritoneal mesothelial cell migration, stromal fibrosis, and neoangiogenesis in the treatment of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis, with a known side effect and safety profile. The ability of tamoxifen to inhibit the transduction pathways of TGF-β1 and HIF and achieve a quiescent peritoneal stroma makes it a potential candidate for use in cancer treatments. This is relevant to tumors that spread to the peritoneum, particularly those with mesenchymal phenotypes, such as colorectal CMS4 and MSS/EMT gastric cancers, and pancreatic cancer with its desmoplastic stroma. Morphological changes observed during mesothelial mesenchymal transition can be treated with estrogen receptor modulation and TGF-β1 inhibition, which may enable the regression of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis and peritoneal metastasis.
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192
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Predictive Value of Precision-Cut Kidney Slices as an Ex Vivo Screening Platform for Therapeutics in Human Renal Fibrosis. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12050459. [PMID: 32443499 PMCID: PMC7285118 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12050459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models are a valuable tool in preclinical research. However, limited predictivity of human biological responses in the conventional models has stimulated the search for reliable preclinical tools that show translational robustness. Here, we used precision-cut kidney slices (PCKS) as a model of renal fibrosis and investigated its predictive capacity for screening the effects of anti-fibrotics. Murine and human PCKS were exposed to TGFβ or PDGF pathway inhibitors with established anti-fibrotic efficacy. For each treatment modality, we evaluated whether it affected: (1) culture-induced collagen type I gene expression and interstitial accumulation; (2) expression of markers of TGFβ and PDGF signaling; and (3) expression of inflammatory markers. We summarized the outcomes of published in vivo animal and human studies testing the three inhibitors in renal fibrosis, and drew a parallel to the PCKS data. We showed that the responses of murine PCKS to anti-fibrotics highly corresponded with the known in vivo responses observed in various animal models of renal fibrosis. Moreover, our results suggested that human PCKS can be used to predict drug efficacy in clinical trials. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that the PCKS model is a powerful predictive tool for ex vivo screening of putative drugs for renal fibrosis.
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193
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Zhao Y, Rahmy S, Liu Z, Zhang C, Lu X. Rational targeting of immunosuppressive neutrophils in cancer. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 212:107556. [PMID: 32343986 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neutrophils, the most abundant circulating leukocytes in human, play an indispensable role in the innate immune response to microbial infections. However, the contribution of tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) to cancer progression and tumor immunity has been a matter of debate for decades. A higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is associated with adverse overall survival in many solid tumors. Preclinical evidence exists to support both anti-tumor and pro-tumor activities of TANs, and TANs employ diverse mechanisms to influence tumor progression and metastasis. Here, we focus our review on the immunosuppressive mechanism of TANs and highlight how neutrophils can operate to dampen both innate and adaptive immunity to promote tumorigenesis. Here we discuss the intriguing and sometimes controversial connection between TANs and granulocytic/polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (G/PMN-MDSCs). The molecular mechanisms underlying neutrophils' role in immunosuppression provide potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment, either as monotherapies or as a part of combinatorial regimens. Therefore, we also highlight a number of neutrophil-targeting approaches that may improve the efficacy of current anticancer therapies, especially cancer immunotherapy. Currently interest is surging in the understanding and targeting of immunosuppressive neutrophils, with the goal of developing novel therapeutic strategies in the battle against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhao
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Department of Biological Sciences, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Sharif Rahmy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; Integrated Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Zhongmin Liu
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Xin Lu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; Integrated Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA; Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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194
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Transcriptional downregulation of MHC class I and melanoma de- differentiation in resistance to PD-1 inhibition. Nat Commun 2020; 11:1897. [PMID: 32312968 PMCID: PMC7171183 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15726-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcriptomic signatures designed to predict melanoma patient responses to PD-1 blockade have been reported but rarely validated. We now show that intra-patient heterogeneity of tumor responses to PD-1 inhibition limit the predictive performance of these signatures. We reasoned that resistance mechanisms will reflect the tumor microenvironment, and thus we examined PD-1 inhibitor resistance relative to T-cell activity in 94 melanoma tumors collected at baseline and at time of PD-1 inhibitor progression. Tumors were analyzed using RNA sequencing and flow cytometry, and validated functionally. These analyses confirm that major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I downregulation is a hallmark of resistance to PD-1 inhibitors and is associated with the MITFlow/AXLhigh de-differentiated phenotype and cancer-associated fibroblast signatures. We demonstrate that TGFß drives the treatment resistant phenotype (MITFlow/AXLhigh) and contributes to MHC class I downregulation in melanoma. Combinations of anti-PD-1 with drugs that target the TGFß signaling pathway and/or which reverse melanoma de-differentiation may be effective future therapeutic strategies. A significant proportion of patients develop innate or acquired resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Here, the authors show that resistance to anti-PD-1 blockade is associated with TGF-beta driven major histocompatibility complex I (MHCI) down-regulation and a de-differentiated phenotype in melanoma patients.
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195
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Feng Y, Su H, Li Y, Luo C, Xu H, Wang Y, Sun H, Wan G, Zhou B, Bu X. Degradation of intracellular TGF-β1 by PROTACs efficiently reverses M2 macrophage induced malignant pathological events. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:2881-2884. [PMID: 32037404 DOI: 10.1039/c9cc08391j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The first proteolysis targeting chimeras for the intracellular elimination of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), which contributes to various diseases, are described. The appropriately designed DT-6 could efficiently degrade intracellular TGF-β1, and inhibit M2 macrophage induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition and invasive migration of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqiao Feng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, GuangZhou 510006, China.
| | - Hui Su
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, GuangZhou 510006, China.
| | - Yunzhi Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, GuangZhou 510006, China.
| | - Chunxiang Luo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, GuangZhou 510006, China.
| | - Huiying Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, GuangZhou 510006, China.
| | - Youqiao Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, GuangZhou 510006, China.
| | - Haixia Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, GuangZhou 510006, China.
| | - Guohui Wan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, GuangZhou 510006, China.
| | - Binhua Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, GuangZhou 510006, China. and School of Chinese Pharmacy, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Xianzhang Bu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, GuangZhou 510006, China.
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196
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Strait AA, Wang XJ. The role of transforming growth factor-beta in immune suppression and chronic inflammation of squamous cell carcinomas. Mol Carcinog 2020; 59:745-753. [PMID: 32301180 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Despite a decline in the incidence of squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) over the past 20 years, their survival rate has remained nearly the same, indicating that treatment options have not improved relative to other cancer types. Immunotherapies have a high potential for a sustained effect in SCC patients, but their response rate is low. Here, we review the suppressive role of transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) on the antitumor immune response in SCC and present its potential as a therapeutic target in combination with the current range of immunotherapies available for SCC patients. We conclude that SCCs are an optimal cancer type to study the effectiveness of TGFβ inhibition due to the prevalence of dysregulated TGFβ signaling in them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander A Strait
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Xiao-Jing Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.,Research Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora, Colorado
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197
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Kang YK, Bang YJ, Kondo S, Chung HC, Muro K, Dussault I, Helwig C, Osada M, Doi T. Safety and Tolerability of Bintrafusp Alfa, a Bifunctional Fusion Protein Targeting TGFβ and PD-L1, in Asian Patients with Pretreated Recurrent or Refractory Gastric Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:3202-3210. [PMID: 32299818 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-3806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with advanced gastric/gastroesophageal junction cancer (GC/GEJC) have limited treatment options after first-line therapy. Bintrafusp alfa is a first-in-class bifunctional fusion protein composed of the extracellular domain of the TGFβRII receptor (a TGFβ "trap") fused to a human IgG1 antibody against programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), potentially offering a new treatment approach for these patients. We report results for bintrafusp alfa in GC/GEJC. PATIENTS AND METHODS Asian patients with recurrent GC/GEJC for whom standard therapy does not exist or for whom standard therapy has failed enrolled in this expansion cohort of an ongoing phase I trial and received bintrafusp alfa 1,200 mg once every 2 weeks until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal. The primary objective was to assess safety/tolerability. RESULTS By July 23, 2018, 31 heavily pretreated patients received bintrafusp alfa for a median of 10.1 weeks; 3 patients remained on treatment. Six patients (19%) experienced grade 3 treatment-related adverse events (AE); no grade 4 events occurred. One on-treatment death occurred (sudden death); rupture of a preexisting thoracic aortic aneurysm was the suspected cause. Ten patients (32%) had immune-related AEs. The confirmed objective response rate per independent review committee was 16%; disease control rate was 26%. Median duration of response was 8.7 months (range, 2.4-12.4+). Responses occurred irrespective of PD-L1 expression or microsatellite instability status and appeared to correlate with high tumor TGFB1 levels. CONCLUSIONS In this first evaluation in Asian patients with heavily pretreated advanced GC/GEJC, bintrafusp alfa demonstrated a manageable safety profile and clinical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoon-Koo Kang
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yung-Jue Bang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Shunsuke Kondo
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hyun Cheol Chung
- Medical Oncology, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kei Muro
- Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Isabelle Dussault
- EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc., Billerica, Massachusetts; a business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | - Motonobu Osada
- Merck Biopharma, Tokyo, Japan; an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
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198
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Gunderson AJ, Yamazaki T, McCarty K, Fox N, Phillips M, Alice A, Blair T, Whiteford M, O'Brien D, Ahmad R, Kiely MX, Hayman A, Crocenzi T, Gough MJ, Crittenden MR, Young KH. TGFβ suppresses CD8 + T cell expression of CXCR3 and tumor trafficking. Nat Commun 2020; 11:1749. [PMID: 32273499 PMCID: PMC7145847 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15404-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) is a multipotent immunosuppressive cytokine. TGFβ excludes immune cells from tumors, and TGFβ inhibition improves the efficacy of cytotoxic and immune therapies. Using preclinical colorectal cancer models in cell type-conditional TGFβ receptor I (ALK5) knockout mice, we interrogate this mechanism. Tumor growth delay and radiation response are unchanged in animals with Treg or macrophage-specific ALK5 deletion. However, CD8αCre-ALK5flox/flox (ALK5ΔCD8) mice reject tumors in high proportions, dependent on CD8+ T cells. ALK5ΔCD8 mice have more tumor-infiltrating effector CD8+ T cells, with more cytotoxic capacity. ALK5-deficient CD8+ T cells exhibit increased CXCR3 expression and enhanced migration towards CXCL10. TGFβ reduces CXCR3 expression, and increases binding of Smad2 to the CXCR3 promoter. In vivo CXCR3 blockade partially abrogates the survival advantage of an ALK5ΔCD8 host. These data demonstrate a mechanism of TGFβ immunosuppression through inhibition of CXCR3 in CD8+ T cells, thereby limiting their trafficking into tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Gunderson
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, 4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
| | - Tomoko Yamazaki
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, 4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
| | - Kayla McCarty
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, 4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
| | - Nathaniel Fox
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, 4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
| | - Michaela Phillips
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, 4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
| | - Alejandro Alice
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, 4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
| | - Tiffany Blair
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, 4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
| | - Mark Whiteford
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, 4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
- The Oregon Clinic, Colon and Rectal Surgery Division, 4805 NE Glisan St, Suite 6N60, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
| | - David O'Brien
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, 4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
- The Oregon Clinic, Colon and Rectal Surgery Division, 4805 NE Glisan St, Suite 6N60, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
| | - Rehan Ahmad
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, 4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
- The Oregon Clinic, Colon and Rectal Surgery Division, 4805 NE Glisan St, Suite 6N60, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
| | - Maria X Kiely
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, 4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
- The Oregon Clinic, Colon and Rectal Surgery Division, 4805 NE Glisan St, Suite 6N60, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
| | - Amanda Hayman
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, 4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
- The Oregon Clinic, Colon and Rectal Surgery Division, 4805 NE Glisan St, Suite 6N60, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
| | - Todd Crocenzi
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, 4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
| | - Michael J Gough
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, 4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
| | - Marka R Crittenden
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, 4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
- The Oregon Clinic, Radiation Oncology Division, 4805 NE Glisan St, G level, Portland, OR, 97213, USA
| | - Kristina H Young
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, 4805 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR, 97213, USA.
- The Oregon Clinic, Radiation Oncology Division, 4805 NE Glisan St, G level, Portland, OR, 97213, USA.
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199
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Ozcan M, Altay O, Lam S, Turkez H, Aksoy Y, Nielsen J, Uhlen M, Boren J, Mardinoglu A. Improvement in the Current Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using a Systems Medicine Approach. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 4:e2000030. [PMID: 32529800 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death primarily due to the lack of effective targeted therapies. Despite the distinct morphological and phenotypic patterns of HCC, treatment strategies are restricted to relatively homogeneous therapies, including multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Therefore, more effective therapy options are needed to target dysregulated metabolic and molecular pathways in HCC. Integrative genomic profiling of HCC patients provides insight into the most frequently mutated genes and molecular targets, including telomerase reverse transcriptase, the TP53 gene, and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway oncogene (CTNNB1). Moreover, emerging techniques, such as genome-scale metabolic models may elucidate the underlying cancer-specific metabolism, which allows for the discovery of potential drug targets and identification of biomarkers. De novo lipogenesis has been revealed as consistently upregulated since it is required for cell proliferation in all HCC patients. The metabolic network-driven stratification of HCC patients in terms of redox responses, utilization of metabolites, and subtype-specific pathways may have clinical implications to drive the development of personalized medicine. In this review, the current and emerging therapeutic targets in light of molecular approaches and metabolic network-based strategies are summarized, prompting effective treatment of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Ozcan
- Science for Life Laboratory, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, SE 17121, Sweden.,Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, 06100, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Altay
- Science for Life Laboratory, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, SE 17121, Sweden
| | - Simon Lam
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Hasan Turkez
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Atatürk University, Erzurum, 25240, Turkey
| | - Yasemin Aksoy
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, 06100, Turkey
| | - Jens Nielsen
- Prof. J. Nielsen, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, SE-41296, Sweden
| | - Mathias Uhlen
- Science for Life Laboratory, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, SE 17121, Sweden
| | - Jan Boren
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, The Wallenberg Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, SE-413 45, Sweden
| | - Adil Mardinoglu
- Science for Life Laboratory, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, SE 17121, Sweden.,Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 9RT, UK
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200
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Groeneveldt C, van Hall T, van der Burg SH, Ten Dijke P, van Montfoort N. Immunotherapeutic Potential of TGF-β Inhibition and Oncolytic Viruses. Trends Immunol 2020; 41:406-420. [PMID: 32223932 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2020.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In cancer immunotherapy, a patient's own immune system is harnessed against cancer. Immune checkpoint inhibitors release the brakes on tumor-reactive T cells and, therefore, are particularly effective in treating certain immune-infiltrated solid tumors. By contrast, solid tumors with immune-silent profiles show limited efficacy of checkpoint blockers due to several barriers. Recent discoveries highlight transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-induced immune exclusion and a lack of immunogenicity as examples of these barriers. In this review, we summarize preclinical and clinical evidence that illustrates how the inhibition of TGF-β signaling and the use of oncolytic viruses (OVs) can increase the efficacy of immunotherapy, and discuss the promise and challenges of combining these approaches with immune checkpoint blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christianne Groeneveldt
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Thorbald van Hall
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd H van der Burg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Ten Dijke
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nadine van Montfoort
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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