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Abstract
LAG-3 is an immunosuppressive checkpoint molecule expressed on T cells. One of its ligands, GAL-3, can promote the progression of malignancy and has been identified on tumor cells. Both LAG-3 and GAL-3 are the targets of emerging immunotherapies, but have not been well-studied in endometrial carcinomas. LAG-3, CD3, and GAL-3 immunohistochemistry was performed on 75 endometrial cancers (25 nonmethylated mismatch repair-deficient, 25 MLH1-hypermethylated mismatch repair-deficient, and 25 mismatch repair-intact). LAG-3 and CD3 lymphocytes were averaged per high-power field. Tumoral GAL-3 expression was semiquantitatively scored. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte expression of LAG-3 and CD3 were positively correlated (Spearman ρ=0.521, P<0.001) and greater in mismatch repair-deficient compared with mismatch repair-intact tumors (LAG-3: P<0.001; CD3: P<0.001). The majority (64%) of endometrial carcinomas demonstrated ≥1% tumoral GAL-3 expression, with higher rates in mismatch repair-deficient versus intact tumors at the ≥1% (80% vs. 32%, P<0.001) and the ≥5% thresholds (52% vs. 16%, P=0.003). At the ≥5% threshold, nonmethylated mismatch repair-deficient cancers were more likely than intact tumors carcinomas to express GAL-3 (60% vs. 4/25 16%, P=0.003). LAG-3 lymphocytes were positively correlated with GAL-3 expression in nonmethylated mismatch repair-deficient endometrial carcinomas only (Spearman ρ=0.461, P=0.020). LAG-3 tumor-associated lymphocytes and GAL-3 neoplastic cells are common in endometrial carcinomas, particularly in nonmethylated mismatch repair-deficient cancers. This supports a role for immunotherapies targeting LAG-3 and/or GAL-3 in a subset of endometrial carcinomas, potentially in concert with other checkpoint inhibitors.
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202
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Huang Y, Chen X, Wang L, Wang T, Tang X, Su X. Centromere Protein F ( CENPF) Serves as a Potential Prognostic Biomarker and Target for Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Cancer 2021; 12:2933-2951. [PMID: 33854594 PMCID: PMC8040902 DOI: 10.7150/jca.52187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of Centromere Protein F (CENPF) is associated with tumorigenesis of many human malignant tumors. But the molecular mechanism and prognostic value of CENPF in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are still unclear. In this essay, expression of CENPF in HCC tumors were evaluated in a series of databases, including GEO, TCGA, Oncomine, GEPIA, The Human Protein Atlas and Kaplan-Meier plotter. It was apparent that mRNA and protein expression levels of CENPF were significantly increased in patients with HCC and were manifestly associated with the tumor stage of HCC. Aberrant expressions of CENPF were significantly linked with worse overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in HCC patients. Then, immunohistochemistry of CENPF in human HCC samples was carried out to suggest that CENPF protein was over-expressed in HCC tissues, compared with paired adjacent non-cancerous samples. And small interfering RNAs of CENPF in the human HepG2 cells were further performed to reveal that down-regulation of CENPF significantly inhibited cell proliferation, cell migration, and cell invasion, but slightly promoted cell apoptosis in human HepG2 cells. Moreover, the gene-set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted to probe the biology process and molecular signaling pathway of CENPF in HCC. The GSEA analysis pointed out that CENPF was principally enriched in cell cycle and closely related to E2F1 and CDK1 in the regulation of cell cycle, especially during G2/M transition of mitosis in HCC. Additionally, immune infiltration analysis by CIBERSORTx revealed that mutilpe immune cells, including Treg, etc., were significantly different in HCC samples with CENPFhigh, compared with CENPFlow. These results collectively demonstrated that CENPF might serve as a potential prognostic biomarker and novel therapeutic target for HCC. However, further research is needed to validate our findings and promote the clinical application of CENPF in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yugang Huang
- Department of Pathology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei 44200, China
| | - Xiuwen Chen
- Department of Pathology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei 44200, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Pathology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei 44200, China
| | - Tieyan Wang
- Department of Pathology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei 44200, China
| | - Xianbin Tang
- Department of Pathology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei 44200, China
| | - Xiaomin Su
- Department of Immunology, Nankai University School of Medicine, Tianjin 300110, China
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203
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Cheng H, Ma K, Zhang L, Li G. The tumor microenvironment shapes the molecular characteristics of exhausted CD8 + T cells. Cancer Lett 2021; 506:55-66. [PMID: 33662493 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The persistent antigen stimulation during chronic infections and cancer results in CD8+ T cell exhaustion. The exhausted T (Tex) cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) are characterized by increased expression of multiple co-inhibitory receptors simultaneously, progressive loss of effector function, poor proliferation and self-renewal capacity, and dysregulated metabolic activity. Emerging insights into molecular mechanisms underlying T cell exhaustion have proposed potential approaches to improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy via restoring the effector function of Tex cells. In this review, we summarize the fundamental characteristics (e.g., inhibitory receptors and transcriptional factors) regarding Tex cell differentiation and discuss in particular how those exhaustion features are acquired and shaped by key factors within the TME. Additionally, we discuss the progress and limitations of current cancer immunotherapeutic strategies targeting Tex cells in clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongcheng Cheng
- Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China; Center for Systems Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100005, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology Regulatory Element, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kaili Ma
- Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China; Center for Systems Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100005, Beijing, China
| | - Lianjun Zhang
- Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China; Center for Systems Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100005, Beijing, China.
| | - Guideng Li
- Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China; Center for Systems Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100005, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology Regulatory Element, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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204
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Mair MJ, Kiesel B, Feldmann K, Widhalm G, Dieckmann K, Wöhrer A, Müllauer L, Preusser M, Berghoff AS. LAG-3 expression in the inflammatory microenvironment of glioma. J Neurooncol 2021; 152:533-539. [PMID: 33651248 PMCID: PMC8084780 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-021-03721-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Immune modulatory therapies including immune checkpoint inhibitors have so far failed to result in clinically meaningful efficacy in glioma. We aimed to investigate lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3), an inhibitory receptor on immune cells and target of second-generation immune checkpoint inhibitors, in glioma. Methods 97 patients with diffuse glioma (68 with glioblastoma, 29 with WHO grade II-III glioma) were identified from the Neuro-Biobank of the Medical University of Vienna. LAG-3 expression in the inflammatory microenvironment was assessed by immunohistochemistry (monoclonal anti-LAG-3 antibody, clone 17B4) and correlated to CD3+ , CD8+ , CD20+ and PD-1+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and PD-L1 expression on tumor cells. Results LAG-3+ TILs could be observed in 10/97 (10.3%) IDH-wildtype samples and in none of the included IDH-mutant glioma samples (p = 0.057). Further, LAG-3+ TILs were only observed in WHO grade IV glioblastoma, while none of the investigated WHO grade II–III glioma presented with LAG-3+ TILs (p = 0.03). No association of O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation and presence of LAG-3+ TILs was observed (p = 0.726). LAG-3 expression was associated with the presence of CD3+ (p = 0.029), CD8+ (p = 0.001), PD-1+ (p < 0.001) TILs and PD-L1+ tumor cells (p = 0.021), respectively. No association of overall survival with LAG-3+ TIL infiltration was evident (median OS 9.9 vs. 14.2 months, p = 0.95). Conclusions LAG-3 is only rarely expressed on TILs in IDH-wildtype glioma and associated with active inflammatory milieu as defined by higher TIL density. Immune microenvironment diversity should be considered in the design of future immunotherapy trials in glioma. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11060-021-03721-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian J Mair
- Division of Oncology and Christian Doppler Laboratory for Personalized Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Kiesel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Feldmann
- Division of Oncology and Christian Doppler Laboratory for Personalized Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg Widhalm
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Dieckmann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Adelheid Wöhrer
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leonhard Müllauer
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Preusser
- Division of Oncology and Christian Doppler Laboratory for Personalized Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna S Berghoff
- Division of Oncology and Christian Doppler Laboratory for Personalized Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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205
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Salas-Benito D, Conde E, Tamayo-Uria I, Mancheño U, Elizalde E, Garcia-Ros D, Aramendia JM, Muruzabal JC, Alcaide J, Guillen-Grima F, Minguez JA, Amores-Tirado J, Gonzalez-Martin A, Sarobe P, Lasarte JJ, Ponz-Sarvise M, De Andrea CE, Hervas-Stubbs S. The mutational load and a T-cell inflamed tumour phenotype identify ovarian cancer patients rendering tumour-reactive T cells from PD-1 + tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes. Br J Cancer 2021; 124:1138-1149. [PMID: 33402737 PMCID: PMC7961070 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01218-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adoptive immunotherapy with tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) may benefit from the use of selective markers, such as PD-1, for tumour-specific T-cell enrichment, and the identification of predictive factors that help identify those patients capable of rendering tumour-reactive TILs. We have investigated this in ovarian cancer (OC) patients as candidates for TIL therapy implementation. METHODS PD-1- and PD-1+ CD8 TILs were isolated from ovarian tumours and expanded cells were tested against autologous tumour cells. Baseline tumour samples were examined using flow cytometry, multiplexed immunofluorescence and Nanostring technology, for gene expression analyses, as well as a next-generation sequencing gene panel, for tumour mutational burden (TMB) calculation. RESULTS Tumour-reactive TILs were detected in half of patients and were exclusively present in cells derived from the PD-1+ fraction. Importantly, a high TIL density in the fresh tumour, the presence of CD137+ cells within the PD-1+CD8+ TIL subset and their location in the tumour epithelium, together with a baseline T-cell-inflamed genetic signature and/or a high TMB, are features that identify patients rendering tumour-reactive TIL products. CONCLUSION We have demonstrated that PD-1 identifies ovarian tumour-specific CD8 TILs and has uncovered predictive factors that identify OC patients who are likely to render tumour-specific cells from PD-1+ TILs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Salas-Benito
- Department of Medical Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Enrique Conde
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ibon Tamayo-Uria
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Uxua Mancheño
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Edurne Elizalde
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - David Garcia-Ros
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Department Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jose M Aramendia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Juan C Muruzabal
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Julia Alcaide
- Department of Oncology, Hospital Costa del Sol, Marbella, Spain
| | - Francisco Guillen-Grima
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jose A Minguez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Gonzalez-Martin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- GEICO Study Group, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Sarobe
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan J Lasarte
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Mariano Ponz-Sarvise
- Department of Medical Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain.
- Program of Solid Tumors, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Carlos E De Andrea
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Department Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Oncología (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Hervas-Stubbs
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain.
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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206
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Gunasinghe SD, Peres NG, Goyette J, Gaus K. Biomechanics of T Cell Dysfunctions in Chronic Diseases. Front Immunol 2021; 12:600829. [PMID: 33717081 PMCID: PMC7948521 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.600829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms behind T cell dysfunctions during chronic diseases is critical in developing effective immunotherapies. As demonstrated by several animal models and human studies, T cell dysfunctions are induced during chronic diseases, spanning from infections to cancer. Although factors governing the onset and the extent of the functional impairment of T cells can differ during infections and cancer, most dysfunctional phenotypes share common phenotypic traits in their immune receptor and biophysical landscape. Through the latest developments in biophysical techniques applied to explore cell membrane and receptor-ligand dynamics, we are able to dissect and gain further insights into the driving mechanisms behind T cell dysfunctions. These insights may prove useful in developing immunotherapies aimed at reinvigorating our immune system to fight off infections and malignancies more effectively. The recent success with checkpoint inhibitors in treating cancer opens new avenues to develop more effective, targeted immunotherapies. Here, we highlight the studies focused on the transformation of the biophysical landscape during infections and cancer, and how T cell biomechanics shaped the immunopathology associated with chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachith D Gunasinghe
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Newton G Peres
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jesse Goyette
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Katharina Gaus
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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207
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Quetglas JI, John LB, Kershaw MH, Alvarez-Vallina L, Melero I, Darcy PK, Smerdou C. Virotherapy, gene transfer and immunostimulatory monoclonal antibodies. Oncoimmunology 2021; 1:1344-1354. [PMID: 23243597 PMCID: PMC3518506 DOI: 10.4161/onci.21679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant cells are susceptible to viral infection and consequent cell death. Virus-induced cell death is endowed with features that are known to stimulate innate and adaptive immune responses. Thus danger signals emitted by cells succumbing to viral infection as well as viral nucleic acids are detected by specific receptors, and tumor cell antigens can be routed to professional antigen-presenting cells. The anticancer immune response triggered by viral infection is frequently insufficient to eradicate malignancy but may be further amplified. For this purpose, transgenes encoding cytokines as co-stimulatory molecules can be genetically engineered into viral vectors. Alternatively, or in addition, it is possible to use monoclonal antibodies that either block inhibitory receptors of immune effector cells, or act as agonists for co-stimulatory receptors. Combined strategies are based on the ignition of a local immune response at the malignant site plus systemic immune boosting. We have recently reported examples of this approach involving the Vaccinia virus or Semliki Forest virus, interleukin-12 and anti-CD137 monoclonal antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- José I Quetglas
- Division of Hepatology and Gene Therapy; Center for Applied Medical Research; University of Navarra; Pamplona, Spain
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208
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Birdi HK, Jirovec A, Cortés-Kaplan S, Werier J, Nessim C, Diallo JS, Ardolino M. Immunotherapy for sarcomas: new frontiers and unveiled opportunities. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2020-001580. [PMID: 33526607 PMCID: PMC7852926 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas are a rare malignancy of mesenchymal tissues, comprizing a plethora of unique subtypes, with more than 60 types. The sheer heterogeneity of disease phenotype makes this a particularly difficult cancer to treat. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery have been employed for over three decades and, although effective in early disease (stages I–II), in later stages, where metastatic tumors are present, these treatments are less effective. Given the spectacular results obtained by cancer immunotherapy in a variety of solid cancers and leukemias, there is now a great interest in appliying this new realm of therapy for sarcomas. The widespread use of immunotherapy for sarcoma relies on immuno-profiling of subtypes, immunomonitoring for prognosis, preclinical studies and insight into the safety profile of these novel therapies. Herein, we discuss preclinical and clinical data highlighting how immunotherapy is being used in soft tissue sarcoma and bone sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsimrat Kaur Birdi
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,CI3, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anna Jirovec
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,CI3, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Serena Cortés-Kaplan
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,CI3, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joel Werier
- Department of Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Ottawa Hospital Reseach Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carolyn Nessim
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Ottawa Hospital Reseach Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jean-Simon Diallo
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,CI3, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michele Ardolino
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada .,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,CI3, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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209
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Bos R, Marquardt KL, Cheung J, Sherman LA. Functional differences between low- and high-affinity CD8(+) T cells in the tumor environment. Oncoimmunology 2021; 1:1239-1247. [PMID: 23243587 PMCID: PMC3518496 DOI: 10.4161/onci.21285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Weak T-cell antigen receptor (TCR)-ligand interactions are sufficient to activate naïve CD8(+) T cells, but generally do not result in tumor eradication. How differences in TCR affinity affect the regulation of T-cell function in an immunosuppressive tumor environment has not been investigated. We have examined the functional differences of high- vs. low-affinity CD8(+) T cells and we observed that infiltration, accumulation, survival and cytotoxicity within the tumor are severely impacted by the strength of TCR-ligand interactions. In addition, high-affinity CD8(+) T cells were found to exhibit lower expression of inhibitory molecules including PD-1, LAG-3 and NKG2A, thus being less susceptible to suppressive mechanisms. Interferon γ and autocrine interleukin-2 were both found to influence the level of expression of these molecules. Interestingly, although high-affinity CD8(+) T cells were superior to low-affinity CD8(+) T cells in their ability to effect tumor eradication, they could be further improved by the presence of tumor specific CD4(+) T cells. These findings illustrate the importance of both TCR affinity and tumor-specific CD4 help in tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rinke Bos
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Sciences; The Scripps Research Institute; La Jolla, CA USA
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210
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Wang F, Ye W, Wang S, He Y, Zhong H, Wang Y, Zhu Y, Han J, Bing Z, Ji S, Liu H, Yao X. Discovery of a new inhibitor targeting PD-L1 for cancer immunotherapy. Neoplasia 2021; 23:281-293. [PMID: 33529880 PMCID: PMC7851350 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Blockade of the PD-1/PD-L1 immunologic checkpoint using monoclonal antibodies has provided breakthrough therapies against cancer in the recent years. Nevertheless, intrinsic disadvantages of therapeutic antibodies may limit their applications. Thus, blocking of the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction by small molecules may be a promising alternative for cancer immunotherapy. We used a docking-based virtual screening strategy to rapidly identify new small molecular inhibitors targeting PD-L1. We demonstrated that a small molecule compound (N-[2-(aminocarbonyl)phenyl][1,1′-biphenyl]-4-carboxamide [APBC]) could effectively interrupt the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction by directly binding to PD-L1, presenting the KD and IC50 values at low-micromolar level. Molecular docking study revealed that APBC may have function through a PD-L1 dimer-locking mechanism, occluding the PD-1 interaction surface of PD-L1. We further confirmed the ligand blocking activity and T cell-reinvigoration potency of APBC using cell-based assays. APBC could dose-dependently elevate cytokine secretions of the primary T-lymphocytes that are cocultured with cancer cells. Importantly, APBC displayed superior antitumor efficacy in hPD-L1 knock-in B16F10-bearing mouse model without the induction of observable liver toxicity. Analyses on the APBC-treated mice further revealed drastically elevated levels of infiltrating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and inflammatory cytokines production in tumor microenvironment. The APBC compound could serve as a privileged scaffold in the design of improved PD pathway modulators, thus providing us promising drug candidates for tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, Cell Signal Transduction Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Wenling Ye
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, Cell Signal Transduction Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yongxing He
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Haiyang Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuwei Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Yongchang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianting Han
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhitong Bing
- Institute of Modern Physics of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shaoping Ji
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, Cell Signal Transduction Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Huanxiang Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Xiaojun Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Department of Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau, China.
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Cancer Vaccines: Antigen Selection Strategy. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9020085. [PMID: 33503926 PMCID: PMC7911511 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9020085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Unlike traditional cancer therapies, cancer vaccines (CVs) harness a high specificity of the host’s immunity to kill tumor cells. CVs can train and bolster the patient’s immune system to recognize and eliminate malignant cells by enhancing immune cells’ identification of antigens expressed on cancer cells. Various features of antigens like immunogenicity and avidity influence the efficacy of CVs. Therefore, the choice and application of antigens play a critical role in establishing and developing CVs. Tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), a group of proteins expressed at elevated levels in tumor cells but lower levels in healthy normal cells, have been well-studied and developed in CVs. However, immunological tolerance, HLA restriction, and adverse events are major obstacles that threaten TAA-based CVs’ efficacy due to the “self-protein” characteristic of TAAs. As “abnormal proteins” that are completely absent from normal cells, tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) can trigger a robust immune response against tumor cells with high specificity and without going through central tolerance, contributing to cancer vaccine development feasibility. In this review, we focus on the unique features of TAAs and TSAs and their application in vaccines, summarizing their performance in preclinical and clinical trials.
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212
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Checkpoint Inhibitors and Hepatotoxicity. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9020101. [PMID: 33494227 PMCID: PMC7909829 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9020101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Uncontrolled immune response to a pathogen or any protein can lead to tissue damage and autoimmune diseases, that represent aberrant immune responses of the individual to its own cells and/or proteins. The immune checkpoint system is the regulatory mechanism that controls immune responses. Tumor cells escape the immune surveillance mechanism, avoiding immune detection and elimination by activating these checkpoints and suppressing the anti-tumor response, thus allowing formation of tumors. Antigenic modulation facilitates masking and contributes to the escape of tumor cells. In addition, there are growing cell promoters, like transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), contributing to escape mechanisms. Targeting the immunological escape of malignant cells is the basis of immune oncology. Checkpoint inhibitors, cytokines and their antibodies may enhance the immune system’s response to tumors. Currently, immunomodulatory agents have been designed, evaluated in clinical trials and have been approved by both European and United States Drug Agencies. The present review is a reflection of the increasingly important role of the checkpoint inhibitors. Our aim is to review the side effects with the emphasis on hepatic adverse reactions of these novel biological drug interventions.
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213
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Jung EH, Jang HR, Kim SH, Suh KJ, Kim YJ, Lee JH, Chung JH, Kim M, Keam B, Kim TM, Kim DW, Heo DS, Lee JS. Tumor LAG-3 and NY-ESO-1 expression predict durable clinical benefits of immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Thorac Cancer 2021; 12:619-630. [PMID: 33458968 PMCID: PMC7919166 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.13834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are an established treatment for non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that have demonstrated durable clinical benefits (DCBs). Previous studies have suggested NY‐ESO‐1 and LAG‐3 to be surrogate markers of ICI responses in NSCLC; therefore, we explored the predictive value of their expression in NSCLC. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of 38 patients with advanced NSCLC treated with anti‐PD‐1 monoclonal antibodies from 2013 to 2016 at Seoul National University Hospital and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital after failed platinum‐based chemotherapy. Tumor tissues from each patient were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis to determine NY‐ESO‐1, LAG‐3, and PD‐L1 expression, whose ability to predict progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was then analyzed alongside their positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values. Results NY‐ESO‐1 or LAG‐3 expression was detected in all tumor samples from patients with high PD‐L1 expression and was significantly associated with favorable outcomes, unlike PD‐L1 expression. Patients with both NY‐ESO‐1‐ and LAG‐3‐expressing tumors had a high DCB rate and those with triple‐positive PD‐L1, LAG‐3, and NY‐ESO expression had a superior median OS and PFS than those with triple‐negative expression. Furthermore, LAG‐3 and NY‐ESO‐1 co‐expression was an independent predictor of both PFS and OS, while LAG‐3 displayed a good NPV. Conclusions Patients with NSCLC who co‐express NY‐ESO‐1 or LAG‐3 with PD‐L1 exhibit greater DCBs and improved long‐term survival following anti‐PD‐1 therapy. Moreover, NY‐ESO‐1 and LAG‐3 could be novel predictive biomarkers of survival and should be considered in the future use of ICIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Hee Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Hee Ryeong Jang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Se Hyun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Koung Jin Suh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Yu Jung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Ju-Hyun Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Jin-Haeng Chung
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Miso Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Bhumsuk Keam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Tae Min Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dong-Wan Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dae Seog Heo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jong Seok Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
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214
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Qi Y, Chen L, Liu Q, Kong X, Fang Y, Wang J. Research Progress Concerning Dual Blockade of Lymphocyte-Activation Gene 3 and Programmed Death-1/Programmed Death-1 Ligand-1 Blockade in Cancer Immunotherapy: Preclinical and Clinical Evidence of This Potentially More Effective Immunotherapy Strategy. Front Immunol 2021; 11:563258. [PMID: 33488573 PMCID: PMC7820761 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.563258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although various immunotherapies have exerted promising effects on cancer treatment, many patients with cancer continue to exhibit poor responses. Because of its negative regulatory effects on T cells and its biological functions related to immune and inflammatory responses, there has been considerable emphasis on a protein-coding gene named lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG3). Recently, evidence demonstrated marked synergy in its targeted therapy with programmed death-1 and programmed death-1 ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) blockade, and a variety of LAG3 targeted agents are in clinical trials, indicating the important role of LAG3 in immunotherapy. This mini-review discusses preclinical and clinical studies investigating PD-1 pathway blockade in combination with LAG3 inhibition as a potentially more effective immunotherapy strategy for further development in the clinic. This strategy might provide a new approach for the design of more effective and precise cancer immune checkpoint therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihang Qi
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangyi Kong
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Fang
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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215
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Kandalaft LE, Odunsi K, Coukos G. Immune Therapy Opportunities in Ovarian Cancer. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2021; 40:1-13. [PMID: 32412818 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_280539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as a highly promising approach in the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy, PARP inhibitors (PARPis), neoantigen vaccines, and personalized T-cell therapy have been associated with encouraging clinical activity in a small subset of patients. To increase the proportion of patients who are likely to derive benefit, it will be important not only to generate sufficient numbers of antitumor T cells but also to overcome multiple inhibitory networks in the ovarian tumor microenvironment (TME). Therefore, a major direction is to develop biomarkers that would predict responsiveness to different types of immunotherapies and allow treatment selection based on the results. Moreover, such biomarkers would allow rational combination of immunotherapies while minimizing toxicities. In this review, we provide progress on immune therapies and future directions for maximally exploiting immune-based strategies for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lana E Kandalaft
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, and Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kunle Odunsi
- Center for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY.,Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY
| | - George Coukos
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, and Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
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216
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Zsiros E, Lynam S, Attwood KM, Wang C, Chilakapati S, Gomez EC, Liu S, Akers S, Lele S, Frederick PJ, Odunsi K. Efficacy and Safety of Pembrolizumab in Combination With Bevacizumab and Oral Metronomic Cyclophosphamide in the Treatment of Recurrent Ovarian Cancer: A Phase 2 Nonrandomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Oncol 2021; 7:78-85. [PMID: 33211063 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2020.5945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Importance Treatment options for recurrent ovarian cancer are of limited clinical benefit and adversely affect patient quality of life, representing an unmet need for tolerable effective therapies. Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of a combination of pembrolizumab with bevacizumab and oral metronomic cyclophosphamide in patients with recurrent platinum-sensitive, platinum-resistant, or refractory epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer. Design, Setting, and Participants This open-label, single-arm phase 2 cohort study enrolled patients from September 6, 2016, to June 27, 2018, at a single institution in the United States. Eligible patients had recurrent ovarian cancer, measurable disease per immune-related Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (irRECIST), and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 to 1. Data were analyzed from September 6, 2016, to February 20, 2020. Interventions Patients received intravenous pembrolizumab, 200 mg, and bevacizumab, 15 mg/kg, every 3 weeks and oral cyclophosphamide, 50 mg, once daily during the treatment cycle until disease progression, unacceptable toxic effects, or withdrawal of consent. Main Outcomes and Measures Primary outcomes were objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS). Results Of the 40 women enrolled, 30 (75.0%) had platinum-resistant and 10 (25.0%) had platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer with a mean (SD) age of 62.2 (9.4) years. Three women (7.5%) had complete responses, 16 (40.0%) had partial responses, and 19 (47.5%) had stable disease in response to treatment based on irRECIST criteria, with an ORR of 47.5%, clinical benefit in 38 (95.0%), and durable response in 10 (25.0%). Median PFS was 10.0 (90% CI, 6.5-17.4) months. The most common grade 3 to 4 treatment-related adverse events were hypertension (6 [15.0%]) and lymphopenia (3 [7.5%]). The most frequently reported adverse events included fatigue (18 [45.0%]), diarrhea (13 [32.5%]), and hypertension (11 [27.5%]). Conclusions and Relevance In this phase 2 nonrandomized clinical trial, the combination of pembrolizumab with bevacizumab and oral cyclophosphamide was well tolerated and demonstrated clinical benefit in 95.0% and durable treatment responses (>12 months) in 25.0% of patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. This combination may represent a future treatment strategy for recurrent ovarian cancer. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02853318.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emese Zsiros
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Clinical Sciences Center, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York.,Center for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Sarah Lynam
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Clinical Sciences Center, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Kristopher M Attwood
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Chong Wang
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Shanmuga Chilakapati
- Center for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Eduardo Cortes Gomez
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Song Liu
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Stacey Akers
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Clinical Sciences Center, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Shashikant Lele
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Clinical Sciences Center, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Peter J Frederick
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Clinical Sciences Center, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Kunle Odunsi
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Clinical Sciences Center, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York.,Center for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
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Armitage JD, Newnes HV, McDonnell A, Bosco A, Waithman J. Fine-Tuning the Tumour Microenvironment: Current Perspectives on the Mechanisms of Tumour Immunosuppression. Cells 2021; 10:cells10010056. [PMID: 33401460 PMCID: PMC7823446 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionised the treatment of cancers by harnessing the power of the immune system to eradicate malignant tissue. However, it is well recognised that some cancers are highly resistant to these therapies, which is in part attributed to the immunosuppressive landscape of the tumour microenvironment (TME). The contexture of the TME is highly heterogeneous and contains a complex architecture of immune, stromal, vascular and tumour cells in addition to acellular components such as the extracellular matrix. While understanding the dynamics of the TME has been instrumental in predicting durable responses to immunotherapy and developing new treatment strategies, recent evidence challenges the fundamental paradigms of how tumours can effectively subvert immunosurveillance. Here, we discuss the various immunosuppressive features of the TME and how fine-tuning these mechanisms, rather than ablating them completely, may result in a more comprehensive and balanced anti-tumour response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse D. Armitage
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (J.D.A.); (H.V.N.); (A.M.)
| | - Hannah V. Newnes
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (J.D.A.); (H.V.N.); (A.M.)
| | - Alison McDonnell
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (J.D.A.); (H.V.N.); (A.M.)
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, QEII Medical Centre, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Anthony Bosco
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (J.D.A.); (H.V.N.); (A.M.)
- Correspondence: (A.B.); (J.W.)
| | - Jason Waithman
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia; (J.D.A.); (H.V.N.); (A.M.)
- Correspondence: (A.B.); (J.W.)
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218
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Combined inhibition of PD-1/PD-L1, Lag-3, and Tim-3 axes augments antitumor immunity in gastric cancer-T cell coculture models. Gastric Cancer 2021; 24:611-623. [PMID: 33611641 PMCID: PMC8065004 DOI: 10.1007/s10120-020-01151-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunotherapy targeting PD-1 provides a limited survival benefit in patients with unresectable advanced or recurrent gastric cancer (GC). Beside PD-L1, the expression of inhibitory ligands such as CEACAM-1 and LSECtin on GC cells account for this limitation. Here we assessed their expression and immune suppressive effect in GC patients. METHODS Using multiplexed immunohistochemistry staining, we evaluated the distribution of different inhibitory ligands, including PD-L1, CEACAM-1, LSECtin, and MHC class II, in 365 GC patients. We analyzed their correlations and overall survival (OS) based on the expression of each inhibitory ligand and the independent prognostic factors that affect OS. Subsequently, we evaluated the additive effect of anti-PD-1 mAb or anti-PD-L1 mAb with/without anti-Lag-3 mAb with/without anti-Tim-3 mAb in cytotoxic assay using tumor-antigen specific CTL clones against GC cell lines. RESULTS Co-expression of the inhibitory ligands for PD-1, Tim-3, and Lag-3 was observed in the largest proportion (34.7%). CEACAM-1, LSECtin, and MHC class II expression showed significant correlation with PD-L1 expression and OS. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that CEACAM-1 low is an independent prognostic factor. Furthermore, combining dual and triple ICIs yielded additive effect on cytotoxicity of CTL clones against each immune inhibitory ligand positive GC cell lines. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggested that the expression of inhibitory ligands for Tim-3 and Lag-3 on GC cells serve as potential biomarkers to predict the response to anti-PD-1 therapy and the combinatorial immunotherapy with ICIs targeting for PD-1, Tim-3, and Lag-3 has a therapeutic potential for GC patients.
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219
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Al-Hashemi H, Rahman SHA, Shabeeb Z. Expression of immune checkpoint molecules in Iraqi acute myeloid leukemia patients. IRAQI JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.4103/ijh.ijh_46_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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220
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Kolb HR, Borcherding N, Zhang W. Understanding and Targeting Human Cancer Regulatory T Cells to Improve Therapy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1278:229-256. [PMID: 33523451 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-6407-9_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are critical in maintaining immune homeostasis under various pathophysiological conditions. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that Tregs play an important role in cancer progression and that they do so by suppressing cancer-directed immune responses. Tregs have been targeted for destruction by exploiting antibodies against and small-molecule inhibitors of several molecules that are highly expressed in Tregs-including immune checkpoint molecules, chemokine receptors, and metabolites. To date, these strategies have had only limited antitumor efficacy, yet they have also created significant risk of autoimmunity because most of them do not differentiate Tregs in tumors from those in normal tissues. Currently, immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based cancer immunotherapies have revolutionized cancer treatment, but the resistance to ICI is common and the elevation of Tregs is one of the most important mechanisms. Therapeutic strategies that can selectively eliminate Tregs in the tumor (i.e. therapies that do not run the risk of causing autoimmunity by affecting normal tissue), are urgently needed for the development of cancer immunotherapies. This chapter discusses specific properties of human Tregs under the context of cancer and the various ways to target Treg for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Ryan Kolb
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Nicholas Borcherding
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Weizhou Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Wuerdemann N, Pütz K, Eckel H, Jain R, Wittekindt C, Huebbers CU, Sharma SJ, Langer C, Gattenlöhner S, Büttner R, Speel EJ, Suchan M, Wagner S, Quaas A, Klussmann JP. LAG-3, TIM-3 and VISTA Expression on Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma-Potential Biomarkers for Targeted Therapy Concepts. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:E379. [PMID: 33396515 PMCID: PMC7796181 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor growth and survival requires a particularly effective immunosuppressant tumor microenvironment (TME) to escape destruction by the immune system. While immunosuppressive checkpoint markers like programmed cell death 1 ligand (PD-L1) are already being targeted in clinical practice, lymphocyte-activation-protein 3 (LAG-3), T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM-3) and V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) inhibitors are currently under investigation in clinical trials. Reliable findings on the expression status of those immune checkpoint inhibitors on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in the TME of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) are lacking. This work aims to describe the expression of LAG-3, TIM-3, and VISTA expression in the TME of OPSCC. We created a tissue microarray of paraffin-embedded tumor tissue of 241 OPSCC. Expression of the immune checkpoint protein LAG-3, TIM-3, and VISTA in OPSCC was evaluated using immunohistochemistry and results were correlated with CD8+ T-cell inflammation and human papillomavirus (HPV)-status. 73 OPSCC stained positive for LAG-3 (31%; HPV+:44%; HPV-:26%, p = 0.006), 122 OPSCC stained positive for TIM-3 (51%; HPV+:70%; HPV-:44%, p < 0.001) and 168 OPSCC (70%; HPV+:75%; HPV-:68%, p = 0.313) for VISTA. CD8+ T-cells were significantly associated with LAG-3, TIM-3 and VISTA expression (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.007). Immune checkpoint therapy targeting LAG-3, TIM-3, and/or VISTA could be a promising treatment strategy especially in HPV-related OPSCC. Future clinical trials investigating the efficacy of a checkpoint blockade in consideration of LAG-3, TIM-3, and VISTA expression are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Wuerdemann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Giessen, Klinikstrasse 33, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (C.W.); (S.J.S.); (C.L.); (S.W.)
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (H.E.); (R.J.); (C.U.H.); (M.S.); (J.P.K.)
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Robert-Koch-Str. 21, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Katharina Pütz
- Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (K.P.); (R.B.); (A.Q.)
| | - Hans Eckel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (H.E.); (R.J.); (C.U.H.); (M.S.); (J.P.K.)
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Robert-Koch-Str. 21, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Rishabh Jain
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (H.E.); (R.J.); (C.U.H.); (M.S.); (J.P.K.)
| | - Claus Wittekindt
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Giessen, Klinikstrasse 33, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (C.W.); (S.J.S.); (C.L.); (S.W.)
| | - Christian U. Huebbers
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (H.E.); (R.J.); (C.U.H.); (M.S.); (J.P.K.)
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Robert-Koch-Str. 21, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Jean-Uhrmacher-Institute for Otorhinolaryngological Research, University of Cologne, Geibelstrasse 29–31, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Shachi J. Sharma
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Giessen, Klinikstrasse 33, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (C.W.); (S.J.S.); (C.L.); (S.W.)
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (H.E.); (R.J.); (C.U.H.); (M.S.); (J.P.K.)
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Robert-Koch-Str. 21, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Christine Langer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Giessen, Klinikstrasse 33, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (C.W.); (S.J.S.); (C.L.); (S.W.)
| | - Stefan Gattenlöhner
- Institute of Pathology, University of Giessen, Langhansstrasse 10, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
| | - Reinhard Büttner
- Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (K.P.); (R.B.); (A.Q.)
| | - Ernst-Jan Speel
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - Malte Suchan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (H.E.); (R.J.); (C.U.H.); (M.S.); (J.P.K.)
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Robert-Koch-Str. 21, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Steffen Wagner
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Giessen, Klinikstrasse 33, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (C.W.); (S.J.S.); (C.L.); (S.W.)
| | - Alexander Quaas
- Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (K.P.); (R.B.); (A.Q.)
| | - Jens P. Klussmann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Kerpener Strasse 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (H.E.); (R.J.); (C.U.H.); (M.S.); (J.P.K.)
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Robert-Koch-Str. 21, 50931 Cologne, Germany
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Lecocq Q, Keyaerts M, Devoogdt N, Breckpot K. The Next-Generation Immune Checkpoint LAG-3 and Its Therapeutic Potential in Oncology: Third Time's a Charm. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010075. [PMID: 33374804 PMCID: PMC7795594 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The blockade of immune checkpoints (ICPs), such as cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated protein-4 (CTLA-4) and programmed death-1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1), has propelled the field of immuno-oncology into its current era. Drugs targeting these ICPs have improved clinical outcome in a number of patients with solid and hematological cancers. Nonetheless, some patients have no benefit from these ICP-blocking therapies. This observation has instigated research into alternative pathways that are responsible for the escape of cancer cells from anti-cancer immune responses. From this research, a number of molecules have emerged as promising therapeutic targets, including lymphocyte activating gene-3 (LAG-3), a next-generation ICP. We will review the current knowledge on the biological activity of LAG-3 and linked herewith its expression on activated immune cells. Moreover, we will discuss the prognostic value of LAG-3 and how LAG-3 expression in tumors can be monitored, which is an aspect that is of utmost importance, as the blockade of LAG-3 is actively pursued in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quentin Lecocq
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Marleen Keyaerts
- Nuclear Medicine Department, UZ Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium;
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory (ICMI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory (ICMI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium;
- Correspondence:
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW A number of clinical trials are currently testing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and T cell receptor (TCR) engineered T cells for the treatment of haematologic malignancies and selected solid tumours, and CD19-CAR-T cells have produced impressive clinical responses in B-cell malignancies. Here, we summarize the current state of the field, highlighting the key aspects required for the optimal application of CAR and TCR-engineered T cells for cancer immunotherapy. RECENT FINDINGS Toxicities, treatment failure and disease recurrence have been observed at different rates and kinetics. Several strategies have been designed to overcome these hurdles: the identification and combination of known and new antigens, together with the combination of immunotherapeutic and classical approaches may overcome cancer immune evasion. New protocols for genetic modification and T cell culture may improve the overall fitness of cellular products and their resistance to hostile tumour immunomodulatory signals. Finally, the schedules of T cell administration and toxicity management have been adapted to improve the safety of this transformative therapeutic approach. SUMMARY In order to develop effective adoptive T cell treatments for cancer, therapeutic optimization of engineered CAR and TCR T cells is crucial, by simultaneously focusing on intrinsic and extrinsic factors. This review focuses on the innovative approaches designed and tested to overcome the hurdles encountered so far in the clinical practice, with new excitement on novel laboratory insights and ongoing clinical investigations.
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224
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Abstract
Exhausted T cells are a group of dysfunctional T cells, which are present in chronic infections or tumors. The most significant characteristics of exhausted T cells are attenuated effector cytotoxicity, reduced cytokine production, and upregulation of multiple inhibitory molecular receptors (e.g., PD-1, TIM-3, and LAG-3). The intracellular metabolic changes, altered expression of transcription factors, and a unique epigenetic landscape constitute the exhaustion program. Recently, researchers have made progress in understanding exhausted T cells, with the definition and identification of exhausted T cells changing from phenotype-based to being classified at the transcriptional and epigenetic levels. Recent studies have revealed that exhausted T cells can be separated into two subgroups, namely TCF1+PD-1+ progenitor-like precursor exhausted cells and TCF1-PD-1+ terminally differentiated exhausted T cells. Moreover, the progenitor-like precursor cell population may be a subset of T cells that can respond to immunotherapy. Studies have also found that TOX initiates and dominates the development of exhausted T cells at the transcriptional and epigenetic levels. TOX also maintains T cell survival and may affect decisions regarding treatment strategies. In this review, we discuss the latest developments in T cell exhaustion in regards to definitions, subpopulations, development mechanisms, differences in diverse diseases, and treatment prospects for exhausted T cells. Furthermore, we hypothesize that the epigenetic state regulated by TOX might be the key point, which can determine the reversibility of exhaustion and the efficacy of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqing Zeng
- Department of Immunology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Feng Wei
- Department of Immunology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Xiubao Ren
- Department of Immunology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin 300060, China.,Department of Biotherapy Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin 300060, China
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225
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Deng W, Ma Y, Su Z, Liu Y, Liang P, Huang C, Liu X, Shao J, Zhang Y, Zhang K, Chen J, Li R. Single-cell RNA-sequencing analyses identify heterogeneity of CD8 + T cell subpopulations and novel therapy targets in melanoma. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2020; 20:105-118. [PMID: 33575475 PMCID: PMC7851490 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2020.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
CD8+ T cells are crucial to establish antitumor immunity, and their high infiltration associates with favorable prognoses. However, several CD8+ T cell subpopulations in the tumor microenvironment may play different roles in prognosis, progression, and immunotherapy. Here, we analyzed prior published single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) melanoma data to explore the heterogeneity of CD8+ T cell subpopulations and identified 7 major subpopulations. We found that high infiltration of exhausted CD8+ T cell subpopulation 2 would contribute to unfavorable prognoses. In contrast, a large proportion of naive/memory cells and cytotoxic CD8+ T cell subpopulation 3 would lead to favorable prognoses. Notably, the proportion of the cytotoxic CD8+ T cell subpopulation 3 would decrease in later-stage melanoma samples, while that of the exhausted CD8+ T cell subpopulation 2 would increase. We also found that high abnormal activities of metabolic pathways existed in exhausted CD8+ T cell subpopulation 1. Significantly, immunosuppressive checkpoints PD-1 and CTLA-4 signaling pathways were upregulated in exhausted CD8+ T cell subpopulations. In addition, a dynamic transcript landscape of immune checkpoints among different subpopulations was also depicted in this study. Moreover, we identified three overexpressed genes (PMEL, TYRP1, and EDNRB) that were significantly correlated to poor prognoses and only expressed in exhausted CD8+ T cell subpopulation 2. Importantly, they showed the highest expression in melanoma samples compared to other tumors. In general, we characterized the CD8+ T cell subpopulations in melanoma and identified that not only genes of immunosuppressive checkpoints but also PMEL, TYRP1, and EDNRB could serve as potential targets for melanoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Deng
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing 100034, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis of Dermatoses, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yubo Ma
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing 100034, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis of Dermatoses, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Su
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Yufang Liu
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Panpan Liang
- Clinical Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chen Huang
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing 100034, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis of Dermatoses, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing 100034, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis of Dermatoses, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Shao
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing 100034, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis of Dermatoses, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing 100034, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis of Dermatoses, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing 100034, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis of Dermatoses, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Ruoyu Li
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing 100034, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis of Dermatoses, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
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226
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Edwards SC, Hoevenaar WHM, Coffelt SB. Emerging immunotherapies for metastasis. Br J Cancer 2020; 124:37-48. [PMID: 33262520 PMCID: PMC7782509 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01160-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Major advances in cancer immunotherapy have dramatically expanded the potential to manipulate immune cells in cancer patients with metastatic disease to counteract cancer spread and extend patient lifespan. One of the most successful types of immunotherapy is the immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1, that keep anti-tumour T cells active. However, not every patient with metastatic disease benefits from this class of drugs and patients often develop resistance to these therapies over time. Tremendous research effort is now underway to uncover new immunotherapeutic targets that can be used in patients who are refractory to anti-CTLA-4 or anti-PD-1 treatment. Here, we discuss results from experimental model systems demonstrating that modulating the immune response can negatively affect metastasis formation. We focus on molecules that boost anti-tumour immune cells and opportunities to block immunosuppression, as well as cell-based therapies with enhanced tumour recognition properties for solid tumours. We also present a list of challenges in treating metastatic disease with immunotherapy that must be considered in order to move laboratory observations into clinical practice and maximise patient benefit. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Edwards
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK.,Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Wilma H M Hoevenaar
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK.,Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Seth B Coffelt
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK. .,Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
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227
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Inflammation and immunity in ovarian cancer. EJC Suppl 2020; 15:56-66. [PMID: 33240443 PMCID: PMC7569134 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcsup.2019.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The standard first-line therapy for ovarian cancer is a combination of surgery and carboplatin/paclitaxel-based chemotherapy. Patients with longer survival and improved response to chemotherapy usually present T-cell inflamed tumours. The presence of tumour-infiltrating T cells (TILs) notably varies among the different subtypes of ovarian tumours, being highest in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma, intermediate in endometrioid tumours, and lowest in low-grade serous, mucinous and clear cell tumours. Interestingly, the presence of TILs is often accompanied by a strong immunosuppressive tumour environment. A better understanding of the immune response against ovarian cancer and the tumour immune evasion mechanisms will enable improved prognostication, response prediction and immunotherapy of this disease. This article provides an overview of some ovarian cancer cell features relevant for antitumour response, such as tumour-associated antigens, including neoantigens, expression of inhibitory molecules, and other mechanisms of immune evasion. Moreover, we describe relevant immune cell types found in epithelial ovarian tumours, including T and B lymphocytes, regulatory T cells, natural killer cells, tumour-associated macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells and neutrophils. We focus on how these components influence the burden of the tumour and the clinical outcome. The presence of spontaneous tumour-specific T lymphocytes and the existence of multiple immune evasion mechanisms in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) support the immunogenicity of this tumour. Tumour-infiltrating T lymphocytes (TILs) have been associated with disease outcome in EOC, indicating their clinical significance. The subtypes of EOC, mutations in TP53 and breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility protein 1/2 and the immune expression signature are factors associated to TIL density in EOC. The tumour microenvironment in EOC consists of a dynamic and complex network of soluble factors, inhibitory receptors and immunosuppressive cells.
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228
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García-Martínez E, Pérez-Fidalgo JA. Immunotherapies in ovarian cancer. EJC Suppl 2020; 15:87-95. [PMID: 33240447 PMCID: PMC7573463 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcsup.2020.02.002] [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: 06/23/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death for gynaecological cancer, and new therapies are urgently awaited. Although the presence of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes has been confirmed to be associated to a better prognosis, immunotherapy is not yet incorporated to the armamentarium in ovarian cancer. This review briefly summarises the strategies that have been tested or are under study for the three different groups of tumours: immune desert, inflamed and immune-excluded ovarian tumours. Finally, a better knowledge of the biology and immune microenvironment is needed for successfully developing new immunotherapy strategies. Immune ovarian cancer subtypes could improve the selection patients for immunotherapy. Very frequently ovarian cancer needs to be converted in an inflamed tumour. Checkpoints inhibitor combinations are well designed and very promising in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena García-Martínez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Grupo Español de Investigación en Cáncer de Ovario (GEICO), Murcia, Spain
| | - J Alejandro Pérez-Fidalgo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria INCLIVA, Grupo Español de Investigación en Cáncer de Ovario (GEICO), Valencia, Spain
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229
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Green AK, Feinberg J, Makker V. A Review of Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy in Endometrial Cancer. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2020; 40:1-7. [PMID: 32213091 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_280503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 30% of primary endometrial cancers are microsatellite instability high/hypermutated (MSI-H), and 13% to 30% of recurrent endometrial cancers are MSI-H or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR). Given the presence of immune dysregulation in endometrial cancer as described, immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has been explored as a therapeutic mechanism, both as monotherapy and in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy, other immunotherapy, or targeted agents. In MSI-H or dMMR advanced endometrial cancers, PD-1 inhibitors dostarlimab and pembrolizumab have shown response rates of 49% and 57%, respectively, whereas PD-L1 inhibitors avelumab and durvalumab have shown response rates of 27% and 43%, respectively. In microsatellite stable (MSS) or PD-L1-positive advanced endometrial cancers, modest activity of PD-1 inhibitors nivolumab and dostarlimab and PD-L1 inhibitors atezolizumab, avelumab, and durvalumab has been seen, with response rates ranging from 3% to 23%. Based on substantial activity in a phase Ib/II study, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted lenvatinib and pembrolizumab combination therapy accelerated approval in 2019 for the treatment of advanced endometrial cancer that is not MSI-H or dMMR and has progressed following prior therapy. Although these developments have been highly impactful, a more robust understanding of the molecular and immunologic drivers of response and resistance will be critical to optimally design next-generation studies in endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela K Green
- Gynecologic Medical Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Jacqueline Feinberg
- Gynecology Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Vicky Makker
- Gynecologic Medical Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
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230
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Cheng H, Zong L, Kong Y, Gu Y, Yang J, Xiang Y. Emerging Targets of Immunotherapy in Gynecologic Cancer. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:11869-11882. [PMID: 33239889 PMCID: PMC7681579 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s282530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although programmed cell death protein 1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) have been successfully applied in the treatment of tumors, their efficiency is still not high enough. New immune targets need to be identified in order to seek alternative treatment strategies for patients with refractory tumors. Immune targets can be divided into stimulating and inhibiting molecules according to their function after receptor-ligand binding. We herein present a compendious summary of emerging immune targets in gynecologic tumors. These targets included coinhibitory molecules, such as T cell immunoglobulin-3 (TIM-3), T cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT), lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), V-type immunoglobulin domain-containing suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA), and B7-H3 and B7-H4, and co-stimulatory molecules, such as CD27, OX40, 4-1BB, CD40, glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor (GITR) and inducible co-stimulator (ICOS). In this review, the characteristics and preclinical/clinical progress of gynecological malignancies are briefly discussed. However, the potential mechanisms and interactions of immune targets need to be elucidated in further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Liju Zong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pathology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujia Kong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Gu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjun Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Xiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Expression of the Immune Checkpoint Regulators LAG-3 and TIM-3 in Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma. CLINICAL LYMPHOMA MYELOMA & LEUKEMIA 2020; 21:257-266.e3. [PMID: 33277223 DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2020.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The role of the programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis is well established in classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), where PD-1 blockade demonstrated spectacular efficacy in relapsed/refractory disease. However, little is known about the frequency and cellular distribution of other immune checkpoints in HL samples. PATIENTS AND METHODS Using immunohistochemistry, we investigated, along with PD-L1 and PD-1, the expression of lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3) and T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing 3 (TIM-3) in 57 biopsy samples of patients with classical HL. RESULTS Hodgkin and Reed/Sternberg (HRS) cells were strongly positive for PD-L1 in nearly all cases. HRS cells were TIM-3 positive in 36% of samples, whereas LAG-3 was rarely expressed (5.2%). In the microenvironment, PD-1, LAG-3, and TIM-3 were expressed by ≥ 5% of cells in 65%, 98%, and 96% of cases, respectively. T-cell rosettes surrounding HRS cells consisted of CD4+ FoxP3- helper T cells expressing both PD-1 and LAG-3, with a variable expression of TIM-3. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates for the first time that LAG-3 and TIM-3 are nearly always expressed in the microenvironment of classical HL. This may constitute the basis for targeting LAG-3 or TIM-3 in combination with anti-PD-1 antibodies in the treatment of relapsed/refractory HL.
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232
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Odunsi A, McGray AJR, Miliotto A, Zhang Y, Wang J, Abiola A, Eppolito C, Huang RY. Fidelity of human ovarian cancer patient-derived xenografts in a partially humanized mouse model for preclinical testing of immunotherapies. J Immunother Cancer 2020; 8:jitc-2020-001237. [PMID: 33177175 PMCID: PMC7661374 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs) have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to be used alone in front-line therapies or in combination with other regimens for certain advanced cancers. Since ICB only works in a subset of patients and has limited efficacy in treating ovarian cancer (OVC), developing preclinical models that help to understand which patients may derive benefit from ICB would be of tremendous benefit in OVC. Methods Here, we generated preclinical human OVC models from freshly resected tumors, which include six patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) from six different patient tumors, three transplantable OVC PD spheroid lines (PD-sphs), and 3 cell lines (PD-CLs). We tested the therapeutic combination of anti-PD1/CTLA4 antibodies with (1) autologous tumor-associated leukocytes (TALs) on the growth of PD-sphs in a coculture system in vitro, (2) with adoptively transferred autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells or TALs in patient-derived OVC models using partially humanized mice, NSG-HHDxSGM3 (N-HSGM3). Results We show that PD-1 and CTLA-4 dual blockade when combined with autologous TALs effectively reduced PD-sph number in a co-culture system and led to regression of established PD-CLs and PDXs in the N-HSGM3 mice. Combinatorial PD-1 and CTLA-4 blockade increased the frequency and function of tumor-specific CD8 T cells. These CD8 T cells persisted in the tumor microenvironment, exhibited memory phenotype and protected animals from tumor growth on tumor rechallenge. Gene expression analysis of tumors resistant to dual PD1/CTLA4 blockade treatment identified upregulation of antigen processing and presentation pathways and downregulation of extracellular matrix organization genes. Conclusions These findings describe a novel platform for developing patient-derived preclinical tumor models suitable for rationally testing combinatorial ICB in the context of autologous tumor-reactive T cells. This platform can be further developed for testing additional targeted therapies relevant to OVC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adekunle Odunsi
- Center For Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA.,Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - A J Robert McGray
- Center For Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Anthony Miliotto
- Center For Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Yali Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Jianming Wang
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Adebukola Abiola
- Center For Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Cheryl Eppolito
- Center For Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Ruea-Yea Huang
- Center For Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
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Blanc-Durand F, Genestie C, Galende EY, Gouy S, Morice P, Pautier P, Maulard A, Mesnage S, Le Formal A, Brizais C, Richardson M, Leary A. Distribution of novel immune-checkpoint targets in ovarian cancer tumor microenvironment: A dynamic landscape. Gynecol Oncol 2020; 160:279-284. [PMID: 33162175 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2020.09.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The disappointing activity of single agent immune-checkpoint inhibitors in epitherlial ovarian cancer (EOC) has been attributed in part to its unique tumor microenvironment (TME). IDO, PDL1, LAG3 and TIM3 have been implicated in the immunotolerance of EOC. We investigated the expression of these co-regulators, their change with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), and their association with outcome. METHOD We identified 98 patients with EOC treated with NACT and performed IDO, PDL1, LAG3 and TIM3 immunohistochemistry on samples obtained before and after NACT. The cut-off threshold to consider a positive sample was set at 5%. RESULTS In our cohort, TIM3 was the most prevalent co-regulator, with more than 75% of the samples being TIM3 positive. In comparison, only 22%, 28% and 17% of the samples were considered IDO, PDL1 and LAG3 positive. More than half of ovarian tumors expressed 2, 3 or even all 4 co-inhibitory molecules. However, biomarkers were not correlated with each other. NACT had a marked impact on immune co-regulator expression with over 70% of patients showing a change in biomarker status from negative to positive or vice versa. There was no significant difference in the pattern of co-regulator expression between platinum-sensitive and resistant patients. Co-expression of multiple inhibitory molecules did not appear to affect overall and progression-free survival. CONCLUSION TIM3 is the most abundant co-inhibitory molecule in OC and may represent an attractive target. In addition, OC frequently co-expressed 2 or more markers supporting ICI combinatorial approaches. Finally, NACT significantly altered the expression of immunosuppressive molecules suggesting that the choice of ICI combinations should be adapted to the composition of the post-NACT immune TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Félix Blanc-Durand
- Gynecological Cancer Unit, Department of Medicine, Gustave Roussy, France
| | | | | | - Sébastien Gouy
- Gynecological Cancer Unit, Department of Medicine, Gustave Roussy, France
| | - Philippe Morice
- Gynecological Cancer Unit, Department of Medicine, Gustave Roussy, France
| | - Patricia Pautier
- Gynecological Cancer Unit, Department of Medicine, Gustave Roussy, France
| | - Amandine Maulard
- Gynecological Cancer Unit, Department of Medicine, Gustave Roussy, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Alexandra Leary
- Gynecological Cancer Unit, Department of Medicine, Gustave Roussy, France; INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.
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234
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Development of Therapeutic Vaccines for Ovarian Cancer. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8040657. [PMID: 33167428 PMCID: PMC7711901 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8040657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer remains the deadliest of all gynecologic malignancies. Our expanding knowledge of ovarian cancer immunology has allowed the development of therapies that generate systemic anti-tumor immune responses. Current immunotherapeutic strategies include immune checkpoint blockade, cellular therapies, and cancer vaccines. Vaccine-based therapies are designed to induce both adaptive and innate immune responses directed against ovarian cancer associated antigens. Tumor-specific effector cells, in particular cytotoxic T cells, are activated to recognize and eliminate ovarian cancer cells. Vaccines for ovarian cancer have been studied in various clinical trials over the last three decades. Despite evidence of vaccine-induced humoral and cellular immune responses, the majority of vaccines have not shown significant anti-tumor efficacy. Recently, improved vaccine development using dendritic cells or synthetic platforms for antigen presentation have shown promising clinical benefits in patients with ovarian cancer. In this review, we provide an overview of therapeutic vaccine development in ovarian cancer, discuss proposed mechanisms of action, and summarize the current clinical experience.
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235
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Colton M, Cheadle EJ, Honeychurch J, Illidge TM. Reprogramming the tumour microenvironment by radiotherapy: implications for radiotherapy and immunotherapy combinations. Radiat Oncol 2020; 15:254. [PMID: 33148287 PMCID: PMC7640712 DOI: 10.1186/s13014-020-01678-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) is a highly effective anti-cancer therapy delivered to around 50-60% of patients. It is part of therapy for around 40% of cancer patients who are cured of their disease. Until recently, the focus of this anti-tumour efficacy has been on the direct tumour cytotoxicity and RT-induced DNA damage. Recently, the immunomodulatory effects of RT on the tumour microenvironment have increasingly been recognized. There is now intense interest in potentially using RT to induce an anti-tumour immune response, which has led to rethinking into how the efficacy of RT could be further enhanced. Following the breakthrough of immune check point inhibitors (ICIs), a new era of immuno-oncology (IO) agents has emerged and established immunotherapy as a routine part of cancer treatment. Despite ICI improving outcomes in many cancer types, overall durable responses occur in only a minority of patients. The immunostimulatory effects of RT make combinations with ICI attractive to potentially amplify anti-tumour immunity resulting in increased tumour responses and improved outcomes. In contrast, tumours with profoundly immunosuppressive tumour microenvironments, dominated by myeloid-derived cell populations, remain a greater clinical challenge and RT may potentially further enhance the immunosuppression. To harness the full potential of RT and IO agent combinations, further insights are required to enhance our understanding of the role these immunosuppressive myeloid populations play, how RT influences these populations and how they may be therapeutically manipulated in combination with RT to improve outcomes further. These are exciting times with increasing numbers of IO targets being discovered and IO agents undergoing clinical evaluation. Multidisciplinary research collaborations will be required to establish the optimal parameters for delivering RT (target volume, dose and fractionation) in combination with IO agents, including scheduling to achieve maximal therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madyson Colton
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Eleanor J Cheadle
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jamie Honeychurch
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Tim M Illidge
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Immunotherapy has shown an unprecedented response in treatment of tumors. However, challenges such as lack of cytotoxic lymphocytes to mount an immune response or development of resistance to therapy can limit efficacy. Here, we discuss alternative checkpoints that can be targeted to improve cytotoxic lymphocyte function while harnessing other components of the immune system. RECENT FINDINGS Blockade of alternative checkpoints has improved anti-tumor immunity in mouse models and is being tested clinically with encouraging findings. In addition to modulating T cell function directly, alternative checkpoints can also regulate activity of myeloid cells and regulatory T cells to affect anti-tumor response. Combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors can improve treatment of tumors by activating multiple arms of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayush Pant
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Otolaryngology, and Institute of NanoBiotechnology, Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Metastatic Brain Tumor Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe Street, Phipps 123, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Ravi Medikonda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Otolaryngology, and Institute of NanoBiotechnology, Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Metastatic Brain Tumor Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe Street, Phipps 123, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Michael Lim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Otolaryngology, and Institute of NanoBiotechnology, Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Metastatic Brain Tumor Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe Street, Phipps 123, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
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Santos JM, Heiniö C, Cervera-Carrascon V, Quixabeira DCA, Siurala M, Havunen R, Butzow R, Zafar S, de Gruijl T, Lassus H, Kanerva A, Hemminki A. Oncolytic adenovirus shapes the ovarian tumor microenvironment for potent tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte tumor reactivity. J Immunother Cancer 2020; 8:jitc-2019-000188. [PMID: 31940588 PMCID: PMC7057530 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2019-000188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ovarian cancers often contain significant numbers of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) that can be readily harnessed for adoptive T-cell therapy (ACT). However, the immunosuppressive ovarian tumor microenvironment and lack of tumor reactivity in TILs can limit the effectiveness of the therapy. We hypothesized that by using an oncolytic adenovirus (Ad5/3-E2F-D24-hTNFa-IRES-hIL2; TILT-123) to deliver tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFa) and interleukin-2 (IL-2), we could counteract immunosuppression, and enhance antitumor TIL responses in ovarian cancer (OVCA). Methods We established ex vivo tumor cultures freshly derived from patients with advanced OVCA and evaluated the effects of Ad5/3-E2F-D24-hTNFa-IRES-hIL2 or Ad5/3-E2F-D24 (the control virus without TNFa and IL-2) on TILs, cytokine response and tumor viability. Tumor reactivity was assessed by determining interferon gamma (IFNg) response of clinically relevant TILs towards autologous T-cell-depleted ex vivo tumor cultures pretreated with or without the aforementioned oncolytic adenoviruses. Results Treatment of ex vivo tumor cultures with Ad5/3-E2F-D24-hTNFa-IRES-hIL2 caused a substantial rise in proinflammatory signals: increased secretion of IFNg, CXCL10, TNFa and IL-2, and concomitant activation of CD4+ and CD8+ TILs. Potent tumor reactivity was seen, as clinically relevant TIL secreted high levels of IFNg in response to autologous T-cell-depleted ovarian ex vivo tumor cultures treated with Ad5/3-E2F-D24-hTNFa-IRES-hIL2. This phenomenon was independent of PD-L1 expression in tumor cells, a factor that determined the variability of IFNg responses seen in different patient samples. Conclusions Overall, oncolytic adenovirus Ad5/3-E2F-D24-hTNFa-IRES-hIL2 was able to rewire the ovarian tumor microenvironment to accommodate heightened antitumor TIL reactivity. Such effects may improve the clinical effectiveness of ACT with TILs in patients with advanced OVCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Manuel Santos
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,TILT Biotherapeutics, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Camilla Heiniö
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Victor Cervera-Carrascon
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,TILT Biotherapeutics, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Dafne C A Quixabeira
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikko Siurala
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,TILT Biotherapeutics, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Riikka Havunen
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,TILT Biotherapeutics, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ralf Butzow
- Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sadia Zafar
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tanja de Gruijl
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Departments of Medical Oncology and Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Heini Lassus
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Kanerva
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Akseli Hemminki
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland .,TILT Biotherapeutics, Helsinki, Finland
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238
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Origin and fine-tuning of effector CD8 T cell subpopulations in chronic infection. Curr Opin Virol 2020; 46:27-35. [PMID: 33137688 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2020.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Persisting stimulation can skew CD8 T cells towards a hypofunctional state commonly referred to as T cell exhaustion. This functional attenuation likely constitutes a mechanism which evolved to balance T cell mediated viral control versus overwhelming immunopathology. Here, we highlight the recent progress in defining the genetic mechanisms and factors shaping the differentiation of exhausted CD8 T cells. We review how the transcription factor Tox imposes an exhausted phenotype in the Tcf1+ progenitors and how CD4 help fine-tunes the effector subsets that emerge from this progenitor population. Both processes critically shape the spectrum of effector function performed by CD8 T cells and the level of resulting virus control. Finally, we discuss how these insights can be exploited to boost the immune response in chronic infection and cancer.
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239
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Desmirean M, Rauch S, Jurj A, Pasca S, Iluta S, Teodorescu P, Berce C, Zimta AA, Turcas C, Tigu AB, Moldovan C, Paris I, Steinheber J, Richlitzki C, Constantinescu C, Sigurjonsson OE, Dima D, Petrushev B, Tomuleasa C. B Cells versus T Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment of Malignant Lymphomas. Are the Lymphocytes Playing the Roles of Muhammad Ali versus George Foreman in Zaire 1974? J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9113412. [PMID: 33114418 PMCID: PMC7693982 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9113412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant lymphomas are a heterogeneous group of malignancies that develop both in nodal and extranodal sites. The different tissues involved and the highly variable clinicopathological characteristics are linked to the association between the lymphoid neoplastic cells and the tissues they infiltrate. The immune system has developed mechanisms to protect the normal tissue from malignant growth. In this review, we aim to explain how T lymphocyte-driven control is linked to tumor development and describe the tumor-suppressive components of the resistant framework. This manuscript brings forward a new insight with regard to intercellular and intracellular signaling, the immune microenvironment, the impact of therapy, and its predictive implications. A better understanding of the key components of the lymphoma environment is important to properly assess the role of both B and T lymphocytes, as well as their interplay, just as two legendary boxers face each other in a heavyweight title final, as was the case of Ali versus Foreman.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minodora Desmirean
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400124 Cluj Napoca, Romania; (M.D.); (S.R.); (A.J.); (S.P.); (S.I.); (P.T.); (C.T.); (J.S.); (C.R.); (C.C.)
- Department of Pathology, Constantin Papilian Military Hospital, 400124 Cluj Napoca, Romania;
| | - Sebastian Rauch
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400124 Cluj Napoca, Romania; (M.D.); (S.R.); (A.J.); (S.P.); (S.I.); (P.T.); (C.T.); (J.S.); (C.R.); (C.C.)
| | - Ancuta Jurj
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400124 Cluj Napoca, Romania; (M.D.); (S.R.); (A.J.); (S.P.); (S.I.); (P.T.); (C.T.); (J.S.); (C.R.); (C.C.)
| | - Sergiu Pasca
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400124 Cluj Napoca, Romania; (M.D.); (S.R.); (A.J.); (S.P.); (S.I.); (P.T.); (C.T.); (J.S.); (C.R.); (C.C.)
| | - Sabina Iluta
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400124 Cluj Napoca, Romania; (M.D.); (S.R.); (A.J.); (S.P.); (S.I.); (P.T.); (C.T.); (J.S.); (C.R.); (C.C.)
| | - Patric Teodorescu
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400124 Cluj Napoca, Romania; (M.D.); (S.R.); (A.J.); (S.P.); (S.I.); (P.T.); (C.T.); (J.S.); (C.R.); (C.C.)
| | - Cristian Berce
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400124 Cluj Napoca, Romania; (C.B.); (A.-A.Z.); (A.-B.T.); (C.M.); (B.P.)
| | - Alina-Andreea Zimta
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400124 Cluj Napoca, Romania; (C.B.); (A.-A.Z.); (A.-B.T.); (C.M.); (B.P.)
| | - Cristina Turcas
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400124 Cluj Napoca, Romania; (M.D.); (S.R.); (A.J.); (S.P.); (S.I.); (P.T.); (C.T.); (J.S.); (C.R.); (C.C.)
| | - Adrian-Bogdan Tigu
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400124 Cluj Napoca, Romania; (C.B.); (A.-A.Z.); (A.-B.T.); (C.M.); (B.P.)
| | - Cristian Moldovan
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400124 Cluj Napoca, Romania; (C.B.); (A.-A.Z.); (A.-B.T.); (C.M.); (B.P.)
| | - Irene Paris
- Department of Pathology, Constantin Papilian Military Hospital, 400124 Cluj Napoca, Romania;
| | - Jakob Steinheber
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400124 Cluj Napoca, Romania; (M.D.); (S.R.); (A.J.); (S.P.); (S.I.); (P.T.); (C.T.); (J.S.); (C.R.); (C.C.)
| | - Cedric Richlitzki
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400124 Cluj Napoca, Romania; (M.D.); (S.R.); (A.J.); (S.P.); (S.I.); (P.T.); (C.T.); (J.S.); (C.R.); (C.C.)
| | - Catalin Constantinescu
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400124 Cluj Napoca, Romania; (M.D.); (S.R.); (A.J.); (S.P.); (S.I.); (P.T.); (C.T.); (J.S.); (C.R.); (C.C.)
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400124 Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Olafur Eysteinn Sigurjonsson
- The Blood Bank, Landspitali—The National University Hospital of Iceland, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland;
- School of Science and Engineering, Reykjavik University, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Delia Dima
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, 400124 Cluj Napoca, Romania;
| | - Bobe Petrushev
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400124 Cluj Napoca, Romania; (C.B.); (A.-A.Z.); (A.-B.T.); (C.M.); (B.P.)
- Department of Pathology, Octavian Fodor Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 400124 Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Ciprian Tomuleasa
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400124 Cluj Napoca, Romania; (M.D.); (S.R.); (A.J.); (S.P.); (S.I.); (P.T.); (C.T.); (J.S.); (C.R.); (C.C.)
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, 400124 Cluj Napoca, Romania;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40741337489
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240
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Liu F, Liu J, Zhang J, Shi J, Gui L, Xu G. Expression of STAT1 is positively correlated with PD-L1 in human ovarian cancer. Cancer Biol Ther 2020; 21:963-971. [PMID: 33043814 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2020.1824479] [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] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) is related to the immune microenvironment of tumorigenesis. The programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) have been reported to be important in immunotherapy by mediating tumor immune evasion. Blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway can restore the endogenous anti-tumor immune response. This study aimed to examine the expression of STAT1, PD-1, and PD-L1 and the correlation between selected markers in human epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). The results showed that malignant tumors contained more STAT1, PD-1, and PD-L1 positive cells. The expression of STAT1 and PD-L1 was associated with age, whereas PD-1 and PD-L1 associated with histopathological type, in patients with ovarian tumors. Moreover, the expression of STAT1 was found to be associated with disease stages and the grade of serous carcinoma. STAT1 expression was higher in OC cells than normal ovarian surface epithelial cells and was positively correlated with PD-L1 expression. The knockdown of STAT1 decreased PD-L1 expression, whereas overexpression of STAT1 increased PD-L1 expression. Furthermore, the expression of STAT1, PD-1, and PD-L1 was lower in paclitaxel-resistant cells than sensitive cells. Finally, STAT1 affected the overall survival and progression-free survival of patients with EOC. These findings suggest that STAT1, PD-1, and PD-L1 are the tissue markers of EOC and imply the possibility that the high level of STAT1, PD-1, and PD-L1 may favor the checkpoint immunotherapy in patients with EOC, but may have a limit in paclitaxel-resistant patients because of the low expression of STAT1, PD-1, and PD-L1 in paclitaxel-resistant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangran Liu
- Research Center for Clinical Medicine, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai, P.R. China.,Department of Pathology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai, China
| | - Jiao Liu
- Research Center for Clinical Medicine, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Jinguo Zhang
- Research Center for Clinical Medicine, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai, P.R. China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University , Shanghai, China
| | - Jimin Shi
- Research Center for Clinical Medicine, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Lu Gui
- Department of Pathology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai, China
| | - Guoxiong Xu
- Research Center for Clinical Medicine, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai, P.R. China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University , Shanghai, China.,Center for Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai, China
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241
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Verdon DJ, Mulazzani M, Jenkins MR. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of CD8 + T Cell Differentiation, Dysfunction and Exhaustion. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197357. [PMID: 33027962 PMCID: PMC7582856 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
T cells follow a triphasic distinct pathway of activation, proliferation and differentiation before becoming functionally and phenotypically “exhausted” in settings of chronic infection, autoimmunity and in cancer. Exhausted T cells progressively lose canonical effector functions, exhibit altered transcriptional networks and epigenetic signatures and gain constitutive expression of a broad coinhibitory receptor suite. This review outlines recent advances in our understanding of exhausted T cell biology and examines cellular and molecular mechanisms by which a state of dysfunction or exhaustion is established, and mechanisms by which exhausted T cells may still contribute to pathogen or tumour control. Further, this review describes our understanding of exhausted T cell heterogeneity and outlines the mechanisms by which checkpoint blockade differentially engages exhausted T cell subsets to overcome exhaustion and recover T cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Verdon
- Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (D.J.V.); (M.M.)
| | - Matthias Mulazzani
- Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (D.J.V.); (M.M.)
| | - Misty R. Jenkins
- Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (D.J.V.); (M.M.)
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Institute of Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
- Correspondence:
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242
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Hübbe ML, Jæhger DE, Andresen TL, Andersen MH. Leveraging Endogenous Dendritic Cells to Enhance the Therapeutic Efficacy of Adoptive T-Cell Therapy and Checkpoint Blockade. Front Immunol 2020; 11:578349. [PMID: 33101304 PMCID: PMC7546347 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.578349] [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: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT), based on treatment with autologous tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL)-derived or genetically modified chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, has become a potentially curative therapy for subgroups of patients with melanoma and hematological malignancies. To further improve response rates, and to broaden the applicability of ACT to more types of solid malignancies, it is necessary to explore and define strategies that can be used as adjuvant treatments to ACT. Stimulation of endogenous dendritic cells (DCs) alongside ACT can be used to promote epitope spreading and thereby decrease the risk of tumor escape due to target antigen downregulation, which is a common cause of disease relapse in initially responsive ACT treated patients. Addition of checkpoint blockade to ACT and DC stimulation might further enhance response rates by counteracting an eventual inactivation of infused and endogenously primed tumor-reactive T cells. This review will outline and discuss therapeutic strategies that can be utilized to engage endogenous DCs alongside ACT and checkpoint blockade, to strengthen the anti-tumor immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mie Linder Hübbe
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ditte Elisabeth Jæhger
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Thomas Lars Andresen
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Mads Hald Andersen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
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243
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Okwor CIA, Oh JS, Crawley AM, Cooper CL, Lee SH. Expression of Inhibitory Receptors on T and NK Cells Defines Immunological Phenotypes of HCV Patients with Advanced Liver Fibrosis. iScience 2020; 23:101513. [PMID: 32920488 PMCID: PMC7492990 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic HCV can result in advanced liver disease, including cirrhosis. Patients with advanced fibrosis experience poor clinical outcomes and increased risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). These outcomes are, in part, a consequence of immune dysfunction. Increased inhibitory receptor and Galectin-9 (GAL-9) expression is a possible mechanism promoting lymphocyte dysfunction. In this study, we measured the expression of inhibitory receptors and GAL-9 on T/NK cells of patients with chronic HCV with no to moderate fibrosis (F0-F2) and advanced fibrosis (F3-F4). To analyze their co-expression, we employed t-SNE analysis. Notably, we found that F3-F4 patients had higher frequencies of >3 inhibitory receptor co-expression on NK cells. Moreover, F3-F4 patients manifest a higher frequency of NK cells co-expressing TIGIT and TIM-3, and CD4/NK cells co-expressing LAG-3 and GAL-9. In conclusion, we identified phenotypes of immune dysregulation that could explain the increased susceptibility to infection and HCC in patients with chronic HCV with advanced fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jun Seok Oh
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Angela Marie Crawley
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa K1H 8M5, Canada
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa K1Y 4E9, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Ottawa Hospital-General Campus, Ottawa K1H 8L6, Canada
- The University of Ottawa Centre for Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation, Ottawa K1H 8M5, Canada
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Curtis Lindsey Cooper
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Ottawa Hospital-General Campus, Ottawa K1H 8L6, Canada
- The University of Ottawa Centre for Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation, Ottawa K1H 8M5, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa K1Y 4E9, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa K1H 8M5, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - Seung-Hwan Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa K1H 8M5, Canada
- The University of Ottawa Centre for Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation, Ottawa K1H 8M5, Canada
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244
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Freeman P, Mielgo A. Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Mediated Inhibition of CD8+ Cytotoxic T Cell Accumulation in Tumours: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092687. [PMID: 32967079 PMCID: PMC7564636 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The ability of the immune system to kill tumour cells is a natural and extremely effective defence mechanism for fighting cancer. Cytotoxic-T-cells are a critical component of our immune system which function is to eliminate cancer cells. In some cancers, especially those with a rich tumour stroma, these cytotoxic-T-cells are unable to reach and kill the tumour cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts are the most abundant cells in the tumour stroma and play a key role of the recruitment, infiltration and function of cytotoxic T-cells in the tumour, via several molecular mechanisms which we describe in this review. Abstract The tumour microenvironment (TME) is the complex environment in which various non-cancerous stromal cell populations co-exist, co-evolve and interact with tumour cells, having a profound impact on the progression of solid tumours. The TME is comprised of various extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in addition to a variety of immune and stromal cells. These include tumour-associated macrophages, regulatory T cells (Tregs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells, as well as endothelial cells, pericytes and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). CAFs are the most abundant stromal cell population in many tumours and support cancer progression, metastasis and resistance to therapies through bidirectional signalling with both tumour cells and other cells within the TME. More recently, CAFs have been shown to also affect the anti-tumour immune response through direct and indirect interactions with immune cells. In this review, we specifically focus on the interactions between CAFs and cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, and on how these interactions affect T cell recruitment, infiltration and function in the tumour. We additionally provide insight into the therapeutic implications of targeting these interactions, particularly in the context of cancer immunotherapy.
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245
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Maruhashi T, Sugiura D, Okazaki IM, Okazaki T. LAG-3: from molecular functions to clinical applications. J Immunother Cancer 2020; 8:jitc-2020-001014. [PMID: 32929051 PMCID: PMC7488795 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 239] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
To prevent the destruction of tissues owing to excessive and/or inappropriate immune responses, immune cells are under strict check by various regulatory mechanisms at multiple points. Inhibitory coreceptors, including programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4), serve as critical checkpoints in restricting immune responses against self-tissues and tumor cells. Immune checkpoint inhibitors that block PD-1 and CTLA-4 pathways significantly improved the outcomes of patients with diverse cancer types and have revolutionized cancer treatment. However, response rates to such therapies are rather limited, and immune-related adverse events are also observed in a substantial patient population, leading to the urgent need for novel therapeutics with higher efficacy and lower toxicity. In addition to PD-1 and CTLA-4, a variety of stimulatory and inhibitory coreceptors are involved in the regulation of T cell activation. Such coreceptors are listed as potential drug targets, and the competition to develop novel immunotherapies targeting these coreceptors has been very fierce. Among such coreceptors, lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3) is expected as the foremost target next to PD-1 in the development of cancer therapy, and multiple clinical trials testing the efficacy of LAG-3-targeted therapy are underway. LAG-3 is a type I transmembrane protein with structural similarities to CD4. Accumulating evidence indicates that LAG-3 is an inhibitory coreceptor and plays pivotal roles in autoimmunity, tumor immunity, and anti-infection immunity. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of LAG-3, ranging from its discovery to clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Maruhashi
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Sugiura
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Il-Mi Okazaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taku Okazaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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246
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Shan C, Li X, Zhang J. Progress of immune checkpoint LAG-3 in immunotherapy. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:207. [PMID: 32963613 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.12070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibition has been shown to successfully reactivate T cell responses directed against tumor-associated antigens, resulting in significantly prolonged overall survival in patients with various types of solid tumors. Among them, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte protein 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) play key roles in tumor immune escape and are well-established targets of cancer immunotherapy. However, the low response rate PD-1 and CTLA-4 is a limitation and a challenge. Hence, studies have focused on investigating the tumor microenvironment for alternative therapeutic targets. Lymphocyte activation gene 3 protein (LAG-3) negatively regulates T lymphocytes by binding to the extracellular domain of the ligand, thus avoiding autoimmunity caused by T cell overactivation. LAG-3 is an important immune checkpoint in vivo and plays a balanced regulatory role in the human immune system. LAG-3 is now regarded as a new generation of immunotherapy targets. The present review describes the research progress of LAG-3 to provide reference for further investigation of LAG-3. The immune checkpoint of LAG-3 plays a crucial role in cancer development and may be used in future clinical practice of cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanchan Shan
- Department of Cardiology, Wuxi No. 2 People's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214000, P.R. China
| | - Xing Li
- Department of Cardiology, Wuxi No. 2 People's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214000, P.R. China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Wuxi No. 2 People's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214000, P.R. China
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247
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Manfredi F, Cianciotti BC, Potenza A, Tassi E, Noviello M, Biondi A, Ciceri F, Bonini C, Ruggiero E. TCR Redirected T Cells for Cancer Treatment: Achievements, Hurdles, and Goals. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1689. [PMID: 33013822 PMCID: PMC7494743 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive T cell therapy (ACT) is a rapidly evolving therapeutic approach designed to harness T cell specificity and function to fight diseases. Based on the evidence that T lymphocytes can mediate a potent anti-tumor response, initially ACT solely relied on the isolation, in vitro expansion, and infusion of tumor-infiltrating or circulating tumor-specific T cells. Although effective in a subset of cases, in the first ACT clinical trials several patients experienced disease progression, in some cases after temporary disease control. This evidence prompted researchers to improve ACT products by taking advantage of the continuously evolving gene engineering field and by improving manufacturing protocols, to enable the generation of effective and long-term persisting tumor-specific T cell products. Despite recent advances, several challenges, including prioritization of antigen targets, identification, and optimization of tumor-specific T cell receptors, in the development of tools enabling T cells to counteract the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, still need to be faced. This review aims at summarizing the major achievements, hurdles and possible solutions designed to improve the ACT efficacy and safety profile in the context of liquid and solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Manfredi
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Beatrice Claudia Cianciotti
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Fondazione Centro San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Potenza
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Tassi
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Maddalena Noviello
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Biondi
- Clinica Pediatrica Università degli Studi di Milano Bicocca, Fondazione MBBM, Monza, Italy
| | - Fabio Ciceri
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Bonini
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Eliana Ruggiero
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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248
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Han X, Alu A, Xiao Y, Wei Y, Wei X. Hyperprogression: A novel response pattern under immunotherapy. Clin Transl Med 2020; 10:e167. [PMID: 32997401 PMCID: PMC7510779 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Checkpoint blockade therapy has shown significant therapeutic benefits and resulted in durable responses in patients with various tumors. However, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that 4-29% of all patients with cancers with various histologies may suffer from tumor flare following such therapy. This novel tumor response pattern, termed hyperprogression, is a potentially deleterious side effect of checkpoint blockade therapy that accelerates disease progression in a subset of patients. In this review, we describe possible immune checkpoint blockade biomarkers and the epidemiology, different definitions, and predictors of hyperprogression based on the research findings and further present the available evidence supporting pathophysiological hypotheses that might explain hyperprogression during checkpoint blockade therapy. We also compare hyperprogression and pseudoprogression. Finally, we discuss areas requiring further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue‐jiao Han
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug TargetState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyNational Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Aqu Alu
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug TargetState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyNational Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yi‐nan Xiao
- West China School of MedicineWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yu‐quan Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug TargetState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyNational Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xia‐wei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug TargetState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyNational Clinical Research Center for GeriatricsWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
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249
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Chen W, Yuan Y, Jiang X. Antibody and antibody fragments for cancer immunotherapy. J Control Release 2020; 328:395-406. [PMID: 32853733 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Antibody has become the most rapidly expanding class of pharmaceuticals for treating a wide variety of human diseases including cancers. Especially, with the fast development of cancer immunotherapy, antibody drugs have become the most promising therapeutic for curing cancers. Immune-mediated cell killing by antibodies including antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), antibody-dependent cell phagocytosis (ADCP) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) as well as regulation of T cell function through immune checkpoint blockade. Due to the absence of Fc fragment, antibody fragments including single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) and single-domain antibodies (sdAds) are mainly applied in chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) T cell therapy for redirecting T cells to tumors and T cell activation by immune checkpoint blockade. In this review, the cancer immunity is first discussed. Then the principal mechanisms of antibody-based immunotherapy will be reviewed. Next, the antibody and antibody fragments applied for cancer immunotherapy will be summarized. Bispecific and multispecific antibodies and a combination of cancer immunotherapy with other tumor treatments will also be mentioned. Finally, an outlook and perspective of antibody-based cancer immunotherapy will be given. This review would provide a comprehensive guidance for the researchers who are interested in and intended to involve in the antibodies- or antibody fragments-based tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhi Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and Technology, Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Nanotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, PR China
| | - Yang Yuan
- MOE Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and Technology, Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Nanotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, PR China
| | - Xiqun Jiang
- MOE Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and Technology, Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Nanotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, PR China.
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250
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Shu S, Matsuzaki J, Want MY, Conway A, Benjamin-Davalos S, Allen CL, Koroleva M, Battaglia S, Odunsi A, Minderman H, Ernstoff MS. An Immunosuppressive Effect of Melanoma-derived Exosomes on NY-ESO-1 Antigen-specific Human CD8 + T Cells is Dependent on IL-10 and Independent of BRAF V600E Mutation in Melanoma Cell Lines. Immunol Invest 2020; 49:744-757. [PMID: 32799717 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2020.1803353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Exosomes, including human melanoma-derived exosomes (HMEX), are known to suppress the function of immune effector cells, which for HMEX has been associated with the surface presence of the immune checkpoint ligand PD-L1. This study investigated the relationship between the BRAF mutational status of melanoma cells and the inhibition of secreted HMEX exosomes on antigen-specific human T cells. Exosomes were isolated from two melanoma cell lines, 2183-Her4 and 888-mel, which are genetically wild-type BRAFWT and BRAFV600E, respectively. HMEX were isolated using a modified, size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) method shown to reduce co-isolation of non-exosome-associated cytokines compared to ultracentrifugation isolation. The immunoinhibitory effect of the exosomes was tested in vitro on patient-derived NY-ESO-1-specific CD8+ T cells challenged with NY-ESO-1 antigen. HMEX from both cell lines inhibited the immune response of antigen-specific T cells comparably, as evidenced by the reduction of IFN-γ and TNF-α in NY-ESO-1 tetramer-positive cells. This inhibition could be partially reversed by the presence of anti-PD-L1 and anti-IL-10 antibodies. IL-10 has been demonstrated to be a critical pathway for sustaining enhanced tumorigenesis in BRAFV600E mutant cells compared to BRAFWT melanoma cells. Thus, we demonstrate that HMEX inhibit antigen-specific T cell responses independent of the BRAF mutational status of the parent cells. In addition, PD-L1 and IL-10 contribute to the HMEX-mediated immunosuppression of antigen-specific human T cells. The inhibitory capacity of exosomes should be taken into consideration when developing therapies that are reliant upon the potency of customized, antigen-specific effector T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- ShinLa Shu
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center , Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Junko Matsuzaki
- Center for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center , Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Muzamil Y Want
- Center for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center , Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Alexis Conway
- Flow and Image Cytometry Shared Resource, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center , Buffalo, NY, USA
| | | | - Cheryl L Allen
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center , Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Marina Koroleva
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center , Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Sebastiano Battaglia
- Center for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center , Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Adekunle Odunsi
- Center for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center , Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Hans Minderman
- Flow and Image Cytometry Shared Resource, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center , Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Marc S Ernstoff
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center , Buffalo, NY, USA
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