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Zhuo SH, Wang TY, Zhao L, Su JY, Hu JJ, Zhao YF, Li YM. piSTING: A Pocket-Independent Agonist Based on Multivalency-Driven STING Oligomerization. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202407037. [PMID: 38767062 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202407037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway is a potent therapeutic target for innate immunity. Despite the efforts to develop pocket-dependent small-molecule STING agonists that mimic the endogenous STING ligand, cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate (cGAMP), most of these agonists showed disappointing results in clinical trials owing to the limitations of the STING pocket. In this study, we developed novel pocket-independent STING-activating agonists (piSTINGs), which act through multivalency-driven oligomerization to activate STING. Additionally, a piSTING-adjuvanted vaccine elicited a significant antibody response and inhibited tumour growth in therapeutic models. Moreover, a piSTING-based vaccine combination with aPD-1 showed remarkable potential to enhance the effectiveness of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) immunotherapy. In particular, piSTING can strengthen the impact of STING pathway in immunotherapy and accelerate the clinical translation of STING agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Hua Zhuo
- Department of Chemistry, Key Lab of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Tian-Yang Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Key Lab of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Lang Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, Key Lab of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Jing-Yun Su
- Department of Chemistry, Key Lab of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Jin-Jian Hu
- Department of Chemistry, Key Lab of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Fen Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, Key Lab of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315221, P. R. China
| | - Yan-Mei Li
- Department of Chemistry, Key Lab of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
- Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100069, P. R. China
- Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
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2
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Ma J, Xin Y, Wang Q, Ding L. Roles of cGAS-STING Pathway in Radiotherapy Combined with Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2024; 23:447-453. [PMID: 38049087 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Although great strides have been made in the management and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), its prognosis is still poor yielding a high mortality. Immunotherapy is recommended for treating advanced HCC, but its efficiency is hampered because of hepatic immunosuppression. Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway, serving as a critical cytoplasmic DNA-sensing process, is reported to initiate the antitumor immune response, and link the innate immunity to the adaptive immune system. Radiotherapy has been well acknowledged to induce destruction and release of tumor-derived DNA into the cytoplasm, which then activates the cGAS-STING pathway. On this basis, radiotherapy can be used as a sensitizer for immunotherapy, and its combination with immunotherapy may bring in changes to the suboptimal efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy. In this review, we summarized the roles of cGAS-STING pathway in regulation of radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy for treating HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianing Ma
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Yuning Xin
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Lijuan Ding
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, P.R. China
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3
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Hu A, Sun L, Lin H, Liao Y, Yang H, Mao Y. Harnessing innate immune pathways for therapeutic advancement in cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:68. [PMID: 38523155 PMCID: PMC10961329 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01765-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The innate immune pathway is receiving increasing attention in cancer therapy. This pathway is ubiquitous across various cell types, not only in innate immune cells but also in adaptive immune cells, tumor cells, and stromal cells. Agonists targeting the innate immune pathway have shown profound changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and improved tumor prognosis in preclinical studies. However, to date, the clinical success of drugs targeting the innate immune pathway remains limited. Interestingly, recent studies have shown that activation of the innate immune pathway can paradoxically promote tumor progression. The uncertainty surrounding the therapeutic effectiveness of targeted drugs for the innate immune pathway is a critical issue that needs immediate investigation. In this review, we observe that the role of the innate immune pathway demonstrates heterogeneity, linked to the tumor development stage, pathway status, and specific cell types. We propose that within the TME, the innate immune pathway exhibits multidimensional diversity. This diversity is fundamentally rooted in cellular heterogeneity and is manifested as a variety of signaling networks. The pro-tumor effect of innate immune pathway activation essentially reflects the suppression of classical pathways and the activation of potential pro-tumor alternative pathways. Refining our understanding of the tumor's innate immune pathway network and employing appropriate targeting strategies can enhance our ability to harness the anti-tumor potential of the innate immune pathway and ultimately bridge the gap from preclinical to clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankang Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Hao Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yuheng Liao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), and Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine (Ministry of Education), and Molecular and Cell Biology Lab, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
| | - Ying Mao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
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4
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Reghu G, Vemula PK, Bhat SG, Narayanan S. Harnessing the innate immune system by revolutionizing macrophage-mediated cancer immunotherapy. J Biosci 2024; 49:63. [PMID: 38864238 PMCID: PMC11286319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a promising and safer alternative to conventional cancer therapies. It involves adaptive T-cell therapy, cancer vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) based therapies. However, most of these modalities encounter restrictions in solid tumours owing to a dense, highly hypoxic and immune-suppressive microenvironment as well as the heterogeneity of tumour antigens. The elevated intra-tumoural pressure and mutational rates within fastgrowing solid tumours present challenges in efficient drug targeting and delivery. The tumour microenvironment is a dynamic niche infiltrated by a variety of immune cells, most of which are macrophages. Since they form a part of the innate immune system, targeting macrophages has become a plausible immunotherapeutic approach. In this review, we discuss several versatile approaches (both at pre-clinical and clinical stages) such as the direct killing of tumour-associated macrophages, reprogramming pro-tumour macrophages to anti-tumour phenotypes, inhibition of macrophage recruitment into the tumour microenvironment, novel CAR macrophages, and genetically engineered macrophages that have been devised thus far. These strategies comprise a strong and adaptable macrophage-toolkit in the ongoing fight against cancer and by understanding their significance, we may unlock the full potential of these immune cells in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayatri Reghu
- Department of Biotechnology, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi 682 022, India
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5
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Zhou S, Cheng F, Zhang Y, Su T, Zhu G. Engineering and Delivery of cGAS-STING Immunomodulators for the Immunotherapy of Cancer and Autoimmune Diseases. Acc Chem Res 2023; 56:2933-2943. [PMID: 37802125 PMCID: PMC10882213 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.3c00394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator interferon gene (cGAS-STING) pathway is an emerging therapeutic target for the prophylaxis and therapy of a variety of diseases, ranging from cancer, infectious diseases, to autoimmune disorders. As a cytosolic double stranded DNA (dsDNA) sensor, cGAS can bind with relatively long dsDNA, resulting in conformational change and activation of cGAS. Activated cGAS catalyzes the conversion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and guanosine triphosphate (GTP) into cGAMP, a cyclic dinucleotide (CDN). CDNs, including 2'3'-cGAMP, stimulate adapter protein STING on the endoplasmic membrane, triggering interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) phosphorylation and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation. This results in antitumor and antiviral type I interferon (IFN-I) responses. Moreover, cGAS-STING overactivation and the resulting IFN-I responses have been associated with a number of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. This makes cGAS-STING appealing immunomodulatory targets for the prophylaxis and therapy of various related diseases. However, drug development of CDNs and CDN derivatives is challenged by their limited biostability, difficult formulation, poor pharmacokinetics, and inefficient tissue accumulation and cytosolic delivery. Though recent synthetic small molecular CDN- or non-CDN-based STING agonists have been reported with promising preclinical therapeutic efficacy, their therapeutic efficacy and safety remain to be fully evaluated preclinically and clinically. Therefore, it is highly desirable and clinically significant to advance drug development for cGAS-STING activation by innovative approaches, such as drug delivery systems and drug development for pharmacological immunomodulation of cGAS. In this Account, we summarize our recent research in the engineering and delivery of immunostimulatory or immunoregulatory modulators for cGAS and STING for the immunotherapy of cancer and autoimmune diseases. To improve the delivery efficiency of CDNs, we developed ionizable and pH-responsive polymeric nanocarriers to load STING agonists, aiming to improve the cellular uptake and facilitate the endosomal escape to induce efficient STING activation. We also codelivered STING agonists with complementary immunostimulatants in nanoparticle-in-hydrogel composites to synergetically elicit potent innate and adaptive antitumor responses that eradicate local and distant large tumors. Further, taking advantage of the simplicity of manufacturing and the established nucleic acid delivery system, we developed oligonucleotide-based cGAS agonists as immunostimulant immunotherapeutics as well as adjuvants for peptide antigens for cancer immunotherapy. To suppress the overly strong proinflammatory responses associated with cGAS-STING overactivation in some of the autoimmune disorders, we devised nanomedicine-in-hydrogel (NiH) that codelivers a cGAS inhibitor and cell-free DNA (cfDNA)-scavenging cationic nanoparticles (cNPs) for systemic immunosuppression in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) therapy. Lastly, we discussed current drug development by targeting cGAS-STING for cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmune diseases, as well as the potential opportunities for utilizing cGAS-STING pathway for versatile applications in disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shurong Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy; Biointerfaces Institute. University of Michigan. Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Furong Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 31002, China
| | - Ting Su
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Guizhi Zhu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy; Biointerfaces Institute. University of Michigan. Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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6
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Veneziani I, Alicata C, Moretta L, Maggi E. Human toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8) in NK cells: Implication for cancer immunotherapy. Immunol Lett 2023; 261:13-16. [PMID: 37451320 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2023.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLR)s are homo- or heterodimeric proteins, whose structure and function were widely described in the antigen presenting cells (APC), such as Dendritic cells (DC). Recently, the expression and the role of TLRs in fighting against pathogens, was described also in NK cells. Their activation and functional properties can be directly and indirectly modulated by agonists for TLRs. In particular CD56bright NK cells subset, that is the most abundant NK cell subset in tissues and tumor microenvironment (TME), was mostly activated in terms of pro-inflammatory cytokine production, proliferation and cytotoxicity, by agonists specific for endosomal TLR8. The interplay between DC and NK, that depends on both cell-to-cell contact and soluble factors such as cytokines, promote both DC maturation and NK cell activation. Based on this concept, a TLR based immunotherapy aimed to activate NK-DC axis, may modulate TME by inducing a pro-inflammatory phenotype, thus improving DC ability to present tumor-associated antigens to T cells, and NK cell cytotoxicity against tumor cells. In this mini-review, we report data of recent literature about TLRs on human NK cells and their application as adjuvant in cancer vaccines or in combined tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Veneziani
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Alicata
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Enrico Maggi
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Ricco N, Kron SJ. Statins in Cancer Prevention and Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3948. [PMID: 37568764 PMCID: PMC10417177 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Statins, a class of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors best known for their cholesterol-reducing and cardiovascular protective activity, have also demonstrated promise in cancer prevention and treatment. This review focuses on their potential applications in head and neck cancer (HNC), a common malignancy for which established treatment often fails despite incurring debilitating adverse effects. Preclinical and clinical studies have suggested that statins may enhance HNC sensitivity to radiation and other conventional therapies while protecting normal tissue, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly defined, likely involving both cholesterol-dependent and -independent effects on diverse cancer-related pathways. This review brings together recent discoveries concerning the anticancer activity of statins relevant to HNC, highlighting their anti-inflammatory activity and impacts on DNA-damage response. We also explore molecular targets and mechanisms and discuss the potential to integrate statins into conventional HNC treatment regimens to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Ricco
- Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, 08195 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Stephen J. Kron
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology and Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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8
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Alicata C, Veneziani I, Ricci B, Moretta L, Maggi E. Determining Endosomal Toll-Like Receptors Gene Expression in NK Cells After Stimulation with Specific Agonists. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2700:151-162. [PMID: 37603179 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3366-3_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Poor knowledge is currently available about the biology of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in natural killer (NK) cells. This is particularly due to the old belief that NK cells are unable to specifically eliminate microbes without presensitization. On the contrary, it has been clearly demonstrated that not only they can be activated through the engagement of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) by microbial molecules, but also that this interaction induces NK cells to release cytokines that, in turn, activate other cells of both innate and adaptive immunity. For this reason, immunotherapy based on local infusion of TLRs ligands is currently considered as a novel potential strategy to treat solid tumors. Here, we provide a protocol to efficiently stimulate NK cells via endosomal TLRs agonists and to determine endosomal TLRs gene expression level. This protocol can be used for in vitro investigation into endosomal TLRs function in NK cells under different conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Alicata
- Tumor Immunology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy.
| | - Irene Veneziani
- Tumor Immunology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Biancamaria Ricci
- Tumor Immunology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Tumor Immunology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Maggi
- Tumor Immunology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
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9
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Guan J, Liu X, Wang K, Jia Y, Yang B. Identification of a novel necroptosis-associated miRNA signature for predicting the prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Open Med (Wars) 2022; 17:1682-1698. [PMID: 36349193 PMCID: PMC9601379 DOI: 10.1515/med-2022-0575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies that have a poor prognosis. Necroptosis has been demonstrated in recent years to be a form of inflammatory cell death occurring in multicellular organism, which plays complex roles in cancer. However, the expression of necroptosis-related miRNAs and genes in HNSCC and their correlations with prognosis remain unclear. In this study, R software was used to screen differentially expressed miRNAs downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas. A prognostic model containing six necroptosis-related miRNAs (miR-141-3p, miR-148a-3p, miR-331-3p, miR-543, miR-425-5p, and miR-7-5p) was generated, whose risk score was validated as an independent prognostic factor for HNSCC. Target genes of the key miRNAs were obtained from TargetScan, miRDB, and miRTarBase, and 193 genes in the intersection of the three databases were defined as consensus genes. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology analyses indicated that the composition of the tumor microenvironment as well as specific pathways may be closely related to necroptosis in HNSCC. Nine key genes were also obtained by the MCODE and cytoHubba plug-ins of Cytoscape: PIK3CD, NRAS, PTK2, IRS2, IRS1, PARP1, KLF4, SMAD2, and DNMT1. A prognostic model formed by the key gene was also established, which can efficiently predict the overall survival of HNSCC patients. In conclusion, necroptosis-related miRNAs and genes play important roles in tumor development and metastasis and can be used to predict the prognosis of HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiezhong Guan
- Department of Prosthodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Department of Prosthodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Kang Wang
- Department of Prosthodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yiqun Jia
- Stomatology Center, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Prosthodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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10
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Tripathi S, Najem H, Mahajan AS, Zhang P, Low JT, Stegh AH, Curran MA, Ashley DM, James CD, Heimberger AB. cGAS-STING pathway targeted therapies and their applications in the treatment of high-grade glioma. F1000Res 2022; 11:1010. [PMID: 36324813 PMCID: PMC9597127 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.125163.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Median survival of patients with glioblastoma (GBM) treated with standard of care which consists of maximal safe resection of the contrast-enhancing portion of the tumor followed by radiation therapy with concomitant adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) remains 15 months. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is known to contain immune suppressive myeloid cells with minimal effector T cell infiltration. Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is an important activator of immune response and results in production of Type 1 interferon and antigen presentation by myeloid cells. This review will discuss important developments in STING agonists, potential biomarkers for STING response, and new combinatorial therapeutic approaches in gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashwat Tripathi
- Department of Neurological Surgery,, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA,Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Hinda Najem
- Department of Neurological Surgery,, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA,Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Akanksha Sanjay Mahajan
- Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA,Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Neurological Surgery,, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA,Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Justin T Low
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University Medical School, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Alexander H Stegh
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Brain Tumor Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Michael A Curran
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - David M Ashley
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University Medical School, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Charles David James
- Department of Neurological Surgery,, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA,Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Amy B Heimberger
- Department of Neurological Surgery,, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA,Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA,
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11
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STING Agonists in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancer J 2022; 28:401-406. [PMID: 36165729 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Despite the development of new treatment paradigms and improved biologic understanding of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), therapeutic resistance remains a substantial problem, and novel treatment approaches are needed. Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is a critical regulator of the antitumor response through regulation of both immune-dependent and tumor-intrinsic mechanisms. As such, the STING pathway has emerged as a rational pharmacologic target leading to the development of multiple STING agonists. These compounds have impressive preclinical efficacy as single agents and with PD-1 (programmed death-1) axis agents. However, clinical evaluation in this context has yet to show substantial efficacy. In contrast to monotherapy approaches, activation of STING in combination with DNA-damaging agents has been shown to enhance the effect of these agents in preclinical models and represents a promising approach to improve outcomes in patients with HNSCC. In this review, we will discuss the preclinical and clinical data supporting the use of STING agonists and highlight potential avenues of exploration to unlock the potential of these agents in HNSCC.
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12
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A single local delivery of paclitaxel and nucleic acids via an immunoactive polymer eliminates tumors and induces antitumor immunity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2122595119. [PMID: 35609195 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2122595119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
SignificanceThe rationale of local cancer immunotherapy is that the treated tumor cells can serve as a depot of tumor antigens and activate/mobilize the patient's immune system to address systemic diseases. However, the challenge is to coordinate several events involved in the activation of antitumor immune responses, colocalize and retain multiple therapies in tumors, and support the functions of immune cells. Our carrier polyethyleneimine-lithocholic acid conjugate (2E') addresses these challenges based on the amphiphilic structure and inherent immunostimulatory activity. 2E' codelivers hydrophobic drugs and nucleic acids and leverages their effects to eliminate primary tumors and protect the hosts from distant and recurrent diseases. The versatility of 2E' will enable the use of therapeutic combinations to improve clinical outcomes of cancer immunotherapy.
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13
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Veneziani I, Alicata C, Pelosi A, Landolina N, Ricci B, D'Oria V, Fagotti A, Scambia G, Moretta L, Maggi E. Toll-like receptor 8 agonists improve NK-cell function primarily targeting CD56brightCD16− subset. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-003385. [PMID: 35091452 PMCID: PMC8804697 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are pattern-recognition sensors mainly expressed in innate immune cells that directly recognize conserved pathogen structures (pathogen-associated molecular patterns-PAMPs). Natural killer (NK) cells have been described to express different endosomal TLRs triggered by RNA and DNA sequences derived from both viruses and bacteria. This study was addressed to establish which endosomal TLR could directly mediate NK activation and function after proper stimuli. It was also important to establish the most suitable TLR agonist to be used as adjuvant in tumor vaccines or in combined cancer immunotherapies. Methods We assessed endosomal TLR expression in total NK cells by using RT-qPCR and western blotting technique. In some experiments, we purified CD56brightCD16− and CD56dimCD16+ cells subsets by using NK Cell Isolation Kit Activation marker, cytokine production, CD107a expression and cytotoxicity assay were evaluated by flow cytometry. Cytokine release was quantified by ELISA. NK cells obtained from ovarian ascites underwent the same analyses. Results Although the four endosomal TLRs (TLR3, TLR7/8, and TLR9) were uniformly expressed on CD56brightCD16− and CD56dimCD16+ cell subsets, the TLR7/8 (R848), TLR3 (polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid, Poly I:C) and TLR9 (ODN2395) ligands promoted NK-cell function only in the presence of suboptimal doses of cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-2, IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18, produced in vivo by other environmental cells. We showed that R848 rather than TLR3 and TLR9 agonists primarily activated CD56brightCD16− NK cells by increasing their proliferation, cytokine production and cytotoxic activity. Moreover, we demonstrated that R848, which usually triggers TLR7 and TLR8 on dendritic cells, macrophages and neutrophils cells, activated CD56brightCD16− NK-cell subset only via TLR8. Indeed, specific TLR8 but not TLR7 agonists increased cytokine production and cytotoxic activity of CD56brightCD16− NK cells. Importantly, these activities were also observed in peritoneal NK cells from patients with metastatic ovarian carcinoma, prevalently belonging to the CD56brightCD16− subset. Conclusion These data highlight the potential value of TLR8 in NK cells as a new target for immunotherapy in patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Veneziani
- Department of Immunology, Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital, Roma, Italy
| | - Claudia Alicata
- Department of Immunology, Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital, Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Pelosi
- Department of Immunology, Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital, Roma, Italy
| | - Nadine Landolina
- Department of Immunology, Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital, Roma, Italy
| | - Biancamaria Ricci
- Department of Immunology, Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital, Roma, Italy
| | - Valentina D'Oria
- Confocal Microscopy Core Facility, Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital, Roma, Italy
| | - Anna Fagotti
- Department of Woman's Health Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Campus di Roma, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Giovanni Scambia
- Department of Woman's Health Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Campus di Roma, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Department of Immunology, Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital, Roma, Italy
| | - Enrico Maggi
- Department of Immunology, Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital, Roma, Italy
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14
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Ou L, Zhang A, Cheng Y, Chen Y. The cGAS-STING Pathway: A Promising Immunotherapy Target. Front Immunol 2021; 12:795048. [PMID: 34956229 PMCID: PMC8695770 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.795048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
With the continuous development of immunotherapy, researchers have paid more attention to the specific immune regulatory mechanisms of various immune responses in different diseases. As a novel and vital innate immune signal pathway, the cGAS-STING signal pathway activated by nucleic acid substances, interplays with other immune responses, by which it participates in regulating cancer, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, microbial and parasitic infectious diseases, and other diseases. With the exception of its role in innate immunity, the growing list of researches demonstrated expanding roles of the cGAS-STING signal pathway in bridging the innate immunity (macrophage polarization) with the adaptive immunity (T lymphocytes differentiation). Macrophages and T lymphocytes are the most representative cells of innate immunity and adaptive immunity, respectively. Their polarization or differentiation are involved in the pathogenesis and progression of various diseases. Here we mainly summarized recent advanced discoveries of how the cGAS-STING signal pathway regulated macrophages polarization and T lymphocytes differentiation in various diseases and vaccine applications, providing a promising direction for the development and clinical application of immunotherapeutic strategies for related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Ou
- Division of Pneumoconiosis, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ao Zhang
- Division of Pneumoconiosis, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuxing Cheng
- Division of Pneumoconiosis, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Division of Pneumoconiosis, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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15
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Yan H, Chen W. The Promise and Challenges of Cyclic Dinucleotides as Molecular Adjuvants for Vaccine Development. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:917. [PMID: 34452042 PMCID: PMC8402453 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9080917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs), originally discovered as bacterial second messengers, play critical roles in bacterial signal transduction, cellular processes, biofilm formation, and virulence. The finding that CDNs can trigger the innate immune response in eukaryotic cells through the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signalling pathway has prompted the extensive research and development of CDNs as potential immunostimulators and novel molecular adjuvants for induction of systemic and mucosal innate and adaptive immune responses. In this review, we summarize the chemical structure, biosynthesis regulation, and the role of CDNs in enhancing the crosstalk between host innate and adaptive immune responses. We also discuss the strategies to improve the efficient delivery of CDNs and the recent advance and future challenges in the development of CDNs as potential adjuvants in prophylactic vaccines against infectious diseases and in therapeutic vaccines against cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbin Yan
- Department of Chemistry, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Wangxue Chen
- Human Health and Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
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16
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Buchwald ZS, Schmitt NC. Immunotherapeutic Strategies for Head and Neck Cancer. Otolaryngol Clin North Am 2021; 54:729-742. [PMID: 34116846 DOI: 10.1016/j.otc.2021.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of cancer, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Most immune therapies consist of biologics, including monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and cell therapy. This article reviews basic tumor immunology and provides an overview of immunotherapeutic strategies used for HNSCC. The current indications for use of programmed cell death protein 1 immune checkpoint inhibitors in recurrent/metastatic HNSCC are summarized. In addition, new immunotherapeutic biologics and combinations under investigation in early-phase clinical trials are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary S Buchwald
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, 1365 Clifton Road NE, C5086, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nicole C Schmitt
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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17
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Hayman TJ, Bhatia AK, Jethwa KR, Young MR, Park HS. Combinations of immunotherapy and radiation therapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a narrative review. Transl Cancer Res 2021; 10:2571-2585. [PMID: 35116571 PMCID: PMC8798834 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-20-2096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Radiation therapy and systemic therapy are the primary non-surgical treatment modalities for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Despite advances in our biologic understanding of this disease and the development of novel therapeutics, treatment resistance remains a significant problem. It has become increasingly evident that the innate and adaptive immune systems play a significant role in the modulation of anti-tumor responses to traditional cancer-directed therapies. By inducing DNA damage and cell death, radiation therapy appears to activate both innate and adaptive immune responses. Immunotherapies targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) also have yielded promising results, particularly in the recurrent/metastatic setting. In this review, we will discuss the rationale for combining radiotherapy with immunotherapy to harness the immunomodulatory effects of radiation therapy on HNSCC, as well as biomarkers for immune response. We will also review recent preclinical and clinical data exploring these combinations in various contexts, including recurrent/metastatic and locally advanced disease. Among those with locally advanced HNSCC, we will discuss clinical trials employing immunotherapy either concurrently with radiation therapy or as maintenance following chemoradiation in both the definitive and postoperative settings, with or without the use of cisplatin-based or non-cisplatin-based chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J. Hayman
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Aarti K. Bhatia
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Krishan R. Jethwa
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Melissa R. Young
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Henry S. Park
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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18
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Cotechini T, Atallah A, Grossman A. Tissue-Resident and Recruited Macrophages in Primary Tumor and Metastatic Microenvironments: Potential Targets in Cancer Therapy. Cells 2021; 10:960. [PMID: 33924237 PMCID: PMC8074766 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophages within solid tumors and metastatic sites are heterogenous populations with different developmental origins and substantially contribute to tumor progression. A number of tumor-promoting phenotypes associated with both tumor- and metastasis-associated macrophages are similar to innate programs of embryonic-derived tissue-resident macrophages. In contrast to recruited macrophages originating from marrow precursors, tissue-resident macrophages are seeded before birth and function to coordinate tissue remodeling and maintain tissue integrity and homeostasis. Both recruited and tissue-resident macrophage populations contribute to tumor growth and metastasis and are important mediators of resistance to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immune checkpoint blockade. Thus, targeting various macrophage populations and their tumor-promoting phenotypes holds therapeutic promise. Here, we discuss various macrophage populations as regulators of tumor progression, immunity, and immunotherapy. We provide an overview of macrophage targeting strategies, including therapeutics designed to induce macrophage depletion, impair recruitment, and induce repolarization. We also provide a perspective on the therapeutic potential for macrophage-specific acquisition of trained immunity as an anti-cancer agent and discuss the therapeutic potential of exploiting macrophages and their traits to reduce tumor burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Cotechini
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada; (A.A.); (A.G.)
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19
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Zaidi AH, Kelly RJ, Gorbunova A, Omstead AN, Salvitti MS, Zheng P, Kosovec JE, Lee S, Ayazi S, Babar L, Finley GG, Goel A, Jobe BA. Intratumoral immunotherapy with STING agonist, ADU-S100, induces CD8+ T-cell mediated anti-tumor immunity in an esophageal adenocarcinoma model. Oncotarget 2021; 12:292-303. [PMID: 33659041 PMCID: PMC7899550 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is a deadly disease with limited treatment options. STING is a transmembrane protein that activates transcription of interferon genes, resulting in stimulation of APCs and enhanced CD8+ T-cell infiltration. The present study evaluates STING agonists, alone and in combination with radiation to determine durable anticancer activity in solid tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS Esophagojejunostomy was performed on rats to induce reflux leading to the development of EAC. At 32 weeks post operatively, rats received intratumorally either 50 μg STING (ADU-S100) or placebo (PBS), +/- 16Gy radiation. Drug activity was evaluated by pre- and post- treatment MRI, histology, immunofluorescence and RT-PCR. RESULTS Mean MRI tumor volume decreased by 30.1% and 50.8% in ADU-S100 and ADU-S100 + radiation animals and increased by 76.7% and 152.4% in placebo and placebo + radiation animals, respectively (P < 0.0001). Downstream gene expression, pre- to on- and post- treatment, demonstrated significant upregulation of IFNβ, TNFα, IL-6, and CCL-2 in the treatment groups vs. placebo. On- or post- treatment, radiation alone, ADU-S100 alone, and ADU-S100 + radiation groups demonstrated enhanced PD-LI expression, induced by upregulation of CD8+ T-cells (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS ADU-S100 +/- radiation exhibits potent antitumor activity and a promising immunomodulatory profile in a de novo EAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali H. Zaidi
- Esophageal and Lung Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Co-first authors and contributed equally to this work
| | - Ronan J. Kelly
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Co-first authors and contributed equally to this work
| | - Anastasia Gorbunova
- Esophageal and Lung Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ashten N. Omstead
- Esophageal and Lung Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Madison S. Salvitti
- Esophageal and Lung Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ping Zheng
- Esophageal and Lung Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Juliann E. Kosovec
- Esophageal and Lung Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Soyoung Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Shahin Ayazi
- Esophageal and Lung Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Laila Babar
- Esophageal and Lung Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Gene G. Finley
- Esophageal and Lung Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ajay Goel
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, USA
| | - Blair A. Jobe
- Esophageal and Lung Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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20
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Burn OK, Prasit KK, Hermans IF. Modulating the Tumour Microenvironment by Intratumoural Injection of Pattern Recognition Receptor Agonists. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3824. [PMID: 33352882 PMCID: PMC7765936 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123824] [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: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Signalling through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) leads to strong proinflammatory responses, enhancing the activity of antigen presenting cells and shaping adaptive immune responses against tumour associated antigens. Unfortunately, toxicities associated with systemic administration of these agonists have limited their clinical use to date. Direct injection of PRR agonists into the tumour can enhance immune responses by directly modulating the cells present in the tumour microenvironment. This can improve local antitumour activity, but importantly, also facilitates systemic responses that limit tumour growth at distant sites. As such, this form of therapy could be used clinically where metastatic tumour lesions are accessible, or as neoadjuvant therapy. In this review, we summarise current preclinical data on intratumoural administration of PRR agonists, including new strategies to optimise delivery and impact, and combination studies with current and promising new cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia K. Burn
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, P.O. Box 7060, Wellington 6042, New Zealand; (O.K.B.); (K.K.P.)
- Maurice Wilkins Centre, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1042, New Zealand
| | - Kef K. Prasit
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, P.O. Box 7060, Wellington 6042, New Zealand; (O.K.B.); (K.K.P.)
- Maurice Wilkins Centre, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1042, New Zealand
| | - Ian F. Hermans
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, P.O. Box 7060, Wellington 6042, New Zealand; (O.K.B.); (K.K.P.)
- Maurice Wilkins Centre, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1042, New Zealand
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21
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Liu Y, Lu X, Qin N, Qiao Y, Xing S, Liu W, Feng F, Liu Z, Sun H. STING, a promising target for small molecular immune modulator: A review. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 211:113113. [PMID: 33360799 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.113113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) plays a crucial role in human innate immune system, which is gradually concerned following the emerging immunotherapy. Activated STING induces the production of type I interferons (IFNs) and proinflammatory cytokines through STING-TBK1-IRF3/NF-κB pathway, which could be applied into the treatment of infection, inflammation, and tumorigenesis. Here, we provided a detailed summary of STING from its structure, function and regulation. Especially, we illustrated the canonical or noncanonical cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) and synthetic small molecules for STING activation or inhibition and their efficacy in related diseases. Importantly, we particularly emphasized the discovery, development and modification of STING agonist or antagonist, attempting to enlighten reader's mind for enriching small molecular modulator of STING. In addition, we summarized biological evaluation methods for the assessment of small molecules activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijun Liu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Lu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Nan Qin
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuting Qiao
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuaishuai Xing
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenyuan Liu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Feng
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Food and Pharmaceuticals Science College, Institute of Food and Pharmaceuticals Research, 223005, People's Republic of China
| | - Zongliang Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, PR China.
| | - Haopeng Sun
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China.
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22
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Qu X, Li JW, Chan J, Meehan K. Extracellular Vesicles in Head and Neck Cancer: A Potential New Trend in Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218260. [PMID: 33158181 PMCID: PMC7662588 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a fatal and debilitating disease that is characterized by steady, poor survival rates despite advances in treatment. There is an urgent and unmet need to improve our understanding of what drives this insidious cancer and causes poor outcomes. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small vesicles that originate from tumor cells, immune cells, and other cell types and are secreted into plasma, saliva, and other bio-fluids. EVs represent dynamic, real-time changes of cells and offer an exciting opportunity to improve our understanding of HNC biology that may translate to improved clinical practice. Considering the amplified interest in EVs, we have sought to provide a contemporary review of the most recent and salient literature that is shaping the field. Herein, we discuss the functionality of EVs in HNCs and their clinical potential with regards to biomarker and therapeutic capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Qu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (X.Q.); (J.C.)
| | - Jing-Woei Li
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, China;
- Department of Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jason Chan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (X.Q.); (J.C.)
| | - Katie Meehan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (X.Q.); (J.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +852-3763-6039
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Park KS, Xu C, Sun X, Louttit C, Moon JJ. Improving STING Agonist Delivery for Cancer Immunotherapy Using Biodegradable Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2020; 3:2000130. [PMID: 34295963 PMCID: PMC8294168 DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202000130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) activation by intratumoral STING agonist treatment has been recently shown to eradicate tumors in preclinical models of cancer immunotherapy, generating intense research interest and leading to multiple clinical trials. However, there are many challenges associated with STING agonist-based cancer immunotherapy, including low cellular uptake of STING agonists. Here, biodegradable mesoporous silica nanoparticles (bMSN) with an average size of 80 nm are developed for efficient cellular delivery of STING agonists. STING agonists delivered via bMSN potently activate innate and adaptive immune cells, leading to strong antitumor efficacy and prolonged animal survival in murine models of melanoma. Delivery of immunotherapeutic agents via biodegradable bMSN is a promising approach for improving cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Soo Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA, Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA
| | - Cheng Xu
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA
| | - Xiaoqi Sun
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA
| | - Cameron Louttit
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA, Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA
| | - James J Moon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA, Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA
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Zheng J, Mo J, Zhu T, Zhuo W, Yi Y, Hu S, Yin J, Zhang W, Zhou H, Liu Z. Comprehensive elaboration of the cGAS-STING signaling axis in cancer development and immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2020; 19:133. [PMID: 32854711 PMCID: PMC7450153 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01250-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular recognition of microbial DNA is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism by which the innate immune system detects pathogens. Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) and its downstream effector, stimulator of interferon genes (STING), are involved in mediating fundamental innate antimicrobial immunity by promoting the release of type I interferons (IFNs) and other inflammatory cytokines. Accumulating evidence suggests that the activation of the cGAS-STING axis is critical for antitumor immunity. The downstream cytokines regulated by cGAS-STING, especially type I IFNs, serve as bridges connecting innate immunity with adaptive immunity. Accordingly, a growing number of studies have focused on the synthesis and screening of STING pathway agonists. However, chronic STING activation may lead to a protumor phenotype in certain malignancies. Hence, the cGAS-STING signaling pathway must be orchestrated properly when STING agonists are used alone or in combination. In this review, we discuss the dichotomous roles of the cGAS-STING pathway in tumor development and the latest advances in the use of STING agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juyan Zheng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Engineering Research Center for applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, People's Republic of China
| | - Junluan Mo
- Shenzhen center for chronic disease control and Prevention, Shenzhen, 518020, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Zhu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Engineering Research Center for applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhuo
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Engineering Research Center for applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, People's Republic of China
| | - Yueneng Yi
- Hunan Yineng Biological Medicine Co., Ltd, Changsha, 410205, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuo Hu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Key Laboratory of Biological Nanotechnology of National Health Commission, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiye Yin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Engineering Research Center for applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Engineering Research Center for applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, People's Republic of China
| | - Honghao Zhou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Engineering Research Center for applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaoqian Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China. .,Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Engineering Research Center for applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics of Ministry of Education, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, People's Republic of China.
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Tumour sensitization via the extended intratumoural release of a STING agonist and camptothecin from a self-assembled hydrogel. Nat Biomed Eng 2020; 4:1090-1101. [DOI: 10.1038/s41551-020-0597-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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26
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Hong WX, Haebe S, Lee AS, Westphalen CB, Norton JA, Jiang W, Levy R. Intratumoral Immunotherapy for Early-stage Solid Tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:3091-3099. [PMID: 32071116 PMCID: PMC7439755 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-3642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The unprecedented benefits of immunotherapy in advanced malignancies have resulted in increased interests in exploiting immune stimulatory agents in earlier-stage solid tumors in the neoadjuvant setting. However, systemic delivery of immunotherapies may cause severe immune-related side-effects and hamper the development of combination treatments. Intratumoral delivery of neoadjuvant immunotherapy provides a promising strategy in harnessing the power of immunotherapy while minimizing off-target toxicities. The direct injection of immune stimulating agents into the tumor primes the local tumor-specific immunity to generate a systemic, durable clinical response. Intratumoral immunotherapy is a highly active area of investigation resulting in a plethora of agents, for example, immune receptor agonists, non-oncolytic and oncolytic viral therapies, being tested in preclinical and clinical settings. Currently, more than 20 neoadjuvant clinical trials exploring distinct intratumoral immune stimulatory agents and their combinations are ongoing. Practical considerations, including appropriate timing and optimal local delivery of immune stimulatory agents play an important role in safety and efficacy of this approach. Here, we discuss promising approaches in drug delivery technologies and opportunity for combining intratumoral immunotherapy with other cancer treatments and summarize the recent preclinical and clinical evidences that highlighted its promise as a part of routine oncologic care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Xing Hong
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Sarah Haebe
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrew S Lee
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Cancer Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - C Benedikt Westphalen
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich, Munich, Germany
- Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK), DKTK Partner Site, Munich, Germany
| | - Jeffrey A Norton
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Wen Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Ronald Levy
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California.
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27
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Zhu Y, An X, Zhang X, Qiao Y, Zheng T, Li X. STING: a master regulator in the cancer-immunity cycle. Mol Cancer 2019; 18:152. [PMID: 31679519 PMCID: PMC6827255 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-019-1087-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The aberrant appearance of DNA in the cytoplasm triggers the activation of cGAS-cGAMP-STING signaling and induces the production of type I interferons, which play critical roles in activating both innate and adaptive immune responses. Recently, numerous studies have shown that the activation of STING and the stimulation of type I IFN production are critical for the anticancer immune response. However, emerging evidence suggests that STING also regulates anticancer immunity in a type I IFN-independent manner. For instance, STING has been shown to induce cell death and facilitate the release of cancer cell antigens. Moreover, STING activation has been demonstrated to enhance cancer antigen presentation, contribute to the priming and activation of T cells, facilitate the trafficking and infiltration of T cells into tumors and promote the recognition and killing of cancer cells by T cells. In this review, we focus on STING and the cancer immune response, with particular attention to the roles of STING activation in the cancer-immunity cycle. Additionally, the negative effects of STING activation on the cancer immune response and non-immune roles of STING in cancer have also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, No. 157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xiang An
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, No. 157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, No. 157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yu Qiao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Harbin Medical University, No. 157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Tongsen Zheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No.150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China.
| | - Xiaobo Li
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, No. 157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, China.
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28
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Mullins SR, Vasilakos JP, Deschler K, Grigsby I, Gillis P, John J, Elder MJ, Swales J, Timosenko E, Cooper Z, Dovedi SJ, Leishman AJ, Luheshi N, Elvecrog J, Tilahun A, Goodwin R, Herbst R, Tomai MA, Wilkinson RW. Intratumoral immunotherapy with TLR7/8 agonist MEDI9197 modulates the tumor microenvironment leading to enhanced activity when combined with other immunotherapies. J Immunother Cancer 2019; 7:244. [PMID: 31511088 PMCID: PMC6739946 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-019-0724-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) promotes adaptive immunity and tumor regression in some cancer patients. However, in patients with immunologically “cold” tumors, tumor-resident innate immune cell activation may be required to prime an adaptive immune response and so exploit the full potential of ICB. Whilst Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists have been used topically to successfully treat some superficial skin tumors, systemic TLR agonists have not been well-tolerated. Methods The response of human immune cells to TLR7 and 8 agonism was measured in primary human immune cell assays. MEDI9197 (3M-052) was designed as a novel lipophilic TLR7/8 agonist that is retained at the injection site, limiting systemic exposure. Retention of the TLR7/8 agonist at the site of injection was demonstrated using quantitative whole-body autoradiography, HPLC-UV, and MALDI mass spectrometry imaging. Pharmacodynamic changes on T cells from TLR7/8 agonist treated B16-OVA tumors was assessed by histology, quantitative real time PCR, and flow cytometry. Combination activity of TLR7/8 agonism with immunotherapies was assessed in vitro by human DC-T cell MLR assay, and in vivo using multiple syngeneic mouse tumor models. Results Targeting both TLR7 and 8 triggers an innate and adaptive immune response in primary human immune cells, exemplified by secretion of IFNα, IL-12 and IFNγ. In contrast, a STING or a TLR9 agonist primarily induces release of IFNα. We demonstrate that the TLR7/8 agonist, MEDI9197, is retained at the sight of injection with limited systemic exposure. This localized TLR7/8 agonism leads to Th1 polarization, enrichment and activation of natural killer (NK) and CD8+ T cells, and inhibition of tumor growth in multiple syngeneic models. The anti-tumor activity of this TLR7/8 agonist is enhanced when combined with T cell-targeted immunotherapies in pre-clinical models. Conclusion Localized TLR7/8 agonism can enhance recruitment and activation of immune cells in tumors and polarize anti-tumor immunity towards a Th1 response. Moreover, we demonstrate that the anti-tumor effects of this TLR7/8 agonist can be enhanced through combination with checkpoint inhibitors and co-stimulatory agonists. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40425-019-0724-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie R Mullins
- R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca Ltd, Aaron Klug Building, Granta Park, Cambridge, CB21 6GH, UK.
| | - John P Vasilakos
- 3M Drug Delivery Systems Division, 3M Center Bldg 260-3A-14, St. Paul, MN, 55144, USA
| | - Katharina Deschler
- R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca Ltd, Aaron Klug Building, Granta Park, Cambridge, CB21 6GH, UK
| | - Iwen Grigsby
- 3M Drug Delivery Systems Division, 3M Center Bldg 260-3A-14, St. Paul, MN, 55144, USA
| | - Pete Gillis
- 3M Drug Delivery Systems Division, 3M Center Bldg 260-3A-14, St. Paul, MN, 55144, USA
| | - Julius John
- 3M Drug Delivery Systems Division, 3M Center Bldg 260-3A-14, St. Paul, MN, 55144, USA
| | - Matthew J Elder
- R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca Ltd, Aaron Klug Building, Granta Park, Cambridge, CB21 6GH, UK
| | - John Swales
- R&D Biopharmaceuticals, Pathology, Drug Safety and Metabolism, AstraZeneca Ltd, Cambridge, UK
| | - Elina Timosenko
- R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca Ltd, Aaron Klug Building, Granta Park, Cambridge, CB21 6GH, UK
| | - Zachary Cooper
- R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca Ltd, 1 MedImmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, USA
| | - Simon J Dovedi
- R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca Ltd, Aaron Klug Building, Granta Park, Cambridge, CB21 6GH, UK
| | - Andrew J Leishman
- R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca Ltd, Aaron Klug Building, Granta Park, Cambridge, CB21 6GH, UK
| | - Nadia Luheshi
- R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca Ltd, Aaron Klug Building, Granta Park, Cambridge, CB21 6GH, UK
| | - James Elvecrog
- 3M Drug Delivery Systems Division, 3M Center Bldg 260-3A-14, St. Paul, MN, 55144, USA
| | - Ashenafi Tilahun
- 3M Drug Delivery Systems Division, 3M Center Bldg 260-3A-14, St. Paul, MN, 55144, USA
| | - Richard Goodwin
- R&D Biopharmaceuticals, Pathology, Drug Safety and Metabolism, AstraZeneca Ltd, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ronald Herbst
- R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca Ltd, 1 MedImmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, USA
| | - Mark A Tomai
- 3M Drug Delivery Systems Division, 3M Center Bldg 260-3A-14, St. Paul, MN, 55144, USA
| | - Robert W Wilkinson
- R&D Oncology, AstraZeneca Ltd, Aaron Klug Building, Granta Park, Cambridge, CB21 6GH, UK.
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Abstract
DNA methylation inhibitors have become the mainstay for treatment of certain haematological malignancies. In addition to their abilities to reactivate genes, including tumour suppressors, that have acquired DNA methylation during carcinogenesis, they induce the expression of thousands of transposable elements including endogenous retroviruses and latent cancer testis antigens normally silenced by DNA methylation in most somatic cells. This results in a state of viral mimicry in which treated cells mount an innate immune response by turning on viral defence genes and potentially expressing neoantigens. Furthermore, these changes mediated by DNA methylation inhibitors can also alter the function of immune cells relevant to acquired immunity. Additionally, other inhibitors of epigenetic processes, such as histone deacetylases, methylases and demethylases, can elicit similar effects either individually or in combinations with DNA methylation inhibitors. These findings together with rapid development of immunotherapies open new avenues for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Jones
- Van Andel Research Institute (VARI), Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Hitoshi Ohtani
- Van Andel Research Institute (VARI), Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Ankur Chakravarthy
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network (UHN), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel D De Carvalho
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network (UHN), Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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30
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Gkouveris I, Nikitakis NG, Aseervatham J, Ogbureke KUE. Interferon γ suppresses dentin sialophosphoprotein in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells resulting in antitumor effects, via modulation of the endoplasmic reticulum response. Int J Oncol 2018; 53:2423-2432. [PMID: 30320380 PMCID: PMC6203152 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression of proinflammatory cytokines in various malignant neoplasms is widely considered to represent the host immune response to tumor development. The role of interferon (IFN)γ in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and its association with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathways, remains a subject of ongoing investigation. Dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), which is a member of the small integrin-binding N-linked glycoproteins family, has been implicated in malignant transformation and invasion of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Recent studies have established matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)20 as the cognate MMP partner of DSPP. The present study examined the effects of IFNγ treatment on DSPP and MMP20 expression, ER stress, the unfolded protein response (UPR), and calcium (Ca) homeostasis regulatory mechanisms in OSCC cells. The OSC2 OSCC cell line was treated with IFNγ at specific time-points. At each time-point, the mRNA expression levels of DSPP and MMP20, and those of ER-stress-, UPR- and Ca homeostasis-associated proteins [78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78), sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA2b), inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3r), protein kinase R-like ER kinase (PERK) and inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1)], were assessed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The protein expression levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and cytochrome c were analyzed by western blotting. Cell viability, apoptosis and migration were evaluated by MTT, Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate flow cytometry and wound-healing assays, respectively. IFNγ treatment significantly downregulated the mRNA expression levels of the major ER stress regulator GRP78 and, to a lesser extent, the UPR-associated molecule IRE1; however, IFNγ had no significant effect on PERK. With regards to ER Ca homeostasis molecules, treatment with IFNγ downregulated the mRNA expression levels of SERCA2b and upregulated those of IP3r. Furthermore, DSPP and MMP20 mRNA expression levels were significantly reduced following IFNγ treatment. Notably, treatment with IFNγ hampered OSC2 migration, reduced cell viability and PCNA protein expression, enhanced apoptosis, downregulated Bcl-2, and upregulated Bax and cytochrome c. Overall, IFNγ inhibited OSCC cell viability and migration, and increased apoptosis, possibly by regulating ER stress and UPR mechanisms. In addition, IFNγ-induced DSPP and MMP20 downregulation may correspond with alteration in ER Ca homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Gkouveris
- Division of Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Nikolaos G Nikitakis
- Department of Oral Medicine and Pathology, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Jaya Aseervatham
- Department of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Kalu U E Ogbureke
- Department of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77054, USA
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31
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Walker MM, Crute BW, Cambier JC, Getahun A. B Cell-Intrinsic STING Signaling Triggers Cell Activation, Synergizes with B Cell Receptor Signals, and Promotes Antibody Responses. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 201:2641-2653. [PMID: 30282750 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1701405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Generation of protective immune responses requires coordinated stimulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. An important mediator of innate immunity is stimulator of IFN genes (STING, MPYS, MITA), a ubiquitously but differentially expressed adaptor molecule that functions in the relay of signals initiated by sensing of cytosolic DNA and bacterial cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs). Whereas systemic expression of STING is required for CDN-aided mucosal Ab responses, its function in B cells in particular is unclear. In this study, we show that B cells can be directly activated by CDNs in a STING-dependent manner in vitro and in vivo. Direct activation of B cells by CDNs results in upregulation of costimulatory molecules and cytokine production and this can be accompanied by caspase-dependent cell death. CDN-induced cytokine production by B cells and other cell types also contributes to activation and immune responses. Type I IFN is primarily responsible for this indirect stimulation although other cytokines may contribute. BCR and STING signaling pathways act synergistically to promote Ab responses independent of type I IFN. B cell expression of STING is required for optimal in vivo IgG and mucosal IgA Ab responses induced by T cell-dependent Ags and cyclic-di-GMP but plays no discernable role in Ab responses in which alum is used as an adjuvant. Thus, STING functions autonomously in B cells responding to CDNs, and its activation synergizes with Ag receptor signals to promote B cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M Walker
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045; and
| | - Bergren W Crute
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045; and
| | - John C Cambier
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045; and.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206
| | - Andrew Getahun
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045; and .,Department of Biomedical Sciences, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206
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32
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Budhwani M, Mazzieri R, Dolcetti R. Plasticity of Type I Interferon-Mediated Responses in Cancer Therapy: From Anti-tumor Immunity to Resistance. Front Oncol 2018; 8:322. [PMID: 30186768 PMCID: PMC6110817 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of several therapeutic strategies against cancer, including cytotoxic drugs, radiotherapy, targeted immunotherapies and oncolytic viruses, depend on intact type I interferon (IFN) signaling for the promotion of both direct (tumor cell inhibition) and indirect (anti-tumor immune responses) effects. Malfunctions of this pathway in tumor cells or in immune cells may be responsible for the lack of response or resistance. Although type I IFN signaling is required to trigger anti-tumor immunity, emerging evidence indicates that chronic activation of type I IFN pathway may be involved in mediating resistance to different cancer treatments. The plastic and dynamic features of type I IFN responses should be carefully considered to fully exploit the therapeutic potential of strategies targeting IFN signaling. Here, we review available evidence supporting the involvement of type I IFN signaling in mediating resistance to various cancer therapies and highlight the most promising modalities that are being tested to overcome resistance.
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33
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Leach DG, Dharmaraj N, Piotrowski SL, Lopez-Silva TL, Lei YL, Sikora AG, Young S, Hartgerink JD. STINGel: Controlled release of a cyclic dinucleotide for enhanced cancer immunotherapy. Biomaterials 2018; 163:67-75. [PMID: 29454236 PMCID: PMC5840037 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent advancements in the field of immunotherapy have yielded encouraging results for the treatment of advanced cancers. Cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) are a powerful new class of immunotherapy drugs known as STING (Stimulator of Interferon Genes) agonists, currently in clinical trials. However, previous studies of CDNs in murine cancer models have required multiple injections, and improve survival only in relatively nonaggressive tumor models. Therefore, we sought to improve the efficacy of CDN immunotherapy by developing a novel biomaterial we call "STINGel." STINGel is an injectable peptide hydrogel that localizes and provides controlled release of CDN delivery, showing an 8-fold slower release rate compared to a standard collagen hydrogel. The carrier hydrogel is a positively charged, MultiDomain Peptide (MDP) which self-assembles to form a nanofibrous matrix and is easily delivered by syringe. The highly localized delivery of CDN from this nanostructured biomaterial affects the local histological response in a subcutaneous model, and dramatically improves overall survival in a challenging murine model of head and neck cancer compared to CDN alone or CDN delivered from a collagen hydrogel. This study demonstrates the feasibility of biomaterial-based immunotherapy platforms like STINGel as strategies for increasing the efficacy of CDN immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G Leach
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Neeraja Dharmaraj
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| | - Stacey L Piotrowski
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| | - Tania L Lopez-Silva
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Yu L Lei
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Andrew G Sikora
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Simon Young
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Hartgerink
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA.
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34
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Iurescia S, Fioretti D, Rinaldi M. Targeting Cytosolic Nucleic Acid-Sensing Pathways for Cancer Immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2018; 9:711. [PMID: 29686682 PMCID: PMC5900005 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The innate immune system provides the first line of defense against pathogen infection though also influences pathways involved in cancer immunosurveillance. The innate immune system relies on a limited set of germ line-encoded sensors termed pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), signaling proteins and immune response factors. Cytosolic receptors mediate recognition of danger damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) signals. Once activated, these sensors trigger multiple signaling cascades, converging on the production of type I interferons and proinflammatory cytokines. Recent studies revealed that PRRs respond to nucleic acids (NA) released by dying, damaged, cancer cells, as danger DAMPs signals, and presence of signaling proteins across cancer types suggests that these signaling mechanisms may be involved in cancer biology. DAMPs play important roles in shaping adaptive immune responses through the activation of innate immune cells and immunological response to danger DAMPs signals is crucial for the host response to cancer and tumor rejection. Furthermore, PRRs mediate the response to NA in several vaccination strategies, including DNA immunization. As route of double-strand DNA intracellular entry, DNA immunization leads to expression of key components of cytosolic NA-sensing pathways. The involvement of NA-sensing mechanisms in the antitumor response makes these pathways attractive drug targets. Natural and synthetic agonists of NA-sensing pathways can trigger cell death in malignant cells, recruit immune cells, such as DCs, CD8+ T cells, and NK cells, into the tumor microenvironment and are being explored as promising adjuvants in cancer immunotherapies. In this minireview, we discuss how cGAS–STING and RIG-I–MAVS pathways have been targeted for cancer treatment in preclinical translational researches. In addition, we present a targeted selection of recent clinical trials employing agonists of cytosolic NA-sensing pathways showing how these pathways are currently being targeted for clinical application in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Iurescia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Fioretti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Rinaldi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
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35
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Gujar S, Pol JG, Kroemer G. Heating it up: Oncolytic viruses make tumors 'hot' and suitable for checkpoint blockade immunotherapies. Oncoimmunology 2018; 7:e1442169. [PMID: 30221036 PMCID: PMC6136862 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2018.1442169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade is less efficient in patients bearing immunologically ‘cold’ tumors. Oncolytic viruses, which were originally discovered for their ability to preferentially kill malignant cells, can recondition the tumor microenvironment. Supporting this hypothesis, two new studies published in Science Translational Medicine show that adjuvant-like activities of oncolytic viruses make brain and breast tumors ‘hot’ and sensitize them for subsequent immune checkpoint blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashi Gujar
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, NS, Canada.,Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, NS, Canada.,Centre for Innovative and Collaborative Health Sciences Research, Quality and System Performance, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Jonathan G Pol
- Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Villejuif, France.,INSERM, Paris, France.,Equipe 11 labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes/Paris V, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Université Pierre et Marie Curie/Paris VI, Paris, France
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Villejuif, France.,INSERM, Paris, France.,Equipe 11 labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes/Paris V, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Université Pierre et Marie Curie/Paris VI, Paris, France.,Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France.,Pôle de Biologie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris, France.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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36
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Immunotherapy, an evolving approach for the management of triple negative breast cancer: Converting non-responders to responders. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2018; 122:202-207. [PMID: 29373180 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2018.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 11/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy comprises a promising new era in cancer therapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting either the programmed death (PD)-1 receptor or its ligand PD-L1 were first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the management of metastatic melanoma in 2011. The approval of this class is being extended to include other types of immunogenic tumors. Although breast cancer (BC) was first categorized as non-immunogenic tumor type, there are certain subsets of BC that showed a high level of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Those subsets include the triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and HER-2 positive breast tumors. Preliminary data from clinical trials presented promising outcomes for patients with advanced stage/metastatic TNBC. While the objective response rate (ORR) was relatively low, it is still promising because of the observation that the patients who respond to the treatment with immune checkpoint blockade have favorable prognosis and often show a significant increase in the overall survival. Therefore, the main challenge is to find ways to enhance the tumor response to such therapy and to convert the non-responders to responders. This will consequently bring new hopes for patients with advanced stage metastatic TNBC and help to decrease death tolls from this devastating disease. In the current review, we are highlighting and discussing the up-to-date strategies adopted at either the preclinical or the clinical settings to enhance tumor responsiveness to immunotherapy.
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37
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Robert C. Checkpoint Blockade Plus Oncolytic Virus: A Hot Therapeutic Cancer Strategy. Trends Mol Med 2017; 23:983-985. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2017.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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38
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STING signaling in tumorigenesis and cancer therapy: A friend or foe? Cancer Lett 2017; 402:203-212. [PMID: 28602976 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 05/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is a DNA sensor and an important cytoplasmic adaptor for other DNA sensors, such as Z-DNA binding protein 1 (DAI), DEAD-box helicase 41 (DDX41), and interferon-γ-inducible protein 16 (IFI16). The activation of STING signaling leads to the production of type I interferons and some other pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are critical for host defense against viral infection. Recent accumulating evidences suggest that STING is also involved in tumor development. However, the role of STING signaling in tumorigenesis is complicated, and a comprehensive review is still lacking. In this paper, we provided an overview of the dual role of STING signaling in tumor development from clinical significance to fundamental mechanisms, as well as its pre-clinical application in cancer therapy.
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