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Li J, Wang X, Ren M, He S, Zhao Y. Advances in experimental animal models of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Med 2023; 12:15261-15276. [PMID: 37248746 PMCID: PMC10417182 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6163] [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: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor with insidious early symptoms, easy metastasis, postoperative recurrence, poor drug efficacy, and a high drug resistance rate when surgery is missed, leading to a low 5-year survival rate. Research on the pathogenesis and drugs is particularly important for clinical treatment. Animal models are crucial for basic research, which is conducive to studying pathogenesis and drug screening more conveniently and effectively. An appropriate animal model can better reflect disease occurrence and development, and the process of anti-tumor immune response in the human body. This review summarizes the classification, characteristics, and advances in experimental animal models of HCC to provide a reference for researchers on model selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anPeople's Republic of China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anPeople's Republic of China
| | - Mudan Ren
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anPeople's Republic of China
| | - Shuixiang He
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anPeople's Republic of China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anPeople's Republic of China
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Takada H, Yamashita K, Osawa L, Komiyama Y, Nakakuki N, Muraoka M, Suzuki Y, Sato M, Kobayashi S, Yoshida T, Takano S, Maekawa S, Enomoto N. Relationship between Plasma IP-10/CXCL10 Levels and the Initial Therapeutic Response in Patients Treated with Atezolizumab plus Bevacizumab for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Oncology 2023; 101:655-663. [PMID: 37379802 DOI: 10.1159/000531689] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab combination therapy (AB) was the first-line treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (u-HCC). IFN-γ-induced protein 10 (IP-10/CXCL10) is a chemokine to inhibit HCC proliferation by promoting the migration of cytotoxic T cells. We focused on the relationship between plasma IP-10/CXCL10 levels and the initial therapeutic response in patients receiving AB therapy. METHODS Forty-six patients receiving AB therapy were enrolled. Plasma IP-10/CXCL10 levels were measured at baseline, 3-7 days, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 8-12 weeks after the start of AB therapy. The initial therapeutic response was evaluated at 8-12 weeks. RESULTS The baseline IP-10/CXCL10 levels of partial response (PR) group was higher than that of stable disease (SD) or progressive disease (PD) group. Patients with the baseline IP-10/CXCL10 of 84 pg/mL or higher were likely to present PR than patients below (71 vs. 35%, p = 0.031), but prediction of PD using the baseline IP-10/CXCL10 levels was difficult. In contrast, IP-10/CXCL10 ratio of the PR group was lower than that of the SD/PD group at 3, 6, and 8-12 weeks. Patients with the 3, 6, and 8-12 weeks IP-10/CXCL10 ratio of 1.3, 0.4, and 0.4 or lower were likely to present PR than patients with ≥1.3, 0.4, and 0.4 (88, 35, 35 vs. 30, 3.8, 0%, p < 0.001, 0.011, 0.002). In other hand, the 3, 6, and 8-12 weeks IP-10/CXCL10 ratio for PD group was higher than that for non-PD group. Patients with the 3, 6, and 8-12 weeks IP-10/CXCL10 ratio of 1.3, 1.7, and 1.9 or higher were likely to present PD than patients below (85, 62, 57 vs. 32, 23, 14%, p = 0.002, 0.034, 0.009). CONCLUSION High baseline IP-10/CXCL10 levels may be associated with better outcome, and high IP-10/CXCL10 ratio after 3-12 weeks may be associated with worse outcome in u-HCC patients receiving AB therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitomi Takada
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Koji Yamashita
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Leona Osawa
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Komiyama
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Natsuko Nakakuki
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Masaru Muraoka
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Suzuki
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Mitsuaki Sato
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Shoji Kobayashi
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Takashi Yoshida
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Shinichi Takano
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Shinya Maekawa
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Enomoto
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
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Qi X, Wu F, Kim SH, Kaifi JT, Kimchi ET, Snyder H, Illendula A, Fox T, Kester M, Staveley-O'Carroll KF, Li G. Nanoliposome C6-Ceramide in combination with anti-CTLA4 antibody improves anti-tumor immunity in hepatocellular cancer. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22250. [PMID: 35294071 PMCID: PMC9297193 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101707r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Combination therapy represents an effective therapeutic approach to overcome hepatocellular cancer (HCC) resistance to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Based upon previous work demonstrating that nanoliposome C6‐ceramide (LipC6) not only induces HCC apoptosis but also prevents HCC‐induced immune tolerance, we now investigate the potential of LipC6 in combination with ICB in HCC treatment. We generated orthotopic HCC‐bearing mice, which have typical features in common with human patients, and then treated them with LipC6 in combination with the antibodies (Abs) for programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) or cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4). The tumor growth was monitored by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the intrahepatic immune profiles were checked by flow cytometry in response to the treatments. Realtime PCR (qPCR) was used to detect the expression of target genes. The results show that LipC6 in combination with anti‐CTLA4 Ab, but not anti‐PD‐1 Ab, significantly slowed tumor growth, enhanced tumor‐infiltrating CD8+ T cells, and suppressed tumor‐resident CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Tregs. Further molecular investigation indicates that the combinational treatment suppressed transcriptional factor Krüppel‐like Factor 2 (KLF2), forkhead box protein P3 (FoxP3), and CTLA4. Our studies suggest that LipC6 in combination with anti‐CTLA4 Ab represents a novel therapeutic approach with significant potential in activating anti‐HCC immune response and suppressing HCC growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqiang Qi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Feng Wu
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Sung Hoon Kim
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Jussuf T Kaifi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Eric T Kimchi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Helena Snyder
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Anuradha Illendula
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Todd Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Kevin F Staveley-O'Carroll
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Guangfu Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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Jiang M, Zeng J, Zhao L, Zhang M, Ma J, Guan X, Zhang W. Chemotherapeutic drug-induced immunogenic cell death for nanomedicine-based cancer chemo-immunotherapy. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:17218-17235. [PMID: 34643196 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr05512g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy has been a conventional paradigm for cancer treatment, and multifarious chemotherapeutic drugs have been widely employed for decades with significant performances in suppressing tumors. Moreover, some of the antitumor chemotherapeutic agents, such as doxorubicin (DOX), oxaliplatin (OXA), cyclophosphamide (CPA) and paclitaxel (PTX), can also tackle tumors through the induction of immunogenic cell death (ICD) in tumor cells to trigger specific antitumor immune responses of the body and improve chemotherapy efficacy. In recent years, chemo-immunotherapy has attracted increasing attention as one of the most promising combination therapies to struggle with malignant tumors. Many effective antitumor therapies have benefited from the successful induction of ICD in tumors, which could incur the release of endogenous danger signals and tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), further stimulating antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and ultimately initiating efficient antitumor immunity. In this review, several well-characterized damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) were introduced and the progress of ICD induced by representative chemotherapeutic drugs for nanomedicine-based chemo-immunotherapy was highlighted. In addition, the combination strategies involving ICD cooperated with other therapies were discussed. Finally, we shared some perspectives in chemotherapeutic drug-induced ICD for future chemo-immunotherapy. It was hoped that this review would provide worthwhile presentations and enlightenments for cancer chemo-immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxia Jiang
- College of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China.
| | - Jun Zeng
- College of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China.
| | - Liping Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China.
| | - Mogen Zhang
- College of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Jinlong Ma
- College of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Target Drug Delivery System, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
- Shandong Engineering Research Center for Smart Materials and Regenerative Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Xiuwen Guan
- College of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Target Drug Delivery System, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
- Shandong Engineering Research Center for Smart Materials and Regenerative Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Weifen Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Target Drug Delivery System, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
- Shandong Engineering Research Center for Smart Materials and Regenerative Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
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Epigenetic Regulation of Cancer Immune Cells. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 83:377-383. [PMID: 34182142 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The epigenetic regulation of immune response involves reversible and heritable changes that do not alter the DNA sequence. Though there have been extensive studies accomplished relating to epigenetic changes in cancer cells, recent focus has been shifted on epigenetic-mediated changes in the immune cells including T cells, Macrophages, Natural Killer cells and anti-tumor immune responses. This review compiles the most relevant and recent literature related to the role of epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation and histone modifications in immune cells of wide range of cancers. We also include recent research with respect to role of the most relevant transcription factors that epigenetically control the anti-tumor immune response. Finally, a statement of future direction that promises to look forward for strategies to improve immunotherapy in cancer.
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Pardee AD, Butterfield LH. Immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma: Unique challenges and clinical opportunities. Oncoimmunology 2021. [PMID: 22720211 DOI: 10.4161/onc-i.1.1.18344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Current therapies for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are marginally effective and exacerbate underlying liver disease. The ability of immunotherapy to elicit nontoxic, systemic, long-lived anti-tumor activity makes it particularly well-suited for use in the setting of HCC. While therapeutic benefit has been achieved in early clinical trials, the efficacy of immune-based therapies is limited by several unique properties of HCC, most notably the inherently tolerogenic character of the liver in both healthy and diseased (chronically-infected or tumor-bearing) states. Therapeutic regimens that both counteract these immunosuppressive mechanisms and amplify tumor-specific immunity are expected to profoundly improve clinical outcomes for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela D Pardee
- Department of Medicine; University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Pittsburgh, PA USA
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Pardee AD, Butterfield LH. Immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma: Unique challenges and clinical opportunities. Oncoimmunology 2021; 1:48-55. [PMID: 22720211 PMCID: PMC3376967 DOI: 10.4161/onci.1.1.18344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Current therapies for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are marginally effective and exacerbate underlying liver disease. The ability of immunotherapy to elicit nontoxic, systemic, long-lived anti-tumor activity makes it particularly well-suited for use in the setting of HCC. While therapeutic benefit has been achieved in early clinical trials, the efficacy of immune-based therapies is limited by several unique properties of HCC, most notably the inherently tolerogenic character of the liver in both healthy and diseased (chronically-infected or tumor-bearing) states. Therapeutic regimens that both counteract these immunosuppressive mechanisms and amplify tumor-specific immunity are expected to profoundly improve clinical outcomes for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela D Pardee
- Department of Medicine; University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Pittsburgh, PA USA
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Shigeta K, Matsui A, Kikuchi H, Klein S, Mamessier E, Chen IX, Aoki S, Kitahara S, Inoue K, Shigeta A, Hato T, Ramjiawan RR, Staiculescu D, Zopf D, Fiebig L, Hobbs GS, Quaas A, Dima S, Popescu I, Huang P, Munn LL, Cobbold M, Goyal L, Zhu AX, Jain RK, Duda DG. Regorafenib combined with PD1 blockade increases CD8 T-cell infiltration by inducing CXCL10 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Immunother Cancer 2020; 8:jitc-2020-001435. [PMID: 33234602 PMCID: PMC7689089 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Combining inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor and the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) pathway has shown efficacy in multiple cancers, but the disease-specific and agent-specific mechanisms of benefit remain unclear. We examined the efficacy and defined the mechanisms of benefit when combining regorafenib (a multikinase antivascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitor) with PD1 blockade in murine hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) models. BASIC PROCEDURES We used orthotopic models of HCC in mice with liver damage to test the effects of regorafenib-dosed orally at 5, 10 or 20 mg/kg daily-combined with anti-PD1 antibodies (10 mg/kg intraperitoneally thrice weekly). We evaluated the effects of therapy on tumor vasculature and immune microenvironment using immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, RNA-sequencing, ELISA and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies in mice and in tissue and blood samples from patients with cancer. MAIN FINDINGS Regorafenib/anti-PD1 combination therapy increased survival compared with regofarenib or anti-PD1 alone in a regorafenib dose-dependent manner. Combination therapy increased regorafenib uptake into the tumor tissues by normalizing the HCC vasculature and increasing CD8 T-cell infiltration and activation at an intermediate regorafenib dose. The efficacy of regorafenib/anti-PD1 therapy was compromised in mice lacking functional T cells (Rag1-deficient mice). Regorafenib treatment increased the transcription and protein expression of CXCL10-a ligand for CXCR3 expressed on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes-in murine HCC and in blood of patients with HCC. Using Cxcr3-deficient mice, we demonstrate that CXCR3 mediated the increased intratumoral CD8 T-cell infiltration and the added survival benefit when regorafenib was combined with anti-PD1 therapy. PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS Judicious regorafenib/anti-PD1 combination therapy can inhibit tumor growth and increase survival by normalizing tumor vasculature and increasing intratumoral CXCR3+CD8 T-cell infiltration through elevated CXCL10 expression in HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Shigeta
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Aya Matsui
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hiroto Kikuchi
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sebastian Klein
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Emilie Mamessier
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ivy X Chen
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shuichi Aoki
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shuji Kitahara
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Koetsu Inoue
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ayako Shigeta
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tai Hato
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rakesh R Ramjiawan
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel Staiculescu
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dieter Zopf
- Drug Discovery, Bayer Pharma AG, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lukas Fiebig
- Drug Discovery, Bayer Pharma AG, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gabriela S Hobbs
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alexander Quaas
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Simona Dima
- Center for General Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Clinical Institute Fundeni, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Irinel Popescu
- Center for General Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Clinical Institute Fundeni, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Peigen Huang
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lance L Munn
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mark Cobbold
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lipika Goyal
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrew X Zhu
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rakesh K Jain
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dan G Duda
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Duru G, van Egmond M, Heemskerk N. A Window of Opportunity: Targeting Cancer Endothelium to Enhance Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2020; 11:584723. [PMID: 33262763 PMCID: PMC7686513 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.584723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular abnormalities in tumors have a major impact on the immune microenvironment in tumors. The consequences of abnormal vasculature include increased hypoxia, acidosis, high intra-tumoral fluid pressure, and angiogenesis. This introduces an immunosuppressive microenvironment that alters immune cell maturation, activation, and trafficking, which supports tumor immune evasion and dissemination of tumor cells. Increasing data suggests that cancer endothelium is a major barrier for traveling leukocytes, ranging from a partial blockade resulting in a selective endothelial barrier, to a complete immune infiltration blockade associated with immune exclusion and immune desert cancer phenotypes. Failed immune cell trafficking as well as immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment limits the efficacy of immunotherapeutic approaches. As such, targeting proteins with key roles in angiogenesis may potentially reduce immunosuppression and might restore infiltration of anti-tumor immune cells, creating a therapeutic window for successful immunotherapy. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of established as well as more controversial endothelial pathways that govern selective immune cell trafficking across cancer endothelium. Additionally, we discuss recent insights and strategies that target tumor vasculature in order to increase infiltration of cytotoxic immune cells during the therapeutic window of vascular normalization hereby improving the efficacy of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gizem Duru
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marjolein van Egmond
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Niels Heemskerk
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Qi X, Yang M, Ma L, Sauer M, Avella D, Kaifi JT, Bryan J, Cheng K, Staveley-O'Carroll KF, Kimchi ET, Li G. Synergizing sunitinib and radiofrequency ablation to treat hepatocellular cancer by triggering the antitumor immune response. J Immunother Cancer 2020; 8:jitc-2020-001038. [PMID: 33115942 PMCID: PMC7594543 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Minimally invasive radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is used as a first-line treatment option for hepatocellular cancer (HCC) with the weaknesses of incomplete ablation, tumor recurrence, and inferior outcomes. To overcome this limitation, we proposed to develop sunitinib-RFA integrated therapy with a potential of activating anti-HCC immune response. Methods Using our unique murine model, we developed a novel RFA platform with a modified human cardiac RF generator. Therapeutic efficacy of sunitinib–RFA combined treatment in HCC was tested in this platform. Tumor progression was monitored by MRI; tumor necrosis and apoptosis were detected by H&E and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling; immune reaction was defined by flow cytometry; and signaling molecules were examined with real-time PCR (qPCR), western blot, and immunohistochemical staining. Results A significantly reduced tumor growth and extended lift span were observed in the mice receiving combined treatment with RFA and sunitinib. This combined treatment significantly increased the frequency of CD8+ T cell, memory CD8+ T cell, and dendritic cells (DCs); decreased the frequency of regulatory T cells; and activated tumor-specific antigen (TSA) immune response in tumor microenvironment. We found that RFA caused PD-1 upregulation in tumor-infiltrated T cells by boosting hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) expression, which was suppressed by sunitinib treatment. We have also demonstrated that sunitinib suppressed VEGF’s effect in enhancing PD-L1 expression in DCs and attenuated heat-sink effect. The results indicate that RFA induced tumor destruction and release of in situ TSAs which can activate a tumoricidal immune response in sunitinib-treated mice, significantly improving anti-HCC therapeutic efficacy. Conclusions Sunitinib enables RFA-released in situ TSA to ignite an effective anti-tumor immune response by suppressing HGF and VEGF signaling pathways. Sunitinib–RFA as a synergistic therapeutic approach significantly suppresses HCC growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqiang Qi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Lixin Ma
- Department of Radiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
- Harry S. Truman Memorial VA Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Madeline Sauer
- School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Diego Avella
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
- Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Jussuf T Kaifi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
- Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Jeffrey Bryan
- Department of Veterinary Oncology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Kun Cheng
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Missouri Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Kevin F Staveley-O'Carroll
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
- Harry S. Truman Memorial VA Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Eric T Kimchi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
- Harry S. Truman Memorial VA Hospital, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Guangfu Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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Bresnahan E, Lindblad KE, Ruiz de Galarreta M, Lujambio A. Mouse Models of Oncoimmunology in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:5276-5286. [PMID: 32327473 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-2923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide and incidence is on the rise. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver cancer, with a complex etiology and limited treatment options. The standard-of-care treatment for patients with advanced HCC is sorafenib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that offers limited survival benefit. In the past years, therapeutic options for the treatment of advanced HCC have increased substantially, including additional multikinase inhibitors as well as immune checkpoint inhibitors. Nivolumab and pembrolizumab were approved in 2017 and 2018, respectively, as second-line treatment in advanced HCC. These drugs, both targeting the programmed death-1 pathway, demonstrate unprecedented results, with objective response rates of approximately 20%. However, the majority of patients do not respond, necessitating the identification of biomarkers of response and resistance to immunotherapy. With the recent success of immunotherapies in oncology, mouse models that better recapitulate the human disease and antitumor immune response are needed. This review lists ongoing clinical trials testing immunotherapy in HCC, briefly discusses the unique immunosuppressive environment of the liver, and then delves into the most applicable current murine model systems to study oncoimmunology within the context of HCC, including syngeneic, genetically engineered, and humanized models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Bresnahan
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,The Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Katherine E Lindblad
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,The Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Marina Ruiz de Galarreta
- Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,The Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Amaia Lujambio
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York. .,Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,The Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
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12
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Cai X, Li H, Kaplan DE. Murine hepatoblast-derived liver tumors resembling human combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma with stem cell features. Cell Biosci 2020; 10:38. [PMID: 32190288 PMCID: PMC7071781 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-020-00395-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (CHC) is a primary hepatic malignancy with heterogeneously combined histological features of putative hepatic progenitor cells (HPC) origin. We describe a mouse model that exhibits the heterogenous histological and phenotypic finding similar to human CHC. METHODS We injected hepatoblasts isolated from p53-/- C57BL/6 mice into syngeneic wild-type pre-conditioned C57BL/6 mice. We confirmed that p53-/- murine hepatoblasts act as tumor-initiating cells (TICs) that generate CHC both in situ and within metastases. For comparative pathological study, 8 human cases of CHC with stem cell features were recruited by immunohistochemistry and multicolor fluorescence immunostaining. RESULTS We identified corresponding areas in murine tumors matching each WHO criteria-described subtype of human CHC. In both murine and human tumors, HPC-like cells in tumor nests and associated stem cell features/traits are suggested histologically to be the progenitor origin of the cancer. CONCLUSIONS The pathological characteristics of murine tumors recapitulate human CHC with stem cell features. These data provide additional comparative pathological evidence that CHC with stem cell features originate from HPCs and validate a model to study this cancer type in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiong Cai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Drive, PCAM GI 7S, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6145 USA
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Ave., Wuhan, 430022 China
| | - Heli Li
- Department of Immunology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - David E. Kaplan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Drive, PCAM GI 7S, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6145 USA
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13
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Li Y, Zhang M, Wang X, Liu W, Wang H, Yang YG. Vaccination with CD47 deficient tumor cells elicits an antitumor immune response in mice. Nat Commun 2020; 11:581. [PMID: 31996683 PMCID: PMC6989506 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-14102-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells are poorly immunogenic and have a wide range of mutations, which makes them unsuitable for use in vaccination treatment. Here, we show that elimination of CD47, a ligand for the myeloid cell inhibitory receptor SIRPα, from tumor cells by genetic deletion or antibody blocking, significantly improves the effectiveness of the immune response to tumour cells. In both solid and hematopoietic mouse tumor models, vaccination with tumor cells or tumor antigen-expressing cells, that lack CD47 or were pre-coated with anti-CD47 antibodies, achieved an antitumor immune response. The efficacy of this approach was synergistically enhanced when used in combination with anti-PD-1 antibodies. The induction of antitumor responses depends on SIRPα+CD11c+ DCs, which exhibit rapid expansion following introduction of CD47-deficient tumor cells. Our results indicate that CD47-deficient whole tumor cells can induce antitumor responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital, and Institute of Immunology, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mingyou Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital, and Institute of Immunology, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiaodan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital, and Institute of Immunology, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, China
| | - Wentao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital, and Institute of Immunology, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yong-Guang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital, and Institute of Immunology, Jilin University, Changchun, China. .,Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA. .,National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, China. .,International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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14
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Qi X, Schepers E, Avella D, Kimchi ET, Kaifi JT, Staveley-O'Carroll KF, Li G. An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis. J Vis Exp 2019. [PMID: 31566616 DOI: 10.3791/59368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The absence of a clinically relevant animal model addressing the typical immune characteristics of hepatocellular cancer (HCC) has significantly impeded elucidation of the underlying mechanisms and development of innovative immunotherapeutic strategies. To develop an ideal animal model recapitulating human HCC, immunocompetent male C57BL/6J mice first receive a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) injection to induce liver fibrosis, then receive histologically-normal oncogenic hepatocytes from young male SV40 T antigen (TAg)-transgenic mice (MTD2) by intra-splenic (ISPL) inoculation. Androgen generated in recipient male mice at puberty initiates TAg expression under control of a liver-specific promoter. As a result, the transferred hepatocytes become cancer cells and form tumor masses in the setting of liver fibrosis/cirrhosis. This novel model mimics human HCC initiation and progression in the context of liver fibrosis/cirrhosis and reflects the most typical features of human HCC including immune dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqiang Qi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia; Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia; Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri-Columbia
| | - Emily Schepers
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia; Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia
| | - Diego Avella
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia; Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia
| | - Eric T Kimchi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia; Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia
| | - Jussuf T Kaifi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia; Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia
| | - Kevin F Staveley-O'Carroll
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia; Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia;
| | - Guangfu Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia; Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia; Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri-Columbia;
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15
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Liu X, Huang Y, Yuan H, Qi X, Manjunath Y, Avella D, Kaifi JT, Miao Y, Li M, Jiang K, Li G. Disruption of oncogenic liver-intestine cadherin (CDH17) drives apoptotic pancreatic cancer death. Cancer Lett 2019; 454:204-214. [PMID: 31004701 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver-intestine cadherin (CDH17) has been known to function as a tumor stimulator and diagnostic marker for almost two decades. However, its function in highly malignant pancreatic cancer (PC) has yet to be elucidated. Using different strategies including siRNA, shRNA, and CRISPR technology, we successfully induced knockdown and knockout of CDH17 in Panc02-H7 cells and established the corresponding stable cell lines. With these cells, we demonstrated that loss of CDH17 function not only suppressed Panc02-H7 cell growth in vitro but also significantly slowed orthotopic tumor growth in vivo, resulting in the significant life extension. In vitro studies demonstrated that impairing CDH17 inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation, and motility by mechanistically modulating pro- and anti-apoptosis events in PC cells, as CDH17 suppression obviously increased expression of Bad, cytochrome C, cleaved caspase 3, and cleaved PARP, and reduced expression of Bcl-2, Survivin, and pAkt. In vivo studies showed CDH17 knockout resulted in apoptotic PC tumor death through activating caspase-3 activity. Taken together, CDH17 functions as an oncogenic molecule critical to PC growth by regulating tumor apoptosis signaling pathways and CDH17 could be targeted to develop an anti-PC therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinjian Liu
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA; Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA; Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211166, China
| | - Yue Huang
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Hao Yuan
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA; Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA; Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Qi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA; Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Yariswamy Manjunath
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA; Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Diego Avella
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA; Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Jussuf T Kaifi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA; Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Yi Miao
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Kuirong Jiang
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA; Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA; Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China.
| | - Guangfu Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA; Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA; Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA.
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16
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Liu D, Qi X, Manjunath Y, Kimchi ET, Ma L, Kaifi JT, Staveley-O’Carroll KF, Li G. Sunitinib and Sorafenib Modulating Antitumor Immunity in Hepatocellular Cancer. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH AND THERAPY 2018; 3:115-123. [PMID: 30123861 PMCID: PMC6093187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Sorafenib and sunitinib are multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Both of them have been approved by the US FDA in the treatment of patients with malignancies. In order to develop an effective and clinically useful chemoimmunotherapy modality against hepatocellular cancer (HCC), we investigate their tumoricidal and immune modulatory effect in the setting of HCC. In vitro experiments suggested that sunitinib and sorafenib both induced HCC cell apoptosis at an equivalent level, but stronger suppressive function to cell proliferation was detected in sorafenib. Correspondingly, treatment of tumor-bearing mice with sorafenib led to the suppression of tumor growth to a larger extent than sunitinib. Flow cytometry showed that treatment with sunitinib, not sorafenib, significantly reduced the frequency of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and myeloid-derived suppressive cells (MDSCs) in tumor-bearing mice; and allowed splenic lymphocytes to produce equivalent levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α in response to vaccination as that in wild type mice. This activation was not detected in control and sorafenib-treated tumor mice. In addition, treatment of tumor-bearing mice with sunitinib followed by adoptive transfer of tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cells and immunization resulted in the additional suppression to tumor growth compared to sunitinib monotherapy. These results imply treatment with sunitinib, not sorafenib, is able to prevent tumor-induced immunotolerance and activate antitumorimmunity. Our data suggest that sunitinib may be a preferable chemotherapeutic agent to use in combination with immunotherapy for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dai Liu
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia
- Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia
| | - Xiaoqiang Qi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia
- Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia
| | - Yariswamy Manjunath
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia
- Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia
| | - Eric T. Kimchi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia
- Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia
| | - Lixin Ma
- Department of Radiology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Coumbia, MO65212, Harry S. Truman Memorial VA Hospital Biomolecular Imaging Center, USA
| | - Jussuf T. Kaifi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia
- Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia
| | - Kevin F. Staveley-O’Carroll
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia
- Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia
| | - Guangfu Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia
- Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia
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17
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Li G, Liu D, Kimchi ET, Kaifi JT, Qi X, Manjunath Y, Liu X, Deering T, Avella DM, Fox T, Rockey DC, Schell TD, Kester M, Staveley-O’Carroll KF. Nanoliposome C6-Ceramide Increases the Anti-tumor Immune Response and Slows Growth of Liver Tumors in Mice. Gastroenterology 2018; 154:1024-1036.e9. [PMID: 29408569 PMCID: PMC5908238 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2017.10.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Ceramide, a sphingolipid metabolite, affects T-cell signaling, induces apoptosis of cancer cells, and slows tumor growth in mice. However, it has not been used as a chemotherapeutic agent because of its cell impermeability and precipitation in aqueous solution. We developed a nanoliposome-loaded C6-ceremide (LipC6) to overcome this limitation and investigated its effects in mice with liver tumors. METHODS Immune competent C57BL/6 mice received intraperitoneal injections of carbon tetrachloride and intra-splenic injections of oncogenic hepatocytes. As a result, tumors resembling human hepatocellular carcinomas developed in a fibrotic liver setting. After tumors formed, mice were given an injection of LipC6 or vehicle via tail vein every other day for 2 weeks. This was followed by administration, also via tail vein, of tumor antigen-specific (TAS) CD8+ T cells isolated from the spleens of line 416 mice, and subsequent immunization by intraperitoneal injection of tumor antigen-expressing B6/WT-19 cells. Tumor growth was monitored with magnetic resonance imaging. Tumor apoptosis, proliferation, and AKT expression were analyzed using immunohistochemistry and immunoblots. Cytokine production, phenotype, and function of TAS CD8+ T cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) were studied with flow cytometry, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and ELISA. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) in TAMs and bone marrow-derived macrophages, induced by colony stimulating factor 2 (GMCSF or CSF2) or colony stimulating factor 1 (MCSF or CSF1), were detected using a luminescent assay. RESULTS Injection of LipC6 slowed tumor growth by reducing tumor cell proliferation and phosphorylation of AKT, and increasing tumor cell apoptosis, compared with vehicle. Tumors grew more slowly in mice given the combination of LipC6 injection and TAS CD8+ T cells followed by immunization compared with mice given vehicle, LipC6, the T cells, or immunization alone. LipC6 injection also reduced numbers of TAMs and their production of ROS. LipC6 induced TAMs to differentiate into an M1 phenotype, which reduced immune suppression and increased activity of CD8+ T cells. These results were validated by experiments with bone marrow-derived macrophages induced by GMCSF or MCSF. CONCLUSIONS In mice with liver tumors, injection of LipC6 reduces the number of TAMs and the ability of TAMs to suppress the anti-tumor immune response. LipC6 also increases the anti-tumor effects of TAS CD8+ T cells. LipC6 might therefore increase the efficacy of immune therapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangfu Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri; Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri; Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri.
| | - Dai Liu
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri,Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri,Address requests for reprints to: Kevin F. Staveley-O’Carroll, MD, PhD, Professor, Chair of Surgery, Director of Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, One Hospital Drive, Mc501, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO 65212. ; fax: 573-884-4585; or Guangfu Li, PhD, DVM, Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, One Hospital Dr., Medical Sciences Building, M272, Columbia, MO 65212. ; fax: 573-884-4585
| | - Eric T. Kimchi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri,Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Jussuf T. Kaifi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri,Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Xiaoqiang Qi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri,Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Yariswamy Manjunath
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri,Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Xinjian Liu
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri,Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Tye Deering
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Diego M. Avella
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri,Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Todd Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Don C. Rockey
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Todd D. Schell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Kevin F. Staveley-O’Carroll
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri,Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri
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18
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Abstract
Immunotherapies have revolutionized medical oncology following the remarkable and, in some cases, unprecedented outcomes observed in certain groups of patients with cancer. Combination with other therapeutic modalities, including anti-angiogenic agents, is one of the many strategies currently under investigation to improve the response rates and duration of immunotherapies. Such a strategy might seem counterintuitive given that anti-angiogenic agents can increase tumour hypoxia and reduce the number of blood vessels within tumours. Herein, we review the additional effects mediated by drugs targeting VEGF-dependent signalling and other pathways, such as those mediated by angiopoietin 2 or HGF, which might increase the efficacy of immunotherapies. In addition, we discuss the seldom considered possibility that immunotherapies, and immune-checkpoint inhibitors in particular, might increase the efficacy of anti-angiogenic or other types of antivascular therapies and/or promote changes in the tumour vasculature. In short, we propose that interactions between both therapeutic modalities could be considered a 'two-way street'.
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19
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Liu X, Zhou Q, Xu Y, Chen M, Zhao J, Wang M. Harness the synergy between targeted therapy and immunotherapy: what have we learned and where are we headed? Oncotarget 2017; 8:86969-86984. [PMID: 29156850 PMCID: PMC5689740 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the introduction of imatinib for the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia, several oncogenic mutations have been identified in various malignancies that can serve as targets for therapy. More recently, a deeper insight into the mechanism of antitumor immunity and tumor immunoevasion have facilitated the development of novel immunotherapy agents. Certain targeted agents have the ability of inhibiting tumor growth without causing severe lymphocytopenia and amplifying antitumor immune response by increasing tumor antigenicity, enhancing intratumoral T cell infiltration, and altering the tumor immune microenvironment, which provides a rationale for combining targeted therapy with immunotherapy. Targeted therapy can elicit dramatic responses in selected patients by interfering with the tumor-intrinsic driver mutations. But in most cases, resistance will occur over a relatively short period of time. In contrast, immunotherapy can yield durable, albeit generally mild, responses in several tumor types via unleashing host antitumor immunity. Thus, combination approaches might be able to induce a rapid tumor regression and a prolonged duration of response. We examine the available evidence regarding immune effects of targeted therapy, and review preclinical and clinical studies on the combination of targeted therapy and immunotherapy for cancer treatment. Furthermore, we discuss challenges of the combined therapy and highlight the need for continued translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Liu
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Lung Cancer Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Zhou
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Lung Cancer Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Lung Cancer Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Minjiang Chen
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Lung Cancer Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Lung Cancer Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengzhao Wang
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Lung Cancer Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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20
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Liu D, Li G, Avella DM, Kimchi ET, Kaifi JT, Rubinstein MP, Camp ER, Rockey DC, Schell TD, Staveley-O'Carroll KF. Sunitinib represses regulatory T cells to overcome immunotolerance in a murine model of hepatocellular cancer. Oncoimmunology 2017; 7:e1372079. [PMID: 29296523 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1372079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Successful development of immunotherapeutic strategies for hepatocellular cancer (HCC) has been impeded by limited understanding of tumor-induced profound tolerance and lack of a clinically faithful HCC model. Recently, we developed a novel model that recapitulates typical features of human HCC. Using this clinically relevant model, we demonstrate that tumor growth impairs host immunity and causes a profound exhaustion of tumor antigen-specific (TAS) CD8+ T cells. Increase in frequency and suppressive function of regulatory T cells (Tregs) is critically involved in this tumor-induced immune dysfunction. We further demonstrate that sunitinib suppresses Tregs and prevents tumor-induced immune tolerance, allowing TAS immunization to activate endogenous CD8+ T cells. As a result, this combinational strategy delays tumor growth. Importantly, the additional integration of exogenous naïve TAS CD8+ T cells by adoptive cell transfer (ACT) leads to the elimination of the established tumors without recurrence and promotes long-term survival of the treated mice. Mechanistically, sunitinib treatment primes the antitumor immune response by significantly decreasing Treg frequency, reducing TGF-β and IL-10 production by Tregs, and also protecting TAS CD8+ T cells from tumor-induced deletion in the setting of HCC. Taken together, sunitinib quantitatively and qualitatively modifies Tregs to overcome tumor-induced immune deficiency, suggesting the potential of sunitinib as a therapeutic immune activator for HCC control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dai Liu
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Guangfu Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA
| | | | - Eric T Kimchi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA.,Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Jussuf T Kaifi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA.,Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Mark P Rubinstein
- Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - E Ramsay Camp
- Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Don C Rockey
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Todd D Schell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Kevin F Staveley-O'Carroll
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA.,Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO, USA
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Han Z, Yang D, Trivett A, Oppenheim JJ. Therapeutic vaccine to cure large mouse hepatocellular carcinomas. Oncotarget 2017; 8:52061-52071. [PMID: 28881713 PMCID: PMC5581012 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide with limited therapeutic options. Here we report the development of a therapeutic vaccination regimen (shortened as ‘TheraVac’) consisting of intratumoral delivery of high-mobility group nucleosome-binding protein 1 (HMGN1), R848/resiquimod, and one of the checkpoint inhibitors (e.g. anti-CTLA4, anti-PD-L1, or low dose of Cytoxan). C57BL/6 mice harboring large (approximately 1 cm in diameter) established subcutaneous Hepa1-6 hepatomas were cured by intratumoral injections of TheraVac and became tumor-free long-term survivors. Importantly, the resultant tumor-free mice were resistant to re-challenge with Hepa1-6 hepatoma, not B16 melanoma, demonstrating the acquisition of hepatoma-specific immunity in the absence of any administered tumor antigen. Mechanistic studies showed that upon treatment with TheraVac, Hepa1-6-bearing mice generated increased Hepa1-6-specific CTLs in the draining lymph nodes and showed greatly upregulated expression of CXCL9, CXCL10, and IFN-γ and elevated infiltration of T lymphocytes in tumor tissues. Treatment of large Hepa1-6 hepatomas on one mouse flank also eliminated smaller (approximately 0.5 cm in diameter) hepatomas implanted on the other flank. Thus, TheraVac has potential as a curative immunotherapeutic regimen for the treatment of human HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Han
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - De Yang
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Anna Trivett
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Joost J Oppenheim
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
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22
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Successful chemoimmunotherapy against hepatocellular cancer in a novel murine model. J Hepatol 2017; 66:75-85. [PMID: 27520877 PMCID: PMC5167655 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.07.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS We have established a clinically relevant animal model of hepatocellular cancer (HCC) in immune competent mice to elucidate the complex dialog between host immunity and tumors during HCC initiation and progression. Mechanistic findings have been leveraged to develop a clinically feasible anti-tumor chemoimmunotherapeutic strategy. METHODS Intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride and intrasplenic inoculation of oncogenic hepatocytes were combined to induce progressive HCCs in fibrotic livers of immunocompetent mice. Immunization and adoptive cell transfer (ACT) were used to dissect the tumor antigen-specific immune response. The ability of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor sunitinib to enhance immunotherapy in the setting of HCC was evaluated. RESULTS This new mouse model mimics human HCC and reflects its typical features. Tumor-antigen-specific CD8+ T cells maintained a naïve phenotype and remained responsive during early-stage tumor progression. Late tumor progression produced circulating tumor cells, tumor migration into draining lymph nodes, and profound exhaustion of tumor-antigen-specific CD8+ T cells associated with accumulation of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)hi CD8+ T cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs). Sunitinib-mediated tumoricidal effect and Treg suppression synergized with antibody-mediated blockade of PD-1 to powerfully suppress tumor growth and activate anti-tumor immunity. CONCLUSION Treg accumulation and upregulation of PD-1 provide two independent mechanisms to induce profound immune tolerance in HCC. Chemoimmunotherapy using Food and Drug Administration-approved sunitinib with anti-PD-1 antibodies achieved significant tumor control, supporting translation of this approach for the treatment of HCC patients. LAY SUMMARY In the current study, we have established a clinically relevant mouse model which mimics human liver cancer. Using this unique model, we studied the response of the immune system to this aggressive cancer. Findings from this trial have led to the development of an innovative and clinically feasible chemoimmunotherapeutic strategy.
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23
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Qi X, Li G, Liu D, Motamarry A, Huang X, Wolfe AM, Helke KL, Haemmerich D, Staveley-O'Carroll KF, Kimchi ET. Development of a radiofrequency ablation platform in a clinically relevant murine model of hepatocellular cancer. Cancer Biol Ther 2016; 16:1812-9. [PMID: 26537481 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2015.1095412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
RFA is used in treatment of patients with hepatocellular cancer (HCC); however, tumor location and size often limit therapeutic efficacy. The absence of a realistic animal model and a radiofrequency ablation (RFA) suitable for small animals presents significant obstacles in developing new strategies. To establish a realistic RFA platform that allows the development of effective RFA-integrated treatment in an orthotopic murine model of HCC, a human cardiac radiofrequency generator was modified for murine use. Parameters were optimized and RFA was then performed in normal murine livers and HCCs. The effects of RFA were monitored by measuring the ablation zone and transaminases. The survival of tumor-bearing mice with and without RFA was monitored, ablated normal liver and HCCs were evaluated macroscopically and histologically. We demonstrated that tissue-mimicking media was able to optimize RFA parameters. Utilizing this information we performed RFA in normal and HCC-bearing mice. RFA was applied to hepatic parenchyma and completely destroyed small tumors and part of large tumors. Localized healing of the ablation and normalization of transaminases occurred within 7 days post RFA. RFA treatment extended the survival of small tumor-bearing mice. They survived at least 5 months longer than the controls; however, mice with larger tumors only had a slight therapeutic effect after RFA. Collectively, we performed RFA in murine HCCs and observed a significant therapeutic effect in small tumor-bearing mice. The quick recovery of tumor-bearing mice receiving RFA mimics observations in human subjects. This platform provides us a unique opportunity to study RFA in HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqiang Qi
- a Department of Surgery ; Division of Surgical Oncology; Medical University of South Carolina ; Charleston , SC USA.,b Hollings Cancer Center; Medical University of South Carolina ; Charleston , SC USA
| | - Guangfu Li
- a Department of Surgery ; Division of Surgical Oncology; Medical University of South Carolina ; Charleston , SC USA.,b Hollings Cancer Center; Medical University of South Carolina ; Charleston , SC USA
| | - Dai Liu
- a Department of Surgery ; Division of Surgical Oncology; Medical University of South Carolina ; Charleston , SC USA.,b Hollings Cancer Center; Medical University of South Carolina ; Charleston , SC USA
| | - Anjan Motamarry
- d Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; Medical University of South Carolina ; Charleston , SC USA
| | - Xiangwei Huang
- a Department of Surgery ; Division of Surgical Oncology; Medical University of South Carolina ; Charleston , SC USA.,b Hollings Cancer Center; Medical University of South Carolina ; Charleston , SC USA
| | - A Marissa Wolfe
- c Department of Comparative Medicine; Medical University of South Carolina ; Charleston , SC USA
| | - Kristi L Helke
- c Department of Comparative Medicine; Medical University of South Carolina ; Charleston , SC USA.,d Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; Medical University of South Carolina ; Charleston , SC USA
| | - Dieter Haemmerich
- e Department of Pediatrics ; Medical University of South Carolina ; Charleston , SC USA
| | - Kevin F Staveley-O'Carroll
- a Department of Surgery ; Division of Surgical Oncology; Medical University of South Carolina ; Charleston , SC USA.,b Hollings Cancer Center; Medical University of South Carolina ; Charleston , SC USA
| | - Eric T Kimchi
- a Department of Surgery ; Division of Surgical Oncology; Medical University of South Carolina ; Charleston , SC USA.,b Hollings Cancer Center; Medical University of South Carolina ; Charleston , SC USA
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He L, Tian DA, Li PY, He XX. Mouse models of liver cancer: Progress and recommendations. Oncotarget 2016; 6:23306-22. [PMID: 26259234 PMCID: PMC4695120 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To clarify the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and investigate the effects of potential therapies, a number of mouse models have been developed. Subcutaneous xenograft models are widely used in the past decades. Yet, with the advent of in vivo imaging technology, investigators are more and more concerned with the orthotopic models nowadays. Genetically engineered mouse models (GEM) have greatly facilitated studies of gene function in HCC development. Recently, GEM of miR-122 and miR-221 provided new approaches for better understanding of the in vivo functions of microRNA in hepatocarcinogenesis. Chemically induced liver tumors in animals share many of the morphological, histogenic, and biochemical features of human HCC. Yet, the complicated and obscure genomic alternation restricts their applications. In this review, we highlight both the frequently used mouse models and some emerging ones with emphasis on their merits or defects, and give advises for investigators to chose a “best-fit” animal model in HCC research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li He
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - De-An Tian
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Pei-Yuan Li
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xing-Xing He
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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25
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Qi X, Lam SS, Liu D, Kim DY, Ma L, Alleruzzo L, Chen W, Hode T, Henry CJ, Kaifi J, Kimchi ET, Li G, Staveley-O'Carroll KF. Development of inCVAX, In situ Cancer Vaccine, and Its Immune Response in Mice with Hepatocellular Cancer. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 7. [PMID: 27656328 PMCID: PMC5027967 DOI: 10.4172/2155-9899.1000438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Manipulation of immune system toward the rejection of established cancers has become the standard of care in some patients. Here we propose the development of an in situ autologous cancer vaccine, inCVAX, for the treatment of hepatocellular cancer (HCC). inCVAX is based on the induction of local immunogenic cancer cell death combined with local dendritic cell stimulation by intratumoral injection of the immune-activator N-dihydro-galacto-chitosan (GC). In a first set of experiments, cellular and molecular studies were performed to investigate the effect of inCVAX on immune activation in a murine model of HCC that we previously developed. Once large tumors were formed in mice, the tumor is surgically exposed and a laser fiber was inserted into the center of an individual tumor mass. Using a 10 mm diffuser tip, laser irradiation of 1.5 W was applied to heat the tumor at different durations (6-10 min) to assess tolerability of photothermal application at different temperatures. The laser application was followed by immediate injection of GC, and each mouse received one laser treatment and one GC injection. ELISA was used to assess the level of cytokines; immunohistochemical staining was conducted to analyze the effect of inCVAX on immune cell tumor-filtration and expression of tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) and tumor-associated antigens (TAAs). Results indicate that survival correlated to thermal exposure. At lower temperatures the photothermal effect was sufficient to induce tumor necrosis, but without obvious complication to the mice, although at these temperatures the treatment didn’t alter the level of TSAs and TAAs, so further optimization is suggested. Nevertheless, in response to the inCVAX treatment, cytotoxic cytokine IFN-γ was significantly increased, but suppressive cytokine TGF-β was dramatically reduced. Furthermore, inCVAX prompted tumor infiltration of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells; but modulated macrophage subsets differently. In conclusion, while the protocol needs further optimization, it would appear that inCVAX for the treatment of HCC activates an immune response in tumor-bearing mice, which in turn may have potential for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqiang Qi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA ; Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Samuel Sk Lam
- Immunophotonics Inc., 4320 Forest Park Avenue #303, St. Louis, Missouri 63108, USA
| | - Dai Liu
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA ; Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Dae Young Kim
- Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Lixin Ma
- Department of Radiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212; Harry S. Truman Memorial VA Hospital Biomolecular Imaging Center, USA
| | - Lu Alleruzzo
- Immunophotonics Inc., 4320 Forest Park Avenue #303, St. Louis, Missouri 63108, USA
| | - Wei Chen
- Veterinary Medical and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Tomas Hode
- Immunophotonics Inc., 4320 Forest Park Avenue #303, St. Louis, Missouri 63108, USA
| | - Carolyn J Henry
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Jussuf Kaifi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA ; Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Eric T Kimchi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA ; Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Guangfu Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA ; Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Kevin F Staveley-O'Carroll
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA ; Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA ; Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
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26
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Lawson KA, Mostafa AA, Shi ZQ, Spurrell J, Chen W, Kawakami J, Gratton K, Thakur S, Morris DG. Repurposing Sunitinib with Oncolytic Reovirus as a Novel Immunotherapeutic Strategy for Renal Cell Carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2016; 22:5839-5850. [PMID: 27220962 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-16-0143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Revised: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In addition to their direct cytopathic effects, oncolytic viruses are capable of priming antitumor immune responses. However, strategies to enhance the immunotherapeutic potential of these agents are lacking. Here, we investigated the ability of the multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor and first-line metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) agent, sunitinib, to augment the antitumor immune response generated by oncolytic reovirus. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN In vitro, oncolysis and chemokine production were assessed in a panel of human and murine RCC cell lines after exposure to reovirus, sunitinib, or their combination. In vivo, the RENCA syngeneic murine model of RCC was employed to determine therapeutic and tumor-specific immune responses after treatment with reovirus (intratumoral), sunitinib, or their combination. Parallel investigations employing the KLN205 syngeneic murine model of lung squamous cell carcinoma (NSCLC) were conducted for further validation. RESULTS Reovirus-mediated oncolysis and chemokine production was observed following RCC infection. Reovirus monotherapy reduced tumor burden and was capable of generating a systemic adaptive antitumor immune response evidenced by increased numbers of tumor-specific CD8+ IFNγ-producing cells. Coadministration of sunitinib with reovirus further reduced tumor burden resulting in improved survival, decreased accumulation of immune suppressor cells, and the establishment of protective immunity upon tumor rechallenge. Similar results were observed for KLN205 tumor-bearing mice, highlighting the potential broad applicability of this approach. CONCLUSIONS The ability to repurpose sunitinib for augmentation of reovirus' immunotherapeutic efficacy positions this novel combination therapy as an attractive strategy ready for clinical testing against a range of histologies, including RCC and NSCLC. Clin Cancer Res; 22(23); 5839-50. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith A Lawson
- Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ahmed A Mostafa
- Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Zhong Qiao Shi
- Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jason Spurrell
- Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Wenqian Chen
- Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jun Kawakami
- Southern Alberta Institute of Urology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kathy Gratton
- Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Satbir Thakur
- Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Donald G Morris
- Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. .,Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Tagaram HRS, Desai D, Li G, Liu D, Rountree CB, Gowda K, Berg A, Amin S, Staveley-O'Carroll KF, Kimchi ET. A Selenium Containing Inhibitor for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2016; 9:E18. [PMID: 27023566 PMCID: PMC4932536 DOI: 10.3390/ph9020018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Revised: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most deadly cancer in the world. New treatment strategies are desperately needed due to limited standard therapies. Activation of the Erk, Akt, and STAT3pathways is implicated in the prognosis of HCC. The Se,Se'-1,4-phenylenebis(1,2-ethanediyl) bisisoselenourea (PBISe), is a selenium-containing MAPK and PI3 kinase inhibitor, effectively inhibit tumorigenesis in a variety of experimental models. The aim of our study is to demonstrate the potential role of PBISe in the treatment of HCC. The anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic ability of PBISe is studied in vitro in four human HCC cell lines and in vivo in a spontaneous murine HCC model. Inhibition of cancer growth was performed by cell viability assay and apoptosis by caspase 3/7, PARP cleavage, annexin-V, and TUNEL assays. Role of PBISe on PI3 kinase, MAPK and STAT3 signaling is determined by Western blotting. In vivo effects of PBISe on tumor sizes were monitored using MRI in a spontaneous murine HCC. Liver tissues from the PBISe-treated mice are analyzed for angiogenesis, proliferation, and signaling pathway markers. Overall, PBISe activated caspase-3/7 and increased DNA fragmentation, which is positively correlated with the increased PARP cleavage. PBISe promoted apoptosis by inhibiting PI3K, MAPK, and STAT3 signaling with significant reduction in the tumor sizes (p < 0.007). PBISe-treated tumors reduced survival marker PCNA, and angiogenesis markers Vegf-A, Vegf-R3 and CD34. These results demonstrate the chemotherapeutic effects of PBISe, by inhibiting tumor growth and facilitating tumor apoptosis for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dhimant Desai
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
| | - Guangfu Li
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
| | - Dai Liu
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
| | - C Bart Rountree
- Bon Secours Pediatric Associates, 5875 Bremo Road, Richmond, VA 23226, USA.
| | - Kavitha Gowda
- Department of Surgery, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
| | - Arthur Berg
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
| | - Shantu Amin
- Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | | | - Eric T Kimchi
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
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28
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Kester M, Bassler J, Fox TE, Carter CJ, Davidson JA, Parette MR. Preclinical development of a C6-ceramide NanoLiposome, a novel sphingolipid therapeutic. Biol Chem 2016; 396:737-47. [PMID: 25838296 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2015-0129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Despite the therapeutic potential of sphingolipids, the ability to develop this class of compounds as active pharmaceutical ingredients has been hampered by issues of solubility and delivery. Beyond these technical hurdles, significant challenges in completing the necessary preclinical studies to support regulatory review are necessary for commercialization. This review seeks to identify the obstacles and potential solutions in the translation of a novel liposomal technology from the academic bench to investigational new drug (IND) stage by discussing the preclinical development of the Ceramide NanoLiposome (CNL), which is currently being developed as an anticancer drug for the initial indication of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
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Liu D, Staveley-O’Carroll KF, Li G. Immune-based Therapy Clinical Trials in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL & CELLULAR IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 6:376. [PMID: 26877890 PMCID: PMC4750497 DOI: 10.4172/2155-9899.1000376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality and continues to increase. Current standard of care for patients with HCC only provides limited therapeutic benefit. Development of innovative strategies is urgently needed. Experience with immunotherapy in HCC is quite early, but rapidly rise in the recent 15 years. Multifaceted immune-based approaches have shown efficacy in achieving disease regression, representing the most promising new treatment approach. Here, we classify the ongoing or completed clinical trials in HCC in terms of the immune strategies to be used and assess their clinical outcomes. The generated information may be helpful in the design of future immune-based therapies for achieving ideal tumor control and maximizing anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dai Liu
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Kevin F. Staveley-O’Carroll
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Guangfu Li
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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30
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Shu G, Zhao W, Yue L, Su H, Xiang M. Antitumor immunostimulatory activity of polysaccharides from Salvia chinensis Benth. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2015; 168:237-247. [PMID: 25858511 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.03.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Revised: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Salvia chinensis Benth (S. chinensis) is a traditional herb applied in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Polysaccharides abundantly exist in this plant. However, it remains poorly understood if polysaccharides from S. chinensis (PSSC) contribute to its anti-HCC activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS The in vivo anti-HCC activity of PSSC was evaluated in Kunming mice bearing H22 ascitic hepatoma cells. An array of physiological indexes was measured to evaluate toxicological effects on host animals. Subgroups of immune cells were purified by a magnetic-activated cell sorting system and analyzed by flow cytometry. Reverse transcription real-time PCR and immunoblotting were recruited to determine the effects of PSSC on the cellular signaling of different subgroup of immune cells. RESULTS PSSC suppressed in vivo proliferation of H22 cells with undetectable toxic effects on tumor-bearing mice. PSSC alleviated tumor transplantation-induced CD4+ T cell apoptosis and dysregulation of serum cytokine profiles, which elevated cytotoxic activities of natural killer and CD8+ T cells. PSSC reduced serum levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Injection of exogenous PGE2 completely abrogated the antitumor immunostimulatory activity of PSSC. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is the second messager of PGE2. In CD4+ T cells, PSSC substantially declined intracellular cAMP. This event elevated protein levels of JAK3, enhancing STAT5 phosphorylation and STAT5-dependent expression of anti-apoptotic genes. Cyclooxygenase-2 is the key enzyme mediating biosynthesis of PGE2. PSSC suppressed the transcription and translation of cyclooxygenase-2 in tumor associated macrophages. CONCLUSION Our data clearly showed antitumor immunostimulatory activity of PSSC against transplanted H22 HCC cells. Suppressing tumor transplantation-induced PGE2 production was implicated in the anti-tumor immunostimulatory activity of PSSC. These works provides novel insights into the traditional application of S. chinensis against HCC and supported considering PSSC as an adjuvant reagent in clinical HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangwen Shu
- College of Pharmacy, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Wenhao Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Ling Yue
- Endocrinology department, Wuhan General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Command, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Hanwen Su
- Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Meixian Xiang
- College of Pharmacy, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, PR China.
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Hung MH, Tai WT, Shiau CW, Chen KF. Downregulation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 by sorafenib: A novel mechanism for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:15269-15274. [PMID: 25386075 PMCID: PMC4223260 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i41.15269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Revised: 05/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/13/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and a leading cause of cancer-related death. Owing to unsatisfactory clinical outcomes under the current standard of care, there is a need to search for and identify novel and potent therapeutic targets to improve patient outcomes. Sorafenib is the first and only approved targeted therapy for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Besides functioning as a multiple tyrosine kinase, sorafenib also acts via a kinase-independent mechanism to target signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. STAT3 is a key regulator of inflammation, cell survival, and tumorigenesis of liver cells, and the high percentage of hepatocellular carcinoma cells with constitutively active STAT3 justifies targeting it for the development of novel therapeutics. Sorafenib inactivates STAT3 and STAT3-related signaling by inducing a conformational change in and releasing the autoinhibition of Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase-1. This phosphatase negatively regulates STAT3 activity, which leads to the subsequent apoptosis of cancer cells. The novel anti-cancer property of sorafenib will be discussed in this review, not only adding information regarding its mechanism of action but also providing an innovative approach for the development of cancer therapeutics in the future.
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Zhang Q, Du Y, Xue Z, Chi C, Jia X, Tian J. Comprehensive evaluation of the anti-angiogenic and anti-neoplastic effects of Endostar on liver cancer through optical molecular imaging. PLoS One 2014; 9:e85559. [PMID: 24416426 PMCID: PMC3885728 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular imaging enables non-invasive monitoring of tumor growth, progression, and drug treatment response, and it has become an important tool to promote biological studies in recent years. In this study, we comprehensively evaluated the in vivo anti-angiogenic and anti-neoplastic effects of Endostar on liver cancer based on the optical molecular imaging systems including micro-computer tomography (Micro-CT), bioluminescence molecular imaging (BLI) and fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT). Firefly luciferase (fLuc) and green fluorescent protein (GFP) dual labeled human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HCC-LM3-fLuc-GFP cells) were used to establish the subcutaneous and orthotopic liver tumor model. After the tumor cells were implanted 14∼18 days, Endostar (5 mg/kg/day) was administered through an intravenous tail vein injection for continuous 14 days. The computer tomography angiography (CTA) and BLI were carried out for the subcutaneous tumor model. FMT was executed for the orthotopic tumor model. The CTA data showed that tumor vessel formation and the peritumoral vasculature of subcutaneous tumor in the Endostar treatment group was significantly inhibited compared to the control group. The BLI data exhibited the obvious tumor inhibition day 8 post-treatment. The FMT detected the tumor suppression effects of Endostar as early as day 4 post-treatment and measured the tumor location. The above data confirmed the effects of Endostar on anti-angiogenesis and tumor suppression on liver cancer. Our system combined CTA, BLI, and FMT to offer more comprehensive information about the effects of Endostar on the suppression of vessel and tumor formation. Optical molecular imaging system enabled the non-invasive and reliable assessment of anti-tumor drug efficacy on liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xidian University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Du
- Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenwen Xue
- Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chongwei Chi
- Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohua Jia
- Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Tian
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xidian University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
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Shu G, Yang T, Wang C, Su H, Xiang M. Gastrodin stimulates anticancer immune response and represses transplanted H22 hepatic ascitic tumor cell growth: Involvement of NF-κB signaling activation in CD4+ T cells. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2013; 269:270-9. [PMID: 23578476 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2013.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2012] [Revised: 02/20/2013] [Accepted: 02/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Gastrodia elata Blume (G. elata) is a famous restorative food in East Asia. It can be used as an auxiliary reagent in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. Previous studies unveiled that G. elata exhibited immunomodulatory activities. To explore the active ingredients contributing to its immunomodulatory activities, gastrodin, vanillin, and parishin B were purified from G. elata and their anti-HCC effects were assessed in vivo. Among these compounds, only gastrodin was capable of repressing transplanted H22 ascitic hepatic tumor cell growth in vivo with low toxicity. Further investigations were designed to explore the effects of gastrodin on the immune system of tumor-bearing mice and potential molecular mechanisms underlying these effects. Our data showed that gastrodin ameliorated tumor cell transplantation-induced activation of endogenous pro-apoptotic pathway in CD4+ T cells and abnormalities in serum cytokine profiles in host animals. These events enhanced cytotoxic activities of natural killer and CD8+ T cells against H22 hepatic cancer cells. Gastrodin administration specifically upregulated mRNA levels of several nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) responsive genes in CD4+ T cells but not in CD8+ T cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that gastrodin increased the association of NF-κB p65 subunit to the promoter regions of IL-2 and Bcl-2 encoding genes in CD4+ T cells. Our investigations demonstrated that gastrodin is the main active ingredient contributing to the anticancer immunomodulatory properties of G. elata. Promoting NF-κB-mediated gene transcription in CD4+ T cells is implicated in its immunomodulatory activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangwen Shu
- College of Pharmacy, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, PR China
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Mano Y, Aishima S, Fujita N, Tanaka Y, Kubo Y, Motomura T, Taketomi A, Shirabe K, Maehara Y, Oda Y. Tumor-associated macrophage promotes tumor progression via STAT3 signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma. Pathobiology 2013; 80:146-54. [PMID: 23364389 DOI: 10.1159/000346196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2012] [Accepted: 11/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is activated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and tumor-associated macrophage plays an important role in tumor progression. Therefore, we examined STAT3 activation, cytokine expression and infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages in resected HCCs as well as the alteration of cell growth and migration by cytokine stimulation in HCC cell lines. METHODS Immunohistochemical staining of phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3), CD163, interleukin (IL)-6, Ki-67 and Bcl-XL was performed for 101 cases of resected HCC, and correlations between pSTAT3 staining and clinicopathological findings were analyzed. In HCC cell lines (PLC/PRF/5 and Huh7), cell proliferation and migration by IL-6 stimulation and S3I-201 (STAT3 inhibitor) treatment were analyzed. RESULTS In HCC specimens, the pSTAT3-positive group showed high levels of α-fetoprotein (p = 0.0276), large tumor size (p = 0.0092), frequent intrahepatic metastasis (p = 0.0214), high Ki-67 (p = 0.0002) and Bcl-XL (p = 0.0001), poor prognosis (p = 0.0234), and high recurrence rate (p = 0.0003). CD163-positive cells were frequently observed in the pSTAT3-positive group (p = 0.0013). In two HCC cell lines, IL-6 stimulation promoted cell proliferation and migration via the STAT3 phosphorylation, and S3I-201 inhibited this activation. CONCLUSIONS STAT3 activation was correlated with aggressive behavior of HCC and may be mediated via tumor-associated macrophage. We expect that STAT3 signaling and tumor-associated macrophages can be attractive therapeutic targets in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Mano
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Mazzolini G, Ochoa MC, Morales-Kastresana A, Sanmamed MF, Melero I. The liver, liver metastasis and liver cancer: a special case for immunotherapy with cytokines and immunostimulatory monoclonal antibodies. Immunotherapy 2012. [DOI: 10.2217/imt.12.99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Mazzolini
- Gene Therapy Laboratory, Universidad Austral, Avda. Presidente Perón, 1500, B1629ODT Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María C Ochoa
- Center for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra, Avda. Pio XII, 55, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Aizea Morales-Kastresana
- Center for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra, Avda. Pio XII, 55, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Miguel F Sanmamed
- Department of Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Center for Applied Medical Research, University of Navarra, Avda. Pio XII, 55, 31008 Pamplona, Spain and Department of Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
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Gao B, Wang H, Lafdil F, Feng D. STAT proteins - key regulators of anti-viral responses, inflammation, and tumorigenesis in the liver. J Hepatol 2012; 57:430-41. [PMID: 22504331 PMCID: PMC3399024 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2012.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2011] [Revised: 12/15/2011] [Accepted: 01/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Since its discovery in the early 1990s, the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway has been found to play key roles in regulating many key cellular processes such as survival, proliferation, and differentiation. There are seven known mammalian STAT family members: STAT1, 2, 3, 4, 5a, 5b, and 6. In the liver, activation of these STAT proteins is critical for anti-viral defense against hepatitis viral infection and for controlling injury, repair, inflammation, and tumorigenesis. The identification of functions for these STAT proteins has increased our understanding of liver disease pathophysiology and treatments, while also suggesting new therapeutic modalities for managing liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Gao
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Hua Wang
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA, 20892
| | - Fouad Lafdil
- Laboratory of Liver Pathophysiology, INSERM, U955, Créteil, F-94000 France,Université Paris-Est, Faculté de Médecine, UMR-S955, Créteil, F-94000 France
| | - Dechun Feng
- Laboratory of Liver Diseases, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA, 20892
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Abstract
During the past two decades, the paradigm for cancer treatment has evolved from relatively nonspecific cytotoxic agents to selective, mechanism-based therapeutics. Cancer chemotherapies were initially identified through screens for compounds that killed rapidly dividing cells. These drugs remain the backbone of current treatment, but they are limited by a narrow therapeutic index, significant toxicities and frequently acquired resistance. More recently, an improved understanding of cancer pathogenesis has given rise to new treatment options, including targeted agents and cancer immunotherapy. Targeted approaches aim to inhibit molecular pathways that are crucial for tumour growth and maintenance; whereas, immunotherapy endeavours to stimulate a host immune response that effectuates long-lived tumour destruction. Targeted therapies and cytotoxic agents also modulate immune responses, which raises the possibility that these treatment strategies might be effectively combined with immunotherapy to improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Vanneman
- Department of Medical Oncology and Cancer Vaccine Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
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