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Alvero AB, Fox A, Madina BR, Krady MM, Gogoi R, Chehade H, Nakaar V, Almassian B, Yarovinsky TO, Rutherford T, Mor G. Immune Modulation of Innate and Adaptive Responses Restores Immune Surveillance and Establishes Antitumor Immunologic Memory. Cancer Immunol Res 2024; 12:261-274. [PMID: 38078853 PMCID: PMC11027955 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0127] [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: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Current immunotherapies have proven effective in strengthening antitumor immune responses, but constant opposing signals from tumor cells and the surrounding microenvironment eventually lead to immune escape. We hypothesized that in situ release of antigens and regulation of both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system would provide a robust and long-term antitumor effect by creating immunologic memory against tumors. To achieve this, we developed CARG-2020, a genetically modified virus-like vesicle (VLV) that is a self-amplifying RNA with oncolytic capacity and encodes immune regulatory genes. CARG-2020 carries three immune modulators: (i) the pleiotropic antitumor cytokine IL12, in which the subunits (p35 and p40) are tethered together; (ii) the extracellular domain (ECD) of the protumor IL17RA, which serves as a dominant-negative antagonist; and (iii) a shRNA targeting PD-L1. Using a mouse model of ovarian cancer, we demonstrated the oncolytic effect and immune-modulatory capacities of CARG-2020. By enhancing IL12 and blocking IL17 and PD-L1, CARG-2020 successfully reactivated immune surveillance by promoting M1, instead of M2, macrophage differentiation, inhibiting MDSC expansion and establishing a potent CD8+ T cell-mediated antitumoral response. Furthermore, we demonstrated that this therapeutic approach provided tumor-specific and long-term protection against the establishment of new tumors. Our results provide a rationale for the further development of this platform as a therapeutic modality for ovarian cancer patients to enhance antitumor responses and prevent a recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha B. Alvero
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
| | - Alexandra Fox
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
| | | | | | - Radhika Gogoi
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
| | - Hussein Chehade
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
| | | | | | | | - Thomas Rutherford
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Gil Mor
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
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Pimentel JM, Zhou JY, Kim S, Gurdziel K, Wu GS. The role of the immune response and inflammatory pathways in TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) resistance in triple-negative breast cancer cells. Am J Cancer Res 2023; 13:4678-4692. [PMID: 37970367 PMCID: PMC10636687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive form of breast cancer, and the majority of TNBC lacks targeted therapies. Previous studies have shown that TNBC cells are highly sensitive to TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), making it a potentially viable treatment option for TNBC. However, the development of TRAIL resistance limits its potential for clinical use, and the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. To better understand the mechanism of resistance to TRAIL, we performed RNA sequencing to identify the candidates that are responsible for resistance to TRAIL in two previously established TRAIL-resistant MDA231 and SUM159 cells. This approach led us to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pathways in TRAIL-resistant MDA231 and SUM159 cells compared to their TRAIL-sensitive counterparts. We showed that several DEGs and pathways were associated with inflammation in TRAIL-resistant cells, including IL-1α and IL6. By downregulating IL-1α and IL6 expression, we showed that TRAIL sensitivity can be significantly restored in TRAIL-resistant cells. Therefore, this study identifies a mechanism by which the inflammation pathway promotes TRAIL resistance, which could be targeted for enhancing TRAIL-based therapies in TNBC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio M Pimentel
- Cancer Biology Program, Wayne State University School of MedicineDetroit, Michigan 48201, USA
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State UniversityDetroit, Michigan 48201, USA
| | - Jun-Ying Zhou
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of MedicineDetroit, Michigan 48201, USA
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State UniversityDetroit, Michigan 48201, USA
| | - Seongho Kim
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of MedicineDetroit, Michigan 48201, USA
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State UniversityDetroit, Michigan 48201, USA
| | - Katherine Gurdziel
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State UniversityDetroit, Michigan 48201, USA
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State UniversityDetroit, Michigan 48201, USA
| | - Gen Sheng Wu
- Cancer Biology Program, Wayne State University School of MedicineDetroit, Michigan 48201, USA
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of MedicineDetroit, Michigan 48201, USA
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State UniversityDetroit, Michigan 48201, USA
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of MedicineDetroit, Michigan 48201, USA
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Alvero AB, Fox A, Madina B, Krady M, Gogoi R, Chehade H, Nakaar V, Almassian B, Yarovinsky T, Rutherford T, Mor G. Immune modulation of innate and adaptive responses restores immune surveillance and establishes anti-tumor immunological memory. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.27.559828. [PMID: 37808682 PMCID: PMC10557730 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.27.559828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Current immunotherapies have proven effective in strengthening anti-tumor immune responses but constant opposing signals from tumor cells and surrounding microenvironment eventually lead to immune escape. We hypothesize that in situ release of antigens and regulation of both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system will provide a robust and long-term anti-tumor effect by creating immunological memory against the tumor. To achieve this, we developed CARG-2020, a virus-like-vesicle (VLV). It is a genetically modified and self-amplifying RNA with oncolytic capacity and encodes immune regulatory genes. CARG-2020 carries three transgenes: 1 ) the pleiotropic antitumor cytokine IL-12 in which the subunits (p35 and p40) are tethered together; 2) the extracellular domain (ECD) of the pro- tumor IL-17RA, which can serve as a dominant negative antagonist; and 3) shRNA for PD-L1. Using a mouse model of ovarian cancer, we demonstrate the oncolytic effect and immune modulatory capacities of CARG-2020. By enhancing IL-12 and blocking IL-17 and PD-L1, CARG-2020 successfully reactivates immune surveillance by promoting M1 instead of M2 macrophage differentiation, inhibiting MDSC expansion, and establishing a potent CD8+ T cell mediated anti-tumoral response. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this therapeutic approach provides tumor-specific and long-term protection preventing the establishment of new tumors. Our results provide rationale for the further development of this platform as a therapeutic modality for ovarian cancer patients to enhance the anti-tumor response and to prevent recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha B. Alvero
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
| | - Alexandra Fox
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
| | | | | | - Radhika Gogoi
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
| | - Hussein Chehade
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
| | | | | | | | - Thomas Rutherford
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Gil Mor
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
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Pimentel JM, Zhou JY, Wu GS. The Role of TRAIL in Apoptosis and Immunosurveillance in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2752. [PMID: 37345089 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a member of the TNF superfamily that selectively induces apoptosis in tumor cells without harming normal cells, making it an attractive agent for cancer therapy. TRAIL induces apoptosis by binding to and activating its death receptors DR4 and DR5. Several TRAIL-based treatments have been developed, including recombinant forms of TRAIL and its death receptor agonist antibodies, but the efficacy of TRAIL-based therapies in clinical trials is modest. In addition to inducing cancer cell apoptosis, TRAIL is expressed in immune cells and plays a critical role in tumor surveillance. Emerging evidence indicates that the TRAIL pathway may interact with immune checkpoint proteins, including programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), to modulate PD-L1-based tumor immunotherapies. Therefore, understanding the interaction between TRAIL and the immune checkpoint PD-L1 will lead to the development of new strategies to improve TRAIL- and PD-L1-based therapies. This review discusses recent findings on TRAIL-based therapy, resistance, and its involvement in tumor immunosurveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio M Pimentel
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Cancer Biology Program, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Jun-Ying Zhou
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Gen Sheng Wu
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Cancer Biology Program, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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Targeting TRAIL Death Receptors in Triple-Negative Breast Cancers: Challenges and Strategies for Cancer Therapy. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233717. [PMID: 36496977 PMCID: PMC9739296 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily member TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces apoptosis in cancer cells via death receptor (DR) activation with little toxicity to normal cells or tissues. The selectivity for activating apoptosis in cancer cells confers an ideal therapeutic characteristic to TRAIL, which has led to the development and clinical testing of many DR agonists. However, TRAIL/DR targeting therapies have been widely ineffective in clinical trials of various malignancies for reasons that remain poorly understood. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) has the worst prognosis among breast cancers. Targeting the TRAIL DR pathway has shown notable efficacy in a subset of TNBC in preclinical models but again has not shown appreciable activity in clinical trials. In this review, we will discuss the signaling components and mechanisms governing TRAIL pathway activation and clinical trial findings discussed with a focus on TNBC. Challenges and potential solutions for using DR agonists in the clinic are also discussed, including consideration of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of DR agonists, patient selection by predictive biomarkers, and potential combination therapies. Moreover, recent findings on the impact of TRAIL treatment on the immune response, as well as novel strategies to address those challenges, are discussed.
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