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Quijano-Rubio C, Silginer M, Weller M. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated abrogation of CD95L/CD95 signaling-induced glioma cell growth and immunosuppression increases survival in murine glioma models. J Neurooncol 2022; 160:299-310. [PMID: 36355258 PMCID: PMC9722998 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-022-04137-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Glioblastoma is the most common brain tumor in adults and is virtually incurable. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Over the last decade, multiple growth-promoting functions have been attributed to CD95, a prototypic death receptor well characterized as an apoptosis mediator upon CD95L engagement. Strategic targeting of non-apoptotic or apoptotic CD95 signaling may hold anti-glioblastoma potential. Due to its antithetic nature, understanding the constitutive role of CD95 signaling in glioblastoma is indispensable. METHODS We abrogated constitutive Cd95 and Cd95l gene expression by CRISPR/Cas9 in murine glioma models and characterized the consequences of gene deletion in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS Expression of canonical CD95 but not CD95L was identified in mouse glioma cells in vitro. Instead, a soluble isoform-encoding non-canonical Cd95l transcript variant was detected. In vivo, an upregulation of the membrane-bound canonical CD95L form was revealed. Cd95 or Cd95l gene deletion decreased cell growth in vitro. The growth-supporting role of constitutive CD95 signaling was validated by Cd95 re-transfection, which rescued growth. In vivo, Cd95 or Cd95l gene deletion prolonged survival involving tumor-intrinsic and immunological mechanisms in the SMA-497 model. In the GL-261 model, that expresses no CD95, only CD95L gene deletion prolonged survival, involving a tumor-intrinsic mechanism. CONCLUSION Non-canonical CD95L/CD95 interactions are growth-promoting in murine glioma models, and glioma growth and immunosuppression may be simultaneously counteracted by Cd95l gene silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Quijano-Rubio
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Manuela Silginer
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Weller
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. .,University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Kim S, Park J, Kim J, Jeon JS. Microfluidic Tumor Vasculature Model to Recapitulate an Endothelial Immune Barrier Expressing FasL. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 7:1230-1241. [PMID: 33586426 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c01542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fas ligand (FasL, CD178) is known to bind to its receptor (Fas, CD95) and mediate cellular apoptosis to maintain immune homeostasis. Recently, it has been recognized that tumor cells and their microenvironments allow an adjacent vascular endothelium to express the FasL on its cell membrane, utilizing the endothelium as an immune barrier to kill antitumor cytotoxic T cells. Here, a microfluidic tumor vasculature model is presented, which enables the recapitulation of an endothelial immune barrier expressing FasL. The in vitro three-dimensional model replicates enhanced endothelial FasL expression under the hypoxic tumor microenvironment. Apoptosis rates of FasL-susceptible target cells are augmented under the microenvironment with upregulated FasL but are consequently abrogated by administrations of pharmacological inhibitions, FasL-Fas blockades. The microfluidic system suggests its promising applications in elucidating complex immunosuppressive mechanisms of the tumor microenvironment and screening of cell-mediated immunotherapies as a preclinical model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seunggyu Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Joonha Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongsik Kim
- National Creative Research Initiatives Center, Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jessie S Jeon
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.,KAIST Institute for Health Science and Technology, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
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3
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Extracellular Vesicles Regulate Cancer Metastasis. Subcell Biochem 2021; 97:275-296. [PMID: 33779921 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-67171-6_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Metastatic cancer is a complex disease associated with poor prognosis and accounts for the majority of cancer related deaths. To date, many of the molecular mechanisms driving metastatic disease remain elusive and require further investigation for the development of effective treatment strategies. Recent studies have shown that extracellular vesicles (EVs) can be exploited by tumors to assist in cancer cell growth, proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis. Cancer cells have proven efficient in educating fibroblasts, within their microenvironment, to secrete EVs as communicative vessels for mediating phenotypic changes in recipient cells. Using this vesicular delivery system, cancer cells can establish a new metastatic niche within distant sites, away from the primary tumor, thus favoring cancer progression. These findings demonstrate the availability of a new route for therapeutic intervention in the inhibition of cancer dissemination. Although, several approaches to target cancer cell secretion of EVs are detailed in the literature, there is still no defined way to currently apply them in clinical settings. Hence, further studies are required to unravel the molecular mechanisms of metastasis - governed by the establishment and release of cancer associated EVs.
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Oda SK, Anderson KG, Ravikumar P, Bonson P, Garcia NM, Jenkins CM, Zhuang S, Daman AW, Chiu EY, Bates BM, Greenberg PD. A Fas-4-1BB fusion protein converts a death to a pro-survival signal and enhances T cell therapy. J Exp Med 2020; 217:e20191166. [PMID: 32860705 PMCID: PMC7953733 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20191166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive T cell therapy (ACT) with genetically modified T cells has shown impressive results against some hematologic cancers, but efficacy in solid tumors can be limited by restrictive tumor microenvironments (TMEs). For example, Fas ligand is commonly overexpressed in TMEs and induces apoptosis in tumor-infiltrating, Fas receptor-positive lymphocytes. We engineered immunomodulatory fusion proteins (IFPs) to enhance ACT efficacy, combining an inhibitory receptor ectodomain with a costimulatory endodomain to convert negative into positive signals. We developed a Fas-4-1BB IFP that replaces the Fas intracellular tail with costimulatory 4-1BB. Fas-4-1BB IFP-engineered murine T cells exhibited increased pro-survival signaling, proliferation, antitumor function, and altered metabolism in vitro. In vivo, Fas-4-1BB ACT eradicated leukemia and significantly improved survival in the aggressive KPC pancreatic cancer model. Fas-4-1BB IFP expression also enhanced primary human T cell function in vitro. Thus, Fas-4-1BB IFP expression is a novel strategy to improve multiple T cell functions and enhance ACT against solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon K. Oda
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | | | - Pranali Ravikumar
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Patrick Bonson
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Nicolas M. Garcia
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Cody M. Jenkins
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Summer Zhuang
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Andrew W. Daman
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Edison Y. Chiu
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Breanna M. Bates
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Philip D. Greenberg
- Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
- Department of Medicine/Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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Pearson JRD, Cuzzubbo S, McArthur S, Durrant LG, Adhikaree J, Tinsley CJ, Pockley AG, McArdle SEB. Immune Escape in Glioblastoma Multiforme and the Adaptation of Immunotherapies for Treatment. Front Immunol 2020; 11:582106. [PMID: 33178210 PMCID: PMC7594513 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.582106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most frequently occurring primary brain tumor and has a very poor prognosis, with only around 5% of patients surviving for a period of 5 years or more after diagnosis. Despite aggressive multimodal therapy, consisting mostly of a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and temozolomide chemotherapy, tumors nearly always recur close to the site of resection. For the past 15 years, very little progress has been made with regards to improving patient survival. Although immunotherapy represents an attractive therapy modality due to the promising pre-clinical results observed, many of these potential immunotherapeutic approaches fail during clinical trials, and to date no immunotherapeutic treatments for GBM have been approved. As for many other difficult to treat cancers, GBM combines a lack of immunogenicity with few mutations and a highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Unfortunately, both tumor and immune cells have been shown to contribute towards this immunosuppressive phenotype. In addition, current therapeutics also exacerbate this immunosuppression which might explain the failure of immunotherapy-based clinical trials in the GBM setting. Understanding how these mechanisms interact with one another, as well as how one can increase the anti-tumor immune response by addressing local immunosuppression will lead to better clinical results for immune-based therapeutics. Improving therapeutic delivery across the blood brain barrier also presents a challenge for immunotherapy and future therapies will need to consider this. This review highlights the immunosuppressive mechanisms employed by GBM cancers and examines potential immunotherapeutic treatments that can overcome these significant immunosuppressive hurdles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua R. D. Pearson
- The John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Health, Ageing and Understanding Disease (CHAUD), School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Stefania Cuzzubbo
- Université de Paris, PARCC, INSERM U970, Paris, France
- Laboratoire de Recherches Biochirurgicales (Fondation Carpentier), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France
| | - Simon McArthur
- Institute of Dentistry, Barts & the London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lindy G. Durrant
- Scancell Ltd, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jason Adhikaree
- Academic Oncology, Nottingham University NHS Trusts, City Hospital Campus, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Chris J. Tinsley
- The John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Health, Ageing and Understanding Disease (CHAUD), School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - A. Graham Pockley
- The John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Health, Ageing and Understanding Disease (CHAUD), School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Stephanie E. B. McArdle
- The John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Health, Ageing and Understanding Disease (CHAUD), School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Sheehan C, D'Souza-Schorey C. Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles: molecular parcels that enable regulation of the immune response in cancer. J Cell Sci 2019; 132:132/20/jcs235085. [PMID: 31615844 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.235085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a heterogeneous collection of membrane-bound vesicles released by cells that contain bioactive cargoes including proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. Multiple subpopulations of EVs have now been recognized and these include exosomes and microvesicles. EVs have been thought to facilitate intercellular and distal communication to bring about various processes that enable tumor progression and metastases. Here, we describe the current knowledge of the functional cargo contained within EVs, with a focus on tumor microvesicles, and review the emerging theory of how EVs support immune suppression in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Sheehan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556-0369, USA
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8
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Kouzegaran S, Shahraki K, Makateb A, Shahri F, Hatami N, Behnod V, Tanha AS. Prognostic Investigations of Expression Level of Two Genes FasL and Ki-67 as Independent Prognostic Markers of Human Retinoblastoma. Oncol Res 2016; 25:471-478. [PMID: 27625332 PMCID: PMC7841034 DOI: 10.3727/096504016x14721217330657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, expression of FasL and Ki-67 messenger RNA (FasL and Ki-67 mRNA) in human retinoblastoma (HRB) was examined by the immunohistochemistry method and quantitative real-time PCR. Positive expression of Ki-67 in tumor cells was detected in 16 of 30 patients (53.33%), and only 9 (30%) of the tissues from patients with retinoblastoma showed positive staining for FasL. Our results revealed that FasL expression was significantly higher in tumor tissue with invasion compared with the noninvasion form (p = 0.033). Ki-67 expression was markedly increased in tumor tissues with invasion compared with the noninvasion group (p = 0.04), but no significant correlation was found between FasL expression and differentiation (p > 0.05). In addition, Ki-67 expression was strongly linked to differentiation (p < 0.002). Expression of these FasL was correlated with shorter overall survival of patients, but its expression was not significantly associated with overall survival (p = 0.15). The impact of Ki-67 expression on survival in patients was also evaluated. Ki-67 expression level was not found to be significantly associated with shorter survival (Kaplan–Meier; p = 0.09). Univariate analysis revealed that massive choroidal invasion was correlated with poor prognosis. Taken together, the data suggest that massive choroidal invasion is also an important indicator of poor prognosis for HRB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Kouzegaran
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Kourosh Shahraki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Alzahra Eye Hospital, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Ali Makateb
- Department of Ophthalmology, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farkhondeh Shahri
- Department of Optometry, School of Rehabilitation, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Negin Hatami
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Vahid Behnod
- Department of Molecular Biology, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Saber Tanha
- Department of Anesthesia, Faculty of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
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9
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Combining immunotherapy with radiation for the treatment of glioblastoma. J Neurooncol 2015; 123:459-64. [PMID: 25877468 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-015-1762-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 03/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma is a devastating cancer with universally poor outcomes in spite of current standard multimodal therapy. Immunotherapy is an attractive new treatment modality given its potential for exquisite specificity and its favorable side effect profile; however, clinical trials of immunotherapy in GBM have thus far shown modest benefit. Optimally combining radiation with immunotherapy may be the key to unlocking the potential of both therapies given the evidence that radiation can enhance anti-tumor immunity. Here we review this evidence and discuss considerations for combined therapy.
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10
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Immune privilege as an intrinsic CNS property: astrocytes protect the CNS against T-cell-mediated neuroinflammation. Mediators Inflamm 2013; 2013:320519. [PMID: 24023412 PMCID: PMC3760105 DOI: 10.1155/2013/320519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes have many functions in the central nervous system (CNS). They support differentiation and homeostasis of neurons and influence synaptic activity. They are responsible for formation of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and make up the glia limitans. Here, we review their contribution to neuroimmune interactions and in particular to those induced by the invasion of activated T cells. We discuss the mechanisms by which astrocytes regulate pro- and anti-inflammatory aspects of T-cell responses within the CNS. Depending on the microenvironment, they may become potent antigen-presenting cells for T cells and they may contribute to inflammatory processes. They are also able to abrogate or reprogram T-cell responses by inducing apoptosis or secreting inhibitory mediators. We consider apparently contradictory functions of astrocytes in health and disease, particularly in their interaction with lymphocytes, which may either aggravate or suppress neuroinflammation.
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Atukeren P, Kemerdere R, Kacira T, Hanimoglu H, Ozlen F, Yavuz B, Tanriverdi T, Gumustas K, Canbaz B. Expressions of some vital molecules: glioblastoma multiforme versus normal tissues. Neurol Res 2013; 32:492-501. [DOI: 10.1179/174313209x459075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Khan-Farooqi HR, Prins RM, Liau LM. Tumor immunology, immunomics and targeted immunotherapy for central nervous system malignancies. Neurol Res 2013; 27:692-702. [PMID: 16197806 DOI: 10.1179/016164105x49490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Although the brain was traditionally considered as 'immunologically privileged', recent findings have implied an involvement of immune mechanisms in neurological disease and illness, including central nervous system (CNS) malignancies. In this review, we initially focus on aspects of the immune system critical for effective antitumor immunity, as an understanding of normal immunological functions and how they relate to tumor immunology will set a foundation for understanding the unique challenges facing the integration of neuro-oncology and neuroimmunology. We summarize current knowledge of immune responses in the 'immunologically quiescent' brain and its role in tumor immunology. We will then discuss the emerging field of 'immunomics' and recent advances in molecular technologies, such as DNA microarray, which are being applied to brain tumor antigen epitope discovery and patient stratification for brain cancer immunotherapy. This, in turn, should have significant importance for ultimately designing and developing efficient and focused strategies for anticancer immunotherapy. Finally, the current state of immune-based treatment paradigms and future directions will be discussed, paying particular attention to targeted antibody strategies, adoptive cellular immunotherapy, and tumor vaccine approaches that have been studied in clinical trials for CNS neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haumith R Khan-Farooqi
- Department of Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095-6901, USA
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14
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Han SJ, Kaur G, Yang I, Lim M. Biologic Principles of Immunotherapy for Malignant Gliomas. Neurosurg Clin N Am 2010; 21:1-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nec.2009.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Abstract
Abnormalities of cellular immunity are commonly seen in patients with glioblastoma (GBM), and the subsequent relative immunosuppression likely contributes to poor tumor-specific responses in affected individuals. Endogenous immune regulation is likely to limit the efficacy of a wide array of immunotherapeutic strategies, therefore mandating consideration in the continued development of novel treatments for GBM. Various tumor-associated factors have been implicated as potential generators of the immunosuppressive effect. This article outlines relevant experimentation exploring the nature of immune defects in patients with GBM, including a critical discussion of tumor-secreted factors, cell-surface proteins, and more recently described populations of immunoregulatory leukocytes that have potential roles in the subversion of cellular immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen Waziri
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 12631 E. 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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Candolfi M, Yagiz K, Foulad D, Alzadeh GE, Tesarfreund M, Muhammad AKMG, Puntel M, Kroeger KM, Liu C, Lee S, Curtin JF, King GD, Lerner J, Sato K, Mineharu Y, Xiong W, Lowenstein PR, Castro MG. Release of HMGB1 in response to proapoptotic glioma killing strategies: efficacy and neurotoxicity. Clin Cancer Res 2009; 15:4401-14. [PMID: 19570774 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-09-0155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In preparation for a phase I clinical trial using a combined cytotoxic/immunotherapeutic strategy with adenoviruses (Ad) expressing Flt3L (Ad-Flt3L) and thymidine kinase (Ad-TK) to treat glioblastoma (GBM), we tested the hypothesis that Ad-TK+GCV would be the optimal tumor-killing agent in relation to efficacy and safety when compared with other proapoptotic approaches. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The efficacy and neurotoxicity of Ad-TK+GCV was compared with Ads encoding the proapoptotic cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-alpha, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing factor (TRAIL), and Fas ligand (FasL)], alone or in combination with Ad-Flt3L. In rats bearing small GBMs (day 4), only Ad-TK+GCV or Ad-FasL improved survival. RESULTS In rats bearing large GBMs (day 9), the combination of Ad-Flt3L with Ad-FasL did not improve survival over FasL alone, whereas Ad-Flt3L combined with Ad-TK+GCV led to 70% long-term survival. Expression of FasL and TRAIL caused severe neuropathology, which was not encountered when we used Ad-TK+/-Ad-Flt3L. In vitro, all treatments elicited release of high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) from dying tumor cells. In vivo, the highest levels of circulating HMGB1 were observed after treatment with Ad-TK+GCV+Ad-Flt3L; HMGB1 was necessary for the therapeutic efficacy of AdTK+GCV+Ad-Flt3L because its blockade with glycyrrhizin completely blocked tumor regression. We also showed the killing efficacy of Ad-TK+GCV in human GBM cell lines and GBM primary cultures, which also elicited release of HMGB1. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that Ad-TK+GCV+Ad-Flt3L exhibit the highest efficacy and safety profile among the several proapoptotic approaches tested. The results reported further support the implementation of this combined approach in a phase I clinical trial for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianela Candolfi
- Gene Therapeutics Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Department of Medicine and Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Non-apoptotic Fas signaling regulates invasiveness of glioma cells and modulates MMP-2 activity via NFkappaB-TIMP-2 pathway. Cell Signal 2009; 22:212-20. [PMID: 19788921 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2009.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2009] [Revised: 09/04/2009] [Accepted: 09/14/2009] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Fas (CD95/APO-1) is a cell surface "death receptor" that mediates apoptosis upon engagement by its ligand, FasL. Paradoxically, Fas/FasL can also promote cell invasion among non-apoptotic cells; here, we show that Fas/FasL signaling can promote tumor invasion when apoptosis is compromised. We have developed a recombinant FasL Interfering Protein (FIP) to interfere with Fas signaling in C6 glioma cells expressing both Fas receptor and its ligand. FIP administration did not affect cell viability but impaired cell motility and invasiveness of glioma cells. Blockade of Fas signaling reduced MMP-2 activity in glioma cells, that was associated with down-regulation of MAPK signaling, and AP-1 and NFkappaB-driven transcription. FIP treatment did not affect mmp-2 and mt1-mmp expression but significantly attenuated timp-2 expression and TIMP-2 amount in the culture medium. Studies with pharmacological inhibitors of JNK/c-Jun (SP600125) and NFkappaB (BAY11-7082) signaling pathways demonstrated that timp-2 expression is regulated by NFkappaB transcription factor. Our findings show that non-apoptotic Fas signaling activated in the autocrine manner or through microenvironment derived factors can regulate invasiveness of glioma cells via modulation of MMP-2 activation, likely by controlling TIMP-2 expression.
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Abstract
Despite aggressive multi-modality therapy including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, the prognosis for patients with malignant primary brain tumors remains very poor. Moreover, the non-specific nature of conventional therapy for brain tumors often results in incapacitating damage to surrounding normal brain and systemic tissues. Thus, there is an urgent need for the development of therapeutic strategies that precisely target tumor cells while minimizing collateral damage to neighboring eloquent cerebral cortex. The rationale for using the immune system to target brain tumors is based on the premise that the inherent specificity of immunologic reactivity could meet the clear need for more specific and precise therapy. The success of this modality is dependent on our ability to understand the mechanisms of immune regulation within the central nervous system (CNS), as well as counter the broad defects in host cell-mediated immunity that malignant gliomas are known to elicit. Recent advances in our understanding of tumor-induced and host-mediated immunosuppressive mechanisms, the development of effective strategies to combat these suppressive effects, and a better understanding of how to deliver immunologic effector molecules more efficiently to CNS tumors have all facilitated significant progress toward the realization of true clinical benefit from immunotherapeutic treatment of malignant gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duane A Mitchell
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke, NC 27710, USA.
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Choi C, Jeong E, Benveniste EN. Caspase-1 mediates Fas-induced apoptosis and is up-regulated by interferon-gamma in human astrocytoma cells. J Neurooncol 2004; 67:167-76. [PMID: 15072464 DOI: 10.1023/b:neon.0000021896.52664.9e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Resistance to Fas-mediated apoptosis contributes to tumor evasion from the host immune system and enables tumors to mediate alternative responses such as inflammation and angiogenesis. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of the resistance to Fas-mediated apoptosis and sensitization to Fas-induced cell death by IFN-gamma in human astrocytoma cells. To address this, we investigated the expression of thirty-three genes related to the Fas signal transduction pathways using RNase protection assay in five different human astrocytoma cells. Patterns of expression of these genes were similar between different cell lines and did not correlate with sensitivity to Fas-mediated cell death. Treatment with IFN-gamma increased the mRNA expression of caspases-1, -4 and -7 in addition to those of Fas and TRAIL in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Studies using specific caspase inhibitors showed that Fas-induced cell death was mediated by caspases-1, -3 and 8 in the Fas-sensitive human astrocytoma cell lines, CRT-J and U87-MG. We further demonstrated that these caspases were proteolytically cleaved upon Fas ligation in these cells. Interestingly, caspase-1 protein expression but not that of caspase-3 nor -8 was up-regulated by IFN-gamma only in Fas-sensitive CRT-J cells but not in Fas-resistant U373-MG cells. These results collectively suggest that caspase-1, along with caspases-3 and -8, mediate Fas-induced cell death in human astrocytoma cells, and post-transcriptional regulation of caspase-1 may determine the responsiveness to IFN-gamma-induced sensitization to Fas-mediated apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chulhee Choi
- Division of Molecular Life Sciences and Center for Cell Signaling Research, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea.
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Abstract
Apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death, is the major type of cell death involved in normal development, regeneration, proliferation and pathologic degeneration in the central nervous system (CNS). The apoptotic process can be divided further into two pathways depending on the involvement of mitochondria and related biochemical cascades. The internal pathway of apoptosis is initiated by a variety of cytotoxic stimuli and mediated by the release of cytochrome c and subsequent activation of downstream caspases. The external pathway is mainly triggered by ligation of death receptors such as Fas, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis inducing ligand-R1 (TRAIL-R1), TRAIL-R2 and TNFRp55, and mediated by direct activation of upstream caspases. The Fas-FasL system has been known as a prototypic inducer of extrinsic cell death responsible for cell-mediated cytotoxicity, peripheral immune regulation, immune privilege and "counterattack" of malignant tumor cells against the host immune system. Fas and FasL are expressed in the normal CNS, and expression increases in inflamed and degenerated brains. Like other specialized tissues such as the eye and testis, the Fas-FasL system is thought to be involved in immune suppressed status in the CNS. Expression of Fas and FasL is significantly elevated in a variety of the neurologic disorders, suggesting the possibility that this system may play roles in degenerative and inflammatory responses in the CNS. Therefore, the FasL-Fas system should be considered as a double-edged sword in the CNS: maintaining the immune suppressed status in normal brain and inducing neuronal cell death and inflammation in a variety of neurologic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chulhee Choi
- The Center for Cell Signaling Research and Division of Molecular Life Sciences, Ewha Womans University, 11-1 Daehyun-dong, Sudaemun-gu, Seoul 120-750, South Korea.
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Zhan HG, Mountz JD, Fleck M, Zhou T, Hsu HC. Specific deletion of autoreactive T cells by adenovirus-transfected, Fas ligand-producing antigen-presenting cells. Immunol Res 2003; 26:235-46. [PMID: 12403361 DOI: 10.1385/ir:26:1-3:235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Immune privilege is a unique strategy developed in several internal organs that can prevent the development of immune attack against these vital organs. One critical mechanism of immune privilege is utilization of Fas/FasL-mediated apoptosis to delete the invading T cells at the immune privilege sites. In this article, we describe the development and application of a unique cell-gene therapy to correct defective FasL-mediated apoptosis and autoimmune disease in autoimmune mice. This cell-gene therapy strategy using antigen-presenting cells (APCs) to express FasL is not only a therapeutic tool, but also has allowed us to understand the complexity of T cell regulation and the concept of eliminating T cells in the spleen, lymph node, or elsewhere in vivo to regulate the homeostasis of the peripheral T cell response. In this regard, the FasL-expressing APCs can be considered as circulating and regulatable immune privilege sites. Our studies provide substantial evidence that FasL-expressing APCs can be introduced exogenously without liver toxicity to eliminate infiltrating T cells and prevent the development of immune attack in lung, liver, kidney, joint, and salivary gland. Therefore, given the hazardous potential of persistent T cell invasion at the local inflammatory site, it is tempting to speculate that such an endogenous control mechanism occurs normally in vivo to limit a chronic T cell inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huang-Ge Zhan
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35294, USA
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