1
|
Lin L, Zou X, Nong W, Ge Y, Li F, Luo B, Zhang Q, Xie X. The potential value of cancer-testis antigens in ovarian cancer: Prognostic markers and targets for immunotherapy. Immun Inflamm Dis 2024; 12:e1284. [PMID: 38896069 PMCID: PMC11186301 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1284] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor immunotherapy has become an important adjuvant therapy after surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. In recent years, the role of tumor-associated antigen (TAA) in tumor immunotherapy has become increasingly prominent. Cancer-testis antigen (CTA) is a kind of TAA that is highly restricted in a variety of tumors and can induce an immune response. AIMS This review article aimed to evaluate the role of CTA on the progression of ovarian cancer, its diagnostic efficacy, and the potential for immunotherapy. METHODS We analyzed publications and outlined a comprehensive of overview the regulatory mechanism, immunogenicity, clinical expression significance, tumorigenesis, and application prospects of CTA in ovarian cancer, with a particular focus on recent progress in CTA-based immunotherapy. RESULTS The expression of CTA affects the occurrence, development, and prognosis of ovarian cancer and is closely related to tumor immunity. CONCLUSION CTA can be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of ovarian cancer and is an ideal target for antitumor immunotherapy. These findings provide novel insights on CTA in the improvement of diagnosis and treatment for ovarian cancer. The successes, current challenges and future prospects were also discussed to portray its significant potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lina Lin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine ScienceGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningGuangxiPeople's Republic of China
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical UniversityNanningGuangxiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqiong Zou
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine ScienceGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningGuangxiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Weixia Nong
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine ScienceGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningGuangxiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Yingying Ge
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine ScienceGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningGuangxiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine ScienceGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningGuangxiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Bin Luo
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine ScienceGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningGuangxiPeople's Republic of China
- Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionKey Laboratory of Basic Research on Regional Diseases (Guangxi Medical University)NanningGuangxiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Qingmei Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine ScienceGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningGuangxiPeople's Republic of China
- Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionKey Laboratory of Basic Research on Regional Diseases (Guangxi Medical University)NanningGuangxiPeople's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxun Xie
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine ScienceGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningGuangxiPeople's Republic of China
- Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous RegionKey Laboratory of Basic Research on Regional Diseases (Guangxi Medical University)NanningGuangxiPeople's Republic of China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment of Regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University)NanningGuangxiPeople's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Russo S, Feola S, Feodoroff M, Chiaro J, Antignani G, Fusciello M, D’Alessio F, Hamdan F, Pellinen T, Mölsä R, Tripodi L, Pastore L, Grönholm M, Cerullo V. Low-dose decitabine enhances the efficacy of viral cancer vaccines for immunotherapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY. ONCOLOGY 2024; 32:200766. [PMID: 38596301 PMCID: PMC10869747 DOI: 10.1016/j.omton.2024.200766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy requires a specific antitumor CD8+ T cell-driven immune response; however, upon genetic and epigenetic alterations of the antigen processing and presenting components, cancer cells escape the CD8+ T cell recognition. As a result, poorly immunogenic tumors are refractory to conventional immunotherapy. In this context, the use of viral cancer vaccines in combination with hypomethylating agents represents a promising strategy to prevent cancer from escaping immune system recognition. In this study, we evaluated the sensitivity of melanoma (B16-expressing ovalbumin) and metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (4T1) cell lines to FDA-approved low-dose decitabine in combination with PeptiCRAd, an adenoviral anticancer vaccine. The two models showed different sensitivity to decitabine in vitro and in vivo when combined with PeptiCRAd. In particular, mice bearing syngeneic 4T1 cancer showed higher tumor growth control when receiving the combinatorial treatment compared to single controls in association with a higher expression of MHC class I on cancer cells and reduction in Tregs within the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, remodeling of the CD8+ T cell infiltration and cytotoxic activity toward cancer cells confirmed the effect of decitabine in enhancing anticancer vaccines in immunotherapy regimens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Russo
- Drug Research Program (DRP), ImmunoViroTherapy Lab (IVT), Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 33, 00710 Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine Helsinki University, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship (iCAN), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sara Feola
- Drug Research Program (DRP), ImmunoViroTherapy Lab (IVT), Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 33, 00710 Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine Helsinki University, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship (iCAN), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Michaela Feodoroff
- Drug Research Program (DRP), ImmunoViroTherapy Lab (IVT), Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 33, 00710 Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine Helsinki University, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship (iCAN), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jacopo Chiaro
- Drug Research Program (DRP), ImmunoViroTherapy Lab (IVT), Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 33, 00710 Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine Helsinki University, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship (iCAN), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Gabriella Antignani
- Drug Research Program (DRP), ImmunoViroTherapy Lab (IVT), Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 33, 00710 Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine Helsinki University, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship (iCAN), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Manlio Fusciello
- Drug Research Program (DRP), ImmunoViroTherapy Lab (IVT), Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 33, 00710 Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine Helsinki University, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship (iCAN), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Federica D’Alessio
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology and CEINGE, Naples University, 24 Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Firas Hamdan
- Drug Research Program (DRP), ImmunoViroTherapy Lab (IVT), Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 33, 00710 Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine Helsinki University, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship (iCAN), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Teijo Pellinen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Riikka Mölsä
- Drug Research Program (DRP), ImmunoViroTherapy Lab (IVT), Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 33, 00710 Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine Helsinki University, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship (iCAN), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lorella Tripodi
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology and CEINGE, Naples University, 24 Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore s.c.a.r.l, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Lucio Pastore
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology and CEINGE, Naples University, 24 Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore s.c.a.r.l, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Mikaela Grönholm
- Drug Research Program (DRP), ImmunoViroTherapy Lab (IVT), Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 33, 00710 Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine Helsinki University, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship (iCAN), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Vincenzo Cerullo
- Drug Research Program (DRP), ImmunoViroTherapy Lab (IVT), Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 5E, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 33, 00710 Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine Helsinki University, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
- Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship (iCAN), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology and CEINGE, Naples University, 24 Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Al-Hawary SIS, Jasim SA, Hjazi A, Oghenemaro EF, Kaur I, Kumar A, Al-Ani AM, Alwaily ER, Redhee AH, Mustafa YF. Nucleic acid-based vaccine for ovarian cancer cells; bench to bedside. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e3978. [PMID: 38515237 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3978] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer continues to be a difficult medical issue that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Important platforms for cancer immunotherapy include checkpoint inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptor T cells, bispecific antibodies, cancer vaccines, and other cell-based treatments. To avoid numerous infectious illnesses, conventional vaccinations based on synthetic peptides, recombinant subunit vaccines, and live attenuated and inactivated pathogens are frequently utilized. Vaccine manufacturing processes, however, are not entirely safe and carry a significant danger of contaminating living microorganisms. As a result, the creation of substitute vaccinations is required for both viral and noninfectious illnesses, including cancer. Recently, there has been testing of nucleic acid vaccines, or NAVs, as a cancer therapeutic. Tumor antigens (TAs) are genetically encoded by DNA and mRNA vaccines, which the host uses to trigger immune responses against ovarian cancer cells that exhibit the TAs. Despite being straightforward, safe, and easy to produce, NAVs are not currently thought to be an ideal replacement for peptide vaccines. Some obstacles to this strategy include selecting the appropriate therapeutic agents (TAs), inadequate immunogenicity, and the immunosuppressive characteristic of ovarian cancer. We focus on strategies that have been employed to increase NAVs' effectiveness in the fight against ovarian cancer in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Saade Abdalkareem Jasim
- Medical Laboratory Techniques Department, Al-maarif University College, Anbar, Iraq
- Biotechnology Department, College of Applied Science, Fallujah University, Fallujah, Iraq
| | - Ahmed Hjazi
- Department of Medical Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Enwa Felix Oghenemaro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
| | - Irwanjot Kaur
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetics, Jain (Deemed-to-be) University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
- Department of Allied Healthcare and Sciences, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Abhinav Kumar
- Department of Nuclear and Renewable Energy, Ural Federal University Named after The First President of Russia, Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | | | - Enas R Alwaily
- Microbiology Research Group, College of Pharmacy, Al-Ayen University, Thi-Qar, Iraq
| | - Ahmed Huseen Redhee
- Medical Laboratory Technique College, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
- Medical Laboratory Technique College, The Islamic University of Al Diwaniyah, Al Diwaniyah, Iraq
- Medical Laboratory Technique College, The Islamic University of Babylon, Babylon, Iraq
| | - Yasser Fakri Mustafa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shen Y, Song W, Lin D, Zhang X, Wang M, Li Y, Yang Z, Guo S, Wang Z, Sheng J, Murad Y, Ding J, Lou Y, Pan X, Wu Z, Zhao R, Jia W, Bai X, Liang T. VG161 activates systemic antitumor immunity in pancreatic cancer models as a novel oncolytic herpesvirus expressing multiple immunomodulatory transgenes. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28108. [PMID: 36042555 PMCID: PMC10087349 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The VG161 represents the first recombinant oncolytic herpes simplex virus type 1 carrying multiple synergistic antitumor immuno-modulating factors. Here, we report its antitumor mechanisms and thus provide firm theoretical foundation for the upcoming clinical application in pancreatic cancer. Generally, the VG161-mediated antitumor outcomes were analyzed by a collaboration of techniques, namely the single-cell sequencing, airflow-assisted desorption electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry imaging (AFADSI-MSI) and nanostring techniques. In vitro, the efficacy of VG161 together with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has been successfully shown to grant a long-term antitumor effect by altering tumor immunity and remodeling tumor microenvironment (TME) metabolisms. Cellular functional pathways and cell subtypes detected from patient samples before and after the treatment had undergone distinctive changes including upregulated CD8+ T and natural killer cells. More importantly, significant antitumor signals have emerged since the administration of VG161 injection. In conclusion, VG161 can systematically activate acquired and innate immunity in pancreatic models, as well as improve the tumor immune microenvironment, indicative of strong antitumor potential. The more robusting antitumor outcome for VG161 monotherapy or in combination with other therapies on pancreatic cancer is worth of being explored in further clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinan Shen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital,Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Song
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Danni Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital,Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaozhen Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital,Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital,Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuwei Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital,Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zifan Yang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sida Guo
- Center for Innovation & Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zijun Wang
- Center for Innovation & Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianpeng Sheng
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanal Murad
- Virogin Biotech Canada Ltd., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jun Ding
- Shanghai Virogin Biotech Co. Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Yufeng Lou
- Center for Innovation & Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinping Pan
- CNBG-Virogin Biotech (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Zongsong Wu
- Shanghai Virogin Biotech Co. Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Ronghua Zhao
- Virogin Biotech Canada Ltd., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Shanghai Virogin Biotech Co. Ltd., Shanghai, China.,CNBG-Virogin Biotech (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Weiguo Jia
- Virogin Biotech Canada Ltd., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Shanghai Virogin Biotech Co. Ltd., Shanghai, China.,CNBG-Virogin Biotech (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Xueli Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital,Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tingbo Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital,Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang X, Zheng J, Niu Y, Xue C, Yu Y, Tan K, Cui H. Long-term survival in extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer treated with different immune checkpoint inhibitors in multiple-line therapies: A case report and literature review. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1059331. [PMID: 36532013 PMCID: PMC9747940 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1059331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) is highly malignant, is highly prone to recurrence, and has a short survival period. It is very difficult to achieve long-term survival in ES-SCLC, which has not been significantly improved in the last 20 years. For a long time, platinum-based chemotherapy has occupied the core position in the treatment of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), but there are few options for treatment drugs or regimens, and if disease progression occurs, the options for follow-up regimens are obviously limited. The advent of immunotherapy has changed this situation to some extent, and immunotherapy has shown some effects in improving efficiency and prolonging survival, whether in first- or third-line therapy, but it is still unsatisfactory. Case presentation A 57-year-old patient with ES-SCLC experienced disease progression after four lines of treatment including synchronous radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and antiangiogenesis. However, the patient still benefited when switching to the programmed cell death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitor toripalimab in combination with chemotherapy in the fifth line. Even after the development of immune resistance, the patient still benefited after switching to tislelizumab in combination with different chemotherapy regimens or alone in the sixth and seventh lines. Following the progression of tislelizumab in combination with chemotherapy, the patient again profited after switching to durvalumab in combination with anlotinib and again achieved a progressive-free survival (PFS) of 11 months. Overall, the patient achieved a total of 45 months of PFS and 50 months of overall survival (OS), with a shocking and exciting 30 months of PFS achieved in the immune combination phase alone. Conclusion We report a patient with ES-SCLC who achieved long-term survival after at least eight lines of therapy including chemotherapy, antiangiogenesis, and different immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). This suggests that long-term survival in SCLC is possible with aggressive, combined, and standardized treatment. Otherwise, immunotherapy postline enablement can still benefit patients, rechallenge after immune resistance is also possible in SCLC, and combination with chemotherapy or antiangiogenic therapy can improve the efficacy and prolong the survival. This will provide new ideas and options for the selection of treatment options for SCLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhang
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jiabin Zheng
- Department of Integrative Oncology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Niu
- Department of Pathology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chongxiang Xue
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yixuan Yu
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Kexin Tan
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Huijuan Cui
- Department of Integrative Oncology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Huijuan Cui,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Johnson AL, Laterra J, Lopez-Bertoni H. Exploring glioblastoma stem cell heterogeneity: Immune microenvironment modulation and therapeutic opportunities. Front Oncol 2022; 12:995498. [PMID: 36212415 PMCID: PMC9532940 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.995498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite its growing use in cancer treatment, immunotherapy has been virtually ineffective in clinical trials for gliomas. The inherently cold tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in gliomas, characterized by a high ratio of pro-tumor to anti-tumor immune cell infiltrates, acts as a seemingly insurmountable barrier to immunotherapy. Glioma stem cells (GSCs) within these tumors are key contributors to this cold TIME, often functioning indirectly through activation and recruitment of pro-tumor immune cell types. Furthermore, drivers of GSC plasticity and heterogeneity (e.g., reprogramming transcription factors, epigenetic modifications) are associated with induction of immunosuppressive cell states. Recent studies have identified GSC-intrinsic mechanisms, including functional mimicry of immune suppressive cell types, as key determinants of anti-tumor immune escape. In this review, we cover recent advancements in our understanding of GSC-intrinsic mechanisms that modulate GSC-TIME interactions and discuss cutting-edge techniques and bioinformatics platforms available to study immune modulation at high cellular resolution with exploration of both malignant (i.e., GSC) and non-malignant (i.e., immune) cell fractions. Finally, we provide insight into the therapeutic opportunities for targeting immunomodulatory GSC-intrinsic mechanisms to potentiate immunotherapy response in gliomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L. Johnson
- Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - John Laterra
- Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: John Laterra, ; Hernando Lopez-Bertoni,
| | - Hernando Lopez-Bertoni
- Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: John Laterra, ; Hernando Lopez-Bertoni,
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bi SQ, Zhang QM, Zeng X, Liu C, Nong WX, Xie H, Li F, Lin LN, Luo B, Ge YY, Xie XX. Combined treatment with epigenetic agents enhances anti-tumor activity of MAGE-D4 peptide-specific T cells by upregulating the MAGE-D4 expression in glioma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:873639. [PMID: 35992806 PMCID: PMC9382192 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.873639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveThe study evaluated the efficacy of combined epigenetic drugs of decitabine (DAC), valproic acid (VPA), and trichostatin A (TSA) on immunotherapy against glioma.MethodsThe expression and prognosis of MAGE-D4 in glioma were analyzed online, and the expression of MAGE-D4 and HLA-A2 in glioma induced by epigenetic drugs was detected by qRT-PCR, Western blot, and flow cytometry. The methylation status of the MAGE-D4 promoter was determined by pyrosequencing. An HLA-A2 restricted MAGE-D4 peptide was predicted and synthesized. An affinity assay and a peptide/HLA complex stability assay were performed to determine the affinity between peptide and HLA. CCK8 assay, CFSE assay, ELISA and ELISPOT were performed to detect the function of MAGE-D4 peptide-specific T cells. Flow cytometry, ELISA, and cytotoxicity assays were used to detect the cytotoxicity effect of MAGE-D4 peptide-specific T cells combined with epigenetic drugs against glioma in vitro. Finally, the glioma-loaded mouse model was applied to test the inhibitory effect of specific T cells on gliomas in vivo.ResultsMAGE-D4 was highly expressed in glioma and correlated with poor prognosis. Glioma cells could be induced to express MAGE-D4 and HLA-A2 by epigenetic drugs. MAGE-D4-associated peptides were found that induce DCs to stimulate the highest T-cell activities of proliferation, IL-2 excretion, and IFN-γ secretion. MAGE-D4 peptide-specific T cells treated with TSA only or combining TSA and DAC had the most cytotoxicity effect, and its cytotoxicity effect on glioma cells decreased significantly after HLA blocking. In vivo experiments also confirmed that MAGE-D4-specific T cells inhibit TSA-treated glioma.ConclusionMAGE-D4 is highly expressed in glioma and correlated with the prognosis of glioma. The novel MAGE-D4 peptide identified was capable of inducing MAGE-D4-specific T cells that can effectively inhibit glioma growth, and the epigenetic drug application can enhance this inhibition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shui-Qing Bi
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Qing-Mei Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Key laboratory of Preclinical Medicine, Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous region, Nanning, China
| | - Xia Zeng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Wei-Xia Nong
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Huan Xie
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Li-Na Lin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Bin Luo
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Key laboratory of Preclinical Medicine, Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous region, Nanning, China
| | - Ying-Ying Ge
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- *Correspondence: Ying-Ying Ge, ; Xiao-Xun Xie,
| | - Xiao-Xun Xie
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Key laboratory of Preclinical Medicine, Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous region, Nanning, China
- *Correspondence: Ying-Ying Ge, ; Xiao-Xun Xie,
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chen S, Xie P, Cowan M, Huang H, Cardenas H, Keathley R, Tanner EJ, Fleming GF, Moroney JW, Pant A, Akasha AM, Davuluri RV, Kocherginsky M, Zhang B, Matei D. Epigenetic priming enhances antitumor immunity in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:e158800. [PMID: 35671108 PMCID: PMC9282926 DOI: 10.1172/jci158800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have modest activity in ovarian cancer (OC). To augment their activity, we used priming with the hypomethylating agent guadecitabine in a phase II study.MethodsEligible patients had platinum-resistant OC, normal organ function, measurable disease, and received up to 5 prior regimens. The treatment included guadecitabine (30 mg/m2) on days 1-4, and pembrolizumab (200 mg i.v.) on day 5, every 21 days. The primary endpoint was the response rate. Tumor biopsies, plasma, and PBMCs were obtained at baseline and after treatment.ResultsAmong 35 evaluable patients, 3 patients had partial responses (8.6%), and 8 (22.9%) patients had stable disease, resulting in a clinical benefit rate of 31.4% (95% CI: 16.9%-49.3%). The median duration of clinical benefit was 6.8 months. Long-interspersed element 1 (LINE1) was hypomethylated in post-treatment PBMCs, and methylomic and transcriptomic analyses showed activation of antitumor immunity in post-treatment biopsies. High-dimensional immune profiling of PBMCs showed a higher frequency of naive and/or central memory CD4+ T cells and of classical monocytes in patients with a durable clinical benefit or response (CBR). A higher baseline density of CD8+ T cells and CD20+ B cells and the presence of tertiary lymphoid structures in tumors were associated with a durable CBR.ConclusionEpigenetic priming using a hypomethylating agent with an ICI was feasible and resulted in a durable clinical benefit associated with immune responses in selected patients with recurrent OC.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT02901899.FundingUS Army Medical Research and Material Command/Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (USAMRMC/CDMRP) grant W81XWH-17-0141; the Diana Princess of Wales Endowed Professorship and LCCTRAC funds from the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center; Walter S. and Lucienne Driskill Immunotherapy Research funds; Astex Pharmaceuticals; Merck & Co.; National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH grants CCSG P30 CA060553, CCSG P30 CA060553, and CA060553.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Chen
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Division
| | - Ping Xie
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Division
| | | | - Hao Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
| | | | - Russell Keathley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Driskill Graduate Training Program in Life Sciences, and
| | - Edward J. Tanner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Gini F. Fleming
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Division, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - John W. Moroney
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Division, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Alok Pant
- Northwestern Medicine, Lake Forest Hospital, Lake Forest, Illinois, USA
| | - Azza M. Akasha
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ramana V. Davuluri
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Masha Kocherginsky
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Preventive Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Division
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Daniela Matei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Insights into the therapeutic potential of histone deacetylase inhibitor/immunotherapy combination regimens in solid tumors. CLINICAL & TRANSLATIONAL ONCOLOGY : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FEDERATION OF SPANISH ONCOLOGY SOCIETIES AND OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE OF MEXICO 2022; 24:1262-1273. [PMID: 35066777 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-02779-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Solid tumors including skin, lung, breast, colon, and prostate cancers comprise the most diagnosed cancers worldwide. Treatment of such cancers is still challenging specially in the advanced/metastatic setting. The growing understanding of the tumor microenvironment has revolutionized the cancer therapy paradigms. Targeting programmed death-1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 immune checkpoint has been extensively studied over this decade as a new trend in the management of hard-to-treat cancers by harnessing the power of the immune system to eradicate the tumors. Yet, low response rate and resistance were observed when immunotherapies were tested as monotherapy. This urged the need to develop combinatorial regimens of immunotherapy with other immune modulatory agents to enhance its therapeutic potential and help in reverting the resistance. Epigenetic modifiers such as histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) showed favorable effects on modulating the tumor microenvironment along with the host immune cells. This qualified HDACIs as an attractive candidate class to be tested in combination with immunotherapy. In this review we cover the ongoing clinical trials that investigate the safety and/or the efficacy of HDACI/immunotherapy combinations in solid tumors including skin cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer and recapitulates areas for future research.
Collapse
|
10
|
Xu Y, Li P, Liu Y, Xin D, Lei W, Liang A, Han W, Qian W. Epi-immunotherapy for cancers: rationales of epi-drugs in combination with immunotherapy and advances in clinical trials. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2022; 42:493-516. [PMID: 35642676 PMCID: PMC9198339 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last two decades, several epi-drugs, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and adoptive cell therapies have received clinical approval for use in certain types of cancer. However, monotherapy with epi-drugs or ICIs has shown limited efficacy in most cancer patients. Epigenetic agents have been shown to regulate the crosstalk between the tumor and host immunity to alleviate immune evasion, suggesting that epi-drugs can potentially synergize with immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss recent insights into the rationales of incorporating epigenetic therapy into immunotherapy, called epi-immunotherapy, and focus on an update of current clinical trials in both hematological and solid malignancies. Furthermore, we outline the future challenges and strategies in the field of cancer epi-immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xu
- Department of Hematologythe Second Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell BiologyLife Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of HematologyTongji Hospital of Tongji UniversityShanghai200065P. R. China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Bio‐Therapeuticthe First Medical CentreChinese PLA General HospitalBeijing100853P. R. China
| | - Dijia Xin
- Department of Hematologythe Second Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell BiologyLife Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Wen Lei
- Department of Hematologythe Second Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell BiologyLife Sciences InstituteZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Aibin Liang
- Department of HematologyTongji Hospital of Tongji UniversityShanghai200065P. R. China
| | - Weidong Han
- Department of Bio‐Therapeuticthe First Medical CentreChinese PLA General HospitalBeijing100853P. R. China
| | - Wenbin Qian
- Department of Hematologythe Second Affiliated HospitalCollege of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sadagopan A, Michelakos T, Boyiadzis G, Ferrone C, Ferrone S. Human Leukocyte Antigen Class I Antigen-Processing Machinery Upregulation by Anticancer Therapies in the Era of Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Review. JAMA Oncol 2022; 8:462-473. [PMID: 34940799 PMCID: PMC8930447 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2021.5970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Although typically impressive, objective responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) occur in only 12.5% of patients with advanced cancer. The majority of patients do not respond due to cell-intrinsic resistance mechanisms, including human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I antigen-processing machinery (APM) defects. The APM defects, which have a negative effect on neoantigen presentation to cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), are present in the majority of malignant tumors. These defects are caused by gene variations in less than 25% of cases and by dysregulated signaling and/or epigenetic changes in most of the remaining cases, making them frequently correctable. This narrative review summarizes the growing clinical evidence that chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and, to a lesser extent, radiotherapy can correct HLA class I APM defects in cancer cells and improve responses to ICIs. OBSERVATIONS Most chemotherapeutics enhance HLA class I APM component expression and function in cancer cells, tumor CTL infiltration, and responses to ICIs in preclinical and clinical models. Despite preclinical evidence, radiotherapy does not appear to upregulate HLA class I expression in patients and does not enhance the efficacy of ICIs in clinical settings. The latter findings underscore the need to optimize the dose and schedule of radiation and timing of ICI administration to maximize their immunogenic synergy. By increasing DNA and chromatin accessibility, epigenetic agents (histone deacetylase inhibitors, DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, and EZH2 inhibitors) enhance HLA class I APM component expression and function in many cancer types, a crucial contributor to their synergy with ICIs in patients. Furthermore, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors and BRAF/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitors are effective at upregulating HLA class I expression in EGFR- and BRAF-variant tumors, respectively; these changes may contribute to the clinical responses induced by these inhibitors in combination with ICIs. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This narrative review summarizes evidence indicating that chemotherapy and targeted therapies are effective at enhancing HLA class I APM component expression and function in cancer cells. The resulting increased immunogenicity and recognition and elimination of cancer cells by cognate CTLs contributes to the antitumor activity of these therapies as well as to their synergy with ICIs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ananthan Sadagopan
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Theodoros Michelakos
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gabriella Boyiadzis
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cristina Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Soldano Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
How to Slow Down the Ticking Clock: Age-Associated Epigenetic Alterations and Related Interventions to Extend Life Span. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030468. [PMID: 35159278 PMCID: PMC8915189 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations pose one major hallmark of organismal aging. Here, we provide an overview on recent findings describing the epigenetic changes that arise during aging and in related maladies such as neurodegeneration and cancer. Specifically, we focus on alterations of histone modifications and DNA methylation and illustrate the link with metabolic pathways. Age-related epigenetic, transcriptional and metabolic deregulations are highly interconnected, which renders dissociating cause and effect complicated. However, growing amounts of evidence support the notion that aging is not only accompanied by epigenetic alterations, but also at least in part induced by those. DNA methylation clocks emerged as a tool to objectively determine biological aging and turned out as a valuable source in search of factors positively and negatively impacting human life span. Moreover, specific epigenetic signatures can be used as biomarkers for age-associated disorders or even as targets for therapeutic approaches, as will be covered in this review. Finally, we summarize recent potential intervention strategies that target epigenetic mechanisms to extend healthy life span and provide an outlook on future developments in the field of longevity research.
Collapse
|
13
|
HDAC Inhibition to Prime Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010066. [PMID: 35008230 PMCID: PMC8750966 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has made a breakthrough in medical oncology with the approval of several immune checkpoint inhibitors in clinical routine, improving overall survival of advanced cancer patients with refractory disease. However only a minority of patients experience a durable response with these agents, which has led to the development of combination strategies and novel immunotherapy drugs to further counteract tumor immune escape. Epigenetic regulations can be altered in oncogenesis, favoring tumor progression. The development of epidrugs has allowed targeting successfully these altered epigenetic patterns in lymphoma and leukemia patients. It has been recently shown that epigenetic alterations can also play a key role in tumor immune escape. Epidrugs, like HDAC inhibitors, can prime the anti-tumor immune response, therefore constituting interesting partners to develop combination strategies with immunotherapy agents. In this review, we will discuss epigenetic regulations involved in oncogenesis and immune escape and describe the clinical development of combining HDAC inhibitors with immunotherapies.
Collapse
|
14
|
Fabian KP, Wolfson B, Hodge JW. From Immunogenic Cell Death to Immunogenic Modulation: Select Chemotherapy Regimens Induce a Spectrum of Immune-Enhancing Activities in the Tumor Microenvironment. Front Oncol 2021; 11:728018. [PMID: 34497771 PMCID: PMC8419351 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.728018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer treatment has rapidly entered the age of immunotherapy, and it is becoming clear that the effective therapy of established tumors necessitates rational multi-combination immunotherapy strategies. But even in the advent of immunotherapy, the clinical role of standard-of-care chemotherapy regimens still remains significant and may be complementary to emerging immunotherapeutic approaches. Depending on dose, schedule, and agent, chemotherapy can induce immunogenic cell death, resulting in the release of tumor antigens to stimulate an immune response, or immunogenic modulation, sensitizing surviving tumor cells to immune cell killing. While these have been previously defined as distinct processes, in this review we examine the published mechanisms supporting both immunogenic cell death and immunogenic modulation and propose they be reclassified as similar effects termed “immunogenic cell stress.” Treatment-induced immunogenic cell stress is an important result of cytotoxic chemotherapy and future research should consider immunogenic cell stress as a whole rather than just immunogenic cell death or immunogenic modulation. Cancer treatment strategies should be designed specifically to take advantage of these effects in combination immunotherapy, and novel chemotherapy regimens should be designed and investigated to potentially induce all aspects of immunogenic cell stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kellsye P Fabian
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Benjamin Wolfson
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - James W Hodge
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Murtadha AH, Azahar IIM, Sharudin NA, Has ATC, Mokhtar NF. Influence of nNav1.5 on MHC class I expression in breast cancer. J Biosci 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12038-021-00196-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
16
|
Meng X, Sun X, Liu Z, He Y. A novel era of cancer/testis antigen in cancer immunotherapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 98:107889. [PMID: 34174699 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a regimen that is especially utilized in many advanced cancers. Tumor antigens include tumor-specific antigens and tumor-associated antigens, and they function as targets for immunotherapy, such as cancer vaccines and autologous T cells. Cancer/testis antigens (CTAs), which is a group of genes that are restrictedly expressed in malignant cells as well as some germline cells, are tumor-associated antigens. These expression characteristics make CTAs promising candidates for vaccine or T cell therapy targets. Cancer vaccines utilize cancer antigens to induce specific cellular and humoral immune responses to strengthen the body's immune system. T cell transfer therapy refers to genetically modifying T cells to express antigen-specific T cell receptors or chimeric antigen receptors, both of which can be directly activated by tumor antigens. Moreover, combined therapies are being investigated based on CTAs. Current studies have mainly focused on MAGE-A, NY-ESO-1, and IL-13Rα. And we will review clinical trials of CTA-based immunotherapies related to these three antigens. We will summarize completed trials and results and examine the future trends in immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Meng
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, National Center of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Xueqing Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Zhonglong Liu
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, National Center of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Yue He
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, National Center of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
陈 思, 赵 泽, 龙 浩. [Application of Neoadjuvant Immuno-chemotherapy in NSCLC]. ZHONGGUO FEI AI ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF LUNG CANCER 2021; 24:284-292. [PMID: 33910277 PMCID: PMC8105607 DOI: 10.3779/j.issn.1009-3419.2021.102.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Even patients after standard surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy still have a high risk of recurrence and metastasis. With the success of immunotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the application of immunotherapy in locally advanced NSCLC has being investigated to reduce the recurrence and metastasis. Pre-clinical studies and several phase II clinical studies had provided theoretical support and clinical evidence for neoadjuvant immunotherapy for NSCLC. This review describes the mechanism of neoadjuvant immuno-chemotherapy, summarizes up-to-date clinical studies, and analyzes efficiency and feasibility of neoadjuvant immune monotherapy or immuno-chemotherapy. Results from four studies (NCT02259621, NEOSTAR, LCMC3 and ChiCTR-OIC-17013726) showed efficiency and feasibility of neoadjuvant anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) monotherapy. Neoadjuvant nivolumab plus ipilimumab achieved higher major pathological response rate than nivolumab monotherapy. However, the combination of nivolumab plus ipilimumab led to more severe adverse events as is seen in the NEOSTAR trial. Results from NCT02716038, SAKK 16/14 and NADIM studies suggest that the pathological response rate of neoadjuvant immune-chemotherapy is higher than neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy. This review also elaborates the mechanism of chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy, and discusses the efficacy evaluation after neoadjuvant immunotherapy.
.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- 思 陈
- />510060 广州,中山大学肿瘤防治中心胸外科Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - 泽锐 赵
- />510060 广州,中山大学肿瘤防治中心胸外科Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - 浩 龙
- />510060 广州,中山大学肿瘤防治中心胸外科Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ari F, Napieralski R, Akgun O, Magdolen V, Ulukaya E. Epigenetic modulators combination with chemotherapy in breast cancer cells. Cell Biochem Funct 2021; 39:571-583. [PMID: 33608886 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Despite the concerning adverse effects on tumour development, epigenetic drugs are very promising in cancer treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the differential effects of standard chemotherapy regimens (FEC: 5-fluorouracil plus epirubicine plus cyclophosphamide) in combination with epigenetic modulators (decitabine, valproic acid): (a) on gene methylation levels of selected tumour biomarkers (LINE-1, uPA, PAI-1, DAPK); (b) their expression status (uPA and PAI-1); (c) differentiation status (5meC and H3K27me3). Furthermore, cell survival as well as changes concerning the invasion capacity were monitored in cell culture models of breast cancer (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231). A significant overall decrease of cell survival was observed in the FEC-containing combination therapies for both cell lines. Methylation results showed a general tendency towards increased demethylation of the uPA and PAI-1 gene promoters for the MCF-7 cells, as well as the proapoptotic DAPK gene in the treatment regimens for both cell lines. The uPA and PAI-1 antigen levels were mainly increased in the supernatant of FEC-only treated MDA-MB-231 cells. DAC-only treatment induced an increase of secreted uPA protein in MCF-7 cell culture, while most of the VPA-containing regimens also induced uPA and PAI-1 expression in MCF-7 cell fractions. Epigenetically active substances can also induce a re-differentiation in tumour cells, as shown by 5meC, H3K27me3 applying ICC. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: Epigenetic modulators especially in the highly undifferentiated and highly malignant MDA-MB-231 tumour cells significantly reduced tumour malignancy thus; further clinical studies applying specific combination therapies with epigenetic modulators may be warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ferda Ari
- Science and Art Faculty, Department of Biology, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Rudolf Napieralski
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Research Unit, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.,Therawis Diagnostics GmbH, Munich, Germany
| | - Oguzhan Akgun
- Science and Art Faculty, Department of Biology, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Viktor Magdolen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Research Unit, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Engin Ulukaya
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Drakes ML, Stiff PJ. Ovarian Cancer: Therapeutic Strategies to Overcome Immune Suppression. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1330:33-54. [PMID: 34339029 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-73359-9_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer generally escapes diagnosis until the advanced stages. High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most frequently occurring form of this malaise and is a disease which has the highest mortality rate of gynecologic cancers. Over recent years it has been revealed that the course of such cancers can be significantly influenced by the nature of immune cells in tumors at the time of diagnosis and by immune cells induced by therapy. Numerous investigators have since focused on disease biology to identify biomarkers or therapeutic targets. Yet, while over the past decade there have been significant improvements in state-of-the-art surgery for ovarian cancer as frontline therapy, there have been limited advancements in the development of novel curative or management drugs for this disease. This chapter discusses the major elements of immune suppression in HGSOC from a biological viewpoint, mechanisms of overcoming resistance to therapies, and recent therapy aimed at improving patient care and survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maureen L Drakes
- Department of Medicine, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA.
| | - Patrick J Stiff
- Department of Medicine, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Oleksiewicz U, Machnik M. Causes, effects, and clinical implications of perturbed patterns within the cancer epigenome. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 83:15-35. [PMID: 33359485 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Somatic mutations accumulating over a patient's lifetime are well-defined causative factors that fuel carcinogenesis. It is now clear, however, that epigenomic signature is also largely perturbed in many malignancies. These alterations support the transcriptional program crucial for the acquisition and maintenance of cancer hallmarks. Epigenetic instability may arise due to the genetic mutations or transcriptional deregulation of the proteins implicated in epigenetic signaling. Moreover, external stimulation and physiological aging may also participate in this phenomenon. The epigenomic signature is frequently associated with a cell of origin, as well as with tumor stage and differentiation, which all reflect its high heterogeneity across and within various tumors. Here, we will overview the current understanding of the causes and effects of the altered and heterogeneous epigenomic landscape in cancer. We will focus mainly on DNA methylation and post-translational histone modifications as the key regulatory epigenetic signaling marks. In addition, we will describe how this knowledge is translated into the clinic. We will particularly concentrate on the applicability of epigenetic alterations as biomarkers for improved diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction. Finally, we will also review current developments regarding epi-drug usage in clinical and experimental settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Oleksiewicz
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland; Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Marta Machnik
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland; Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Targeting the epigenetic regulation of antitumour immunity. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2020; 19:776-800. [PMID: 32929243 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-020-0077-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 254] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the epigenome drives aberrant transcriptional programmes that promote cancer onset and progression. Although defective gene regulation often affects oncogenic and tumour-suppressor networks, tumour immunogenicity and immune cells involved in antitumour responses may also be affected by epigenomic alterations. This could have important implications for the development and application of both epigenetic therapies and cancer immunotherapies, and combinations thereof. Here, we review the role of key aberrant epigenetic processes - DNA methylation and post-translational modification of histones - in tumour immunogenicity, as well as the effects of epigenetic modulation on antitumour immune cell function. We emphasize opportunities for small-molecule inhibitors of epigenetic regulators to enhance antitumour immune responses, and discuss the challenges of exploiting the complex interplay between cancer epigenetics and cancer immunology to develop treatment regimens combining epigenetic therapies with immunotherapies.
Collapse
|
22
|
Domankevich V, Efrati M, Schmidt M, Glikson E, Mansour F, Shai A, Cohen A, Zilberstein Y, Flaisher E, Galalae R, Kelson I, Keisari Y. RIG-1-Like Receptor Activation Synergizes With Intratumoral Alpha Radiation to Induce Pancreatic Tumor Rejection, Triple-Negative Breast Metastases Clearance, and Antitumor Immune Memory in Mice. Front Oncol 2020; 10:990. [PMID: 32766128 PMCID: PMC7379859 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffusing alpha-emitting radiation therapy (DaRT) employs intratumoral Ra-224-coated seeds that efficiently destroy solid tumors by slowly releasing alpha-emitting atoms inside the tumor. In immunogenic tumor models, DaRT was shown to activate systemic antitumor immunity. Agonists of the membrane-bound toll-like receptors (TLRs) enhanced these effects and led to tumor rejection. Here, we examined the combination of DaRT with agents that activate a different type of pattern recognition receptors, the cytoplasmatic RIG1-like receptors (RLRs). In response to cytoplasmatic viral dsRNA, RLRs activate an antiviral immune response that includes the elevation of antigen presentation. Thus, it was postulated that in low-immunogenic tumor models, RLR activation in tumor cells prior to the induction of their death by DaRT will be superior compared to TLR activation. Intratumoral cytoplasmatic delivery of the dsRNA mimic polyIC by polyethylenimine (PEI), was used to activate RLR, while polyIC without PEI was used to activate TLR. PolyIC(PEI) prior to DaRT synergistically retarded 4T1 triple-negative breast tumors and metastasis development more efficiently than polyIC and rejected panc02 pancreatic tumors in some of the treated mice. Splenocytes from treated mice, adoptively transferred to naive mice in combination with 4T1 tumor cells, delayed tumor development compared to naïve splenocytes. Low-dose cyclophosphamide, known to reduce T regulatory cell number, enhanced the effect of DaRT and polyIC(PEI) and led to high long-term survival rates under neoadjuvant settings, which confirmed metastasis clearance. The epigenetic drug decitabine, known to activate RLR in low doses, was given intraperitoneally prior to DaRT and caused tumor growth retardation, similar to local polyIC(PEI). The systemic and/or local administration of RLR activators was also tested in the squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) tumor model SQ2, in which a delay in tumor re-challenge development was demonstrated. We conclude that RIG-I-like activation prior to intratumoral alpha radiation may serve as a potent combination technique to reduce both tumor growth and the spread of distant metastases in low-immunogenic and metastatic tumor models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vered Domankevich
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.,Alpha Tau Medical, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Margalit Efrati
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.,Alpha Tau Medical, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Michael Schmidt
- Alpha Tau Medical, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, School of Physics and Astronomy, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Eran Glikson
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.,Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Sheba Medical Center, Tel HaShomer, Israel
| | - Fairuz Mansour
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Amit Shai
- Alpha Tau Medical, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Adi Cohen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Yael Zilberstein
- Sackler Cellular and Molecular Imaging Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | | | - Razvan Galalae
- MedAustron, Wiener Neustadt, Austria.,Medical Faculty, Christian-Albrechts University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Itzhak Kelson
- Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, School of Physics and Astronomy, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Yona Keisari
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Wong-Brown MW, van der Westhuizen A, Bowden NA. Targeting DNA Repair in Ovarian Cancer Treatment Resistance. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2020; 32:518-526. [PMID: 32253106 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2020.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Most patients with advanced high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) develop recurrent disease within 3 years and succumb to the disease within 5 years. Standard treatment for HGSOC is cytoreductive surgery followed by a combination of platinum (carboplatin or cisplatin) and taxol (paclitaxel) chemotherapies. Although initial recurrences are usually platinum-sensitive, patients eventually develop resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy. Accordingly, one of the major problems in the treatment of HGSOC and disease recurrence is the development of chemotherapy resistance. One of the causes of chemoresistance may be redundancies in the repair pathways involved in the response to DNA damage caused by chemotherapy. These pathways may be acting in parallel, where if the repair pathway that is responsible for triggering cell death after platinum chemotherapy therapy is deficient, an alternative repair pathway compensates and drives cancer cells to repair the damage, leading to chemotherapy resistance. In addition, if the repair pathways are epigenetically inactivated by DNA methylation, cell death may not be triggered, resulting in accumulation of mutations and DNA damage. There are novel and existing therapies that can drive DNA repair pathways towards sensitivity to platinum chemotherapy or targeted therapy, thus enabling treatment-resistant ovarian cancer to overcome chemotherapy resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M W Wong-Brown
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Centre for Drug Repurposing and Medicines Research, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
| | - A van der Westhuizen
- Calvary Mater Newcastle, NSW, Australia; School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - N A Bowden
- Centre for Drug Repurposing and Medicines Research, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Bezu L, Wu Chuang A, Liu P, Kroemer G, Kepp O. Immunological Effects of Epigenetic Modifiers. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11121911. [PMID: 31805711 PMCID: PMC6966579 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11121911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations are associated with major pathologies including cancer. Epigenetic dysregulation, such as aberrant histone acetylation, altered DNA methylation, or modified chromatin organization, contribute to oncogenesis by inactivating tumor suppressor genes and activating oncogenic pathways. Targeting epigenetic cancer hallmarks can be harnessed as an immunotherapeutic strategy, exemplified by the use of pharmacological inhibitors of DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) and histone deacetylases (HDAC) that can result in the release from the tumor of danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) on one hand and can (re-)activate the expression of tumor-associated antigens on the other hand. This finding suggests that epigenetic modifiers and more specifically the DNA methylation status may change the interaction of chromatin with chaperon proteins including HMGB1, thereby contributing to the antitumor immune response. In this review, we detail how epigenetic modifiers can be used for stimulating therapeutically relevant anticancer immunity when used as stand-alone treatments or in combination with established immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucillia Bezu
- Service anesthésie-réanimation, Hôpital européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, 75015 Paris, France;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Paris Sud, 94270 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France;
- Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, 75000, Paris, France;
- Université de Paris, Sorbonne, INSERM U1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, 75006 Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Alejandra Wu Chuang
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Paris Sud, 94270 Kremlin-Bicêtre, France;
- Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, 75000, Paris, France;
- Université de Paris, Sorbonne, INSERM U1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, 75006 Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Peng Liu
- Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, 75000, Paris, France;
- Université de Paris, Sorbonne, INSERM U1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, 75006 Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, 75000, Paris, France;
- Université de Paris, Sorbonne, INSERM U1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, 75006 Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, 94800 Villejuif, France
- Pôle de Biologie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, 75015 Paris, France
- Suzhou Institute for Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 215123 Suzhou, China
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence: (G.K.); (O.K.)
| | - Oliver Kepp
- Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, 75000, Paris, France;
- Université de Paris, Sorbonne, INSERM U1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, 75006 Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, 94800 Villejuif, France
- Correspondence: (G.K.); (O.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
MicroRNA-654-5p suppresses ovarian cancer development impacting on MYC, WNT and AKT pathways. Oncogene 2019; 38:6035-6050. [PMID: 31278368 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0860-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological malignancy due to the silent nature on its early onset and the rapid acquisition of drug resistance. Histologically heterogeneous, it includes several subtypes with different mutational landscapes, hampering the development of effective targeted therapies. Non-coding RNAs are emerging as potential new therapeutic targets in cancer. To search for a microRNA signature related to ovarian carcinomas and study its potential as effective targeted therapy, we examined the expression of 768 miRNA in a large collection of tumor samples and found miR-654-5p to be infraexpressed in ovarian serous carcinomas, the most common and aggressive type. Restoration of miR-654-5p levels reduced tumor cell viability in vitro and in vivo and impaired sphere formation capacity and viability of ovarian cancer patient-derived ascitic cells ex vivo. CDCP1 and PLAGL2 oncogenes were found to be the most relevant direct miR-654-5p targets and both genes convey in a molecular signature associated with key cancer pathways relevant to ovarian tumorigenesis, such as MYC, WNT and AKT pathways. Together, we unveiled the tumor suppressor function of miR-654-5p, suggesting that its restoration or co-targeting of CDCP1 and PLAGL2 may be an effective therapeutic approach for ovarian cancer.
Collapse
|
26
|
Wylie B, Chee J, Forbes CA, Booth M, Stone SR, Buzzai A, Abad A, Foley B, Cruickshank MN, Waithman J. Acquired resistance during adoptive cell therapy by transcriptional silencing of immunogenic antigens. Oncoimmunology 2019; 8:1609874. [PMID: 31413920 PMCID: PMC6682399 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2019.1609874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies such as adoptive cell therapy (ACT) are promising treatments for solid cancers. However, relapsing disease remains a problem and the molecular mechanisms underlying resistance are poorly defined. We postulated that the deregulated epigenetic landscape in cancer cells could underpin the acquisition of resistance to immunotherapy. To address this question, two preclinical models of ACT were employed to study transcriptional and epigenetic regulatory processes within ACT-treated cancer cells. In these models ACT consistently causes robust tumor regression, but resistance develops and tumors relapse. We identified down-regulated expression of immunogenic antigens at the mRNA level correlated with escape from immune control. To determine whether this down-regulation was under epigenetic control, we treated escaped tumor cells with DNA demethylating agents, azacytidine (AZA) and decitabine (DEC). AZA or DEC treatment restored antigen expression in a proportion of the tumor population. To explore the importance of other epigenetic modifications we isolated tumor cells refractory to DNA demethylation and screened clones against a panel of 19 different epigenetic modifying agents (EMAs). The library of EMAs included inhibitors of a range of chromosomal and transcription regulatory protein complexes, however, when tested as single agents none restored further antigen expression. These findings suggest that tumor cells employ multiple epigenetic and genetic mechanisms to evade immune control, and a combinatorial approach employing several EMAs targeting transcription and genome stability may be required to overcome tumor resistance to immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ben Wylie
- Phylogica, Harry Perkins Institute for Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Jonathan Chee
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Catherine A Forbes
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Northern Entrance, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Mitchell Booth
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Northern Entrance, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Shane R Stone
- Phylogica, Harry Perkins Institute for Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Anthony Buzzai
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Northern Entrance, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Ana Abad
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Northern Entrance, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Bree Foley
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Northern Entrance, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Mark N Cruickshank
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Northern Entrance, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Jason Waithman
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Northern Entrance, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Overcoming immune suppression with epigenetic modification in ovarian cancer. Transl Res 2019; 204:31-38. [PMID: 30048638 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2018.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The impressive successes of immunotherapy have yet to be reliably translated to treatment of ovarian cancer, which may be a consequence of the unique barriers to T cell migration and tumor engagement in the peritoneal cavity and omentum. Epigenetic alterations contribute to establishment of these barriers and other mechanisms of immune subversion; therefore, epigenetic modifying agents represent an opportunity to mount effective antitumor immune responses by disrupting this finely tuned tumor epigenetic framework. Here, we discuss how epigenetic modifiers might permit and stimulate de novo antitumor immune responses in ovarian cancer, focusing largely on 2 common classes, DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase inhibitors. Specifically, increasing T and NK cell trafficking to the tumor microenvironment as well as induction of altered tumor cell phenotypes that promote immune engagement and cytotoxicity may provide a platform upon which to elaborate existing immunotherapeutic strategies. Indeed, promising combination of epigenetic modifying agents with checkpoint blockade antibodies or cellular therapies in preclinical models has led to a burgeoning number of clinical trials. Therefore, rather than implementation as a monotherapy, epigenetic modifiers may well be best suited as adjuvants in combinatorial strategies, potentiating antitumor immune responses and unleashing the promise of immunotherapy in ovarian cancer.
Collapse
|
28
|
Xie K, Fu C, Wang S, Xu H, Liu S, Shao Y, Gong Z, Wu X, Xu B, Han J, Xu J, Xu P, Jia X, Wu J. Cancer-testis antigens in ovarian cancer: implication for biomarkers and therapeutic targets. J Ovarian Res 2019; 12:1. [PMID: 30609934 PMCID: PMC6318940 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-018-0475-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer remains the most fatal gynecologic malignancy worldwide due to delayed diagnosis as well as recurrence and drug resistance. Thus, the development of new tumor-related molecules with high sensitivity and specificity to replace or supplement existing tools is urgently needed. Cancer-testis antigens (CTAs) are exclusively expressed in normal testis tissues but abundantly found in several types of cancers, including ovarian cancer. Numerous novel CTAs have been identified by high-throughput sequencing techniques, and some aberrantly expressed CTAs are associated with ovarian cancer initiation, clinical outcomes and chemotherapy resistance. More importantly, CTAs are immunogenic and may be novel targets for antigen-specific immunotherapy in ovarian cancer. In this review, we attempt to characterize the expression of candidate CTAs in ovarian cancer and their clinical significance as biomarkers, activation mechanisms, function in malignant phenotypes and applications in immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaipeng Xie
- The Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210004, China.
| | - Chenyang Fu
- The Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Suli Wang
- The Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Hanzi Xu
- Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Siyu Liu
- The Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Yang Shao
- The Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Zhen Gong
- The Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Xiaoli Wu
- The Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Bo Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Jing Han
- Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Juan Xu
- The Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Pengfei Xu
- The Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Xuemei Jia
- The Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210004, China.
| | - Jiangping Wu
- The Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210004, China.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Spel L, Nieuwenhuis J, Haarsma R, Stickel E, Bleijerveld OB, Altelaar M, Boelens JJ, Brummelkamp TR, Nierkens S, Boes M. Nedd4-Binding Protein 1 and TNFAIP3-Interacting Protein 1 Control MHC-1 Display in Neuroblastoma. Cancer Res 2018; 78:6621-6631. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-0545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
30
|
Klymenko Y, Nephew KP. Epigenetic Crosstalk between the Tumor Microenvironment and Ovarian Cancer Cells: A Therapeutic Road Less Traveled. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:E295. [PMID: 30200265 PMCID: PMC6162502 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10090295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic dissemination of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) predominantly occurs through direct cell shedding from the primary tumor into the intra-abdominal cavity that is filled with malignant ascitic effusions. Facilitated by the fluid flow, cells distribute throughout the cavity, broadly seed and invade through peritoneal lining, and resume secondary tumor growth in abdominal and pelvic organs. At all steps of this unique metastatic process, cancer cells exist within a multidimensional tumor microenvironment consisting of intraperitoneally residing cancer-reprogramed fibroblasts, adipose, immune, mesenchymal stem, mesothelial, and vascular cells that exert miscellaneous bioactive molecules into malignant ascites and contribute to EOC progression and metastasis via distinct molecular mechanisms and epigenetic dysregulation. This review outlines basic epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNA regulators, and summarizes current knowledge on reciprocal interactions between each participant of the EOC cellular milieu and tumor cells in the context of aberrant epigenetic crosstalk. Promising research directions and potential therapeutic strategies that may encompass epigenetic tailoring as a component of complex EOC treatment are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuliya Klymenko
- Cell, Molecular and Cancer Biology Program, Medical Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN 46617, USA.
| | - Kenneth P Nephew
- Cell, Molecular and Cancer Biology Program, Medical Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
- Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Zhao J, Wang Y, Liang Q, Xu Y, Sang J. MAGEA1 inhibits the expression of BORIS via increased promoter methylation. J Cell Sci 2018; 132:jcs.218628. [DOI: 10.1242/jcs.218628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma-associated antigen A1 (MAGEA1) and BORIS are members of the cancer testis antigens (CTA) family. Their functions and expression regulation mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we revealed new functions and regulatory mechanisms of MAGEA1 and BORIS in breast cancer cells, which were investigated in parental and genetically manipulated breast cancer cells via gene overexpression or siRNA interference-mediated down-regulation. We identified the interaction between MAGEA1 and CTCF, which was required for the binding of MAGEA1 to BORIS promoter and critical for the recruitment of DNMT3a. A protein complex containing MAGEA1, CTCF and DNMT3a will be formed before or after the conjunction with BORIS promoter. The binding of this complex to the BORIS promoter accounts for the hypermethylation and repression of BORIS expression, which results in cell death in the breast cancer cell lines tested. Multiple approaches are employed, including co-IP, GST-pull down, co-localization, cell death analyses using the Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining and caspase3 activation assays, ChIP and bisulfite sequencing PCR assays for methylation. These results have implications in the development of strategies in CTA-based immune therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jizhong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yueqing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Qianjin Liang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1044 W. Walnut St. R4-W037, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Jianli Sang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Fang F, Cardenas H, Huang H, Jiang G, Perkins SM, Zhang C, Keer HN, Liu Y, Nephew KP, Matei D. Genomic and Epigenomic Signatures in Ovarian Cancer Associated with Resensitization to Platinum Drugs. Cancer Res 2017; 78:631-644. [PMID: 29229600 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-1492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation aberrations have been implicated in acquired resistance to platinum drugs in ovarian cancer. In this study, we elucidated an epigenetic signature associated with platinum drug resensitization that may offer utility in predicting the outcomes of patients who are coadministered a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor. The ovarian cancer specimens we analyzed were derived from a recent clinical trial that compared the responses of patients with recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer who received carboplatin plus the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor guadecitabine or a standard-of-care chemotherapy regimen selected by the treating physician. Tumor biopsies or malignant ascites were collected from patients before treatment (day 1, cycle 1) or after treatment (after 2 cycles) for epigenomic and transcriptomic profiling using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip (HM450). We defined 94 gene promoters that were hypomethylated significantly by guadecitabine, with 1,659 genes differentially expressed in pretreatment versus posttreatment tumors. Pathway analysis revealed that the experimental regimen significantly altered immune reactivation and DNA repair pathways. Progression-free survival correlated with baseline expression levels of 1,155 genes involved in 25 networks. In functional investigations in ovarian cancer cells, engineered upregulation of certain signature genes silenced by promoter methylation (DOK2, miR-193a, and others) restored platinum drug sensitivity. Overall, our findings illuminate how inhibiting DNA methylation can sensitize ovarian cancer cells to platinum drugs, in large part by altering gene expression patterns related to DNA repair and immune activation, with implications for improving the personalized care and survival outcomes of ovarian cancer patients.Significance: Epigenomic targeting may improve therapeutic outcomes in platinum-resistant and recurrent ovarian cancer in part by effects on DNA repair and antitumor immune responses. Cancer Res; 78(3); 631-44. ©2017 AACR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Fang
- Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - Horacio Cardenas
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Hao Huang
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Guanglong Jiang
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.,Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Susan M Perkins
- Department of Biostatistics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Chi Zhang
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.,Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | | | - Yunlong Liu
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.,Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Kenneth P Nephew
- Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana. .,Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana.,Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Daniela Matei
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois. .,Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, Illinois.,Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Krishnadas DK, Wang Y, Sundaram K, Bai F, Lucas KG. Expansion of cancer germline antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes for immunotherapy. Tumour Biol 2017; 39:1010428317701309. [PMID: 28677424 DOI: 10.1177/1010428317701309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The cancer germline antigens MAGE-A1, MAGE-A3, and NY-ESO-1 can be used to target relapsed or therapy-resistant malignant solid tumors, and previous studies have demonstrated that these antigens can be epigenetically upregulated on the surface of tumor cells following exposure to low-dose demethylating chemotherapy agents, such as decitabine. The extent to which cancer germline antigen cytotoxic T lymphocytes can be reliably expanded from healthy donors has not been well characterized, specifically in terms of whether these T cells consistently kill antigen-bearing targets or simply produce interferon-γ in the presence of the antigen. Cancer germline antigen cytotoxic T lymphocytes were generated using conventional method and high-density lymphocyte culture method. We demonstrate that there is no difference in the extent of antigen-specific killing with or without CD25 depletion when interleukin-21 is added to the cultures. Cancer germline antigen-specific killer cells could be expanded from 8/12 healthy donors using overlapping peptide mixes derived from MAGE-A1, MAGE-A3, and NY-ESO-1 and from 7/9 healthy donors using HLA-restricted epitopes. Furthermore, cytotoxic T lymphocyte derived from 4/5 patients displayed specific cytotoxicity of target cells expressing respective cancer germline antigen and HLA partially matched tumor lines. High-density lymphocyte culture prior to stimulation with cancer germline antigen peptides resulted in antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte from healthy donors and patients from whom cancer germline antigen cytotoxic T lymphocyte culture with conventional methods was not feasible. These data demonstrate that MAGE-A1-, MAGE-A3-, and NY-ESO-1-specific T cells with antigen-specific cytotoxicity can be cultured from healthy donors and patient-derived cells making adoptive immunotherapy with these cytotoxic T lymphocyte feasible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Kolaseri Krishnadas
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Yali Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Kumaran Sundaram
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Fanqi Bai
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Kenneth G Lucas
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Emerging Role for Methylation in Multiple Sclerosis: Beyond DNA. Trends Mol Med 2017; 23:546-562. [PMID: 28478950 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. The inflammatory and neurodegenerative pathways driving MS are modulated by DNA, lysine, and arginine methylation, as evidenced by studies made possible by novel tools for methylation detection or loss of function. We present evidence that MS is associated with genetic variants and metabolic changes that impact on methylation. Further, we comprehensively review current understanding of how methylation can impact on central nervous system (CNS) resilience and neuroregenerative potential, as well as inflammatory versus regulatory T helper (Th) cell balance. These findings are discussed in the context of therapeutic relevance for MS, with broad implications in other neurologic and immune-mediated diseases.
Collapse
|
35
|
|
36
|
Decitabine Treatment of Glioma-Initiating Cells Enhances Immune Recognition and Killing. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0162105. [PMID: 27579489 PMCID: PMC5007044 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant gliomas are aggressive brain tumours with very poor prognosis. The majority of glioma cells are differentiated (glioma-differentiated cells: GDCs), whereas the smaller population (glioma-initiating cells, GICs) is undifferentiated and resistant to conventional therapies. Therefore, to better target this pool of heterogeneous cells, a combination of diverse therapeutic approaches is envisaged. Here we investigated whether the immunosensitising properties of the hypomethylating agent decitabine can be extended to GICs. Using the murine GL261 cell line, we demonstrate that decitabine augments the expression of the death receptor FAS both on GDCs and GICs. Interestingly, it had a higher impact on GICs and correlated with an enhanced sensitivity to FASL-mediated cell death. Moreover, the expression of other critical molecules involved in cognate recognition by cytotoxic T lymphocytes, MHCI and ICAM-1, was upregulated by decitabine treatment. Consequently, T-cell mediated killing of both GDCs and GICs was enhanced, as was T cell proliferation after reactivation. Overall, although GICs are described to resist classical therapies, our study shows that hypomethylating agents have the potential to enhance glioma cell recognition and subsequent destruction by immune cells, regardless of their differentiation status. These results support the development of combinatorial treatment modalities including epigenetic modulation together with immunotherapy in order to treat heterogenous malignancies such as glioblastoma.
Collapse
|
37
|
Vilgelm AE, Johnson DB, Richmond A. Combinatorial approach to cancer immunotherapy: strength in numbers. J Leukoc Biol 2016; 100:275-90. [PMID: 27256570 PMCID: PMC6608090 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.5ri0116-013rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune-checkpoint blockade therapy with antibodies targeting CTLA-4 and PD-1 has revolutionized melanoma treatment by eliciting responses that can be remarkably durable and is now advancing to other malignancies. However, not all patients respond to immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Extensive preclinical evidence suggests that combining immune-checkpoint inhibitors with other anti-cancer treatments can greatly improve the therapeutic benefit. The first clinical success of the combinatorial approach to cancer immunotherapy was demonstrated using a dual-checkpoint blockade with CTLA-4 and PD-1 inhibitors, which resulted in accelerated FDA approval of this therapeutic regimen. In this review, we discuss the combinations of current and emerging immunotherapeutic agents in clinical and preclinical development and summarize the insights into potential mechanisms of synergistic anti-tumor activity gained from animal studies. These promising combinatorial partners for the immune-checkpoint blockade include therapeutics targeting additional inhibitory receptors of T cells, such as TIM-3, LAG-3, TIGIT, and BTLA, and agonists of T cell costimulatory receptors 4-1BB, OX40, and GITR, as well as agents that promote cancer cell recognition by the immune system, such as tumor vaccines, IDO inhibitors, and agonists of the CD40 receptor of APCs. We also review the therapeutic potential of regimens combining the immune-checkpoint blockade with therapeutic interventions that have been shown to enhance immunogenicity of cancer cells, including oncolytic viruses, RT, epigenetic therapy, and senescence-inducing therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Vilgelm
- Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; and
| | - Douglas B Johnson
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ann Richmond
- Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA; and
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Saleh MH, Wang L, Goldberg MS. Improving cancer immunotherapy with DNA methyltransferase inhibitors. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2016; 65:787-96. [PMID: 26646852 PMCID: PMC11028536 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-015-1776-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy confers durable clinical benefit to melanoma, lung, and kidney cancer patients. Challengingly, most other solid tumors, including ovarian carcinoma, are not particularly responsive to immunotherapy, so combination with a complementary therapy may be beneficial. Recent findings suggest that epigenetic modifying drugs can prime antitumor immunity by increasing expression of tumor-associated antigens, chemokines, and activating ligands by cancer cells as well as cytokines by immune cells. This review, drawing from both preclinical and clinical data, describes some of the mechanisms of action that enable DNA methyltransferase inhibitors to facilitate the establishment of antitumor immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad H Saleh
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael S Goldberg
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Simpson GR, Relph K, Harrington K, Melcher A, Pandha H. Cancer immunotherapy via combining oncolytic virotherapy with chemotherapy: recent advances. Oncolytic Virother 2016; 5:1-13. [PMID: 27579292 PMCID: PMC4996257 DOI: 10.2147/ov.s66083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses are multifunctional anticancer agents with huge clinical potential, and have recently passed the randomized Phase III clinical trial hurdle. Both wild-type and engineered viruses have been selected for targeting of specific cancers, to elicit cytotoxicity, and also to generate antitumor immunity. Single-agent oncolytic virotherapy treatments have resulted in modest effects in the clinic. There is increasing interest in their combination with cytotoxic agents, radiotherapy and immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Similarly to oncolytic viruses, the benefits of chemotherapeutic agents may be that they induce systemic antitumor immunity through the induction of immunogenic cell death of cancer cells. Combining these two treatment modalities has to date resulted in significant potential in vitro and in vivo synergies through various mechanisms without any apparent additional toxicities. Chemotherapy has been and will continue to be integral to the management of advanced cancers. This review therefore focuses on the potential for a number of common cytotoxic agents to be combined with clinically relevant oncolytic viruses. In many cases, this combined approach has already advanced to the clinical trial arena.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guy R Simpson
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Targeted Cancer Therapy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford
| | - Kate Relph
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Targeted Cancer Therapy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford
| | - Kevin Harrington
- Targeted Therapy, The Institute of Cancer Research/The Royal Marsden NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, London
| | - Alan Melcher
- Targeted and Biological Therapies, Oncology and Clinical Research, Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Hardev Pandha
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Targeted Cancer Therapy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Srivastava P, Paluch BE, Matsuzaki J, James SR, Collamat-Lai G, Taverna P, Karpf AR, Griffiths EA. Immunomodulatory action of the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor SGI-110 in epithelial ovarian cancer cells and xenografts. Epigenetics 2015; 10:237-46. [PMID: 25793777 PMCID: PMC4623048 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2015.1017198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to determine the effect of SGI-110 on methylation and expression of the cancer testis antigens (CTAs) NY-ESO-1 and MAGE-A in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells in vitro and in vivo and to establish the impact of SGI-110 on expression of major histocompatibility (MHC) class I and Intracellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM-1) on EOC cells, and on recognition of EOC cells by NY-ESO-1-specific CD8+ T-cells. We also tested the impact of combined SGI-110 and NY-ESO-1-specific CD8+ T-cells on tumor growth and/or murine survival in a xenograft setting. EOC cells were treated with SGI-110 in vitro at various concentrations and as tumor xenografts with 3 distinct dose schedules. Effects on global methylation (using LINE-1), NY-ESO-1 and MAGE-A methylation, mRNA, and protein expression were determined and compared to controls. SGI-110 treated EOC cells were evaluated for expression of immune-modulatory genes using flow cytometry, and were co-cultured with NY-ESO-1 specific T-cell clones to determine immune recognition. In vivo administration of SGI-110 and CD8+ T-cells was performed to determine anti-tumor effects on EOC xenografts. SGI-110 treatment induced hypomethylation and CTA gene expression in a dose dependent manner both in vitro and in vivo, at levels generally superior to azacitidine or decitabine. SGI-110 enhanced the expression of MHC I and ICAM-1, and enhanced recognition of EOC cells by NY-ESO-1-specific CD8+ T-cells. Sequential SGI-110 and antigen-specific CD8+ cell treatment restricted EOC tumor growth and enhanced survival in a xenograft setting. SGI-110 is an effective hypomethylating agent and immune modulator and, thus, an attractive candidate for combination with CTA-directed vaccines in EOC.
Collapse
Key Words
- AZA, Azacitidine (5-azacytidine)
- CTA, Cancer-testis antigen or cancer-germline antigen
- CTAG1B, Cancer/testis antigen 1B
- DAC, Decitabine (5-aza-2′-deoxycitidine)
- DNA methylation
- DNA methyltransferase inhibitors
- DNA, Deoxyribonucleic acid
- DNMTi, DNA methyltransferase inhibitor
- EOC, Epithelial ovarian cancer
- HLA, Human leukocyte antigen
- ICAM-1, Intracellular Adhesion Molecule 1
- LINE-1, Long interspersed nuclear element-1
- MAGE-A, Melanoma antigen family A
- MHC, Major histocompatibility complex
- NY-ESO-1, New york esophageal squamous cell carcinoma 1
- RNA, Ribonucleic acid
- SGI-110
- cancer germline genes
- cancer testis antigens
- epigenetics
- epithelial ovarian cancer
- immune modulation
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pragya Srivastava
- a Department of Medicine; Roswell Park Cancer Institute ; Buffalo NY USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Klar AS, Gopinadh J, Kleber S, Wadle A, Renner C. Treatment with 5-Aza-2'-Deoxycytidine Induces Expression of NY-ESO-1 and Facilitates Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte-Mediated Tumor Cell Killing. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0139221. [PMID: 26447882 PMCID: PMC4598131 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND NY-ESO-1 belongs to the cancer/testis antigen (CTA) family and represents an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy. Its expression is induced in a variety of solid tumors via DNA demethylation of the promoter of CpG islands. However, NY-ESO-1 expression is usually very low or absent in some tumors such as breast cancer or multiple myeloma. Therefore, we established an optimized in vitro treatment protocol for up-regulation of NY-ESO-1 expression by tumor cells using the hypomethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (DAC). METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We demonstrated de novo induction of NY-ESO-1 in MCF7 breast cancer cells and significantly increased expression in U266 multiple myeloma cells. This effect was time- and dose-dependent with the highest expression of NY-ESO-1 mRNA achieved by the incubation of 10 μM DAC for 72 hours. NY-ESO-1 activation was also confirmed at the protein level as shown by Western blot, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence staining. The detection and quantification of single NY-ESO-1 peptides presented at the tumor cell surface in the context of HLA-A*0201 molecules revealed an increase of 100% and 50% for MCF7 and U266 cells, respectively. Moreover, the enhanced expression of NY-ESO-1 derived peptides at the cell surface was accompanied by an increased specific lysis of MCF7 and U266 cells by HLA-A*0201/NY-ESO-1(157-165) peptide specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) CD8+ T cells. In addition, the killing activity of CAR T cells correlated with the secretion of higher IFN-gamma levels. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE These results indicate that NY-ESO-1 directed immunotherapy with specific CAR T cells might benefit from concomitant DAC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agnes S. Klar
- Tissue Biology Research Unit, Department of Surgery, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jakka Gopinadh
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sascha Kleber
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Wadle
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Renner
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Krishnadas DK, Shusterman S, Bai F, Diller L, Sullivan JE, Cheerva AC, George RE, Lucas KG. A phase I trial combining decitabine/dendritic cell vaccine targeting MAGE-A1, MAGE-A3 and NY-ESO-1 for children with relapsed or therapy-refractory neuroblastoma and sarcoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2015; 64:1251-60. [PMID: 26105625 PMCID: PMC11028635 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-015-1731-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Antigen-specific immunotherapy was studied in a multi-institutional phase 1/2 study by combining decitabine (DAC) followed by an autologous dendritic cell (DC)/MAGE-A1, MAGE-A3 and NY-ESO-1 peptide vaccine in children with relapsed/refractory solid tumors. Patients aged 2.5-15 years with relapsed neuroblastoma, Ewing's sarcoma, osteosarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma were eligible to receive DAC followed by DC pulsed with overlapping peptides derived from full-length MAGE-A1, MAGE-A3 and NY-ESO-1. The primary endpoints were to assess the feasibility and tolerability of this regimen. Each of four cycles consisted of week 1: DAC 10 mg/m(2)/day for 5 days and weeks 2 and 3: DC vaccine once weekly. Fifteen patients were enrolled in the study, of which 10 were evaluable. Generation of DC was highly feasible for all enrolled patients. The treatment regimen was generally well tolerated, with the major toxicity being DAC-related myelosuppression in 5/10 patients. Six of nine patients developed a response to MAGE-A1, MAGE-A3 or NY-ESO-1 peptides post-vaccine. Due to limitations in number of cells available for analysis, controls infected with a virus encoding relevant genes have not been performed. Objective responses were documented in 1/10 patients who had a complete response. Of the two patients who had no evidence of disease at the time of treatment, one remains disease-free 2 years post-therapy, while the other experienced a relapse 10 months post-therapy. The chemoimmunotherapy approach using DAC/DC-CT vaccine is feasible, well tolerated and results in antitumor activity in some patients. Future trials to maximize the likelihood of T cell responses post-vaccine are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepa K. Krishnadas
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology, University of Louisville, 571 South Floyd Street, Suite 445, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
| | - Suzanne Shusterman
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Dana 640E, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215 USA
| | - Fanqi Bai
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology, University of Louisville, 571 South Floyd Street, Suite 445, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
| | - Lisa Diller
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Dana 640E, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215 USA
| | - Janice E. Sullivan
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology, University of Louisville, 571 South Floyd Street, Suite 445, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
| | - Alexandra C. Cheerva
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology, University of Louisville, 571 South Floyd Street, Suite 445, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
| | - Rani E. George
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Dana 640E, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215 USA
| | - Kenneth G. Lucas
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology, University of Louisville, 571 South Floyd Street, Suite 445, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Durand N, Borges S, Storz P. Functional and therapeutic significance of protein kinase D enzymes in invasive breast cancer. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:4369-82. [PMID: 26253275 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-2011-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Revised: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The protein kinase D (PKD) family members, PKD1, PKD2 and PKD3 constitute a family of serine/threonine kinases that are essential regulators of cell migration, proliferation and protein transport. Multiple types of cancers are characterized by aberrant expression of PKD isoforms. In breast cancer PKD isoforms exhibit distinct expression patterns and regulate various oncogenic processes. In highly invasive breast cancer, the leading cause of cancer-associated deaths in females, the loss of PKD1 is thought to promote invasion and metastasis, while PKD2 and upregulated PKD3 have been shown to be positive regulators of proliferation, chemoresistance and metastasis. In this review, we examine the differential expression pattern, mechanisms of regulation and contributions made by each PKD isoform to the development and maintenance of invasive breast cancer. In addition, we discuss the potential therapeutic approaches for targeting PKD in this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Durand
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Griffin Room 306, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Sahra Borges
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Griffin Room 306, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Peter Storz
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Griffin Room 306, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Maheswaran E, Pedersen CB, Ditzel HJ, Gjerstorff MF. Lack of ADAM2, CALR3 and SAGE1 Cancer/Testis Antigen Expression in Lung and Breast Cancer. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0134967. [PMID: 26252478 PMCID: PMC4529184 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is emerging as a supplement to conventional cancer treatment, and identifying antigen targets for specific types of cancer is critical to optimizing therapeutic efficacy. Cancer/testis antigens are highly promising targets for immunotherapy due to their cancer-specific expression and antigenic properties, but the expression patterns of most of the more than 200 identified cancer/testis antigens in various cancers remain largely uncharacterized. In this study, we investigated the expression of the cancer/testis antigens ADAM2, CALR3 and SAGE1 in lung and breast cancer, the two most frequent human cancers, with the purpose of providing novel therapeutic targets for these diseases. We used a set of previously uncharacterized antibodies against the cancer/testis antigens ADAM2, CALR3 and SAGE1 to investigate their expression in a large panel of normal tissues as well as breast and lung cancers. Staining for the well-characterized MAGE-A proteins was included for comparison. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed previous mRNA analysis demonstrating that ADAM2, CALR3 and SAGE1 proteins are confined to testis in normal individuals. Negative tissues included plancenta, which express many other CT antigens, such as MAGE-A proteins. Surprisingly, we detected no ADAM2, CALR3 and SAGE1 in the 67 lung cancers (mainly non-small lung cancer) and 189 breast cancers, while MAGE-A proteins were present in 15% and 7–16% of these tumor types, respectively. Treatment with DNA methyltransferase inhibitors has been proposed as an attractive strategy to increase the expression of cancer/testis antigens in tumors before immunotargeting; however, neither ADAM2, CALR3 nor SAGE1 could be significantly induced in lung and breast cancer cell lines using this strategy. Our results suggest that ADAM2, CALR3 and SAGE1 cancer/testis antigens are not promising targets for immunotherapy of breast and lung cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emeaga Maheswaran
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute for Molecular Medicine (IMM), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Christina B. Pedersen
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute for Molecular Medicine (IMM), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Henrik J. Ditzel
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute for Molecular Medicine (IMM), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Morten F. Gjerstorff
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute for Molecular Medicine (IMM), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Hou S, Sang M, Zhao L, Hou R, Shan B. The expression of MAGE-C1 and MAGE-C2 in breast cancer and their clinical significance. Am J Surg 2015; 211:142-51. [PMID: 26321295 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2015.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Revised: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our study aims to analyze the expression pattern, mechanism, and prognostic significance of melanoma-associated antigen MAGE-C1 and MAGE-C2 in breast cancer. METHODS Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry were used to investigate the expressions of MAGE-C1 and MAGE-C2 in breast benign disease specimens, tumor-free breast specimens, and breast cancer specimens; their correlation with clinicopathologic parameters and recurrence-free survival was elucidated. We examined the influence of DNA methylase inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-CdR) together with histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A on the expression of MAGE-C1 and MAGE-C2 in breast cancer cell lines. RESULT Proteins for MAGE-C1 and MAGE-C2 expressions were 38.3% and 58.3% in breast cancer specimens, messenger RNA for MAGE-C1 and MAGE-C2 expressions were 43.3% and 61.7%, respectively. MAGE-C1 and MAGE-C2 expressions were positively associated with high tumor grade and reduced recurrence-free survival; MAGE-C2 expression was also associated with tumor embolus and histologic type. 5-aza-CdR treatment alone could induce expression of MAGE-C2, whereas trichostatin A was able to synergistically enhance 5-aza-CdR-mediated MAGE-C2 transcription. CONCLUSIONS MAGE-C1 and MAGE-C2 maybe potential targets for tumor immunotherapy, and their expressions are associated with advanced breast cancer and poor outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuyun Hou
- Department of Immunology, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People's Republic of China; Research Center, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Jiankang Road 12th, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Meixiang Sang
- Research Center, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Jiankang Road 12th, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Lianmei Zhao
- Research Center, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Jiankang Road 12th, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Ran Hou
- Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Baoen Shan
- Research Center, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Jiankang Road 12th, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Wang L, Amoozgar Z, Huang J, Saleh MH, Xing D, Orsulic S, Goldberg MS. Decitabine Enhances Lymphocyte Migration and Function and Synergizes with CTLA-4 Blockade in a Murine Ovarian Cancer Model. Cancer Immunol Res 2015; 3:1030-41. [PMID: 26056145 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-15-0073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The lack of second-line treatment for relapsed ovarian cancer necessitates the development of improved combination therapies. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy each confer clinical benefit, albeit limited as monotherapies. Ovarian cancer is not particularly responsive to immune checkpoint blockade, so combination with a complementary therapy may be beneficial. Recent studies have revealed that a DNA methyl transferase inhibitor, azacytidine, alters expression of immunoregulatory genes in ovarian cancer. In this study, the antitumor effects of a related DNA methyl transferase inhibitor, decitabine (DAC), were demonstrated in a syngeneic murine ovarian cancer model. Low-dose DAC treatment increases the expression of chemokines that recruit NK cells and CD8(+) T cells, promotes their production of IFNγ and TNFα, and extends the survival of mice bearing subcutaneous or orthotopic tumors. While neither DAC nor immune checkpoint blockade confers durable responses as a monotherapy in this model, the efficacy of anti-CTLA-4 was potentiated by combination with DAC. This combination promotes differentiation of naïve T cells into effector T cells and prolongs cytotoxic lymphocyte responses as well as mouse survival. These results suggest that this combination therapy may be worthy of further consideration for improved treatment of drug-resistant ovarian cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Cancer Immunology and AIDS, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Zohreh Amoozgar
- Department of Cancer Immunology and AIDS, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Cancer Immunology and AIDS, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mohammad H Saleh
- Department of Cancer Immunology and AIDS, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Deyin Xing
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sandra Orsulic
- Women's Cancer Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Michael S Goldberg
- Department of Cancer Immunology and AIDS, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Li X, Mei Q, Nie J, Fu X, Han W. Decitabine: a promising epi-immunotherapeutic agent in solid tumors. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2015; 11:363-75. [DOI: 10.1586/1744666x.2015.1002397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
48
|
Romero I, Garrido F, Garcia-Lora AM. Metastases in immune-mediated dormancy: a new opportunity for targeting cancer. Cancer Res 2014; 74:6750-7. [PMID: 25411345 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-14-2406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of any anticancer treatment is to avoid, control, or eliminate disseminated tumor cells. Clinical and experimental evidence has revealed that metastases can remain in a latency state, that is, metastasis dormancy. Three mechanisms are thought to be involved in cancer dormancy: cellular dormancy, angiogenic dormancy, and immune-mediated dormancy. Here, we review the mechanisms and cells involved in immune-mediated cancer dormancy and discuss current and future immunotherapeutic strategies. Recent results indicate that the immune system can restrain disseminated cancer cells, promoting their permanent dormancy. CD8(+) T lymphocytes play a relevant role in maintaining immune equilibrium with metastatic dormant cells, and MHC class I surface expression on tumor cells may also be involved. Natural killer (NK) cells have an activator function that triggers a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response. Furthermore, immune dormancy promotes cancer cell growth arrest and angiogenic control. Immunotherapeutic interventions in metastatic dormancy may help to control or eradicate cancer disease. Treatments that activate or increase the CTL immune response or reverse cancer cell-induced CTL immunosuppression might be useful to restrain or destroy metastatic cells. These objectives may be achieved by recovering or increasing MHC class I surface expression on cancer cells or even by activating NK cells. Immune-mediated metastasis dormancy provides an opportunity for targeting cancer in novel immune treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Romero
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC Laboratorio Clínico Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain. Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs., Granada, Spain
| | - Federico Garrido
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC Laboratorio Clínico Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain. Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs., Granada, Spain. Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular e Inmunología III, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Angel M Garcia-Lora
- Servicio de Análisis Clínicos e Inmunología, UGC Laboratorio Clínico Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain. Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs., Granada, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Decitabine, a new star in epigenetic therapy: the clinical application and biological mechanism in solid tumors. Cancer Lett 2014; 354:12-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2014.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Revised: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 08/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
50
|
Nguyen A, Ho L, Wan Y. Chemotherapy and Oncolytic Virotherapy: Advanced Tactics in the War against Cancer. Front Oncol 2014; 4:145. [PMID: 24967214 PMCID: PMC4052116 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2014.00145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a traitorous archenemy that threatens our survival. Its ability to evade detection and adapt to various cancer therapies means that it is a moving target that becomes increasingly difficult to attack. Through technological advancements, we have developed sophisticated weapons to fight off tumor growth and invasion. However, if we are to stand a chance in this war against cancer, advanced tactics will be required to maximize the use of our available resources. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are multi-functional cancer-fighters that can be engineered to suit many different strategies; in particular, their retooling can facilitate increased capacity for direct tumor killing (oncolytic virotherapy) and elicit adaptive antitumor immune responses (oncolytic immunotherapy). However, administration of these modified OVs alone, rarely induces successful regression of established tumors. This may be attributed to host antiviral immunity that acts to eliminate viral particles, as well as the capacity for tumors to adapt to therapeutic selective pressure. It has been shown that various chemotherapeutic drugs with distinct functional properties can potentiate the antitumor efficacy of OVs. In this review, we summarize the chemotherapeutic combinatorial strategies used to optimize virally induced destruction of tumors. With a particular focus on pharmaceutical immunomodulators, we discuss how specific therapeutic contexts may alter the effects of these synergistic combinations and their implications for future clinical use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Nguyen
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University , Hamilton, ON , Canada
| | - Louisa Ho
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University , Hamilton, ON , Canada
| | - Yonghong Wan
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University , Hamilton, ON , Canada
| |
Collapse
|