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Focaccetti C, Nardozi D, Benvenuto M, Lucarini V, Angiolini V, Carrano R, Scimeca M, Servadei F, Mauriello A, Mancini P, Besharat ZM, Milella M, Migliaccio S, Ferretti E, Cifaldi L, Masuelli L, Palumbo C, Bei R. Bisphenol-A in Drinking Water Accelerates Mammary Cancerogenesis and Favors an Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment in BALB- neuT Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6259. [PMID: 38892447 PMCID: PMC11172679 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol-A (BPA), a synthetic compound ubiquitously present in the environment, can act as an endocrine disruptor by binding to both canonical and non-canonical estrogen receptors (ERs). Exposure to BPA has been linked to various cancers, in particular, those arising in hormone-targeted tissues such as the breast. In this study, we evaluated the effect of BPA intake through drinking water on ErbB2/neu-driven cancerogenesis in BALB-neuT mice, transgenic for a mutated ErbB2/neu receptor gene, which reproducibly develop carcinomas in all mammary glands. In this model, BPA accelerated mammary cancerogenesis with an increase in the number of tumors per mouse and a concurrent decrease in tumor-free and overall survival. As assessed by immunohistochemistry, BALB-neuT tumors were ER-negative but expressed high levels of the alternative estrogen receptor GPR30, regardless of BPA exposure. On the other hand, BPA exposure resulted in a marked upregulation of progesterone receptors in preinvasive tumors and of Ki67, CD31, and phosphorylated Akt in invasive tumors. Moreover, based on several infiltration markers of immune cells, BPA favored an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Finally, in vitro cell survival studies performed on a cell line established from a BALB-neuT breast carcinoma confirmed that BPA's impact on cancer progression can be particularly relevant after chronic, low-dose exposure.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Benzhydryl Compounds
- Phenols
- Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects
- Female
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Receptors, Estrogen/metabolism
- Receptors, Estrogen/genetics
- Drinking Water
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/chemically induced
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/pathology
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/metabolism
- Mice, Transgenic
- Receptor, ErbB-2/metabolism
- Receptor, ErbB-2/genetics
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics
- Receptors, Progesterone/metabolism
- Receptors, Progesterone/genetics
- Carcinogenesis/chemically induced
- Carcinogenesis/drug effects
- Endocrine Disruptors/toxicity
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Focaccetti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (M.B.); (R.C.); (L.C.); (C.P.)
| | - Daniela Nardozi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Sapienza”, 00161 Rome, Italy; (D.N.); (V.L.); (V.A.); (P.M.); (Z.M.B.); (S.M.); (E.F.); (L.M.)
| | - Monica Benvenuto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (M.B.); (R.C.); (L.C.); (C.P.)
| | - Valeria Lucarini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Sapienza”, 00161 Rome, Italy; (D.N.); (V.L.); (V.A.); (P.M.); (Z.M.B.); (S.M.); (E.F.); (L.M.)
| | - Valentina Angiolini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Sapienza”, 00161 Rome, Italy; (D.N.); (V.L.); (V.A.); (P.M.); (Z.M.B.); (S.M.); (E.F.); (L.M.)
| | - Raffaele Carrano
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (M.B.); (R.C.); (L.C.); (C.P.)
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.S.); (F.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Francesca Servadei
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.S.); (F.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.S.); (F.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Patrizia Mancini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Sapienza”, 00161 Rome, Italy; (D.N.); (V.L.); (V.A.); (P.M.); (Z.M.B.); (S.M.); (E.F.); (L.M.)
| | - Zein Mersini Besharat
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Sapienza”, 00161 Rome, Italy; (D.N.); (V.L.); (V.A.); (P.M.); (Z.M.B.); (S.M.); (E.F.); (L.M.)
| | - Michele Milella
- Department of Oncology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy;
| | - Silvia Migliaccio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Sapienza”, 00161 Rome, Italy; (D.N.); (V.L.); (V.A.); (P.M.); (Z.M.B.); (S.M.); (E.F.); (L.M.)
| | - Elisabetta Ferretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Sapienza”, 00161 Rome, Italy; (D.N.); (V.L.); (V.A.); (P.M.); (Z.M.B.); (S.M.); (E.F.); (L.M.)
| | - Loredana Cifaldi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (M.B.); (R.C.); (L.C.); (C.P.)
| | - Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Sapienza”, 00161 Rome, Italy; (D.N.); (V.L.); (V.A.); (P.M.); (Z.M.B.); (S.M.); (E.F.); (L.M.)
| | - Camilla Palumbo
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (M.B.); (R.C.); (L.C.); (C.P.)
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (M.B.); (R.C.); (L.C.); (C.P.)
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2
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Mantooth SM, Abdou Y, Saez-Ibañez AR, Upadhaya S, Zaharoff DA. Intratumoral delivery of immunotherapy to treat breast cancer: current development in clinical and preclinical studies. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1385484. [PMID: 38803496 PMCID: PMC11128577 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1385484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer poses one of the largest threats to women's health. Treatment continues to improve for all the subtypes of breast cancer, but some subtypes, such as triple negative breast cancer, still present a significant treatment challenge. Additionally, metastasis and local recurrence are two prevalent problems in breast cancer treatment. A newer type of therapy, immunotherapy, may offer alternatives to traditional treatments for difficult-to-treat subtypes. Immunotherapy engages the host's immune system to eradicate disease, with the potential to induce long-lasting, durable responses. However, systemic immunotherapy is only approved in a limited number of indications, and it benefits only a minority of patients. Furthermore, immune related toxicities following systemic administration of potent immunomodulators limit dosing and, consequently, efficacy. To address these safety considerations and improve treatment efficacy, interest in local delivery at the site of the tumor has increased. Numerous intratumorally delivered immunotherapeutics have been and are being explored clinically and preclinically, including monoclonal antibodies, cellular therapies, viruses, nucleic acids, cytokines, innate immune agonists, and bacteria. This review summarizes the current and past intratumoral immunotherapy clinical landscape in breast cancer as well as current progress that has been made in preclinical studies, with a focus on delivery parameters and considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siena M. Mantooth
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Yara Abdou
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | | | | | - David A. Zaharoff
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Raleigh, NC, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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3
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Benvenuto M, Ciuffa S, Focaccetti C, Sbardella D, Fazi S, Scimeca M, Tundo GR, Barillari G, Segni M, Bonanno E, Manzari V, Modesti A, Masuelli L, Coletta M, Bei R. Proteasome inhibition by bortezomib parallels a reduction in head and neck cancer cells growth, and an increase in tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19051. [PMID: 34561494 PMCID: PMC8463577 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98450-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) has frequently an aggressive course for the development of resistance to standard chemotherapy. Thus, the use of innovative therapeutic drugs is being assessed. Bortezomib is a proteasome inhibitor with anticancer effects. In vitro antitumoral activity of Bortezomib was investigated employing human tongue (SCC-15, CAL-27), pharynx (FaDu), salivary gland (A-253) cancer cell lines and a murine cell line (SALTO-5) originated from a salivary gland adenocarcinoma arising in BALB-neuT male mice transgenic for the oncogene neu. Bortezomib inhibited cell proliferation, triggered apoptosis, modulated the expression and activation of pro-survival signaling transduction pathways proteins activated by ErbB receptors and inhibited proteasome activity in vitro. Intraperitoneal administration of Bortezomib delayed tumor growth of SALTO-5 cells transplanted in BALB-neuT mice, protracted mice survival and adjusted tumor microenvironment by increasing tumor-infiltrating immune cells (CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, B lymphocytes, macrophages, and Natural Killer cells) and by decreasing vessels density. In addition, Bortezomib modified the expression of proteasome structural subunits in transplanted SALTO-5 cells. Our findings further support the use of Bortezomib for the treatment of HNC and reveal its ineffectiveness in counteracting the activation of deregulated specific signaling pathways in HNC cell lines when resistance to proteasome inhibition is developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Benvenuto
- Saint Camillus International, University of Health and Medical Sciences, Via di Sant'Alessandro 8, 00131, Rome, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Ciuffa
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Focaccetti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.,Department of Human Science and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele University Rome, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Sara Fazi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Saint Camillus International, University of Health and Medical Sciences, Via di Sant'Alessandro 8, 00131, Rome, Italy.,Department of Human Science and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele University Rome, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166, Rome, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Barillari
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Segni
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, University of Rome "Sapienza", Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy.,Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Policlinico Umberto I, Viale Regina Elena 364, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Saint Camillus International, University of Health and Medical Sciences, Via di Sant'Alessandro 8, 00131, Rome, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.,"Diagnostica Medica" & "Villa Dei Platani", Neuromed Group, 83100, Avellino, Italy
| | - Vittorio Manzari
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Modesti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Coletta
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS-Fondazione Bietti, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
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4
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Focaccetti C, Benvenuto M, Ciuffa S, Fazi S, Scimeca M, Nardi A, Miele MT, Battisti A, Bonanno E, Modesti A, Masuelli L, Bei R. Curcumin Enhances the Antitumoral Effect Induced by the Recombinant Vaccinia Neu Vaccine (rV- neuT) in Mice with Transplanted Salivary Gland Carcinoma Cells. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12051417. [PMID: 32423101 PMCID: PMC7284625 DOI: 10.3390/nu12051417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The survival rate for head and neck cancer patients has not substantially changed in the last two decades. We previously showed that two rV-neuT intratumoral injections induced an efficient antitumor response and rejection of transplanted Neu (rat ErbB2/neu oncogene-encoded protein)-overexpressing salivary gland tumor cells in BALB-neuT mice (BALB/c mice transgenic for the rat ErbB2/neu oncogene). However, reiterated poxviral vaccinations increase neutralizing antibodies to viral proteins in humans that prevent immune response against the recombinant antigen expressed by the virus. Curcumin (CUR) is a polyphenol with antineoplastic and immunomodulatory properties. The aim of this study was to employ CUR administration to boost the anti-Neu immune response and anticancer activity induced by one rV-neuT intratumoral vaccination in BALB-neuT mice. Here, we demonstrated that the combined rV-neuT+CUR treatment was more effective at reducing tumor growth and increasing mouse survival, anti-Neu humoral response, and IFN-γ/IL-2 T-cell release in vitro than the individual treatment. rV-neuT+CUR-treated mice showed an increased infiltration of CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocytes within the tumor as compared to those that received the individual treatment. Overall, CUR enhanced the antitumoral effect and immune response to Neu induced by the rV-neuT vaccine in mice. Thus, the combined treatment might represent a successful strategy to target ErbB2/Neu-overexpressing tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Focaccetti
- Department of Human Science and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele University Rome, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (M.S.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (S.C.); (A.M.)
| | - Monica Benvenuto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (S.C.); (A.M.)
- Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, via di Sant’Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Ciuffa
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (S.C.); (A.M.)
| | - Sara Fazi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.F.); (L.M.)
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Human Science and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele University Rome, Via di Val Cannuta 247, 00166 Rome, Italy; (C.F.); (M.S.)
- Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, via di Sant’Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
- Fondazione Umberto Veronesi (FUV), Piazza Velasca 5, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandra Nardi
- Department of Mathematics, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Martino Tony Miele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Andrea Battisti
- Maxillo Facial Oncologic and Reconstructive Unit, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
- Neuromed Group, ‘Diagnostica Medica’ & ‘Villa dei Platani’, 83100 Avellino, Italy
| | - Andrea Modesti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (S.C.); (A.M.)
| | - Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy; (S.F.); (L.M.)
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (S.C.); (A.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-7259-6522
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5
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In vivo and in vitro inhibition of osteosarcoma growth by the pan Bcl-2 inhibitor AT-101. Invest New Drugs 2019; 38:675-689. [DOI: 10.1007/s10637-019-00827-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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6
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Franchini V, De Sanctis S, Marinaccio J, De Amicis A, Coluzzi E, Di Cristofaro S, Lista F, Regalbuto E, Doria A, Giovenale E, Gallerano GP, Bei R, Benvenuto M, Masuelli L, Udroiu I, Sgura A. Study of the effects of 0.15 terahertz radiation on genome integrity of adult fibroblasts. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2018; 59:476-487. [PMID: 29602275 DOI: 10.1002/em.22192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The applications of Terahertz (THz) technologies have significantly developed in recent years, and the complete understanding of the biological effects of exposure to THz radiation is becoming increasingly important. In a previous study, we found that THz radiation induced genomic damage in fetal fibroblasts. Although these cells demonstrated to be a useful model, exposure of human foetuses to THz radiation is highly improbable. Conversely, THz irradiation of adult dermal tissues is cause of possible concern for some professional and nonprofessional categories. Therefore, we extended our study to the investigation of the effects of THz radiation on adult fibroblasts (HDF). In this work, the effects of THz exposure on HDF cells genome integrity, cell cycle, cytological ultrastructure and proteins expression were assessed. Results of centromere-negative micronuclei frequencies, phosphorylation of H2AX histone, and telomere length modulation indicated no induction of DNA damage. Concordantly, no changes in the expression of proteins associated with DNA damage sensing and repair were detected. Conversely, our results showed an increase of centromere-positive micronuclei frequencies and chromosomal nondisjunction events, indicating induction of aneuploidy. Therefore, our results indicate that THz radiation exposure may affect genome integrity through aneugenic effects, and not by DNA breakage. Our findings are compared to published studies, and possible biophysical mechanisms are discussed. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 59:476-487, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Franchini
- Scientific Department, Army Medical Center, Rome, Italy
- Department of Science, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Elisa Coluzzi
- Department of Science, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Elisa Regalbuto
- Scientific Department, Army Medical Center, Rome, Italy
- Department of Science, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Doria
- Radiation Sources Laboratory, ENEA Frascati Research Center, Frascati, Italy
| | - Emilio Giovenale
- Radiation Sources Laboratory, ENEA Frascati Research Center, Frascati, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Benvenuto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Ion Udroiu
- Department of Science, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
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7
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Masuelli L, Benvenuto M, Di Stefano E, Mattera R, Fantini M, De Feudis G, De Smaele E, Tresoldi I, Giganti MG, Modesti A, Bei R. Curcumin blocks autophagy and activates apoptosis of malignant mesothelioma cell lines and increases the survival of mice intraperitoneally transplanted with a malignant mesothelioma cell line. Oncotarget 2018; 8:34405-34422. [PMID: 28159921 PMCID: PMC5470978 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a primary tumor arising from the serous membranes. The resistance of MM patients to conventional therapies, and the poor patients’ survival, encouraged the identification of molecular targets for MM treatment. Curcumin (CUR) is a “multifunctional drug”. We explored the in vitro effects of CUR on cell proliferation, cell cycle regulation, pro-survival signaling pathways, apoptosis, autophagy of human (MM-B1, H-Meso-1, MM-F1), and mouse (#40a) MM cells. In addition, we evaluated the in vivo anti-tumor activities of CUR in C57BL/6 mice intraperitoneally transplanted with #40a cells forming ascites. CUR in vitro inhibited MM cells survival in a dose- and time-dependent manner and increased reactive oxygen species’intracellular production and induced DNA damage. CUR triggered autophagic flux, but the process was then blocked and was coincident with caspase 8 activation which activates apoptosis. CUR-mediated apoptosis was supported by the increase of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, increase of p53 expression, activation of caspase 9, cleavage of PARP-1, increase of the percentage of cells in the sub G1 phase which was reduced (MM-F1 and #40a) or abolished (MM-B1 and H-Meso-1) after MM cells incubation with the apoptosis inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK. CUR treatment stimulated the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK, inhibited that of p54 JNK and AKT, increased c-Jun expression and phosphorylation and prevented NF-κB nuclear translocation. Intraperitoneal administration of CUR increased the median survival of C57BL/6 mice intraperitoneally transplanted with #40a cells and reduced the risk of developing tumors. Our findings may have important implications for the design of MM treatment using CUR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Benvenuto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Enrica Di Stefano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Rosanna Mattera
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Fantini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | | | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Tresoldi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Gabriella Giganti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Modesti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.,Center for Regenerative Medicine, (CIMER), University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.,Center for Regenerative Medicine, (CIMER), University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
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8
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Benvenuto M, Masuelli L, De Smaele E, Fantini M, Mattera R, Cucchi D, Bonanno E, Di Stefano E, Frajese GV, Orlandi A, Screpanti I, Gulino A, Modesti A, Bei R. In vitro and in vivo inhibition of breast cancer cell growth by targeting the Hedgehog/GLI pathway with SMO (GDC-0449) or GLI (GANT-61) inhibitors. Oncotarget 2017; 7:9250-70. [PMID: 26843616 PMCID: PMC4891038 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant Hedgehog (Hh)/glioma-associated oncogene (GLI) signaling has been implicated in cancer progression. Here, we analyzed GLI1, Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) and NF-κB expression in 51 breast cancer (ductal carcinoma) tissues using immunohistochemistry. We found a positive correlation between nuclear GLI1 expression and tumor grade in ductal carcinoma cases. Cytoplasmic Shh staining significantly correlated with a lower tumor grade. Next, the in vitro effects of two Hh signaling pathway inhibitors on breast cancer cell lines were evaluated using the Smoothened (SMO) antagonist GDC-0449 and the direct GLI1 inhibitor GANT-61. GDC-0449 and GANT-61 exhibited the following effects: a) inhibited breast cancer cell survival; b) induced apoptosis; c) inhibited Hh pathway activity by decreasing the mRNA expression levels of GLI1 and Ptch and inhibiting the nuclear translocation of GLI1; d) increased/decreased EGFR and ErbB2 protein expression, reduced p21-Ras and ERK1/ERK2 MAPK activities and inhibited AKT activation; and e) decreased the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. However, GANT-61 exerted these effects more effectively than GDC-0449. The in vivo antitumor activities of GDC-0449 and GANT-61 were analyzed in BALB/c mice that were subcutaneously inoculated with mouse breast cancer (TUBO) cells. GDC-0449 and GANT-61 suppressed tumor growth of TUBO cells in BALB/c mice to different extents. These findings suggest that targeting the Hh pathway using antagonists that act downstream of SMO is a more efficient strategy than using antagonists that act upstream of SMO for interrupting Hh signaling in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Benvenuto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Fantini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Rosanna Mattera
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Danilo Cucchi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Bonanno
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Enrica Di Stefano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Vanni Frajese
- Department of Physical Education, Human Sciences and Health, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - Augusto Orlandi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Gulino
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Modesti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
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9
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Benvenuto M, Mattera R, Masuelli L, Taffera G, Andracchio O, Tresoldi I, Lido P, Giganti MG, Godos J, Modesti A, Bei R. (±)-Gossypol induces apoptosis and autophagy in head and neck carcinoma cell lines and inhibits the growth of transplanted salivary gland cancer cells in BALB/c mice. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2016; 68:298-312. [PMID: 27670669 DOI: 10.1080/09637486.2016.1236077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Racemic Gossypol [(±)-GOS], composed of both (-)-GOS and (+)-GOS, is a small BH3-mimetic polyphenol derived from cotton seeds. (±)-GOS has been employed and well tolerated by cancer patients. Head and neck carcinoma (HNC) represents one of the most fatal cancers worldwide, and a significant proportion of HNC expresses high levels of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. In this study, we demonstrate that (±)-GOS inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis and autophagy of human pharynx, tongue, and salivary gland cancer cell lines and of mouse salivary gland cancer cells (SALTO). (±)-GOS was able to: (a) decrease the ErbB2 protein expression; (b) inhibit the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and AKT; (c) stimulate p38 and JNK1/2 protein phosphorylation. (±)-GOS administration was safe in BALB/c mice and it reduced the growth of transplanted SALTO cells in vivo and prolonged mice median survival. Our results suggest the potential role of (±)-GOS as an antitumor agent in HNC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Benvenuto
- a Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Rosanna Mattera
- a Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Laura Masuelli
- b Department of Experimental Medicine , "Sapienza Università di Roma" , Rome , Italy
| | - Gloria Taffera
- a Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Orlando Andracchio
- a Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Ilaria Tresoldi
- a Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Paolo Lido
- c Internal Medicine Residency Program , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Maria Gabriella Giganti
- a Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Justyna Godos
- d Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences , University of Catania , Catania , Italy
| | - Andrea Modesti
- a Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Roberto Bei
- a Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
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10
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Benvenuto M, Mattera R, Taffera G, Giganti MG, Lido P, Masuelli L, Modesti A, Bei R. The Potential Protective Effects of Polyphenols in Asbestos-Mediated Inflammation and Carcinogenesis of Mesothelium. Nutrients 2016; 8:nu8050275. [PMID: 27171110 PMCID: PMC4882688 DOI: 10.3390/nu8050275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant Mesothelioma (MM) is a tumor of the serous membranes linked to exposure to asbestos. A chronic inflammatory response orchestrated by mesothelial cells contributes to the development and progression of MM. The evidence that: (a) multiple signaling pathways are aberrantly activated in MM cells; (b) asbestos mediated-chronic inflammation has a key role in MM carcinogenesis; (c) the deregulation of the immune system might favor the development of MM; and (d) a drug might have a better efficacy when injected into a serous cavity thus bypassing biotransformation and reaching an effective dose has prompted investigations to evaluate the effects of polyphenols for the therapy and prevention of MM. Dietary polyphenols are able to inhibit cancer cell growth by targeting multiple signaling pathways, reducing inflammation, and modulating immune response. The ability of polyphenols to modulate the production of pro-inflammatory molecules by targeting signaling pathways or ROS might represent a key mechanism to prevent and/or to contrast the development of MM. In this review, we will report the current knowledge on the ability of polyphenols to modulate the immune system and production of mediators of inflammation, thus revealing an important tool in preventing and/or counteracting the growth of MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Benvenuto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy.
| | - Rosanna Mattera
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy.
| | - Gloria Taffera
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy.
| | - Maria Gabriella Giganti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy.
| | - Paolo Lido
- Internal Medicine Residency Program, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy.
| | - Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome 00164, Italy.
| | - Andrea Modesti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy.
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy.
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11
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Amicis AD, Sanctis SD, Cristofaro SD, Franchini V, Lista F, Regalbuto E, Giovenale E, Gallerano GP, Nenzi P, Bei R, Fantini M, Benvenuto M, Masuelli L, Coluzzi E, Cicia C, Sgura A. Biological effects of in vitro THz radiation exposure in human foetal fibroblasts. MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2015; 793:150-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2015.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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12
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Masuelli L, Pantanella F, La Regina G, Benvenuto M, Fantini M, Mattera R, Di Stefano E, Mattei M, Silvestri R, Schippa S, Manzari V, Modesti A, Bei R. Violacein, an indole-derived purple-colored natural pigment produced by Janthinobacterium lividum, inhibits the growth of head and neck carcinoma cell lines both in vitro and in vivo. Tumour Biol 2015; 37:3705-17. [PMID: 26462840 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-4207-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Violacein (VIO; 3-[1,2-dihydro-5-(5-hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-oxo-3H-pyrrol-3-ylidene]-1,3-dihydro-2H-indol-2-one), an indole-derived purple-colored pigment, produced by a limited number of Gram-negative bacteria species, including Chromobacterium violaceum and Janthinobacterium lividum, has been demonstrated to have anti-cancer activity, as it interferes with survival transduction signaling pathways in different cancer models. Head and neck carcinoma (HNC) represents the sixth most common and one of the most fatal cancers worldwide. We determined whether VIO was able to inhibit head and neck cancer cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. We provide evidence that VIO treatment of human and mouse head and neck cancer cell lines inhibits cell growth and induces autophagy and apoptosis. In fact, VIO treatment increased PARP-1 cleavage, the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, the inhibition of ERK1 and ERK2 phosphorylation, and the expression of light chain 3-II (LC3-II). Moreover, VIO was able to induce p53 degradation, cytoplasmic nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) accumulation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. VIO induced a significant increase in ROS production. VIO administration was safe in BALB/c mice and reduced the growth of transplanted salivary gland cancer cells (SALTO) in vivo and prolonged median survival. Taken together, our results indicate that the treatment of head and neck cancer cells with VIO can be useful in inhibiting in vivo and in vitro cancer cell growth. VIO may represent a suitable tool for the local treatment of HNC in combination with standard therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Pantanella
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases-Microbiology Section, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe La Regina
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Benvenuto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Fantini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosanna Mattera
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrica Di Stefano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Romano Silvestri
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Schippa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases-Microbiology Section, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Manzari
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Modesti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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13
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Jacca S, Rolih V, Quaglino E, Franceschi V, Tebaldi G, Bolli E, Rosamilia A, Ottonello S, Cavallo F, Donofrio G. Bovine herpesvirus 4-based vector delivering a hybrid rat/human HER-2 oncoantigen efficiently protects mice from autochthonous Her-2 + mammary cancer. Oncoimmunology 2015; 5:e1082705. [PMID: 27141335 PMCID: PMC4839386 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1082705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Revised: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) oncogene is a major target for the immunotherapy of breast cancer. Following up to the therapeutic success achieved with Her-2-targeting monoclonal antibodies, immune-prophylactic approaches directed against Her-2 have also been investigated taking into account, and trying to overcome, Her-2 self-tolerance. Perhaps due to safety (and efficacy) concerns, the least explored anti-Her-2 active immunization strategy so far has been the one relying on viral-vectored vaccine formulations. Taking advantage of the favorable properties of bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4) in terms of safety and ease of manipulation as well as its previously documented ability to transduce and confer immunogenicity to heterologous antigens, we tested the ability of different recombinant HER-2-BoHV-4 immunogens to 8break tolerance and elicit a protective, anti-mammary tumor antibody response in HER-2 transgenic BALB-neuT mice. All the tested constructs expressed the HER-2 transgenes at high levels and elicited significant cellular immune responses in BALB/c mice upon administration via either DNA vaccination or viral infection. In BALB-neuT mice, instead, only the viral construct expressing the membrane-bound chimeric form of Her-2 protein (BoHV-4-RHuT-gD) elicited a humoral immune response that was more intense and earlier-appearing than that induced by DNA vaccination. In keeping with this observation, two administrations of BoHV-4-RHuT-gD effectively protected BALB-neuT mice from tumor formation, with 50% of vaccinated animals tumor-free after 30 weeks from immunization compared to 100% of animals exhibiting at least one palpable tumor in the case of animals vaccinated with the other BoHV-4-HER-2 constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Jacca
- Department of Medical-Veterinary Science, University of Parma , Parma, Italy
| | - Valeria Rolih
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino , Torino, Italy
| | - Elena Quaglino
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino , Torino, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Tebaldi
- Department of Medical-Veterinary Science, University of Parma , Parma, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bolli
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino , Torino, Italy
| | - Alfonso Rosamilia
- Department of Medical-Veterinary Science, University of Parma , Parma, Italy
| | - Simone Ottonello
- Department of Life Sciences, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, University of Parma , Parma, Italy
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino , Torino, Italy
| | - Gaetano Donofrio
- Department of Medical-Veterinary Science, University of Parma , Parma, Italy
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14
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Croci S, Nanni P, Palladini A, Nicoletti G, Grosso V, Benegiamo G, Landuzzi L, Lamolinara A, Ianzano ML, Ranieri D, Dall'Ora M, Iezzi M, De Giovanni C, Lollini PL. Interleukin-15 is required for immunosurveillance and immunoprevention of HER2/neu-driven mammary carcinogenesis. Breast Cancer Res 2015; 17:70. [PMID: 25997501 PMCID: PMC4462012 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-015-0588-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction We previously demonstrated that HER2/neu-driven mammary carcinogenesis can be prevented by an interleukin-12 (IL-12)-adjuvanted allogeneic HER2/neu-expressing cell vaccine. Since IL-12 can induce the release of interleukin-15 (IL-15), in the present study we investigated the role played by IL-15 in HER2/neu driven mammary carcinogenesis and in its immunoprevention. Methods HER2/neu transgenic mice with homozygous knockout of IL-15 (here referred to as IL15KO/NeuT mice) were compared to IL-15 wild-type HER2/neu transgenic mice (NeuT) regarding mammary carcinogenesis, profile of peripheral blood lymphocytes and splenocytes and humoral and cellular responses induced by the vaccine. Results IL15KO/NeuT mice showed a significantly earlier mammary cancer onset than NeuT mice, with median latency times of 16 and 20 weeks respectively, suggesting a role for IL-15 in cancer immunosurveillance. Natural killer (NK) and CD8+ lymphocytes were significantly lower in IL15KO/NeuT mice compared to mice with wild-type IL-15. The IL-12-adjuvanted allogeneic HER2/neu-expressing cell vaccine was still able to delay mammary cancer onset but efficacy in IL-15-lacking mice vanished earlier: all vaccinated IL15KO/NeuT mice developed tumors within 80 weeks of age (median latency of 53 weeks), whereas more than 70 % of vaccinated NeuT mice remained tumor-free up to 80 weeks of age. Vaccinated IL15KO/NeuT mice showed less necrotic tumors with fewer CD3+ lymphocyes and lacked perforin-positive infiltrating cells compared to NeuT mice. Concerning the anti-vaccine antibody response, antibody titer was unaffected by the lack of IL-15, but less antibodies of IgM and IgG1 isotypes were found in IL15KO/NeuT mice. A lower induction by vaccine of systemic interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-5 (IL-5) was also observed in IL15KO/NeuT mice when compared to NeuT mice. Finally, we found a lower level of CD8+ memory cells in the peripheral blood of vaccinated IL15KO/NeuT mice compared to NeuT mice. Conclusions We demonstrated that IL-15 has a role in mammary cancer immunosurveillance and that IL-15-regulated NK and CD8+ memory cells play a role in long-lasting immunoprevention, further supporting the potential use of IL-15 as adjuvant in immunological strategies against tumors. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13058-015-0588-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Croci
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biology of Metastases, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Viale Filopanti 22, Bologna, 40126, Italy. .,Present address: Unit of Clinical Immunology, Allergy and Advanced Biotechnologies, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova-IRCCS, Viale Risorgimento 80, Reggio Emilia, 42123, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Nanni
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biology of Metastases, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Viale Filopanti 22, Bologna, 40126, Italy. .,Interdepartmental Centre for Cancer Research "Giorgio Prodi", University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, Bologna, 40138, Italy.
| | - Arianna Palladini
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biology of Metastases, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Viale Filopanti 22, Bologna, 40126, Italy.
| | - Giordano Nicoletti
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Via di Barbiano 1/10, Bologna, 40136, Italy.
| | - Valentina Grosso
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biology of Metastases, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Viale Filopanti 22, Bologna, 40126, Italy.
| | - Giorgia Benegiamo
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biology of Metastases, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Viale Filopanti 22, Bologna, 40126, Italy.
| | - Lorena Landuzzi
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Via di Barbiano 1/10, Bologna, 40136, Italy.
| | - Alessia Lamolinara
- CESI Aging Research Center, G. D'Annunzio University, Via Colle dell'Ara, Chieti Scalo, Chieti, 66013, Italy.
| | - Marianna L Ianzano
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biology of Metastases, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Viale Filopanti 22, Bologna, 40126, Italy.
| | - Dario Ranieri
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biology of Metastases, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Viale Filopanti 22, Bologna, 40126, Italy.
| | - Massimiliano Dall'Ora
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biology of Metastases, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Viale Filopanti 22, Bologna, 40126, Italy.
| | - Manuela Iezzi
- CESI Aging Research Center, G. D'Annunzio University, Via Colle dell'Ara, Chieti Scalo, Chieti, 66013, Italy.
| | - Carla De Giovanni
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biology of Metastases, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Viale Filopanti 22, Bologna, 40126, Italy. .,Interdepartmental Centre for Cancer Research "Giorgio Prodi", University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, Bologna, 40138, Italy.
| | - Pier-Luigi Lollini
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biology of Metastases, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Viale Filopanti 22, Bologna, 40126, Italy. .,Interdepartmental Centre for Cancer Research "Giorgio Prodi", University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, Bologna, 40138, Italy.
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15
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Sánchez-Sampedro L, Perdiguero B, Mejías-Pérez E, García-Arriaza J, Di Pilato M, Esteban M. The evolution of poxvirus vaccines. Viruses 2015; 7:1726-803. [PMID: 25853483 PMCID: PMC4411676 DOI: 10.3390/v7041726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Revised: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
After Edward Jenner established human vaccination over 200 years ago, attenuated poxviruses became key players to contain the deadliest virus of its own family: Variola virus (VARV), the causative agent of smallpox. Cowpox virus (CPXV) and horsepox virus (HSPV) were extensively used to this end, passaged in cattle and humans until the appearance of vaccinia virus (VACV), which was used in the final campaigns aimed to eradicate the disease, an endeavor that was accomplished by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1980. Ever since, naturally evolved strains used for vaccination were introduced into research laboratories where VACV and other poxviruses with improved safety profiles were generated. Recombinant DNA technology along with the DNA genome features of this virus family allowed the generation of vaccines against heterologous diseases, and the specific insertion and deletion of poxvirus genes generated an even broader spectrum of modified viruses with new properties that increase their immunogenicity and safety profile as vaccine vectors. In this review, we highlight the evolution of poxvirus vaccines, from first generation to the current status, pointing out how different vaccines have emerged and approaches that are being followed up in the development of more rational vaccines against a wide range of diseases.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- History, 18th Century
- History, 19th Century
- History, 20th Century
- History, 21st Century
- Humans
- Poxviridae/immunology
- Poxviridae/isolation & purification
- Smallpox/prevention & control
- Smallpox Vaccine/history
- Smallpox Vaccine/immunology
- Smallpox Vaccine/isolation & purification
- Vaccines, Attenuated/history
- Vaccines, Attenuated/immunology
- Vaccines, Attenuated/isolation & purification
- Vaccines, Synthetic/history
- Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology
- Vaccines, Synthetic/isolation & purification
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Sánchez-Sampedro
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid-28049, Spain.
| | - Beatriz Perdiguero
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid-28049, Spain.
| | - Ernesto Mejías-Pérez
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid-28049, Spain
| | - Juan García-Arriaza
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid-28049, Spain
| | - Mauro Di Pilato
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid-28049, Spain.
| | - Mariano Esteban
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid-28049, Spain.
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16
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Masuelli L, Stefano ED, Fantini M, Mattera R, Benvenuto M, Marzocchella L, Sacchetti P, Focaccetti C, Bernardini R, Tresoldi I, Izzi V, Mattei M, Frajese GV, Lista F, Modesti A, Bei R. Resveratrol potentiates the in vitro and in vivo anti-tumoral effects of curcumin in head and neck carcinomas. Oncotarget 2014; 5:10745-62. [PMID: 25296980 PMCID: PMC4279407 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The survival rate of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) patients has not considerably changed over the last two decades. Polyphenols inhibit the growth of cancer cells. We determined whether the combination of Resveratrol (RES) and Curcumin (CUR) enhanced their in vitro and in vivo antitumor activities on HNSCC cell lines compared to the single compounds. We provide evidence that RES potentiated the apoptotic effect and reduced the IC50 of CUR on HNSCC cell lines. The model of compounds interaction indicated the onset of an additive effect of the two compounds compared to the single treatment after decrease of their concentrations. RES+CUR compared to CUR increased the PARP-1 cleavage, the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, the inhibition of ERK1 and ERK2 phosphorylation, and the expression of LC3 II simultaneously with the formation of autophagic vacuoles. RES and CUR induced cytoplasmic NF-κB accumulation. RES+CUR administrations were safe in BALB/c mice and reduced the growth of transplanted salivary gland cancer cells (SALTO) more efficiently than CUR. Overall, combinations of CUR and RES was more effective in inhibiting in vivo and in vitro cancer growth than the treatment with CUR. Additional studies will be needed to define the therapeutic potential of these compounds in combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrica Di Stefano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Fantini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosanna Mattera
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Benvenuto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Marzocchella
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Pamela Sacchetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Ilaria Tresoldi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Izzi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Florigio Lista
- Centro Studi e Ricerche Sanità e Veterinaria Esercito, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Modesti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
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17
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Masuelli L, Fantini M, Benvenuto M, Sacchetti P, Giganti MG, Tresoldi I, Lido P, Lista F, Cavallo F, Nanni P, Schlom J, Modesti A, Bei R. Intratumoral delivery of recombinant vaccinia virus encoding for ErbB2/Neu inhibits the growth of salivary gland carcinoma cells. J Transl Med 2014; 12:122. [PMID: 24886178 PMCID: PMC4029891 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-12-122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The antitumor activity induced by intratumoral vaccination with poxvirus expressing a tumor antigen was shown to be superior to that induced by subcutaneous vaccination. Salivary gland carcinomas overexpress ErbB2. Trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody to ErbB2, was proposed for salivary gland tumors treatment. We explored the effectiveness of intratumoral vaccination with the recombinant vaccinia virus ErbB2/Neu (rV-neuT) vaccine in hampering the growth of transplanted Neu-overexpressing BALB-neuT salivary gland cancer cells (SALTO) in BALB-neuT mice. Methods BALB-neuT male mice were subcutaneously injected with SALTO tumor cells and intratumorally vaccinated twice with different doses of either rV-neuT or V-wt (wild-type). Tumors were measured weekly. The presence of anti-ErbB2/Neu antibodies was assayed by ELISA, immunoprecipitation or indirect immunofluorescence. Biological activity of immune sera was investigated by analyzing antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), SALTO cells proliferation and apoptosis, ErbB2/Neu receptor down regulation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Anti-Neu T cell immunity was investigated by determining the release of IL-2 and IFN-gamma in T cells supernatant. Survival curves were determined using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Differences in tumor volumes, number of apoptotic cells, titer of the serum, percentage of ADCC were evaluated through a two-tailed Student’s t-test. Results rV-neuT intratumoral vaccination was able to inhibit the growth of SALTO cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. The anti-Neu serum titer paralleled in vivo antitumor activity of rV-neuT vaccinated mice. rV-neuT immune serum was able to mediate ADCC, inhibition of SALTO cells proliferation, down regulation of the ErbB2/Neu receptor, inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation and induction of apoptosis, thus suggesting potential mechanisms of in vivo tumor growth interference. In addition, spleen T cells of rV-neuT vaccinated mice released IFN-gamma and IL-2 upon in vitro stimulation with several Neu-specific peptides located in the extracellular domain of Neu sequence. Conclusions rV-neuT intratumoral vaccination could be employed to induce an efficient antitumor response and reject transplanted salivary gland tumors. Our findings may have important implications for the design of cancer vaccine protocols for the treatment of salivary gland tumors and other accessible tumors using intratumoral injection of recombinant vaccinia virus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
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Ingrosso G, Fantini M, Nardi A, Benvenuto M, Sacchetti P, Masuelli L, Ponti E, Frajese GV, Lista F, Schillaci O, Santoni R, Modesti A, Bei R. Local radiotherapy increases the level of autoantibodies to ribosomal P0 protein but not to heat shock proteins, extracellular matrix molecules and EGFR/ErbB2 receptors in prostate cancer patients. Oncol Rep 2012; 29:1167-74. [PMID: 23254686 DOI: 10.3892/or.2012.2197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2012] [Accepted: 10/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is a common cancer among men in developed countries. Although hormonotherapy and radiotherapy (RT) represent valid therapies for prostate cancer treatment, novel immunological approaches have been explored. The development of clinical trials employing cancer vaccines has indicated that immune response to tumor antigens can be boosted and that vaccine administration can improve patient survival. Immune response to tumor antigens could also be enhanced after standard therapies. In the present study, we determined the occurrence of antibodies to extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules, heat shock protein (HSP), ribosomal P0 protein, EGFR, ErbB2 and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in 35 prostate cancer patients prior to and following local RT and hormonotherapy. We demonstrated that immunity to P0, ECM molecules [collagens (C) CI, CIII, CV, fibronectin (FN) and laminin (LM)] and to HSP90 was associated with malignancy in untreated patients. None of the patient sera showed antibodies to EGFR, while 2 and 1 patients showed reactivity to ErbB2 and PSA, respectively. We also demonstrated that 8 months after therapy the IgG serum levels to CI, CIII, FN and HSP90 significantly decreased. Conversely, the level of P0 autoantibodies increased after therapy in 10 patients. Five of the 10 patients with increased levels of P0 autoantibodies were treated with RT plus hormonotherapy. Treatment of patients did not change the levels of antibodies against EGFR, ErbB2 and PSA. Our results indicated that the modification of antibody level to self molecules after standard treatment of prostate cancer patients is influenced by the type of antigen. Ribosomal P0 protein appears to be a high immunogenic antigen and its immunogenicity increases following RT. In addition, 10 patients with increased levels of autoantibodies to P0 showed PSA mean levels lower than the remaining 25 patients at 18 months. This study may contribute to a better understanding of the immunobiological behavior of prostate cancer patients following standard treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Ingrosso
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Molecular Imaging, Interventional Radiology and Radiotherapy, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Faggioni G, Pomponi A, De Santis R, Masuelli L, Ciammaruconi A, Monaco F, Di Gennaro A, Marzocchella L, Sambri V, Lelli R, Rezza G, Bei R, Lista F. West Nile alternative open reading frame (N-NS4B/WARF4) is produced in infected West Nile Virus (WNV) cells and induces humoral response in WNV infected individuals. Virol J 2012; 9:283. [PMID: 23173701 PMCID: PMC3574045 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-9-283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2011] [Accepted: 11/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background West Nile Virus (WNV) is a flavivirus that requires an efficient humoral and cellular host response for the control of neuroinvasive infection. We previously reported the existence of six alternative open reading frame proteins in WNV genome, one of which entitled WARF4 is exclusively restricted to the lineage I of the virus. WARF4 is able to elicit antibodies in WNV infected horses; however, there was no direct experimental proof of the existence of this novel protein. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the in vitro production of WARF4 protein following WNV infection of cultured VERO cells and its immunity in WNV infected individuals. Results We produced a monoclonal antibody against WARF4 protein (MAb 3A12) which detected the novel protein in WNV lineage I-infected, cultured VERO cells while it did not react with WNV lineage II infected cells. MAb 3A12 specificity to WARF4 protein was confirmed by its reactivity to only one peptide among four analyzed that cover the full WARF4 amino acids sequence. In addition, WARF4 protein was expressed in the late phase of WNV lineage I infection. Western blotting and bioinformatics analyses strongly suggest that the protein could be translated by programmed −1 ribosomal frameshifting process. Since WARF4 is embedded in the NS4B gene, we rename this novel protein N-NS4B/WARF4. Furthermore, serological analysis shows that N-NS4B/WARF4 is able to elicit antibodies in WNV infected individuals. Conclusions N-NS4B/WARF4 is the second Alternative Reading Frame (ARF) protein that has been demonstrated to be produced following WNV infection and might represent a novel tool for a better characterization of immune response in WNV infected individuals. Further serological as well as functional studies are required to characterize the function of the N-NS4B/WARF4 protein. Since the virus might actually make an extensive use of ARFs, it appears important to investigate the novel six ARF putative proteins of WNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Faggioni
- Histology and Molecular Biology Section, Army Medical and Veterinary Research Center Via Santo Stefano Rotondo, 4 00184 Rome, Italy.
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Masuelli L, Budillon A, Marzocchella L, Mrozek MA, Vitolo D, Di Gennaro E, Losito S, Sale P, Longo F, Ionna F, Lista F, Muraro R, Modesti A, Bei R. Caveolin-1 overexpression is associated with simultaneous abnormal expression of the E-cadherin/α-β catenins complex and multiple ErbB receptors and with lymph nodes metastasis in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. J Cell Physiol 2012; 227:3344-53. [PMID: 22213373 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The presence of lymph node metastases is one of the most important prognostic indicators in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). An alteration of the E-cadherin-catenins complex and EGFR is essential for the invasiveness of cancer cells. Caveolin-1, the major structural protein of the caveolae, represents a scaffolding molecule for several signaling proteins including EGFR. Although caveolin-1 has been shown to play a role in inducing the invasive phenotype of cancer cells, its role appears to be cell-type specific and for some tumors it has not been defined yet. In this study we used 57 HNSCC specimens to investigate whether the abnormal expression of caveolin-1 was associated with the derangement of the E-cadherin-catenins complex and with the overexpression of ErbB receptors. We demonstrate that in HNSCCs caveolin-1 overexpression is associated with the simultaneous abnormal expression of at least one member of the E-cadherin/α-β catenins complex and multiple ErbB receptors as well as with lymph node metastases. We also demonstrate that chronic stimulation of a human hypopharyngeal carcinoma cell line (FaDu) with EGF induced the internalization of β-catenin and caveolin-1 and their co-localization with EGFR. Moreover, EGF treatment induced an increased physical interaction between EGFR/β-catenin/caveolin-1 and between E-cadherin/β-catenin/caveolin-1. These molecular events were associated with an increased directional motility of FaDu cells in vitro. These findings may provide new insight into the biology of HNSCC progression and help to identify subgroups of primary HNSCCs with a more aggressive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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Marzocchella L, Sini V, Buonomo O, Orlandi A, Masuelli L, Bonanno E, Lista F, Turriziani M, Manzari V, Roselli M, Modesti A, Bei R. Spontaneous immunogenicity of ribosomal P0 protein in patients with benign and malignant breast lesions and delay of mammary tumor growth in P0-vaccinated mice. Cancer Sci 2010; 102:509-15. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2010.01814.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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