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Yi SY, Wei MZ, Zhao L. Targeted immunotherapy to cancer stem cells: A novel strategy of anticancer immunotherapy. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 196:104313. [PMID: 38428702 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104313] [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: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a major disease that endangers human health. Cancer drug resistance and relapse are the two main causes contributing to cancer treatment failure. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small fraction of tumor cells that are responsible for tumorigenesis, metastasis, relapse, and resistance to conventional anticancer therapies. Therefore, CSCs are considered to be the root of cancer recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance. Novel anticancer strategies need to face this new challenge and explore their efficacy against CSCs. Recently, immunotherapy has made rapid advances in cancer treatment, and its potential against CSCs is also an interesting area of research. Meanwhile, immunotherapy strategies are novel therapeutic modalities with promising results in targeting CSCs. In this review, we summarize the targeting of CSCs by various immunotherapy strategies such as monoclonal antibodies(mAb), tumor vaccines, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and chimeric antigen receptor-T cells(CAR-T) in pre-clinical and clinical studies. This review provides new insights into the application of these immunotherapeutic approaches to potential anti-tumor therapies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Yong Yi
- Department of Oncology of the Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zheng Zhou, Henan Province 450007, China.
| | - Mei-Zhuo Wei
- Department of Oncology of the Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zheng Zhou, Henan Province 450007, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- Department of Oncology of the Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zheng Zhou, Henan Province 450007, China.
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Lv J, Wang Z, Liu H. Erianin suppressed lung cancer stemness and chemotherapeutic sensitivity via triggering ferroptosis. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:479-486. [PMID: 37209271 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The previous research has focused on the suppressive effects of Erianin on tumor progression, but its impact on cancer stemness has not been reported. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Erianin on lung cancer stemness. First, we screened various concentrations Erianin to ensure that it did not affect lung cancer cell viability. Subsequently, we found that Erianin significantly attenuated lung cancer stemness through various analyses, including qRT-PCR, western blot, sphere-formation, and ALDH activity detection. Furthermore, Erianin was shown to enhance chemosensitivity of lung cancer cells. Mechanistically, three inhibitors (cell apoptosis inhibitor, necrosis inhibitor, and ferroptosis inhibitor) were added into lung cancer cells with Erianin treatment, respectively, and we found that Erianin mainly suppressed lung cancer stemness through ferroptosis. Taken together, this study reveals that Erianin has the potential to suppress lung cancer stemness and could be a valuable chemotherapeutic enhancer for lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Lv
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ze Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongchao Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Landuzzi L, Ruzzi F, Pellegrini E, Lollini PL, Scotlandi K, Manara MC. IL-1 Family Members in Bone Sarcomas. Cells 2024; 13:233. [PMID: 38334625 PMCID: PMC10854900 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030233] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
IL-1 family members have multiple pleiotropic functions affecting various tissues and cells, including the regulation of the immune response, hematopoietic homeostasis, bone remodeling, neuronal physiology, and synaptic plasticity. Many of these activities are involved in various pathological processes and immunological disorders, including tumor initiation and progression. Indeed, IL-1 family members have been described to contribute to shaping the tumor microenvironment (TME), determining immune evasion and drug resistance, and to sustain tumor aggressiveness and metastasis. This review addresses the role of IL-1 family members in bone sarcomas, particularly the highly metastatic osteosarcoma (OS) and Ewing sarcoma (EWS), and discusses the IL-1-family-related mechanisms that play a role in bone metastasis development. We also consider the therapeutic implications of targeting IL-1 family members, which have been proposed as (i) relevant targets for anti-tumor and anti-metastatic drugs; (ii) immune checkpoints for immune suppression; and (iii) potential antigens for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Landuzzi
- Experimental Oncology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (E.P.); (K.S.); (M.C.M.)
| | - Francesca Ruzzi
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biology of Metastasis, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Evelin Pellegrini
- Experimental Oncology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (E.P.); (K.S.); (M.C.M.)
| | - Pier-Luigi Lollini
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biology of Metastasis, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Katia Scotlandi
- Experimental Oncology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (E.P.); (K.S.); (M.C.M.)
| | - Maria Cristina Manara
- Experimental Oncology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (E.P.); (K.S.); (M.C.M.)
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Mahmoudi R, Afshar S, Amini R, Jalali A, Saidijam M, Najafi R. Evaluation of BMP-2 as a Differentiating and Radiosensitizing Agent for Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 19:83-93. [PMID: 36998132 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x18666230330085615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite effective clinical responses, a large proportion of patients undergo resistance to radiotherapy. The low response rate to current treatments in different stages of colorectal cancer depends on the prominent role of stem cells in cancer. OBJECTIVE In the present study, the role of BMP-2 as an ionizing radiation-sensitive factor in colorectal cancer cells was investigated. METHODS A sphere formation assay was used for the enrichment of HCT-116 cancer stem cells (CSCs). The effects of combination therapy (BMP-2+ radiation) on DNA damage response (DDR), proliferation, and apoptosis were evaluated in HCT-116 and CSCs. Gene expressions of CSCs and epithelialmesenchymal transition (EMT) markers were also evaluated. RESULTS We found that the sphere formation assay showed a significant increase in the percentage of CSCs. Moreover, expression of CSCs markers, EMT-related genes, and DNA repair proteins significantly decreased in HCT-116 cells compared to the CSCs group after radiation. In addition, BMP-2 promoted the radiosensitivity of HCT-116 cells by decreasing the survival rate of the treated cells at 2, 4, and 6 Gy compared to the control group in HCT-116 cells. CONCLUSION Our findings indicated that BMP-2 could affect numerous signaling pathways involved in radioresistance. Therefore, BMP-2 can be considered an appealing therapeutic target for the treatment of radioresistant human colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roghayeh Mahmoudi
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Saeid Afshar
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Razieh Amini
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Akram Jalali
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Massoud Saidijam
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Rezvan Najafi
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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Ruiu R, Cossu C, Iacoviello A, Conti L, Bolli E, Ponzone L, Magri J, Rumandla A, Calautti E, Cavallo F. Cystine/glutamate antiporter xCT deficiency reduces metastasis without impairing immune system function in breast cancer mouse models. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:254. [PMID: 37770957 PMCID: PMC10540318 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02830-x] [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: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The upregulation of antioxidant mechanisms is a common occurrence in cancer cells, as they strive to maintain balanced redox state and prevent oxidative damage. This includes the upregulation of the cystine/glutamate antiporter xCT, which plays a crucial role in protecting cancer cells from oxidative stress. Consequently, targeting xCT has become an attractive strategy for cancer treatment. However, xCT is also expressed by several types of immune cells where it has a role in proliferation and effector functions. In light of these observations, a comprehensive understanding of the specific role of xCT in the initiation and progression of cancer, as well as its potential impact on the immune system within the tumor microenvironment and the anti-tumor response, require further investigation. METHODS We generated xCTnull BALB/c mice to investigate the role of xCT in the immune system and xCTnull/Erbb2-transgenic BALB-neuT mice to study the role of xCT in a mammary cancer-prone model. We also used mammary cancer cells derived from BALB-neuT/xCTnull mice and xCTKO 4T1 cells to test the contribution of xCT to malignant properties in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS xCT depletion in BALB-neuT/xCTnull mice does not alter autochthonous tumor initiation, but tumor cells isolated from these mice display proliferation and redox balance defects in vitro. Although xCT disruption sensitizes 4T1 cells to oxidative stress, it does not prevent transplantable tumor growth, but reduces cell migration in vitro and lung metastasis in vivo. This is accompanied by an altered immune cell recruitment in the pre-metastatic niche. Finally, systemic depletion of xCT in host mice does not affect transplantable tumor growth and metastasis nor impair the proper mounting of both humoral and cellular immune responses in vivo. CONCLUSIONS xCT is dispensable for proper immune system function, thus supporting the safety of xCT targeting in oncology. Nevertheless, xCT is involved in several processes required for the metastatic seeding of mammary cancer cells, thus broadening the scope of xCT-targeting approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Ruiu
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Oncoimmunology, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Chiara Cossu
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Oncoimmunology, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Antonella Iacoviello
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Oncoimmunology, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Laura Conti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Oncoimmunology, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bolli
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Oncoimmunology, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Luca Ponzone
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Epithelial Stem Cell Biology and Signaling, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Jolanda Magri
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Oncoimmunology, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Laboratory of Immunotherapy, IIGM - Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine, c/o IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Alekya Rumandla
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Oncoimmunology, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, Turin, 10126, Italy
- Biocon Bristol Myers Squibb R&D Center, Bommasandra Jigani Link Road, Bommasandra Industrial Area, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560099, India
| | - Enzo Calautti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Epithelial Stem Cell Biology and Signaling, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Laboratory of Oncoimmunology, Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Turin, Via Nizza 52, Turin, 10126, Italy.
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Tang B, Wang Y, Xu W, Zhu J, Weng Q, Chen W, Fang S, Yang Y, Qiu R, Chen M, Mao W, Xu M, Zhao Z, Cai S, Zhang H, Ji J. Macrophage xCT deficiency drives immune activation and boosts responses to immune checkpoint blockade in lung cancer. Cancer Lett 2023; 554:216021. [PMID: 36455758 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.216021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play an important role in remodeling the tumor microenvironment (TME), which promotes tumor growth, immunosuppression and angiogenesis. Because of the high plasticity of macrophages and the extremely complex tumor microenvironment, the mechanism of TAMs in cancer progression is still largely unknown. In this study, we found that xCT (SLC7A11) was overexpressed in lung cancer-associated macrophages. Higher xCT in TAMs was associated with poor prognosis and was an independent predictive factor in lung cancer. In addition, lung cancer growth and progression was inhibited in xCT knockout mice, especially macrophage-specific xCT knockout mice. We also found that the deletion of macrophage xCT inhibited AKT/STAT6 signaling activation and reduced M2-type polarization of TAMs. Macrophage xCT deletion recruited more CD8+ T cells and activated the lung cancer cell-mediated and IFN-γ-induced JAK/STAT1 axis and increased the expression of its target genes, including CXCL10 and CD274. The combination of macrophage xCT deletion and anti-PDL1 antibody achieved better tumor inhibition. Finally, combining the xCT inhibitor erastin with an anti-PDL1 antibody was more potent in inhibiting lung cancer progression. Therefore, suppression of xCT may overcome resistance to cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bufu Tang
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Yajie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Wangting Xu
- Department of Respiratory, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinyu Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Qiaoyou Weng
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Weiqian Chen
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Shiji Fang
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Rongfang Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Minjiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Weiyang Mao
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Min Xu
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Zhongwei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Songhua Cai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Hongbing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Jiansong Ji
- Key Laboratory of Imaging Diagnosis and Minimally Invasive Intervention Research, Lishui Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China.
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Barutello G, Di Lorenzo A, Gasparetto A, Galiazzi C, Bolli E, Conti L, Cavallo F. Immunotherapy against the Cystine/Glutamate Antiporter xCT Improves the Efficacy of APR-246 in Preclinical Breast Cancer Models. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2843. [PMID: 36359363 PMCID: PMC9688020 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in women. Despite recent clinical advances, new therapeutic approaches are still required. The cystine-glutamate antiporter xCT, encoded by the SLC7A11 gene, which imports cystine in exchange with glutamate, is a potentially new target for breast cancer therapy, being involved in tumor cell redox balance and resistance to therapies. xCT expression is regulated by the oncosuppressor p53, which is mutated in many breast cancers. Indeed, mutant p53 (mut-p53) can induce xCT post-transcriptional down modulation, rendering mut-p53 tumors susceptible to oxidative damage. Interestingly, the drug APR-246, developed to restore the wild-type function of p53 in tumors harboring its mutation, alters the cell redox balance in a p53-independent way, possibly rendering the cells more sensitive to xCT inhibition. Here, we propose a combinatorial treatment based on xCT immunetargeting and APR-246 treatment as a strategy for tackling breast cancer. We demonstrate that combining the inhibition of xCT with the APR-246 drug significantly decreased breast cancer cell viability in vitro and induced apoptosis and affected cancer stem cells' self-renewal compared to the single treatments. Moreover, the immunetargeting of xCT through DNA vaccination in combination with APR-246 treatment synergistically hinders tumor progression and prevents lung metastasis formation in vivo. These effects can be mediated by the production of anti-xCT antibodies that are able to induce the antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity of tumor cells. Overall, we demonstrate that DNA vaccination against xCT can synergize with APR-246 treatment and enhance its therapeutic effect. Thus, APR-246 treatment in combination with xCT immunetargeting may open new perspectives in the management of breast cancer.
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Roszkowska KA, Piecuch A, Sady M, Gajewski Z, Flis S. Gain of Function (GOF) Mutant p53 in Cancer-Current Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13287. [PMID: 36362074 PMCID: PMC9654280 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Continuous development of personalized treatments is undoubtedly beneficial for oncogenic patients' comfort and survival rate. Mutant TP53 is associated with a worse prognosis due to the occurrence of metastases, increased chemoresistance, and tumor growth. Currently, numerous compounds capable of p53 reactivation or the destabilization of mutant p53 are being investigated. Several of them, APR-246, COTI-2, SAHA, and PEITC, were approved for clinical trials. This review focuses on these novel therapeutic opportunities, their mechanisms of action, and their significance for potential medical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna A. Roszkowska
- Center for Translational Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 100 Nowoursynowska St., 02-797 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | | | - Sylwia Flis
- Center for Translational Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 100 Nowoursynowska St., 02-797 Warsaw, Poland
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Eini L, Naseri M, Karimi-Busheri F, Bozorgmehr M, Ghods R, Madjd Z. Preventive cancer stem cell-based vaccination modulates tumor development in syngeneic colon adenocarcinoma murine model. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022:10.1007/s00432-022-04303-8. [PMID: 36040667 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04303-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a rare sub-fraction of tumor cells, with the capability of self-renewal and strong oncogenicity are tightly responsible for chemo and radio resistance and tumor metastasis in colorectal cancer. Hence, CSCs targeting would improve the efficacy of therapeutic strategies and clinical outcomes. METHODS Here, using three-dimensional CSC spheroids and syngeneic mice model, we evaluated the cancer preventive impact of CSCs-based vaccination. CSCs enrichment was performed via colonosphere formation from CT-26 cell line and CT-26-derived tumor biopsy and characterized by confirming high expression of key stemness genes (OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG) and CSC-related surface biomarkers (CD166, DCLK1, and CD133) via real-time PCR and flow cytometry, respectively. Then, the stemness phenotype and self-renewal in CSC-enriched spheroids were further confirmed by showing serial sphere formation capacity, clonogenicity potential, and enhanced in vivo tumorigenic capacity compared to their parental counterparts. CSCs lysates were used as vaccines in prophylactic settings compared to the parental cell lysate and PBS groups. RESULT Immunization of syngeneic mice with CSCs lysates was effective in the prevention of tumor establishment and significantly decreased tumor growth rate accompanied by an improvement in survival rate in tumor-bearing mice compared to groups subjected to parental cells lysate and PBS. These results, for the first time, showed that mice immunized with cell lysate from tumor biopsy-derived spheroids are resistant to tumor induction. Immunofluorescence staining indicated that only the serum antibodies from CSC-vaccinated mice reacted with colonospheres. CONCLUSIONS These findings represent CSCs lysate-based vaccination as a potential approach to hampering immunotherapy failure of colorectal cancer which along with other traditional therapies may effectively apply to prevent the establishment of aggressive tumors harboring stemness features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Eini
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Division of Histology, Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Naseri
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Mahmood Bozorgmehr
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roya Ghods
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Zahra Madjd
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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10
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Li FJ, Long HZ, Zhou ZW, Luo HY, Xu SG, Gao LC. System Xc−/GSH/GPX4 axis: An important antioxidant system for the ferroptosis in drug-resistant solid tumor therapy. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:910292. [PMID: 36105219 PMCID: PMC9465090 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.910292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The activation of ferroptosis is a new effective way to treat drug-resistant solid tumors. Ferroptosis is an iron-mediated form of cell death caused by the accumulation of lipid peroxides. The intracellular imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant due to the abnormal expression of multiple redox active enzymes will promote the produce of reactive oxygen species (ROS). So far, a few pathways and regulators have been discovered to regulate ferroptosis. In particular, the cystine/glutamate antiporter (System Xc−), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and glutathione (GSH) (System Xc−/GSH/GPX4 axis) plays a key role in preventing lipid peroxidation-mediated ferroptosis, because of which could be inhibited by blocking System Xc−/GSH/GPX4 axis. This review aims to present the current understanding of the mechanism of ferroptosis based on the System Xc−/GSH/GPX4 axis in the treatment of drug-resistant solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Jiao Li
- School of Pharmacy, University of South China, Phase I Clinical Trial Centre, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hengyang, China
| | - Hui-Zhi Long
- School of Pharmacy, University of South China, Phase I Clinical Trial Centre, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hengyang, China
| | - Zi-Wei Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, University of South China, Phase I Clinical Trial Centre, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hengyang, China
| | - Hong-Yu Luo
- School of Pharmacy, University of South China, Phase I Clinical Trial Centre, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hengyang, China
| | - Shuo-Guo Xu
- School of Pharmacy, University of South China, Phase I Clinical Trial Centre, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hengyang, China
| | - Li-Chen Gao
- School of Pharmacy, University of South China, Phase I Clinical Trial Centre, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hengyang, China
- *Correspondence: Li-Chen Gao,
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11
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Establishment of a new canine inflammatory mammary carcinoma cell line and analysis of its cystine-glutamate transporter subunit expression. J Vet Res 2022; 66:273-279. [PMID: 35892110 PMCID: PMC9281518 DOI: 10.2478/jvetres-2022-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Inflammatory mammary carcinoma (IMC) is a rare disease with a poor prognosis and one affecting dogs. Inflammatory breast carcinoma (IBC) is a subtype of malignant breast cancer in humans with a high degree of malignancy and a similarly poor prognosis. Since the clinical symptoms and prognoses of both are similar, canine IMC has been considered as a model of human IBC. In this study, we newly established a stable IMC-derived cell line from a patient at the Yamaguchi University Animal Medical Center in Japan. Material and Methods The patient was a female toy poodle presenting with an inflamed mammary gland, which was diagnosed as IMC. The cell line was established from a tissue biopsy. Surface antigen marker (CD24 and CD44) expression was determined. Cystine/glutamate antiporter (xCT) expression was determined by Western blotting, flow cytometry and fluorescence immunostaining, and sulfasalazine was administered to ascertain if it suppressed xCT expression. Stem cell marker (Nanog, Sox2, Myc and Klf4) expression and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity were also investigated. Results The cultured cells showed xCT, and its suppression showed downregulation of stem cell markers and ALDH activity. Stable cell proliferation was verified. Conclusion A new canine IMC-derived cell line was established. In the future, we aim to study the effect of xCT on the maintenance of cancer stem cell properties in canine tumours, and propose a new therapeutic method for the treatment of canine IMC by targeting xCT.
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12
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Zhang Q, Li W. Correlation between amino acid metabolism and self-renewal of cancer stem cells: Perspectives in cancer therapy. World J Stem Cells 2022; 14:267-286. [PMID: 35662861 PMCID: PMC9136564 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v14.i4.267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) possess self-renewal and differentiation potential, which may be related to recurrence, metastasis, and radiochemotherapy resistance during tumor treatment. Understanding the mechanisms via which CSCs maintain self-renewal may reveal new therapeutic targets for attenuating CSC resistance and extending patient life-span. Recent studies have shown that amino acid metabolism plays an important role in maintaining the self-renewal of CSCs and is involved in regulating their tumorigenicity characteristics. This review summarizes the relationship between CSCs and amino acid metabolism, and discusses the possible mechanisms by which amino acid metabolism regulates CSC characteristics particularly self-renewal, survival and stemness. The ultimate goal is to identify new targets and research directions for elimination of CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Cancer Center, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100015, China
| | - Wei Li
- Cancer Center, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100015, China
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13
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Ruiu R, Di Lorenzo A, Cavallo F, Conti L. Are Cancer Stem Cells a Suitable Target for Breast Cancer Immunotherapy? Front Oncol 2022; 12:877384. [PMID: 35530300 PMCID: PMC9069673 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.877384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is substantial evidence to suggest that complete tumor eradication relies on the effective elimination of cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs have been widely described as mediators of resistance to conventional therapies, including chemo- and radiotherapy, as well as of tumor metastasization and relapse in different tumor types, including breast cancer. However, the resistant phenotype of CSCs makes their targeting a tough task, and immunotherapy may therefore be an interesting option. Nevertheless, although immunotherapeutic approaches to cancer treatment have generated great enthusiasm due to recent success in clinics, breast cancer treatment mostly relies on standard approaches. In this context, we review the existing literature on the immunological properties of breast CSC and immunotherapeutic approaches to them. We will thus attempt to clarify whether there is room for the immunotargeting of breast CSCs in the current landscape of breast cancer therapies. Finally, we will provide our opinion on the CSC-targeting immunotherapeutic strategies that could prospectively be attempted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Federica Cavallo
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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14
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Sheng L, Luo Q, Chen L. Amino Acid Solute Carrier Transporters in Inflammation and Autoimmunity. Drug Metab Dispos 2022; 50:DMD-AR-2021-000705. [PMID: 35152203 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.121.000705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The past decade exposed the importance of many homeostasis and metabolism related proteins in autoimmunity disease and inflammation. Solute carriers (SLCs) are a group of membrane channels that can transport amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, nutrients, and neurotransmitters. This review summarizes the role of SLCs amino acid transporters in inflammation and autoimmunity disease. In detail, the importance of Glutamate transporters SLC1A1, SLC1A2, and SLC1A3, mainly expressed in the brain where they help prevent glutamate excitotoxicity, is discussed in the context of central nervous system disorders such as multiple sclerosis. Similarly, the cationic amino acid transporter SLC7A1 (CAT1), which is an important arginine transporter for T cells, and SLC7A2 (CAT2), essential for innate immunity. SLC3 family proteins, which bind with light chains from the SLC7 family (SLC7A5, SLC7A7 and SLC7A11) to form heteromeric amino acid transporters, are also explored to describe their roles in T cells, NK cells, macrophages and tumor immunotherapies. Altogether, the link between SLC amino acid transporters with inflammation and autoimmunity may contribute to a better understanding of underlying mechanism of disease and provide novel potential therapeutic avenues. Significance Statement SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In this review, we summarize the link between SLC amino acid transporters and inflammation and immune responses, specially SLC1 family members and SLC7 members. Studying the link may contribute to a better understanding of related diseases and provide potential therapeutic targets and useful to the researchers who have interest in the involvement of amino acids in immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qi Luo
- Tsinghua University, China
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15
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Tang X, Chen W, Liu H, Liu N, Chen D, Tian D, Wang J. Research progress on SLC7A11 in the regulation of cystine/cysteine metabolism in tumors. Oncol Lett 2022; 23:47. [PMID: 34992680 PMCID: PMC8721856 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.13165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) is a major transporter regulating cysteine metabolism and is widely expressed in a variety of tumor cells. SLC7A11 plays an important role in the occurrence, development, invasion and metastasis of tumors by regulating the transport of cysteine in the tumor microenvironment. SLC7A11 is expected to become a new therapeutic target and prognostic indicator for the individualized treatment of patients. According to relevant research reports, SLC7A11 can predict the stages and metastasis of liver, breast and lung cancer. Therefore, an in-depth exploration of the role of SLC7A11 in tumors may be important for the screening, early diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of patients with tumors. The current review summarizes the research progress on SLC7A11 in liver cancer, lung cancer and other tumors on the basis of previous primary studies. In addition, the present review systematically elaborates on the three main aspects of SLC7A11 pathways in some tumors, the cancer-promoting mechanisms, and the therapeutic relationship between SLC7A11 and tumors. Finally, the present review aims to provide a reference for assessing whether SLC7A11 can be used as a prognostic indicator and treatment target for tumor patients, and the future research direction with regard to SLC7A11 in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Tang
- Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, P.R. China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Radiotherapy Oncology, The Affiliated Yancheng First Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224000, P.R. China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Radiotherapy Oncology, The Affiliated Yancheng First Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224000, P.R. China
| | - Na Liu
- Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, P.R. China
| | - Deyu Chen
- Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, P.R. China
| | - Dalong Tian
- Department of Radiotherapy Oncology, The Affiliated Yancheng First Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224000, P.R. China
| | - Jingzhi Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy Oncology, The Affiliated Yancheng First Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224000, P.R. China
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16
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Liu MR, Zhu WT, Pei DS. System Xc -: a key regulatory target of ferroptosis in cancer. Invest New Drugs 2021; 39:1123-1131. [PMID: 33506324 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-021-01070-0/tables/1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a type of oxidative stress-dependent regulated necrosis characterized by excessive lipid peroxide accumulation. This novel cell death modality has been implicated in preventing cancer progression. Cancer cells tend to modulate their redox state to prevent excessive peroxidation, eventually facilitating tumor growth. System Xc- (a cystine/glutamate antiporter system) is a promising target in cancer cells for ferroptosis induction. The overexpression of system Xc-, especially its core subunit xCT, has been reported in several tumors, and these high expression levels were closely related to cancer cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis and the tumor microenvironment. xCT might serve as a novel biomarker, and its upregulation almost always indicates drug tolerance and poor survival. Therefore, system Xc- inhibition may enhance chemotherapy sensitivity and optimize patient prognosis. Here, we elaborate on the mediation of ferroptosis by suppressing system Xc- and the relevant underlying molecular mechanism in cancer cells. The spotlight on this approach to cancer treatment is creating a new horizon and pointing to future opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man-Ru Liu
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tong-shan Road, Jiangsu, 221004, Xuzhou, China
| | - Wen-Tao Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tong-shan Road, Jiangsu, 221004, Xuzhou, China
| | - Dong-Sheng Pei
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tong-shan Road, Jiangsu, 221004, Xuzhou, China.
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17
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Gao Y, Li J, Wu Q, Wang S, Yang S, Li X, Chen N, Li L, Zhang L. Tetrahydroxy stilbene glycoside ameliorates Alzheimer's disease in APP/PS1 mice via glutathione peroxidase related ferroptosis. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 99:108002. [PMID: 34333354 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid beta peptide (Aβ) has been confirmed to be an essential reason of Alzheimer's disease (AD) for a long time. Ferroptosis is a newly recognized oxidative cell death mechanism, which is highly related to AD. Recently, tetrahydroxy stilbene glycoside (TSG) has been beneficial in alleviating learning and memory of AD and aged mouse model. Unfortunately, the underlying mechanisms between TSG and ferroptosis in AD are poorly understood. Herein, we investigated whether neural cells in cerebral cortex and hippocampus that were seriously afflicted in APP/PS1 mice might be vulnerable to ferroptosis. Treatment with non-toxic TSG dose-dependently resisted Aβ-caused cytotoxic death in neuronal cells by regulating ferroptosis related proteins and enzymes in APP/PS1 mice. TSG also alleviated cellular oxidative stress and inflammatory damage in response to Aβ by attenuating the levels of oxidation products. Importantly, TSG administration abrogated Aβ-caused brain damage, indicating that TSG rescued brain cells. Subsequently, TSG promoted the activation of GSH/GPX4/ROS and Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathways. Notably, markers related to ferroptosis including increased lipid peroxidation, enhanced neuroinflammation such as NLRP3, and also the expression of DMT1, ACSL4 and NCOA4, were reduced by TSG administration. In addition, TSG enhanced antioxidative stress via the upregulation of SOD, and the expression of FTH1, CD98 and xCT. Taken together, our data indicated a novel mechanism of TSG in reversing Aβ-caused injury through restoring mitochondrial function via several signaling pathways, implying a promising candidate against neurodegenerative diseases especially AD. Hence, TSG should be taken into consideration during treatment of AD in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Beijing Engineering Research Center for Nervous System Drugs, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Diseases of Ministry of Education, Beijing 100053, China; State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica and Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China; Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Juntong Li
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Qinglin Wu
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Shasha Wang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Songwei Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Xun Li
- College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Naihong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica and Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China; Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China; College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Beijing Engineering Research Center for Nervous System Drugs, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Diseases of Ministry of Education, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Lan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Beijing Engineering Research Center for Nervous System Drugs, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Diseases of Ministry of Education, Beijing 100053, China.
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18
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Salemme V, Centonze G, Cavallo F, Defilippi P, Conti L. The Crosstalk Between Tumor Cells and the Immune Microenvironment in Breast Cancer: Implications for Immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:610303. [PMID: 33777750 PMCID: PMC7991834 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.610303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer progression is a complex process controlled by genetic and epigenetic factors that coordinate the crosstalk between tumor cells and the components of tumor microenvironment (TME). Among those, the immune cells play a dual role during cancer onset and progression, as they can protect from tumor progression by killing immunogenic neoplastic cells, but in the meanwhile can also shape tumor immunogenicity, contributing to tumor escape. The complex interplay between cancer and the immune TME influences the outcome of immunotherapy and of many other anti-cancer therapies. Herein, we present an updated view of the pro- and anti-tumor activities of the main immune cell populations present in breast TME, such as T and NK cells, myeloid cells, innate lymphoid cells, mast cells and eosinophils, and of the underlying cytokine-, cell–cell contact- and microvesicle-based mechanisms. Moreover, current and novel therapeutic options that can revert the immunosuppressive activity of breast TME will be discussed. To this end, clinical trials assessing the efficacy of CAR-T and CAR-NK cells, cancer vaccination, immunogenic cell death-inducing chemotherapy, DNA methyl transferase and histone deacetylase inhibitors, cytokines or their inhibitors and other immunotherapies in breast cancer patients will be reviewed. The knowledge of the complex interplay that elapses between tumor and immune cells, and of the experimental therapies targeting it, would help to develop new combination treatments able to overcome tumor immune evasion mechanisms and optimize clinical benefit of current immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Salemme
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Giorgia Centonze
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Paola Defilippi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Laura Conti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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19
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Liu MR, Zhu WT, Pei DS. System Xc -: a key regulatory target of ferroptosis in cancer. Invest New Drugs 2021; 39:1123-1131. [PMID: 33506324 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-021-01070-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a type of oxidative stress-dependent regulated necrosis characterized by excessive lipid peroxide accumulation. This novel cell death modality has been implicated in preventing cancer progression. Cancer cells tend to modulate their redox state to prevent excessive peroxidation, eventually facilitating tumor growth. System Xc- (a cystine/glutamate antiporter system) is a promising target in cancer cells for ferroptosis induction. The overexpression of system Xc-, especially its core subunit xCT, has been reported in several tumors, and these high expression levels were closely related to cancer cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis and the tumor microenvironment. xCT might serve as a novel biomarker, and its upregulation almost always indicates drug tolerance and poor survival. Therefore, system Xc- inhibition may enhance chemotherapy sensitivity and optimize patient prognosis. Here, we elaborate on the mediation of ferroptosis by suppressing system Xc- and the relevant underlying molecular mechanism in cancer cells. The spotlight on this approach to cancer treatment is creating a new horizon and pointing to future opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man-Ru Liu
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tong-shan Road, Jiangsu, 221004, Xuzhou, China
| | - Wen-Tao Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tong-shan Road, Jiangsu, 221004, Xuzhou, China
| | - Dong-Sheng Pei
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tong-shan Road, Jiangsu, 221004, Xuzhou, China.
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20
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Magri J, Gasparetto A, Conti L, Calautti E, Cossu C, Ruiu R, Barutello G, Cavallo F. Tumor-Associated Antigen xCT and Mutant-p53 as Molecular Targets for New Combinatorial Antitumor Strategies. Cells 2021; 10:108. [PMID: 33430127 PMCID: PMC7827209 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The cystine/glutamate antiporter xCT is a tumor-associated antigen that has been newly identified in many cancer types. By participating in glutathione biosynthesis, xCT protects cancer cells from oxidative stress conditions and ferroptosis, and contributes to metabolic reprogramming, thus promoting tumor progression and chemoresistance. Moreover, xCT is overexpressed in cancer stem cells. These features render xCT a promising target for cancer therapy, as has been widely reported in the literature and in our work on its immunotargeting. Interestingly, studies on the TP53 gene have revealed that both wild-type and mutant p53 induce the post-transcriptional down modulation of xCT, contributing to ferroptosis. Moreover, APR-246, a small molecule drug that can restore wild-type p53 function in cancer cells, has been described as an indirect modulator of xCT expression in tumors with mutant p53 accumulation, and is thus a promising drug to use in combination with xCT inhibition. This review summarizes the current knowledge of xCT and its regulation by p53, with a focus on the crosstalk of these two molecules in ferroptosis, and also considers some possible combinatorial strategies that can make use of APR-246 treatment in combination with anti-xCT immunotargeting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Giuseppina Barutello
- Correspondence: (G.B.); (F.C.); Tel.: +39-011-670-6458 (G.B.); +39-011-670-6457 (F.C.)
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Correspondence: (G.B.); (F.C.); Tel.: +39-011-670-6458 (G.B.); +39-011-670-6457 (F.C.)
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21
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Toll-Like Receptor 2 at the Crossroad between Cancer Cells, the Immune System, and the Microbiota. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249418. [PMID: 33321934 PMCID: PMC7763461 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) expressed on myeloid cells mediates the recognition of harmful molecules belonging to invading pathogens or host damaged tissues, leading to inflammation. For this ability to activate immune responses, TLR2 has been considered a player in anti-cancer immunity. Therefore, TLR2 agonists have been used as adjuvants for anti-cancer immunotherapies. However, TLR2 is also expressed on neoplastic cells from different malignancies and promotes their proliferation through activation of the myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell (NF-κB) pathway. Furthermore, its activation on regulatory immune cells may contribute to the generation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment and of the pre-metastatic niche, promoting cancer progression. Thus, TLR2 represents a double-edge sword, whose role in cancer needs to be carefully understood for the setup of effective therapies. In this review, we discuss the divergent effects induced by TLR2 activation in different immune cell populations, cancer cells, and cancer stem cells. Moreover, we analyze the stimuli that lead to its activation in the tumor microenvironment, addressing the role of danger, pathogen, and microbiota-associated molecular patterns and their modulation during cancer treatments. This information will contribute to the scientific debate on the use of TLR2 agonists or antagonists in cancer treatment and pave the way for new therapeutic avenues.
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22
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Fan YG, Pang ZQ, Wu TY, Zhang YH, Xuan WQ, Wang Z, Yu X, Li YC, Guo C, Wang ZY. Vitamin D deficiency exacerbates Alzheimer-like pathologies by reducing antioxidant capacity. Free Radic Biol Med 2020; 161:139-149. [PMID: 33068737 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2020.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Vitamin D (VD) deficiency is prevalent among aging people and Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. However, the roles of VD deficiency in the pathology of AD remain largely unexplored. In this study, APP/PS1 mice were fed a VD-deficient diet for 13 weeks to evaluate the effects of VD deficiency on the learning and memory functions and the neuropathological characteristics of the mice. Our study revealed that VD deficiency accelerated cognitive impairment in the APP/PS1 mice. Mechanistic studies revealed that VD deficiency promoted glial activation and increased inflammatory factor secretion. Furthermore, VD deficiency increased the production and deposition of Aβ by elevating the expression levels of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and β-site APP cleavage enzyme 1 (BACE1). In addition, VD deficiency increased the phosphorylation of Tau at Thr181, Thr205 and Ser396 by increasing the activities of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) and glycogen synthase kinase 3α/β (GSK3α/β) and promoted synaptic dystrophy and neuronal loss. All these effects of VD deficiency may be ascribed to enhanced oxidative stress via the downregulation of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) and cystine/glutamate exchanger (xCT). Taken together, our data suggest that VD deficiency exacerbates Alzheimer-like pathologies via promoting inflammatory stress, increasing Aβ production and elevating Tau phosphorylation by decreasing antioxidant capacity in the brains of APP/PS1 mice. Hence, rescuing the VD status of AD patients should be taken into consideration during the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Gang Fan
- Institute of Health Sciences, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Zhong-Qiu Pang
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110169, China
| | - Ting-Yao Wu
- First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121000, China
| | - Yan-Hui Zhang
- Institute of Health Sciences, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Wen-Qiang Xuan
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110169, China
| | - Zhuo Wang
- Institute of Health Sciences, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Xin Yu
- Institute of Health Sciences, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Yan-Chun Li
- Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Chuang Guo
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110169, China.
| | - Zhan-You Wang
- Institute of Health Sciences, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
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23
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Liu Q, Gu J, Zhang E, He L, Yuan ZX. Targeted Delivery of Therapeutics to Urological Cancer Stem Cells. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:2038-2056. [PMID: 32250210 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200403131514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Urological cancer refers to cancer in organs of the urinary system and the male reproductive system. It mainly includes prostate cancer, bladder cancer, renal cancer, etc., seriously threatening patients' survival. Although there are many advances in the treatment of urological cancer, approved targeted therapies often result in tumor recurrence and therapy failure. An increasing amount of evidence indicated that cancer stem cells (CSCs) with tumor-initiating ability were the source of treatment failure in urological cancer. The development of CSCstargeted strategy can provide a possibility for the complete elimination of urological cancer. This review is based on a search of PubMed, Google scholar and NIH database (http://ClinicalTrials.gov/) for English language articles containing the terms: "biomarkers", "cancer stem cells", "targeting/targeted therapy", "prostate cancer", bladder cancer" and "kidney cancer". We summarized the biomarkers and stem cell features of the prostate, bladder and renal CSCs, outlined the targeted strategies for urological CSCs from signaling pathways, cytokines, angiogenesis, surface markers, elimination therapy, differentiation therapy, immunotherapy, microRNA, nanomedicine, etc., and highlighted the prospects and future challenges in this research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Liu
- Yaopharma Co., Ltd. Chongqing, China
| | - Jian Gu
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - E Zhang
- Officers college of PAP, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lili He
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhi-Xiang Yuan
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Li Z, Chen L, Chen C, Zhou Y, Hu D, Yang J, Chen Y, Zhuo W, Mao M, Zhang X, Xu L, Wang L, Zhou J. Targeting ferroptosis in breast cancer. Biomark Res 2020; 8:58. [PMID: 33292585 PMCID: PMC7643412 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-020-00230-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a recently discovered distinct type of regulated cell death caused by the accumulation of lipid-based ROS. Metabolism and expression of specific genes affect the occurrence of ferroptosis, making it a promising therapeutic target to manage cancer. Here, we describe the current status of ferroptosis studies in breast cancer and trace the key regulators of ferroptosis back to previous studies. We also compare ferroptosis to common regulated cell death patterns and discuss the sensitivity to ferroptosis in different subtypes of breast cancer. We propose that viewing ferroptosis-related studies from a historical angle will accelerate the development of ferroptosis-based biomarkers and therapeutic strategies in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoqing Li
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000 Zhejiang China
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), 2nd Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310009 Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
- Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, 310000 Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Lini Chen
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000 Zhejiang China
- Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, 310000 Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Cong Chen
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000 Zhejiang China
- Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, 310000 Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Yulu Zhou
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000 Zhejiang China
- Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, 310000 Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Dengdi Hu
- Cixi People’s Hospital Medical and Health Group, 315300 Ningbo, Zhejiang China
| | - Jingjing Yang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000 Zhejiang China
- Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, 310000 Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Yongxia Chen
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000 Zhejiang China
- Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, 310000 Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Wenying Zhuo
- Cixi People’s Hospital Medical and Health Group, 315300 Ningbo, Zhejiang China
| | - Misha Mao
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000 Zhejiang China
- Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, 310000 Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Xun Zhang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000 Zhejiang China
- Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, 310000 Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Ling Xu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000 Zhejiang China
- Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, 310000 Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Linbo Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000 Zhejiang China
- Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, 310000 Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Jichun Zhou
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000 Zhejiang China
- Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, 310000 Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
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In vivo tracking cystine/glutamate antiporter-mediated cysteine/cystine pool under ferroptosis. Anal Chim Acta 2020; 1125:66-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2020.05.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Targeting SLC7A11 specifically suppresses the progression of colorectal cancer stem cells via inducing ferroptosis. Eur J Pharm Sci 2020; 152:105450. [PMID: 32621966 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2020.105450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have revealed the critical roles of ferroptosis in different physiological and pathological processes, however, its effects on the progression of colorectal cancer stem cells (CSCs) are still unclear. Here, we found that colorectal CSCs exhibited a remarkably lower level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), a higher level of cysteine, glutathione and SLC7A11 compared to colorectal cancer cells. Knockout of SLC7A11 increased the ROS level and reduced the levels of cysteine and glutathione, subsequently attenuating the viability of colorectal CSCs. Erastin, an inhibitor of SLC7A11, was found to hold a remarkably stronger cytotoxic effect on colorectal CSCs via in vitro and in vivo experiments. Finally, it was found that Erastin attenuated the chemoresistance of colorectal CSCs. This work indicates that colorectal CSCs are more sensitive to ferroptosis, which could be targeted to attenuate colorectal cancer progression and chemoresistance.
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Conti L, Bolli E, Di Lorenzo A, Franceschi V, Macchi F, Riccardo F, Ruiu R, Russo L, Quaglino E, Donofrio G, Cavallo F. Immunotargeting of the xCT Cystine/Glutamate Antiporter Potentiates the Efficacy of HER2-Targeted Immunotherapies in Breast Cancer. Cancer Immunol Res 2020; 8:1039-1053. [PMID: 32532810 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-20-0082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite HER2-targeted therapies improving the outcome of HER2+ breast cancer, many patients experience resistance and metastatic progression. Cancer stem cells (CSC) play a role in this resistance and progression, thus combining HER2 targeting with CSC inhibition could improve the management of HER2+ breast cancer. The cystine-glutamate antiporter, xCT, is overexpressed in mammary CSCs and is crucial for their redox balance, self-renewal, and resistance to therapies, representing a potential target for breast cancer immunotherapy. We developed a combined immunotherapy targeting HER2 and xCT using the Bovine Herpes virus-4 vector, a safe vaccine that can confer immunogenicity to tumor antigens. Mammary cancer-prone BALB-neuT mice, transgenic for rat Her2, were immunized with the single or combined vaccines. Anti-HER2 vaccination slowed primary tumor growth, whereas anti-xCT vaccination primarily prevented metastasis formation. The combination of the two vaccines exerted a complementary effect by mediating the induction of cytotoxic T cells and of HER2 and xCT antibodies that induce antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and hinder cancer cell proliferation. Antibodies targeting xCT, but not those targeting HER2, directly affected CSC viability, self-renewal, and migration, inducing the antimetastatic effect of xCT vaccination. Our findings present a new therapy for HER2+ breast cancer, demonstrating that CSC immunotargeting via anti-xCT vaccination synergizes with HER2-directed immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Conti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Bolli
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Antonino Di Lorenzo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Macchi
- Department of Medical Veterinary Sciences, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Federica Riccardo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Roberto Ruiu
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Luca Russo
- Department of Medical Veterinary Sciences, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Elena Quaglino
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Gaetano Donofrio
- Department of Medical Veterinary Sciences, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
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28
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Zhao Y, Li Y, Zhang R, Wang F, Wang T, Jiao Y. The Role of Erastin in Ferroptosis and Its Prospects in Cancer Therapy. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:5429-5441. [PMID: 32606760 PMCID: PMC7295539 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s254995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 214] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Erastin was initially discovered as a small molecule compound that selectively kills tumor cells expressing ST and RASV12 and was later widely investigated as an inducer of ferroptosis. Ferroptosis is a recently discovered form of cell death caused by peroxidation induced by the accumulation of intracellular lipid reactive oxygen species (L-ROS) in an iron-dependent manner. Erastin can mediate ferroptosis through a variety of molecules including the cystine-glutamate transport receptor (system XC−), the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), and p53. Erastin is able to enhance the sensitivity of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, suggesting a promising future in cancer therapy. We hope that this review will help to better understand the role of erastin in ferroptosis and lay the foundation for further research and the development of erastin-based cancer therapies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuechen Zhao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanqing Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruifeng Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Tiejun Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Jiao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
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Rolih V, Caldeira J, Bolli E, Salameh A, Conti L, Barutello G, Riccardo F, Magri J, Lamolinara A, Parra K, Valenzuela P, Francia G, Iezzi M, Pericle F, Cavallo F. Development of a VLP-Based Vaccine Displaying an xCT Extracellular Domain for the Treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061492. [PMID: 32521631 PMCID: PMC7352461 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is the leading cause of cancer death in women due to recurrence and resistance to conventional therapies. Thus, MBC represents an important unmet clinical need for new treatments. In this paper we generated a virus-like particle (VLP)-based vaccine (AX09) to inhibit de novo metastasis formation and ultimately prolong the survival of patients with MBC. To this aim, we engineered the bacteriophage MS2 VLP to display an extracellular loop of xCT, a promising therapeutic target involved in tumor progression and metastasis formation. Elevated levels of this protein are observed in a high percentage of invasive mammary ductal tumors including triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and correlate with poor overall survival. Moreover, xCT expression is restricted to only a few normal cell types. Here, we tested AX09 in several MBC mouse models and showed that it was well-tolerated and elicited a strong antibody response against xCT. This antibody-based response resulted in the inhibition of xCT's function in vitro and reduced metastasis formation in vivo. Thus, AX09 represents a promising novel approach for MBC, and it is currently advancing to clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Rolih
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (V.R.); (E.B.); (L.C.); (G.B.); (F.R.); (J.M.)
| | - Jerri Caldeira
- AgilVax Inc., Albuquerque, NM 87110, USA; (J.C.); (A.S.); (F.P.)
| | - Elisabetta Bolli
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (V.R.); (E.B.); (L.C.); (G.B.); (F.R.); (J.M.)
| | - Ahmad Salameh
- AgilVax Inc., Albuquerque, NM 87110, USA; (J.C.); (A.S.); (F.P.)
| | - Laura Conti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (V.R.); (E.B.); (L.C.); (G.B.); (F.R.); (J.M.)
| | - Giuseppina Barutello
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (V.R.); (E.B.); (L.C.); (G.B.); (F.R.); (J.M.)
| | - Federica Riccardo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (V.R.); (E.B.); (L.C.); (G.B.); (F.R.); (J.M.)
| | - Jolanda Magri
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (V.R.); (E.B.); (L.C.); (G.B.); (F.R.); (J.M.)
| | - Alessia Lamolinara
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, Center for Advanced Studies and Technologies (CAST), G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.L.); (M.I.)
| | - Karla Parra
- Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (K.P.); (P.V.); (G.F.)
| | - Paloma Valenzuela
- Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (K.P.); (P.V.); (G.F.)
| | - Giulio Francia
- Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (K.P.); (P.V.); (G.F.)
| | - Manuela Iezzi
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, Center for Advanced Studies and Technologies (CAST), G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.L.); (M.I.)
| | - Federica Pericle
- AgilVax Inc., Albuquerque, NM 87110, USA; (J.C.); (A.S.); (F.P.)
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (V.R.); (E.B.); (L.C.); (G.B.); (F.R.); (J.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-011-670-6457; Fax: +39-011-236-6457
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Virus-Like Particles as an Immunogenic Platform for Cancer Vaccines. Viruses 2020; 12:v12050488. [PMID: 32349216 PMCID: PMC7291217 DOI: 10.3390/v12050488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLP) spontaneously assemble from viral structural proteins. They are naturally biocompatible and non-infectious. VLP can serve as a platform for many potential vaccine epitopes, display them in a dense repeating array, and elicit antibodies against non-immunogenic substances, including tumor-associated self-antigens. Genetic or chemical conjugation facilitates the multivalent display of a homologous or heterologous epitope. Most VLP range in diameter from 25 to 100 nm and, in most cases, drain freely into the lymphatic vessels and induce antibodies with high titers and affinity without the need for additional adjuvants. VLP administration can be performed using different strategies, regimens, and doses to improve the immunogenicity of the antigen they expose on their surface. This article summarizes the features of VLP and presents them as a relevant platform technology to address not only infectious diseases but also chronic diseases and cancer.
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31
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Misra R, Kandoi S, Varadaraj S, Vijayalakshmi S, Nanda A, Verma RS. Nanotheranostics: A tactic for cancer stem cells prognosis and management. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2019.101457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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32
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Quaglino E, Conti L, Cavallo F. Breast cancer stem cell antigens as targets for immunotherapy. Semin Immunol 2020; 47:101386. [PMID: 31932198 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2020.101386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The great success of immunotherapy is paving the way for a new era in cancer treatment and is driving major improvements in the therapy of patients suffering from a range of solid tumors. However, the choice of the appropriate tumor antigens to be targeted with cancer vaccines and T-cell therapies is still a challenge. Most antigens targeted so far have been identified on the tumor bulk and are expressed on differentiated cancer cells. The discovery of a small population of cancer stem cells (CSC), which is refractory to most current therapies and responsible for the development of metastasis and recurrence, has made it clear that the ideal targets for immunotherapies are the antigens that are expressed in CSC and play a key role in their function. Indeed, their immunotargeting would enable the eradication of CSC to be performed, thus eliminating the tumor source. We call these antigens "CSC oncoantigens". Herein, we summarize the controversial nature of breast CSC, discuss why they represent good candidates for cancer immunotherapy, and review the CSC antigens that have been used as targets for CSC immunotargeting this far. Moreover, we describe the pipeline that we have developed for the identification of fresh CSC oncoantigens, and present the pre-clinical results obtained with vaccines that target some of these antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Quaglino
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
| | - Laura Conti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
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33
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Sharma M, Anirudh CR. In silico characterization of residues essential for substrate binding of human cystine transporter, xCT. J Mol Model 2019; 25:336. [PMID: 31705320 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-019-4233-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
xCT is a sodium-independent amino acid antiporter that imports L-cystine and exports L-glutamate in a 1:1 ratio. It is a component of heterodimeric amino acid transporter system Xc- working at the cross-roads of maintaining neurological processes and regulating antioxidant defense. The transporter has 12 transmembrane domains with intracellular N- and C-termini, and like other transporter proteins can undergo various conformational changes while switching the ligand accessibilities from intracellular to extracellular site. In the present study, we generated two homology models of human xCT in two distinct conformations: inward-facing occluded state and outward-facing open state. Our results indicated the substrate translocation channel composed of transmembrane helices TMs 1, 3, 6, 8, and 10. We docked anionic L-cystine and L-glutamate within the cavities to assess the two distinct binding scenarios for xCT as antiporter. We also assessed the interactions between the ligands and transporter and observed that ligands bind to similar residues within the channel. Using MM-PBSA/MM-GBSA approach, we computed the binding energies of these ligands to different conformational states. Cystine and glutamate bind xCT with favorable binding energies, with more favorable binding observed in inward occluded state than in outward open state. We further computed the residue-wise decomposition of these binding energies and identified the residues as essential for substrate binding/permeation. Filtering the residues that form favorable energetic contributions to the ligand binding in both the states, our studies suggest T56, A60, R135, A138, V141, Y244, A247, F250, S330, L392, and R396 as critical residues for ligand binding as well as ligand transport for any conformational state adopted by xCT during its transport cycle. .Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Sharma
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Sector 81, Knowledge City, SAS, Nagar, Punjab, India.
| | - C R Anirudh
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Sector 81, Knowledge City, SAS, Nagar, Punjab, India
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Tarone L, Barutello G, Iussich S, Giacobino D, Quaglino E, Buracco P, Cavallo F, Riccardo F. Naturally occurring cancers in pet dogs as pre-clinical models for cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2019; 68:1839-1853. [PMID: 31222484 PMCID: PMC11028358 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-019-02360-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite the significant progress in tumor prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment made over recent decades, cancer is still an enormous public health challenge all around the world, with the number of people affected increasing every year. A great deal of effort is therefore being devoted to the search for novel safe, effective and economically sustainable treatments for the growing population of neoplastic patients. One main obstacle to this process is the extremely low percentage of therapeutic approaches that, after successfully passing pre-clinical testing, actually demonstrate activity when finally tested in humans. This disappointing and expensive failure rate is partly due to the pre-clinical murine models used for in vivo testing, which cannot faithfully recapitulate the multifaceted nature and evolution of human malignancies. These features are better mirrored in natural disease models, i.e., companion animals affected by cancers. Herein, we discuss the relevance of spontaneous canine tumors for the evaluation of the safety and anti-tumor activity of novel therapeutic strategies before in-human trials, and present our experience in the development of a vaccine that targets chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan (CSPG)4 as an example of these comparative oncology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Tarone
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Via Nizza, 52, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Barutello
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Via Nizza, 52, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Selina Iussich
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini, 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Davide Giacobino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini, 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Elena Quaglino
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Via Nizza, 52, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Buracco
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini, 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Via Nizza, 52, 10126, Turin, Italy.
| | - Federica Riccardo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Via Nizza, 52, 10126, Turin, Italy
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35
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Ruiu R, Tarone L, Rolih V, Barutello G, Bolli E, Riccardo F, Cavallo F, Conti L. Cancer stem cell immunology and immunotherapy: Harnessing the immune system against cancer's source. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2019; 164:119-188. [PMID: 31383404 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2019.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite recent advances in diagnosis and therapy having improved cancer outcome, many patients still do not respond to treatments, resulting in the progression or relapse of the disease, eventually impairing survival expectations. The limited efficacy of therapy is often attributable to its inability to affect cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small population of cells resistant to current radio- and chemo-therapies. CSCs are characterized by self-renewal and tumor-initiating capabilities, and function as a reservoir for the local and distant recurrence of the disease. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches able to effectively target and deplete CSCs are urgently needed. Immunotherapy is facing a renewed interest for its potential in cancer treatment, and the possibility of harnessing the immune system to target CSCs is being addressed by a new exciting research field. In this chapter, we discuss the cancer stem cell model and illustrate CSC biological and molecular properties, critically addressing theoretical and practical issues linked with their definition and study. We then review the existing literature regarding the immunological properties of CSCs and the complex interplay occurring between CSCs and immune cells. Finally, we present up-to-date studies on CSC immunotargeting and its potential future perspective. In conclusion, understanding the interplay between CSC biology and tumor immunology will provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that regulate CSC immunological properties. This will contribute to the design of new CSC-directed immunotherapeutic strategies with the potential of strongly improving cancer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Ruiu
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Lidia Tarone
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Valeria Rolih
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Barutello
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bolli
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Federica Riccardo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
| | - Laura Conti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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36
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Donofrio G, Tebaldi G, Lanzardo S, Ruiu R, Bolli E, Ballatore A, Rolih V, Macchi F, Conti L, Cavallo F. Bovine herpesvirus 4-based vector delivering the full length xCT DNA efficiently protects mice from mammary cancer metastases by targeting cancer stem cells. Oncoimmunology 2018; 7:e1494108. [PMID: 30524888 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2018.1494108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite marked advancements in its treatment, breast cancer is still the second leading cause of cancer death in women, due to relapses and distal metastases. Breast cancer stem cells (CSCs), are a cellular reservoir for recurrence, metastatic evolution and disease progression, making the development of novel therapeutics that target CSCs, and thereby inhibit metastases, an urgent need. We have previously demonstrated that the cystine-glutamate antiporter xCT (SLC7A11), a protein that was shown to be overexpressed in mammary CSCs and that plays a key role in the maintenance of their redox balance, self-renewal and resistance to chemotherapy, is a potential target for mammary cancer immunotherapy. This paper reports on the development of an anti-xCT viral vaccine that is based on the bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4) vector, which we have previously showed to be a safe vaccine that can transduce cells in vivo and confer immunogenicity to tumor antigens. We show that the vaccination of BALB/c mice with BoHV-4 expressing xCT (BoHV-4-mxCT), impaired lung metastases induced by syngeneic mammary CSCs both in preventive and therapeutic settings. Vaccination induced T lymphocyte activation and the production of anti-xCT antibodies that can mediate antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC), and directly impair CSC phenotype, self-renewal and redox balance. Our findings pave the way for the potential future use of BoHV-4-based vector targeting xCT in metastatic breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetano Donofrio
- Department of Medical Veterinary Science, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giulia Tebaldi
- Department of Medical Veterinary Science, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Stefania Lanzardo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Roberto Ruiu
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bolli
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Andrea Ballatore
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Valeria Rolih
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Francesca Macchi
- Department of Medical Veterinary Science, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Laura Conti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
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