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Helal IM, Kamal MA, Abd El-Aziz MK, El Tayebi HM. Epigenetic tuning of tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs): a potential approach in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) immunotherapy. Expert Rev Mol Med 2024; 26:e18. [PMID: 39320855 PMCID: PMC11440614 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2024.9] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
Recent development in immunotherapy for cancer treatment has substantiated to be more effective than most of the other treatments. Immunity is the first line of defence of the body; nevertheless, cancerous cells can manipulate immunity compartments to play several roles in tumour progression. Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs), one of the most dominant components in the tumour microenvironment, are recognized as anti-tumour suppressors. Unfortunately, the complete behaviour of TAMs is still unclear and understudied. TAM density is directly correlated with the progression and poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), therefore studying TAMs from different points of view passing by all the factors that may affect its existence, polarization, functions and repolarization are of great importance. Different epigenetic regulations were reported to have a direct relation with both HCC and TAMs. Here, this review discusses different epigenetic regulations that can affect TAMs in HCC whether positively or negatively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israa M. Helal
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo - GUC, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Monica A. Kamal
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo - GUC, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mostafa K. Abd El-Aziz
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo - GUC, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hend M. El Tayebi
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, German University in Cairo - GUC, Cairo, Egypt
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2
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Kelly JJ, Bloodworth N, Shao Q, Shabanowitz J, Hunt D, Meiler J, Pires MM. A Chemical Approach to Assess the Impact of Post-translational Modification on MHC Peptide Binding and Effector Cell Engagement. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:1991-2001. [PMID: 39150956 PMCID: PMC11420952 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.4c00312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/18/2024]
Abstract
The human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) plays a pivotal role in the presentation of peptidic fragments from proteins, which can originate from self-proteins or from nonhuman antigens, such as those produced by viruses or bacteria. To prevent cytotoxicity against healthy cells, thymocytes expressing T cell receptors (TCRs) that recognize self-peptides are removed from circulation (negative selection), thus leaving T cells that recognize nonself-peptides. Current understanding suggests that post-translationally modified (PTM) proteins and the resulting peptide fragments they generate following proteolysis are largely excluded from negative selection; this feature means that PTMs can generate nonself-peptides that potentially contribute to the development of autoreactive T cells and subsequent autoimmune diseases. Although it is well-established that PTMs are prevalent in peptides present on MHCs, the precise mechanisms by which PTMs influence the antigen presentation machinery remain poorly understood. In the present work, we introduce chemical modifications mimicking PTMs on synthetic peptides. This is the first systematic study isolating the impact of PTMs on MHC binding and also their impact on TCR recognition. Our findings reveal various ways PTMs alter antigen presentation, which could have implications for tumor neoantigen presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joey J Kelly
- Department of Chemistry University of Virginia Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, United States
| | - Nathaniel Bloodworth
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of MedicineVanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37240, United States
| | - Qianqian Shao
- Department of Chemistry University of Virginia Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, United States
| | - Jeffrey Shabanowitz
- Department of Chemistry University of Virginia Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, United States
| | - Donald Hunt
- Department of Chemistry University of Virginia Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, United States
| | - Jens Meiler
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of MedicineVanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37240, United States
- Institute of Drug Discovery, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Leipzig, Leipzig, SAC 04103, Germany
- Center for Structural Biology Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Department of Chemistry Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Marcos M Pires
- Department of Chemistry University of Virginia Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, United States
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3
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Shi A, Lin C, Lyu J. Decoding functional impact of epigenetic regulator mutations on ligand-receptor interaction perturbations for evaluation of cancer immunotherapy. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e70009. [PMID: 39323009 PMCID: PMC11424496 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.70009] [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: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular crosstalk mediated by ligand-receptor interactions largely complicates the tumour ecosystem, resulting in heterogeneous tumour microenvironments that affect immune response and clinical benefits from immunotherapy. Epigenetic mechanisms are pivotal to expression changes of immune-related genes and can modulate the anti-tumour immune response. However, the functional consequences of disrupted epigenetic regulators (ERs) on ligand-receptor interactions in the tumour microenvironment remain largely unexplored. Here, we proposed mutations of ERs in perturbed interactions (MERIN), a molecular network-based approach that incorporates multi-omics data, to infer the potential consequences of ER mutations on ligand-receptor interaction perturbations. Leveraging cancer genomic profiles and molecular interaction data, we comprehensively decoded the functional consequences of ER mutations on dysregulated ligand-receptor interactions across 33 cancers. The dysregulated ligand-receptor genes were indeed enriched in cancer and immune-related function. We demonstrated the potential significance of PD1-PDL1 interaction-related ER mutations in stratifying cancer patients from multiple independent data cohorts. The ER mutation group showed distinct immunological characterizations and prognoses. Furthermore, we highlighted that the ER mutations could potentially predict clinical outcomes of immunotherapy. Our computational and clinical assessment underscore the utility of MERIN for elucidating the functional relevance of ER mutations in cancer immune response, potentially aiding patients' stratification for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiai Shi
- Joint Centre of Translational Medicine, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Theoretical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Joint Centre of Translational Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaohuan Lin
- Joint Centre of Translational Medicine, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Postgraduate Training Base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Lyu
- Joint Centre of Translational Medicine, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Joint Centre of Translational Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
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4
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Yang Z, Zheng Y, Gao Q. Lysine lactylation in the regulation of tumor biology. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024; 35:720-731. [PMID: 38395657 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2024.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Lysine lactylation (Kla), a newly discovered post-translational modification (PTM) of lysine residues, is progressively revealing its crucial role in tumor biology. A growing body of evidence supports its capacity of transcriptional regulation through histone modification and modulation of non-histone protein function. It intricately participates in a myriad of events in the tumor microenvironment (TME) by orchestrating the transitions of immune states and augmenting tumor malignancy. Its preferential modification of metabolic proteins underscores its specific regulatory influence on metabolism. This review focuses on the effect and the probable mechanisms of Kla-mediated regulation of tumor metabolism, the upstream factors that determine Kla intensity, and its potential implications for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijian Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingqi Zheng
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Gao
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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5
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Zhang S, Lin T, Xiong X, Chen C, Tan P, Wei Q. Targeting histone modifiers in bladder cancer therapy - preclinical and clinical evidence. Nat Rev Urol 2024; 21:495-511. [PMID: 38374198 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-024-00857-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Bladder cancer in the most advanced, muscle-invasive stage is lethal, and very limited therapeutic advances have been reported for decades. To date, cisplatin-based chemotherapy remains the first-line therapy for advanced bladder cancer. Late-line options have historically been limited. In the past few years, next-generation sequencing technology has enabled chromatin remodelling gene mutations to be characterized, showing that these alterations are more frequent in urothelial bladder carcinoma than in other cancer types. Histone modifiers have functional roles in tumour progression by modulating the expression of tumour suppressors and oncogenes and, therefore, have been considered as novel drug targets for cancer therapy. The roles of epigenetic reprogramming through histone modifications have been increasingly studied in bladder cancer, and the therapeutic efficacy of targeting those histone modifiers genetically or chemically is being assessed in preclinical studies. Results from preclinical studies in bladder cancer encouraged the investigation of some of these drugs in clinical trials, which yield mixed results. Further understanding of how alterations of histone modification mechanistically contribute to bladder cancer progression, drug resistance and tumour microenvironment remodelling will be required to facilitate clinical application of epigenetic drugs in bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Zhang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Tianhai Lin
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xingyu Xiong
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Chong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Ping Tan
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Qiang Wei
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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6
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Shi A, Lin C, Wang J, Chen Y, Zhong J, Lyu J. EPRIM: An approach of identifying cancer immune-related epigenetic regulators. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102100. [PMID: 38222302 PMCID: PMC10784696 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.102100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation contributes to the dysregulation of gene expression involved in cancer biology. Nevertheless, the roles of epigenetic regulators (ERs) in tumor immunity and immune response remain basically unclear. Here, we developed the epigenetic regulator in immunology (EPRIM) approach to identify immune-related ERs and comprehensively dissected the ER regulation in tumor immune response across 33 cancers. The identified immune-related ERs were related to immune infiltration and could stratify cancer patients into two risk groups in multiple independent datasets. These patient groups were characterized by distinct immune functions, immune infiltrates, driver gene mutations, and prognoses. Furthermore, we constructed an immune ER-based signature and highlighted its potential utility in predicting clinical benefit from immunotherapy and selecting therapeutic agents. Taken together, our identification and evaluation of immune-related ERs highlight the usefulness of EPRIM for the understanding of ERs in immune regulation and the clinical relevance in evaluation of cancer patient prognosis and response to immune checkpoint blockade therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiai Shi
- Joint Centre of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, People’s Republic of China
- Joint Centre of Translational Medicine, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325001, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Theoretical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chaohuan Lin
- Postgraduate Training Base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jilu Wang
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, People’s Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying’ao Chen
- Postgraduate Training Base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinjin Zhong
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325001, China
| | - Jie Lyu
- Joint Centre of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, People’s Republic of China
- Joint Centre of Translational Medicine, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325001, People’s Republic of China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325001, People’s Republic of China
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7
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Karati D, Mukherjee S, Roy S. Emerging therapeutic strategies in cancer therapy by HDAC inhibition as the chemotherapeutic potent and epigenetic regulator. Med Oncol 2024; 41:84. [PMID: 38438564 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02303-x] [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: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
In developing new cancer medications, attention has been focused on novel epigenetic medicines called histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. Our understanding of cancer behavior is being advanced by research on epigenetics, which also supplies new targets for improving the effectiveness of cancer therapy. Most recently published patents emphasize HDAC selective drugs and multitarget HDAC inhibitors. Though significant progress has been made in emerging HDAC selective antagonists, it is urgently necessary to find new HDAC blockers with novel zinc-binding analogues to avoid the undesirable pharmacological characteristics of hydroxamic acid. HDAC antagonists have lately been explored as a novel approach to treating various diseases, including cancer. The complicated terrain of HDAC inhibitor development is summarized in this article, starting with a discussion of the many HDAC isotypes and their involvement in cancer biology, followed by a discussion of the mechanisms of action of HDAC inhibitors, their current level of development, effect of miRNA, and their combination with immunotherapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipanjan Karati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Techno India University, Kolkata, 700091, India
| | - Swarupananda Mukherjee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata, 124 B.L. Saha Road, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India
| | - Souvik Roy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata, 124 B.L. Saha Road, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700053, India.
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8
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Wang F, Fu K, Wang Y, Pan C, Wang X, Liu Z, Yang C, Zheng Y, Li X, Lu Y, To KKW, Xia C, Zhang J, Shi Z, Hu Z, Huang M, Fu L. Small-molecule agents for cancer immunotherapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:905-952. [PMID: 38486980 PMCID: PMC10935485 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy, exemplified by the remarkable clinical benefits of the immune checkpoint blockade and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, is revolutionizing cancer therapy. They induce long-term tumor regression and overall survival benefit in many types of cancer. With the advances in our knowledge about the tumor immune microenvironment, remarkable progress has been made in the development of small-molecule drugs for immunotherapy. Small molecules targeting PRR-associated pathways, immune checkpoints, oncogenic signaling, metabolic pathways, cytokine/chemokine signaling, and immune-related kinases have been extensively investigated. Monotherapy of small-molecule immunotherapeutic drugs and their combinations with other antitumor modalities are under active clinical investigations to overcome immune tolerance and circumvent immune checkpoint inhibitor resistance. Here, we review the latest development of small-molecule agents for cancer immunotherapy by targeting defined pathways and highlighting their progress in recent clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Kai Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yujue Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Can Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xueping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Zeyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Chuan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Ying Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiaopeng Li
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yu Lu
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Kenneth Kin Wah To
- School of Pharmacy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Chenglai Xia
- Affiliated Foshan Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Jianye Zhang
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Zhi Shi
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zeping Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Min Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Liwu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
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9
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Mecca M, Picerno S, Cortellino S. The Killer's Web: Interconnection between Inflammation, Epigenetics and Nutrition in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2750. [PMID: 38473997 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052750] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is a key contributor to both the initiation and progression of tumors, and it can be triggered by genetic instability within tumors, as well as by lifestyle and dietary factors. The inflammatory response plays a critical role in the genetic and epigenetic reprogramming of tumor cells, as well as in the cells that comprise the tumor microenvironment. Cells in the microenvironment acquire a phenotype that promotes immune evasion, progression, and metastasis. We will review the mechanisms and pathways involved in the interaction between tumors, inflammation, and nutrition, the limitations of current therapies, and discuss potential future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisabel Mecca
- Laboratory of Preclinical and Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), 85028 Rionero in Vulture, PZ, Italy
| | - Simona Picerno
- Laboratory of Preclinical and Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), 85028 Rionero in Vulture, PZ, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cortellino
- Laboratory of Preclinical and Translational Research, Responsible Research Hospital, 86100 Campobasso, CB, Italy
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale (SSM), Clinical and Translational Oncology, 80138 Naples, NA, Italy
- S.H.R.O. Italia Foundation ETS, 10060 Candiolo, TO, Italy
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10
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Chew V, Chuang CH, Hsu C. Translational research on drug development and biomarker discovery for hepatocellular carcinoma. J Biomed Sci 2024; 31:22. [PMID: 38368324 PMCID: PMC10874078 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-024-01011-y] [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: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Translational research plays a key role in drug development and biomarker discovery for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, unique challenges exist in this field because of the limited availability of human tumor samples from surgery, the lack of homogenous oncogenic driver mutations, and the paucity of adequate experimental models. In this review, we provide insights into these challenges and review recent advancements, with a particular focus on the two main agents currently used as mainstream therapies for HCC: anti-angiogenic agents and immunotherapy. First, we examine the pre-clinical and clinical studies to highlight the challenges of determining the optimal therapeutic combinations with biologically effective dosage for HCC. Second, we discuss biomarker studies focusing on anti-PD1/anti-PD-L1-based combination therapy. Finally, we discuss the progress made in our collective understanding of tumor immunology and in multi-omics analysis technology, which enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying immunotherapy, characterize different patient subgroups, and facilitate the development of novel combination approaches to improve treatment efficacy. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive overview of efforts in translational research aiming at advancing our understanding of and improving the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Chew
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth-DukeNUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chien-Huai Chuang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chiun Hsu
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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11
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Falkowski L, Buddenkotte J, Datsi A. Epigenetics in T-cell driven inflammation and cancer. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 154:250-260. [PMID: 36641367 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
For decades, scientists have been investigating how processes such as gene expression, stem cell plasticity, and cell differentiation can be modulated. The discovery of epigenetics helped unravel these processes and enabled the identification of major underlying mechanisms that, for example, are central for T cell maturation. T cells go through various stages in their development evolving from progenitor cells into double positive CD4/CD8 T cells that finally leave the thymus as naïve T cells. One major mechanism driving T cell maturation is the modulation of gene activity by temporally sequenced transcription of spatially exposed gene loci. DNA methylation, demethylation, and acetylation are key processes that enable a sequenced gene expression required for T cell differentiation. In vivo, differentiated T cells are subjected to enormous pressures originating from the microenvironment. Signals from this environment, particularly from an inflammatory or a tumor microenvironment, can push T cells to differentiate into specific effector and memory T cells, and even prompt T cells to adopt a state of dysfunctional exhaustion, en route of an epigenetically controlled mechanism. Fundamentals of these processes will be discussed in this review highlighting potential therapeutic interventions, in particular those beneficial to revive exhausted T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Falkowski
- Institute for Transplantational Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Joerg Buddenkotte
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Angeliki Datsi
- Institute for Transplantational Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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12
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Ahmad O, Ahmad T, Pfister SM. IDH mutation, glioma immunogenicity, and therapeutic challenge of primary mismatch repair deficient IDH-mutant astrocytoma PMMRDIA: a systematic review. Mol Oncol 2024. [PMID: 38339779 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13598] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In 2021, Suwala et al. described Primary Mismatch Repair Deficient IDH-mutant Astrocytoma (PMMRDIA) as a distinct group of gliomas. In unsupervised clustering, PMMRDIA forms distinct cluster, separate from other IDH-mutant gliomas, including IDH-mutant gliomas with secondary mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency. In the published cohort, three patients received treatment with an immune checkpoint blocker (ICB), yet none exhibited a response, which aligns with existing knowledge about the decreased immunogenicity of IDH-mutant gliomas in comparison to IDH-wildtype. In the case of PMMRDIA, the inherent resistance to the standard-of-care temozolomide caused by MMR deficiency is an additional challenge. It is known that a gain-of-function mutation of IDH1/2 genes produces the oncometabolite R-2-hydroxyglutarate (R-2-HG), which increases DNA and histone methylation contributing to the characteristic glioma-associated CpG island methylator phenotype (G-CIMP). While other factors could be involved in remodeling the tumor microenvironment (TME) of IDH-mutant gliomas, this systematic review emphasizes the role of R-2-HG and the subsequent G-CIMP in immune suppression. This highlights a potential actionable pathway to enhance the response of ICB, which might be relevant for addressing the unmet therapeutic challenge of PMMRDIA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olfat Ahmad
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), Amman, Jordan
| | - Tahani Ahmad
- Department of Pediatric Neuroradiology, IWK Health Center, Halifax, Canada
- Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Stefan M Pfister
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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13
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Ahmed F, Samantasinghar A, Ali W, Choi KH. Network-based drug repurposing identifies small molecule drugs as immune checkpoint inhibitors for endometrial cancer. Mol Divers 2024:10.1007/s11030-023-10784-7. [PMID: 38227161 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10784-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is the 6th most common cancer in women around the world. Alone in the United States (US), 66,200 new cases and 13,030 deaths are expected to occur in 2023 which needs the rapid development of potential therapies against EC. Here, a network-based drug-repurposing strategy is developed which led to the identification of 16 FDA-approved drugs potentially repurposable for EC as potential immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). A network of EC-associated immune checkpoint proteins (ICPs)-induced protein interactions (P-ICP) was constructed. As a result of network analysis of P-ICP, top key target genes closely interacting with ICPs were shortlisted followed by network proximity analysis in drug-target interaction (DTI) network and pathway cross-examination which identified 115 distinct pathways of approved drugs as potential immune checkpoint inhibitors. The presented approach predicted 16 drugs to target EC-associated ICPs-induced pathways, three of which have already been used for EC and six of them possess immunomodulatory properties providing evidence of the validity of the strategy. Classification of the predicted pathways indicated that 15 drugs can be divided into two distinct pathway groups, containing 17 immune pathways and 98 metabolic pathways. In addition, drug-drug correlation analysis provided insight into finding useful drug combinations. This fair and verified analysis creates new opportunities for the quick repurposing of FDA-approved medications in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faheem Ahmed
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Anupama Samantasinghar
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Wajid Ali
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Hyun Choi
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Chen J, Liu J, Liu X, Wang J, Wang X, Ye X, Xie Q, Liang J, Li Y. Shikonin improves the effectiveness of PD-1 blockade in colorectal cancer by enhancing immunogenicity via Hsp70 upregulation. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:86. [PMID: 38183539 PMCID: PMC10771352 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-09056-2] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND PD-1 blockade has shown impressive clinical outcomes in colorectal cancers patients with high microsatellite instability (MSI-H). However, the majority of patients with colorectal cancer who present low microsatellite instability (MSI-L) or stable microsatellites (MSS) show little response to PD-1 blockade therapy. Here, we have demonstrated that Shikonin (SK) could induce cell death of CT26 cells via classically programmed and immunogenic pathways. METHODS AND RESULTS SK promoted the membrane exposure of calreticulin and upregulated the expression of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70). The upregulation of Hsp70 was dependent on ROS induced by SK and silencing of PKM2 in CT26 cells reverts ROS upregulation. Besides, SK synergizes with PD-1 blockade in CT26 tumor mice model, with the increase of intramural DC cells and CD8+ T cells. The expression of Hsp70 in tumor tissue was also increased in combinational SK plus αPD-1 therapy group. CONCLUSIONS Our study elucidated the potential role of 'Shikonin-PKM2-ROS-Hsp70' axis in the promotion of efficacy of PD-1 blockade in CRC treatments, providing a potential strategy and targets for improving the efficacy of PD-1 blockade in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghua Chen
- Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Department of Oncology, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaolin Liu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Department of Oncology, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Department of Oncology, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Xiumei Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Yuncheng Chenxin Hospital, Heze, China
| | - Xin Ye
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Department of Oncology, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Qi Xie
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Department of Oncology, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China.
| | - Jing Liang
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Department of Oncology, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China.
| | - Yan Li
- Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Department of Oncology, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China.
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15
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Sun L, Wan AH, Yan S, Liu R, Li J, Zhou Z, Wu R, Chen D, Bu X, Ou J, Li K, Lu X, Wan G, Ke Z. A multidimensional platform of patient-derived tumors identifies drug susceptibilities for clinical lenvatinib resistance. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:223-240. [PMID: 38261805 PMCID: PMC10793100 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Lenvatinib, a second-generation multi-receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved by the FDA for first-line treatment of advanced liver cancer, facing limitations due to drug resistance. Here, we applied a multidimensional, high-throughput screening platform comprising patient-derived resistant liver tumor cells (PDCs), organoids (PDOs), and xenografts (PDXs) to identify drug susceptibilities for conquering lenvatinib resistance in clinically relevant settings. Expansion and passaging of PDCs and PDOs from resistant patient liver tumors retained functional fidelity to lenvatinib treatment, expediting drug repurposing screens. Pharmacological screening identified romidepsin, YM155, apitolisib, NVP-TAE684 and dasatinib as potential antitumor agents in lenvatinib-resistant PDC and PDO models. Notably, romidepsin treatment enhanced antitumor response in syngeneic mouse models by triggering immunogenic tumor cell death and blocking the EGFR signaling pathway. A combination of romidepsin and immunotherapy achieved robust and synergistic antitumor effects against lenvatinib resistance in humanized immunocompetent PDX models. Collectively, our findings suggest that patient-derived liver cancer models effectively recapitulate lenvatinib resistance observed in clinical settings and expedite drug discovery for advanced liver cancer, providing a feasible multidimensional platform for personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Sun
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, National Engineering Research Center for New Drug and Druggability (Cultivation), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Arabella H. Wan
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Shijia Yan
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, National Engineering Research Center for New Drug and Druggability (Cultivation), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ruonian Liu
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, National Engineering Research Center for New Drug and Druggability (Cultivation), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jiarui Li
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, National Engineering Research Center for New Drug and Druggability (Cultivation), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhuolong Zhou
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Ruirui Wu
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, National Engineering Research Center for New Drug and Druggability (Cultivation), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Dongshi Chen
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Xianzhang Bu
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, National Engineering Research Center for New Drug and Druggability (Cultivation), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jingxing Ou
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, Third Affiliated Hospital, Organ Transplantation Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Organ Transplantation Research Center of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Transplantation Medicine, Guangzhou 510630, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Xiongbin Lu
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Guohui Wan
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, National Engineering Research Center for New Drug and Druggability (Cultivation), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zunfu Ke
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
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16
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Hao L, Li S, Deng J, Li N, Yu F, Jiang Z, Zhang J, Shi X, Hu X. The current status and future of PD-L1 in liver cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1323581. [PMID: 38155974 PMCID: PMC10754529 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1323581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The application of immunotherapy in tumor, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has played an important role in the treatment of advanced unresectable liver cancer. However, the efficacy of ICIs varies greatly among different patients, which has aroused people's attention to the regulatory mechanism of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) in the immune escape of liver cancer. PD-L1 is regulated by multiple levels and signaling pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), including gene variation, epigenetic inheritance, transcriptional regulation, post-transcriptional regulation, and post-translational modification. More studies have also found that the high expression of PD-L1 may be the main factor affecting the immunotherapy of liver cancer. However, what is the difference of PD-L1 expressed by different types of cells in the microenvironment of HCC, and which type of cells expressed PD-L1 determines the effect of tumor immunotherapy remains unclear. Therefore, clarifying the regulatory mechanism of PD-L1 in liver cancer can provide more basis for liver cancer immunotherapy and combined immune treatment strategy. In addition to its well-known role in immune regulation, PD-L1 also plays a role in regulating cancer cell proliferation and promoting drug resistance of tumor cells, which will be reviewed in this paper. In addition, we also summarized the natural products and drugs that regulated the expression of PD-L1 in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Hao
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shenghao Li
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shijiazhuang Fifth Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Jiali Deng
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Na Li
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fei Yu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhi Jiang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Junli Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinli Shi
- Center of Experimental Management, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Xiaoyu Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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17
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Han X, Sun Q, Xu M, Zhu G, Gao R, Ni B, Li J. Unraveling the Complexities of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Semin Liver Dis 2023; 43:383-401. [PMID: 37931901 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1776127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have emerged as effective therapeutics for multiple cancers. Nevertheless, as immunotherapeutic approaches are being extensively utilized, substantial hurdles have arisen for clinicians. These include countering ICIs resistance and ensuring precise efficacy assessments of these drugs, especially in the context of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This review attempts to offer a holistic overview of the latest insights into the ICIs resistance mechanisms in HCC, the molecular underpinnings, and immune response. The intent is to inspire the development of efficacious combination strategies. This review also examines the unconventional response patterns, namely pseudoprogression (PsP) and hyperprogression (HPD). The prompt and rigorous evaluation of these treatment efficacies has emerged as a crucial imperative. Multiple clinical, radiological, and biomarker tests have been advanced to meticulously assess tumor response. Despite progress, precise mechanisms of action and predictive biomarkers remain elusive. This necessitates further investigation through prospective cohort studies in the impending future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinpu Han
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianhui Sun
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Manman Xu
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanghui Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruike Gao
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Baoyi Ni
- Department of Oncology, First Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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18
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Chai JW, Hu XW, Zhang MM, Dong YN. Seven chromatin regulators as immune cell infiltration characteristics, potential diagnostic biomarkers and drugs prediction in hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18643. [PMID: 37903974 PMCID: PMC10616163 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46107-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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment is challenging due to the heterogeneity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Chromatin regulators (CRs) are important in epigenetics and are closely associated with HCC. We obtained HCC-related expression data and relevant clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. Then, we crossed the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), immune-related genes and CRs to obtain immune-related chromatin regulators differentially expressed genes (IRCR DEGs). Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis was performed to select the prognostic gene and construct a risk model for predicting prognosis in HCC, followed by a correlation analysis of risk scores with clinical characteristics. Finally, we also carried out immune microenvironment analysis and drug sensitivity analysis, the correlation between risk score and clinical characteristics was analyzed. In addition, we carried out immune microenvironment analysis and drug sensitivity analysis. Functional analysis suggested that IRCR DEGs was mainly enriched in chromatin-related biological processes. We identified and validated PPARGC1A, DUSP1, APOBEC3A, AIRE, HDAC11, HMGB2 and APOBEC3B as prognostic biomarkers for the risk model construction. The model was also related to immune cell infiltration, and the expression of CD48, CTLA4, HHLA2, TNFSF9 and TNFSF15 was higher in high-risk group. HCC patients in the high-risk group were more sensitive to Axitinib, Docetaxel, Erlotinib, and Metformin. In this study, we construct a prognostic model of immune-associated chromatin regulators, which provides new ideas and research directions for the accurate treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Wen Chai
- Department of Oncology, Laizhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Laizhou, Shandong, China
| | - Xi-Wen Hu
- The First Clinical Medical School, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Miao-Miao Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Laizhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Laizhou, Shandong, China
| | - Yu-Na Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Laizhou People's Hospital, No.1718 Wuli Street, Laizhou, Shandong, China.
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19
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Zhao B, Lv Y. A biomechanical view of epigenetic tumor regulation. J Biol Phys 2023; 49:283-307. [PMID: 37004697 PMCID: PMC10397176 DOI: 10.1007/s10867-023-09633-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The occurrence and development of tumors depend on a complex regulation by not only biochemical cues, but also biomechanical factors in tumor microenvironment. With the development of epigenetic theory, the regulation of biomechanical stimulation on tumor progress genetically is not enough to fully illustrate the mechanism of tumorigenesis. However, biomechanical regulation on tumor progress epigenetically is still in its infancy. Therefore, it is particularly important to integrate the existing relevant researches and develop the potential exploration. This work sorted out the existing researches on the regulation of tumor by biomechanical factors through epigenetic means, which contains summarizing the tumor epigenetic regulatory mode by biomechanical factors, exhibiting the influence of epigenetic regulation under mechanical stimulation, illustrating its existing applications, and prospecting the potential. This review aims to display the relevant knowledge through integrating the existing studies on epigenetic regulation in tumorigenesis under mechanical stimulation so as to provide theoretical basis and new ideas for potential follow-up research and clinical applications. Mechanical factors under physiological conditions stimulate the tumor progress through epigenetic ways, and new strategies are expected to be found with the development of epidrugs and related delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyuan Zhao
- Mechanobiology and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, People's Republic of China
| | - Yonggang Lv
- State Key Laboratory of New Textile Materials and Advanced Processing Technologies, Wuhan Textile University, No. 1 Sunshine Avenue, Jiangxia District, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430200, People's Republic of China.
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20
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El Omari N, Bakrim S, Khalid A, Albratty M, Abdalla AN, Lee LH, Goh KW, Ming LC, Bouyahya A. Anticancer clinical efficiency and stochastic mechanisms of belinostat. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115212. [PMID: 37541175 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115212] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer progression is strongly affected by epigenetic events in addition to genetic modifications. One of the key elements in the epigenetic control of gene expression is histone modification through acetylation, which is regulated by the synergy between histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs). HDACs are thought to offer considerable potential for the development of anticancer medications, particularly when used in conjunction with other anticancer medications and/or radiotherapy. Belinostat (Beleodaq, PXD101) is a pan-HDAC unsaturated hydroxamate inhibitor with a sulfonamide group that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of refractory or relapsed peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) and solid malignancies or and other hematological tissues. This drug modifies histones and epigenetic pathways. Because HDAC and HAT imbalance can lead to downregulation of regulatory genes, resulting in tumorigenesis. Inhibition of HDACs by belinostat indirectly promotes anti-cancer therapeutic effect by provoking acetylated histone accumulation, re-establishing normal gene expressions in cancer cells and stimulating other routes such as the immune response, p27 signaling cascades, caspase 3 activation, nuclear protein poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) degradation, cyclin A (G2/M phase), cyclin E1 (G1/S phase) and other events. In addition, belinostat has already been discovered to increase p21WAF1 in a number of cell lines (melanoma, prostate, breast, lung, colon, and ovary). This cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor actually has a role in processes that cause cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Belinostat's clinical effectiveness, comprising Phase I and II studies within the areas of solid and hematological cancers, has been evidenced through several investigative trials that have supported its potential to be a valuable anti-cancer drug. The purpose of this research was to provide insight on the specific molecular processes through which belinostat inhibits HDAC. The ability to investigate new therapeutic options employing targeted therapy and acquire a deeper understanding of cancer cell abnormalities may result from a better understanding of these particular routes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasreddine El Omari
- Laboratory of Histology, Embryology, and Cytogenetic, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat 10100, Morocco; Laboratory of Human Pathologies Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat 10106, Morocco.
| | - Saad Bakrim
- Geo-Bio-Environment Engineering and Innovation Laboratory, Molecular Engineering, Biotechnology and Innovation Team, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Taroudant, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir 80000, Morocco; Laboratory of Human Pathologies Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat 10106, Morocco.
| | - Asaad Khalid
- Substance Abuse and Toxicology Research Center, Jazan University, P.O. Box: 114, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia; Laboratory of Human Pathologies Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat 10106, Morocco.
| | - Mohammed Albratty
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, P.O. Box 114, 45142, Jazan, Saudi Arabia; Laboratory of Human Pathologies Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat 10106, Morocco.
| | - Ashraf N Abdalla
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia; Laboratory of Human Pathologies Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat 10106, Morocco.
| | - Learn-Han Lee
- Sunway Microbiomics Centre, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Sunway City 47500, Malaysia; Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Malaysia.
| | - Khang Wen Goh
- Faculty of Data Science and Information Technology, INTI International University, Nilai, Malaysia.
| | - Long Chiau Ming
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Sunway City 47500, Malaysia.
| | - Abdelhakim Bouyahya
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Sunway City 47500, Malaysia; Laboratory of Human Pathologies Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat 10106, Morocco.
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21
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Wróblewska A, Woziwodzka A, Rybicka M, Bielawski KP, Sikorska K. Polymorphisms Related to Iron Homeostasis Associate with Liver Disease in Chronic Hepatitis C. Viruses 2023; 15:1710. [PMID: 37632052 PMCID: PMC10457817 DOI: 10.3390/v15081710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of iron metabolism in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is a significant risk factor for hepatic cirrhosis and cancer. We studied if known genetic variants related to iron homeostasis associate with liver disease progression in CHC. Retrospective analysis included 249 CHC patients qualified for antiviral therapy between 2004 and 2014. For all patients, nine SNPs within HFE, TFR2, HDAC2, HDAC3, HDAC5, TMPRSS6, and CYBRD1 genes were genotyped. Expression of selected iron-related genes, was determined with qRT-PCR in 124 liver biopsies, and mRNA expression of co-inhibitory receptors (PD-1, Tim3, CTLA4) was measured in 79 liver samples. CYBRD1 rs884409, HDAC5 rs368328, TFR2 rs7385804, and TMPRSS6 rs855791 associated with histopathological changes in liver tissue at baseline. The combination of minor allele in HDAC3 rs976552 and CYBRD1 rs884409 linked with higher prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) during follow up (OR 8.1 CI 2.2-29.2; p = 0.001). Minor allele in HDAC3 rs976552 associated with lower hepatic expression of CTLA4. Tested polymorphisms related to iron homeostasis associate with histopathological changes in the liver. The presence of both HDAC3 rs976552 G and CYBRD1 rs884409 G alleles correlates with HCC occurrence, especially in the group of patients with elevated AST (>129 IU/L). rs976552 in HDAC3 could impact immunological processes associated with carcinogenesis in CHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wróblewska
- Laboratory of Photobiology and Molecular Diagnostics, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, 80-307 Gdansk, Poland; (A.W.); (A.W.); (M.R.); (K.P.B.)
| | - Anna Woziwodzka
- Laboratory of Photobiology and Molecular Diagnostics, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, 80-307 Gdansk, Poland; (A.W.); (A.W.); (M.R.); (K.P.B.)
| | - Magda Rybicka
- Laboratory of Photobiology and Molecular Diagnostics, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, 80-307 Gdansk, Poland; (A.W.); (A.W.); (M.R.); (K.P.B.)
| | - Krzysztof P. Bielawski
- Laboratory of Photobiology and Molecular Diagnostics, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, 80-307 Gdansk, Poland; (A.W.); (A.W.); (M.R.); (K.P.B.)
| | - Katarzyna Sikorska
- Division of Tropical Medicine and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 81-519 Gdynia, Poland
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22
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Farani MR, Sarlak M, Gholami A, Azaraian M, Binabaj MM, Kakavandi S, Tambuwala MM, Taheriazam A, Hashemi M, Ghasemi S. Epigenetic drugs as new emerging therapeutics: What is the scale's orientation of application and challenges? Pathol Res Pract 2023; 248:154688. [PMID: 37494800 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene expression or function without altering the DNA sequence. Important factors are part of epigenetic events, such as methylation, DNA histone rearrangements, nucleosome transposition, and non-coding RNAs. Dysregulated epigenetic mechanics are associated with various cancers' initiation, development, and metastasis. It is known that the occurrence and development of cancer can be controlled by regulating unexpected epigenetic events. Epi-drugs are used singly or in combination with chemotherapy and enhance antitumor activity, reduce drug resistance, and stimulate the host immune response. Despite these benefits, epigenetic therapy as a single therapy or in combination with other drugs leads to adverse effects. This review article introduces and compares the advantages, disadvantages, and side effects of using these drugs for the first time since their introduction. Also, this article describes the mechanism of action of various epigenetic drugs. Recommendations for future use of epigenetic drugs as cancer therapeutics are suggested as an overall conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Ramezani Farani
- Toxicology and Diseases Group (TDG), Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 1417614411 Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Sarlak
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Amir Gholami
- Student Research Committee, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Maryam Azaraian
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin 10117, Germany; Department of Bioanalytical Ecotoxicology, UFZ - Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Maryam Moradi Binabaj
- Clinical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, School of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Science, Sabzevar, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Sareh Kakavandi
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Murtaza M Tambuwala
- Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, 0United Kingdom
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mehrdad Hashemi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Sorayya Ghasemi
- Cancer Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
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23
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Jin ML, Jeong KW. Histone modifications in drug-resistant cancers: From a cancer stem cell and immune evasion perspective. Exp Mol Med 2023:10.1038/s12276-023-01014-z. [PMID: 37394580 PMCID: PMC10394043 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01014-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The development and immune evasion of cancer stem cells (CSCs) limit the efficacy of currently available anticancer therapies. Recent studies have shown that epigenetic reprogramming regulates the expression of characteristic marker proteins and tumor plasticity associated with cancer cell survival and metastasis in CSCs. CSCs also possess unique mechanisms to evade external attacks by immune cells. Hence, the development of new strategies to restore dysregulated histone modifications to overcome cancer resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy has recently attracted attention. Restoring abnormal histone modifications can be an effective anticancer strategy to increase the therapeutic effect of conventional chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic drugs by weakening CSCs or by rendering them in a naïve state with increased sensitivity to immune responses. In this review, we summarize recent findings regarding the role of histone modifiers in the development of drug-resistant cancer cells from the perspectives of CSCs and immune evasion. In addition, we discuss attempts to combine currently available histone modification inhibitors with conventional chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Li Jin
- Gachon Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, 191 Hambakmoero, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 21936, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Won Jeong
- Gachon Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, 191 Hambakmoero, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, 21936, Republic of Korea.
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24
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Shen C, Li M, Duan Y, Jiang X, Hou X, Xue F, Zhang Y, Luo Y. HDAC inhibitors enhance the anti-tumor effect of immunotherapies in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1170207. [PMID: 37304265 PMCID: PMC10250615 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1170207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common liver malignancy with a poor prognosis and increasing incidence, remains a serious health problem worldwide. Immunotherapy has been described as one of the ideal ways to treat HCC and is transforming patient management. However, the occurrence of immunotherapy resistance still prevents some patients from benefiting from current immunotherapies. Recent studies have shown that histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) can enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy in a variety of tumors, including HCC. In this review, we present current knowledge and recent advances in immunotherapy-based and HDACi-based therapies for HCC. We highlight the fundamental dynamics of synergies between immunotherapies and HDACis, further detailing current efforts to translate this knowledge into clinical benefits. In addition, we explored the possibility of nano-based drug delivery system (NDDS) as a novel strategy to enhance HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Shen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Equipment Innovation Research Center/Medical Device Regulatory Research and Evaluation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mei Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Equipment Innovation Research Center/Medical Device Regulatory Research and Evaluation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yujuan Duan
- School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Equipment Innovation Research Center/Medical Device Regulatory Research and Evaluation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoming Hou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Equipment Innovation Research Center/Medical Device Regulatory Research and Evaluation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fulai Xue
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Equipment Innovation Research Center/Medical Device Regulatory Research and Evaluation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yinan Zhang
- School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Luo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Equipment Innovation Research Center/Medical Device Regulatory Research and Evaluation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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25
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Moran B, Davern M, Reynolds JV, Donlon NE, Lysaght J. The impact of histone deacetylase inhibitors on immune cells and implications for cancer therapy. Cancer Lett 2023; 559:216121. [PMID: 36893893 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Many cancers possess the ability to suppress the immune response to malignant cells, thus facilitating tumour growth and invasion, and this has fuelled research to reverse these mechanisms and re-activate the immune system with consequent important therapeutic benefit. One such approach is to use histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), a novel class of targeted therapies, which manipulate the immune response to cancer through epigenetic modification. Four HDACi have recently been approved for clinical use in malignancies including multiple myeloma and T-cell lymphoma. Most research in this context has focussed on HDACi and tumour cells, however, little is known about their impact on the cells of the immune system. Additionally, HDACi have been shown to impact the mechanisms by which other anti-cancer therapies exert their effects by, for example, increasing accessibility to exposed DNA through chromatin relaxation, impairing DNA damage repair pathways and increasing immune checkpoint receptor expression. This review details the effects of HDACi on immune cells, highlights the variability in these effects depending on experimental design, and provides an overview of clinical trials investigating the combination of HDACi with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and multimodal regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Moran
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland; Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Maria Davern
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Noel E Donlon
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Joanne Lysaght
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
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26
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Akce M, El-Rayes BF, Wajapeyee N. Combinatorial targeting of immune checkpoints and epigenetic regulators for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy. Oncogene 2023; 42:1051-1057. [PMID: 36854723 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02646-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The five-year survival rate of patients with unresectable HCC is about 12%. The liver tumor microenvironment (TME) is immune tolerant and heavily infiltrated with immunosuppressive cells. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), in some cases, can reverse tumor cell immune evasion and enhance antitumor immunity. Rapidly evolving ICIs have expanded systemic treatment options in advanced HCC; however, single-agent ICIs achieve a limited 15-20% objective response rate in advanced HCC. Therefore, other combinatorial approaches that amplify the efficacy of ICIs or suppress other tumor-promoting pathways may enhance clinical outcomes. Epigenetic alterations (e.g., changes in chromatin states and non-genetic DNA modifications) have been shown to drive HCC tumor growth and progression as well as their response to ICIs. Recent studies have combined ICIs and epigenetic inhibitors in preclinical and clinical settings to contain several cancers, including HCC. In this review, we outline current ICI treatments for HCC, the mechanism behind their successes and failures, and how ICIs can be combined with distinct epigenetic inhibitors to increase the durability of ICIs and potentially treat "immune-cold" HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Akce
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center of University of Alabama at Birmingham, Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.
| | - Bassel F El-Rayes
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center of University of Alabama at Birmingham, Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Narendra Wajapeyee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center of University of Alabama at Birmingham, Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.
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27
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Hydroxymethylation and Epigenetic Drugs: New Insights into the Diagnosis and Treatment in Epigenetics of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2023; 2023:5449443. [PMID: 36816356 PMCID: PMC9934982 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5449443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly lethal and heterogeneous malignancy with multiple genetic alternations and complex signaling pathways. The complexity and multifactorial nature of HCC pose a tremendous challenge regarding its diagnosis and treatment. Emerging evidence has indicated an important regulatory role of epigenetic modifications in HCC initiation and progression. Epigenetic modifications are stably heritable gene expression traits caused by changing the accessibility of chromatin structure and genetic activity without alteration in the DNA sequence and have been gradually recognized as a hallmark of cancer. In addition, accumulating data suggest a potential value of altered hydroxymethylation in epigenetic modifications and therapeutics targeting the epigenetically mediated regulation. As such, probing the epigenetic field in the era of precision oncology is a valid avenue for promoting the accuracy of early diagnosis and improving the oncological prognosis of HCC patients. This review focuses on the diagnostic performance and clinical utility of 5-hydroxymethylated cytosine, the primary intermediate product of the demethylation process, for early HCC diagnosis and discusses the promising applications of epigenetic-based therapeutic regimens for HCC.
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28
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Tao S, Liang S, Zeng T, Yin D. Epigenetic modification-related mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma resistance to immune checkpoint inhibition. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1043667. [PMID: 36685594 PMCID: PMC9845774 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1043667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) constitutes most primary liver cancers and is one of the most lethal and life-threatening malignancies globally. Unfortunately, a substantial proportion of HCC patients are identified at an advanced stage that is unavailable for curative surgery. Thus, palliative therapies represented by multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) sorafenib remained the front-line treatment over the past decades. Recently, the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), especially targeting the PD-1/PD-L1/CTLA-4 axis, has achieved an inspiring clinical breakthrough for treating unresectable solid tumors. However, many HCC patients with poor responses lead to limited benefits in clinical applications, which has quickly drawn researchers' attention to the regulatory mechanisms of immune checkpoints in HCC immune evasion. Evasion of immune surveillance by cancer is attributed to intricate reprogramming modulation in the tumor microenvironment. Currently, more and more studies have found that epigenetic modifications, such as chromatin structure remodeling, DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, and non-coding RNA levels, may contribute significantly to remodeling the tumor microenvironment to avoid immune clearance, affecting the efficacy of immunotherapy for HCC. This review summarizes the rapidly emerging progress of epigenetic-related changes during HCC resistance to ICIs and discusses the mechanisms of underlying epigenetic therapies available for surmounting immune resistance. Finally, we summarize the clinical advances in combining epigenetic therapies with immunotherapy, aiming to promote the formation of immune combination therapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengwei Tao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shuhang Liang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Taofei Zeng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Dalong Yin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
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29
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Wen T, Sun G, Jiang W, He X, Shi Y, Ma F, Liu P. Histone deacetylases inhibitor chidamide synergizes with humanized PD1 antibody to enhance T-cell chemokine expression and augment Ifn-γ response in NK-T cell lymphoma. EBioMedicine 2022; 87:104420. [PMID: 36592514 PMCID: PMC9823149 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whether immunotherapy combined with different histone deacetylases (HDAC) inhibitors in refractory or relapsed natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) is superior to each agent is still lacking in head-to-head clinical trials or preclinical evidence. METHODS NKTCL cell line xenograft models (CDX) in immunocompetent, human programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) knock-in genetically engineered mice were used to investigate the combination effects. Different types and dosages of HDAC inhibitors were investigated. We explored the underlying mechanisms by RNA-sequencing and ChIP-sequencing. Two clinical cases treated with anti-PD1/chidamide were presented. FINDINGS Anti-PD1/chidamide shows significant tumour rejection in two CDX models. RNA-seq and CHIP-seq revealed that chidamide is synergistic to enhance T-cell chemokine expression, augment the Ifn-γ response, and increase CD8 T-cell infiltration via histone modification. Ifn-γ neutralizing antibody can attenuate the efficacy of combination drugs. However, the anti-PD1/romidepsin failed to augment the Ifn-γ response. The expressions of Ifn-γ related gene set signatures are significantly correlated with tumour rejection in anti-PD1/chidamide. In the clinic, two NKTCL patients treated with the PD1/chidamide show promising efficacy and limited toxicity. INTERPRETATION Anti-PD1/chidamide enhances T-cell chemokine expression and augments the IFN-γ response in preclinical NKTCL immunocompetent models. IFN-γ signatures may be good response biomarkers for the selection of potentially benefit patients. FUNDING This study was supported by the Chinese National Major Project for New Drug Innovation (2017ZX09304015) and the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology Research Fund (Y-BMS2019-026).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingyu Wen
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Guangyi Sun
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Wenxin Jiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xiaohui He
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yuankai Shi
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Fei Ma
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
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Farhangnia P, Akbarpour M, Yazdanifar M, Aref AR, Delbandi AA, Rezaei N. Advances in therapeutic targeting of immune checkpoints receptors within the CD96-TIGIT axis: clinical implications and future perspectives. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2022; 18:1217-1237. [PMID: 36154551 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2022.2128107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The development of therapeutic antibodies targeting immune checkpoint molecules (ICMs) that induce long-term remissions in cancer patients has revolutionized cancer immunotherapy. However, a major drawback is that relapse after an initial response may be attributed to innate and acquired resistance. Additionally, these treatments are not beneficial to all patients. Therefore, the discovery and targeting of novel ICMs and their combination with other immunotherapeutics are urgently needed. AREAS COVERED There has been increasing evidence of the CD96-TIGIT axis as ICMs in cancer immunotherapy in the last five years. This review will highlight and discuss the current knowledge about the role of CD96 and TIGIT in hematological and solid tumor immunotherapy in the context of empirical studies and clinical trials, and provide a comprehensive list of ongoing cancer clinical trials on the blockade of these ICMs, as well as the rationale behind combinational therapies with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents, chemotherapy drugs, and radiotherapy. Moreover, we share our perspectives on anti-CD96/TIGIT-related combination therapies. EXPERT OPINION CD96-TIGIT axis regulates anti-tumor immune responses. Thus, the receptors within this axis are the potential candidates for cancer immunotherapy. Combining the inhibition of CD96-TIGIT with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 mAbs and chemotherapy drugs has shown relatively effective results in the context of preclinical studies and tumor models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooya Farhangnia
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Immunology Board for Transplantation and Cell-Based Therapeutics (ImmunoTACT), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahzad Akbarpour
- Immunology Board for Transplantation and Cell-Based Therapeutics (ImmunoTACT), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Advanced Cellular Therapeutics Facility (ACTF), Hematopoietic Cellular Therapy Program, Section of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mahboubeh Yazdanifar
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ali-Akbar Delbandi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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31
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Yang C, Zhang H, Zhang L, Zhu AX, Bernards R, Qin W, Wang C. Evolving therapeutic landscape of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 20:203-222. [PMID: 36369487 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-022-00704-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 96.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common solid malignancies worldwide. A large proportion of patients with HCC are diagnosed at advanced stages and are only amenable to systemic therapies. We have witnessed the evolution of systemic therapies from single-agent targeted therapy (sorafenib and lenvatinib) to the combination of a checkpoint inhibitor plus targeted therapy (atezolizumab plus bevacizumab therapy). Despite remarkable advances, only a small subset of patients can obtain durable clinical benefit, and therefore substantial therapeutic challenges remain. In the past few years, emerging systemic therapies, including new molecular-targeted monotherapies (for example, donafenib), new immuno-oncology monotherapies (for example, durvalumab) and new combination therapies (for example, durvalumab plus tremelimumab), have shown encouraging results in clinical trials. In addition, many novel therapeutic approaches with the potential to offer improved treatment effects in patients with advanced HCC, such as sequential combination targeted therapy and next-generation adoptive cell therapy, have also been proposed and developed. In this Review, we summarize the latest clinical advances in the treatment of advanced HCC and discuss future perspectives that might inform the development of more effective therapeutics for advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hailin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Linmeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Andrew X Zhu
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA. .,Jiahui International Cancer Center, Jiahui Health, Shanghai, China.
| | - René Bernards
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China. .,Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Wenxin Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Cun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Qiu Y, Ke S, Chen J, Qin Z, Zhang W, Yuan Y, Meng D, Zhao G, Wu K, Li B, Li D. FOXP3+ regulatory T cells and the immune escape in solid tumours. Front Immunol 2022; 13:982986. [PMID: 36569832 PMCID: PMC9774953 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.982986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
FOXP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells play critical roles in establishing the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment, which is achieved and dynamically maintained with the contribution of various stromal and immune cell subsets. However, the dynamics of non-lymphoid FOXP3+ Treg cells and the mutual regulation of Treg cells and other cell types in solid tumour microenvironment remains largely unclear. In this review, we summarize the latest findings on the dynamic connections and reciprocal regulations of non-lymphoid Treg cell subsets in accordance with well-established and new emerging hallmarks of cancer, especially on the immune escape of tumour cells in solid tumours. Our comprehension of the interplay between FOXP3+ Treg cells and key hallmarks of cancer may provide new insights into the development of next-generation engineered T cell-based immune treatments for solid tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Qiu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Center for Immune-Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shouyu Ke
- Center for Immune-Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jieqiong Chen
- Center for Immune-Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhizhen Qin
- Center for Immune-Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenle Zhang
- Center for Immune-Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaqin Yuan
- Center for Immune-Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dehua Meng
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Gang Zhao
- Center for Immune-Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kejin Wu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Li
- Center for Immune-Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Arthritis Research, Guanghua Integrative Medicine Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Integrated TCM & Western Medicine at Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Li
- Center for Immune-Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Repáraz D, Ruiz M, Silva L, Aparicio B, Egea J, Guruceaga E, Ajona D, Senent Y, Conde E, Navarro F, Barace S, Alignani D, Hervás-Stubbs S, Lasarte JJ, Llopiz D, Sarobe P. Gemcitabine-mediated depletion of immunosuppressive dendritic cells enhances the efficacy of therapeutic vaccination. Front Immunol 2022; 13:991311. [PMID: 36300124 PMCID: PMC9589451 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.991311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccination using optimized strategies may increase response rates to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in some tumors. To enhance vaccine potency and improve thus responses to ICI, we analyzed the gene expression profile of an immunosuppressive dendritic cell (DC) population induced during vaccination, with the goal of identifying druggable inhibitory mechanisms. RNAseq studies revealed targetable genes, but their inhibition did not result in improved vaccines. However, we proved that immunosuppressive DC had a monocytic origin. Thus, monocyte depletion by gemcitabine administration reduced the generation of these DC and increased vaccine-induced immunity, which rejected about 20% of LLC-OVA and B16-OVA tumors, which are non-responders to anti-PD-1. This improved efficacy was associated with higher tumor T-cell infiltration and overexpression of PD-1/PD-L1. Therefore, the combination of vaccine + gemcitabine with anti-PD-1 was superior to anti-PD-1 monotherapy in both models. B16-OVA tumors benefited from a synergistic effect, reaching 75% of tumor rejection, but higher levels of exhausted T-cells in LLC-OVA tumors co-expressing PD-1, LAG3 and TIM3 precluded similar levels of efficacy. Our results indicate that gemcitabine is a suitable combination therapy with vaccines aimed at enhancing PD-1 therapies by targeting vaccine-induced immunosuppressive DC.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Repáraz
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Marta Ruiz
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Leyre Silva
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Belén Aparicio
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Josune Egea
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Elizabeth Guruceaga
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Daniel Ajona
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Sciences, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Yaiza Senent
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Sciences, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Enrique Conde
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Flor Navarro
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sergio Barace
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Diego Alignani
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sandra Hervás-Stubbs
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Juan José Lasarte
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Diana Llopiz
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Pablo Sarobe
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Pamplona, Spain
- *Correspondence: Pablo Sarobe,
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Alseksek RK, Ramadan WS, Saleh E, El-Awady R. The Role of HDACs in the Response of Cancer Cells to Cellular Stress and the Potential for Therapeutic Intervention. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8141. [PMID: 35897717 PMCID: PMC9331760 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Throughout the process of carcinogenesis, cancer cells develop intricate networks to adapt to a variety of stressful conditions including DNA damage, nutrient deprivation, and hypoxia. These molecular networks encounter genomic instability and mutations coupled with changes in the gene expression programs due to genetic and epigenetic alterations. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are important modulators of the epigenetic constitution of cancer cells. It has become increasingly known that HDACs have the capacity to regulate various cellular systems through the deacetylation of histone and bounteous nonhistone proteins that are rooted in complex pathways in cancer cells to evade death pathways and immune surveillance. Elucidation of the signaling pathways involved in the adaptive responses to cellular stress and the role of HDACs may lead to the development of novel therapeutic agents. In this article, we overview the dominant stress types including metabolic, oxidative, genotoxic, and proteotoxic stress imposed on cancer cells in the context of HDACs, which guide stress adaptation responses. Next, we expose a closer view on the therapeutic interventions and clinical trials that involve HDACs inhibitors, in addition to highlighting the impact of using HDAC inhibitors in combination with stress-inducing agents for the management of cancer and to overcome the resistance to current cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahma K. Alseksek
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates;
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Wafaa S. Ramadan
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ekram Saleh
- Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, Cancer Biology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo 12613, Egypt;
| | - Raafat El-Awady
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates;
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
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Dobosz P, Stempor PA, Ramírez Moreno M, Bulgakova NA. Transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of checkpoint genes on the tumour side of the immunological synapse. Heredity (Edinb) 2022; 129:64-74. [PMID: 35459932 PMCID: PMC9273643 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-022-00533-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a disease of the genome, therefore, its development has a clear Mendelian component, demonstrated by well-studied genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 in breast cancer risk. However, it is known that a single genetic variant is not enough for cancer to develop leading to the theory of multistage carcinogenesis. In many cases, it is a sequence of events, acquired somatic mutations, or simply polygenic components with strong epigenetic effects, such as in the case of brain tumours. The expression of many genes is the product of the complex interplay between several factors, including the organism's genotype (in most cases Mendelian-inherited), genetic instability, epigenetic factors (non-Mendelian-inherited) as well as the immune response of the host, to name just a few. In recent years the importance of the immune system has been elevated, especially in the light of the immune checkpoint genes discovery and the subsequent development of their inhibitors. As the expression of these genes normally suppresses self-immunoreactivity, their expression by tumour cells prevents the elimination of the tumour by the immune system. These discoveries led to the rapid growth of the field of immuno-oncology that offers new possibilities of long-lasting and effective treatment options. Here we discuss the recent advances in the understanding of the key mechanisms controlling the expression of immune checkpoint genes in tumour cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Dobosz
- Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Interior Affairs and Administration in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Miguel Ramírez Moreno
- School of Biosciences and Bateson Centre, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Natalia A Bulgakova
- School of Biosciences and Bateson Centre, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
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Chen C, Liu Z, Liu J, Zhang W, Zhou D, Zhang Y. Case Report: Outcome and Adverse Events of Anti-PD-1 Antibody Plus Chidamide for Relapsed/Refractory Sézary Syndrome: Case Series and A Literature Review. Front Oncol 2022; 12:842123. [PMID: 35387123 PMCID: PMC8977601 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.842123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sézary syndrome (SS) is an aggressive leukemic variant of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma with a poor prognosis and survival rate. Existing therapies for relapsed/refractory (R/R) SS have a low response rate with a short duration time. Herein, we presented three cases of R/R SS treated with the anti-PD-1 antibody and chidamide. Case 1 and case 2 showed the potential efficacy of this combination therapy with a long duration time. Case 2 and case 3 both showed that the patients developed acute and transient worsening of erythroderma and pruritus after anti-PD-1 antibody infusion, and this flare reaction was associated with transient decreased leukocytes and lymphocytes in peripheral blood. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the anti-PD-1 antibody combined with chidamide for treatment of R/R SS. This report suggests that the combination therapy may be a new and effective treatment and that further clinical trials are needed to prove it and elucidate the mechanism of this combination therapy and its flare reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Chen
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaorui Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Daobin Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
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Braghini MR, Lo Re O, Romito I, Fernandez-Barrena MG, Barbaro B, Pomella S, Rota R, Vinciguerra M, Avila MA, Alisi A. Epigenetic remodelling in human hepatocellular carcinoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:107. [PMID: 35331312 PMCID: PMC8943959 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02297-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary liver cancer, being the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death. As other heterogeneous solid tumours, HCC results from a unique synergistic combination of genetic alterations mixed with epigenetic modifications.In HCC the patterns and frequencies of somatic variations change depending on the nearby chromatin. On the other hand, epigenetic alterations often induce genomic instability prone to mutations. Epigenetics refers to heritable states of gene expression without alteration to the DNA sequence itself and, unlike genetic changes, the epigenetic modifications are reversible and affect gene expression more extensively than genetic changes. Thus, studies of epigenetic regulation and the involved molecular machinery are greatly contributing to the understanding of the mechanisms that underline HCC onset and heterogeneity. Moreover, this knowledge may help to identify biomarkers for HCC diagnosis and prognosis, as well as future new targets for more efficacious therapeutic approaches.In this comprehensive review we will discuss the state-of-the-art knowledge about the epigenetic landscape in hepatocarcinogenesis, including evidence on the diagnostic and prognostic role of non-coding RNAs, modifications occurring at the chromatin level, and their role in the era of precision medicine.Apart from other better-known risk factors that predispose to the development of HCC, characterization of the epigenetic remodelling that occurs during hepatocarcinogenesis could open the way to the identification of personalized biomarkers. It may also enable a more accurate diagnosis and stratification of patients, and the discovery of new targets for more efficient therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rita Braghini
- Unit of Molecular Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Viale S. Paolo, 15, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Oriana Lo Re
- Department of Translational Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute of the Medical University of Varna, Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Ilaria Romito
- Unit of Molecular Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Viale S. Paolo, 15, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Maite G Fernandez-Barrena
- Hepatology Program, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Barbara Barbaro
- Unit of Molecular Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Viale S. Paolo, 15, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Pomella
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Rota
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Manlio Vinciguerra
- Department of Translational Stem Cell Biology, Research Institute of the Medical University of Varna, Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Matias A Avila
- Hepatology Program, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Alisi
- Unit of Molecular Genetics of Complex Phenotypes, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Viale S. Paolo, 15, 00146, Rome, Italy.
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Yamaguchi H, Hsu JM, Yang WH, Hung MC. Mechanisms regulating PD-L1 expression in cancers and associated opportunities for novel small-molecule therapeutics. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2022; 19:287-305. [DOI: 10.1038/s41571-022-00601-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Nanamori H, Sawada Y. Epigenetic Modification of PD-1/PD-L1-Mediated Cancer Immunotherapy against Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031119. [PMID: 35163049 PMCID: PMC8835029 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is one of the representative skin cancers with unfavorable clinical behavior. Immunotherapy is currently used for the treatment, and it dramatically improves clinical outcomes in patients with advanced malignant melanoma. On the other hand, not all these patients can obtain therapeutic efficacy. To overcome this limitation of current immunotherapy, epigenetic modification is a highlighted issue for clinicians. Epigenetic modification is involved in various physiological and pathological conditions in the skin. Recent studies identified that skin cancer, especially malignant melanoma, has advantages in tumor development, indicating that epigenetic manipulation for regulation of gene expression in the tumor can be expected to result in additional therapeutic efficacy during immunotherapy. In this review, we focus on the detailed molecular mechanism of epigenetic modification in immunotherapy, especially anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibody treatment for malignant melanoma.
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Yang R, Du C, Cao T, Wang G, Jiang X, Gao J, Lin T, Sun C, Ding R, Tian W, Chen H. Synthesis and Anti-Hepatoma Activities of U12 Derivatives Arresting G0/G1 Phase and Inducing Apoptosis by PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15010107. [PMID: 35056164 PMCID: PMC8781819 DOI: 10.3390/ph15010107] [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: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a first-line clinical drug for the treatment of liver diseases. U12, a derivative of UDCA, showed effective anti-hepatoma activities in previous works. However, the low polarity and large doses limited the druglikeness of U12. In this study, the structural modification and optimization of U12 were further investigated and twelve U12 derivatives were synthesized by substitution, esterification and amidation reactions. The evaluation of the cytotoxicity of synthetic derivatives against hepatoma cell lines (HepG2) indicated that U12-I, U12a-d and U12h showed more effective cytotoxic effects on the growth of HepG2 cells than U12, and the preliminary structure–activity relationship was discussed. Among them, U12a exhibited the most potent anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activity. Mechanism studies indicated that U12a inhibited HepG2 cell proliferation by arresting the G0/G1 phase, and suppressed the activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Further studies showed that U12a induced HepG2 cells apoptosis through activating the caspase signaling pathway. Furthermore, U12a evidently inhibits the growth of HepG2-derived tumor xenografts in vivo without observable adverse effects. Thus, U12a might be considered as a promising candidate for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Harnessing Antitumor CD4 + T Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14010260. [PMID: 35008422 PMCID: PMC8750687 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Diverse evidence revealed that CD4+ T cells play an important role in antitumor immunity by promoting or suppressing cytotoxic T cell responses. This review outlines the role of CD4+ T subsets within the tumor microenvironment and summarizes the latest progress regarding their potentials in cancer immunotherapy and methods for improving outcomes in cancer strategies by modulating CD4+ T responses. Abstract Over the past decades, CD4+ T cells have been considered as a supporting actor in the fields of cancer immunotherapy. Until recently, accumulating evidence has demonstrated the critical role of CD4+ T cells during antitumor immunity. CD4+ T cells can either suppress or promote the antitumor cytotoxic CD8+ T cell responses, either in secondary lymphoid organs or in the tumor. In this review, we provide an overview of the multifaceted role of different CD4+ T cell subsets in cancer immune response and their contribution during cancer therapies. Specifically, we focus on the latest progress regarding the impact of CD4+ T cell modulation on immunotherapies and other cancer therapies and discuss the prospect for harnessing CD4+ T cells to control tumor progression and prevent recurrence in patients.
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42
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Lu J, He X, Zhang L, Zhang R, Li W. Acetylation in Tumor Immune Evasion Regulation. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:771588. [PMID: 34880761 PMCID: PMC8645962 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.771588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Acetylation is considered as one of the most common types of epigenetic modifications, and aberrant histone acetylation modifications are associated with the pathological process of cancer through the regulation of oncogenes and tumor suppressors. Recent studies have shown that immune system function and tumor immunity can also be affected by acetylation modifications. A comprehensive understanding of the role of acetylation function in cancer is essential, which may help to develop new therapies to improve the prognosis of cancer patients. In this review, we mainly discussed the functions of acetylase and deacetylase in tumor, immune system and tumor immunity, and listed the information of drugs targeting these enzymes in tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Lu
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Xiang He
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology Hunan Province, Changsha, China.,Xiangya Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ran Zhang
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Wenzheng Li
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Chen C, Zhang W, Zhou D, Zhang Y. Sintilimab and Chidamide for Refractory Transformed Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma: A Case Report and A Literature Review. Front Oncol 2021; 11:757403. [PMID: 34820328 PMCID: PMC8606549 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.757403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) transformed diffused large B cell lymphoma (tDLBCL) have a poor prognosis and a low survival rate. In addition, no standard therapy has yet been established for R/R tDLBCL. Herein we presented a single case of a patient with R/R tDLBCL who was successfully treated with sintilimab and chidamide. The patient was a 71-year-old man with pulmonary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. He did not receive any treatment until tDLBCL was confirmed 2 years later. The tDLBCL was primary refractory to R2-CHOP, R2-MTX, and Gemox regimens. However, the patient achieved sustained complete remission after the combination therapy of sintilimab and chidamide. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of sintilimab combined with chidamide for the treatment of R/R tDLBCL, which opens up new therapeutic possibilities for this new combination therapy in future prospective clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Chen
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS), Beijing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS), Beijing, China
| | - Daobin Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS), Beijing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS), Beijing, China
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44
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Roudi R, D'Angelo A, Sirico M, Sobhani N. Immunotherapeutic treatments in hepatocellular carcinoma; achievements, challenges and future prospects. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 101:108322. [PMID: 34735916 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and fatal malignancies with an alarming trend all around the world. Common therapeutic approaches in the early stage of disease are surgical resection, ablation, and liver transplantation. Due to the insidious identity of HCC, the majority of the patients are diagnosed at advanced stages, where tumor spreading, or distant metastasis unfortunately have already occurred. Immunotherapeutic options have elicited a promising approach in some malignancies with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approving the first checkpoint inhibitor anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) ipilimumab for the treatment of melanoma ten years ago. In the past decade, many clinical trials have been investigating anti-CTLA-4 as well as anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) therapies in various solid tumors, including HCC. In this mini-review we will discuss the latest clinical data from clinical trials for immune-checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raheleh Roudi
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Alberto D'Angelo
- Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2-7AX, UK
| | - Marianna Sirico
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via P. Maroncelli 40, 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Navid Sobhani
- Department of Medicine, Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Fan C, Kam S, Ramadori P. Metabolism-Associated Epigenetic and Immunoepigenetic Reprogramming in Liver Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205250. [PMID: 34680398 PMCID: PMC8534280 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic changes have been characterized as hallmarks of liver cancer. Independently of etiology, oncogenic pathways as well as the availability of different energetic substrates critically influence cellular metabolism, and the resulting perturbations often cause aberrant epigenetic alterations, not only in cancer cells but also in the hepatic tumor microenvironment. Metabolic intermediates serve as crucial substrates for various epigenetic modulations, from post-translational modification of histones to DNA methylation. In turn, epigenetic changes can alter the expression of metabolic genes supporting on the one hand, the increased energetic demand of cancer cells and, on the other hand, influence the activity of tumor-associated immune cell populations. In this review, we will illustrate the most recent findings about metabolic reprogramming in liver cancer. We will focus on the metabolic changes characterizing the tumor microenvironment and on how these alterations impact on epigenetic mechanisms involved in the malignant progression. Furthermore, we will report our current knowledge about the influence of cancer-specific metabolites on epigenetic reprogramming of immune cells and we will highlight how this favors a tumor-permissive immune environment. Finally, we will review the current strategies to target metabolic and epigenetic pathways and their therapeutic potential in liver cancer, alone or in combinatorial approaches.
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46
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Cheu JWS, Wong CCL. Mechanistic Rationales Guiding Combination Hepatocellular Carcinoma Therapies Involving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Hepatology 2021; 74:2264-2276. [PMID: 33811765 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest cancers because of late symptom manifestation leading to delayed diagnosis, which limits patients with HCC in terms of receiving curative surgical treatment. There are only a few therapeutic options for patients with advanced HCC. The emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) brings HCC treatment to a stage at which nivolumab, an anti-programmed cell death protein 1 monoclonal antibody, achieves a 20% response rate. However, the large proportion of unresponsive patients drives the exploration of therapeutic strategies to improve ICIs' efficacy. Recent preclinical and clinical studies have suggested that ICIs, when used in combinations or when used with other cancer therapies, might elicit synergistic antitumor effects. However, the mechanistic rationales guiding different drug combinations to maximize this synergy remain largely ambiguous. In this review, we discuss different drug combinations used in HCC and the underlying mechanistic rationales, aiming to enhance the understanding of how these treatments can achieve synergy. This knowledge sets the foundation for the development of more effective and promising combination therapies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carmen Chak-Lui Wong
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Sanceau J, Gougelet A. Epigenetic mechanisms of liver tumor resistance to immunotherapy. World J Hepatol 2021; 13:979-1002. [PMID: 34630870 PMCID: PMC8473495 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i9.979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver tumor, which stands fourth in rank of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The incidence of HCC is constantly increasing in correlation with the epidemic in diabetes and obesity, arguing for an urgent need for new treatments for this lethal cancer refractory to conventional treatments. HCC is the paradigm of inflammation-associated cancer, since more than 80% of HCC emerge consecutively to cirrhosis associated with a vast remodeling of liver microenvironment. In the recent decade, immunomodulatory drugs have been developed and have given impressive results in melanoma and later in several other cancers. In the present review, we will discuss the recent advancements concerning the use of immunotherapies in HCC, in particular those targeting immune checkpoints, used alone or in combination with other anti-cancers agents. We will address why these drugs demonstrate unsatisfactory results in a high proportion of liver cancers and the mechanisms of resistance developed by HCC to evade immune response with a focus on the epigenetic-related mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Sanceau
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, Paris 75006, France
| | - Angélique Gougelet
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, Paris 75006, France
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He Y, Lu M, Che J, Chu Q, Zhang P, Chen Y. Biomarkers and Future Perspectives for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:716844. [PMID: 34552872 PMCID: PMC8450565 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.716844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular cancer is the sixth most frequently diagnosed malignant disease worldwide, and was responsible for tens of millions of deaths in 2020; however, treatment options for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma remain limited. Immunotherapy has undergone rapid development over recent years, especially in the field of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). These drugs aim to activate and enhance antitumor immunity and represent a new prospect for the treatment of patients with advanced cancer. Nevertheless, only a small proportion of liver cancer patients currently benefit from ICI-based treatment, highlighting the need to better understand how ICIs and tumors interact, as well as identify predictive biomarkers for immunotherapeutic responses. In this review, we highlight clinical trials and basic research in hepatocellular carcinoma, with a particular focus on predictive biomarkers for the therapeutic efficacy of ICIs. Predictive biomarkers for immune-related adverse events are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing He
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengyao Lu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Che
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qian Chu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Wang H, Chen X, Calvisi DF. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): the most promising therapeutic targets in the preclinical arena based on tumor biology characteristics. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:645-658. [PMID: 34477018 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1976142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION : Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant liver tumor characterized by high molecular heterogeneity, which has hampered the development of effective targeted therapies severely. Recent experimental data have unraveled novel promising targets for HCC treatment. AREAS COVERED : Eligible articles were retrieved from PubMed and Web of Science databases up to July 2021. This review summarizes the established targeted therapies for advanced HCC, focusing on the strategies to overcome drug resistance and the search for combinational treatments. In addition, conventional biomarkers holding the promises for HCC treatments and novel therapeutic targets from the research field are discussed. EXPERT OPINION : HCC is a molecularly complex disease, with several and distinct pathways playing critical roles in different tumor subtypes. Experimental models recapitulating the features of each tumor subset would be highly beneficial to design novel and more effective therapies against this disease. Furthermore, a deeper understanding of combinatorial drug synergism and the role of the tumor microenvironment in HCC will lead to improved therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haichuan Wang
- Liver Transplantation Division, Department of Liver Surgery and Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Diego F Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Kumar S, Sarthi P, Mani I, Ashraf MU, Kang MH, Kumar V, Bae YS. Epitranscriptomic Approach: To Improve the Efficacy of ICB Therapy by Co-Targeting Intracellular Checkpoint CISH. Cells 2021; 10:2250. [PMID: 34571899 PMCID: PMC8466810 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular immunotherapy has recently emerged as a fourth pillar in cancer treatment co-joining surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Where, the discovery of immune checkpoint blockage or inhibition (ICB/ICI), anti-PD-1/PD-L1 and anti-CTLA4-based, therapy has revolutionized the class of cancer treatment at a different level. However, some cancer patients escape this immune surveillance mechanism and become resistant to ICB-therapy. Therefore, a more advanced or an alternative treatment is required urgently. Despite the functional importance of epitranscriptomics in diverse clinico-biological practices, its role in improving the efficacy of ICB therapeutics has been limited. Consequently, our study encapsulates the evidence, as a possible strategy, to improve the efficacy of ICB-therapy by co-targeting molecular checkpoints especially N6A-modification machineries which can be reformed into RNA modifying drugs (RMD). Here, we have explained the mechanism of individual RNA-modifiers (editor/writer, eraser/remover, and effector/reader) in overcoming the issues associated with high-dose antibody toxicities and drug-resistance. Moreover, we have shed light on the importance of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS/CISH) and microRNAs in improving the efficacy of ICB-therapy, with brief insight on the current monoclonal antibodies undergoing clinical trials or already approved against several solid tumor and metastatic cancers. We anticipate our investigation will encourage researchers and clinicians to further strengthen the efficacy of ICB-therapeutics by considering the importance of epitranscriptomics as a personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Kumar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (M.U.A.); (M.-H.K.)
- Science Research Center (SRC) for Immune Research on Non-lymphoid Organ (CIRNO), Sungkyunkwan University, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Parth Sarthi
- University Department of Botany, M.Sc. Biotechnology, Ranchi University, Ranchi 834008, India;
| | - Indra Mani
- Department of Microbiology, Gargi College, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110049, India;
| | - Muhammad Umer Ashraf
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (M.U.A.); (M.-H.K.)
- Science Research Center (SRC) for Immune Research on Non-lymphoid Organ (CIRNO), Sungkyunkwan University, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Myeong-Ho Kang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (M.U.A.); (M.-H.K.)
- Science Research Center (SRC) for Immune Research on Non-lymphoid Organ (CIRNO), Sungkyunkwan University, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Vishal Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Dayananda Sagar University, Bengaluru 560078, India;
| | - Yong-Soo Bae
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (M.U.A.); (M.-H.K.)
- Science Research Center (SRC) for Immune Research on Non-lymphoid Organ (CIRNO), Sungkyunkwan University, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
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