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Zeng YC, Young OJ, Wintersinger CM, Anastassacos FM, MacDonald JI, Isinelli G, Dellacherie MO, Sobral M, Bai H, Graveline AR, Vernet A, Sanchez M, Mulligan K, Choi Y, Ferrante TC, Keskin DB, Fell GG, Neuberg D, Wu CJ, Mooney DJ, Kwon IC, Ryu JH, Shih WM. Fine tuning of CpG spatial distribution with DNA origami for improved cancer vaccination. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 19:1055-1065. [PMID: 38491184 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-024-01615-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Multivalent presentation of ligands often enhances receptor activation and downstream signalling. DNA origami offers a precise nanoscale spacing of ligands, a potentially useful feature for therapeutic nanoparticles. Here we use a square-block DNA origami platform to explore the importance of the spacing of CpG oligonucleotides. CpG engages Toll-like receptors and therefore acts to activate dendritic cells. Through in vitro cell culture studies and in vivo tumour treatment models, we demonstrate that square blocks induce Th1 immune polarization when CpG is spaced at 3.5 nm. We observe that this DNA origami vaccine enhances DC activation, antigen cross-presentation, CD8 T-cell activation, Th1-polarized CD4 activation and natural-killer-cell activation. The vaccine also effectively synergizes with anti-PD-L1 for improved cancer immunotherapy in melanoma and lymphoma models and induces long-term T-cell memory. Our results suggest that DNA origami may serve as a platform for controlling adjuvant spacing and co-delivering antigens in vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang C Zeng
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Olivia J Young
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard-Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Christopher M Wintersinger
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Frances M Anastassacos
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James I MacDonald
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Giorgia Isinelli
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maxence O Dellacherie
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Miguel Sobral
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Haiqing Bai
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amanda R Graveline
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andyna Vernet
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Melinda Sanchez
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kathleen Mulligan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Youngjin Choi
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Thomas C Ferrante
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Derin B Keskin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Geoffrey G Fell
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Donna Neuberg
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Catherine J Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David J Mooney
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ick Chan Kwon
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Republic of Korea
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Hee Ryu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - William M Shih
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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2
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Liu M, Xia Q, Wu X, Jin S, Xie Y, Yan R, Jin Y, Wang Z. Anti-Colon Cancer Activity of Copper-Doped Folate Carbon Dots/MnO 2 Complexes Based on Oxygenation and Immune-Enhancing Effects. Bioconjug Chem 2024; 35:826-842. [PMID: 38722674 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.4c00184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
In clinical practice, the treatment of colon cancer is faced with the dilemma of metastasis and recurrence, which is related to immunosuppression and hypoxia. Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is a negative regulatory pathway of immunity. Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is an important immunotherapy method. However, inadequate immunogenicity reduces the overall response rate of ICB. In this study, a tumor microenvironment-responsive nanomedicine (Cu-FACD@MnO2@FA) was prepared to increase host immune response and increase intracellular oxygen levels. Cu-FACD@MnO2@FA preferentially enriched at the tumor site, combined with the immune checkpoint inhibitor alpha PD-L1, induced sufficient immunogenicity to treat colon cancer. Immunofluorescence detection of tumor cells and tissues showed that the expression of hypoxa-inducing factor 1α was significantly down-regulated after treatment and the expression of immunoactivity-related proteins was significantly changed. In vivo treatment in a bilateral tumor mouse model showed complete ablation of the primary tumor and efficient inhibition of the distal tumor. In this study, for the first time, the oxygenation effects of MnO2-coated Cu-doped carbon dots and chemodynamic therapy and a strategy of combining with immuno-blocking therapy were used for treating colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyang Liu
- Key Laboratory for Photonic and Electronic Bandgap Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
| | - Qing Xia
- Key Laboratory for Photonic and Electronic Bandgap Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
| | - Xiaodan Wu
- Key Laboratory for Photonic and Electronic Bandgap Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
| | - Siran Jin
- Harbin No. 3 School, Harbin 150070, China
| | - Yutian Xie
- Key Laboratory for Photonic and Electronic Bandgap Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
| | - Rui Yan
- Key Laboratory for Photonic and Electronic Bandgap Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
| | - Yingxue Jin
- Key Laboratory for Photonic and Electronic Bandgap Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cytogenetics and Genetic Breeding of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin, College of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- Key Laboratory for Photonic and Electronic Bandgap Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025, China
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3
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Mohaghegh N, Ahari A, Zehtabi F, Buttles C, Davani S, Hoang H, Tseng K, Zamanian B, Khosravi S, Daniali A, Kouchehbaghi NH, Thomas I, Serati Nouri H, Khorsandi D, Abbasgholizadeh R, Akbari M, Patil R, Kang H, Jucaud V, Khademhosseini A, Hassani Najafabadi A. Injectable hydrogels for personalized cancer immunotherapies. Acta Biomater 2023; 172:67-91. [PMID: 37806376 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
The field of cancer immunotherapy has shown significant growth, and researchers are now focusing on effective strategies to enhance and prolong local immunomodulation. Injectable hydrogels (IHs) have emerged as versatile platforms for encapsulating and controlling the release of small molecules and cells, drawing significant attention for their potential to enhance antitumor immune responses while inhibiting metastasis and recurrence. IHs delivering natural killer (NK) cells, T cells, and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) offer a viable method for treating cancer. Indeed, it can bypass the extracellular matrix and gradually release small molecules or cells into the tumor microenvironment, thereby boosting immune responses against cancer cells. This review provides an overview of the recent advancements in cancer immunotherapy using IHs for delivering NK cells, T cells, APCs, chemoimmunotherapy, radio-immunotherapy, and photothermal-immunotherapy. First, we introduce IHs as a delivery matrix, then summarize their applications for the local delivery of small molecules and immune cells to elicit robust anticancer immune responses. Additionally, we discuss recent progress in IHs systems used for local combination therapy, including chemoimmunotherapy, radio-immunotherapy, photothermal-immunotherapy, photodynamic-immunotherapy, and gene-immunotherapy. By comprehensively examining the utilization of IHs in cancer immunotherapy, this review aims to highlight the potential of IHs as effective carriers for immunotherapy delivery, facilitating the development of innovative strategies for cancer treatment. In addition, we demonstrate that using hydrogel-based platforms for the targeted delivery of immune cells, such as NK cells, T cells, and dendritic cells (DCs), has remarkable potential in cancer therapy. These innovative approaches have yielded substantial reductions in tumor growth, showcasing the ability of hydrogels to enhance the efficacy of immune-based treatments. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: As cancer immunotherapy continues to expand, the mode of therapeutic agent delivery becomes increasingly critical. This review spotlights the forward-looking progress of IHs, emphasizing their potential to revolutionize localized immunotherapy delivery. By efficiently encapsulating and controlling the release of essential immune components such as T cells, NK cells, APCs, and various therapeutic agents, IHs offer a pioneering pathway to amplify immune reactions, moderate metastasis, and reduce recurrence. Their adaptability further shines when considering their role in emerging combination therapies, including chemoimmunotherapy, radio-immunotherapy, and photothermal-immunotherapy. Understanding IHs' significance in cancer therapy is essential, suggesting a shift in cancer treatment dynamics and heralding a novel period of focused, enduring, and powerful therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Mohaghegh
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA
| | - Amir Ahari
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA; Department of Surgery, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Fatemeh Zehtabi
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA
| | - Claire Buttles
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA; Indiana University Bloomington, Department of Biology, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Saya Davani
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA
| | - Hanna Hoang
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA; Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| | - Kaylee Tseng
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA; Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90007, USA
| | - Benjamin Zamanian
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA
| | - Safoora Khosravi
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T1Z4, Canada
| | - Ariella Daniali
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA
| | - Negar Hosseinzadeh Kouchehbaghi
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA; Department of Textile Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Hafez Avenue, Tehran, Iran
| | - Isabel Thomas
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA
| | - Hamed Serati Nouri
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA; Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Danial Khorsandi
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA; Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Mohsen Akbari
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA; Laboratory for Innovations in Microengineering (LiME), Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Rameshwar Patil
- Department of Basic Science and Neurosurgery, Division of Cancer Science, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Heemin Kang
- Materials Science and Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Vadim Jucaud
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA.
| | - Ali Khademhosseini
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064 USA.
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4
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Park HY, Ashayeripanah M, Chopin M. Harnessing dendritic cell diversity in cancer immunotherapy. Curr Opin Immunol 2023; 82:102341. [PMID: 37236040 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2023.102341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are ubiquitous immune cells endowed with a unique capacity to initiate antigen-specific immunity and tolerance. Owing to their unique functional attributes, DCs have long been considered ideal candidates for the induction of effective antitumour responses. At the forefront of the cancer-immunity cycle, attempts to harness DC natural adjuvant properties in the clinic have resulted so far in suboptimal antitumour responses. A better understanding of the heterogeneity of the DC network and its dynamics within the tumour microenvironment will provide a blueprint to fully capitalise on their functional properties to achieve more effective antitumour responses. In this review, we will briefly summarise the origin and heterogeneity of the DC network, their roles in shaping antitumour immunity and in modulating the response to immune checkpoint blockade therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae-Young Park
- Department of Biochemistry, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 15 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Mitra Ashayeripanah
- Department of Biochemistry, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 15 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Michaël Chopin
- Department of Biochemistry, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 15 Innovation Walk, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
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5
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Wu H, Zhang J, Fu L, Wu R, Gu Z, Yin C, He K. Identification and Development of a 4-Gene Ferroptosis Signature Predicting Overall Survival for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2023; 22:15330338221147772. [PMID: 36762399 PMCID: PMC9926004 DOI: 10.1177/15330338221147772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a well-differentiated disease, which makes the diagnosis and therapeutic strategy a difficult problem. While ferroptosis, as an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death, it plays an important role in causing several types of cancer. This study is aimed at exploring the prognostic value of ferroptosis-related genes in DLBCL. Methods: In our study, mRNA expression and matching clinical data of DLBCL patients were derived from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. First, multivariate cox regression model and nomogram which can predict the DLBCL patients' prognosis were built and validated. The multigene signature was constructed and optimized by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) cox regression model. Also, ferroptosis-related subtypes were developed by consistent cluster. Last but not least, we explored the association between categories of infiltrating immune cells and model genes' expression. Results: Our results showed that 27 gene expressions were correlated with overall survival (OS) in the univariate cox regression analysis. A 4-gene signature was constructed through these genes to stratify patients into high-low risk groups using risk score derived from model (model 1:gene expression model). The OS of patients in the high-risk group was shorter than that of patients in the low-risk group in the TNM stage and clinically distinct subtypes (activated B cell [ABC], germinal center B cell [GCB]) (P < .001). Furthermore, it was shown that the risk score was an independent factor in clinical cox regression model for OS (model 2:clinical model) (HR>1, P < .010). Besides, in consistent cluster analysis, ferroptosis prognosis status was different among 3 subtypes. Moreover, the correlation analysis between 4-gene with immune cells showed dendritic cells may be significantly associated with DLBCL. Conclusion: This research constructed an innovative ferroptosis-related gene signature for prognostic estimation of DLBCL patients. Solutions targeting ferroptosis could be an important therapeutic intervention for DLBCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huitao Wu
- Medical Big Data Research Center, Medical Innovation Research
Division of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, P. R. China,Intelligent Healthcare Team, Baidu Inc., Beijing, China
| | - Junyan Zhang
- Medical Big Data Research Center, Medical Innovation Research
Division of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, P. R. China,National Engineering Laboratory for Medical Big Data Application
Technology, Chinese PLA
General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Li Fu
- Key Laboratory of Novel Materials for Sensor of Zhejiang Province,
College of Materials and Environmental Engineering,
Hangzhou
Dianzi University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Rilige Wu
- Medical Big Data Research Center, Medical Innovation Research
Division of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, P. R. China,National Engineering Laboratory for Medical Big Data Application
Technology, Chinese PLA
General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenyang Gu
- The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing,
China
| | - Chengliang Yin
- Medical Big Data Research Center, Medical Innovation Research
Division of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, P. R. China,National Engineering Laboratory for Medical Big Data Application
Technology, Chinese PLA
General Hospital, Beijing, China,Chengliang Yin, Medical Big Data Research
Center, Medical Innovation Research Division of PLA General Hospital, Beijing
100853, P. R. China.
| | - Kunlun He
- Medical Big Data Research Center, Medical Innovation Research
Division of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, P. R. China,National Engineering Laboratory for Medical Big Data Application
Technology, Chinese PLA
General Hospital, Beijing, China,Beijing Key Laboratory of Chronic Heart Failure Precision Medicine,
Medical Innovation Research Division of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing,
China,Military Translational Medicine Lab, Medical Innovation Research
Division of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China,Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering and Translational Medicine,
Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Medical Innovation Research
Division of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China,Kunlun He, Medical Big Data Research
Center, Medical Innovation Research Division of PLA General Hospital, Beijing
100853, P. R. China.
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6
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Homann L, Rentschler M, Brenner E, Böhm K, Röcken M, Wieder T. IFN-γ and TNF Induce Senescence and a Distinct Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype in Melanoma. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091514. [PMID: 35563820 PMCID: PMC9103004 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy is a central pillar of melanoma treatment leading to durable response rates. Important mechanisms of action of ICB therapy include disinhibition of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Stimulated CD4+ T helper 1 cells secrete the effector cytokines interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF), which induce senescence in tumor cells. Besides being growth-arrested, senescent cells are metabolically active and secrete a large spectrum of factors, which are summarized as senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). This secretome affects the tumor growth. Here, we compared the SASP of cytokine-induced senescent (CIS) cells with the SASP of therapy-induced senescent (TIS) cells. Therefore, we established in vitro models for CIS and TIS in melanoma. The human melanoma cell lines SK-MEL-28 and WM115 were treated with the cytokines IFN-γ and TNF as CIS, the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin, and the cell cycle inhibitor palbociclib as TIS. Then, we determined several senescence markers, i.e., growth arrest, p21 expression, and senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity. For SASP analyses, we measured the regulation and secretion of several common SASP factors using qPCR arrays, protein arrays, and ELISA. Each treatment initiated a stable growth arrest, enhanced SA-β-gal activity, and—except palbociclib—increased the expression of p21. mRNA and protein analyses revealed that gene expression and secretion of SASP factors were severalfold stronger in CIS than in TIS. Finally, we showed that treatment with the conditioned media (CM) derived from cytokine- and palbociclib-treated cells induced senescence characteristics in melanoma cells. Thus, we conclude that senescence induction via cytokines may lead to self-sustaining senescence surveillance of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Homann
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (M.R.); (E.B.); (K.B.); (M.R.)
- Correspondence: (L.H.); (T.W.); Tel.: +49-7071-2986865 (L.H.); +49-7071-2978240 (T.W.)
| | - Maximilian Rentschler
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (M.R.); (E.B.); (K.B.); (M.R.)
- Institute of Physiology I, Department of Vegetative and Clinical Physiology, University of Tuebingen, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ellen Brenner
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (M.R.); (E.B.); (K.B.); (M.R.)
| | - Katharina Böhm
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (M.R.); (E.B.); (K.B.); (M.R.)
| | - Martin Röcken
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (M.R.); (E.B.); (K.B.); (M.R.)
| | - Thomas Wieder
- Institute of Physiology I, Department of Vegetative and Clinical Physiology, University of Tuebingen, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany
- Correspondence: (L.H.); (T.W.); Tel.: +49-7071-2986865 (L.H.); +49-7071-2978240 (T.W.)
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7
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Cytokine-Induced Senescence in the Tumor Microenvironment and Its Effects on Anti-Tumor Immune Responses. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14061364. [PMID: 35326515 PMCID: PMC8946098 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In contrast to surgical excision, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, immune checkpoint blockade therapies primarily influence cells in the tumor microenvironment, especially the tumor-associated lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells. Besides complete remission of tumor lesions, in some patients, early tumor regression is followed by a consolidation phase where residing tumors remain dormant. Whereas the cytotoxic mechanisms of the regression phase (i.e., apoptosis, necrosis, necroptosis, and immune cell-mediated cell death) have been extensively described, the mechanisms underlying the dormant state are still a matter of debate. Here, we propose immune-mediated induction of senescence in cancers as one important player. Senescence can be achieved by tumor-associated antigen-specific T helper 1 cells, cytokines or antibodies targeting immune checkpoints. This concept differs from cytotoxic treatment, which often targets the genetic makeup of cancer cells. The immune system's ability to establish "defensive walls" around tumors also places the tumor microenvironment into the fight against cancer. Those "defensive walls" isolate the tumor cells instead of increasing the selective pressure. They also keep the tumor cells in a non-proliferating state, thereby correcting the derailed tissue homeostasis. In conclusion, strengthening the senescence surveillance of tumors by the immune cells of the microenvironment is a future goal to dampen this life-threatening disease.
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8
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Bauer V, Ahmetlić F, Hömberg N, Geishauser A, Röcken M, Mocikat R. Immune checkpoint blockade impairs immunosuppressive mechanisms of regulatory T cells in B-cell lymphoma. Transl Oncol 2021; 14:101170. [PMID: 34229208 PMCID: PMC8264214 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
During lymphoma growth, Tregs evolve an increasingly suppressive phenotype. Lymphoma-infiltrating Tregs show an enhanced immunosuppressive function. Cell contacts and IL-10 are required for Treg-mediated immunosuppression. Alterations of intratumoral Tregs are partly abrogated by immune checkpoint blockade.
In malignant disease, CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) hamper antitumor immune responses and may provide a target for immunotherapy. Although immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has become an established therapy for several cancer entities including lymphoma, its mechanisms have not been entirely uncovered. Using endogenously arising λ-MYC-transgenic mouse B-cell lymphomas, which can effectively be suppressed by either Treg ablation or ICB, we investigated which mechanisms are used by Tregs to suppress antitumor responses and how ICB affects these pathways. During tumor development, Tregs up-regulated Foxp3, CD25, CTLA-4 and IL-10, which correlated with enhanced immunosuppressive functions. Thus, in contrast to other tumors, Tregs did not become dysfunctional despite chronic stimulation in the tumor microenvironment and progressive up-regulation of PD-1. Immunosuppression was mediated by direct contacts between Tregs and effector T cells and by IL-10. When λ-MYC mice were treated with ICB antibodies, Tregs revealed a less profound up-regulation of Foxp3, CD25 and IL-10 and a decreased suppressive capacity. This may be due to the shift towards a pro-inflammatory milieu fostered by ICB. In summary, an ICB-induced interference with Treg-dependent immunosuppression may contribute to the success of ICB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Bauer
- Helmholtz-Zentrum München, Eigenständige Forschungseinheit Translationale Molekulare Immunologie, München, Germany
| | - Fatima Ahmetlić
- Helmholtz-Zentrum München, Eigenständige Forschungseinheit Translationale Molekulare Immunologie, München, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum München, Institut für Molekulare Immunologie, Marchioninistr. 25, München D-81377, Germany
| | - Nadine Hömberg
- Helmholtz-Zentrum München, Eigenständige Forschungseinheit Translationale Molekulare Immunologie, München, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum München, Institut für Molekulare Immunologie, Marchioninistr. 25, München D-81377, Germany
| | - Albert Geishauser
- Helmholtz-Zentrum München, Eigenständige Forschungseinheit Translationale Molekulare Immunologie, München, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum München, Institut für Molekulare Immunologie, Marchioninistr. 25, München D-81377, Germany
| | - Martin Röcken
- Eberhard-Karls-Universität, Klinik für Dermatologie, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ralph Mocikat
- Helmholtz-Zentrum München, Eigenständige Forschungseinheit Translationale Molekulare Immunologie, München, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum München, Institut für Molekulare Immunologie, Marchioninistr. 25, München D-81377, Germany.
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Shaver KA, Croom-Perez TJ, Copik AJ. Natural Killer Cells: The Linchpin for Successful Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:679117. [PMID: 33995422 PMCID: PMC8115550 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.679117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is a highly successful and rapidly evolving treatment modality that works by augmenting the body’s own immune system. While various immune stimulation strategies such as PD-1/PD-L1 or CTLA-4 checkpoint blockade result in robust responses, even in patients with advanced cancers, the overall response rate is low. While immune checkpoint inhibitors are known to enhance cytotoxic T cells’ antitumor response, current evidence suggests that immune responses independent of cytotoxic T cells, such as Natural Killer (NK) cells, play crucial role in the efficacy of immunotherapeutic interventions. NK cells hold a distinct role in potentiating the innate immune response and activating the adaptive immune system. This review highlights the importance of the early actions of the NK cell response and the pivotal role NK cells hold in priming the immune system and setting the stage for successful response to cancer immunotherapy. Yet, in many patients the NK cell compartment is compromised thus lowering the chances of successful outcomes of many immunotherapies. An overview of mechanisms that can drive NK cell dysfunction and hinder immunotherapy success is provided. Rather than relying on the likely dysfunctional endogenous NK cells to work with immunotherapies, adoptive allogeneic NK cell therapies provide a viable solution to increase response to immunotherapies. This review highlights the advances made in development of NK cell therapeutics for clinical application with evidence supporting their combinatorial application with other immune-oncology approaches to improve outcomes of immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari A Shaver
- College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Tayler J Croom-Perez
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Alicja J Copik
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
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Lucarini V, Melaiu O, Tempora P, D’Amico S, Locatelli F, Fruci D. Dendritic Cells: Behind the Scenes of T-Cell Infiltration into the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:433. [PMID: 33498755 PMCID: PMC7865357 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells have been shown to play a crucial role in controlling tumor progression. However, the recruitment and activation of these immune cells at the tumor site are strictly dependent on several factors, including the presence of dendritic cells (DCs), the main orchestrators of the antitumor immune responses. Among the various DC subsets, the role of cDC1s has been demonstrated in several preclinical experimental mouse models. In addition, the high density of tumor-infiltrating cDC1s has been associated with improved survival in many cancer patients. The ability of cDC1s to modulate antitumor activity depends on their interaction with other immune populations, such as NK cells. This evidence has led to the development of new strategies aimed at increasing the abundance and activity of cDC1s in tumors, thus providing attractive new avenues to enhance antitumor immunity for both established and novel anticancer immunotherapies. In this review, we provide an overview of the various subsets of DCs, focusing in particular on the role of cDC1s, their ability to interact with other intratumoral immune cells, and their prognostic significance on solid tumors. Finally, we outline key therapeutic strategies that promote the immunogenic functions of DCs in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Lucarini
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy; (V.L.); (O.M.); (P.T.); (S.D.); (F.L.)
| | - Ombretta Melaiu
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy; (V.L.); (O.M.); (P.T.); (S.D.); (F.L.)
| | - Patrizia Tempora
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy; (V.L.); (O.M.); (P.T.); (S.D.); (F.L.)
| | - Silvia D’Amico
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy; (V.L.); (O.M.); (P.T.); (S.D.); (F.L.)
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy; (V.L.); (O.M.); (P.T.); (S.D.); (F.L.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Doriana Fruci
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy; (V.L.); (O.M.); (P.T.); (S.D.); (F.L.)
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Ahmetlic F, Fauser J, Riedel T, Bauer V, Flessner C, Hömberg N, Hennel R, Brenner E, Lauber K, Röcken M, Mocikat R. Therapy of lymphoma by immune checkpoint inhibitors: the role of T cells, NK cells and cytokine-induced tumor senescence. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2020-001660. [PMID: 33441389 PMCID: PMC7812096 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001660] [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] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although antibodies blocking immune checkpoints have already been approved for clinical cancer treatment, the mechanisms involved are not yet completely elucidated. Here we used a λ-MYC transgenic model of endogenously growing B-cell lymphoma to analyze the requirements for effective therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Methods Growth of spontaneous lymphoma was monitored in mice that received antibodies targeting programmed cell death protein 1 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein-4, and the role of different immune cell compartments and cytokines was studied by in vivo depletion experiments. Activation of T and natural killer cells and the induction of tumor senescence were analyzed by flow cytometry. Results On immune checkpoint blockade, visible lymphomas developed at later time points than in untreated controls, indicating an enhanced tumor control. Importantly, 20% to 30% of mice were even long-term protected and did never develop clinical signs of tumor growth. The therapeutic effect was dependent on cytokine-induced senescence in malignant B cells. The proinflammatory cytokines interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were necessary for the survival benefit as well as for senescence induction in the λ-MYC model. Antibody therapy improved T-cell functions such as cytokine production, and long-time survivors were only observed in the presence of T cells. Yet, NK cells also had a pronounced effect on therapy-induced delay of tumor growth. Antibody treatment enhanced numbers, proliferation and IFN-γ expression of NK cells in developing tumors. The therapeutic effect was fully abrogated only after depletion of both, T cells and NK cells, or after ablation of either IFN-γ or TNF. Conclusions Tumor cell senescence may explain why patients responding to immune checkpoint blockade frequently show stable growth arrest of tumors rather than complete tumor regression. In the lymphoma model studied, successful therapy required both, tumor-directed T-cell responses and NK cells, which control, at least partly, tumor development through cytokine-induced tumor senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Ahmetlic
- Helmholtz-Zentrum München, Eigenständige Forschungseinheit Translationale Molekulare Immunologie, München, Germany.,Helmholtz-Zentrum München, Institut für Molekulare Immunologie, München, Germany
| | - Josia Fauser
- Helmholtz-Zentrum München, Eigenständige Forschungseinheit Translationale Molekulare Immunologie, München, Germany
| | - Tanja Riedel
- Helmholtz-Zentrum München, Institut für Molekulare Immunologie, München, Germany
| | - Vera Bauer
- Helmholtz-Zentrum München, Eigenständige Forschungseinheit Translationale Molekulare Immunologie, München, Germany
| | - Carolin Flessner
- Helmholtz-Zentrum München, Institut für Molekulare Immunologie, München, Germany
| | - Nadine Hömberg
- Helmholtz-Zentrum München, Eigenständige Forschungseinheit Translationale Molekulare Immunologie, München, Germany.,Helmholtz-Zentrum München, Institut für Molekulare Immunologie, München, Germany
| | - Roman Hennel
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Strahlentherapie und Radioonkologie, LMU München, München, Germany
| | - Ellen Brenner
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Eberhard-Karls-Universitat Tübingen, Medizinische Fakultät, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kirsten Lauber
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Strahlentherapie und Radioonkologie, LMU München, München, Germany
| | - Martin Röcken
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Eberhard-Karls-Universitat Tübingen, Medizinische Fakultät, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ralph Mocikat
- Helmholtz-Zentrum München, Eigenständige Forschungseinheit Translationale Molekulare Immunologie, München, Germany .,Helmholtz-Zentrum München, Institut für Molekulare Immunologie, München, Germany
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