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Shahvali S, Rahiman N, Jaafari MR, Arabi L. Targeting fibroblast activation protein (FAP): advances in CAR-T cell, antibody, and vaccine in cancer immunotherapy. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2023; 13:2041-2056. [PMID: 36840906 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01308-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a serine protease with dual enzymatic activities overexpressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in several tumor types, while its expression in healthy adult tissues is scarce. FAP overexpression on CAFs is associated with poor prognosis and plays an important role in tumor development, progression, and invasion. Therefore, FAP is considered a robust therapeutic target for cancer therapy. Here, we try to review and highlight the recent advances in immunotherapies for FAP targeting including the anti-FAP antibodies and immunoconjugates, FAP chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell, and various FAP vaccines in a preclinical and clinical setting. Subsequently, a discussion on the challenges and prospects associated with the development and translation of effective and safe therapies for targeting and depletion of FAP is provided. We proposed that new CAR-T cell engineering strategies and nanotechnology-based systems as well as advanced functional biomaterials can be used to improve the efficiency and safety of CAR-T cells and vaccines against FAP for more personalized immunotherapy. This review emphasizes the immune targeting of FAP as an emerging stromal candidate and one of the crucial elements in immunotherapy and shows the potential for improvement of current cancer therapy. A summary of different immunotherapy approaches to target fibroblast activation protein (FAP) for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedigheh Shahvali
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Niloufar Rahiman
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Reza Jaafari
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Leila Arabi
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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2
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Wei L, Liu Z, Qin L, Xian L, Chen K, Zhou S, Hu L, Xiong Y, Li B, Qin Y. BORIS variant SF2(C2/A4) promotes the malignant development of liver cancer by activating epithelial-mesenchymal transition and hepatic stellate cells. Mol Carcinog 2023; 62:731-742. [PMID: 36929051 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
The underlying mechanisms of metastasis and recurrence of liver cancer remain largely unknown. Here, we found that Brother of the Regulator of Imprinted Sites (BORIS) variant SF2(C2/A4) was highly expressed in high metastatic potential hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and clinical tumor samples, related to the formation of satellite nodules. Its over expression promoted self-renewal, the expression of tumor stem cell markers, chemoresistance, wound healing rate, invasion and metastasis of HepG2 and Hep3B cells; reinforced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), decreased the expression of E-cadherin and increased N-cadherin and Vimentin. Subcellular localization experiment showed that BORIS SF2(C2/A4) was localized in nucleus and cytoplasm. Further double luciferase reporter gene experiment confirmed that it bound to TWIST1 gene promoter and significantly increased latter expression. BORIS SF2(C2/A4) knock down induced apoptosis of HCCLM3 and PLC/PRF/5 cells, and increased the protein content of cleaved caspase 3. Additionally, BORIS SF2(C2/A4) over expression increased the expression of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) in HepG2 and Hep3B cells. FGF2 expressed higher in HCC tumor tissues than in paired peri-tumor tissues, and its expression was positively correlated with BORIS SF2(C2/A4). Interestingly, high expression of FGF2 is also associated with the formation of satellite nodules. Moreover, using the medium from BORIS SF2(C2/A4) overexpressed cell lines to coculture hepatic stellate cell (HSCs) line LX-2, the latter could be activated and increased the expression of CD90 and PIGF, which is consistent with the effect of adding bFGF alone. These results indicate that BORIS SF2(C2/A4) plays a role in deterioration of liver cancer by regulating TWIST1 to induce EMT, and by FGF2 to activate HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wei
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Zhongjian Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Lu Qin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Longjun Xian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Kefei Chen
- Department of Surgery Division of Liver Transplantation, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Siqi Zhou
- Department of Surgery Division of Liver Transplantation, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Lei Hu
- Department of Surgery Division of Liver Transplantation, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yimei Xiong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Surgery Division of Liver Transplantation, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yang Qin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
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3
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Priming of Colorectal Tumor-Associated Fibroblasts with Zoledronic Acid Conjugated to the Anti-Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Antibody Cetuximab Elicits Anti-Tumor Vδ2 T Lymphocytes. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030610. [PMID: 36765569 PMCID: PMC9913507 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAF) exert immunosuppressive effects in colorectal carcinoma (CRC), impairing the recognition of tumor cells by effector lymphocytes, including Vδ2 T cells. Herein, we show that CRC-derived TAF can be turned by zoledronic acid (ZA), in soluble form or as antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), into efficient stimulators of Vδ2 T cells. CRC-TAF, obtained from patients, express the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the butyrophilin family members BTN3A1/BTN2A1. These butyrophilins mediate the presentation of the phosphoantigens, accumulated in the cells due to ZA effect, to Vδ2 T cells. CRC-TAF exposed to soluble ZA acquired the ability to trigger the proliferation of Vδ2 T cells, in part represented by effector memory cells lacking CD45RA and CD27. In turn, expanded Vδ2 T cells exerted relevant cytotoxic activity towards CRC cells and CRC-TAF when primed with soluble ZA. Of note, also the ADC made of the anti-EGFR cetuximab (Cet) and ZA (Cet-ZA), that we recently described, induced the proliferation of anti-tumor Vδ2 T lymphocytes and their activation against CRC-TAF. These findings indicate that ZA can educate TAF to stimulate effector memory Vδ2 T cells; the Cet-ZA ADC formulation can lead to the precise delivery of ZA to EGFR+ cells, with a double targeting of TAF and tumor cells.
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Chen M, Yang S, Wu Y, Zhao Z, Zhai X, Dong D. High temperature requirement A1 in cancer: biomarker and therapeutic target. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:513. [PMID: 34563186 PMCID: PMC8466973 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02203-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
As the life expectancy of the population increases worldwide, cancer is becoming a substantial public health problem. Considering its recurrence and mortality rates, most cancer cases are difficult to cure. In recent decades, a large number of studies have been carried out on different cancer types; unfortunately, tumor incidence and mortality have not been effectively improved. At present, early diagnostic biomarkers and accurate therapeutic strategies for cancer are lacking. High temperature requirement A1 (HtrA1) is a trypsin-fold serine protease that is also a chymotrypsin-like protease family member originally discovered in bacteria and later discovered in mammalian systems. HtrA1 gene expression is decreased in diverse cancers, and it may play a role as a tumor suppressor for promoting the death of tumor cells. This work aimed to examine the role of HtrA1 as a cell type-specific diagnostic biomarker or as an internal and external regulatory factor of diverse cancers. The findings of this study will facilitate the development of HtrA1 as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 222, Zhongshan Road, Xigang District, 116011, Dalian, China.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Shilei Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 222, Zhongshan Road, Xigang District, 116011, Dalian, China
| | - Yu Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 222, Zhongshan Road, Xigang District, 116011, Dalian, China.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zirui Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 222, Zhongshan Road, Xigang District, 116011, Dalian, China.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaohan Zhai
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 222, Zhongshan Road, Xigang District, 116011, Dalian, China.
| | - Deshi Dong
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 222, Zhongshan Road, Xigang District, 116011, Dalian, China.
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Zhang F, Zhang D, Cheng K, Zhou Z, Liu S, Chen L, Hu Y, Mao C, Liu S. Spontaneous evolution of human skin fibroblasts into wound-healing keratinocyte-like cells. Theranostics 2019; 9:5200-5213. [PMID: 31410210 PMCID: PMC6691578 DOI: 10.7150/thno.31526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Producing keratinocyte cells (KCs) in large scale is difficult due to their slow proliferation, disabling their use as seed cells for skin regeneration and wound healing. Cell reprogramming is a promising inducer-based approach to KC production but only reaches very low cellular conversion. Here we reported a unique cellular conversion phenomenon, where human skin fibroblasts (FBs) were spontaneously converted into keratinocyte-like cells (KLCs) over the time without using any inducers. Methods: FBs were routinely cultured for more than 120 days in regular culture medium. Characteristics of KLCs were checked at the molecular and cellular level. Then the functionality and safety of the KLCs were verified by wound healing and tumorigenicity assay, respectively. To identify the mechanism of the cell conversion phenomenon, high-throughput RNA sequencing was also performed. Results: The global conversion started on day 90 and reached 90% on day 110. The KLCs were as functional and effective as KCs in wound healing without causing oncogenicity. The conversion was regulated via a PI3K-AKT signaling pathway mediated by a long non-coding RNA, LINC00672. Modulating the pathway could shorten the conversion time to 14 days. Conclusion: The discovered FBs-KLCs conversion in the study might open a new avenue to the scalable production of cell sources needed for regenerating skins and healing large-area wounds.
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6
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Wu H, Ma S, Xiang M, Tong S. HTRA1 promotes transdifferentiation of normal fibroblasts to cancer-associated fibroblasts through activation of the NF-κB/bFGF signaling pathway in gastric cancer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 514:933-939. [PMID: 31088682 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.05.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts comprise the major stromal cell populations in gastric cancer, which is a significant contributor to cancer-related death worldwide. As a member of the serine protease family, HTRA1 is reportedly involved in malignant transformation of various tumor types. In the present study, we observed that HTRA1 is positively correlated with α-SMA expression in gastric cancer tissues, which was also confirmed by correlation analysis and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) using the GEO database. Upregulation of HTRA1 in gastric cancer cell lines induces expression of α-SMA in normal fibroblasts. To explore how HTRA1 activates normal fibroblasts, an ELISA assay was performed. Secretion of bFGF/FGF2 from gastric cancer cells was significantly increased in response to HTRA1 overexpression. However, upreguation of α-SMA in normal fibroblasts induced by HTRA1 was restored by inhibiting the expression of bFGF. Furthermore, HTRA1 promotes bFGF/FGF2 expression through activation of NF-κB signaling in gastric cancer cells. Inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway partially restored baseline expression levels of α-SMA induced by HTRA1. In conclusion, HTRA1 promotes transdifferentiation of normal fibroblasts to cancer-associated fibroblasts by increasing bFGF/FGF2 expression, which is dependent upon activation of NF-κB signaling in gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxue Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Wuhan University, Renmin Hospital, No. 99 Zhang Zhidong Road, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Shujin Ma
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Wuhan University, Renmin Hospital, No. 99 Zhang Zhidong Road, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Mingwei Xiang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Wuhan University, Renmin Hospital, No. 99 Zhang Zhidong Road, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Shilun Tong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Wuhan University, Renmin Hospital, No. 99 Zhang Zhidong Road, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, PR China.
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Li X, Huang F, Xu X, Hu S. Polyclonal Rabbit Anti-Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Globulins Induce Cancer Cells Apoptosis and Inhibit Tumor Growth. Int J Biol Sci 2018; 14:1621-1629. [PMID: 30416376 PMCID: PMC6216025 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.26520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) constitute a major component of the tumor microenvironment. CAFs regulated the growth and development, invasion and metastasis of primary tumors, as well as response to treatment. Recent studies indicated that monoclonal antibody therapies had limited success, thus more effective polyclonal antibodies (Poly Abs) is urgently needed. Poly Abs is a possible alternative because they target multiple antigens simultaneously. In this report, we prepared Poly Abs by immunizing rabbits with the bFGF-activated fibroblasts. The Poly Abs inhibited the cancer cells proliferation as revealed by MTT analysis. The Poly Abs induced apoptosis as indicated by flow cytometric analysis, and microscopic observation of apoptotic changes in morphology. Compared with the control IgG, Poly Abs significantly inhibited tumor cells migration as indicated by wound healing and transwell analysis in vitro, and lung metastasis analysis in vivo. Serial intravenous injections of Poly Abs inhibited tumor growth in mice bearing murine CT26 colon carcinoma. Ki67 analysis indicated that Poly Abs significantly inhibited tumor cells proliferation, as compared to control Ig G treatments. Our findings suggested that Poly Abs was an effective agent for apoptosis induction, migration and metastasis inhibition. The Poly Abs may be useful as a safe anticancer agent for cancer immunotherapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuying Li
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Fengchang Huang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Xiaoyu Xu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences & College of Chinese Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Shuenqin Hu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming, Medical University, Kunming, China
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Zhang XP, Li YD, Luo LL, Liu YQ, Li Y, Guo C, Li ZD, Xie XR, Song HX, Yang LP, Sun SB, An FY. Astragalus Saponins and Liposome Constitute an Efficacious Adjuvant Formulation for Cancer Vaccines. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2018; 33:25-31. [PMID: 29466034 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2017.2369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer vaccines mostly aim to induce cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) against tumors. An appropriate adjuvant is of fundamental importance for inducing cellular immune response. Since the antigen in particulate form is substantially more immunogenic than soluble form antigen, it is beneficial to interact with antigen-presenting cells membrane to induce robust CD8+ T cell activation following vaccination. Based on previous research, we designed an adjuvant formulation by combining Astragalus saponins, cholesterol, and liposome to incorporate antigen into a particulate delivery system, so as to enhance cellular immune response. Meanwhile, angiogenesis contributes to tumor growth and metastasis, and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is involved in tumor angiogenesis. Therefore, using lipo-saponins adjuvant formulation and a human recombinant bFGF antigen protein, we tried to induce bFGF-specific CTL response to inhibit tumor angiogenesis to achieve antitumor activity. After five immunizations, the lipo-saponins/bFGF complex elicited robust antibody response and markedly higher amount of interferon-γ in BALB/c mice, resulting in superior antitumor activities. Decreased microvessel density in CD31 immunohistochemistry and the lysis of vascular endothelial cells by the T lymphocytes from the immunized mice indicated that the immunity inhibited the angiogenesis of tumors and further led to the inhibition of tumors. Our data suggest that the approach to construct adjuvant formulation between liposome and Astragalus saponins appeared highly desirable, and that Astragalus saponins may be utilized as a valuable additive for enhancing the effectiveness of vaccines and stimulating an appropriate immune response that can benefit tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ping Zhang
- 1 Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine , Lanzhou, China
| | - Ying-Dong Li
- 1 Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine , Lanzhou, China
| | - Lu-Lu Luo
- 2 Affiliated Hospital, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine , Lanzhou, China
| | - Yong-Qi Liu
- 1 Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine , Lanzhou, China
| | - Yang Li
- 1 Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine , Lanzhou, China
| | - Chao Guo
- 1 Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine , Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhen-Dong Li
- 3 Department of Ultrasound, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University , Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Rong Xie
- 1 Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine , Lanzhou, China
| | - Hai-Xia Song
- 4 Department of Radiotherapy, Tumor Hospital of Gansu Province , Lanzhou, China
| | - Li-Ping Yang
- 5 Department of Oncology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University , Lanzhou, China
| | - Shao-Bo Sun
- 1 Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine , Lanzhou, China
| | - Fang-Yu An
- 1 Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine , Lanzhou, China
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9
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Zhang X, Li NL, Guo C, Li YD, Luo LL, Liu YQ, Duan YY, Li ZD, Xie XR, Song HX, Yang LP, An FY. A vaccine targeting basic fibroblast growth factor elicits a protective immune response against murine melanoma. Cancer Biol Ther 2018; 19:518-524. [PMID: 29405828 PMCID: PMC5927703 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2018.1435223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor growth and metastasis are closely related to angiogenesis. Basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF) is an angiogenic factor, and up-regulated expression of bFGF plays a crucial role in the development and metastasis of melanoma. Therefore, in this study, we sought to achieve antitumor activity by immunity targeting bFGF which would inhibit tumor angiogenesis and simultaneously induce bFGF specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes to kill melanoma cells. A human bFGF protein was used as exogenous antigen, coupled with a saponin-liposome adjuvant formulation to enhance CTL response. The results showed that the immunity induced strong immune response and produced prominent anti-cancer activities. CD31 immunohistochemistry and alginate-encapsulated tumor cell assay displayed that tumor angiogenesis was effectively inhibited. Further, the higher production of IFN-γ and cytotoxic T lymphocyte killing assay suggested that the anti-cancer activities may mainly depend on cellular immune response, which could cause the inhibition of tumor angiogenesis and specific killing of tumor cells by bFGF-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes. We concluded that immunotherapy targeting bFGF may be a prominent strategy for melanoma, and that the adjuvant formulation of saponin-liposome is very desirable in enhancing cytotoxic T lymphocytes response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Zhang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Westen Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Neng-Lian Li
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Westen Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Chao Guo
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Westen Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Ying-Dong Li
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Westen Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Lu-Lu Luo
- Affiliated Hospital, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yong-Qi Liu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Westen Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yun-Yan Duan
- Experiment Teaching Center, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Zhen-Dong Li
- Department of Ultrasound, The second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xiao-Rong Xie
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Westen Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Hai-Xia Song
- Radiotherapy Department, Tumor Hospital of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Li-Ping Yang
- Oncology Department, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Fang-Yu An
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Westen Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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10
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Costa D, Venè R, Benelli R, Romairone E, Scabini S, Catellani S, Rebesco B, Mastracci L, Grillo F, Minghelli S, Loiacono F, Zocchi MR, Poggi A. Targeting the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Can Counteract the Inhibition of Natural Killer Cell Function Exerted by Colorectal Tumor-Associated Fibroblasts. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1150. [PMID: 29910806 PMCID: PMC5992415 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) present in the tumor microenvironment [usually named tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAF)] can exert immunosuppressive effects on T and natural killer (NK) lymphocytes, favoring tumor immune escape. We have analyzed this mechanism in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) and found that co-culture of NK cells with TAF can prevent the IL-2-mediated NKG2D upregulation. This leads to the impairment of NKG2D-mediated recognition of CRC cells, sparing the NK cell activation through DNAM1 or FcγRIIIA (CD16). In situ, TAF express detectable levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR); thus, the therapeutic anti-EGFR humanized antibody cetuximab can trigger the antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity of TAF, through the engagement of FcγRIIIA on NK cells. Importantly, in the tumor, we found a lymphoid infiltrate containing NKp46+CD3- NK cells, enriched in CD16+ cells. This population, sorted and cultured with IL-2, could be triggered via CD16 and via NKG2D. Of note, ex vivo NKp46+CD3- cells were able to kill autologous TAF; in vivo, this might represent a control mechanism to reduce TAF-mediated regulatory effect on NK cell function. Altogether, these findings suggest that MSC from the neoplastic mucosa (TAF) of CRC patients can downregulate the immune cell recognition of CRC tumor cells. This immunosuppression can be relieved by the anti-EGFR antibody used in CRC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delfina Costa
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberta Venè
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberto Benelli
- Immunology Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Scabini
- Oncological Surgery, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Catellani
- Clinical Hematology, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Barbara Rebesco
- Antiblastic Drug Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Mastracci
- Unit of Pathology, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Federica Grillo
- Unit of Pathology, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Simona Minghelli
- Clinical and Experimental Immunology Laboratory, Ospedale G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Maria Raffaella Zocchi
- Division of Immunology, Transplants and Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Poggi
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
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11
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Poggi A, Varesano S, Zocchi MR. How to Hit Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Make the Tumor Microenvironment Immunostimulant Rather Than Immunosuppressive. Front Immunol 2018; 9:262. [PMID: 29515580 PMCID: PMC5825917 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental evidence indicates that mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) may regulate tumor microenvironment (TME). It is conceivable that the interaction with MSC can influence neoplastic cell functional behavior, remodeling TME and generating a tumor cell niche that supports tissue neovascularization, tumor invasion and metastasization. In addition, MSC can release transforming growth factor-beta that is involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of carcinoma cells; this transition is essential to give rise to aggressive tumor cells and favor cancer progression. Also, MSC can both affect the anti-tumor immune response and limit drug availability surrounding tumor cells, thus creating a sort of barrier. This mechanism, in principle, should limit tumor expansion but, on the contrary, often leads to the impairment of the immune system-mediated recognition of tumor cells. Furthermore, the cross-talk between MSC and anti-tumor lymphocytes of the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system strongly drives TME to become immunosuppressive. Indeed, MSC can trigger the generation of several types of regulatory cells which block immune response and eventually impair the elimination of tumor cells. Based on these considerations, it should be possible to favor the anti-tumor immune response acting on TME. First, we will review the molecular mechanisms involved in MSC-mediated regulation of immune response. Second, we will focus on the experimental data supporting that it is possible to convert TME from immunosuppressive to immunostimulant, specifically targeting MSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Poggi
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Serena Varesano
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Raffaella Zocchi
- Division of Immunology, Transplants and Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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12
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Koriem KMM. Protective effect of natural products and hormones in colon cancer using metabolome: A physiological overview. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apjtb.2017.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
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13
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Poggi A, Giuliani M. Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Can Regulate the Immune Response in the Tumor Microenvironment. Vaccines (Basel) 2016; 4:E41. [PMID: 27834810 PMCID: PMC5192361 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines4040041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 10/01/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is a good target for therapy in solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Indeed, solid tumor cells' growth and expansion can influence neighboring cells' behavior, leading to a modulation of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) activities and remodeling of extracellular matrix components. This leads to an altered microenvironment, where reparative mechanisms, in the presence of sub-acute inflammation, are not able to reconstitute healthy tissue. Carcinoma cells can undergo epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), a key step to generate metastasis; these mesenchymal-like cells display the functional behavior of MSC. Furthermore, MSC can support the survival and growth of leukemic cells within bone marrow participating in the leukemic cell niche. Notably, MSC can inhibit the anti-tumor immune response through either carcinoma-associated fibroblasts or bone marrow stromal cells. Experimental data have indicated their relevance in regulating cytolytic effector lymphocytes of the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. Herein, we will discuss some of the evidence in hematological malignancies and solid tumors. In particular, we will focus our attention on the means by which it is conceivable to inhibit MSC-mediated immune suppression and trigger anti-tumor innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Poggi
- Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS AOU San Martino IST, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
| | - Massimo Giuliani
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg City L-1526, Luxembourg.
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14
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Yang X, Hao J, Mao Y, Jin ZQ, Cao R, Zhu CH, Liu XH, Liu C, Ding XL, Wang XD, Chen D, Wu XZ. bFGF Promotes Migration and Induces Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Differentiation of Mouse Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Promote Tumor Growth. Stem Cells Dev 2016; 25:1629-1639. [PMID: 27484709 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2016.0217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors recruit bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to localize to tumor sites, which induces their conversion into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) that facilitate tumor progression. However, this process is poorly understood on the molecular level. In this study, we found that 4T1 breast cancer cells promoted the migration of BMSCs, and bFGF neutralizing antibody inhibited the migration of BMSCs induced by a tumor-conditioned medium. In addition, exogenous bFGF enhanced the migration of BMSCs in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Furthermore, BMSCs promoted the proliferation of 4T1 tumor cells under BMSC-conditioned medium and in tumor xenograft model. Dramatically, BMSCs expressed CAF markers and produced collagen in the tumor microenvironment, and this transition was blocked by bFGF antibody. In addition, exogenous bFGF induced CAF differentiation of BMSCs. And bFGF increased phosphorylation of Erk1/2 and Smad3 in BMSCs and Erk inhibitor PD98059 was shown to block bFGF-induced Erk and Smad3 phosphorylation, suggesting that Erk/Smad3 signaling pathway involved in BMSC transdifferentiation induced by bFGF. Collectively, our results indicate that bFGF signaling plays indispensable roles in BMSC recruitment and transdifferentiation into CAFs and the consequent protumor effects, and targeting tumor stroma through bFGF inhibition maybe a promising strategy to suppress tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Yang
- 1 Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital , Tianjin, China
| | - Jian Hao
- 1 Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital , Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Mao
- 1 Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital , Tianjin, China
| | - Zi-Qi Jin
- 2 Tianjin Medical University , Tianjin, China
| | - Rui Cao
- 1 Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital , Tianjin, China
| | - Cui-Hong Zhu
- 3 Zhong-Shan-Men In-Patient Department, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital , Tianjin, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Liu
- 1 Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital , Tianjin, China
| | - Chang Liu
- 3 Zhong-Shan-Men In-Patient Department, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital , Tianjin, China
| | - Xiu-Li Ding
- 1 Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital , Tianjin, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Wang
- 4 Tianjin Medical University General Hospital , Tianjin, China
| | - Dan Chen
- 2 Tianjin Medical University , Tianjin, China
| | - Xiong-Zhi Wu
- 1 Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital , Tianjin, China
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