1
|
Kim J, Maharjan R, Park J. Current Trends and Innovative Approaches in Cancer Immunotherapy. AAPS PharmSciTech 2024; 25:168. [PMID: 39044047 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-024-02883-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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is one of the most promising therapeutic approaches in the field of cancer treatment. As a tumor progresses, tumor cells employ an array of immune-regulatory mechanisms to suppress immune responses within the tumor microenvironment. Using our understanding of these mechanisms, cancer immunotherapy has been developed to enhance the immune system's effectiveness in treating cancer. Numerous cancer immunotherapies are currently in clinical use, yet many others are either in different stages of development or undergoing clinical studies. In this paper, we briefly discuss the features and current status of cancer immunotherapies. This includes the application of monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell therapy, cytokine therapy, cancer vaccines, and gene therapy, all of which have gained significant recognition in clinical practice. Additionally, we discuss limitations that may hinder successful clinical utilization and promising strategies, such as combining immunotherapy with nanotechnology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaechang Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 S. Limestone, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Ruby Maharjan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 S. Limestone, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Jonghyuck Park
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 S. Limestone, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA.
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rahmat JN, Liu J, Chen T, Li Z, Zhang Y. Engineered biological nanoparticles as nanotherapeutics for tumor immunomodulation. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:5862-5903. [PMID: 38716589 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00602f] [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: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Biological nanoparticles, or bionanoparticles, are small molecules manufactured in living systems with complex production and assembly machinery. The products of the assembly systems can be further engineered to generate functionalities for specific purposes. These bionanoparticles have demonstrated advantages such as immune system evasion, minimal toxicity, biocompatibility, and biological clearance. Hence, bionanoparticles are considered the new paradigm in nanoscience research for fabricating safe and effective nanoformulations for therapeutic purposes. Harnessing the power of the immune system to recognize and eradicate malignancies is a viable strategy to achieve better therapeutic outcomes with long-term protection from disease recurrence. However, cancerous tissues have evolved to become invisible to immune recognition and to transform the tumor microenvironment into an immunosuppressive dwelling, thwarting the immune defense systems and creating a hospitable atmosphere for cancer growth and progression. Thus, it is pertinent that efforts in fabricating nanoformulations for immunomodulation are mindful of the tumor-induced immune aberrations that could render cancer nanotherapy inoperable. This review systematically categorizes the immunosuppression mechanisms, the regulatory immunosuppressive cellular players, and critical suppressive molecules currently targeted as breakthrough therapies in the clinic. Finally, this review will summarize the engineering strategies for affording immune moderating functions to bionanoparticles that tip the tumor microenvironment (TME) balance toward cancer elimination, a field still in the nascent stage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juwita N Rahmat
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117585, Singapore
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore
| | - Jiayi Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Taili Chen
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - ZhiHong Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mahmoudian F, Ahmari A, Shabani S, Sadeghi B, Fahimirad S, Fattahi F. Aptamers as an approach to targeted cancer therapy. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:108. [PMID: 38493153 PMCID: PMC10943855 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03295-4] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Conventional cancer treatments can cause serious side effects because they are not specific to cancer cells and can damage healthy cells. Aptamers often are single-stranded oligonucleotides arranged in a unique architecture, allowing them to bind specifically to target sites. This feature makes them an ideal choice for targeted therapeutics. They are typically produced through the systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) and undergo extensive pharmacological revision to modify their affinity, specificity, and therapeutic half-life. Aptamers can act as drugs themselves, directly inhibiting tumor cells. Alternatively, they can be used in targeted drug delivery systems to transport drugs directly to tumor cells, minimizing toxicity to healthy cells. In this review, we will discuss the latest and most advanced approaches to using aptamers for cancer treatment, particularly targeted therapy overcoming resistance to conventional therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Mahmoudian
- Cancer Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Clinical Research Development Unit of Ayatollah-Khansari Hospital, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Azin Ahmari
- Clinical Research Development Unit of Ayatollah-Khansari Hospital, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Shiva Shabani
- Clinical Research Development Unit of Ayatollah-Khansari Hospital, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Bahman Sadeghi
- Clinical Research Development Unit of Ayatollah-Khansari Hospital, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Shohreh Fahimirad
- Molecular and Medicine Research Center, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran.
| | - Fahimeh Fattahi
- Clinical Research Development Unit of Ayatollah-Khansari Hospital, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran.
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Li Y, Liu W, Xu H, Zhou Y, Xie W, Guo Y, Liao Z, Jiang X, Liu J, Ren C. Aptamers combined with immune checkpoints for cancer detection and targeted therapy: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 262:130032. [PMID: 38342267 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130032] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, remarkable strides have been made in the field of immunotherapy, which has emerged as a standard treatment for many cancers. As a kind of immunotherapy drug, monoclonal antibodies employed in immune checkpoint therapy have proven beneficial for patients with diverse cancer types. However, owing to the extensive heterogeneity of clinical responses and the complexity and variability of the immune system and tumor microenvironment (TME), accurately predicting its efficacy remains a challenge. Recent advances in aptamers provide a promising approach for monitoring alterations within the immune system and TME, thereby facilitating targeted immunotherapy, particularly focused on immune checkpoint blockade, with enhanced antitumor efficiency. Aptamers have been widely used in tumor cell detection, biosensors, drug discovery, and biomarker screening due to their high specificity and high affinity with their targets. This review aims to comprehensively examine the research status and progress of aptamers in cancer diagnosis and immunotherapy, with a specific emphasis on those related to immune checkpoints. Additionally, we will discuss the future research directions and potential therapeutic targets for aptamer-based immune checkpoint therapy, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for targeting immunotherapy molecules and blocking tumor immune escape.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yihan Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Weidong Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Hongjuan Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biological Nanotechnology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Yao Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Wen Xie
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Youwei Guo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Ziling Liao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Xingjun Jiang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Critical care medicine, Hainan Hospital of Chinese PLA General Hosptial; project supported by Hainan Province Clinical Medical Center, China.
| | - Caiping Ren
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kejamurthy P, Devi KTR. Immune checkpoint inhibitors and cancer immunotherapy by aptamers: an overview. Med Oncol 2023; 41:40. [PMID: 38158454 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02267-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Efforts in cancer immunotherapy aim to counteract evasion mechanisms and stimulate the immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells effectively. Combination therapies that target multiple aspects of immune evasion are being investigated to enhance the overall efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. PD-1 (Programmed Cell Death Protein 1), CTLA-4 (Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4), LAG-3 (Lymphocyte-Activation Gene 3), and TIM-3 (T Cell Immunoglobulin and Mucin Domain-Containing Protein3) are all immune checkpoint receptors that play crucial roles in regulating the immune response and maintaining self-tolerance often exploited by cancer cells to evade immune surveillance. Antibodies targeted against immune checkpoint inhibitors such as anti-PD-1 antibodies (e.g., pembrolizumab, nivolumab), anti-CTLA-4 antibodies (e.g., Ipilimumab), and experimental drugs targeting LAG-3 and TIM-3, aim to block these interactions and unleash the immune system's ability to recognise and destroy cancer cells. The US FDA has approved different categories of immune checkpoint inhibitors that have been utilised successfully in some patients with metastatic melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, head and neck cancers, and non-small lung cancer. Although several immune checkpoint inhibitor antibodies have been developed, they exhibited immune-related adverse effects, resulting in hypophysitis, diabetes, and neurological issues. These adverse effects of antibodies can be reduced by developing aptamer against the target. Aptamers offer several advantages over traditional antibodies, such as improved specificity, reduced immunogenicity, and flexible design for reduced adverse effects that specifically target and block protein-protein or receptor-ligand interactions involved in immune checkpoint pathways. The current study aims to review the function of particular immune checkpoint inhibitors along with developed aptamer-mediated antitumor cytotoxicity in cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priyatharcini Kejamurthy
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, College of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - K T Ramya Devi
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, College of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India.
| |
Collapse
|