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Chaiyawat P, Sangkhathat S, Chiangjong W, Wongtrakoongate P, Hongeng S, Pruksakorn D, Chutipongtanate S. Targeting pediatric solid tumors in the new era of RNA therapeutics. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 200:104406. [PMID: 38834094 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104406] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite substantial progress in pediatric cancer treatment, poor prognosis remained for patients with recurrent or metastatic disease, given the limitations of approved targeted treatments and immunotherapies. RNA therapeutics offer significant potential for addressing a broad spectrum of diseases, including cancer. Advances in manufacturing and delivery systems are paving the way for the rapid development of therapeutic RNAs for clinical applications. This review summarizes therapeutic RNA classifications and the mechanisms of action, highlighting their potential in manipulating major cancer-related pathways and biological effects. We also focus on the pre-clinical investigation of RNA molecules with efficient delivery systems for their therapeutic potential targeting pediatric solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parunya Chaiyawat
- Musculoskeletal Science and Translational Research Center, Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; Center of Multidisciplinary Technology for Advanced Medicine (CMUTEAM), Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; Extracellular Vesicle Working Group, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Surasak Sangkhathat
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand; Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand; Extracellular Vesicle Working Group, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Wararat Chiangjong
- Pediatric Translational Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; Extracellular Vesicle Working Group, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Patompon Wongtrakoongate
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; Extracellular Vesicle Working Group, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Suradej Hongeng
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ra-mathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; Extracellular Vesicle Working Group, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Dumnoensun Pruksakorn
- Musculoskeletal Science and Translational Research Center, Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; Center of Multidisciplinary Technology for Advanced Medicine (CMUTEAM), Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; Extracellular Vesicle Working Group, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
| | - Somchai Chutipongtanate
- Pediatric Translational Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ra-mathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; MILCH and Novel Therapeutics Lab, Division of Epidemiology, Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; Extracellular Vesicle Working Group, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
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2
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Rahavi SM, Aletaha M, Farrokhi A, Lorentzian A, Lange PF, Maxwell CA, Lim CJ, Reid GSD. Adaptation of the Th-MYCN Mouse Model of Neuroblastoma for Evaluation of Disseminated Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12071. [PMID: 37569447 PMCID: PMC10419036 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
High-risk neuroblastoma remains a profound clinical challenge that requires eradication of neuroblastoma cells from a variety of organ sites, including bone marrow, liver, and CNS, to achieve a cure. While preclinical modeling is a powerful tool for the development of novel cancer therapies, the lack of widely available models of metastatic neuroblastoma represents a significant barrier to the development of effective treatment strategies. To address this need, we report a novel luciferase-expressing derivative of the widely used Th-MYCN mouse. While our model recapitulates the non-metastatic neuroblastoma development seen in the parental transgenic strain, transplantation of primary tumor cells from disease-bearing mice enables longitudinal monitoring of neuroblastoma growth at distinct sites in immune-deficient or immune-competent recipients. The transplanted tumors retain GD2 expression through many rounds of serial transplantation and are sensitive to GD2-targeted immune therapy. With more diverse tissue localization than is seen with human cell line-derived xenografts, this novel model for high-risk neuroblastoma could contribute to the optimization of immune-based treatments for this deadly disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed M. Rahavi
- Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Maryam Aletaha
- Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Ali Farrokhi
- Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, 950 W28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Amanda Lorentzian
- Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Philipp F. Lange
- Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
- Department of Pathology, University of British Columbia, 950 W28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Christopher A. Maxwell
- Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, 950 W28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Chinten James Lim
- Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, 950 W28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Gregor S. D. Reid
- Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, 950 W28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
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3
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Krawczyk E, Kitlińska J. Preclinical Models of Neuroblastoma-Current Status and Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3314. [PMID: 37444423 PMCID: PMC10340830 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Preclinical in vitro and in vivo models remain indispensable tools in cancer research. These classic models, including two- and three-dimensional cell culture techniques and animal models, are crucial for basic and translational studies. However, each model has its own limitations and typically does not fully recapitulate the course of the human disease. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of novel, advanced systems that can allow for efficient evaluation of the mechanisms underlying cancer development and progression, more accurately reflect the disease pathophysiology and complexity, and effectively inform therapeutic decisions for patients. Preclinical models are especially important for rare cancers, such as neuroblastoma, where the availability of patient-derived specimens that could be used for potential therapy evaluation and screening is limited. Neuroblastoma modeling is further complicated by the disease heterogeneity. In this review, we present the current status of preclinical models for neuroblastoma research, discuss their development and characteristics emphasizing strengths and limitations, and describe the necessity of the development of novel, more advanced and clinically relevant approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Krawczyk
- Department of Pathology, Center for Cell Reprogramming, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Joanna Kitlińska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
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4
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Boboila S, Okochi S, Banerjee D, Barton S, Street C, Zenilman AL, Wang Q, Gartrell RD, Saenger YM, Welch D, Wu CC, Kadenhe-Chiweshe A, Yamashiro DJ, Connolly EP. Combining immunotherapy with high-dose radiation therapy (HDRT) significantly inhibits tumor growth in a syngeneic mouse model of high-risk neuroblastoma. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17399. [PMID: 37408891 PMCID: PMC10319189 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The mortality in patients with MYCN-amplified high-risk neuroblastoma remains greater than 50% despite advances in multimodal therapy. Novel therapies are urgently needed that requires preclinical evaluation in appropriate mice models. Combinatorial treatment with high-dose radiotherapy (HDRT) and immunotherapy has emerged as an effective treatment option in a variety of cancers. Current models of neuroblastoma do not recapitulate the anatomic and immune environment in which multimodal therapies can be effectively tested, and there is a need for an appropriate syngeneic neuroblastoma mice model to study interaction of immunotherapy with host immune cells. Here, we develop a novel syngeneic mouse model of MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma and report the relevance and opportunities of this model to study radiotherapy and immunotherapy. Materials and methods A syngeneic allograft tumor model was developed using the murine neuroblastoma cell line 9464D derived a tumor from TH-MYCN transgenic mouse. Tumors were generated by transplanting 1 mm3 portions of 9464D flank tumors into the left kidney of C57Bl/6 mice. We investigated the effect of combining HDRT with anti-PD1 antibody on tumor growth and tumor microenvironment. HDRT (8 Gy x 3) was delivered by the small animal radiation research platform (SARRP). Tumor growth was monitored by ultrasound. To assess the effect on immune cells tumors sections were co-imuunostained for six biomarkers using the Vectra multispectral imaging platform. Results Tumor growth was uniform and confined to the kidney in 100% of transplanted tumors. HDRT was largely restricted to the tumor region with minimal scattered out-of-field dose. Combinatorial treatment with HDRT and PD-1 blockade significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged mice survival. We observed augmented T-lymphocyte infiltration, especially CD3+CD8+ lymphocytes, in tumors of mice which received combination treatment. Conclusion We have developed a novel syngeneic mouse model of MYCN amplified high-risk neuroblastoma. We have utilized this model to show that combining immunotherapy with HDRT inhibits tumor growth and prolongs mice survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuobo Boboila
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Shunpei Okochi
- Department of Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Debarshi Banerjee
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Sunjay Barton
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Cherease Street
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Ariela L. Zenilman
- Department of Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Robyn D. Gartrell
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Yvonne M. Saenger
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - David Welch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Cheng-Chia Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Angela Kadenhe-Chiweshe
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Darrell J. Yamashiro
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Pathology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Eileen P. Connolly
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
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5
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Analysis of Serial Neuroblastoma PDX Passages in Mice Allows the Identification of New Mediators of Neuroblastoma Aggressiveness. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021590. [PMID: 36675105 PMCID: PMC9866967 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021590] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a neural crest cell-derived pediatric tumor characterized by high inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity, and by a poor outcome in advanced stages. Patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) have been shown to be useful models for preserving and expanding original patient biopsies in vivo, and for studying neuroblastoma biology in a more physiological setting. The maintenance of genetic, histologic, and phenotypic characteristics of the original biopsy along serial PDX passages in mice is a major concern regarding this model. Here we analyze consecutive PDX passages in mice, at both transcriptomic and histological levels, in order to identify potential changes or highlight similarities to the primary sample. We studied temporal changes using mRNA and miRNA expression and correlate those with neuroblastoma aggressiveness using patient-derived databases. We observed a shortening of tumor onset and an increase in proliferative potential in the PDXs along serial passages. This behavior correlates with changes in the expression of genes related to cell proliferation and neuronal differentiation, including signaling pathways described as relevant for neuroblastoma malignancy. We also identified new genes and miRNAs that can be used to stratify patients according to survival, and which could be potential new players in neuroblastoma aggressiveness. Our results highlight the usefulness of the PDX neuroblastoma model and reflect phenotypic changes that might be occurring in the mouse environment. These findings could be useful for understanding the progression of tumor aggressiveness in this pathology.
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Horwacik I. The Extracellular Matrix and Neuroblastoma Cell Communication-A Complex Interplay and Its Therapeutic Implications. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193172. [PMID: 36231134 PMCID: PMC9564247 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a pediatric neuroendocrine neoplasm. It arises from the sympatho-adrenal lineage of neural-crest-derived multipotent progenitor cells that fail to differentiate. NB is the most common extracranial tumor in children, and it manifests undisputed heterogeneity. Unsatisfactory outcomes of high-risk (HR) NB patients call for more research to further inter-relate treatment and molecular features of the disease. In this regard, it is well established that in the tumor microenvironment (TME), malignant cells are engaged in complex and dynamic interactions with the extracellular matrix (ECM) and stromal cells. The ECM can be a source of both pro- and anti-tumorigenic factors to regulate tumor cell fate, such as survival, proliferation, and resistance to therapy. Moreover, the ECM composition, organization, and resulting signaling networks are vastly remodeled during tumor progression and metastasis. This review mainly focuses on the molecular mechanisms and effects of interactions of selected ECM components with their receptors on neuroblastoma cells. Additionally, it describes roles of enzymes modifying and degrading ECM in NB. Finally, the article gives examples on how the knowledge is exploited for prognosis and to yield new treatment options for NB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena Horwacik
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Virology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
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7
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Han R, Zhao W, Gu X, Gao X, Yang YG, Zhang X. Different tumorigenicity and distinct metastasis and gene signature between orthotopic and subcutaneous neuroblastoma xenografted mice. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:1932-1940. [PMID: 35197367 PMCID: PMC8908914 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Patient-derived (PDX) and cell-derived (CDX) xenograft models are widely used in preclinical studies of human neuroblastoma. In this study, we constructed orthotopic and subcutaneous neuroblastoma CDX models by injecting human neuroblastoma cells into the adrenal gland and the flanks of immunodeficient mice, respectively. The tumorigenesis, metastasis and response to chemotherapy for the two models were also compared. Our results indicated that orthotopic tumor mice showed significantly faster tumor growth than that of subcutaneous mice. Importantly, the expression of PHOX2B and GAB2 was dramatically increased in the tumors of orthotopic CDX mice. Furthermore, orthotopic CDX mice developed multiple organ metastasis resembling that of neuroblastoma patients, while metastasis occurred predominantly in lung in subcutaneous CDX mice. Moreover, the two CDX models showed comparable response to cyclophosphamide treatment. Our results suggest that orthotopic CDX mice are superior to subcutaneous CDX mice as a preclinical model to study human neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Han
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, China
| | - Wenjie Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, China
| | - Xu Gu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, China
| | - Xue Gao
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, China
| | - Yong-Guang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, China.,International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoling Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, China
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8
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Chen XT, Dai SY, Zhan Y, Yang R, Chen DQ, Li Y, Zhou EQ, Dong R. Progress of oncolytic virotherapy for neuroblastoma. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:1055729. [PMID: 36467495 PMCID: PMC9716318 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.1055729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
As a neuroendocrine tumor derived from the neural crest, neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children. The prognosis in patients with low- and intermediate-risk NB is favorable while that in high-risk patients is often detrimental. However, the management of the considerably large proportion of high-risk patients remains challenging in clinical practice. Among various new approaches, oncolytic virus (OV) therapy offers great advantages in tumor treatment, especially for high-risk NB. Genetic modified OVs can target NB specifically without affecting normal tissue and avoid the widespread drug resistance issue in anticancer monotherapy. Meanwhile, its safety profile provides great potential in combination therapy with chemo-, radio-, and immunotherapy. The therapeutic efficacy of OV for NB is impressive from bench to bedside. The effectiveness and safety of OVs have been demonstrated and reported in studies on children with NB. Furthermore, clinical trials on some OVs (Celyvir, Pexa-Vec (JX-594) and Seneca Valley Virus (NTX-010)) have reported great results. This review summarizes the latest evidence in the therapeutic application of OVs in NB, including those generated in cell lines, animal models and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Tong Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Yang Dai
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Zhan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, China
| | - Ran Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, China
| | - De-Qian Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, China
| | - En-Qing Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Dong
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, China
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9
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Nunes-Xavier CE, Zaldumbide L, Mosteiro L, López-Almaraz R, García de Andoin N, Aguirre P, Emaldi M, Torices L, López JI, Pulido R. Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases in Neuroblastoma: Emerging Roles as Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:811297. [PMID: 34957126 PMCID: PMC8692838 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.811297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer intimately related with early development and differentiation of neuroendocrine cells, and constitutes one of the pediatric cancers with higher incidence and mortality. Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) are key regulators of cell growth and differentiation by their direct effect on tyrosine dephosphorylation of specific protein substrates, exerting major functions in the modulation of intracellular signaling during neuron development in response to external cues driving cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. We review here the current knowledge on the role of PTPs in neuroblastoma cell growth, survival, and differentiation. The potential of PTPs as biomarkers and molecular targets for inhibition in neuroblastoma therapies is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline E. Nunes-Xavier
- Biomarkers in Cancer Unit, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- *Correspondence: Caroline E. Nunes-Xavier, ; Rafael Pulido,
| | - Laura Zaldumbide
- Department of Pathology, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Lorena Mosteiro
- Department of Pathology, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
| | | | | | - Pablo Aguirre
- Department of Pathology, Donostia University Hospital, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Maite Emaldi
- Biomarkers in Cancer Unit, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Leire Torices
- Biomarkers in Cancer Unit, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - José I. López
- Biomarkers in Cancer Unit, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Rafael Pulido
- Biomarkers in Cancer Unit, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- *Correspondence: Caroline E. Nunes-Xavier, ; Rafael Pulido,
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10
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Gifford AJ, Murray J, Fletcher JI, Marshall GM, Norris MD, Haber M. A Primer for Assessing the Pathology in Mouse Models of Neuroblastoma. Curr Protoc 2021; 1:e310. [PMID: 34826366 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma, the most common extracranial solid tumor in young children, arises from the sympathetic nervous system. Our understanding of neuroblastoma has been improved by the development of both genetically engineered and xenograft mouse models of the disease. Anatomical pathology is an essential component of the phenotyping of mouse models of cancer, characterizing the morphologic effects of genetic manipulation and drug treatment. The Th-MYCN model, the most widely used of several genetically engineered mouse models of neuroblastoma, was established by targeted expression of the human MYCN gene to murine neural crest cells under the control of the rat tyrosine hydroxylase promoter. Neuroblastoma development in Th-MYCN mice is preceded by neuroblast hyperplasia-the persistence and proliferation of neural crest-derived neuroblasts within the sympathetic autonomic ganglia. The neuroblastomas that subsequently develop morphologically resemble human neuroblastoma and carry chromosomal gains and losses in regions syntenic with those observed in human tumors. In this overview, we describe the essential pathologic features for investigators when assessing mouse models of neuroblastoma. We outline human neuroblastoma as the foundation for understanding the murine disease, followed by details of the murine sympathetic ganglia from which neuroblastoma arises. Sympathetic ganglia, both with and without neuroblast hyperplasia, are described. The macroscopic and microscopic features of murine neuroblastoma are explained, including assessment of xenografts and tumors following drug treatment. An approach to experimental design is also detailed. Increased understanding of the pathology of murine neuroblastoma should improve reproducibility and comparability of research findings and assist investigators working with mouse models of neuroblastoma. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Gifford
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Anatomical Pathology, NSW Heath Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jayne Murray
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jamie I Fletcher
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Glenn M Marshall
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Murray D Norris
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,UNSW Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michelle Haber
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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11
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Li S, Yeo KS, Levee TM, Howe CJ, Her ZP, Zhu S. Zebrafish as a Neuroblastoma Model: Progress Made, Promise for the Future. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030580. [PMID: 33800887 PMCID: PMC8001113 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
For nearly a decade, researchers in the field of pediatric oncology have been using zebrafish as a model for understanding the contributions of genetic alternations to the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma (NB), and exploring the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie neuroblastoma initiation and metastasis. In this review, we will enumerate and illustrate the key advantages of using the zebrafish model in NB research, which allows researchers to: monitor tumor development in real-time; robustly manipulate gene expression (either transiently or stably); rapidly evaluate the cooperative interactions of multiple genetic alterations to disease pathogenesis; and provide a highly efficient and low-cost methodology to screen for effective pharmaceutical interventions (both alone and in combination with one another). This review will then list some of the common challenges of using the zebrafish model and provide strategies for overcoming these difficulties. We have also included visual diagram and figures to illustrate the workflow of cancer model development in zebrafish and provide a summary comparison of commonly used animal models in cancer research, as well as key findings of cooperative contributions between MYCN and diverse singling pathways in NB pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55902, USA; (S.L.); (K.S.Y.); (T.M.L.); (C.J.H.); (Z.P.H.)
| | - Kok Siong Yeo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55902, USA; (S.L.); (K.S.Y.); (T.M.L.); (C.J.H.); (Z.P.H.)
| | - Taylor M. Levee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55902, USA; (S.L.); (K.S.Y.); (T.M.L.); (C.J.H.); (Z.P.H.)
| | - Cassie J. Howe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55902, USA; (S.L.); (K.S.Y.); (T.M.L.); (C.J.H.); (Z.P.H.)
| | - Zuag Paj Her
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55902, USA; (S.L.); (K.S.Y.); (T.M.L.); (C.J.H.); (Z.P.H.)
| | - Shizhen Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55902, USA; (S.L.); (K.S.Y.); (T.M.L.); (C.J.H.); (Z.P.H.)
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
- Correspondence:
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12
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Gavin C, Geerts N, Cavanagh B, Haynes M, Reynolds CP, Loessner D, Ewald AJ, Piskareva O. Neuroblastoma Invasion Strategies Are Regulated by the Extracellular Matrix. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:736. [PMID: 33578855 PMCID: PMC7916632 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a paediatric malignancy of the developing sympathetic nervous system. About half of the patients have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis and a survival rate of less than 50%. Our understanding of the cellular processes promoting neuroblastoma metastases will be facilitated by the development of appropriate experimental models. In this study, we aimed to explore the invasion of neuroblastoma cells and organoids from patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) grown embedded in 3D extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogels by time-lapse microscopy and quantitative image analysis. We found that the ECM composition influenced the growth, viability and local invasion of organoids. The ECM compositions induced distinct cell behaviours, with Matrigel being the preferred substratum for local organoid invasion. Organoid invasion was cell line- and PDX-dependent. We identified six distinct phenotypes in PDX-derived organoids. In contrast, NB cell lines were more phenotypically restricted in their invasion strategies, as organoids isolated from cell line-derived xenografts displayed a broader range of phenotypes compared to clonal cell line clusters. The addition of FBS and bFGF induced more aggressive cell behaviour and a broader range of phenotypes. In contrast, the repression of the prognostic neuroblastoma marker, MYCN, resulted in less aggressive cell behaviour. The combination of PDX organoids, real-time imaging and the novel 3D culture assays developed herein will enable rapid progress in elucidating the molecular mechanisms that control neuroblastoma invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cian Gavin
- Cancer Bio-Engineering Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland; (C.G.); (N.G.)
| | - Nele Geerts
- Cancer Bio-Engineering Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland; (C.G.); (N.G.)
| | - Brenton Cavanagh
- Cellular and Molecular Imaging Core, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland;
| | - Meagan Haynes
- Center for Cell Dynamics, Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (M.H.); (A.J.E.)
| | - C. Patrick Reynolds
- Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79416, USA;
- Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79416, USA
| | - Daniela Loessner
- Departments of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia;
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Andrew J. Ewald
- Center for Cell Dynamics, Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; (M.H.); (A.J.E.)
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Program, Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Olga Piskareva
- Cancer Bio-Engineering Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland; (C.G.); (N.G.)
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin D02 YN77, Ireland
- National Children’s Research Centre, Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin, Dublin D12 8MGH, Ireland
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13
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Abid K, Popovic MB, Bourloud KB, Schoumans J, Grand-Guillaume J, Grouzmann E, Mühlethaler-Mottet A. The noradrenergic profile of plasma metanephrine in neuroblastoma patients is reproduced in xenograft mice models and arise from PNMT downregulation. Oncotarget 2021; 12:49-60. [PMID: 33456713 PMCID: PMC7800772 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Metanephrines (MNs; normetanephrine (NMN), metanephrine (MN) and methoxytyramine (MT)) detected in urine or plasma represent the best biomarker for neuroblastoma (NB) diagnosis, however the metabolism of both catecholamine (CAT) and MNs remains enigmatic in NB. Using patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models derived from primary NB cells, we observed that the plasma levels of MNs in NB-PDX-bearing mice were comparable as in patients. Interestingly, murine plasma displayed an elevated fraction of glucuronidated forms of MNs relative to human plasma where sulfonated forms prevail. In tumors, the concentration ranges of MNs and CAT and the expression levels of the main genes involved in catecholamine metabolism were similar between NB-PDX and human NB tissues. Likewise, plasma and intratumoral profiles of individual MNs, with increased levels of MT and NMN relative to MN, were also conserved in mouse models as in patients. We further demonstrated the downregulation of the Phenylethanolamine N-Methyltransferase gene in NB biopsies and in NB-PDX explaining this biochemical phenotype, and giving a rational to the low levels of epinephrine and MN measured in NB affected patients. Thus, our subcutaneous murine NB-PDX models not only reproduce the phenotype of primary NB tumors, but also the metabolism of catecholamine as observed in patients. This may potentially open new avenues in preclinical studies for the follow up of novel therapeutic options for NB through the quantification of plasma MNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Abid
- Catecholamine and Peptides Laboratory, Service of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Maja Beck Popovic
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Unit, Woman-Mother-Child Department, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Katia Balmas Bourloud
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Research Laboratory, Woman-Mother-Child Department, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jacqueline Schoumans
- Oncogenomics Laboratory, Hematology Service, Laboratory Medicine and Pathology Department, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Joana Grand-Guillaume
- Catecholamine and Peptides Laboratory, Service of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Eric Grouzmann
- Catecholamine and Peptides Laboratory, Service of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Annick Mühlethaler-Mottet
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Research Laboratory, Woman-Mother-Child Department, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
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14
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Webb ER, Lanati S, Wareham C, Easton A, Dunn SN, Inzhelevskaya T, Sadler FM, James S, Ashton-Key M, Cragg MS, Beers SA, Gray JC. Immune characterization of pre-clinical murine models of neuroblastoma. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16695. [PMID: 33028899 PMCID: PMC7541480 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73695-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy offers a potentially less toxic, more tumor-specific treatment for neuroblastoma than conventional cytotoxic therapies. Accurate and reproducible immune competent preclinical models are key to understanding mechanisms of action, interactions with other therapies and mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapy. Here we characterized the tumor and splenic microenvironment of two syngeneic subcutaneous (NXS2 and 9464D), and a spontaneous transgenic (TH-MYCN) murine model of neuroblastoma, comparing histological features and immune infiltrates to previously published data on human neuroblastoma. Histological sections of frozen tissues were stained by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence for immune cell markers and tumor architecture. Tissues were dissociated by enzymatic digestion, stained with panels of antibodies to detect and quantify cancer cells, along with lymphocytic and myeloid infiltration by flow cytometry. Finally, we tested TH-MYCN mice as a feasible model for immunotherapy, using prior treatment with cyclophosphamide to create a therapeutic window of minimal residual disease to favor host immune development. Immune infiltration differed significantly between all the models. TH-MYCN tumors were found to resemble immune infiltration in human tumors more closely than the subcutaneous models, alongside similar GD2 and MHC class I expression. Finally, TH-MYCN transgenic mice were administered cyclophosphamide alone or in combination with an anti-GD2 or anti-4-1BB monoclonal antibody, which resulted in increase in survival in both combination therapies. The TH-MYCN transgenic mouse is a promising in vivo model for testing immunotherapy compounds and combination therapy in a preclinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Webb
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital (MP127), Tremona Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO16 6YD, UK.,Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Silvia Lanati
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital (MP127), Tremona Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Carol Wareham
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital (MP127), Tremona Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Alistair Easton
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital (MP127), Tremona Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO16 6YD, UK.,Cellular Pathology, University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK.,Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Stuart N Dunn
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital (MP127), Tremona Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Tatyana Inzhelevskaya
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital (MP127), Tremona Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Freja M Sadler
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital (MP127), Tremona Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Sonya James
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital (MP127), Tremona Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Margaret Ashton-Key
- Cellular Pathology, University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Mark S Cragg
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital (MP127), Tremona Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Stephen A Beers
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital (MP127), Tremona Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Juliet C Gray
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital (MP127), Tremona Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO16 6YD, UK.
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15
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Cano-Mejia J, Shukla A, Ledezma DK, Palmer E, Villagra A, Fernandes R. CpG-coated prussian blue nanoparticles-based photothermal therapy combined with anti-CTLA-4 immune checkpoint blockade triggers a robust abscopal effect against neuroblastoma. Transl Oncol 2020; 13:100823. [PMID: 32652470 PMCID: PMC7348061 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2020.100823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
High-risk neuroblastoma, which is associated with regional and systemic metastasis, is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in children. Responding to this need for novel therapies for high-risk patients, we have developed a "nanoimmunotherapy," which combines photothermal therapy (PTT) using CpG oligodeoxynucleotide-coated Prussian blue nanoparticles (CpG-PBNPs) combined with anti-CTLA-4 (aCTLA-4) immunotherapy. Our in vitro studies demonstrate that in addition to causing ablative tumor cell death, our nanoimmunotherapy alters the surface levels of co-stimulatory, antigen-presenting, and co-inhibitory molecules on neuroblastoma tumor cells. When administered in a syngeneic, murine model of neuroblastoma bearing synchronous Neuro2a tumors, the CpG-PBNP-PTT plus aCTLA-4 nanoimmunotherapy elicits complete tumor regression in both primary (CpG-PBNP-PTT-treated) and secondary tumors, and long-term survival in a significantly higher proportion (55.5%) of treated-mice compared with the controls. Furthermore, the surviving, nanoimmunotherapy-treated animals reject Neuro2a rechallenge, suggesting that the therapy generates immunological memory. Additionally, the depletion of CD4+, CD8+, and NK+ populations abrogate the observed therapeutic responses of the nanoimmunotherapy. These findings demonstrate the importance of concurrent PTT-based cytotoxicity and the antitumor immune effects of PTT, CpG, and aCTLA-4 in generating a robust abscopal effect against neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Cano-Mejia
- The George Washington Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA; Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Anshi Shukla
- The George Washington Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Debbie K Ledezma
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; The Institute for Biomedical Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Erica Palmer
- The George Washington Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Alejandro Villagra
- The George Washington Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Rohan Fernandes
- The George Washington Cancer Center, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA; The Institute for Biomedical Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA; Department of Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA.
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