1
|
Bolivar AM, Duzagac F, Sinha KM, Vilar E. Advances in vaccine development for cancer prevention and treatment in Lynch Syndrome. Mol Aspects Med 2023; 93:101204. [PMID: 37478804 PMCID: PMC10528439 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2023.101204] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Lynch Syndrome (LS) is one of the most common hereditary cancer syndromes, and is caused by mutations in one of the four DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes, namely MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2. Tumors developed by LS carriers display high levels of microsatellite instability, which leads to the accumulation of large numbers of mutations, among which frameshift insertion/deletions (indels) within microsatellite (MS) loci are the most common. As a result, MMR-deficient (MMRd) cells generate increased rates of tumor-specific neoantigens (neoAgs) that can be recognized by the immune system to activate cancer cell killing. In this context, LS is an ideal disease to leverage immune-interception strategies. Therefore, the identification of these neoAgs is an ongoing effort for the development of LS cancer preventive vaccines. In this review, we summarize the computational methods used for in silico neoAg prediction, including their challenges, and the experimental techniques used for in vitro validation of their immunogenicity. In addition, we outline results from past and on-going vaccine clinical trials and highlight avenues for improvement and future directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Bolivar
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Fahriye Duzagac
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Krishna M Sinha
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Eduardo Vilar
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Clinical Cancer Genetics Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Greco L, Rubbino F, Dal Buono A, Laghi L. Microsatellite Instability and Immune Response: From Microenvironment Features to Therapeutic Actionability-Lessons from Colorectal Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1169. [PMID: 37372349 DOI: 10.3390/genes14061169] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsatellite instability (MSI) can be found in 15-20% of all colorectal cancers (CRC) and is the key feature of a defective DNA mismatch repair (MMR) system. Currently, MSI has been established as a unique and pivotal biomarker in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of CRC. MSI tumors display a strong lymphocytic activation and a shift toward a tumoral microenvironment restraining metastatic potential and ensuing in a high responsiveness to immunotherapy of MSI CRC. Indeed, neoplastic cells with an MMR defect overexpress several immune checkpoint proteins, such as programmed death-1 (PD-1) and programmed death-ligand 1(PD-L1), that can be pharmacologically targeted, allowing for the revival the cytotoxic immune response toward the tumor. This review aims to illustrate the role of MSI in the tumor biology of colorectal cancer, focusing on the immune interactions with the microenvironment and their therapeutic implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luana Greco
- Laboratory of Molecular Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
| | - Federica Rubbino
- Laboratory of Molecular Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
| | - Arianna Dal Buono
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
| | - Luigi Laghi
- Laboratory of Molecular Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bohaumilitzky L, Kluck K, Hüneburg R, Gallon R, Nattermann J, Kirchner M, Kristiansen G, Hommerding O, Pfuderer PL, Wagner L, Echterdiek F, Kösegi S, Müller N, Fischer K, Nelius N, Hartog B, Borthwick G, Busch E, Haag GM, Bläker H, Möslein G, von Knebel Doeberitz M, Seppälä TT, Ahtiainen M, Mecklin JP, Bishop DT, Burn J, Stenzinger A, Budczies J, Kloor M, Ahadova A. The Different Immune Profiles of Normal Colonic Mucosa in Cancer-Free Lynch Syndrome Carriers and Lynch Syndrome Colorectal Cancer Patients. Gastroenterology 2022; 162:907-919.e10. [PMID: 34863788 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Owing to the high load of immunogenic frameshift neoantigens, tumors arising in individuals with Lynch syndrome (LS), the most common inherited colorectal cancer (CRC) syndrome, are characterized by a pronounced immune infiltration. However, the immune status of normal colorectal mucosa in LS is not well characterized. We assessed the immune infiltrate in tumor-distant normal colorectal mucosa from LS CRC patients, sporadic microsatellite-unstable (MSI) and microsatellite-stable (MSS) CRC patients, and cancer-free LS carriers. METHODS CD3-positive, FOXP3-positive, and CD8-positive T cells were quantified in, respectively, 219, 233, and 201 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) normal colonic mucosa tissue sections from CRC patients and cancer-free LS carriers and 26, 22, and 19 LS CRCs. CD3-positive T cells were also quantified in an independent cohort of 97 FFPE normal rectal mucosa tissue sections from LS carriers enrolled in the CAPP2 clinical trial. The expression of 770 immune-relevant genes was analyzed in a subset of samples with the use of the NanoString nCounter platform. RESULTS LS normal mucosa specimens showed significantly elevated CD3-, FOXP3-, and CD8-positive T-cell densities compared with non-LS control specimens. Gene expression profiling and cluster analysis revealed distinct immune profiles in LS carrier mucosa with and without cancer manifestation. Long-term follow-up of LS carriers within the CAPP2 trial found a correlation between mucosal T-cell infiltrate and time to subsequent tumor occurrence. CONCLUSIONS LS carriers show elevated mucosal T-cell infiltration even in the absence of cancer. The normal mucosa immune profile may be a temporary or permanent tumor risk modifier in LS carriers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lena Bohaumilitzky
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Klaus Kluck
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Robert Hüneburg
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany; National Center for Hereditary Tumor Syndromes, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Richard Gallon
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Jacob Nattermann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany; National Center for Hereditary Tumor Syndromes, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Martina Kirchner
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Pauline L Pfuderer
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lelia Wagner
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fabian Echterdiek
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Nephrology, Klinikum Stuttgart-Katharinenhospital, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Svenja Kösegi
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nico Müller
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Konstantin Fischer
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nina Nelius
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ben Hartog
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Gillian Borthwick
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Elena Busch
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Georg Martin Haag
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hendrik Bläker
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gabriela Möslein
- Department of Surgery, Ev. Krankenhaus Bethesda Hospital, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Magnus von Knebel Doeberitz
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Toni T Seppälä
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maarit Ahtiainen
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Central Finland Hospital Nova, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Jukka-Pekka Mecklin
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland; Department of Surgery, Central Finland Hospital Nova, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - D Timothy Bishop
- Division of Haematology and Immunology, Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - John Burn
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Albrecht Stenzinger
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan Budczies
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Kloor
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Aysel Ahadova
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Patients with Lynch syndrome have a high probability of developing colorectal and other carcinomas. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of the immunologic aspects of Lynch syndrome pathogenesis and provides an overview of potential immune interventions for patients with Lynch syndrome polyps and Lynch syndrome-associated carcinomas. RECENT FINDINGS Immunogenic properties of the majority of Lynch syndrome polyps and associated cancers include microsatellite instability leading to a high mutational burden and the development of novel frameshift peptides, i.e., neoantigens. In addition, patients with Lynch syndrome develop T cell responses in the periphery and in the tumor microenvironment (TME) to tumor-associated antigens, and a proinflammatory cytokine TME has also been identified. However, Lynch syndrome lesions also possess immunosuppressive entities such as alterations in MHC class I antigen presentation, TGFβ receptor mutations, regulatory T cells, and upregulation of PD-L1 on tumor-associated lymphocytes. The rich immune microenvironment of Lynch syndrome polyps and associated carcinomas provides an opportunity to employ the spectrum of immune-mediating agents now available to induce and enhance host immune responses and/or to also reduce immunosuppressive entities. These agents can be employed in the so-called prevention trials for the treatment of patients with Lynch syndrome polyps and for trials in patients with Lynch syndrome-associated cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M Pastor
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- NIH Hematology Oncology Fellowship Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|