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Zarlashat Y, Mushtaq H, Pham L, Abbas W, Sato K. Advancements in Immunotherapeutic Treatments for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Potential of Combination Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6830. [PMID: 38999940 PMCID: PMC11241106 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136830] [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: 05/25/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most prevalent cancer and a significant global health burden, with increasing incidence rates and limited treatment options. Immunotherapy has become a promising approach due to its ability to affect the immune microenvironment and promote antitumor responses. The immune microenvironment performs an essential role in both the progression and the development of HCC, with different characteristics based on specific immune cells and etiological factors. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, including programmed death-1/programmed death-ligand 1 inhibitors (pembrolizumab, nivolumab, and durvalumab) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 inhibitors (tremelimumab and ipilimumab), have the potential to treat advanced HCC and overcome adverse effects, such as liver failure and chemoresistance. Phase II and phase III clinical trials highlight the efficacy of pembrolizumab and nivolumab, respectively, in advanced HCC patients, as demonstrated by their positive effects on overall survival and progression-free survival. Tremelimumab has exhibited modest response rates, though it does possess antiviral activity. Thus, it is still being investigated in ongoing clinical trials. Combination therapies with multiple drugs have demonstrated potential benefits in terms of survival and tumor response rates, improving patient outcomes compared to monotherapy, especially for advanced-stage HCC. This review addresses the clinical trials of immunotherapies for early-, intermediate-, and advanced-stage HCC. Additionally, it highlights how combination therapy can significantly enhance overall survival, progression-free survival, and objective response rate in advanced-stage HCC, where treatment options are limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusra Zarlashat
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Hassan Mushtaq
- Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering-C (NIBGE), Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
- Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Islamabad 45650, Pakistan
| | - Linh Pham
- Department of Science and Mathematics, Texas A&M University-Central Texas, Killeen, TX 76549, USA
| | - Wasim Abbas
- Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering-C (NIBGE), Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
- Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Islamabad 45650, Pakistan
| | - Keisaku Sato
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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Soltani-Asl M, Azimnasab-Sorkhabi P, Yoshinaga TT, de Oliveira Massoco C, Kfoury JR. The combination of IDO and AHR blockers reduces the migration and clonogenicity of breast cancer cells. Immunol Res 2024; 72:430-437. [PMID: 38153625 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-023-09450-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
The indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) enzyme causes immunosuppressive consequences in the tumor microenvironment (TME). In addition, the role of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in the TME is under discussion. The current study evaluated the role of the IDO and AHR blockers on cell migration, clonogenic, and IDO expression of murine breast cancer cells. The cell migration and clonogenic abilities of breast cancer cells are evaluated by wound‑healing assay (cell migration assay) and Colony formation assay (clonogenic assay). Also, flow cytometry analysis was used to detect the IDO-positive breast cancer cells. The results showed that treating cells with a combination of IDO and AHR blockers dramatically reduced breast cancer cells' migration and clonogenic capacities. Treating cells with only AHR blockade suppressed the clonogenic rate. Since both IDO and AHR are involved in their complex molecular networks, blocking both IDO and AHR might cause alterations in their molecular networks resulting in diminishing the migration and clonogenic abilities of breast cancer cells. However, further investigations are required to confirm our findings within in vivo models as a novel therapy for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Soltani-Asl
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Parviz Azimnasab-Sorkhabi
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tulio Teruo Yoshinaga
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristina de Oliveira Massoco
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jose Roberto Kfoury
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Cheng S, Wang H, Kang X, Zhang H. Immunotherapy Innovations in the Fight against Osteosarcoma: Emerging Strategies and Promising Progress. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:251. [PMID: 38399305 PMCID: PMC10892906 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020251] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunosuppressive elements within the tumor microenvironment are the primary drivers of tumorigenesis and malignant advancement. The presence, as well as the crosstalk between myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), osteosarcoma-associated macrophages (OS-Ms), regulatory T cells (Tregs), and endothelial cells (ECs) with osteosarcoma cells cause the poor prognosis of OS. In addition, the consequent immunosuppressive factors favor the loss of treatment potential. Nanoparticles offer a means to dynamically and locally manipulate immuno-nanoparticles, which present a promising strategy for transforming OS-TME. Additionally, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology is effective in combating OS. This review summarizes the essential mechanisms of immunosuppressive cells in the OS-TME and the current immune-associated strategies. The last part highlights the limitations of existing therapies and offers insights into future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigao Cheng
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Orthopedic Research Institute, Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Hunan Loudi Central Hospital, Loudi 417000, China
| | - Huiyuan Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xuejia Kang
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Hui Zhang
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Orthopedic Research Institute, Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Azimnasab-Sorkhabi P, Soltani-Asl M, Soleiman Ekhtiyari M, Kfoury Junior JR. Landscape of unconventional γδ T cell subsets in cancer. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:238. [PMID: 38289417 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09267-1] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
T cells are broadly categorized into two groups, namely conventional and unconventional T cells. Conventional T cells are the most prevalent and well-studied subset of T cells. On the other hand, unconventional T cells exhibit diverse functions shared between innate and adaptive immune cells. During recent decades, γδ T cells have received attention for their roles in cancer immunity. These cells can detect various molecules, such as lipids and metabolites. Also, they are known for their distinctive ability to recognize and target cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). This feature of γδ T cells could provide a unique therapeutic tool to fight against cancer. Understanding the role of γδ T cells in TME is essential to prepare the groundwork to use γδ T cells for clinical purposes. Here, we provide recent knowledge regarding the role γδ T cell subsets in different cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parviz Azimnasab-Sorkhabi
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Maryam Soltani-Asl
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Jose Roberto Kfoury Junior
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Carriero F, Rubino V, Leone S, Montanaro R, Brancaleone V, Ruggiero G, Terrazzano G. Regulatory T R3-56 Cells in the Complex Panorama of Immune Activation and Regulation. Cells 2023; 12:2841. [PMID: 38132162 PMCID: PMC10742044 DOI: 10.3390/cells12242841] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The interplay between immune activation and immune regulation is a fundamental aspect of the functional harmony of the immune system. This delicate balance is essential to triggering correct and effective immune responses against pathogens while preventing excessive inflammation and the immunopathogenic mechanisms of autoimmunity. The knowledge of all the mechanisms involved in immune regulation is not yet definitive, and, probably, the overall picture is much broader than what has been described in the scientific literature so far. Given the plasticity of the immune system and the diversity of organisms, it is highly probable that numerous other cells and molecules are still to be ascribed to the immune regulation process. Here, we report a general overview of how immune activation and regulation interact, based on the involvement of molecules and cells specifically dedicated to these processes. In addition, we discuss the role of TR3-56 lymphocytes as a new cellular candidate in the immune regulation landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Carriero
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (F.C.); (R.M.); (V.B.)
| | - Valentina Rubino
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (G.R.)
| | - Stefania Leone
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera A. Cardarelli, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Rosangela Montanaro
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (F.C.); (R.M.); (V.B.)
| | - Vincenzo Brancaleone
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (F.C.); (R.M.); (V.B.)
| | - Giuseppina Ruggiero
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (G.R.)
| | - Giuseppe Terrazzano
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (F.C.); (R.M.); (V.B.)
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Azimnasab-Sorkhabi P, Soltani-Asl M, Yoshinaga TT, Massoco CDO, Kfoury Junior JR. IDO blockade negatively regulates the CTLA-4 signaling in breast cancer cells. Immunol Res 2023; 71:679-686. [PMID: 37014514 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-023-09378-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is classified into metabolic and/or genetic disorders; notably, the tryptophan catabolism pathway is vital in different cancer types. Here, we focused on the interaction and molecular connection between the cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) receptor and indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) enzyme. To test the impact of the selected immunotherapies on breast cancer cell migration and cell survival, we used in vitro assays. Also, we test the impact of anti-CTLA-4 antibody on the IDO-positive cells. The results of cell migration and clonogenic assays showed that anti-CTLA-4 antibody reduces cancer cell migration and clonogenic abilities of murine breast cancer cells. In addition, the result of flow cytometry showed that the anti-CTLA-4 antibody did not change the percentage of IDO-positive cancer cells. Notably, administrating an IDO blocker, 1-Methyl-DL-tryptophan (1MT), reduces the efficiency of the antiCTLA-4 antibody. The enzymatic blocking of the IDO reduces the efficiency of the anti-CTLA-4 antibody on cell migration and clonogenic abilities suggesting that there is an inhibitory interaction at the molecular level between functions of CTLA-4 and IDO. It is unclear via which mechanism(s) IDO interacts with CTLA-4 signaling and also why blocking IDO makes disruption in CTLA-4 signaling in cancer cells. Indeed, evaluating the role of IDO in CTLA-4 signaling in cancer cells may assist in clarifying a poor response to CTLA-4 immunotherapies by some patients. Hence, further investigation of the molecular interaction between CTLA-4 and IDO might help to improve the efficiency of CTLA-4 immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parviz Azimnasab-Sorkhabi
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Maryam Soltani-Asl
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Túlio Teruo Yoshinaga
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristina de Oliveira Massoco
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jose Roberto Kfoury Junior
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Azimnasab-Sorkhabi P, Soltani-Asl M, Yoshinaga TT, Zaidan Dagli ML, Massoco CDO, Kfoury Junior JR. Indoleamine-2,3 dioxygenase: a fate-changer of the tumor microenvironment. Mol Biol Rep 2023:10.1007/s11033-023-08469-3. [PMID: 37217614 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08469-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Indoleamine-2,3 dioxygenase is a rate-limiting enzyme in the tryptophan catabolism in kynurenine pathways that has an immunosuppressive effect and supports cancer cells to evade the immune system in different cancer types. Diverse cytokines and pathways upregulate the production of indoleamine-2,3 dioxygenase enzymes in the tumor microenvironment and cause more production and activity of this enzyme. Ultimately, this situation results in anti-tumor immune suppression which is in favor of tumor growth. Several inhibitors such as 1-methyl-tryptophan have been introduced for indoleamine-2,3 dioxygenase enzyme and some of them are widely utilized in pre-clinical and clinical trials. Importantly at the molecular level, indoleamine-2,3 dioxygenase is positioned in a series of intricate signaling and molecular networks. Here, the main objective is to provide a focused view of indoleamine-2,3 dioxygenase enhancer pathways and propose further studies to cover the gap in available information on the function of indoleamine-2,3 dioxygenase enzyme in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parviz Azimnasab-Sorkhabi
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Maryam Soltani-Asl
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Túlio Teruo Yoshinaga
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Lucia Zaidan Dagli
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristina de Oliveira Massoco
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jose Roberto Kfoury Junior
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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