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Feldman L. Hypoxia within the glioblastoma tumor microenvironment: a master saboteur of novel treatments. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1384249. [PMID: 38994360 PMCID: PMC11238147 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1384249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) tumors are the most aggressive primary brain tumors in adults that, despite maximum treatment, carry a dismal prognosis. GBM tumors exhibit tissue hypoxia, which promotes tumor aggressiveness and maintenance of glioma stem cells and creates an overall immunosuppressive landscape. This article reviews how hypoxic conditions overlap with inflammatory responses, favoring the proliferation of immunosuppressive cells and inhibiting cytotoxic T cell development. Immunotherapies, including vaccines, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and CAR-T cell therapy, represent promising avenues for GBM treatment. However, challenges such as tumor heterogeneity, immunosuppressive TME, and BBB restrictiveness hinder their effectiveness. Strategies to address these challenges, including combination therapies and targeting hypoxia, are actively being explored to improve outcomes for GBM patients. Targeting hypoxia in combination with immunotherapy represents a potential strategy to enhance treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Feldman
- Division of Neurosurgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States
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Wagner PL, Knotts CM, Donneberg VS, Dadgar N, Pico CC, Xiao K, Zaidi A, Schiffman SC, Allen CJ, Donnenberg AD, Bartlett DL. Characterizing the Immune Environment in Peritoneal Carcinomatosis: Insights for Novel Immunotherapy Strategies. Ann Surg Oncol 2024; 31:2069-2077. [PMID: 37996643 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-023-14553-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND OR PURPOSE Carcinomatosis, a distinct pattern of metastatic cancer in the peritoneal cavity, poses challenges for treatment and has limited therapeutic options. Understanding the immune environment of peritoneal surface malignancies is crucial for developing effective immunotherapeutic approaches. This study characterizes soluble immune mediators in the peritoneal fluid of patients with and without carcinomatosis to identify targets for novel treatment strategies. PATIENTS AND METHODS Serum and peritoneal fluid samples were collected from surgical patients, and a multianalyte analysis was performed using the Luminex platform. Patient characteristics, tumor sites, and sample collection details were recorded. Soluble immune mediator levels were measured and compared between peritoneal fluid and serum samples and among clinical subgroups. Statistical analysis was conducted to assess differences in analyte concentrations and correlations between samples. RESULTS There were 39 patients included in the study, with varying surgical indications. Significant differences were observed in soluble immune mediator levels between peritoneal fluid and serum, with peritoneal fluid exhibiting lower concentrations. Carcinomatosis was associated with elevated levels of proinflammatory mediators, including IL-6 and IL-8, while adaptive immune response markers were low in peritoneal fluid. CONCLUSIONS The peritoneal immune microenvironment in carcinomatosis favors innate immunity, presenting a challenging environment for effective antitumor response. High levels of proinflammatory mediators suggest potential targets for intervention, such as the IL-6 axis, FGF2, IL-8, and CCL2; these could be explored as potential mitigators of malignant ascites and enhance anti-tumor immune responses. These findings provide valuable insights for developing immunotherapy strategies and improving outcomes in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick L Wagner
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Chelsea M Knotts
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Vera S Donneberg
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Neda Dadgar
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Christian Cruz Pico
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kunhong Xiao
- Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ali Zaidi
- Esophageal Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Suzanne C Schiffman
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Casey J Allen
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Albert D Donnenberg
- Division of Hematology and Cellular Therapy, Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - David L Bartlett
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Wei T, Li Y, Li B, Xie Q, Huang Y, Wu Z, Chen H, Meng Y, Liang L, Wang M, Geng J, Lei M, Shang J, Guo S, Yang Z, Jia H, Ren F, Zhao T. Plasmid co-expressing siRNA-PD-1 and Endostatin carried by attenuated Salmonella enhanced the anti-melanoma effect via inhibiting the expression of PD-1 and VEGF on tumor-bearing mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 127:111362. [PMID: 38103411 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111362] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma, the most perilous form of skin cancer, is known for its inherent resistance to chemotherapy. Even with advances in tumor immunotherapy, the survival of patients with advanced or recurrent melanomas remains poor. Over time, melanoma tumor cells may produce excessive angiogenic factors, necessitating the use of combinations of angiogenesis inhibitors, including broad-spectrum options, to combat melanoma. Among these inhibitors, Endostatin is one of the most broad-spectrum and least toxic angiogenesis inhibitors. We found Endostatin significantly increased the infiltration of CD8+ T cells and reduced the infiltration of M2 tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the melanoma tumor microenvironment (TME). Interestingly, we also observed high expression levels of programmed death 1 (PD-1), an essential immune checkpoint molecule associated with tumor immune evasion, within the melanoma tumor microenvironment despite the use of Endostatin. To address this issue, we investigated the effects of a plasmid expressing Endostatin and PD-1 siRNA, wherein Endostatin was overexpressed while RNA interference (RNAi) targeted PD-1. These therapeutic agents were delivered using attenuated Salmonella in melanoma-bearing mice. Our results demonstrate that pEndostatin-siRNA-PD-1 therapy exhibits optimal therapeutic efficacy against melanoma. We found that pEndostatin-siRNA-PD-1 therapy promotes the infiltration of CD8+ T cells and the expression of granzyme B in melanoma tumors. Importantly, combined inhibition of angiogenesis and PD-1 significantly suppresses melanoma tumor progression compared with the inhibition of angiogenesis or PD-1 alone. Based on these findings, our study suggests that combining PD-1 inhibition with angiogenesis inhibitors holds promise as a clinical strategy for the treatment of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Wei
- Department of Immunology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Vaccine and Immunotherapy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China; Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of Immune Checkpoint Drug for Liver-Intestinal Tumors, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Immunology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Vaccine and Immunotherapy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China; Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of Immune Checkpoint Drug for Liver-Intestinal Tumors, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China; Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis of Respiratory Infectious Diseases, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis of Respiratory Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450014, Henan, PR China
| | - Baozhu Li
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Vaccine and Immunotherapy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China; Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of Immune Checkpoint Drug for Liver-Intestinal Tumors, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China
| | - Qian Xie
- Department of Immunology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Vaccine and Immunotherapy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China; Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of Immune Checkpoint Drug for Liver-Intestinal Tumors, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China
| | - Yujing Huang
- Department of Immunology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Vaccine and Immunotherapy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China; Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of Immune Checkpoint Drug for Liver-Intestinal Tumors, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China
| | - Zunge Wu
- Department of Immunology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Vaccine and Immunotherapy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China; Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of Immune Checkpoint Drug for Liver-Intestinal Tumors, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China
| | - Haoqi Chen
- Department of Immunology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Vaccine and Immunotherapy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China; Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of Immune Checkpoint Drug for Liver-Intestinal Tumors, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China
| | - Ying Meng
- Department of Immunology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Vaccine and Immunotherapy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China; Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of Immune Checkpoint Drug for Liver-Intestinal Tumors, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China
| | - Lirui Liang
- Department of Immunology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Vaccine and Immunotherapy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China; Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of Immune Checkpoint Drug for Liver-Intestinal Tumors, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China
| | - Ming Wang
- Department of Immunology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Vaccine and Immunotherapy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China; Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of Immune Checkpoint Drug for Liver-Intestinal Tumors, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China
| | - Jiaxin Geng
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Vaccine and Immunotherapy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China; Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of Immune Checkpoint Drug for Liver-Intestinal Tumors, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China
| | - Mengyu Lei
- Department of Immunology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Vaccine and Immunotherapy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China; Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of Immune Checkpoint Drug for Liver-Intestinal Tumors, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China
| | - Jingli Shang
- Department of Immunology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Immunity and Targeted Therapy for Liver-Intestinal Tumors, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453000, PR China
| | - Sheng Guo
- Department of Immunology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Vaccine and Immunotherapy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China; Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of Immune Checkpoint Drug for Liver-Intestinal Tumors, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China
| | - Zishan Yang
- Department of Immunology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Vaccine and Immunotherapy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China; Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of Immune Checkpoint Drug for Liver-Intestinal Tumors, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China
| | - Huijie Jia
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Vaccine and Immunotherapy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China; Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of Immune Checkpoint Drug for Liver-Intestinal Tumors, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China
| | - Feng Ren
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Immunity and Targeted Therapy for Liver-Intestinal Tumors, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453000, PR China.
| | - Tiesuo Zhao
- Department of Immunology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Tumor Vaccine and Immunotherapy, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China; Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of Immune Checkpoint Drug for Liver-Intestinal Tumors, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453000, Henan, PR China.
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Sharma P, Otto M. Multifunctional nanocomposites modulating the tumor microenvironment for enhanced cancer immunotherapy. Bioact Mater 2024; 31:440-462. [PMID: 37701452 PMCID: PMC10494322 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has gained momentum for treating malignant tumors over the past decade. Checkpoint blockade and chimeric antigen receptor cell therapy (CAR-T) have shown considerable potency against liquid and solid cancers. However, the tumor microenvironment (TME) is highly immunosuppressive and hampers the effect of currently available cancer immunotherapies on overall treatment outcomes. Advancements in the design and engineering of nanomaterials have opened new avenues to modulate the TME. Progress in the current nanocomposite technology can overcome immunosuppression and trigger robust immunotherapeutic responses by integrating synergistic functions of different molecules. We will review recent advancements in nanomedical applications and discuss specifically designed nanocomposites modulating the TME for cancer immunotherapy. In addition, we provide information on the current landscape of clinical-stage nanocomposites for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Sharma
- Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, ABC1 Building, 425 N 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Mario Otto
- Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, ABC1 Building, 425 N 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders (CCBD), Phoenix Children's, 1919 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85016, USA
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Catalano M, Shabani S, Venturini J, Ottanelli C, Voltolini L, Roviello G. Lung Cancer Immunotherapy: Beyond Common Immune Checkpoints Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:6145. [PMID: 36551630 PMCID: PMC9777293 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is an ever-expanding field in lung cancer treatment research. Over the past two decades, there has been significant progress in identifying immunotherapy targets and creating specific therapeutic agents, leading to a major paradigm shift in lung cancer treatment. However, despite the great success achieved with programmed death protein 1/ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) monoclonal antibodies and with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 plus anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4), only a minority of lung cancer patients respond to treatment, and of these many subsequently experience disease progression. In addition, immune-related adverse events sometimes can be life-threatening, especially when anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 are used in combination. All of this prompted researchers to identify novel immune checkpoints targets to overcome these limitations. Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), T cell immunoglobulin (Ig) and Immunoreceptor Tyrosine-Based Inhibitory Motif (ITIM) domain (TIGIT), T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM-3) are promising molecules now under investigation. This review aims to outline the current role of immunotherapy in lung cancer and to examine efficacy and future applications of the new immune regulating molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Catalano
- School of Human Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Sonia Shabani
- School of Human Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Jacopo Venturini
- School of Human Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Carlotta Ottanelli
- School of Human Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Luca Voltolini
- Thoraco-Pulmonary Surgery Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Giandomenico Roviello
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
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6
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Bu MT, Chandrasekhar P, Ding L, Hugo W. The roles of TGF-β and VEGF pathways in the suppression of antitumor immunity in melanoma and other solid tumors. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 240:108211. [PMID: 35577211 PMCID: PMC10956517 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has become well-known in cancer therapy, strengthening the body's antitumor immune response rather than directly targeting cancer cells. Therapies targeting immune inhibitory checkpoints, such as PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4, have resulted in impressive clinical responses across different types of solid tumors. However, as with other types of cancer treatments, ICB-based immunotherapy is hampered by both innate and acquired drug resistance. We previously reported the enrichment of gene signatures associated with wound healing, epithelial-to-mesenchymal, and angiogenesis processes in the tumors of patients with innate resistance to PD-1 checkpoint antibody therapy; we termed these the Innate Anti-PD-1 Resistance Signatures (IPRES). The TGF-β and VEGFA pathways emerge as the dominant drivers of IPRES-associated processes. Here, we review these pathways' functions, their roles in immunosuppression, and the currently available therapies that target them. We also discuss recent developments in the targeting of TGF-β using a specific antibody class termed trap antibody. The application of trap antibodies opens the promise of localized targeting of the TGF-β and VEGFA pathways within the tumor microenvironment. Such specificity may offer an enhanced therapeutic window that enables suppression of the IPRES processes in the tumor microenvironment while sparing the normal homeostatic functions of TGF-β and VEGFA in healthy tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa T Bu
- Department of Medicine/Dermatology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Pallavi Chandrasekhar
- Department of Medicine/Dermatology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Lizhong Ding
- Department of Medicine/Dermatology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy UCLA, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Willy Hugo
- Department of Medicine/Dermatology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy UCLA, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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7
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Shi J, Shen X, Kang Q, Yang X, Denzinger M, Kornmann M, Traub B. Loss of Interleukin-13-Receptor-Alpha-1 Induces Apoptosis and Promotes EMT in Pancreatic Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:3659. [PMID: 35409019 PMCID: PMC8998778 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In search of new therapies for pancreatic cancer, cytokine pathways have attracted increasing interest in recent years. Cytokines play a vital role in the crosstalk between tumour cells and the tumour microenvironment. The related inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 can regularly be detected at increased levels in the microenvironment of pancreatic cancer. They share a receptor heterodimer consisting of IL-4Rα and IL-13Rα1. While IL-4Rα induces a more oncogenic phenotype, the role of IL-13Rα1 was yet to be determined. ShRNA-based knockdown of IL-13Rα1 was performed in Capan-1 and MIA PaCa-2. We assessed cell growth and migratory capacities under the influence of IL-13Rα1. Pathway alterations were detected by immunoblot analysis. We now have demonstrated that the loss of IL-13Rα1 induces apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells. This was associated with an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Loss of IL-13Rα1 also abolished the effects of exogenous IL-4 and IL-13 stimulation. Interestingly, in wild type cells, cytokine stimulation caused a similar increase in migratory capacities as after IL-13Rα1 knockdown. Overall, our results indicate the vital role of IL-13Rα1 in the progression of pancreatic cancer. The differential expression of IL-4Rα and IL-13Rα1 has to be taken into account when considering a cytokine-targeted therapy in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Benno Traub
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Ulm Univsersity Hospital, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (J.S.); (X.S.); (Q.K.); (X.Y.); (M.D.); (M.K.)
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Murali M, Kumar AR, Nair B, Pavithran K, Devan AR, Pradeep GK, Nath LR. Antibody-drug conjugate as targeted therapeutics against hepatocellular carcinoma: preclinical studies and clinical relevance. Clin Transl Oncol 2022; 24:407-431. [PMID: 34595736 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-021-02707-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
An antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) is an advanced chemotherapeutic option with immense promises in treating many tumor. They are designed to selectively attack and kill neoplastic cells with minimal toxicity to normal tissues. ADCs are complex engineered immunoconjugates that comprise a monoclonal antibody for site-directed delivery and cytotoxic payload for targeted destruction of malignant cells. Therefore, it enables the reduction of off-target toxicities and enhances the therapeutic index of the drug. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a solid tumor that shows high heterogeneity of molecular phenotypes and is considered the second most common cause of cancer-related death. Studies show enormous potential for ADCs targeting GPC3 and CD24 and other tumor-associated antigens in HCC with their high, selective expression and show potential outputs in preclinical evaluations. The review mainly highlights the preclinical evaluation of different antigen-targeted ADCs such as MetFab-DOX, Anti-c-Met IgG-OXA, Anti CD 24, ANC-HN-01, G7mab-DOX, hYP7-DCand hYP7-PC, Anti-CD147 ILs-DOX and AC133-vcMMAF against hepatocellular carcinoma and its future relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Murali
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara P. O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
| | - A R Kumar
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara P. O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
| | - B Nair
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara P. O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
| | - K Pavithran
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, 682041, India
| | - A R Devan
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara P. O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
| | - G K Pradeep
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara P. O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
| | - L R Nath
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara P. O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India.
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Kumar AR, Devan AR, Nair B, Vinod BS, Nath LR. Harnessing the immune system against cancer: current immunotherapy approaches and therapeutic targets. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:8075-8095. [PMID: 34671902 PMCID: PMC8605995 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06752-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is a rapidly evolving concept that has been given the tag "fifth pillar" of cancer therapy while radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery and targeted therapy remain the other four pillars. This involves the stimulation of the immune system to control tumor growth and it specifically targets the neoplastic cells rather than the normal cells. Conventional chemotherapy has many limitations which include drug resistance, recurrence of cancer and severe adverse effects. Immunology has made major treatment breakthroughs for several cancers such as colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, stomach cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia etc. Currently, therapeutic strategies harnessing the immune system involve Checkpoint inhibitors, Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR T cells), Monoclonal antibodies, Cancer vaccines, Cytokines, Radio-immunotherapy and Oncolytic virus therapy. The molecular characterization of several tumor antigens (TA) indicates that these TA can be utilized as promising candidates in cancer immunotherapy strategies. Here in this review, we highlight and summarize the different categories of emerging cancer immunotherapies along with the immunologically recognized tumor antigens involved in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayana R Kumar
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara P. O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
| | - Aswathy R Devan
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara P. O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
| | - Bhagyalakshmi Nair
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara P. O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
| | - Balachandran S Vinod
- Department of Biochemistry, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, 691001, India.
| | - Lekshmi R Nath
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara P. O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India.
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Nie X, Song L, Li X, Wang Y, Qu B. Prognostic signature of ovarian cancer based on 14 tumor microenvironment-related genes. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e26574. [PMID: 34260536 PMCID: PMC8284754 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000026574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian cancer is one of the lethal gynecological diseases in women. However, using tumor microenvironment related genes to identify prognostic signature of ovarian cancer has not been discussed in detail. METHODS The mRNA profiles of 386 ovarian cancer patients were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Univariate Cox regression and LASSO Cox regression analyses were performed and 14 optimized prognostic genes related to tumor microenvironment were identified. RESULTS The multivariate Cox hazards regression showed risk score was an independent prognostic signature for ovarian cancer. Nomogram model could reliably predict the patients' survival. Furthermore, M1 macrophages, M2 macrophages, and follicular helper T cells, differentially expressed between the high- and low-risk groups, were found to be associated with the risk score. CONCLUSION CTL-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4) and indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), which were previously shown to be important immune checkpoints, probably contribute to the immunosuppressive microenvironment aberration. This study may shed light on the prognosis of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiazi Nie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, China
| | - Lina Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture State People's Hospital, Hezuo City, Gansu Province, China
| | - Xiaohua Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstertrics, People's Hospital of Gangu County, Tianshui City, Gansu Province, China
| | - Yirong Wang
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Gansu Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, China
| | - Bo Qu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, China
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Devan AR, Kumar AR, Nair B, Anto NP, Muraleedharan A, Mathew B, Kim H, Nath LR. Insights into an Immunotherapeutic Approach to Combat Multidrug Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:656. [PMID: 34358082 PMCID: PMC8308499 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has emerged as one of the most lethal cancers worldwide because of its high refractoriness and multi-drug resistance to existing chemotherapies, which leads to poor patient survival. Novel pharmacological strategies to tackle HCC are based on oral multi-kinase inhibitors like sorafenib; however, the clinical use of the drug is restricted due to the limited survival rate and significant side effects, suggesting the existence of a primary or/and acquired drug-resistance mechanism. Because of this hurdle, HCC patients are forced through incomplete therapy. Although multiple approaches have been employed in parallel to overcome multidrug resistance (MDR), the results are varying with insignificant outcomes. In the past decade, cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a breakthrough approach and has played a critical role in HCC treatment. The liver is the main immune organ of the lymphatic system. Researchers utilize immunotherapy because immune evasion is considered a major reason for rapid HCC progression. Moreover, the immune response can be augmented and sustained, thus preventing cancer relapse over the post-treatment period. In this review, we provide detailed insights into the immunotherapeutic approaches to combat MDR by focusing on HCC, together with challenges in clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aswathy R. Devan
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India; (A.R.D.); (A.R.K.); (B.N.)
| | - Ayana R. Kumar
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India; (A.R.D.); (A.R.K.); (B.N.)
| | - Bhagyalakshmi Nair
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India; (A.R.D.); (A.R.K.); (B.N.)
| | - Nikhil Ponnoor Anto
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (N.P.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Amitha Muraleedharan
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (N.P.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Bijo Mathew
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India;
| | - Hoon Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, and Research Institute of Life Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea
| | - Lekshmi R. Nath
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India; (A.R.D.); (A.R.K.); (B.N.)
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12
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Shi J, Song X, Traub B, Luxenhofer M, Kornmann M. Involvement of IL-4, IL-13 and Their Receptors in Pancreatic Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22062998. [PMID: 33804263 PMCID: PMC8000536 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 are known as pleiotropic Th2 cytokines with a wide range of biological properties and functions especially in immune responses. In addition, increasing activities have also been determined in oncogenesis and tumor progression of several malignancies. It is now generally accepted that IL-4 and IL-13 can exert effects on epithelial tumor cells through corresponding receptors. Type II IL-4 receptor (IL-4Rα/IL-13Rα1), predominantly expressed in non-hematopoietic cells, is identified to be the main target for both IL-4 and IL-13 in tumors. Moreover, IL-13 can also signal by binding to the IL-13Rα2 receptor. Structural similarity due to the use of the same receptor complex generated in response to IL-4/IL-13 results in overlapping but also distinct signaling pathways and functions. The aim of this review was to summarize knowledge about IL-4 and IL-13 and their receptors in pancreatic cancer in order understand the implication of IL-4 and IL-13 and their receptors for pancreatic tumorigenesis and progression and for developing possible new diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
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13
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Wang B, Zhao Q, Zhang Y, Liu Z, Zheng Z, Liu S, Meng L, Xin Y, Jiang X. Targeting hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment: a potential strategy to improve cancer immunotherapy. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:24. [PMID: 33422072 PMCID: PMC7796640 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01820-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
With the success of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), significant progress has been made in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Despite the long-lasting outcomes in responders, the majority of patients with cancer still do not benefit from this revolutionary therapy. Increasing evidence suggests that one of the major barriers limiting the efficacy of immunotherapy seems to coalesce with the hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME), which is an intrinsic property of all solid tumors. In addition to its impact on shaping tumor invasion and metastasis, the hypoxic TME plays an essential role in inducing immune suppression and resistance though fostering diverse changes in stromal cell biology. Therefore, targeting hypoxia may provide a means to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy. In this review, the potential impact of hypoxia within the TME, in terms of key immune cell populations, and the contribution to immune suppression are discussed. In addition, we outline how hypoxia can be manipulated to tailor the immune response and provide a promising combinational therapeutic strategy to improve immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Qin Zhao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yuyu Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Zijing Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Zhuangzhuang Zheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Shiyu Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Lingbin Meng
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Ying Xin
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, 126 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China.
| | - Xin Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, China. .,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China. .,NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
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14
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Augustin LB, Milbauer L, Hastings SE, Leonard AS, Saltzman DA, Schottel JL. Virulence-attenuated Salmonella engineered to secrete immunomodulators reduce tumour growth and increase survival in an autochthonous mouse model of breast cancer. J Drug Target 2020; 29:430-438. [PMID: 33183080 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2020.1850739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The ultimate goal of bacterial based cancer therapy is to achieve non-toxic penetration and colonisation of the tumour microenvironment. To overcome this efficacy-limiting toxicity of anticancer immunotherapy, we have tested a therapy comprised of systemic delivery of a vascular disrupting agent to induce intratumoral necrotic space, cannabidiol to temporarily inhibit angiogenesis and acute inflammation, and a strain of Salmonella Typhimurium that was engineered for non-toxic colonisation and expression of immunomodulators within the tumour microenvironment. This combination treatment strategy was administered to transgenic mice burdened with autochthonous mammary gland tumours and demonstrated a statistically significant 64% slower tumour growth and a 25% increase in mean survival time compared to control animals without treatment. These experiments were accomplished with minimal toxicity as measured by less than 7% weight loss and a return to normal weight gain within three days following intravenous administration of the bacteria. Thus, non-toxic, robust colonisation of the microenvironment was achieved to produce a significant antitumor effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance B Augustin
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Liming Milbauer
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Sara E Hastings
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Arnold S Leonard
- Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Daniel A Saltzman
- Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Janet L Schottel
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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