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Extracellular vimentin mimics VEGF and is a target for anti-angiogenic immunotherapy. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2842. [PMID: 35606362 PMCID: PMC9126915 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30063-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-angiogenic cancer therapies possess immune-stimulatory properties by counteracting pro-angiogenic molecular mechanisms. We report that tumor endothelial cells ubiquitously overexpress and secrete the intermediate filament protein vimentin through type III unconventional secretion mechanisms. Extracellular vimentin is pro-angiogenic and functionally mimics VEGF action, while concomitantly acting as inhibitor of leukocyte-endothelial interactions. Antibody targeting of extracellular vimentin shows inhibition of angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Effective and safe inhibition of angiogenesis and tumor growth in several preclinical and clinical studies is demonstrated using a vaccination strategy against extracellular vimentin. Targeting vimentin induces a pro-inflammatory condition in the tumor, exemplified by induction of the endothelial adhesion molecule ICAM1, suppression of PD-L1, and altered immune cell profiles. Our findings show that extracellular vimentin contributes to immune suppression and functions as a vascular immune checkpoint molecule. Targeting of extracellular vimentin presents therefore an anti-angiogenic immunotherapy strategy against cancer. The pro-tumorigenic effects of vimentin have been attributed to intracellular functions in tumour cells so far. Here, the authors show that tumour endothelial cells can secrete vimentin as a pro-angiogenic factor and that targeting of vimentin can be used as an immunotherapeutic strategy.
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2
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Zhang Y, Brekken RA. Direct and indirect regulation of the tumor immune microenvironment by VEGF. J Leukoc Biol 2022; 111:1269-1286. [DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5ru0222-082r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Zhang
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas Texas USA
- Department of Surgery UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas Texas USA
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas Texas USA
- Current affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Rolf A. Brekken
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas Texas USA
- Department of Surgery UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas Texas USA
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas Texas USA
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3
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Sánchez Ramírez J, Morera Díaz Y, Bequet-Romero M, Ayala Ávila M. Potential mechanisms involved on how systemic IgG antibodies specific to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and induced by active immunotherapy decrease platelet derived free-VEGF. Platelets 2022; 33:964-968. [DOI: 10.1080/09537104.2022.2042235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Sánchez Ramírez
- Department of Pharmaceuticals, Center of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Playa, Cuba
| | - Yanelys Morera Díaz
- Department of Pharmaceuticals, Center of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Playa, Cuba
| | - Mónica Bequet-Romero
- Department of Pharmaceuticals, Center of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Playa, Cuba
| | - Marta Ayala Ávila
- Department of Pharmaceuticals, Center of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Playa, Cuba
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4
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Huinen ZR, Huijbers EJM, van Beijnum JR, Nowak-Sliwinska P, Griffioen AW. Anti-angiogenic agents - overcoming tumour endothelial cell anergy and improving immunotherapy outcomes. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2021; 18:527-540. [PMID: 33833434 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-021-00496-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized medical oncology, although currently only a subset of patients has a response to such treatment. A compelling body of evidence indicates that anti-angiogenic therapy has the capacity to ameliorate antitumour immunity owing to the inhibition of various immunosuppressive features of angiogenesis. Hence, combinations of anti-angiogenic agents and immunotherapy are currently being tested in >90 clinical trials and 5 such combinations have been approved by the FDA in the past few years. In this Perspective, we describe how the angiogenesis-induced endothelial immune cell barrier hampers antitumour immunity and the role of endothelial cell anergy as the vascular counterpart of immune checkpoints. We review the antitumour immunity-promoting effects of anti-angiogenic agents and provide an update on the current clinical successes achieved when these agents are combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Finally, we propose that anti-angiogenic agents are immunotherapies - and vice versa - and discuss future research priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zowi R Huinen
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth J M Huijbers
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Judy R van Beijnum
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Patrycja Nowak-Sliwinska
- Molecular Pharmacology Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. .,Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Arjan W Griffioen
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
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5
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Harmsen MJ, Wong CFC, Mijatovic V, Griffioen AW, Groenman F, Hehenkamp WJK, Huirne JAF. Role of angiogenesis in adenomyosis-associated abnormal uterine bleeding and subfertility: a systematic review. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 25:647-671. [PMID: 31504506 PMCID: PMC6737562 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adenomyosis commonly occurs with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and is associated with subfertility and a higher miscarriage rate. Recent evidence showed abnormal vascularization in the endometrium in patients with adenomyosis, suggesting a role of angiogenesis in the pathophysiology of AUB and subfertility in adenomyosis and providing a possible treatment target. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE We hypothesized that the level of abnormal vascularization and expression of angiogenic markers is increased in the ectopic and eutopic endometrium of adenomyosis patients in comparison with the endometrium of control patients. This was investigated through a search of the literature. SEARCH METHODS A systematic search was performed in PubMed and Embase until February 2019. Combinations of terms for angiogenesis and adenomyosis were applied as well as AUB, subfertility or anti-angiogenic therapy. The main search was limited to clinical studies carried out on premenopausal women. Original research articles focusing on markers of angiogenesis in the endometrium of patients with adenomyosis were included. Studies in which no comparison was made to control patients or which were not published in a peer-reviewed journal were excluded. A second search was performed to explore the therapeutic potential of targeting angiogenesis in adenomyosis. This search also included preclinical studies. OUTCOMES A total of 20 articles out of 1669 hits met our selection criteria. The mean vascular density (MVD) was studied by quantification of CD31, CD34, von Willebrand Factor (vWF) or factor-VIII-antibody-stained microvessels in seven studies. All these studies reported a significantly increased MVD in ectopic endometrium, and out of the six articles that took it into account, four studies reported a significantly increased MVD in eutopic endometrium compared with control endometrium. Five articles showed a significantly higher vascular endothelial growth factor expression in ectopic endometrium and three articles in eutopic endometrium compared with control endometrium. The vascular and pro-angiogenic markers α-smooth muscle actin, endoglin, S100A13, vimentin, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), nuclear factor (NF)-kB, tissue factor (TF), DJ-1, phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin, activin A, folli- and myostatin, CD41, SLIT, roundabout 1 (ROBO1), cyclooxygenase-2, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) 1,4-5, phospho signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (pSTAT3), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-22 and transforming growth factor-β1 were increased in ectopic endometrium, and the markers S100A13, MMP-2 and -9, TF, follistatin, myostatin, ROBO1, LPA1 and 4-5, pSTAT3, IL-6 and IL-22 were increased in eutopic endometrium, compared with control endometrium. The anti-angiogenic markers E-cadherin, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit and gene associated with retinoic-interferon-induced mortality 19 were decreased in ectopic endometrium and IL-10 in eutopic endometrium, compared with control endometrium. The staining level of vWF and two pro-angiogenic markers (NF-κB nuclear p65 and TF) correlated with AUB in patients with adenomyosis. We found no studies that investigated the possible relationship between markers of angiogenesis and subfertility in adenomyosis patients. Nine articles reported on direct or indirect targeting of angiogenesis in adenomyosis-either by testing hormonal therapy or herbal compounds in clinical studies or by testing angiogenesis inhibitors in preclinical studies. However, there are no clinical studies on the effectiveness of such therapy for adenomyosis-related AUB or subfertility. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The results are in agreement with our hypothesis that increased angiogenesis is present in the endometrium of patients with adenomyosis compared with the endometrium of control patients. It is likely that increased angiogenesis leads to fragile and more permeable vessels resulting in adenomyosis-related AUB and possibly subfertility. While this association has not sufficiently been studied yet, our results encourage future studies to investigate the exact role of angiogenesis in the etiology of adenomyosis and related AUB or subfertility in women with adenomyosis in order to design curative or preventive therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa J Harmsen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam UMC, location VUMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Angiogenesis Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline F C Wong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam UMC, location VUMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Angiogenesis Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Velja Mijatovic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam UMC, location VUMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arjan W Griffioen
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Freek Groenman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam UMC, location VUMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter J K Hehenkamp
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam UMC, location VUMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Judith A F Huirne
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam UMC, location VUMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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6
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SANTAVAC TM: Summary of Research and Development. Vaccines (Basel) 2019; 7:vaccines7040186. [PMID: 31744189 PMCID: PMC6963192 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines7040186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
SANTAVAC is an antigen composition developed via proteomics and cell culture technology that is intended for the development of cancer vaccines against various solid tumors. Its mechanism of action is based on the heterogeneity of endothelial cells, the polypeptides of which are similar to the surface antigens of tumor-vessel cells, allowing targeted destruction by vaccination. While research and development work with SANTAVAC is ongoing, the existing data provide strong evidence that allogeneic SANTAVAC is an ideal candidate for the development of cancer vaccines with significant efficacy and safety. The SANTAVAC compositions described here demonstrated the ability to inhibit the growth of tumor vessel-specific endothelial cells up to 60 fold, with minimal effect on normal vasculature. Innovation, background, description of product development, and summary of nonclinical studies with SANTAVAC to date are presented in this review.
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7
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Sánchez Ramírez J, Bequet-Romero M, Morera Díaz Y, Hernández-Bernal F, de la Torre Santos A, Selman-Housein Bernal KH, Martín Bauta Y, Bermúdez Badell CH, Limonta Fernández M, Ayala Avila M. Evaluation of methodologies to determine the effect of specific active immunotherapy on VEGF levels in phase I clinical trial patients with advanced solid tumors. Heliyon 2018; 4:e00906. [PMID: 30426104 PMCID: PMC6223189 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2018.e00906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Two phase I clinical trials were conducted to evaluate, among other parameters, the humoral response elicited by a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-based therapeutic vaccine in cancer patients with advanced solid tumors. VEGF reduction was studied using an indirect methodology named as “Platelet VEGF”. This methodology is based on the estimation of VEGF within platelets by subtracting the plasma VEGF level from the serum level and dividing this by the platelet count, and then this latter expression is additionally corrected by the hematocrit. However, there is broad debate, whether serum or plasma VEGF or platelet-derived VEGF measurements is the most appropriate strategy to study the changes that occur on ligand bioavailability when patients are submitted to a VEGF-based immunotherapy. The current research is a retrospective study evaluating the changes on VEGF levels in serum and plasma as well as platelet-derived measurements. Changes in VEGF levels were related with the humoral response seen in cancer patients after an active immunotherapy with a VEGF-based vaccine. The present study indicates that “Platelet VEGF” is the most reliable methodology to investigate the effect of VEGF-based immunotherapies on ligand bioavailability. “Platelet VEGF” was associated with those groups of individuals that exhibited the best specific humoral response and the variation of “Platelet VEGF” showed the strongest negative correlation with VEGF-specific IgG antibody levels. This methodology will be very useful for the investigation of this VEGF-based vaccine in phase II clinical trials and could be applied to immunotherapies directed to other growth factors that are actively sequestered by platelets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Sánchez Ramírez
- Department of Pharmaceuticals, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Playa, Havana, Cuba
| | - Mónica Bequet-Romero
- Department of Pharmaceuticals, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Playa, Havana, Cuba
| | - Yanelys Morera Díaz
- Department of Pharmaceuticals, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Playa, Havana, Cuba
| | | | | | | | - Yenima Martín Bauta
- Department of Clinical Research, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Playa, Havana, Cuba
| | - Cimara H Bermúdez Badell
- Department of Clinical Research, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Playa, Havana, Cuba
| | - Miladys Limonta Fernández
- Department of Pharmaceuticals, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Playa, Havana, Cuba
| | - Marta Ayala Avila
- Department of Pharmaceuticals, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Playa, Havana, Cuba
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8
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Wentink MQ, Verheul HM, Griffioen AW, Schafer KA, McPherson S, Early RJ, van der Vliet HJ, de Gruijl TD. A safety and immunogenicity study of immunization with hVEGF 26-104 /RFASE in cynomolgus monkeys. Vaccine 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.02.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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9
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Abstract
Immunotherapies have revolutionized medical oncology following the remarkable and, in some cases, unprecedented outcomes observed in certain groups of patients with cancer. Combination with other therapeutic modalities, including anti-angiogenic agents, is one of the many strategies currently under investigation to improve the response rates and duration of immunotherapies. Such a strategy might seem counterintuitive given that anti-angiogenic agents can increase tumour hypoxia and reduce the number of blood vessels within tumours. Herein, we review the additional effects mediated by drugs targeting VEGF-dependent signalling and other pathways, such as those mediated by angiopoietin 2 or HGF, which might increase the efficacy of immunotherapies. In addition, we discuss the seldom considered possibility that immunotherapies, and immune-checkpoint inhibitors in particular, might increase the efficacy of anti-angiogenic or other types of antivascular therapies and/or promote changes in the tumour vasculature. In short, we propose that interactions between both therapeutic modalities could be considered a 'two-way street'.
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10
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Denies S, Leyman B, Huysmans H, Combes F, Mc Cafferty S, Cicchelero L, Steppe M, De Temmerman J, Sanders NN. Evaluation of a xenogeneic vascular endothelial growth factor-2 vaccine in two preclinical metastatic tumor models in mice. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2017; 66:1545-1555. [PMID: 28776079 PMCID: PMC11029140 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-017-2046-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In this study, a xenogeneic DNA vaccine encoding for human vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (hVEGFR-2) was evaluated in two murine tumor models, the B16-F10 melanoma and the EO771 breast carcinoma model. The vaccine was administered by intradermal injection followed by electroporation. The immunogenicity and the biological efficacy of the vaccine were tested in (1) a prophylactic setting, (2) a therapeutic setting, and (3) a therapeutic setting combined with surgical removal of the primary tumor. The tumor growth, survival, and development of an immune response were followed. The cellular immune response was measured by a bioluminescence-based cytotoxicity assay with vascular endothelial growth factor-2 (VEGFR-2)-expressing target cells. Humoral immune responses were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Ex vivo bioluminescence imaging and immunohistological observation of organs were used to detect (micro)metastases. A cellular and humoral immune response was present in prophylactically and therapeutically vaccinated mice, in both tumor models. Nevertheless, survival in prophylactically vaccinated mice was only moderately increased, and no beneficial effect on survival in therapeutically vaccinated mice could be demonstrated. An influx of CD3+ cells and a slight decrease in VEGFR-2 were noticed in the tumors of vaccinated mice. Unexpectedly, the vaccine caused an increased quantity of early micrometastases in the liver. Lung metastases were not increased by the vaccine. These early liver micrometastases did however not grow into macroscopic metastases in either control or vaccinated mice when allowed to develop further after surgical removal of the primary tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Denies
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
- iTeos Therapeutics, Rue Clément Ader 16, 6041, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Bregje Leyman
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Hanne Huysmans
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Francis Combes
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Séan Mc Cafferty
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laetitia Cicchelero
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
- Bimetra, Clinical Research Centre Ghent, De Pintelaan 185, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marjan Steppe
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Joyca De Temmerman
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Niek N Sanders
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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11
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Denies S, Cicchelero L, Polis I, Sanders NN. Immunogenicity and safety of xenogeneic vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 DNA vaccination in mice and dogs. Oncotarget 2017; 7:10905-16. [PMID: 26871296 PMCID: PMC4905448 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) is an attractive target in oncology due to its crucial role in angiogenesis. In this study a DNA vaccine coding for human VEGFR-2 was evaluated in healthy mice and dogs, administered by intradermal injection and electroporation. In mice, three doses and vaccination schedules were evaluated. Cellular immune responses were measured by intracellular IFN-gamma staining and a cytotoxicity assay and antibodies by ELISA. Safety was assessed by measuring regulatory T cells and myeloid derived suppressor cells and a wound healing assay. The vaccine was subsequently evaluated in dogs, which were vaccinated three times with 100μg. Cellular immune responses were measured by intracellular IFN-gamma staining and antibodies by a flow cytometric assay. In mice, maximal cellular responses were observed after two vaccinations with 5μg. Humoral responses continued to increase with higher dose and number of vaccinations. No abnormalities in the measured safety parameters were observed. The vaccine was also capable of eliciting a cellular and humoral immune response in dogs. No adverse effects were observed, but tolerability of the electroporation was poor. This study will facilitate the evaluation of the vaccine in tumor bearing animals, ranging from rodent models to dogs with spontaneous tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Denies
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Laetitia Cicchelero
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ingeborgh Polis
- Small Animal Hospital, Department of Medicine and Clinical Biology of Small Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Niek N Sanders
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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12
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Sánchez Ramírez J, Morera Díaz Y, Bequet-Romero M, Hernández-Bernal F, Selman-Housein Bernal KH, de la Torre Santos A, Santiesteban Álvarez ER, Martín Bauta Y, Bermúdez Badell CH, de la Torre Pupo J, Gavilondo JV, Ayala Avila M. Characteristics of the specific humoral response in patients with advanced solid tumors after active immunotherapy with a VEGF vaccine, at different antigen doses and using two distinct adjuvants. BMC Immunol 2017; 18:39. [PMID: 28747172 PMCID: PMC5530503 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-017-0222-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background CIGB-247, a VSSP-adjuvanted VEGF-based vaccine, was evaluated in a phase I clinical trial in patients with advanced solid tumors (CENTAURO). Vaccination with the maximum dose of antigen showed an excellent safety profile, exhibited the highest immunogenicity and was the only one showing a reduction on platelet VEGF bioavailability. However, this antigen dose level did not achieve a complete seroconversion rate in vaccinated patients. These clinical results led us to the question whether a “reserve” of untapped immune response potential against VEGF could exist in cancer patients. To address this matter, CENTAURO-2 clinical trial was conducted where antigen and VSSP dose scale up were studied, and also incorporated the exploration of aluminum phosphate as adjuvant. These changes were made with the aim to increase immune response against VEGF. Results The present study reports the characterization of the humoral response elicited by CIGB-247 from the combining of different antigen doses and adjuvants. Cancer patients were immunologically monitored for approximately 1 year. Vaccination with different CIGB-247 formulations exhibited a very positive safety profile. Cancer patients developed IgM, IgG or IgA antibodies specific to VEGF. Elicited polyclonal antibodies had the ability to block the interaction between VEGF and its receptors, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2. The highest humoral response was detected in patients immunized with 800 μg of antigen + 200 μg of VSSP. Off-protocol long-term vaccination did not produce negative changes in humoral response. Conclusions Vaccination with a human VEGF variant molecule as antigen in combination with VSSP or aluminum phosphate is immunogenic. The results of this study could contribute to the investigation of this vaccine therapy in an adequately powered efficacy trial. Trial registration Trial registration number: RPCEC00000155. Cuban Public Clinical Trial Registry. Date of registration: June 06, 2013. Available from: http://registroclinico.sld.cu/. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12865-017-0222-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Sánchez Ramírez
- Department of Pharmaceuticals, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), P.O. Box 6162, Playa Cubanacán, Havana, 10600, Cuba.
| | - Yanelys Morera Díaz
- Department of Pharmaceuticals, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), P.O. Box 6162, Playa Cubanacán, Havana, 10600, Cuba
| | - Mónica Bequet-Romero
- Department of Pharmaceuticals, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), P.O. Box 6162, Playa Cubanacán, Havana, 10600, Cuba
| | | | | | | | | | - Yenima Martín Bauta
- Department of Clinical Research, CIGB, P.O. Box 6162, Playa Cubanacán, Havana, 10600, Cuba
| | | | | | - Jorge V Gavilondo
- Department of Pharmaceuticals, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), P.O. Box 6162, Playa Cubanacán, Havana, 10600, Cuba
| | | | - Marta Ayala Avila
- Department of Pharmaceuticals, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), P.O. Box 6162, Playa Cubanacán, Havana, 10600, Cuba
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13
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Fabian KPL, Chi-Sabins N, Taylor JL, Fecek R, Weinstein A, Storkus WJ. Therapeutic efficacy of combined vaccination against tumor pericyte-associated antigens DLK1 and DLK2 in mice. Oncoimmunology 2017; 6:e1290035. [PMID: 28405524 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1290035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
When compared with vascular cells in normal tissues, pericytes and vascular endothelial cells (VEC) in tumor blood vessels exhibit altered morphology and epigenetic programming that leads to the expression of unique antigens that allow for differential recognition by CD8+ T cells. We have previously shown that the Notch antagonist delta-like homolog 1 (DLK1) is a tumor pericyte-associated antigen expressed in setting of melanoma and a range of carcinomas. In this report, we show that therapeutic vaccination against DLK1 in murine models results in slowed tumor growth, but also to the compensatory expression of the DLK1 homolog, DLK2, by tumor-associated pericytes. Vaccines targeting both DLK1 and DLK2 resulted in superior antitumor benefits in association with improved activation and recruitment of antigen-specific Type 1 CD8+ T cells, reduced presence of myeloid-derived suppressive cells, T regulatory cell and tumor vascular normalization. The antitumor efficacy of vaccines coordinately targeting DLK1 and DLK2 was further improved by inclusion of PD-L1 blockade, thus defining a combination immunotherapy theoretically suitable for the treatment of a broad range of solid (vascularized) cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kellsye Paula L Fabian
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nina Chi-Sabins
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jennifer L Taylor
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ronald Fecek
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Aliyah Weinstein
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Walter J Storkus
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; The University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Abstract
During cancer progression, the extracellular matrix (ECM) undergoes dramatic changes, which promote cancer cell migration and invasion. In the remodeled tumor ECM, fibronectin (FN) level is upregulated to assist tumor growth, progression, and invasion. FN serves as a central organizer of ECM molecules and mediates the crosstalk between the tumor microenvironment and cancer cells. Its upregulation is correlated with angiogenesis, cancer progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. A number of FN-targeting ligands have been developed for cancer imaging and therapy. Thus far, FN-targeting imaging agents have been tested for nuclear imaging, MRI, and fluorescence imaging, for tumor detection and localization. FN-targeting therapeutics, including nuclear medicine, chemotherapy drugs, cytokines, and photothermal moieties, were also developed in cancer therapy. Because of the prevalence of FN overexpression in cancer, FN targeting imaging agents and therapeutics have the promise of broad applications in the diagnosis, treatment, and image-guided interventions of many types of cancers. This review will summarize current understanding on the role of FN in cancer, discuss the design and development of FN-targeting agents, and highlight the applications of these FN-targeting agents in cancer imaging and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Han
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Zheng-Rong Lu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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15
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Targeted vaccination against the bevacizumab binding site on VEGF using 3D-structured peptides elicits efficient antitumor activity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:12532-12537. [PMID: 27791128 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1610258113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic targeting of the VEGF signaling axis by the VEGF-neutralizing monoclonal antibody bevacizumab has clearly demonstrated clinical benefit in cancer patients. To improve this strategy using a polyclonal approach, we developed a vaccine targeting VEGF using 3D-structured peptides that mimic the bevacizumab binding site. An in-depth study on peptide optimization showed that the antigen's 3D structure is essential to achieve neutralizing antibody responses. Peptide 1 adopts a clear secondary, native-like structure, including the typical cysteine-knot fold, as evidenced by CD spectroscopy. Binding and competition studies with bevacizumab in ELISA and surface plasmon resonance analysis revealed that peptide 1 represents the complete bevacizumab binding site, including the hairpin loop (β5-turn-β6) and the structure-supporting β2-α2-β3 loop. Vaccination with peptide 1 elicited high titers of cross-reactive antibodies to VEGF, with potent neutralizing activity. Moreover, vaccination-induced antisera displayed strong angiostatic and tumor-growth-inhibiting properties in a preclinical mouse model for colorectal carcinoma, whereas antibodies raised with peptides exclusively encompassing the β5-turn-β6 loop (peptides 15 and 20) did not. Immunization with peptide 1 or 7 (murine analog of 1) in combination with the potent adjuvant raffinose fatty acid sulfate ester (RFASE) showed significant inhibition of tumor growth in the B16F10 murine melanoma model. Based on these data, we conclude that this vaccination technology, which is currently being investigated in a phase I clinical trial (NCT02237638), can potentially outperform currently applied anti-VEGF therapeutics.
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16
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Sánchez Ramírez J, Morera Díaz Y, Musacchio Lasa A, Bequet-Romero M, Muñoz Pozo Y, Pérez Sánchez L, Hernández-Bernal F, Mendoza Fuentes O, Selman-Housein KH, Gavilondo Cowley JV, Ayala Avila M. Indirect and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for monitoring the humoral response against human VEGF. J Immunoassay Immunochem 2016; 37:636-58. [PMID: 27143151 DOI: 10.1080/15321819.2016.1184164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
CIGB-247, a VEGF-based vaccine, was studied in a clinical trial. This advance demands the refinement of the methodologies for assessment of vaccine immune responses. This study aimed to improve the performance of ELISAs for detecting IgG antibodies against human VEGF and the blocking activity of the serum to inhibit the VEGF/VEGFR2 interaction. The best experimental conditions were established through the evaluation of several blocking buffers, immobilization surfaces, and plate suppliers using human sera as test samples. As a result, two controlled ELISAs were used in testing of elicited immune response against VEGF in patients immunized with CIGB-247.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Sánchez Ramírez
- a Department of Pharmaceuticals , Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) , Playa Cubanacán, Havana , Cuba
| | - Yanelys Morera Díaz
- a Department of Pharmaceuticals , Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) , Playa Cubanacán, Havana , Cuba
| | - Alexis Musacchio Lasa
- b Department of Bioinformatics , Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) , Playa Cubanacán, Havana , Cuba
| | - Mónica Bequet-Romero
- a Department of Pharmaceuticals , Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) , Playa Cubanacán, Havana , Cuba
| | - Yasmiana Muñoz Pozo
- a Department of Pharmaceuticals , Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) , Playa Cubanacán, Havana , Cuba
| | - Lincidio Pérez Sánchez
- a Department of Pharmaceuticals , Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) , Playa Cubanacán, Havana , Cuba
| | - Francisco Hernández-Bernal
- c Department of Clinical Research , Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) , Playa Cubanacán, Havana , Cuba
| | - Osmany Mendoza Fuentes
- d Animal Facility , Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) , Playa Cubanacán, Havana , Cuba
| | | | - Jorge Víctor Gavilondo Cowley
- a Department of Pharmaceuticals , Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) , Playa Cubanacán, Havana , Cuba
| | - Marta Ayala Avila
- a Department of Pharmaceuticals , Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) , Playa Cubanacán, Havana , Cuba
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17
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Khan KA, Bicknell R. Anti-angiogenic alternatives to VEGF blockade. Clin Exp Metastasis 2015; 33:197-210. [PMID: 26620208 PMCID: PMC4761368 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-015-9769-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a major requirement for tumour formation and development. Anti-angiogenic treatments aim to starve the tumour of nutrients and oxygen and also guard against metastasis. The main anti-angiogenic agents to date have focused on blocking the pro-angiogenic vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs). While this approach has seen some success and has provided a proof of principle that such anti-angiogenic agents can be used as treatment, the overall outcome of VEGF blockade has been somewhat disappointing. There is a current need for new strategies in inhibiting tumour angiogenesis; this article will review current and historical examples in blocking various membrane receptors and components of the extracellular matrix important in angiogenesis. Targeting these newly discovered pro-angiogenic proteins could provide novel strategies for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kabir A Khan
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Institute for Biomedical Research, School of Cardiovascular Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Roy Bicknell
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Institute for Biomedical Research, School of Cardiovascular Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
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