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Tao HY, Zhao CY, Wang Y, Sheng WJ, Zhen YS. Targeting Telomere Dynamics as an Effective Approach for the Development of Cancer Therapeutics. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:3805-3825. [PMID: 38708177 PMCID: PMC11069074 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s448556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Telomere is a protective structure located at the end of chromosomes of eukaryotes, involved in maintaining the integrity and stability of the genome. Telomeres play an essential role in cancer progression; accordingly, targeting telomere dynamics emerges as an effective approach for the development of cancer therapeutics. Targeting telomere dynamics may work through multifaceted molecular mechanisms; those include the activation of anti-telomerase immune responses, shortening of telomere lengths, induction of telomere dysfunction and constitution of telomerase-responsive drug release systems. In this review, we summarize a wide variety of telomere dynamics-targeted agents in preclinical studies and clinical trials, and reveal their promising therapeutic potential in cancer therapy. As shown, telomere dynamics-active agents are effective as anti-cancer chemotherapeutics and immunotherapeutics. Notably, these agents may display efficacy against cancer stem cells, reducing cancer stem levels. Furthermore, these agents can be integrated with the capability of tumor-specific drug delivery by the constitution of related nanoparticles, antibody drug conjugates and HSA-based drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-yu Tao
- Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chun-yan Zhao
- Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Wang
- Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei-jin Sheng
- Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong-su Zhen
- Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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2
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Li C, Tian Y, Sun F, Lei G, Cheng J, Tian C, Yu H, Deng Z, Lu S, Wang L, Xiao R, Bai C, Yang P. A Recombinant Oncolytic Influenza Virus Carrying GV1001 Triggers an Antitumor Immune Response. Hum Gene Ther 2024; 35:48-58. [PMID: 37646399 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2022.206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses are able to lyse tumor cells selectively in the liver without killing normal hepatocytes, in addition to activating the immune response. Oncolytic virus therapy is expected to revolutionize the treatment of liver cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most frequent and fatal malignancies. In this study, reverse genetics techniques were exploited to load NA fragments of the A/PuertoRico/8/34 virus (PR8) with GV1001 peptides derived from human telomerase reverse transcriptase. An in vitro assessment of the therapeutic effect of the recombinant oncolytic virus was followed by an in vivo study in mice with HCC. The recombinant virus was verified by sequencing of the recombinant viral gene sequence, and viral virulence was detected by hemagglutination assays and based on the 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50). The morphological structure of the virus was observed by electron microscopy, and GV1001 peptide was localized by cellular immunofluorescence. The selective cytotoxicity of the recombinant oncolytic virus in vitro was demonstrated in cultured HCC cells and normal hepatocytes, as only the tumor cells were killed; the normal cells were not significantly altered. Consistent with the in vitro results, the recombinant oncolytic influenza virus significantly inhibited liver tumor growth in mice in vivo, in addition to inducing an antitumor immune response, including an increase in the number of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and, in turn, improving survival. Our results suggest that oncolytic influenza virus carrying GV1001 is a promising immunotherapy in patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Li
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yuying Tian
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Fang Sun
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Guanglin Lei
- The Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jinxia Cheng
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chongyu Tian
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyu Yu
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Zhuoya Deng
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shuai Lu
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lishi Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Ruixue Xiao
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Changqing Bai
- Department of Respiratory, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen, China
| | - Penghui Yang
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
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3
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Jo JH, Kim YT, Choi HS, Kim HG, Lee HS, Choi YW, Kim DU, Lee KH, Kim EJ, Han JH, Lee SO, Park CH, Choi EK, Kim JW, Cho JY, Lee WJ, Moon HR, Park MS, Kim S, Song SY. Efficacy of GV1001 with gemcitabine/capecitabine in previously untreated patients with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma having high serum eotaxin levels (KG4/2015): an open-label, randomised, Phase 3 trial. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:43-52. [PMID: 37903909 PMCID: PMC10781743 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02474-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The TeloVac study indicated GV1001 did not improve the survival of advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the cytokine examinations suggested that high serum eotaxin levels may predict responses to GV1001. This Phase III trial assessed the efficacy of GV1001 with gemcitabine/capecitabine for eotaxin-high patients with untreated advanced PDAC. METHODS Patients recruited from 16 hospitals received gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2, D 1, 8, and 15)/capecitabine (830 mg/m2 BID for 21 days) per month either with (GV1001 group) or without (control group) GV1001 (0.56 mg; D 1, 3, and 5, once on week 2-4, 6, then monthly thereafter) at random in a 1:1 ratio. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) and secondary end points included time to progression (TTP), objective response rate, and safety. RESULTS Total 148 patients were randomly assigned to the GV1001 (n = 75) and control groups (n = 73). The GV1001 group showed improved median OS (11.3 vs. 7.5 months, P = 0.021) and TTP (7.3 vs. 4.5 months, P = 0.021) compared to the control group. Grade >3 adverse events were reported in 77.3% and 73.1% in the GV1001 and control groups (P = 0.562), respectively. CONCLUSIONS GV1001 plus gemcitabine/capecitabine improved OS and TTP compared to gemcitabine/capecitabine alone in eotaxin-high patients with advanced PDAC. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02854072.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Hyun Jo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong-Tae Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ho Soon Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ho Gak Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Daegu Catholic University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Hong Sik Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Woo Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Konyang University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Dong Uk Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Kwang Hyuck Lee
- Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eui Joo Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Joung-Ho Han
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine & Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Seung Ok Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Research Institute for Medical Science, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Chang-Hwan Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Eun Kwang Choi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jeju National University College of Medicine, Jeju, Korea
| | - Jae Woo Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Yong Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Woo Jin Lee
- Center for Liver and Pancreatobiliary Cancer, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
| | - Hyungsik Roger Moon
- Department of Economics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Economics, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mi-Suk Park
- Department of Radiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sangjae Kim
- GemVax & KAEL Co., Ltd. 58, Techno 11-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Si Young Song
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Yan S, Lin S, Qiu H, Wang X, He Y, Wang C, Huang Y. Regulation of telomerase towards tumor therapy. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:228. [PMID: 38111043 PMCID: PMC10726632 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01181-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is an aging-related disease, while aging plays an important role in the development process of tumor, thus the two are inextricably associated. Telomere attrition is one of the recognized hallmark events of senescence. Hence, targeting telomerase which could extends telomere sequences to treat tumors is widely favored. Cancer cells rely on high activity of telomerase to maintain a strong proliferative potential. By inhibiting the expression or protein function of telomerase, the growth of cancer cells can be significantly suppressed. In addition, the human immune system itself has a defense system against malignant tumors. However, excessive cell division results in dramatic shortening on telomeres and decline in the function of immune organs that facilitates cancer cell evasion. It has been shown that increasing telomerase activity or telomere length of these immune cells can attenuate senescence, improve cellular viability, and enhance the immunosuppressive microenvironment of tumor. In this paper, we review the telomerase-targeting progress using different anti-tumor strategies from the perspectives of cancer cells and immune cells, respectively, as well as tracking the preclinical and clinical studies of some representative drugs for the prevention or treatment of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Yan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
- Lumiere Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Song Lin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Hongxin Qiu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Xining Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Yijun He
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Chuanle Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Yan Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
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5
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Zou SN, Cui Y, Yu SJ, Pan YY, He JF, Zhang Q, Liao B, Zhang J, Zhang P. Differential expression and localization of immunity-related factors in main immune organs of yak. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:3315-3328. [PMID: 36322696 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2022.2140057] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The yak is an agricultural animal with strong disease resistance in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Immune organs are directly involved in the body's immune response and protect it from external aggression. In this study, we characterized and evaluated the main markers of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-17a, hypoxia inducer factor-1 (HIF-1)α, and heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) in the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, and hemal nodes of adult yaks using network informatics, molecular cloning, immunohistochemistry, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and western blotting. We first cloned the IL-1β and IL-17a mRNA of yaks. A significant feature was the higher IL-1β and IL-17a expression in the lymph nodes than in the spleen, hemal nodes, and thymus. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence revealed that IL-1β and IL-17a cells were mainly located in the paracortex area of the lymph nodes and the T-cell-dependent area in the hemal nodes and spleen. Several HIF-1α proteins were detected in the cortex of the hemal nodes mantle, while HSP90 was detected in the lymphoid nodules of the hemal nodes and lymph nodes. This study sheds light on the relationship between the morphology and function of these organs and provides an important reference for studies on the participation of yak immune organs in immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Nan Zou
- Laboratory of Animal Anatomy & Tissue Embryology, Veterinary Medicine of college, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Yan Cui
- Laboratory of Animal Anatomy & Tissue Embryology, Veterinary Medicine of college, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, PR China
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Veterinary Medicine of college, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Si-Jiu Yu
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Veterinary Medicine of college, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Yang-Yang Pan
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Veterinary Medicine of college, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Jun-Feng He
- Laboratory of Animal Anatomy & Tissue Embryology, Veterinary Medicine of college, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Anatomy & Tissue Embryology, Veterinary Medicine of college, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Bo Liao
- Laboratory of Animal Anatomy & Tissue Embryology, Veterinary Medicine of college, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Anatomy & Tissue Embryology, Veterinary Medicine of college, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, PR China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Anatomy & Tissue Embryology, Veterinary Medicine of college, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, PR China
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6
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Kim JH, Cho YR, Ahn EK, Kim S, Han S, Kim SJ, Bae GU, Oh JS, Seo DW. A novel telomerase-derived peptide GV1001-mediated inhibition of angiogenesis: Regulation of VEGF/VEGFR-2 signaling pathways. Transl Oncol 2022; 26:101546. [PMID: 36183673 PMCID: PMC9526227 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
GV1001, a human telomerase reverse transcriptase catalytic subunit-derived 16-mer peptide, has been developed as a novel anticancer vaccine against various cancers including pancreatic cancer. In the current study, we demonstrate the regulatory roles and mechanisms of GV1001 in endothelial cell responses in vitro and microvessel sprouting ex vivo. GV1001 markedly inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A)-stimulated endothelial cell permeability, proliferation, migration, invasion, tube formation as well as microvessel outgrowth from rat aortic rings. These anti-angiogenic effects of GV1001 were associated with the inhibition of VEGF-A/VEGFR-2 signaling pathways, redistribution of vascular endothelial-cadherin to cell-cell contacts, and down-regulation of VEGFR-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-2. Furthermore, GV1001 suppresses the proliferation and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer cells, and the release of VEGF from the cells, suggesting the regulatory role of GV1001 in tumor-derived angiogenesis as well as cancer cell growth and progression. Collectively, our study reports the pharmacological potential of GV1001 in the regulation of angiogenesis, and warrants further evaluation and development of GV1001 as a promising therapeutic agent for a variety of angiogenesis-related diseases including cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Hyeon Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Rak Cho
- Biocenter, Gyeonggido Business & Science Accelerator, Suwon 16229, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Kyung Ahn
- Biocenter, Gyeonggido Business & Science Accelerator, Suwon 16229, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunho Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Surim Han
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Joon Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyu-Un Bae
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea
| | - Joa Sub Oh
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Wan Seo
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea.
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Telomeres and Cancer. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11121405. [PMID: 34947936 PMCID: PMC8704776 DOI: 10.3390/life11121405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres cap the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes and are indispensable chromatin structures for genome protection and replication. Telomere length maintenance has been attributed to several functional modulators, including telomerase, the shelterin complex, and the CST complex, synergizing with DNA replication, repair, and the RNA metabolism pathway components. As dysfunctional telomere maintenance and telomerase activation are associated with several human diseases, including cancer, the molecular mechanisms behind telomere length regulation and protection need particular emphasis. Cancer cells exhibit telomerase activation, enabling replicative immortality. Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) activation is involved in cancer development through diverse activities other than mediating telomere elongation. This review describes the telomere functions, the role of functional modulators, the implications in cancer development, and the future therapeutic opportunities.
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Relitti N, Saraswati AP, Federico S, Khan T, Brindisi M, Zisterer D, Brogi S, Gemma S, Butini S, Campiani G. Telomerase-based Cancer Therapeutics: A Review on their Clinical Trials. Curr Top Med Chem 2020; 20:433-457. [PMID: 31894749 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200102104930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Telomeres are protective chromosomal ends that shield the chromosomes from DNA damage, exonucleolytic degradation, recombination, and end-to-end fusion. Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein that adds TTAGGG tandem repeats to the telomeric ends. It has been observed that 85 to 90% of human tumors express high levels of telomerase, playing a crucial role in the development of cancers. Interestingly, the telomerase activity is generally absent in normal somatic cells. This selective telomerase expression has driven scientists to develop novel anti-cancer therapeutics with high specificity and potency. Several advancements have been made in this area, which is reflected by the enormous success of the anticancer agent Imetelstat. Since the discovery of Imetelstat, several research groups have contributed to enrich the therapeutic arsenal against cancer. Such contributions include the application of new classes of small molecules, peptides, and hTERT-based immunotherapeutic agents (p540, GV1001, GRNVAC1 or combinations of these such as Vx-001). Many of these therapeutic tools are under different stages of clinical trials and have shown promising outcomes. In this review, we highlight the current status of telomerase-based cancer therapeutics and the outcome of these investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Relitti
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, via Aldo Moro 2, I- 53100 Siena, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Akella P Saraswati
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, via Aldo Moro 2, I- 53100 Siena, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Federico
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, via Aldo Moro 2, I- 53100 Siena, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Tuhina Khan
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, via Aldo Moro 2, I- 53100 Siena, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Margherita Brindisi
- Department of Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Napoli Federico II, via D. Montesano 49, I-80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Daniela Zisterer
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Simone Brogi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno Pisano 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sandra Gemma
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, via Aldo Moro 2, I- 53100 Siena, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefania Butini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, via Aldo Moro 2, I- 53100 Siena, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, via Aldo Moro 2, I- 53100 Siena, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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9
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Anti-cancer Immunotherapies Targeting Telomerase. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082260. [PMID: 32806719 PMCID: PMC7465444 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase is a reverse transcriptase that maintains telomeres length, compensating for the attrition of chromosomal ends that occurs during each replication cycle. Telomerase is expressed in germ cells and stem cells, whereas it is virtually undetectable in adult somatic cells. On the other hand, telomerase is broadly expressed in the majority of human tumors playing a crucial role in the replicative behavior and immortality of cancer cells. Several studies have demonstrated that telomerase-derived peptides are able to bind to HLA (human leukocyte antigen) class I and class II molecules and effectively activate both CD8+ and CD4+ T cells subsets. Due to its broad and selective expression in cancer cells and its significant immunogenicity, telomerase is considered an ideal universal tumor-associated antigen, and consequently, a very attractive target for anti-cancer immunotherapy. To date, different telomerase targeting immunotherapies have been studied in pre-clinical and clinical settings, these approaches include peptide vaccination and cell-based vaccination. The objective of this review paper is to discuss the role of human telomerase in cancer immunotherapy analyzing recent developments and future perspectives in this field.
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10
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Fernandes SG, Dsouza R, Pandya G, Kirtonia A, Tergaonkar V, Lee SY, Garg M, Khattar E. Role of Telomeres and Telomeric Proteins in Human Malignancies and Their Therapeutic Potential. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1901. [PMID: 32674474 PMCID: PMC7409176 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are the ends of linear chromosomes comprised of repetitive nucleotide sequences in humans. Telomeres preserve chromosomal stability and genomic integrity. Telomere length shortens with every cell division in somatic cells, eventually resulting in replicative senescence once telomere length becomes critically short. Telomere shortening can be overcome by telomerase enzyme activity that is undetectable in somatic cells, while being active in germline cells, stem cells, and immune cells. Telomeres are bound by a shelterin complex that regulates telomere lengthening as well as protects them from being identified as DNA damage sites. Telomeres are transcribed by RNA polymerase II, and generate a long noncoding RNA called telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA), which plays a key role in regulating subtelomeric gene expression. Replicative immortality and genome instability are hallmarks of cancer and to attain them cancer cells exploit telomere maintenance and telomere protection mechanisms. Thus, understanding the role of telomeres and their associated proteins in cancer initiation, progression and treatment is very important. The present review highlights the critical role of various telomeric components with recently established functions in cancer. Further, current strategies to target various telomeric components including human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) as a therapeutic approach in human malignancies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stina George Fernandes
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM’s NMIMS (Deemed to be University), Vile Parle West, Mumbai 400056, India; (S.G.F.); (R.D.)
| | - Rebecca Dsouza
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM’s NMIMS (Deemed to be University), Vile Parle West, Mumbai 400056, India; (S.G.F.); (R.D.)
| | - Gouri Pandya
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida 201313, India; (G.P.); (A.K.)
| | - Anuradha Kirtonia
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida 201313, India; (G.P.); (A.K.)
| | - Vinay Tergaonkar
- Laboratory of NF-κB Signaling, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore; (V.T.); (S.Y.L.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore 117597, Singapore
- Department of Pathology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Sook Y. Lee
- Laboratory of NF-κB Signaling, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore; (V.T.); (S.Y.L.)
| | - Manoj Garg
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida 201313, India; (G.P.); (A.K.)
| | - Ekta Khattar
- Sunandan Divatia School of Science, SVKM’s NMIMS (Deemed to be University), Vile Parle West, Mumbai 400056, India; (S.G.F.); (R.D.)
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11
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Choi YM, Kim H, Lee SA, Lee SY, Kim BJ. A Telomerase-Derived Peptide Exerts an Anti-Hepatitis B Virus Effect via Mitochondrial DNA Stress-Dependent Type I Interferon Production. Front Immunol 2020; 11:652. [PMID: 32508804 PMCID: PMC7253625 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, a telomerase-derived 16-mer peptide, GV1001, developed as an anticancer vaccine, was reported to exert antiviral effects on human immunodeficiency virus or hepatitis C virus in a heat shock protein-dependent manner. Here we investigated whether GV1001 exerts antiviral effects on hepatitis B virus (HBV) and elucidated its underlying mechanisms. GV1001 inhibited HBV replication and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) secretion in a dose-dependent manner, showing synergistic antiviral effects with nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) including entecavir and lamivudine. This peptide also inhibited viral cccDNA and pgRNA. The intravenous GV1001 treatment of transgenic mice had anti-HBV effects. Our mechanistic studies revealed that GV1001 suppresses HBV replication by inhibiting capsid formation via type I interferon-mediated induction of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). GV1001 promoted the mitochondrial DNA stress-mediated release of oxidized DNA into the cytosol, resulting in IFN-I-dependent anti-HBV effects via the STING-IRF3 axis. We found that the anti-HBV effect of GV1001 was due to its ability to penetrate into the cytosol via extracellular heat shock protein, leading to phagosomal escape-mediated mtDNA stress. We demonstrated that the cell-penetrating and cytosolic localization capacity of GV1001 results in antiviral effects on HBV infections via mtDNA stress-mediated IFN-I production. Thus, GV1001, a peptide proven to be safe for human use, may be an anti-HBV drug that can be synergistically used with nucleot(s)ide analog.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Min Choi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Biomedical Sciences, Liver Research Institute and Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hong Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Biomedical Sciences, Liver Research Institute and Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seoung-Ae Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Biomedical Sciences, Liver Research Institute and Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - So-Young Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Biomedical Sciences, Liver Research Institute and Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Bum-Joon Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Biomedical Sciences, Liver Research Institute and Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
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12
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Lee EK, Kim YJ, Shon WJ, Yu HG. A telomerase-derived peptide vaccine inhibits laser-induced choroidal neovascularization in a rat model. Transl Res 2020; 216:30-42. [PMID: 31655029 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2019.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
GV1001, a novel peptide derived from human telomerase reverse transcriptase, reportedly has anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects. Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a complex pathogenic process that involves angiogenesis, inflammation, cellular immunity, and other factors. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of GV1001 on laser-induced CNV in a rat model. Brown Norway rats were subcutaneously administered GV1001 (0.1 nM, 1 nM, and 10 nM) daily, beginning 3 days prior, and ending 14 days after laser photocoagulation. Optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, choroidal flat mount, and histologic analysis were performed to analyze CNV. The protein level of IκB-α and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) was analyzed via immunohistochemistry of p65. Multiplex immunoassay was performed to evaluate the interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels. The GV1001-treated group had significantly lower CNV thickness, smaller CNV area, and lower proportion of CNV lesions with clinically significant fluorescein leakage than vehicle-treated group. GV1001 treatment inhibited IκB-α degradation and NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation. At 1 nM concentration, GV1001 had highest inhibitory effect on CNV and NF-κB signaling activation; moreover, it suppressed the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and VEGF significantly. The present study demonstrates that GV1001 treatment led to significant suppression of laser-induced CNV, alongside inhibition of inflammatory processes including NF-κB activation and subsequent upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines. Therefore, this provides molecular evidence of potential validity of GV1001 treatment as a therapeutic strategy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Kyoung Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Joo Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Hospital Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Jun Shon
- Department of Conservative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeong Gon Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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13
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Park YH, Jung AR, Kim GE, Kim MY, Sung JW, Shin D, Cho HJ, Ha US, Hong SH, Kim SW, Lee JY. GV1001 inhibits cell viability and induces apoptosis in castration-resistant prostate cancer cells through the AKT/NF-κB/VEGF pathway. J Cancer 2019; 10:6269-6277. [PMID: 31772660 PMCID: PMC6856754 DOI: 10.7150/jca.34859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: We examined the effect of GV1001 in castration castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) cell growth and invasion and explored the potential molecular mechanisms of action. Materials and Methods: The in vitro anti-cancer effects of GV1001 in CRPC cells were examined using cell viability assay, TUNEL assay, and flow cytometry analysis. To evaluate the effects of GV1001 on different steps of angiogenesis, wound healing assay, transwell invasion assay, endothelial cell tube formation assay, and western blot analysis were performed. Finally, the anti-cancer effects of GV1001 on tumor growth in vivo were examined in a CRPC xenograft model. Results: GV1001 inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis in CRPC cells in vitro, accompanied by down-regulation of Bcl-2 and caspase-3. GV1001 also inhibited different steps of angiogenesis, such as migration, invasion, and endothelial tube formation, along with decreased expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, and CD31 and increased expression of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. Mechanistically, GV1001 significantly decreased the levels of phosphorylated AKT, phosphorylated p65, and VEGF in CRPC cells in a dose-dependent manner. GV1001 was effective in suppressing tumor growth and inducing apoptosis in a CRPC xenograft mouse model. Conclusions: Our data demonstrated that GV1001 inhibited cell viability, induced apoptosis, and inhibited angiogenesis in CRPC cells by inhibition of the AKT/NF-κB/VEGF signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Hyun Park
- Department of Urology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea.,Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea
| | - Ae Ryang Jung
- Department of Urology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea.,Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea
| | - Ga Eun Kim
- Department of Urology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea.,Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea
| | - Mee Young Kim
- Department of Urology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea.,Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea
| | - Jae Woo Sung
- Department of Urology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea
| | - Dongho Shin
- Department of Urology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea
| | - Hyuk Jin Cho
- Department of Urology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea
| | - U-Syn Ha
- Department of Urology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea.,Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea
| | - Sung-Hoo Hong
- Department of Urology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea.,Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea
| | - Sae Woong Kim
- Department of Urology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea
| | - Ji Youl Lee
- Department of Urology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea.,Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea
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14
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Telomerase-Targeted Cancer Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20081823. [PMID: 31013796 PMCID: PMC6515163 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20081823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase, an enzyme responsible for the synthesis of telomeres, is activated in many cancer cells and is involved in the maintenance of telomeres. The activity of telomerase allows cancer cells to replicate and proliferate in an uncontrolled manner, to infiltrate tissue, and to metastasize to distant organs. Studies to date have examined the mechanisms involved in the survival of cancer cells as targets for cancer therapeutics. These efforts led to the development of telomerase inhibitors as anticancer drugs, drugs targeting telomere DNA, viral vectors carrying a promoter for human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) genome, and immunotherapy targeting hTERT. Among these novel therapeutics, this review focuses on immunotherapy targeting hTERT and discusses the current evidence and future perspectives.
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15
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Kim JW, Yadav DK, Kim SJ, Lee MY, Park JM, Kim BS, Kim MH, Park HG, Kang KW. Anti-cancer effect of GV1001 for prostate cancer: function as a ligand of GnRHR. Endocr Relat Cancer 2019; 26:147-162. [PMID: 30400054 DOI: 10.1530/erc-18-0454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
GV1001, a 16-amino acid fragment of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase catalytic subunit (hTERT), has been developed as an injectable formulation of cancer vaccine. Here, we revealed for the first time that GV1001 is a novel ligand for gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR). The docking prediction for GV1001 against GnRHR showed high binding affinity. Binding of GV1001 to GnRHR stimulated the Gαs-coupled cAMP signaling pathway and antagonized Gαq-coupled Ca2+ release by leuprolide acetate (LA), a GnRHR agonist. Repeated injection of GV1001 attenuated both serum testosterone level and seminal vesicle weight via desensitization of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. We then tested whether GV1001 has an inhibitory effect on tumor growth of LNCaP cells, androgen receptor-positive human prostate cancer (PCa) cells. GV1001 significantly inhibited tumor growth and induced apoptosis in LNCaP-implanted xenografts. Interestingly, mRNA expressions of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and matrix metalloproteinase 9 were suppressed by GV1001, but not by LA. Moreover, GV1001 significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of PCa cells and induced apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. Our findings suggest that GV1001 functions as a biased GnRHR ligand to selectively stimulate the Gαs/cAMP pathway, with anti-proliferative and anti-migratory effects on human PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Won Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dharmendra K Yadav
- Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Science & Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Science, Jodhpur, India
| | - Soo Jin Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Moo-Yeol Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Min Park
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Bum Seok Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Hyun Kim
- Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Science & Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeung-Geun Park
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Keon Wook Kang
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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16
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Chen W, Shin KH, Kim S, Shon WJ, Kim RH, Park NH, Kang MK. hTERT peptide fragment GV1001 demonstrates radioprotective and antifibrotic effects through suppression of TGF‑β signaling. Int J Mol Med 2018; 41:3211-3220. [PMID: 29568955 PMCID: PMC5881842 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
GV1001 is a 16‑amino acid peptide derived from the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) protein (616‑626; EARPALLTSRLRFIPK), which lies within the reverse transcriptase domain. Originally developed as an anticancer vaccine, GV1001 demonstrates diverse cellular effects, including anti‑inflammatory, tumor suppressive and antiviral effects. In the present study, the radioprotective and antifibrotic effects of GV1001 were demonstrated through suppressing transforming growth factor‑β (TGF‑β) signaling. Proliferating human keratinocytes underwent premature senescence upon exposure to ionizing radiation (IR), however, treatment of cells with GV1001 allowed the cells to proliferate and showed a reduction in senescent phenotype. GV1001 treatment notably increased the levels of Grainyhead‑like 2 and phosphorylated (p‑)Akt (Ser473), and reduced the activation of p53 and the level of p21/WAF1 in irradiated keratinocytes. It also markedly suppressed the level of TGF‑β signaling molecules, including p‑small mothers against decapentaplegic (Smad)2/3 and Smad4, and TGF‑β target genes, including zinc finger E‑box binding homeobox 1, fibronectin, N‑cadharin and Snail, in irradiated keratinocytes. Furthermore, GV1001 suppressed TGF‑β signaling in primary human fibroblasts and inhibited myofibroblast differentiation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed that GV1001 suppressed the binding of Smad2 on the promoter regions of collagen type III α1 chain (Col3a1) and Col1a1. In a dermal fibrosis model in vivo, GV1001 treatment notably reduced the thickness of fibrotic lesions and the synthesis of Col3a1. These data indicated that GV1001 ameliorated the IR‑induced senescence phenotype and tissue fibrosis by inhibiting TGF‑β signaling and may have therapeutic effects on radiation‑induced tissue damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- The Shapiro Family Laboratory of Viral Oncology and Aging Research, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ki-Hyuk Shin
- The Shapiro Family Laboratory of Viral Oncology and Aging Research, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | | | - Won-Jun Shon
- School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Reuben H Kim
- The Shapiro Family Laboratory of Viral Oncology and Aging Research, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - No-Hee Park
- The Shapiro Family Laboratory of Viral Oncology and Aging Research, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Mo K Kang
- The Shapiro Family Laboratory of Viral Oncology and Aging Research, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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17
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GV1001 Induces Apoptosis by Reducing Angiogenesis in Renal Cell Carcinoma Cells Both In Vitro and In Vivo. Urology 2018; 113:129-137. [PMID: 29154986 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2017.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the anticancer effects of GV1001 and its biological mechanism of action in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). METHODS The effects of GV1001 on cell survival and apoptosis in RCC cells were examined in vitro using cell viability assay, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. To evaluate the effect of GV1001 on migration, invasion, and angiogenesis, we used wound healing, invasion, endothelial cell tube formation assay, and western blot analysis. Furthermore, we used an RCC xenograft model with either phosphate buffered saline or GV1001 to confirm the anticancer effect of GV1001 in vivo. Tumor volume was monitored during treatment, and tumor weight was measured after animals were killed. Apoptosis and angiogenesis of the tumor tissue were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, and western blot analysis. RESULTS GV1001 reduced cell viability and induced apoptosis in RCC cells in vitro. Furthermore, GV1001 suppressed the migration and invasion of RCC cells through regulation of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases. In addition, GV1001 reduced angiogenesis via regulation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α. In xenograft mouse model experiment, GV1001 reduced tumor growth and induced apoptosis. As in the in vitro results, GV1001 significantly reduced angiogenesis through regulation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α in vivo. CONCLUSION Our data demonstrated that GV1001 induced apoptosis through suppression of angiogenesis in RCCs both in vitro and in vivo, which suggests that GV1001 may be a potential therapeutic target for RCC.
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18
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Telomerase based anticancer immunotherapy and vaccines approaches. Vaccine 2017; 35:5768-5775. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 08/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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19
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The Telomerase-Derived Anticancer Peptide Vaccine GV1001 as an Extracellular Heat Shock Protein-Mediated Cell-Penetrating Peptide. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17122054. [PMID: 27941629 PMCID: PMC5187854 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17122054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Revised: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), which can facilitate the transport of molecular cargo across the plasma membrane, have become important tools in promoting the cellular delivery of macromolecules. GV1001, a peptide derived from a reverse-transcriptase subunit of telomerase (hTERT) and developed as a vaccine against various cancers, reportedly has unexpected CPP properties. Unlike typical CPPs, such as the HIV-1 TAT peptide, GV1001 enabled the cytosolic delivery of macromolecules such as proteins, DNA and siRNA via extracellular heat shock protein 90 (eHSP90) and 70 (eHSP70) complexes. The eHSP-GV1001 interaction may have biological effects in addition to its cytosolic delivery function. GV1001 was originally designed as a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II-binding cancer epitope, but its CPP properties may contribute to its strong anti-cancer immune response relative to other telomerase peptide-based vaccines. Cell signaling via eHSP-GV1001 binding may lead to unexpected biological effects, such as direct anticancer or antiviral effects. In this review, we focus on the CPP effects of GV1001 bound to eHSP90 and eHSP70.
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20
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Kim H, Choi MS, Inn KS, Kim BJ. Inhibition of HIV-1 reactivation by a telomerase-derived peptide in a HSP90-dependent manner. Sci Rep 2016; 6:28896. [PMID: 27363520 PMCID: PMC4929463 DOI: 10.1038/srep28896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
A peptide vaccine designed to induce T-cell immunity to telomerase, GV1001, has been shown to modulate cellular signaling pathways and confer a direct anti-cancer effect through the interaction with heat shock protein (HSP) 90 and 70. Here, we have found that GV1001 can modulate transactivation protein-mediated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 transactivation in an HSP90-dependent manner. GV1001 treatment resulted in significant suppression of HIV-1 replication and rescue of infected cells from death by HIV-1. Transactivation of HIV-long terminal repeat (LTR) was inhibited by GV1001, indicating that GV1001 suppressed the transcription from proviral HIV DNA. The anti-HIV-1 activity of GV1001 was completely abrogated by an HSP90-neutralizing antibody, indicating that the antiviral activity depends on HSP90. Further mechanistic studies revealed that GV1001 suppresses basal NF-κB activation, which is required for HIV-1 LTR transactivation in an HSP90-dependent manner. Inhibition of LTR transactivation by GV1001 suggests its potential to suppress HIV-1 reactivation from latency. Indeed, PMA-mediated reactivation of HIV-1 from latent infected cells was suppressed by GV1001. The results suggest the potential therapeutic use of GV1001, a peptide proven to be safe for human use, as an anti-HIV-1 agent to suppress the reactivation from latently infected cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Liver Research Institute, Biomedical Sciences and SNUMRC, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Myung-Soo Choi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung-Soo Inn
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bum-Joon Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Liver Research Institute, Biomedical Sciences and SNUMRC, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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21
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Park HH, Yu HJ, Kim S, Kim G, Choi NY, Lee EH, Lee YJ, Yoon MY, Lee KY, Koh SH. Neural stem cells injured by oxidative stress can be rejuvenated by GV1001, a novel peptide, through scavenging free radicals and enhancing survival signals. Neurotoxicology 2016; 55:131-141. [PMID: 27265016 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2016.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2015] [Revised: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a well-known pathogenic mechanism of a diverse array of neurological diseases, and thus, numerous studies have attempted to identify antioxidants that prevent neuronal cell death. GV1001 is a 16-amino-acid peptide derived from human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT). Considering that hTERT has a strong antioxidant effect, whether GV1001 also has an antioxidant effect is a question of interest. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of GV1001 against oxidative stress in neural stem cells (NSCs). Primary culture NSCs were treated with different concentrations of GV1001 and/or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for various time durations. The H2O2 decreased the viability of the NSCs in a concentration-dependent manner, with 200μM H2O2 significantly decreasing both proliferation and migration. However, treatment with GV1001 rescued the viability, proliferation and migration of H2O2-injured NSCs. Consistently, free radical levels were increased in rat NSCs treated with H2O2, while co-treatment with GV1001 significantly reduced these levels, especially the intracellular levels. In addition, GV1001 restored the expression of survival-related proteins and reduced the expression of death-associated ones in NSCs treated with H2O2. In conclusion, GV1001 has antioxidant and neuroprotective effects in NSCs following treatment with H2O2, which appear to be mediated by scavenging free radicals, increasing survival signals and decreasing death signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Hee Park
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyun-Jung Yu
- Department of Neurology, Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital, Gyeonggi, South Korea
| | - Sangjae Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, KAEL-Gemvax Co., Ltd., Seoul, South Korea
| | - Gabseok Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, KAEL-Gemvax Co., Ltd., Seoul, South Korea
| | - Na-Young Choi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Hanyang University Graduate School of Biomedical Science & Engineering, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eun-Hye Lee
- Department of Translational Medicine, Hanyang University Graduate School of Biomedical Science & Engineering, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Young Joo Lee
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Moon-Young Yoon
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institute of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyu-Yong Lee
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Seong-Ho Koh
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Translational Medicine, Hanyang University Graduate School of Biomedical Science & Engineering, Seoul, South Korea.
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22
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Lee SA, Kim J, Sim J, Kim SG, Kook YH, Park CG, Kim HR, Kim BJ. A telomerase-derived peptide regulates reactive oxygen species and hepatitis C virus RNA replication in HCV-infected cells via heat shock protein 90. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 471:156-62. [PMID: 26828270 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.01.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
GV1001, a synthetic peptide derived from human telomerase, has a range of diverse biological activities, including an antioxidant function. Here, we investigated the role of GV1001 in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected Huh7.5 (JFH-1) cells. We showed that GV1001 inhibited the production of ROS with decreased MAP kinase signaling. Interestingly, GV1001 lost its antioxidant activity as ROS levels decreased, resulting in a reduction in extracellular heat shock protein 90 (eHSP90) as low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) was blocked or knocked-down. GV1001 binds to eHSP90 and is delivered into the cell by endocytosis via LRP1. Endocytosed GV1001 finally suppressed ROS generation, presumably by hindering the interaction between eHSP90 and NADPH oxidase (NOX). Importantly, GV1001 suppressed HCV RNA replication in JFH-1 cells by inhibiting the binding of HSP90 to FKBP8, a member of the FK506-binding protein family. We also found that HSP90 expression was high in HCV-infected hepatocytes. Therefore, our data suggest that GV1001 may be a good therapeutic agent by controlling HCV RNA replication, as well as by preferentially targeting cells under conditions of oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seoung-Ae Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinhee Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science, Cheongju University, Cheongju 28503, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihyun Sim
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Gyune Kim
- Digestive Disease Center and Research Institute, SoonChunHyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon 14584, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon-Hoh Kook
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Chung-Gyu Park
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Hang-Rae Kim
- Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea.
| | - Bum-Joon Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea.
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Redzovic A, Gulic T, Laskarin G, Eminovic S, Haller H, Rukavina D. Heat-Shock Proteins 70 Induce Pro-Inflammatory Maturation Program in Decidual CD1a(+) Dendritic Cells. Am J Reprod Immunol 2015; 74:38-53. [PMID: 25737151 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM The aim of the study was to assess possible binding of a mixture of constitutive Hsc70 and inducible Hsp70 forms (HSP70) to Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and CD91 receptors on decidual CD1a(+) dendritic cells (DCs) and their influence on DCs maturation status. METHOD OF STUDY Immunohistology and immunofluorescence of paraffin-embedded first trimetester and term pregnancy decidua were performed together with flow cytometry detection of antigens in DCs after stimulation of decidual mononuclear cells with HSP70. RESULTS Hsc70 and Hsp70 labeling revealed intracellular and nuclear staining in trophoblast cells. The numbers of Hsc70(+) and Hsp70(+) cells of decidual tissue were higher in early pregnancy decidua than in decidua at term. HSP70 binds CD91 and TLR4 receptors on CD1a(+) DCs and increased the expression of CD83, HLA-DR, CD80, and CD86, but decreased CC receptor (CCR) 5. HSP70 increased CC ligand (CCL) 3 and CCL22. HSP70 in the concentration of 1 μg/mL increased the percentage of interferon-γ and interleukin (IL)-15-expressing cells over the cells expressing IL-4. CONCLUSION HSP70 binds CD91 and TLR4 on decidual CD1a(+) DCs, causes their maturation, and increases IL-15 in the context of Th1 cytokine/chemokine domination, which could support immune response harmful for ongoing pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnela Redzovic
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Clinical Hospital Centre Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Tamara Gulic
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Gordana Laskarin
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Senija Eminovic
- Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Herman Haller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Hospital, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Daniel Rukavina
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
- Department of Clinical and Transplantation Immunology and Molecular Medicine in Rijeka, Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Rijeka, Croatia
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