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Chen M, Chen F, Gao Z, Li X, Hu L, Yang S, Zhao S, Song Z. CAFs and T cells interplay: The emergence of a new arena in cancer combat. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:117045. [PMID: 38955088 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The interaction between the immune system and the tumor matrix has a huge impact on the progression and treatment of cancer. This paper summarizes and discusses the crosstalk between T cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). CAFs can also produce inhibitors that counteract the function of T cells and promote tumor immune escape, while T cells can also engage in complex two-way interactions with CAFs through direct cell contact, the exchange of soluble factors such as cytokines, and the remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Precise targeted intervention can effectively reverse tumor-promoting crosstalk between T cells and CAFs, improve anti-tumor immune response, and provide a new perspective for cancer treatment. Therefore, it is important to deeply understand the mechanism of crosstalk between T cells and CAFs. This review aims to outline the underlying mechanisms of these interactions and discuss potential therapeutic strategies that may become fundamental tools in the treatment of cancer, especially hard-to-cure cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjie Chen
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhaofeng Gao
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoping Li
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lingyu Hu
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuying Yang
- Department of intensive medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Siqi Zhao
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Zhengwei Song
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China.
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2
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Tocci P, Roman C, Sestito R, Caprara V, Sacconi A, Molineris I, Tonon G, Blandino G, Bagnato A. The endothelin-1-driven tumor-stroma feed-forward loops in high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:851-862. [PMID: 38884602 PMCID: PMC11230866 DOI: 10.1042/cs20240346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
The high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HG-SOC) tumor microenvironment (TME) is constellated by cellular elements and a network of soluble constituents that contribute to tumor progression. In the multitude of the secreted molecules, the endothelin-1 (ET-1) has emerged to be implicated in the tumor/TME interplay; however, the molecular mechanisms induced by the ET-1-driven feed-forward loops (FFL) and associated with the HG-SOC metastatic potential need to be further investigated. The tracking of the patient-derived (PD) HG-SOC cell transcriptome by RNA-seq identified the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene and its associated signature among those mostly up-regulated by ET-1 and down-modulated by the dual ET-1R antagonist macitentan. Within the ligand-receptor pairs concurrently expressed in PD-HG-SOC cells, endothelial cells and activated fibroblasts, we discovered two intertwined FFL, the ET-1/ET-1R and VEGF/VEGF receptors, concurrently activated by ET-1 and shutting-down by macitentan, or by the anti-VEGF antibody bevacizumab. In parallel, we observed that ET-1 fine-tuned the tumoral and stromal secretome toward a pro-invasive pattern. Into the fray of the HG-SOC/TME double and triple co-cultures, the secretion of ET-1 and VEGF, that share a common co-regulation, was inhibited upon the administration of macitentan. Functionally, macitentan, mimicking the effect of bevacizumab, interfered with the HG-SOC/TME FFL-driven communication that fuels the HG-SOC invasive behavior. The identification of ET-1 and VEGF FFL as tumor and TME actionable vulnerabilities, reveals how ET-1R blockade, targeting the HG-SOC cells and the TME simultaneously, may represent an effective therapeutic option for HG-SOC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piera Tocci
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Celia Roman
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosanna Sestito
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Caprara
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Sacconi
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Ivan Molineris
- Department of Life Science and System Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tonon
- Center for Omics Sciences (COSR) and Functional Genomics of Cancer Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Blandino
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Bagnato
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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3
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Foutadakis S, Kordias D, Vatsellas G, Magklara A. Identification of New Chemoresistance-Associated Genes in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by Single-Cell Transcriptomic Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6853. [PMID: 38999963 PMCID: PMC11241600 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a particularly aggressive mammary neoplasia with a high fatality rate, mainly because of the development of resistance to administered chemotherapy, the standard treatment for this disease. In this study, we employ both bulk RNA-sequencing and single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) to investigate the transcriptional landscape of TNBC cells cultured in two-dimensional monolayers or three-dimensional spheroids, before and after developing resistance to the chemotherapeutic agents paclitaxel and doxorubicin. Our findings reveal significant transcriptional heterogeneity within the TNBC cell populations, with the scRNA-seq identifying rare subsets of cells that express resistance-associated genes not detected by the bulk RNA-seq. Furthermore, we observe a partial shift towards a highly mesenchymal phenotype in chemoresistant cells, suggesting the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as a prevalent mechanism of resistance in subgroups of these cells. These insights highlight potential therapeutic targets, such as the PDGF signaling pathway mediating EMT, which could be exploited in this setting. Our study underscores the importance of single-cell approaches in understanding tumor heterogeneity and developing more effective, personalized treatment strategies to overcome chemoresistance in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spyros Foutadakis
- Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Dimitrios Kordias
- Biomedical Research Institute-Foundation for Research and Technology, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Giannis Vatsellas
- Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Angeliki Magklara
- Biomedical Research Institute-Foundation for Research and Technology, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
- Institute of Biosciences, University Research Center of Ioannina (URCI), 45110 Ioannina, Greece
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Zhong H, Zhou S, Yin S, Qiu Y, Liu B, Yu H. Tumor microenvironment as niche constructed by cancer stem cells: Breaking the ecosystem to combat cancer. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00251-0. [PMID: 38866179 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a distinct subpopulation of cancer cells with the capacity to constantly self-renew and differentiate, and they are the main driver in the progression of cancer resistance and relapse. The tumor microenvironment (TME) constructed by CSCs is the "soil" adapted to tumor growth, helping CSCs evade immune killing, enhance their chemical resistance, and promote cancer progression. AIM OF REVIEW We aim to elaborate the tight connection between CSCs and immunosuppressive components of the TME. We attempt to summarize and provide a therapeutic strategy to eradicate CSCs based on the destruction of the tumor ecological niche. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW This review is focused on three main key concepts. First, we highlight that CSCs recruit and transform normal cells to construct the TME, which further provides ecological niche support for CSCs. Second, we describe the main characteristics of the immunosuppressive components of the TME, targeting strategies and summarize the progress of corresponding drugs in clinical trials. Third, we explore the multilevel insights of the TME to serve as an ecological niche for CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shiyue Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuangshuang Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuling Qiu
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China.
| | - Haiyang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.
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5
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Arndt P, Turkowski K, Cekay M, Eul B, Grimminger F, Savai R. Endothelin and the tumor microenvironment: a finger in every pie. Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:617-634. [PMID: 38785410 PMCID: PMC11130555 DOI: 10.1042/cs20240426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a central role in the development of cancer. Within this complex milieu, the endothelin (ET) system plays a key role by triggering epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, causing degradation of the extracellular matrix and modulating hypoxia response, cell proliferation, composition, and activation. These multiple effects of the ET system on cancer progression have prompted numerous preclinical studies targeting the ET system with promising results, leading to considerable optimism for subsequent clinical trials. However, these clinical trials have not lived up to the high expectations; in fact, the clinical trials have failed to demonstrate any substantiated benefit of targeting the ET system in cancer patients. This review discusses the major and recent advances of the ET system with respect to TME and comments on past and ongoing clinical trials of the ET system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp F. Arndt
- Lung Microenvironmental Niche in Cancerogenesis, Institute for Lung Health (ILH), Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Centre (UGMLC), Member of the Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Member of the German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Member of the DZL, Member of the CPI, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Kati Turkowski
- Lung Microenvironmental Niche in Cancerogenesis, Institute for Lung Health (ILH), Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Member of the DZL, Member of the CPI, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Michael J. Cekay
- Lung Microenvironmental Niche in Cancerogenesis, Institute for Lung Health (ILH), Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Centre (UGMLC), Member of the Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Member of the German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
| | - Bastian Eul
- Department of Internal Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Centre (UGMLC), Member of the Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Member of the German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
| | - Friedrich Grimminger
- Lung Microenvironmental Niche in Cancerogenesis, Institute for Lung Health (ILH), Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Centre (UGMLC), Member of the Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Member of the German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
| | - Rajkumar Savai
- Lung Microenvironmental Niche in Cancerogenesis, Institute for Lung Health (ILH), Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Centre (UGMLC), Member of the Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Member of the German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Member of the DZL, Member of the CPI, Bad Nauheim, Germany
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6
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Del Rio D, Masi I, Caprara V, Ottavi F, Albertini Petroni G, Salvati E, Trisciuoglio D, Giannitelli SM, Bagnato A, Mauri E, Spadaro F, Rosanò L. The β-arrestin1/endothelin axis bolsters ovarian fibroblast-dependent invadosome activity and cancer cell metastatic potential. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:358. [PMID: 38777849 PMCID: PMC11111729 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06730-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Recruitment of fibroblasts to tumors and their activation into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) is a strategy used by tumor cells to direct extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, invasion, and metastasis, highlighting the need to investigate the molecular mechanisms driving CAF function. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) regulates the communication between cancer and stroma and facilitates the progression of serous ovarian cancer (SOC). By binding to Endothelin A (ETA) and B (ETB) receptors, ET-1 enables the recruitment of β-arrestin1 (β-arr1) and the formation of signaling complexes that coordinate tumor progression. However, how ET-1 receptors might "educate" human ovarian fibroblasts (HOFs) to produce altered ECM and promote metastasis remains to be elucidated. This study identifies ET-1 as a pivotal factor in the activation of CAFs capable of proteolytic ECM remodeling and the generation of heterotypic spheroids containing cancer cells with a propensity to metastasize. An autocrine/paracrine ET-1/ETA/BR/β-arr1 loop enhances HOF proliferation, upregulates CAF marker expression, secretes pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increases collagen contractility, and cell motility. Furthermore, ET-1 facilitates ECM remodeling by promoting the lytic activity of invadosome and activation of integrin β1. In addition, ET-1 signaling supports the formation of heterotypic HOF/SOC spheroids with enhanced ability to migrate through the mesothelial monolayer, and invade, representing metastatic units. The blockade of ETA/BR or β-arr1 silencing prevents CAF activation, invadosome function, mesothelial clearance, and the invasive ability of heterotypic spheroids. In vivo, therapeutic inhibition of ETA/BR using bosentan (BOS) significantly reduces the metastatic potential of combined HOFs/SOC cells, associated with enhanced apoptotic effects on tumor cells and stromal components. These findings support a model in which ET-1/β-arr1 reinforces tumor/stroma interaction through CAF activation and fosters the survival and metastatic properties of SOC cells, which could be counteracted by ETA/BR antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danila Del Rio
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Ilenia Masi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Valentina Caprara
- Unit of Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - Flavia Ottavi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Gabriele Albertini Petroni
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Erica Salvati
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Daniela Trisciuoglio
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Sara Maria Giannitelli
- Department of Science and Technology for Sustainable Development and One Health, University Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, 00128, Italy
| | - Anna Bagnato
- Unit of Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - Emanuele Mauri
- Department of Chemistry Materials and Chemical Engineering, University Politecnico di Milano, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesca Spadaro
- Confocal Microscopy Unit, Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, 00161, Italy
| | - Laura Rosanò
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, 00185, Italy.
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7
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Cheng X, Henick BS, Cheng K. Anticancer Therapy Targeting Cancer-Derived Extracellular Vesicles. ACS NANO 2024; 18:6748-6765. [PMID: 38393984 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c06462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are natural lipid nanoparticles secreted by most types of cells. In malignant cancer, EVs derived from cancer cells contribute to its progression and metastasis by facilitating tumor growth and invasion, interfering with anticancer immunity, and establishing premetastasis niches in distant organs. In recent years, multiple strategies targeting cancer-derived EVs have been proposed to improve cancer patient outcomes, including inhibiting EV generation, disrupting EVs during trafficking, and blocking EV uptake by recipient cells. Developments in EV engineering also show promising results in harnessing cancer-derived EVs as anticancer agents. Here, we summarize the current understanding of the origin and functions of cancer-derived EVs and review the recent progress in anticancer therapy targeting these EVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Cheng
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- Joint Department of Biomedical EngineeringNorth Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, United States
| | - Brian S Henick
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, United States
| | - Ke Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, United States
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8
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Han KH, Kim CH, Kim SH, Lee CH, Park M, Bui VD, Duong VH, Kwon S, Ha M, Kang H, Park JH. Immunogenic Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Endoplasmic Reticulum-Stressed Tumor Cells: Implications as the Therapeutic Cancer Vaccine. ACS NANO 2024; 18:199-209. [PMID: 38109681 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c05645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (TDEs) have potential for therapeutic cancer vaccine applications since they innately possess tumor-associated antigens, mediate antigen presentation, and can incorporate immune adjuvants for enhanced vaccine efficacy. However, the original TDEs also contain immune-suppressive proteins. To address this, we proposed a simple yet powerful preconditioning method to improve the overall immunogenicity of the TDEs. This approach involved inducing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress on parental tumor cells via N-glycosylation inhibition with tunicamycin. The generated immunogenic TDEs (iTDEs) contained down-regulated immunosuppressive proteins and up-regulated immune adjuvants, effectively activating dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro. Furthermore, in vivo evidence from a tumor-bearing mouse model showed that iTDEs activated DCs, enabling cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) to target tumors, and eventually established a systemic antitumor immune response. Additionally, iTDEs significantly delayed tumor recurrence in a postsurgery model compared with control groups. These findings highlight the immense potential of our strategy for utilizing TDEs to develop effective cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Hee Han
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Ho Kim
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - So Hee Kim
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Hyun Lee
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Minsung Park
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351 Republic of Korea
| | - Van Dat Bui
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Van Hieu Duong
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunglee Kwon
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Minji Ha
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Heegun Kang
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hyung Park
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351 Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
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9
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Wang R, Kumar P, Reda M, Wallstrum AG, Crumrine NA, Ngamcherdtrakul W, Yantasee W. Nanotechnology Applications in Breast Cancer Immunotherapy. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023:e2308639. [PMID: 38126905 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202308639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Next-generation cancer treatments are expected not only to target cancer cells but also to simultaneously train immune cells to combat cancer while modulating the immune-suppressive environment of tumors and hosts to ensure a robust and lasting response. Achieving this requires carriers that can codeliver multiple therapeutics to the right cancer and/or immune cells while ensuring patient safety. Nanotechnology holds great potential for addressing these challenges. This article highlights the recent advances in nanoimmunotherapeutic development, with a focus on breast cancer. While immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have achieved remarkable success and lead to cures in some cancers, their response rate in breast cancer is low. The poor response rate in solid tumors is often associated with the low infiltration of anti-cancer T cells and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). To enhance anti-cancer T-cell responses, nanoparticles are employed to deliver ICIs, bispecific antibodies, cytokines, and agents that induce immunogenic cancer cell death (ICD). Additionally, nanoparticles are used to manipulate various components of the TME, such as immunosuppressive myeloid cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, and fibroblasts to improve T-cell activities. Finally, this article discusses the outlook, challenges, and future directions of nanoimmunotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijie Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, 3303 S Bond Ave, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Pramod Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, 3303 S Bond Ave, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Moataz Reda
- PDX Pharmaceuticals, 3303 S Bond Ave, CH13B, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | | | - Noah A Crumrine
- PDX Pharmaceuticals, 3303 S Bond Ave, CH13B, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | | | - Wassana Yantasee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, 3303 S Bond Ave, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- PDX Pharmaceuticals, 3303 S Bond Ave, CH13B, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
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10
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Shin S, Ko H, Kim CH, Yoon BK, Son S, Lee JA, Shin JM, Lee J, Song SH, Jackman JA, Park JH. Curvature-sensing peptide inhibits tumour-derived exosomes for enhanced cancer immunotherapy. NATURE MATERIALS 2023; 22:656-665. [PMID: 36959501 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-023-01515-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Tumour-derived exosomes (T-EXOs) impede immune checkpoint blockade therapies, motivating pharmacological efforts to inhibit them. Inspired by how antiviral curvature-sensing peptides disrupt membrane-enveloped virus particles in the exosome size range, we devised a broadly useful strategy that repurposes an engineered antiviral peptide to disrupt membrane-enveloped T-EXOs for synergistic cancer immunotherapy. The membrane-targeting peptide inhibits T-EXOs from various cancer types and exhibits pH-enhanced membrane disruption relevant to the tumour microenvironment. The combination of T-EXO-disrupting peptide and programmed cell death protein-1 antibody-based immune checkpoint blockade therapy improves treatment outcomes in tumour-bearing mice. Peptide-mediated disruption of T-EXOs not only reduces levels of circulating exosomal programmed death-ligand 1, but also restores CD8+ T cell effector function, prevents premetastatic niche formation and reshapes the tumour microenvironment in vivo. Our findings demonstrate that peptide-induced T-EXO depletion can enhance cancer immunotherapy and support the potential of peptide engineering for exosome-targeting applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sol Shin
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyewon Ko
- Bionanotechnology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Ho Kim
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo Kyeong Yoon
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Translational Nanobioscience Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- School of Healthcare and Biomedical Engineering, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyoung Son
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Ah Lee
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Min Shin
- Division of Biotechnology, Convergence Research Institute, DGIST, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongjin Lee
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Ho Song
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Joshua A Jackman
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
- Translational Nanobioscience Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
- Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jae Hyung Park
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
- Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
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11
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Tocci P, Roman C, Sestito R, Di Castro V, Sacconi A, Molineris I, Paolini F, Carosi M, Tonon G, Blandino G, Bagnato A. Targeting tumor-stroma communication by blocking endothelin-1 receptors sensitizes high-grade serous ovarian cancer to PARP inhibition. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:5. [PMID: 36604418 PMCID: PMC9816119 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05538-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PARP inhibitors (PARPi) have changed the treatment paradigm of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HG-SOC). However, the impact of this class of inhibitors in HG-SOC patients with a high rate of TP53 mutations is limited, highlighting the need to develop combinatorial therapeutic strategies to improve responses to PARPi. Here, we unveil how the endothelin-1/ET-1 receptor (ET-1/ET-1R) axis, which is overexpressed in human HG-SOC and associated with poor prognosis, instructs HG-SOC/tumor microenvironment (TME) communication via key pro-malignant factors and restricts the DNA damage response induced by the PARPi olaparib. Mechanistically, the ET-1 axis promotes the p53/YAP/hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) transcription hub connecting HG-SOC cells, endothelial cells and activated fibroblasts, hence fueling persistent DNA damage signal escape. The ET-1R antagonist macitentan, which dismantles the ET-1R-mediated p53/YAP/HIF-1α network, interferes with HG-SOC/stroma interactions that blunt PARPi efficacy. Pharmacological ET-1R inhibition by macitentan in orthotopic HG-SOC patient-derived xenografts synergizes with olaparib to suppress metastatic progression, enhancing PARPi survival benefit. These findings reveal ET-1R as a mechanistic determinant in the regulation of HG-SOC/TME crosstalk and DNA damage response, indicating the use of macitentan in combinatorial treatments with PARPi as a promising and emerging therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piera Tocci
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
| | - Celia Roman
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosanna Sestito
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeriana Di Castro
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Sacconi
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Ivan Molineris
- Department of Life Science and System Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Paolini
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariantonia Carosi
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tonon
- Center for Omics Sciences (COSR) and Functional Genomics of Cancer Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Blandino
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Bagnato
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
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12
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Liu Z, Xiang Y, Zheng Y, Kang X. Advancing immune checkpoint blockade in colorectal cancer therapy with nanotechnology. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1027124. [DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1027124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has gained unparalleled success in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, undesired side effects, unsatisfactory response rates, tumor metastasis, and drug resistance still hinder the further application of ICB therapy against CRC. Advancing ICB with nanotechnology can be game-changing. With the development of immuno-oncology and nanomaterials, various nanoplatforms have been fabricated to enhance the efficacy of ICB in CRC treatment. Herein, this review systematically summarizes these recent nano-strategies according to their mechanisms. Despite their diverse and complex designs, these nanoplatforms have four main mechanisms in enhancing ICB: 1) targeting immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) to tumor foci, 2) increasing tumor immunogenicity, 3) remodeling tumor microenvironment, and 4) pre-sensitizing immune systems. Importantly, advantages of nanotechnology in CRC, such as innovating the mode-of-actions of ICB, modulating intestinal microbiome, and integrating the whole process of antigen presentation, are highlighted in this review. In general, this review describes the latest applications of nanotechnology for CRC immunotherapy, and may shed light on the future design of ICB platforms.
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13
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Ni W, Wu J, Feng Y, Hu Y, Liu H, Chen J, Chen F, Tian H. Metformin reprograms tumor microenvironment and boosts chemoimmunotherapy in colorectal cancer. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:5596-5607. [PMID: 35979933 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm00988a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Tumor stroma plays an important role in the occurrence, development, and metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC). The dense collagenous stroma forms a physical barrier for antitumor drugs and sustains a highly tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment. To address this issue, a spatiotemporal combination of antitumor stroma and nanoscale functional materials was used as an antitumor strategy for reprogramming the tumor immune microenvironment. In this combination, metformin hydrochloride (MET) was intraperitoneally injected to disrupt the dense tumor stroma for promoting drug delivery and remodeling the tumor immune microenvironment. Subsequently, intravenously injected multifunctional drug-delivery materials (MIL-100/mitoxantrone/hyaluronic acid nanoparticles, MMH NPs) were visualized by double imaging (photoacoustic (PA) and fluorescence imaging) and generated a robust immune response via immunogenic cell death (ICD). More importantly, the combination treatment also acted synergistically with the anti-OX40 agonist antibody (αOX40), which enhanced the treatment of orthotopic CRC. In summary, the combination strategy of MET/MMH NPs/αOX40 provides a novel and effective clinical option for CRC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Ni
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, PR China. .,Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Nanomedicine and Translational Research Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, PR China.
| | - Jiayan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, PR China.
| | - Yuanji Feng
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, PR China.
| | - Yingying Hu
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, PR China.
| | - Haiyan Liu
- Center for Biological Experiment, College of Basic Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, PR China
| | - Jie Chen
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, PR China.
| | - Fangfang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Nanomedicine and Translational Research Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, PR China.
| | - Huayu Tian
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, PR China.
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14
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Thuru X, Magnez R, El-Bouazzati H, Vergoten G, Quesnel B, Bailly C. Drug Repurposing to Enhance Antitumor Response to PD-1/PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143368. [PMID: 35884428 PMCID: PMC9322126 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint have considerably improved the treatment of some cancers, but novel drugs, new combinations, and treatment modalities are needed to reinvigorate immunosurveillance in immune-refractory tumors. An option to elicit antitumor immunity against cancer consists of using approved and marketed drugs known for their capacity to modulate the expression and functioning of the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint. Here, we have reviewed several types of drugs known to alter the checkpoint, either directly via the blockade of PD-L1 or indirectly via an action on upstream effectors (such as STAT3) to suppress PD-L1 transcription or to induce its proteasomal degradation. Specifically, the repositioning of the approved drugs liothyronine, azelnidipine (and related dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers), niclosamide, albendazole/flubendazole, and a few other modulators of the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint (repaglinide, pimozide, fenofibrate, lonazolac, propranolol) is presented. Their capacity to bind to PD-L1 or to repress its expression and function offer novel perspectives for combination with PD-1 targeted biotherapeutics. These known and affordable drugs could be useful to improve the therapy of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Thuru
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-UMR1277—Canther—Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France; (X.T.); (R.M.); (H.E.-B.); (B.Q.)
| | - Romain Magnez
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-UMR1277—Canther—Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France; (X.T.); (R.M.); (H.E.-B.); (B.Q.)
| | - Hassiba El-Bouazzati
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-UMR1277—Canther—Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France; (X.T.); (R.M.); (H.E.-B.); (B.Q.)
| | - Gérard Vergoten
- Institut de Chimie Pharmaceutique Albert Lespagnol (ICPAL), Faculté de Pharmacie, University of Lille, Inserm, INFINITE—U1286, 3 Rue du Professeur Laguesse, BP-83, F-59006 Lille, France;
| | - Bruno Quesnel
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-UMR1277—Canther—Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France; (X.T.); (R.M.); (H.E.-B.); (B.Q.)
| | - Christian Bailly
- Oncowitan, Scientific Consulting Office, F-59290 Lille, France
- Correspondence:
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15
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Park JH. Regulation of in vivo fate of exosomes for therapeutic applications: New frontier in nanomedicines. J Control Release 2022; 348:483-488. [PMID: 35675897 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.05.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The significance of exosomes as intercellular messengers in a range of biological phenomena has hugely inspired many researchers to use them for disease diagnosis and treatment. Likewise, since the adoption of exosomes as new tools for our research, I aspired to address relevant delivery challenges with my expertise in the field of nanomedicine to develop better exosome-related therapies. In particular, innately therapeutic and exogenous drug-loaded exosomes should be located at the target site, whereas pathological exosomes or their biogenesis pathways should be targeted to control them. Reflecting recent preclinical efforts in my research group to meet such needs, the related previous work history, and initial accomplishments for regulating the in vivo fate of exosomes are covered in this contribution to the Orations-New Horizons of the Journal of Controlled Release, along with our ambitions for future developments in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Hyung Park
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea; Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
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