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Spiga M, Martini E, Maffia MC, Ciceri F, Ruggiero E, Potenza A, Bonini C. Harnessing the tumor microenvironment to boost adoptive T cell therapy with engineered lymphocytes for solid tumors. Semin Immunopathol 2024; 46:8. [PMID: 39060547 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-024-01011-y] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) and T Cell Receptor (TCR) engineered T cells represents an innovative therapeutic approach for the treatment of hematological malignancies, yet its application for solid tumors is still suboptimal. The tumor microenvironment (TME) places several challenges to overcome for a satisfactory therapeutic effect, such as physical barriers (fibrotic capsule and stroma), and inhibitory signals impeding T cell function. Some of these obstacles can be faced by combining ACT with other anti-tumor approaches, such as chemo/radiotherapy and checkpoint inhibitors. On the other hand, cutting edge technological tools offer the opportunity to overcome and, in some cases, take advantage of TME intrinsic characteristics to boost ACT efficacy. These include: the exploitation of chemokine gradients and integrin expression for preferential T-cell homing and extravasation; metabolic changes that have direct or indirect effects on TCR-T and CAR-T cells by increasing antigen presentation and reshaping T cell phenotype; introduction of additional synthetic receptors on TCR-T and CAR-T cells with the aim of increasing T cells survival and fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Spiga
- Experimental Hematology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Martini
- Experimental Hematology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Maffia
- Experimental Hematology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Ciceri
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Eliana Ruggiero
- Experimental Hematology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Potenza
- Experimental Hematology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
| | - Chiara Bonini
- Experimental Hematology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
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2
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Dai H, Zhu C, Huai Q, Xu W, Zhu J, Zhang X, Zhang X, Sun B, Xu H, Zheng M, Li X, Wang H. Chimeric antigen receptor-modified macrophages ameliorate liver fibrosis in preclinical models. J Hepatol 2024; 80:913-927. [PMID: 38340812 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Treatments directly targeting fibrosis remain limited. Given the unique intrinsic features of macrophages and their capacity to engraft in the liver, we genetically engineered bone marrow-derived macrophages with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) to direct their phagocytic activity against hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in multiple mouse models. This study aimed to demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of CAR macrophages (CAR-Ms) in mouse models of fibrosis and cirrhosis and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. METHODS uPAR expression was studied in patients with fibrosis/cirrhosis and in murine models of liver fibrosis, including mice treated with carbon tetrachloride, a 5-diethoxycarbonyl-1, 4-dihydrocollidine diet, or a high-fat/cholesterol/fructose diet. The safety and efficacy of CAR-Ms were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS Adoptive transfer of CAR-Ms resulted in a significant reduction in liver fibrosis and the restoration of function in murine models of liver fibrosis. CAR-Ms modulated the hepatic immune microenvironment to recruit and modify the activation of endogenous immune cells to drive fibrosis regression. These CAR-Ms were able to recruit and present antigens to T cells and mount specific antifibrotic T-cell responses to reduce fibroblasts and liver fibrosis in mice. CONCLUSION Collectively, our findings demonstrate the potential of using macrophages as a platform for CAR technology to provide an effective treatment option for liver fibrosis. CAR-Ms might be developed for treatment of patients with liver fibrosis. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Liver fibrosis is an incurable condition that afflicts millions of people globally. Despite the clear clinical need, therapies for liver fibrosis are limited. Our findings provide the first preclinical evidence that chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-macrophages (CAR-Ms) targeting uPAR can attenuate liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. We show that macrophages expressing this uPAR CAR exert a direct antifibrotic effect and elicit a specific T-cell response that augments the immune response against liver fibrosis. These findings demonstrate the potential of using CAR-Ms as an effective cell-based therapy for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanren Dai
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Cheng Zhu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Qian Huai
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wentao Xu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jiejie Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xianzheng Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Beicheng Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Honghai Xu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Minghua Zheng
- MAFLD Research Center, Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaolei Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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Hamada M, Varkoly KS, Riyadh O, Beladi R, Munuswamy-Ramanujam G, Rawls A, Wilson-Rawls J, Chen H, McFadden G, Lucas AR. Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor (uPAR) in Inflammation and Disease: A Unique Inflammatory Pathway Activator. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1167. [PMID: 38927374 PMCID: PMC11201033 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061167] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) is a unique protease binding receptor, now recognized as a key regulator of inflammation. Initially, uPA/uPAR was considered thrombolytic (clot-dissolving); however, recent studies have demonstrated its predominant immunomodulatory functions in inflammation and cancer. The uPA/uPAR complex has a multifaceted central role in both normal physiological and also pathological responses. uPAR is expressed as a glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked receptor interacting with vitronectin, integrins, G protein-coupled receptors, and growth factor receptors within a large lipid raft. Through protein-to-protein interactions, cell surface uPAR modulates intracellular signaling, altering cellular adhesion and migration. The uPA/uPAR also modifies extracellular activity, activating plasminogen to form plasmin, which breaks down fibrin, dissolving clots and activating matrix metalloproteinases that lyse connective tissue, allowing immune and cancer cell invasion and releasing growth factors. uPAR is now recognized as a biomarker for inflammatory diseases and cancer; uPAR and soluble uPAR fragments (suPAR) are increased in viral sepsis (COVID-19), inflammatory bowel disease, and metastasis. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the structure, function, and current studies examining uPAR and suPAR as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. Understanding uPAR is central to developing diagnostic markers and the ongoing development of antibody, small-molecule, nanogel, and virus-derived immune-modulating treatments that target uPAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Hamada
- College of Medicine, Kansas City University, 1750 Independence Ave, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA; (M.H.); (O.R.)
| | - Kyle Steven Varkoly
- Department of Internal Medicine, McLaren Macomb Hospital, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, 1000 Harrington St., Mt Clemens, MI 48043, USA
| | - Omer Riyadh
- College of Medicine, Kansas City University, 1750 Independence Ave, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA; (M.H.); (O.R.)
| | - Roxana Beladi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ascension Providence Hospital, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, 16001 W Nine Mile Rd, Southfield, MI 48075, USA;
| | - Ganesh Munuswamy-Ramanujam
- Molecular Biology and Immunobiology Division, Interdisciplinary Institute of Indian System of Medicine, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, India;
| | - Alan Rawls
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, 427 E Tyler Mall, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (A.R.); (J.W.-R.)
| | - Jeanne Wilson-Rawls
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, 427 E Tyler Mall, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (A.R.); (J.W.-R.)
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Tumor Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China;
| | - Grant McFadden
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, 727 E Tyler St., Tempe, AZ 85287, USA;
| | - Alexandra R. Lucas
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, 727 E Tyler St., Tempe, AZ 85287, USA;
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Ma H, Wei W, Liang D, Xu X, Yang D, Wang Q, Wang Y, Wei Q, Sun B, Zhao X. HGF-Based CAR-T Cells Target Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells That Express High Levels of c-Met. Immunol Invest 2023; 52:735-748. [PMID: 37409941 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2023.2232402] [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: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CAR-T is emerging as an effective treatment strategy for hematologic malignancies, however its effectiveness for treating solid tumors, such as Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is limited. Here, we screened a variety of CAR-T cells that target c-Met to investigate their potential to induce HCC cell death in vitro. METHODS Human T cells were transduced to express CARs by lentiviral vector transfection. c-Met expression in human HCC cell lines and CARs expression were monitored by flow cytometry. Tumor cell killing was evaluated by Luciferase Assay System Kit. The concentrations of cytokine were tested by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Knock down and overexpression studies targeting c-Met were conducted to assess the targeting specificity of CARs. RESULTS We found that CAR T cells expressing a minimal amino-terminal polypeptide sequence comprising the first kringle (kringle 1) domain (denoted as NK1 CAR-T cells), efficiently killed HCC cell lines that expressed high levels of the HGF receptor c-Met. Furthermore, we report that while NK1 CAR-T cells were efficient at targeting SMMC7221 cells for destruction, and its potency was significantly attenuated in parallel experiments with cells stably expressing short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) that suppressed c-Met expression. Correspondingly, overexpression of c-Met in the embryonic kidney cell line HEK293T led to their enhanced killing by NK1 CAR-T cells. CONCLUSION Our studies demonstrate that a minimal amino-terminal polypeptide sequence comprising the kirngle1 domain of HGF is highly relevant to the design of effective CAR-T cell therapies that kill HCC cells expressing high levels of c-Met.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Ma
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenwen Wei
- Department of Targeting Therapy & Immunology and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dandan Liang
- Department of Targeting Therapy & Immunology and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xing Xu
- Core Facilities, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dong Yang
- Department of Targeting Therapy & Immunology and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Quan Wei
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Bin Sun
- Department of Targeting Therapy & Immunology and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xudong Zhao
- Department of Targeting Therapy & Immunology and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Dergilev K, Tsokolaeva Z, Goltseva Y, Beloglazova I, Ratner E, Parfyonova Y. Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor Regulates Prosurvival and Angiogenic Properties of Cardiac Mesenchymal Stromal Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15554. [PMID: 37958542 PMCID: PMC10650341 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115554] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the largest challenges to the implementation of cardiac cell therapy is identifying selective reparative targets to enhance stem/progenitor cell therapeutic efficacy. In this work, we hypothesized that such a target could be an urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR)-a glycosyl-phosphatidyl-inositol-anchored membrane protein, interacting with urokinase. uPAR is able to form complexes with various transmembrane proteins such as integrins, activating intracellular signaling pathway and thus regulating multiple cell functions. We focused on studying the CD117+ population of cardiac mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs), expressing uPAR on their surface. It was found that the number of CD117+ MPCs in the heart of the uPAR-/- mice is lower, as well as their ability to proliferate in vitro compared with cells from wild-type animals. Knockdown of uPAR in CD117+ MPCs of wild-type animals was accompanied by a decrease in survival rate and Akt signaling pathway activity and by an increase in the level of caspase activity in these cells. That suggests the role of uPAR in supporting cell survival. After intramyocardial transplantation of uPAR(-) MPCs, reduced cell retention and angiogenesis stimulation were observed in mice with myocardial infarction model compared to uPAR(+) cells transplantation. Taken together, the present results appear to prove a novel mechanism of uPAR action in maintaining the survival and angiogenic properties of CD117+ MPCs. These results emphasize the importance of the uPAR as a potential pharmacological target for the regulation of reparative properties of myocardial mesenchymal progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Dergilev
- Institute of Experimental Cardiology Named after Academician V.N. Smirnov, Federal State Budgetary Institution National Medical Research Center of Cardiology Named after Academician E.I. Chazov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 121552 Moscow, Russia; (K.D.)
| | - Zoya Tsokolaeva
- Institute of Experimental Cardiology Named after Academician V.N. Smirnov, Federal State Budgetary Institution National Medical Research Center of Cardiology Named after Academician E.I. Chazov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 121552 Moscow, Russia; (K.D.)
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Intensive Care Medicine and Rehabilitology, 107031 Moscow, Russia
| | - Yulia Goltseva
- Institute of Experimental Cardiology Named after Academician V.N. Smirnov, Federal State Budgetary Institution National Medical Research Center of Cardiology Named after Academician E.I. Chazov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 121552 Moscow, Russia; (K.D.)
| | - Irina Beloglazova
- Institute of Experimental Cardiology Named after Academician V.N. Smirnov, Federal State Budgetary Institution National Medical Research Center of Cardiology Named after Academician E.I. Chazov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 121552 Moscow, Russia; (K.D.)
| | - Elizaveta Ratner
- Institute of Experimental Cardiology Named after Academician V.N. Smirnov, Federal State Budgetary Institution National Medical Research Center of Cardiology Named after Academician E.I. Chazov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 121552 Moscow, Russia; (K.D.)
| | - Yelena Parfyonova
- Institute of Experimental Cardiology Named after Academician V.N. Smirnov, Federal State Budgetary Institution National Medical Research Center of Cardiology Named after Academician E.I. Chazov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 121552 Moscow, Russia; (K.D.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119192 Moscow, Russia
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6
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Qu C, Zhang H, Cao H, Tang L, Mo H, Liu F, Zhang L, Yi Z, Long L, Yan L, Wang Z, Zhang N, Luo P, Zhang J, Liu Z, Ye W, Liu Z, Cheng Q. Tumor buster - where will the CAR-T cell therapy 'missile' go? Mol Cancer 2022; 21:201. [PMID: 36261831 PMCID: PMC9580202 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01669-8] [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: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell (CAR-T cell) therapy based on gene editing technology represents a significant breakthrough in personalized immunotherapy for human cancer. This strategy uses genetic modification to enable T cells to target tumor-specific antigens, attack specific cancer cells, and bypass tumor cell apoptosis avoidance mechanisms to some extent. This method has been extensively used to treat hematologic diseases, but the therapeutic effect in solid tumors is not ideal. Tumor antigen escape, treatment-related toxicity, and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) limit their use of it. Target selection is the most critical aspect in determining the prognosis of patients receiving this treatment. This review provides a comprehensive summary of all therapeutic targets used in the clinic or shown promising potential. We summarize CAR-T cell therapies’ clinical trials, applications, research frontiers, and limitations in treating different cancers. We also explore coping strategies when encountering sub-optimal tumor-associated antigens (TAA) or TAA loss. Moreover, the importance of CAR-T cell therapy in cancer immunotherapy is emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunrun Qu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hui Cao
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province, The Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China.,The School of Clinical Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lanhua Tang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Haoyang Mo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Fangkun Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Liyang Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhenjie Yi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lifu Long
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Luzhe Yan
- XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zeyu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,One-third Lab, College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Weijie Ye
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhixiong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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7
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Qin L, Wang L, Zhang J, Zhou H, Yang Z, Wang Y, Cai W, Wen F, Jiang X, Zhang T, Ye H, Long B, Qin J, Shi W, Guan X, Yu Z, Yang J, Wang Q, Jiao Z. Therapeutic strategies targeting uPAR potentiate anti-PD-1 efficacy in diffuse-type gastric cancer. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn3774. [PMID: 35613265 PMCID: PMC9132454 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn3774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The diffuse-type gastric cancer (DGC) is a subtype of gastric cancer (GC) associated with low HER2 positivity rate and insensitivity to chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Here, we identify urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) as a potential therapeutic target for DGC. We have developed a novel anti-uPAR monoclonal antibody, which targets the domains II and III of uPAR and blocks the binding of urokinase-type plasminogen activator to uPAR. We show that the combination of anti-uPAR and anti-Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) remarkably inhibits tumor growth and prolongs survival via multiple mechanisms, using cell line-derived xenograft and patient-derived xenograft mouse models. Furthermore, uPAR chimeric antigen receptor-expressing T cells based on the novel anti-uPAR effectively kill DGC patient-derived organoids and exhibit impressive survival benefit in the established mouse models, especially when combined with PD-1 blockade therapy. Our study provides a new possibility of DGC treatment by targeting uPAR in a unique manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Qin
- Cuiying Biomedical Research Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, China
| | - Long Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, China
| | - Junchang Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, China
| | - Huinian Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, China
| | - Zhiliang Yang
- Lanzhou Huazhitiancheng Biotechnologies Co., Ltd, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Lanzhou Huazhitiancheng Biotechnologies Co., Ltd, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Weiwen Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, China
| | - Fei Wen
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, China
| | - Xiangyan Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, China
| | - Tiansheng Zhang
- Lanzhou Huazhitiancheng Biotechnologies Co., Ltd, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Huili Ye
- Cuiying Biomedical Research Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, China
| | - Bo Long
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, China
| | - Junjie Qin
- Cuiying Biomedical Research Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, China
| | - Wengui Shi
- Cuiying Biomedical Research Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, China
| | - Xiaoying Guan
- Department of Pathology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, China
| | - Zeyuan Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Cuiying Biomedical Research Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, China
- Corresponding author. (Z.J.); (Q.W.); (J.Y.)
| | - Qi Wang
- Lanzhou Huazhitiancheng Biotechnologies Co., Ltd, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
- Corresponding author. (Z.J.); (Q.W.); (J.Y.)
| | - Zuoyi Jiao
- Cuiying Biomedical Research Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, China
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, China
- Corresponding author. (Z.J.); (Q.W.); (J.Y.)
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Zhai BT, Tian H, Sun J, Zou JB, Zhang XF, Cheng JX, Shi YJ, Fan Y, Guo DY. Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) as a therapeutic target in cancer. J Transl Med 2022; 20:135. [PMID: 35303878 PMCID: PMC8932206 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03329-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) is an attractive target for the treatment of cancer, because it is expressed at low levels in healthy tissues but at high levels in malignant tumours. uPAR is closely related to the invasion and metastasis of malignant tumours, plays important roles in the degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM), tumour angiogenesis, cell proliferation and apoptosis, and is associated with the multidrug resistance (MDR) of tumour cells, which has important guiding significance for the judgement of tumor malignancy and prognosis. Several uPAR-targeted antitumour therapeutic agents have been developed to suppress tumour growth, metastatic processes and drug resistance. Here, we review the recent advances in the development of uPAR-targeted antitumor therapeutic strategies, including nanoplatforms carrying therapeutic agents, photodynamic therapy (PDT)/photothermal therapy (PTT) platforms, oncolytic virotherapy, gene therapy technologies, monoclonal antibody therapy and tumour immunotherapy, to promote the translation of these therapeutic agents to clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Tao Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Huan Tian
- Xi'an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Jing Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Jun-Bo Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Jiang-Xue Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Ya-Jun Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Yu Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China
| | - Dong-Yan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), and Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, and Shaanxi Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, China.
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9
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Wu L, Zhou F, Xin W, Li L, Liu L, Yin X, Xu X, Wang Y, Hua Z. MAGP2 induces tumor progression by enhancing uPAR-mediated cell proliferation. Cell Signal 2021; 91:110214. [PMID: 34915136 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.110214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Microfibril-associated glycoprotein 2 (MAGP2) plays an important role in regulating cell signaling and acts as a biomarker to predict the prognostic effect of tumor therapy. However, research on MAGP2 mostly focuses on its extracellular signal transmission features, and its potential intracellular function is rarely reported. Here, we reported that intracellular MAGP2 increased the stability of urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) in the cell by direct interaction which inhibits the lysosomal-mediated degradation of uPAR. Furthermore, with the detection of protein content changes and proteomics analysis, we found that highly expressed MAGP2 promoted the proliferation of tumor cells through uPAR-mediated p38-NF-ĸB signaling axis activation, enhancement of DNA damage repair and reduction of cell stagnation in the S phase of the cell cycle. In the nude mouse xenograft model of colorectal cancer, the upregulation of MAGP2 in tumor cells significantly promoted tumor progression, while the downregulation of uPAR significantly attenuated tumor progression. These studies elucidate the role of MAGP2 inside the cell and provide a new explanation for why patients with higher MAGP2 expression in tumors are associated with a worse prognosis. In addition, we also determined a mechanism for the stable existence of uPAR in the cell, providing information for the development of tumor drugs targeting uPAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyang Wu
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feng Zhou
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenjie Xin
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lina Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xingpeng Yin
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuebo Xu
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Division of Critical Care and Surgery, St. George Hospital, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2217, Australia
| | - Zichun Hua
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China; Changzhou High-Tech Research Institute of Nanjing University and Jiangsu TargetPharma Laboratories Inc., Changzhou 213164, Jiangsu, China; School of Biopharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China.
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10
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Lv T, Zhao Y, Jiang X, Yuan H, Wang H, Cui X, Xu J, Zhao J, Wang J. uPAR: An Essential Factor for Tumor Development. J Cancer 2021; 12:7026-7040. [PMID: 34729105 PMCID: PMC8558663 DOI: 10.7150/jca.62281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumorigenesis is closely related to the loss of control of many genes. Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), a glycolipid-anchored protein on the cell surface, is controlled by many factors in tumorigenesis and is expressed in many tumor tissues. In this review, we summarize the regulatory effects of the uPAR signaling pathway on processes and factors related to tumor progression, such as tumor cell proliferation, adhesion, metastasis, glycolysis, tumor microenvironment and angiogenesis. Overall, the evidence accumulated to date suggests that uPAR induction by tumor progression may be one of the most important factors affecting therapeutic efficacy. An improved understanding of the interactions between uPAR and its coreceptors in cancer will provide critical biomolecular information that may help to better predict the disease course and response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Lv
- College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing, Yunnan, China 655011.,Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province Universities of the Diversity and Ecological Adaptive Evolution for Animals and Plants on YunGui Plateau, Qujing Normal University, Qujing, China 655011
| | - Ying Zhao
- College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing, Yunnan, China 655011
| | - Xinni Jiang
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China 610500
| | - Hemei Yuan
- College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing, Yunnan, China 655011
| | - Haibo Wang
- College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing, Yunnan, China 655011.,Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province Universities of the Diversity and Ecological Adaptive Evolution for Animals and Plants on YunGui Plateau, Qujing Normal University, Qujing, China 655011
| | - Xuelin Cui
- College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing, Yunnan, China 655011
| | - Jiashun Xu
- College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing, Yunnan, China 655011
| | - Jingye Zhao
- College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing, Yunnan, China 655011
| | - Jianlin Wang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Qujing Normal University, Qujing, Yunnan, China 655011
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11
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Metrangolo V, Ploug M, Engelholm LH. The Urokinase Receptor (uPAR) as a "Trojan Horse" in Targeted Cancer Therapy: Challenges and Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215376. [PMID: 34771541 PMCID: PMC8582577 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Discovered more than three decades ago, the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) has now firmly established itself as a versatile molecular target holding promise for the treatment of aggressive malignancies. The copious abundance of uPAR in virtually all human cancerous tissues versus their healthy counterparts has fostered a gradual shift in the therapeutic landscape targeting this receptor from function inhibition to cytotoxic approaches to selectively eradicate the uPAR-expressing cells by delivering a targeted cytotoxic insult. Multiple avenues are being explored in a preclinical setting, including the more innovative immune- or stroma targeting therapies. This review discusses the current state of these strategies, their potentialities, and challenges, along with future directions in the field of uPAR targeting. Abstract One of the largest challenges to the implementation of precision oncology is identifying and validating selective tumor-driving targets to enhance the therapeutic efficacy while limiting off-target toxicity. In this context, the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) has progressively emerged as a promising therapeutic target in the management of aggressive malignancies. By focalizing the plasminogen activation cascade and subsequent extracellular proteolysis on the cell surface of migrating cells, uPAR endows malignant cells with a high proteolytic and migratory potential to dissolve the restraining extracellular matrix (ECM) barriers and metastasize to distant sites. uPAR is also assumed to choreograph multiple other neoplastic stages via a complex molecular interplay with distinct cancer-associated signaling pathways. Accordingly, high uPAR expression is observed in virtually all human cancers and is frequently associated with poor patient prognosis and survival. The promising therapeutic potential unveiled by the pleiotropic nature of this receptor has prompted the development of distinct targeted intervention strategies. The present review will focus on recently emerged cytotoxic approaches emphasizing the novel technologies and related limits hindering their application in the clinical setting. Finally, future research directions and emerging opportunities in the field of uPAR targeting are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Metrangolo
- The Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (V.M.); (M.P.)
- Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC), Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Ploug
- The Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (V.M.); (M.P.)
- Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC), Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars H. Engelholm
- The Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (V.M.); (M.P.)
- Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC), Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-31-43-20-77
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12
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The Urokinase Receptor: A Multifunctional Receptor in Cancer Cell Biology. Therapeutic Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22084111. [PMID: 33923400 PMCID: PMC8073738 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis is a key event in several biological processes; proteolysis must be tightly controlled because its improper activation leads to dramatic consequences. Deregulation of proteolytic activity characterizes many pathological conditions, including cancer. The plasminogen activation (PA) system plays a key role in cancer; it includes the serine-protease urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA). uPA binds to a specific cellular receptor (uPAR), which concentrates proteolytic activity at the cell surface, thus supporting cell migration. However, a large body of evidence clearly showed uPAR involvement in the biology of cancer cell independently of the proteolytic activity of its ligand. In this review we will first describe this multifunctional molecule and then we will discuss how uPAR can sustain most of cancer hallmarks, which represent the biological capabilities acquired during the multistep cancer development. Finally, we will illustrate the main data available in the literature on uPAR as a cancer biomarker and a molecular target in anti-cancer therapy.
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13
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Nantajit D, Chailapakul P, Bawornpatarapakorn S, Chamchod S, Laebua K. Prognostic significance of uPA and uPAR expression in patients with cervical cancer undergoing radiotherapy. Oncol Lett 2021; 21:423. [PMID: 33850564 PMCID: PMC8025075 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer remains a major health threat. Urokinase serves as a marker of metastatic tumors. The present study aimed to determine whether the expression levels of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), before and during the course of radiotherapy, serve as prognostic markers for patients with cervical cancer. Cervical tumor tissue biopsies were collected from 72 patients before radiotherapy and after the completion of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) before intracavitary brachytherapy. The levels of uPA and uPAR were determined using ELISA assays. The significance of the associations between the protein expression levels and the clinical outcomes of patients was determined. Although irradiation enhanced uPA and uPAR expression in cervical cancer cell lines, average uPA levels significantly decreased in tumors, and uPAR levels significantly increased after EBRT. The levels of uPA increased in 12 patients and decreased in 26 patients; and those of uPAR increased in 13 patients and decreased in two patients. Cox regression analysis revealed that increased expression of uPAR was significantly associated with 5-year overall survival rate [hazard ratio (HR), 3.65; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.18-11.30]. However, the levels of both proteins before radiotherapy failed to predict clinical outcomes. Other significant predictive factors were partial response (HR 7.22; 95% CI 1.17-44.73) and disease progression (HR, 13.41; 95% CI, 1.17-153.07). These findings indicated that increased expression of uPAR in cervical tumor tissue during radiotherapy may serve as a prognostic marker for patients with cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danupon Nantajit
- Faculty of Medicine and Public Health, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok 10210, Thailand.,Centre for Host Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry and Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Piyawan Chailapakul
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chulabhorn Hospital, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Sarinya Bawornpatarapakorn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chulabhorn Hospital, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Sasikarn Chamchod
- Faculty of Medicine and Public Health, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok 10210, Thailand.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Chulabhorn Hospital, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Kanyanee Laebua
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chulabhorn Hospital, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
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14
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Chimeric Antigen Receptor Design and Efficacy in Ovarian Cancer Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073495. [PMID: 33800608 PMCID: PMC8037934 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Our increased understanding of tumour biology gained over the last few years has led to the development of targeted molecular therapies, e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) antagonists, poly[ADP-ribose] polymerase 1 (PARP1) inhibitors in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutants), increasing survival and improving the quality of life. However, the majority of ovarian cancer (OC) patients still do not have access to targeted molecular therapies that would be capable of controlling their disease, especially resistant or relapsed. Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are recombinant receptor constructs located on T lymphocytes or other immune cells that change its specificity and functions. Therefore, in a search for a successful solid tumour therapy using CARs the specific cell surface antigens identification is crucial. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as studies on humans, prove that targeting overexpressed molecules, such as mucin 16 (MUC16), annexin 2 (ANXA2), receptor tyrosine-protein kinase erbB-2 (HER2/neu) causes high tumour cells toxicity and decreased tumour burden. CARs are well tolerated, side effects are minimal and they inhibit disease progression. However, as OC is heterogenic in its nature with high mutation diversity and overexpression of different receptors, there is a need to consider an individual approach to treat this type of cancer. In this publication, we would like to present the history and status of therapies involving the CAR T cells in treatment of OC tumours, suggest potential T cell-intrinsic determinants of response and resistance as well as present extrinsic factors impacting the success of this approach.
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15
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Step further towards targeted senolytic therapy: therapeutic potential of uPAR-CAR T cells for senescence-related diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:155. [PMID: 32792494 PMCID: PMC7426266 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00268-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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16
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Amor C, Feucht J, Leibold J, Ho YJ, Zhu C, Alonso-Curbelo D, Mansilla-Soto J, Boyer JA, Li X, Giavridis T, Kulick A, Houlihan S, Peerschke E, Friedman SL, Ponomarev V, Piersigilli A, Sadelain M, Lowe SW. Senolytic CAR T cells reverse senescence-associated pathologies. Nature 2020; 583:127-132. [PMID: 32555459 PMCID: PMC7583560 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2403-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 489] [Impact Index Per Article: 122.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cellular senescence is characterized by stable cell-cycle arrest and a secretory program that modulates the tissue microenvironment1,2. Physiologically, senescence serves as a tumour-suppressive mechanism that prevents the expansion of premalignant cells3,4 and has a beneficial role in wound-healing responses5,6. Pathologically, the aberrant accumulation of senescent cells generates an inflammatory milieu that leads to chronic tissue damage and contributes to diseases such as liver and lung fibrosis, atherosclerosis, diabetes and osteoarthritis1,7. Accordingly, eliminating senescent cells from damaged tissues in mice ameliorates the symptoms of these pathologies and even promotes longevity1,2,8-10. Here we test the therapeutic concept that chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells that target senescent cells can be effective senolytic agents. We identify the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR)11 as a cell-surface protein that is broadly induced during senescence and show that uPAR-specific CAR T cells efficiently ablate senescent cells in vitro and in vivo. CAR T cells that target uPAR extend the survival of mice with lung adenocarcinoma that are treated with a senescence-inducing combination of drugs, and restore tissue homeostasis in mice in which liver fibrosis is induced chemically or by diet. These results establish the therapeutic potential of senolytic CAR T cells for senescence-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Amor
- Louis V. Gerstner Jr Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Judith Feucht
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Josef Leibold
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yu-Jui Ho
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Changyu Zhu
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Direna Alonso-Curbelo
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jorge Mansilla-Soto
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jacob A Boyer
- Louis V. Gerstner Jr Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY, USA
| | - Theodoros Giavridis
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amanda Kulick
- Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shauna Houlihan
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ellinor Peerschke
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vladimir Ponomarev
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alessandra Piersigilli
- Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Rockefeller University, Weill Cornell Medicine and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michel Sadelain
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Scott W Lowe
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.
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17
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Qin J, Fu M, Wang J, Huang F, Liu H, Huangfu M, Yu D, Liu H, Li X, Guan X, Chen X. PTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling mediates anticancer effects of epigallocatechin‑3‑gallate in ovarian cancer. Oncol Rep 2020; 43:1885-1896. [PMID: 32236585 PMCID: PMC7160558 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigallocatechin‑3‑gallate (EGCG), a polyphenol present in green tea, exhibits anticancer effects in various types of cancer. A number of studies have focused on the effects of EGCG on lung cancer, but not ovarian cancer. Previous reports have implicated that EGCG suppressed ovarian cancer cell proliferation and induced apoptosis, but its potential anticancer mechanisms and signaling pathways remain unclear. Thus, it is necessary to determine the anti‑ovarian cancer effects of EGCG and explore the underlying mechanisms. In the present study, EGCG exerted stronger proliferation inhibition on SKOV3 cells compared with A549 cells and induced apoptosis in SKOV3 cells, as well as upregulated PTEN expression and downregulated the expression of phosphoinositide‑dependent kinase‑1 (PDK1), phosphor (p)‑AKT and p‑mTOR. These effects were reversed by the PTEN inhibitor VO‑Ohpic trihydrate. The results of the mouse xenograft experiment demonstrated that 50 mg/kg EGCG exhibited increased tumor growth inhibition compared with 5 mg/kg paclitaxel. In addition, PTEN expression was upregulated, whereas the expression levels of PDK1, p‑AKT and p‑mTOR were downregulated in the EGCG treatment group compared with those in untreated mice in vivo. In conclusion, the results of the present study provided a new underlying mechanism of the effect of EGCG on ovarian cancer and may lead to the development of EGCG as a candidate drug for ovarian cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianli Qin
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, P.R. China
| | - Minglei Fu
- Dispensary, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, P.R. China
| | - Juan Wang
- Research Center for Science, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, P.R. China
| | - Fengxiang Huang
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, P.R. China
| | - Haiping Liu
- Science and Technology Department, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, P.R. China
| | - Mengjie Huangfu
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, P.R. China
| | - Dan Yu
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, P.R. China
| | - Haowei Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, P.R. China
| | - Xumei Li
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, P.R. China
| | - Xiao Guan
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, P.R. China
| | - Xu Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, P.R. China
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