1
|
Zarychta J, Kowalczyk A, Marszołek A, Zawitkowska J, Lejman M. Strategies to overcome tumor microenvironment immunosuppressive effect on the functioning of CAR-T cells in high-grade glioma. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2024; 16:17588359241266140. [PMID: 39156126 PMCID: PMC11327996 DOI: 10.1177/17588359241266140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite significant progress in the treatment of some types of cancer, high-grade gliomas (HGGs) remain a significant clinical problem. In the case of glioblastoma (GBM), the most common solid tumor of the central nervous system in adults, the average survival time from diagnosis is only 15-18 months, despite the use of intensive multimodal therapy. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-expressing T cells, which have already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the treatment of certain hematologic malignancies, are a new, promising therapeutic option. However, the efficacy of CAR-T cells in solid tumors is lower due to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Reprogramming the immunosuppressive TME toward a pro-inflammatory phenotype therefore seems particularly important because it may allow for increasing the effectiveness of CAR-T cells in the therapy of solid tumors. The following literature review aims to present the results of preclinical studies showing the possibilities of improving the efficacy of CAR-T in the TME of GBM by reprogramming the TME toward a pro-inflammatory phenotype. It may be achievable thanks to the use of CAR-T in a synergistic therapy in combination with oncolytic viruses, radiotherapy, or epigenetic inhibitors, as well as by supporting CAR-T cells crossing of the blood-brain barrier, normalizing impaired angiogenesis in the TME, improving CAR-T effector functions by cytokine signaling or by blocking/knocking out T-cell inhibitors, and modulating the microRNA expression. The use of CAR-T cells modified in this way in synergistic therapy could lead to the longer survival of patients with HGG by inducing an endogenous anti-tumor response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Zarychta
- Student Scientific Society of Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Adrian Kowalczyk
- Student Scientific Society of Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Marszołek
- Student Scientific Society of Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Joanna Zawitkowska
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Monika Lejman
- Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, A. Racławickie 1, Lublin 20-093, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Letafati A, Bahavar A, Tabarraei A, Norouzi M, Amiri A, Mozhgani SH. Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) grip on T-cells: investigating the viral tapestry of activation. Infect Agent Cancer 2024; 19:23. [PMID: 38734673 PMCID: PMC11088018 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-024-00584-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human T-cell Lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) belongs to retroviridae which is connected to two major diseases, including HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) and Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL). This study aims to investigate the mRNA expressions of key proteins correlated to T-cell activation in asymptomatic carriers (ACs) HTLV-1 infected patients, shedding light on early molecular events and T-cell activation following HTLV-1 infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study involved 40 participants, including 20 ACs and 20 healthy subjects. Blood samples were collected, ELISA assessment for screening and confirmation with PCR for Trans-activating transcriptional regulatory protein (Tax) and HTLV-1 basic leucine zipper factor (HBZ) of the HTLV-1 were done. mRNA expressions of C-terminal Src kinase (CSK), Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 Beta (GSK3β), Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 14 (MAP3K14 or NIK), Phospholipase C Gamma-1 (PLCG1), Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase non-Receptor Type 6 (PTPN6) and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase Kinase-7 (SLP-76) and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase14 (MAP3K7 or TAK1) were assayed using RT-qPCR. Statistical analyses were performed using PRISM and SPSS software. RESULTS While there were no significant upregulation in CSK and PTPN6 in ACs compared to healthy individuals, expression levels of GSK3β, MAP3K14, PLCG1, SLP-76, and TAK1 were significantly higher in ACs compared to healthy subjects which directly contributes to T-cell activation in the HTLV-1 ACs. CONCLUSION HTLV-1 infection induces differential mRNA expressions in key proteins associated with T-cell activation. mRNAs related to T-cell activation showed significant upregulation compared to PTPN6 and CSK which contributed to T-cell regulation. Understanding these early molecular events in ACs may provide potential markers for disease progression and identify therapeutic targets for controlling viral replication and mitigating associated diseases. The study contributes novel insights to the limited literature on T-cell activation and HTLV-1 pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arash Letafati
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atefeh Bahavar
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Alijan Tabarraei
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Mehdi Norouzi
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Abdollah Amiri
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Sayed-Hamidreza Mozhgani
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang S, Prieux M, de Bernard S, Dubois M, Laubreton D, Djebali S, Zala M, Arpin C, Genestier L, Leverrier Y, Gandrillon O, Crauste F, Jiang W, Marvel J. Exogenous IL-2 delays memory precursors generation and is essential for enhancing memory cells effector functions. iScience 2024; 27:109411. [PMID: 38510150 PMCID: PMC10952031 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
To investigate the impact of paracrine IL-2 signals on memory precursor (MP) cell differentiation, we activated CD8 T cell in vitro in the presence or absence of exogenous IL-2 (ex-IL-2). We assessed memory differentiation by transferring these cells into virus-infected mice. Both conditions generated CD8 T cells that participate in the ongoing response and gave rise to similar memory cells. Nevertheless, when transferred into a naive host, T cells activated with ex-IL-2 generated a higher frequency of memory cells displaying increased functional memory traits. Single-cell RNA-seq analysis indicated that without ex-IL-2, cells rapidly acquire an MP signature, while in its presence they adopted an effector signature. This was confirmed at the protein level and in a functional assay. Overall, ex-IL-2 delays the transition into MP cells, allowing the acquisition of effector functions that become imprinted in their progeny. These findings may help to optimize the generation of therapeutic T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaoying Wang
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Margaux Prieux
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Laboratoire de Biologie et de Modélisation de la Cellule, Université de Lyon, ENS de Lyon, CNRS UMR 5239, INSERM U1210, Lyon, France
| | | | - Maxence Dubois
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Daphne Laubreton
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Sophia Djebali
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Manon Zala
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Faculté de Médecine Lyon-Sud, Université de Lyon, Oullins, France
| | - Christophe Arpin
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Laboratoire de Biologie et de Modélisation de la Cellule, Université de Lyon, ENS de Lyon, CNRS UMR 5239, INSERM U1210, Lyon, France
| | - Laurent Genestier
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Faculté de Médecine Lyon-Sud, Université de Lyon, Oullins, France
| | - Yann Leverrier
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Olivier Gandrillon
- Inria, Villeurbanne, France
- Laboratoire de Biologie et de Modélisation de la Cellule, Université de Lyon, ENS de Lyon, CNRS UMR 5239, INSERM U1210, Lyon, France
| | - Fabien Crauste
- Laboratoire MAP5 (UMR CNRS 8145), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Wenzheng Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jacqueline Marvel
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liang J, Yu M, Li Y, Zhao L, Wei Q. Glycogen synthase kinase-3: A potential immunotherapeutic target in tumor microenvironment. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116377. [PMID: 38442671 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116377] [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: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase-3(GSK-3) is a protein kinase that can phosphorylate over a hundred substrates and regulate cell differentiation, proliferation, and death. Researchers have acknowledged the pivotal role of abnormal activation of GSK-3 in the progression of various diseases over the past few decades. Recent studies have mostly concentrated on investigating the function of GSK-3 in the tumor microenvironment, specifically examining the interaction between TAM, NK cells, B cells, and T cells. Furthermore, GSK-3 exhibits a strong association with immunological checkpoints, such as programmed cell death protein 1. Novel GSK-3 inhibitors have potential in tumor immunotherapy, exerting beneficial effects on hematologic diseases and solid tumors. Nevertheless, there is a lack of reviews about the correlation between tumor-associated immune cells and GSK-3. This study intends to analyze the function and mechanism of GSK-3 comprehensively and systematically in the tumor microenvironment, with a special focus on its influence on various immune cells. The objective is to present novel perspectives for GSK-3 immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Liang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China; Liaoning Province, China Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110122, China.
| | - Meng Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
| | - Yunong Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China; Liaoning Province, China Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110122, China.
| | - Lin Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China; Liaoning Province, China Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110122, China.
| | - Qian Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China; Liaoning Province, China Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Liaoning Cancer Immune Peptide Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110122, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Song M, Liu X, Shen W, Wang Z, Wu J, Jiang J, Liu Y, Xu T, Bian T, Zhang M, Sun W, Huang M, Ji N. IFN-γ decreases PD-1 in T lymphocytes from convalescent COVID-19 patients via the AKT/GSK3β signaling pathway. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5038. [PMID: 38424104 PMCID: PMC10904811 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55191-6] [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: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-COVID-19 syndrome may be associated with the abnormal immune status. Compared with the unexposed age-matched elder group, PD-1 in the CD8+ T cells from recovered COVID-19 patients was significantly lower. IFN-γ in the plasma of COVID-19 convalescent patients was increased, which inhibited PD-1 expression in CD8+ T cells from COVID-19 convalescent patients. scRNA-seq bioinformatics analysis revealed that AKT/GSK3β may regulate the INF-γ/PD-1 axis in CD8+ T cells from COVID-19 convalescent patients. In parallel, an IFN-γ neutralizing antibody reduced AKT and increased GSK3β in PBMCs. An AKT agonist (SC79) significantly decreased p-GSK3β. Moreover, AKT decreased PD-1 on CD8+ T cells, and GSK3β increased PD-1 on CD8+ T cells according to flow cytometry analysis. Collectively, we demonstrated that recovered COVID-19 patients may develop long COVID. Increased IFN-γ in the plasma of recovered Wuhan COVID-19 patients contributed to PD-1 downregulation on CD8+ T cells by regulating the AKT/GSK3β signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meijuan Song
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jiangsu Province People's Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangqun Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Xuzhou Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Weiyu Shen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Zhengxia Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jiangsu Province People's Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingjing Wu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jiangsu Province People's Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingxian Jiang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jiangsu Province People's Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanan Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jiangsu Province People's Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Tingting Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jiangsu Province People's Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Tao Bian
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Mingshun Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Antibody Drug, NHC Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique, Department of Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Xishan People's Hospital of Wuxi City, Wuxi, China.
| | - Mao Huang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jiangsu Province People's Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing, China.
| | - Ningfei Ji
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jiangsu Province People's Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shen J, Yang D, Ding Y. Advances in Promoting the Efficacy of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5018. [PMID: 36291802 PMCID: PMC9599749 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14205018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
HCC, one of the most common and deadly cancers worldwide, develops from hepatocytes and accounts for more than 90% of primary liver cancers. The current widely used treatment modalities are far from meeting the needs of liver cancer patients. CAR-T cell therapy, which has recently emerged, has shown promising efficacy in lymphoma and hematologic cancers, but there are still many challenges to overcome in its application to the clinical treatment of HCC, including osmotic barriers, the inhibition of hepatocellular carcinoma microenvironment activity, the limited survival and killing ability of CAR-T cells, and inevitable side effects, among others. As a result, a number of studies have begun to address the suboptimal efficacy of CAR-T cells in HCC, and many of these schemes hold good promise. This review focuses on advances in the past five years aimed at promoting the efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy for treatment of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Youming Ding
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Xiao X, Wang Y, Zou Z, Yang Y, Wang X, Xin X, Tu S, Li Y. Combination strategies to optimize the efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy in haematological malignancies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:954235. [PMID: 36091028 PMCID: PMC9460961 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.954235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has revolutionized the therapeutic landscape of haematological malignancies. However, resistance and relapse remain prominent limitations, and they are related to the limited persistence and efficacy of CAR T cells, downregulation or loss of tumour antigens, intrinsic resistance of tumours to death signalling, and immune suppressive microenvironment. Rational combined modality treatments are regarded as a promising strategy to further unlock the antitumor potential of CAR T cell therapy, which can be applied before CAR T cell infusion as a conditioning regimen or in ex vivo culture settings as well as concomitant with or after CAR T cell infusion. In this review, we summarize the combinatorial strategies, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, targeted therapies and other immunotherapies, in an effort to further enhance the effectiveness of this impressive therapy and benefit more patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Xiao
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yazhuo Wang
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhengbang Zou
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yufei Yang
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Xin
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sanfang Tu
- Department of Haematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Sanfang Tu, ; Yuhua Li,
| | - Yuhua Li
- Department of Haematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Sanfang Tu, ; Yuhua Li,
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Moore EK, Strazza M, Mor A. Combination Approaches to Target PD-1 Signaling in Cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:927265. [PMID: 35911672 PMCID: PMC9330480 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.927265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains the second leading cause of death in the US, accounting for 25% of all deaths nationwide. Immunotherapy techniques bolster the immune cells' ability to target malignant cancer cells and have brought immense improvements in the field of cancer treatments. One important inhibitory protein in T cells, programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), has become an invaluable target for cancer immunotherapy. While anti-PD-1 antibody therapy is extremely successful in some patients, in others it fails or even causes further complications, including cancer hyper-progression and immune-related adverse events. Along with countless translational studies of the PD-1 signaling pathway, there are currently close to 5,000 clinical trials for antibodies against PD-1 and its ligand, PD-L1, around 80% of which investigate combinations with other therapies. Nevertheless, more work is needed to better understand the PD-1 signaling pathway and to facilitate new and improved evidence-based combination strategies. In this work, we consolidate recent discoveries of PD-1 signaling mediators and their therapeutic potential in combination with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents. We focus on the phosphatases SHP2 and PTPN2; the kinases ITK, VRK2, GSK-3, and CDK4/6; and the signaling adaptor protein PAG. We discuss their biology both in cancer cells and T cells, with a focus on their role in relation to PD-1 to determine their potential in therapeutic combinations. The literature discussed here was obtained from a search of the published literature and ClinicalTrials.gov with the following key terms: checkpoint inhibition, cancer immunotherapy, PD-1, PD-L1, SHP2, PTPN2, ITK, VRK2, CDK4/6, GSK-3, and PAG. Together, we find that all of these proteins are logical and promising targets for combination therapy, and that with a deeper mechanistic understanding they have potential to improve the response rate and decrease adverse events when thoughtfully used in combination with checkpoint inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily K. Moore
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Marianne Strazza
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Adam Mor
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pathobiology and Therapeutic Relevance of GSK-3 in Chronic Hematological Malignancies. Cells 2022; 11:cells11111812. [PMID: 35681507 PMCID: PMC9180032 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111812] [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: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is an evolutionarily conserved, ubiquitously expressed, multifunctional serine/threonine protein kinase involved in the regulation of a variety of physiological processes. GSK-3 comprises two isoforms (α and β) which were originally discovered in 1980 as enzymes involved in glucose metabolism via inhibitory phosphorylation of glycogen synthase. Differently from other proteins kinases, GSK-3 isoforms are constitutively active in resting cells, and their modulation mainly involves inhibition through upstream regulatory networks. In the early 1990s, GSK-3 isoforms were implicated as key players in cancer cell pathobiology. Active GSK-3 facilitates the destruction of multiple oncogenic proteins which include β-catenin and Master regulator of cell cycle entry and proliferative metabolism (c-Myc). Therefore, GSK-3 was initially considered to be a tumor suppressor. Consistently, GSK-3 is often inactivated in cancer cells through dysregulated upstream signaling pathways. However, over the past 10–15 years, a growing number of studies highlighted that in some cancer settings GSK-3 isoforms inhibit tumor suppressing pathways and therefore act as tumor promoters. In this article, we will discuss the multiple and often enigmatic roles played by GSK-3 isoforms in some chronic hematological malignancies (chronic myelogenous leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, multiple myeloma, and B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas) which are among the most common blood cancer cell types. We will also summarize possible novel strategies targeting GSK-3 for innovative therapies of these disorders.
Collapse
|
10
|
Badiee P, Maritz MF, Thierry B. Glycogen kinase 3 inhibitor nanoformulation as an alternative strategy to inhibit PD-1 immune checkpoint. Int J Pharm 2022; 622:121845. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.121845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
11
|
Hunt EG, Andrews AM, Larsen SR, Thaxton JE. The ER-Mitochondria Interface as a Dynamic Hub for T Cell Efficacy in Solid Tumors. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:867341. [PMID: 35573704 PMCID: PMC9091306 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.867341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a large continuous membranous organelle that plays a central role as the hub of protein and lipid synthesis while the mitochondria is the principal location for energy production. T cells are an immune subset exhibiting robust dependence on ER and mitochondrial function based on the need for protein synthesis and secretion and metabolic dexterity associated with foreign antigen recognition and cytotoxic effector response. Intimate connections exist at mitochondrial-ER contact sites (MERCs) that serve as the structural and biochemical platforms for cellular metabolic homeostasis through regulation of fission and fusion as well as glucose, Ca2+, and lipid exchange. Work in the tumor immunotherapy field indicates that the complex interplay of nutrient deprivation and tumor antigen stimulation in the tumor microenvironment places stress on the ER and mitochondria, causing dysfunction in organellar structure and loss of metabolic homeostasis. Here, we assess prior literature that establishes how the structural interface of these two organelles is impacted by the stress of solid tumors along with recent advances in the manipulation of organelle homeostasis at MERCs in T cells. These findings provide strong evidence for increased tumor immunity using unique therapeutic avenues that recharge cellular metabolic homeostasis in T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth G. Hunt
- Immunotherapy Program, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Alex M. Andrews
- Hollings Cancer Center, Charleston, SC, United States,Department of Orthopedics and Physical Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | | | - Jessica E. Thaxton
- Immunotherapy Program, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States,*Correspondence: Jessica E. Thaxton,
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Karati D, Shaoo KK, Mahadik K, Kumr D. Glycogen synthase kinase-3β inhibitors as a novel promising target in the treatment of cancer: Medicinal chemistry perspective. RESULTS IN CHEMISTRY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rechem.2022.100532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
|
13
|
Haydar D, Ibañez-Vega J, Krenciute G. T-Cell Immunotherapy for Pediatric High-Grade Gliomas: New Insights to Overcoming Therapeutic Challenges. Front Oncol 2021; 11:718030. [PMID: 34760690 PMCID: PMC8573171 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.718030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of research, pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors remain the most debilitating, difficult to treat, and deadliest cancers. Current therapies, including radiation, chemotherapy, and/or surgery, are unable to cure these diseases and are associated with serious adverse effects and long-term impairments. Immunotherapy using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells has the potential to elucidate therapeutic antitumor immune responses that improve survival without the devastating adverse effects associated with other therapies. Yet, despite the outstanding performance of CAR T cells against hematologic malignancies, they have shown little success targeting brain tumors. This lack of efficacy is due to a scarcity of targetable antigens, interactions with the immune microenvironment, and physical and biological barriers limiting the homing and trafficking of CAR T cells to brain tumors. In this review, we summarize experiences with CAR T-cell therapy for pediatric CNS tumors in preclinical and clinical settings and focus on the current roadblocks and novel strategies to potentially overcome those therapeutic challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Giedre Krenciute
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation & Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wen H, Fei Y, Cai R, Yao X, Li Y, Wang X, Xue C, Hu Y, Li M, Luo Z. Tumor-activatable biomineralized nanotherapeutics for integrative glucose starvation and sensitized metformin therapy. Biomaterials 2021; 278:121165. [PMID: 34649197 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.121165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Metformin is a clinically-approved anti-diabetic drug with emerging antitumor potential, but its antitumor activity is highly susceptible to local glucose abundance. Herein, we construct a nanotherapeutic platform based on biocompatible constituents to sensitize tumor cells for metformin therapy via cooperative glucose starvation. The nanoplatform was synthesized through the spontaneous biomineralization of glucose oxidase (GOx) and metformin in amorphous calcium phosphate nanosubstrate, which was further modified with polyethylene glycol and cRGD ligands. This biomineralized nanosystem could efficiently deliver the therapeutic payloads to tumor cells in a targeted and bioresponsive manner. Here GOx could catalyze the oxidation of glucose into gluconic acid and H2O2, thus depleting the glucose in tumor intracellular compartment while accelerating the release of the entrapped therapeutic payloads. The selective glucose deprivation would not only disrupt tumor energy metabolism, but also upregulate the PP2A regulatory subunit B56δ and sensitize tumor cells to the metformin-induced CIP2A inhibition, leading to efficient apoptosis induction via PP2A-GSK3β-MCL-1 axis with negligible side effects. This study may offer new avenues for targeted tumor therapy in the clinical context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Wen
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China
| | - Yang Fei
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China
| | - Ruisi Cai
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Xuemei Yao
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China
| | - Yanan Li
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China
| | - Xuan Wang
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China
| | - Chencheng Xue
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China
| | - Yan Hu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China
| | - Menghuan Li
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China.
| | - Zhong Luo
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Park R, Coveler AL, Cavalcante L, Saeed A. GSK-3β in Pancreatic Cancer: Spotlight on 9-ING-41, Its Therapeutic Potential and Immune Modulatory Properties. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10070610. [PMID: 34356465 PMCID: PMC8301062 DOI: 10.3390/biology10070610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta is a protein kinase implicated in the promotion and development of various cancers, including pancreatic cancer. In cell culture and animal studies, drugs targeting the inhibition of this protein show treatment potential in pancreatic cancer. Studies show targeting this protein for treatment may overcome resistance to conventional chemotherapy in pancreatic tumors. Early-stage clinical trials are currently studying small molecule inhibitors targeting glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta and interim results show favorable results. Recent studies also suggest that targeting this protein will create synergy with immunotherapy, such as checkpoint inhibitors. Future studies should aim to study new combination treatments involving glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta targeting drugs with chemotherapy and immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer. Abstract Glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta is a ubiquitously and constitutively expressed molecule with pleiotropic function. It acts as a protooncogene in the development of several solid tumors including pancreatic cancer through its involvement in various cellular processes including cell proliferation, survival, invasion and metastasis, as well as autophagy. Furthermore, the level of aberrant glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta expression in the nucleus is inversely correlated with tumor differentiation and survival in both in vitro and in vivo models of pancreatic cancer. Small molecule inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta have demonstrated therapeutic potential in pre-clinical models and are currently being evaluated in early phase clinical trials involving pancreatic cancer patients with interim results showing favorable results. Moreover, recent studies support a rationale for the combination of glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta inhibitors with chemotherapy and immunotherapy, warranting the evaluation of novel combination regimens in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robin Park
- Department of Medicine, MetroWest Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Framingham, MA 01702, USA;
| | - Andrew L. Coveler
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109-1024, USA;
| | | | - Anwaar Saeed
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Kansas University Cancer Center & Research Institute, Kansas, KS 66205, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-913-588-6077
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Park CH. Making Potent CAR T Cells Using Genetic Engineering and Synergistic Agents. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133236. [PMID: 34209505 PMCID: PMC8269169 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies are emerging as powerful weapons for the treatment of malignancies. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells have shown dramatic clinical results in patients with hematological malignancies. However, it is still challenging for CAR T cell therapy to be successful in several types of blood cancer and most solid tumors. Many attempts have been made to enhance the efficacy of CAR T cell therapy by modifying the CAR construct using combination agents, such as compounds, antibodies, or radiation. At present, technology to improve CAR T cell therapy is rapidly developing. In this review, we particularly emphasize the most recent studies utilizing genetic engineering and synergistic agents to improve CAR T cell therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chi Hoon Park
- Therapeutics & Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Daejeon 34114, Korea; ; Tel.: +82-42-860-7416; Fax: +82-42-861-4246
- Medicinal & Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wu TM, Liu JB, Liu Y, Shi Y, Li W, Wang GR, Ma YS, Fu D. Power and Promise of Next-Generation Sequencing in Liquid Biopsies and Cancer Control. Cancer Control 2021; 27:1073274820934805. [PMID: 32806937 PMCID: PMC7791471 DOI: 10.1177/1073274820934805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional methods of cancer treatment are usually based on the morphological
and histological diagnosis of tumors, and they are not optimized according to
the specific situation. Precision medicine adjusts the existing treatment
regimen based on the patient’s genomic information to make it most suitable for
patients. Detection of genetic mutations in tumors is the basis of precise
cancer medicine. Through the analysis of genetic mutations in patients with
cancer, we can tailor the treatment plan for each patient with cancer to
maximize the curative effect, minimize damage to healthy tissues, and optimize
resources. In recent years, next-generation sequencing technology has developed
rapidly and has become the core technology of precise targeted therapy and
immunotherapy for cancer. From early cancer screening to treatment guidance for
patients with advanced cancer, liquid biopsy is increasingly used in cancer
management. This is as a result of the development of better noninvasive,
repeatable, sensitive, and accurate tools used in early screening, diagnosis,
evaluation, and monitoring of patients. Cell-free DNA, which is a new
noninvasive molecular pathological detection method, often carries
tumor-specific gene changes. It plays an important role in optimizing treatment
and evaluating the efficacy of different treatment options in clinical trials,
and it has broad clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Miao Wu
- Department of Radiology, 12485The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ji-Bin Liu
- Cancer Institute, 377323Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong, China
| | - Yu Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Rice and By-product Deep Processing, College of Food Science and Engineering, 12571Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Chaha, China
| | - Yi Shi
- National Engineering Laboratory for Rice and By-product Deep Processing, College of Food Science and Engineering, 12571Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Chaha, China
| | - Wen Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Rice and By-product Deep Processing, College of Food Science and Engineering, 12571Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Chaha, China
| | - Gao-Ren Wang
- Cancer Institute, 377323Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong, China
| | - Yu-Shui Ma
- Cancer Institute, 377323Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong, China.,Central Laboratory for Medical Research, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, 12476Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Da Fu
- Department of Radiology, 12485The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Central Laboratory for Medical Research, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, 12476Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review seeks to inform oncology clinicians and researchers about the development of novel immunotherapies for the treatment of glioblastoma. An enumeration of ongoing and recently completed clinical trials will be discussed with special attention given to current technologies implemented to overcome central nervous system-specific challenges including barriers to the peripheral immune system, impaired antigen presentation, and T cell dysfunction. RECENT FINDINGS The success of immunotherapy in other solid cancers has served as a catalyst to explore its application in glioblastoma, which has limited response to other treatments. Recent developments include multi-antigen vaccines that seek to overcome the heterogeneity of glioblastoma, as well as immune checkpoint inhibitors, which could amplify the adaptive immune response and may have promise in combinatorial approaches. Additionally, oncolytic and retroviruses have opened the door to a plethora of combinatorial approaches aiming to leverage their immunogenicity and/or ability to carry therapeutic transgenes. Treatment of glioblastoma remains a serious challenge both with regard to immune-based as well as other therapeutic strategies. The disease has proven to be highly resistant to treatment due to a combination of tumor heterogeneity, adaptive expansion of resistant cellular subclones, evasion of immune surveillance, and manipulation of various signaling pathways involved in tumor progression and immune response. Immunotherapeutics that are efficacious in other cancer types have unfortunately not enjoyed the same success in glioblastoma, illustrating the challenging and complex nature of this disease and demonstrating the need for development of multimodal treatment regimens utilizing the synergistic qualities of immune-mediated therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abigail L. Mende
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, Diller Family Cancer Research Building HD 472, Box 520, 1450 3rd Street San Francisco, Helen, CA 94158 USA
| | - Jessica D. Schulte
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, Diller Family Cancer Research Building HD 472, Box 520, 1450 3rd Street San Francisco, Helen, CA 94158 USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Hideho Okada
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, Diller Family Cancer Research Building HD 472, Box 520, 1450 3rd Street San Francisco, Helen, CA 94158 USA
- The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Diller Family Cancer Research Building HD 472, Box 520, 1450 3rd Street San Francisco, Helen, CA 94158 USA
- Cancer Immunotherapy Program, University of California, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Jennifer L. Clarke
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, Diller Family Cancer Research Building HD 472, Box 520, 1450 3rd Street San Francisco, Helen, CA 94158 USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA USA
- Department of Clinical Neurology and Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, Box 0372, 400 Parnassus Avenue, A895F, San Francisco, CA 94143-0372 USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
He R, Du S, Lei T, Xie X, Wang Y. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β in tumorigenesis and oncotherapy (Review). Oncol Rep 2020; 44:2373-2385. [PMID: 33125126 PMCID: PMC7610307 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK 3β), a multifunctional serine and threonine kinase, plays a critical role in a variety of cellular activities, including signaling transduction, protein and glycogen metabolism, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and apoptosis. Therefore, aberrant regulation of GSK 3β results in a broad range of human diseases, such as tumors, diabetes, inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases. Accumulating evidence has suggested that GSK 3β is correlated with tumorigenesis and progression. However, GSK 3β is controversial due to its bifacial roles of tumor suppression and activation. In addition, overexpression of GSK 3β is involved in tumor growth, whereas it contributes to the cell sensitivity to chemotherapy. However, the underlying regulatory mechanisms of GSK 3β in tumorigenesis remain obscure and require further in‑depth investigation. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the roles of GSK 3β in tumorigenesis and oncotherapy, and focus on its potentials as an available target in oncotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui He
- Department of Union, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Suya Du
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Tiantian Lei
- Department of Pharmacy, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 400013, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofang Xie
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yi Wang
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Date V, Nair S. Emerging vistas in CAR T-cell therapy: challenges and opportunities in solid tumors. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2020; 21:145-160. [PMID: 32882159 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2020.1819978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite advances in modern evidence-based medicine, cancer remains a major cause of global disease-associated mortality. CAR T-cell therapy is a major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-independent immunotherapy involving adoptive cell transfer. Cancer immunotherapy witnessed a major breakthrough with the US FDA approval of the first chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy KymriahTM (tisagenlecleucel) for relapsed or refractory (R/R) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in August 2017 followed by approval of Yescarta® (axicabtagene ciloleucel) for R/R non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) in October 2017. AREAS COVERED We review the potential of CAR T-cell therapy which, despite showing great promise in hematological malignancies, faces significant challenges in targeting solid tumors. We address these challenges and discuss proposed strategies to overcome them in solid tumors. We highlight the potential of CAR T-cell therapy as cancer precision medicine and briefly discuss the 'financial toxicity' of CAR T-cell therapy. EXPERT OPINION Taken together, we discuss various strategies to circumvent the limitations of CAR T-cell therapy in solid tumors. Despite the rapid advances in CAR NK-cell therapies, there is immense scope for CAR T-cell therapy in solid tumors. We provide a synthetic review of CAR T-cell therapy that will drive future research and harness its full potential in cancer precision medicine for solid tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Varada Date
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM's NMIMS University , Mumbai, India
| | - Sujit Nair
- SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, University of Mumbai , Mumbai, India
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Roca C, Campillo NE. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) inhibitors: a patent update (2016–2019). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2020; 30:863-872. [DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2020.1815706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Roca
- Structural and Chemical Biology, Centro De Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria E. Campillo
- Structural and Chemical Biology, Centro De Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Dimou A, Syrigos KN. The Role of GSK3β in T Lymphocytes in the Tumor Microenvironment. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1221. [PMID: 32850361 PMCID: PMC7396595 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy options for patients with cancer have emerged following decades of research on immune responses against tumors. Most treatments in this category harness T cells with specificity for tumor associated antigens, neoantigens, and cancer-testis antigens. GSK3β is a serine-threonine kinase with the highest number of substrates and multifaceted roles in cell function including immune cells. Importantly, inhibitors of GSK3β are available for clinical and research use. Here, we review the possible role of GSK3β in the immune tumor microenvironment, with goal to guide future research that tests GSK3β inhibition as an immunotherapy adjunct.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasios Dimou
- Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Konstantinos N Syrigos
- Division of Medical Oncology, Third Department of Medicine, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Augello G, Emma MR, Cusimano A, Azzolina A, Montalto G, McCubrey JA, Cervello M. The Role of GSK-3 in Cancer Immunotherapy: GSK-3 Inhibitors as a New Frontier in Cancer Treatment. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061427. [PMID: 32526891 PMCID: PMC7348946 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The serine/threonine kinase glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) was initially identified because of its key role in the regulation of glycogen synthesis. However, it is now well-established that GSK-3 performs critical functions in many cellular processes, such as apoptosis, tumor growth, cell invasion, and metastasis. Aberrant GSK-3 activity has been associated with many human diseases, including cancer, highlighting its potential therapeutic relevance as a target for anticancer therapy. Recently, newly emerging data have demonstrated the pivotal role of GSK-3 in the anticancer immune response. In the last few years, many GSK-3 inhibitors have been developed, and some are currently being tested in clinical trials. This review will discuss preclinical and initial clinical results with GSK-3β inhibitors, highlighting the potential importance of this target in cancer immunotherapy. As described in this review, GSK-3 inhibitors have been shown to have antitumor activity in a wide range of human cancer cells, and they may also contribute to promoting a more efficacious immune response against tumor target cells, thus showing a double therapeutic advantage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppa Augello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), 90144 Palermo, Italy; (G.A.); (M.R.E.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (G.M.)
| | - Maria R. Emma
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), 90144 Palermo, Italy; (G.A.); (M.R.E.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (G.M.)
| | - Antonella Cusimano
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), 90144 Palermo, Italy; (G.A.); (M.R.E.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (G.M.)
| | - Antonina Azzolina
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), 90144 Palermo, Italy; (G.A.); (M.R.E.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (G.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), 90144 Palermo, Italy; (G.A.); (M.R.E.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (G.M.)
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - James A. McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA;
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), 90144 Palermo, Italy; (G.A.); (M.R.E.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-091-6809-534
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β in Cancer Biology and Treatment. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061388. [PMID: 32503133 PMCID: PMC7349761 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)3β is a multifunctional serine/threonine protein kinase with more than 100 substrates and interacting molecules. GSK3β is normally active in cells and negative regulation of GSK3β activity via phosphorylation of its serine 9 residue is required for most normal cells to maintain homeostasis. Aberrant expression and activity of GSK3β contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of common recalcitrant diseases such as glucose intolerance, neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. Despite recognized roles against several proto-oncoproteins and mediators of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition, deregulated GSK3β also participates in tumor cell survival, evasion of apoptosis, proliferation and invasion, as well as sustaining cancer stemness and inducing therapy resistance. A therapeutic effect from GSK3β inhibition has been demonstrated in 25 different cancer types. Moreover, there is increasing evidence that GSK3β inhibition protects normal cells and tissues from the harmful effects associated with conventional cancer therapies. Here, we review the evidence supporting aberrant GSK3β as a hallmark property of cancer and highlight the beneficial effects of GSK3β inhibition on normal cells and tissues during cancer therapy. The biological rationale for targeting GSK3β in the treatment of cancer is also discussed at length.
Collapse
|
25
|
Yu X, Gao R, Li Y, Zeng C. Regulation of PD-1 in T cells for cancer immunotherapy. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 881:173240. [PMID: 32497624 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Study of the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer immune escape is one of the core issues in immuno-oncology research. Cancer cells can evade T cell cytotoxicity by exploiting the upregulation of T cell inhibitory receptors on T cells and their ligands on cancer cells. These upregulated proteins include the inhibitory receptor programmed cell-death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1), which can induce T cell exhaustion and reduce T cell activation. Characterizing PD-1 regulation will help to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying T cell exhaustion and improve cancer treatment. Recent studies have found that tumor cells regulate PD-1 during gene transcription, post-transcriptional regulation, and post-translational modification and influence the effects of the anticancer immune response by targeting PD-1. In this review,we summarize the mechanisms of PD-1 regulation in T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xibao Yu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Rili Gao
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yangqiu Li
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Chengwu Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Targeting GSK3 and Associated Signaling Pathways Involved in Cancer. Cells 2020; 9:cells9051110. [PMID: 32365809 PMCID: PMC7290852 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) is a serine/threonine (S/T) protein kinase. Although GSK-3 originally was identified to have functions in regulation of glycogen synthase, it was subsequently determined to have roles in multiple normal biochemical processes as well as various disease conditions. GSK-3 is sometimes referred to as a moonlighting protein due to the multiple substrates and processes which it controls. Frequently, when GSK-3 phosphorylates proteins, they are targeted for degradation. GSK-3 is often considered a component of the PI3K/PTEN/AKT/GSK-3/mTORC1 pathway as GSK-3 is frequently phosphorylated by AKT which regulates its inactivation. AKT is often active in human cancer and hence, GSK-3 is often inactivated. Moreover, GSK-3 also interacts with WNT/β-catenin signaling and β-catenin and other proteins in this pathway are targets of GSK-3. GSK-3 can modify NF-κB activity which is often expressed at high levels in cancer cells. Multiple pharmaceutical companies developed small molecule inhibitors to suppress GSK-3 activity. In addition, various natural products will modify GSK-3 activity. This review will focus on the effects of small molecule inhibitors and natural products on GSK-3 activity and provide examples where these compounds were effective in suppressing cancer growth.
Collapse
|
27
|
Jafarzadeh L, Masoumi E, Fallah-Mehrjardi K, Mirzaei HR, Hadjati J. Prolonged Persistence of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T Cell in Adoptive Cancer Immunotherapy: Challenges and Ways Forward. Front Immunol 2020; 11:702. [PMID: 32391013 PMCID: PMC7188834 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
CAR T cell qualities, such as persistence and functionality play important roles in determining the outcome of cancer immunotherapy. In spite of full functionality, it has been shown that poor persistence of CAR T cells can limit an effective antitumor immune response. Here, we outline specific strategies that can be employed to overcome intrinsic and extrinsic barriers to CAR T cell persistence. We also offer our viewpoint on how growing use of CAR T cells in various cancers may require modifications in the intrinsic and extrinsic survival signals of CAR T cells. We anticipate these amendments will additionally provide the rationales for generation of more persistent, and thereby, more effective CAR T cell treatments. CAR T cell qualities, such as persistence and functionality play important roles in determining the outcome of cancer immunotherapy. In spite of full functionality, it has been shown that poor persistence of CAR T cells can limit an effective antitumor immune response. Here, we outline specific strategies that can be employed to overcome intrinsic and extrinsic barriers to CAR T cell persistence. We also offer our viewpoint on how growing use of CAR T cells in various cancers may require modifications in the intrinsic and extrinsic survival signals of CAR T cells. We anticipate these amendments will additionally provide the rationales for generation of more persistent, and thereby, more effective CAR T cell treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leila Jafarzadeh
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Masoumi
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Keyvan Fallah-Mehrjardi
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Mirzaei
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jamshid Hadjati
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Han Y, Zhu L, Wu W, Zhang H, Hu W, Dai L, Yang Y. Small Molecular Immune Modulators as Anticancer Agents. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1248:547-618. [PMID: 32185725 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-3266-5_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
After decades of intense effort, immune checkpoint inhibitors have been conclusively demonstrated to be effective in cancer treatments and thus are revolutionizing the concepts in the treatment of cancers. Immuno-oncology has arrived and will play a key role in cancer treatment in the foreseeable future. However, efforts to find novel methods to improve the immune response to cancer have not ceased. Small-molecule approaches offer inherent advantages over biologic immunotherapies since they can cross cell membranes, penetrate into tumor tissue and tumor microenvironment more easily, and are amenable to be finely controlled than biological agents, which may help reduce immune-related adverse events seen with biologic therapies and provide more flexibility for the combination use with other therapies and superior clinical benefit. On the one hand, small-molecule therapies can modulate the immune response to cancer by restoring the antitumor immunity, promoting more effective cytotoxic lymphocyte responses, and regulating tumor microenvironment, either directly or epigenetically. On the other hand, the combination of different mechanisms of small molecules with antibodies and other biologics demonstrated admirable synergistic effect in clinical settings for cancer treatment and may expand antibodies' usefulness for broader clinical applications. This chapter provides an overview of small-molecule immunotherapeutic approaches either as monotherapy or in combination for the treatment of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongxin Han
- Lapam Capital LLC., 17C1, Tower 2, Xizhimenwai Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, China.
| | - Li Zhu
- PrimeGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Wei Wu
- PrimeGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- PrimeGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Wei Hu
- PrimeGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Liguang Dai
- PrimeGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Yanqing Yang
- PrimeGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Li W, Zhan M, Quan YY, Wang H, Hua SN, Li Y, Zhang J, Lu L, Cui M. Modulating the tumor immune microenvironment with sunitinib malate supports the rationale for combined treatment with immunotherapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 81:106227. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
30
|
Kwok D, Okada H. T-Cell based therapies for overcoming neuroanatomical and immunosuppressive challenges within the glioma microenvironment. J Neurooncol 2020; 147:281-295. [PMID: 32185647 PMCID: PMC7182069 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-020-03450-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma remains as the most common and aggressive primary adult brain tumor to date. Within the last decade, cancer immunotherapy surfaced as a broadly successful therapeutic approach for a variety of cancers. However, due to the neuroanatomical and immunosuppressive nature of malignant gliomas, conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments garner limited efficacy in patients with these tumors. The intricate structure of the blood brain barrier restricts immune accessibility into the tumor microenvironment, and malignant gliomas can activate various adaptive responses to subvert anticancer immune responses and reinstate an immunosuppressive milieu. Yet, evidence of lymphocyte infiltration within the brain and recent advancements made in cell engineering technologies implicate the vast potential in the future of neuro-oncological immunotherapy. Previous immunotherapy platforms have paved way to improved modalities, which includes but is not limited to personalized vaccines and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy. This review will cover the various neuroanatomical and immunosuppressive features of central nervous system tumors and highlight the innovations made in T-cell based therapies to overcome the challenges presented by the glioblastoma microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darwin Kwok
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, Helen Diller Family Cancer Research Building HD 472 1450 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA, 94158-0520, USA
| | - Hideho Okada
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, Helen Diller Family Cancer Research Building HD 472 1450 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA, 94158-0520, USA.
- The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Cancer Immunotherapy Program, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Ding L, Billadeau DD. Glycogen synthase kinase-3β: a novel therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:417-426. [PMID: 32178549 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1743681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States with a single-digit 5-year survival rate despite advances in understanding the genetics and biology of the disease. Glycogen synthase kinase-3α (GSK-3α) and GSK-3β are serine/threonine kinases that localize to the cytoplasm, mitochondria and nucleus. Although they are highly homologous within their kinase domains and phosphorylate an overlapping set of target proteins, genetic studies have shown that GSK-3β regulates the activity of several proteins that promote neoplastic transformation. Significantly, GSK-3β is progressively overexpressed during PDAC development where it participates in tumor progression, survival and chemoresistance. Thus, GSK-3β has become an attractive target for treating PDAC.Areas covered: This review summarizes the mechanisms regulating GSK-3β activity, including upstream translational and post-translational regulation, as well as the downstream targets and their functions in PDAC cell growth, metastasis and chemoresistance.Expert opinion: The activity of GSK-3 kinases are considered cell- and context-specific. In PDAC, oncogenic KRas drives the transcriptional expression of the GSK-3β gene, which has been shown to regulate cancer cell proliferation and survival, as well as resistance to chemotherapy. Thus, the combination of GSK-3 inhibitors with chemotherapeutic drugs could be a promising strategy for PDAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Ding
- The Division of Oncology Research, Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Daniel D Billadeau
- The Division of Oncology Research, Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Shen SH, Woroniecka K, Barbour AB, Fecci PE, Sanchez-Perez L, Sampson JH. CAR T cells and checkpoint inhibition for the treatment of glioblastoma. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2020; 20:579-591. [PMID: 32027536 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2020.1727436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain tumor and is one of the most lethal human cancers. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has markedly improved survival in previously incurable disease; however, this vanguard treatment still faces challenges in GBM. Likewise, checkpoint blockade therapies have not enjoyed the same victories against GBM. As it becomes increasingly evident that a mono-therapeutic approach is unlikely to provide anti-tumor efficacy, there evolves a critical need for combined treatment strategies.Areas covered: This review highlights the clinical successes observed with CAR T cell therapy as well the current efforts to overcome its perceived limitations. The review also explores employed combinations of CAR T cell approaches with immune checkpoint blockade strategies, which aim to potentiate immunotherapeutic benefits while restricting the impact of tumor heterogeneity and T cell exhaustion.Expert opinion: Barriers such as tumor heterogeneity and T cell exhaustion have exposed the weaknesses of various mono-immunotherapeutic approaches to GBM, including CAR T cell and checkpoint blockade strategies. Combining these potentially complementary strategies, however, may proffer a rational means of mitigating these barriers and advancing therapeutic successes against GBM and other solid tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven H Shen
- Duke Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Karolina Woroniecka
- Duke Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Andrew B Barbour
- Duke Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Peter E Fecci
- Duke Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Luis Sanchez-Perez
- Duke Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - John H Sampson
- Duke Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Zhu H, You Y, Shen Z, Shi L. EGFRvIII-CAR-T Cells with PD-1 Knockout Have Improved Anti-Glioma Activity. Pathol Oncol Res 2020; 26:2135-2141. [PMID: 31989402 DOI: 10.1007/s12253-019-00759-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant form of the brain tumors. EGFR variant III (EGFRvIII) is expressed in about 30% of GBM specimens, but not expressed in normal brain tissues. Therefore, EGFRvIII protein offers an ideal CAR-T therapeutic target for EGFRvIII-positive GBM patients. PD-L1 is expressed in a variety of cancer cells, including GBM. Tumor-associated PD-L1 can bind to PD-1 on T cells and promote apoptosis of T cells, thus suppressing the anti-cancer immune response. In our current studies, PD-1WT EGFRvIII-CAR-T cells and PD-1KD EGFRvIII-CAR-T cells were generated. Cytokine production and lytic activity of these two CAR-T cells against to PD-L1WT EGFRvIII+ U373 cells or PD-L1KO EGFRvIII+ U373 cells were evaluated. The results showed that PD-1KD EGFRvIII-CAR-T cells and PD-1WT EGFRvIII-CAR-T cells showed same levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) production as well as cytolytic activity against PD-L1KO EGFRvIII+ U373 cells; however, PD-1KD EGFRvIII-CAR-T cells exhibited higher levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 production as well as cytolytic activity against PD-L1+ EGFRvIII+ U373 cells than that of PD-1WT EGFRvIII-CAR-T cells. PD-1KD EGFRvIII-CAR-T cells also exhibited higher anti-glioma activity and longer survival in mice in vivo than that of PD-1WT EGFRvIII-CAR-T cells. Taken together, our findings indicate that PD-1 knockout enhances lytic activity of EGFRvIII-CAR-T cells against PD-L1+ EGFRvIII+ GBM cells. These might provide a new insight into strategy of GBM CAR-T cell therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haifeng Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, People's Republic of China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Funing People's Hospital, Funing, 224400, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongping You
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhouming Shen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Funing People's Hospital, Funing, 224400, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Shi
- epartment of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Suzhou, 215300, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
GSK-3β in DNA repair, apoptosis, and resistance of chemotherapy, radiotherapy of cancer. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2020; 1867:118659. [PMID: 31978503 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2020.118659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) is an evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine kinase, functioning in numerous cellular processes including cell proliferation, DNA repair, cell cycle, signaling and metabolic pathways. GSK-3β is implicated in different diseases including inflammation, neurodegenerative disease, diabetes and cancers. GSK-3β is involved in biological processes of tumorigenesis, therefore, it is rational that GSK-3β inhibitors were employed to target malignant tumors. The effects of GSK-3β inhibitors in combination of radiation and chemotherapeutic drugs have been reported in various types of cancers, suggesting GSK-3β would play important roles in cancer treatments. GSK-3β is involved in multiple signal pathway including Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/PTEN/AKT and Notch. GSK-3β also functions in DNA repair through phosphorylation of DNA repair factors and affecting their binding to chromatin. This review focuses on the molecular mechanism of GSK-3β in DNA repair, special in base excision repair and double-strands break repair, the roles of GSK-3β in inhibition of apoptosis through activation of NF-κB, and the effects of GSK-3β inhibitors on radio- and chemosensitization of various types of cancers. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: GSK-3 and related kinases in cancer, neurological and other disorders edited by James McCubrey, Agnieszka Gizak and Dariusz Rakus.
Collapse
|
35
|
O'Sullivan D, Sanin DE, Pearce EJ, Pearce EL. Metabolic interventions in the immune response to cancer. Nat Rev Immunol 2019; 19:324-335. [PMID: 30820043 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-019-0140-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
At the centre of the therapeutic dilemma posed by cancer is the question of how to develop more effective treatments that discriminate between normal and cancerous tissues. Decades of research have shown us that universally applicable principles are rare, but two well-accepted concepts have emerged: first, that malignant transformation goes hand in hand with distinct changes in cellular metabolism; second, that the immune system is critical for tumour control and clearance. Unifying our understanding of tumour metabolism with immune cell function may prove to be a powerful approach in the development of more effective cancer therapies. Here, we explore how nutrient availability in the tumour microenvironment shapes immune responses and identify areas of intervention to modulate the metabolic constraints placed on immune cells in this setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David O'Sullivan
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany.,University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - David E Sanin
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany.,University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Edward J Pearce
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany. .,University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Erika L Pearce
- Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Wang T, Duan YM, Fu Q, Liu T, Yu JC, Sui ZY, Huang L, Wen GQ. IM-12 activates the Wnt-β-catenin signaling pathway and attenuates rtPA-induced hemorrhagic transformation in rats after acute ischemic stroke. Biochem Cell Biol 2019; 97:702-708. [PMID: 31770017 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2018-0384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is a devastating complication for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) who are treated with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). HT is associated with high morbidity and mortality, but no effective treatments are currently available to reduce the risk of HT. Therefore, methods to prevent HT are urgently needed. In this study, we used IM-12, an inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β), to evaluate the role of the Wnt-β-catenin signaling pathway in recombinant tPA (rtPA)-induced HT. Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model of ischemic stroke, and then were either administered rtPA, rtPA combined with IM-12, or the vehicle at 4 h after stroke was induced. Our results indicate that rats subjected to HT had more severe neurological deficits, brain edema, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown, and had a greater infarction volume than the control group. Rats treated with IM-12 had improved outcomes compared with those of rats treated with rtPA alone. Moreover, IM-12 increased the protein expression of β-catenin and downstream proteins while suppressing the expression of GSK-3β. These results suggest that IM-12 reduces rtPA-induced HT and attenuates BBB disruption, possibly through activation of the Wnt-β-catenin signaling pathway, and provides a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing tPA-induced HT after AIS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wang
- Department of Neurology, Hainan General Hospital Affiliated to University of South China, Haikou 570311, Hainan Province, China
| | - Yu-Mei Duan
- Department of Neurology, Hainan General Hospital Affiliated to University of South China, Haikou 570311, Hainan Province, China
| | - Qiao Fu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou 570311, Hainan Province, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Neurology, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou 570311, Hainan Province, China
| | - Jin-Cheng Yu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou 570311, Hainan Province, China
| | - Zhi-Yan Sui
- Department of Neurology, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou 570311, Hainan Province, China
| | - Li Huang
- Department of Neurology, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou 570311, Hainan Province, China
| | - Guo-Qiang Wen
- Department of Neurology, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou 570311, Hainan Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Chimeric antigen receptor modified T cell (CAR-T) co-expressed with ICOSL-41BB promote CAR-T proliferation and tumor rejection. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 118:109333. [PMID: 31545280 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
T cells edited by chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) have shown great potential in the treatment of tumors, especially malignant blood tumors. However, there remain many obstacles in the CAR-T therapy against solid tumors, such as the expansion of CAR-T cells ex vivo and the exhaustion of CAR-T cells in vivo. In order to solve these problems, we described a novel CAR which is targeting GPC3 by expressing CD28 co-stimulation domain and CD3z ITAM (G328z), meanwhile co-expressing ICOSL extracellular and transmembrane region fused with 41BB cytoplasmic domain (G328z-ICOSL-41BB). Compared with G328z, G328z-ICOSL-41BB fusion protein significantly reinforced the expansion ability of CAR-T cells ex vivo, and prolonged the survival time of mice with hepatocellular carcinoma. We now demonstrate that the enhancement of CAR-T cell activity is dependent on the enhanced PI3K signaling pathway and up-regulated expression of Bcl2 to inhibit apoptosis and promote proliferation of CAR-T cells. Besides, the CAR with ICOSL-41BB fusion protein have been strengthened significantly in comparison with fusing ICOSL protein only, which might be caused by the fact that ICOSL-41BB not only supplies ICOS signal for other cells, but also provides 41BB signal for itself. Consequently, CARs with ICOSL-41BB fusion protein could increase the therapeutic efficacy against solid tumors in vivo compared with the G328z CAR, which might further assist the development of potent and durable T cell therapeutics.
Collapse
|
38
|
Sahin I, Eturi A, De Souza A, Pamarthy S, Tavora F, Giles FJ, Carneiro BA. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta inhibitors as novel cancer treatments and modulators of antitumor immune responses. Cancer Biol Ther 2019; 20:1047-1056. [PMID: 30975030 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2019.1595283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As a kinase at the crossroads of numerous metabolic and cell growth signaling pathways, glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) is a highly desirable therapeutic target in cancer. Despite its involvement in pathways associated with the pathogenesis of several malignancies, no selective GSK-3β inhibitor has been approved for the treatment of cancer. The regulatory role of GSK-3β in apoptosis, cell cycle, DNA repair, tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis reflects the therapeutic relevance of this target and provides the rationale for drug combinations. Emerging data on GSK-3β as a mediator of anticancer immune response also highlight the potential clinical applications of novel selective GSK-3β inhibitors that are entering clinical studies. This manuscript reviews the preclinical and early clinical results with GSK-3β inhibitors and delineates the developmental therapeutics landscape for this potentially important target in cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilyas Sahin
- a Lifespan Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology/Oncology , The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University , Providence , RI , USA
| | - Aditya Eturi
- b Department of Medicine , The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University , Providence , RI , USA
| | - Andre De Souza
- a Lifespan Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology/Oncology , The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University , Providence , RI , USA
| | - Sahithi Pamarthy
- c Atrin Pharmaceuticals , Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center , Doylestown , PA , USA
| | - Fabio Tavora
- d Argos Laboratory/Messejana Heart and Lung Hospital , Fortaleza , Brazil
| | - Francis J Giles
- e Developmental Therapeutics Consortium , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Benedito A Carneiro
- a Lifespan Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology/Oncology , The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University , Providence , RI , USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Chuntova P, Downey KM, Hegde B, Almeida ND, Okada H. Genetically Engineered T-Cells for Malignant Glioma: Overcoming the Barriers to Effective Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2019; 9:3062. [PMID: 30740109 PMCID: PMC6357938 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.03062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant gliomas carry a dismal prognosis. Conventional treatment using chemo- and radiotherapy has limited efficacy with adverse events. Therapy with genetically engineered T-cells, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells, may represent a promising approach to improve patient outcomes owing to their potential ability to attack highly infiltrative tumors in a tumor-specific manner and possible persistence of the adaptive immune response. However, the unique anatomical features of the brain and susceptibility of this organ to irreversible tissue damage have made immunotherapy especially challenging in the setting of glioma. With safety concerns in mind, multiple teams have initiated clinical trials using CAR T-cells in glioma patients. The valuable lessons learnt from those trials highlight critical areas for further improvement: tackling the issues of the antigen presentation and T-cell homing in the brain, immunosuppression in the glioma microenvironment, antigen heterogeneity and off-tumor toxicity, and the adaptation of existing clinical therapies to reflect the intricacies of immune response in the brain. This review summarizes the up-to-date clinical outcomes of CAR T-cell clinical trials in glioma patients and examines the most pressing hurdles limiting the efficacy of these therapies. Furthermore, this review uses these hurdles as a framework upon which to evaluate cutting-edge pre-clinical strategies aiming to overcome those barriers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pavlina Chuntova
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Kira M Downey
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Bindu Hegde
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Neil D Almeida
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Hideho Okada
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Cancer Immunotherapy Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|