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Evans ST, Jani Y, Jansen CS, Yildirim A, Kalemoglu E, Bilen MA. Understanding and overcoming resistance to immunotherapy in genitourinary cancers. Cancer Biol Ther 2024; 25:2342599. [PMID: 38629578 PMCID: PMC11028033 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2024.2342599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The introduction of novel immunotherapies has significantly transformed the treatment landscape of genitourinary (GU) cancers, even becoming the standard of care in some settings. One such type of immunotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) like nivolumab, ipilimumab, pembrolizumab, and atezolizumab play a pivotal role by disturbing signaling pathways that limit the immune system's ability to fight tumor cells. Despite the profound impact of these treatments, not all tumors are responsive. Recent research efforts have been focused on understanding how cancer cells manage to evade the immune response and identifying the possible mechanisms behind resistance to immunotherapy. In response, ICIs are being combined with other treatments to reduce resistance and attack cancer cells through multiple cellular pathways. Additionally, novel, targeted strategies are currently being investigated to develop innovative methods of overcoming resistance and treatment failure. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance in GU cancers as currently described in the literature. It explores studies that have identified genetic markers, cytokines, and proteins that may predict resistance or response to immunotherapy. Additionally, we review current efforts to overcome this resistance, which include combination ICIs and sequential therapies, novel insights into the host immune profile, and new targeted therapies. Various approaches that combine immunotherapy with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, vaccines, and radiation have been studied in an effort to more effectively overcome resistance to immunotherapy. While each of these combination therapies has shown some efficacy in clinical trials, a deeper understanding of the immune system's role underscores the potential of novel targeted therapies as a particularly promising area of current research. Currently, several targeted agents are in development, along with the identification of key immune mediators involved in immunotherapy resistance. Further research is necessary to identify predictors of response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean T Evans
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yash Jani
- Undergraduate studies, Mercer University, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Caroline S Jansen
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Genitourinary Medical Oncology Program, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ahmet Yildirim
- Genitourinary Medical Oncology Program, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ecem Kalemoglu
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Basic Oncology, Health Institute of Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Asim Bilen
- Genitourinary Medical Oncology Program, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Kim HD, Ryu MH, Park YS, Yoo C, Kim SJ, Kang YK. Clinical and Biomarker Analysis of a Phase I/II Study of PDR001 Plus Imatinib for Advanced Treatment-Refractory Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:2743-2750. [PMID: 38662455 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-4065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE In this phase Ib/II study, we aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PDR001, an anti-PD1 antibody, in combination with imatinib in patients with treatment-refractory gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with advanced GIST whose disease had progressed on imatinib, sunitinib, and regorafenib were enrolled. In phase Ib, the standard 3 + 3 dose escalation scheme was applied. Intravenous administration of PDR001 at 400 mg for every 4 weeks plus imatinib (300 and 400 mg daily for dose levels I and II, respectively) was given. The primary outcome for phase II was the disease control rate at 12 weeks. Exploratory biomarker analysis was performed based on PDL1 IHC, next-generation sequencing, and multiplexed IHC. RESULTS No dose-limiting toxicity was observed in the phase Ib part (n = 10), and dose level II was selected as the recommended phase II dose. In the phase II part (n = 29), there was no objective response, and the disease control rate at 12 weeks was 37.9%, not meeting the primary efficacy endpoint. For patients in phase Ib-dose level II and phase II (n = 36), the median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival were 2.3 and 9.5 months, respectively. The most common grade 3 to 4 adverse event was anemia. Exploratory biomarker analysis indicated that a higher CD8+ T-cell density was associated with a favorable PFS but to a limited degree. Tumor mutational burden and PDL1 were not associated with better PFS. CONCLUSIONS In patients with treatment-refractory GIST, PDR001 in combination with imatinib was generally tolerable, but it was not effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung-Don Kim
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Hee Ryu
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Soo Park
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Changhoon Yoo
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Joo Kim
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon-Koo Kang
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Iuliani M, Simonetti S, Cristofani L, Cavaliere S, Cortellini A, Russano M, Vincenzi B, Tonini G, Santini D, Pantano F. Circulating receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) levels predict response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e009432. [PMID: 38908859 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2024-009432] [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] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) can directly promote tumor growth and indirectly support tumor immune evasion by altering the tumor microenvironment and immune cell responses. This study aimed to assess the prognostic significance of soluble RANKL in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving programmed cell death 1 (PD1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PDL1) checkpoint inhibitor therapy. METHODS Plasma RANKL levels were measured in 100 patients with advanced NSCLC without bone metastases undergoing monotherapy with PD1/PDL1 checkpoint inhibitors. To establish the optimal cut-off value, we used the Cutoff Finder package in R. Survival curves for four distinct patient groups, according to their RANKL and PDL1 levels (high or low), were generated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the log-rank test. The Cox regression model calculated HRs and 95% CIs for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS The optimal RANKL cut-off was established at 280.4 pg/mL, categorizing patients into groups with high or low RANKL levels. A significant association was observed between increased RANKL concentrations and decreased survival rates at 24 months, only within the subgroup expressing high levels of PDL1 (p=0.002). Additionally, low RANKL levels in conjunction with elevated PDL1 expression correlated with improved PFS (median 22 months, 95% CI 6.70 to 50 vs median 4 months, 95% CI 3.0 to 7.30, p=0.009) and OS (median 26 months, 95% CI 20 to not reached vs median 7 months, 95% CI 6 to 13, p=0.003), indicating RANKL's potential as an indicator of adverse prognosis in these patients. Multivariate analysis identified RANKL as an independent negative prognostic factor for both PFS and OS, regardless of other clinicopathological features. CONCLUSION These results highlight the prognostic and predictive value of RANKL specifically in patients with high PDL1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Iuliani
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Sonia Simonetti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Cavaliere
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Alessio Cortellini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Roma, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Russano
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Vincenzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Roma, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Tonini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Roma, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Santini
- UOC Oncologia Medica A, Policlinico Umberto 1, Università degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Pantano
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Roma, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
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4
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Roider HG, Hoff S, Tseng SY, Berndt S, Trautwein M, Filarsky K, Gritzan U, Camps J, Nadler WM, Grudzinska-Goebel J, Ellinger P, Pesch T, Soon CF, Geyer M, Gluske K, Stelte-Ludwig B, Gorjánácz M. Selective depletion of tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cells with BAY 3375968, a novel Fc-optimized anti-CCR8 antibody. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:122. [PMID: 38856863 PMCID: PMC11164760 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01362-8] [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: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are known to facilitate tumor progression by suppressing CD8+ T cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME), thereby also hampering the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). While systemic depletion of Tregs can enhance antitumor immunity, it also triggers undesirable autoimmune responses. Therefore, there is a need for therapeutic agents that selectively target Tregs within the TME without affecting systemic Tregs. In this study, as shown also by others, the chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 8 (CCR8) was found to be predominantly expressed on Tregs within the TME of both humans and mice, representing a unique target for selective depletion of tumor-residing Tregs. Based on this, we developed BAY 3375968, a novel anti-human CCR8 antibody, along with respective surrogate anti-mouse CCR8 antibodies, and demonstrated their in vitro mode-of-action through induction of potent antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and phagocytosis (ADCP) activities. In vivo, anti-mouse CCR8 antibodies effectively depleted Tregs within the TME primarily via ADCP, leading to increased CD8+ T cell infiltration and subsequent tumor growth inhibition across various cancer models. This monotherapeutic efficacy was significantly enhanced in combination with ICIs. Collectively, these findings suggest that CCR8 targeting represents a promising strategy for Treg depletion in cancer therapies. BAY 3375968 is currently under investigation in a Phase I clinical trial (NCT05537740).
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MESH Headings
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/drug effects
- Receptors, CCR8/immunology
- Receptors, CCR8/antagonists & inhibitors
- Animals
- Mice
- Humans
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
- Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/drug effects
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Female
- Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity
- Lymphocyte Depletion
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Phagocytosis/drug effects
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Su-Yi Tseng
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, San Francisco, USA
| | | | | | - Katharina Filarsky
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Wuppertal, Germany
- Current address: Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Uwe Gritzan
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Wuppertal, Germany
- Current address: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Beatrix Stelte-Ludwig
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Wuppertal, Germany
- Current address: Vincerx Pharma, Monheim am Rhein, Germany
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5
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Berland L, Gabr Z, Chang M, Ilié M, Hofman V, Rignol G, Ghiringhelli F, Mograbi B, Rashidian M, Hofman P. Further knowledge and developments in resistance mechanisms to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1384121. [PMID: 38903504 PMCID: PMC11188684 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1384121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The past decade has witnessed a revolution in cancer treatment, shifting from conventional drugs (chemotherapies) towards targeted molecular therapies and immune-based therapies, in particular immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). These immunotherapies release the host's immune system against the tumor and have shown unprecedented durable remission for patients with cancers that were thought incurable, such as metastatic melanoma, metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), microsatellite instability (MSI) high colorectal cancer and late stages of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, about 80% of the patients fail to respond to these immunotherapies and are therefore left with other less effective and potentially toxic treatments. Identifying and understanding the mechanisms that enable cancerous cells to adapt to and eventually overcome therapy can help circumvent resistance and improve treatment. In this review, we describe the recent discoveries on the onco-immunological processes which govern the tumor microenvironment and their impact on the resistance to PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa Berland
- Inserm U1081 Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Nice (IRCAN) Team 4, Université Côte d’Azur, Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Federation Hospitalo Universitaire (FHU) OncoAge, Nice, France
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Zeina Gabr
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
- School of Life Science, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michelle Chang
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Marius Ilié
- Inserm U1081 Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Nice (IRCAN) Team 4, Université Côte d’Azur, Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Federation Hospitalo Universitaire (FHU) OncoAge, Nice, France
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Federation Hospitalo Universitaire (FHU) OncoAge, Pasteur Hospital, Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
- Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Nice, France
- Hospital-Integrated Biobank (BB-0033–00025), Pasteur Hospital, Nice, France
| | - Véronique Hofman
- Inserm U1081 Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Nice (IRCAN) Team 4, Université Côte d’Azur, Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Federation Hospitalo Universitaire (FHU) OncoAge, Nice, France
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Federation Hospitalo Universitaire (FHU) OncoAge, Pasteur Hospital, Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
- Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Nice, France
- Hospital-Integrated Biobank (BB-0033–00025), Pasteur Hospital, Nice, France
| | - Guylène Rignol
- Inserm U1081 Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Nice (IRCAN) Team 4, Université Côte d’Azur, Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Federation Hospitalo Universitaire (FHU) OncoAge, Nice, France
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Federation Hospitalo Universitaire (FHU) OncoAge, Pasteur Hospital, Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
- Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Nice, France
| | - François Ghiringhelli
- Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Nice, France
- Department of Biology and Pathology of Tumors, Georges-Francois Leclerc Cancer Center-UNICANCER, Dijon, France
| | - Baharia Mograbi
- Inserm U1081 Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Nice (IRCAN) Team 4, Université Côte d’Azur, Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Federation Hospitalo Universitaire (FHU) OncoAge, Nice, France
- Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Nice, France
| | - Mohamad Rashidian
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Paul Hofman
- Inserm U1081 Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Nice (IRCAN) Team 4, Université Côte d’Azur, Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Federation Hospitalo Universitaire (FHU) OncoAge, Nice, France
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Federation Hospitalo Universitaire (FHU) OncoAge, Pasteur Hospital, Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
- Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Nice, France
- Hospital-Integrated Biobank (BB-0033–00025), Pasteur Hospital, Nice, France
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Belli S, Amann M, Hutchinson L, Pousse L, Abdolzade-Bavil A, Justies N, Jacobsen B, Ploix C, Tselempi E, Tosevski V, Koll H, Schnetzler G, Boetsch C, Marrer-Berger E. Optimizing Early Clinical Investigations in Cancer Immunotherapy: The Translational Journey of RG6292, a Novel, Selective Treg-Depleting Antibody. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2024. [PMID: 38769868 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.3303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
The multifaceted IL-2/IL-2R biology and its modulation by promising therapeutic agents are highly relevant topics in the cancer immunotherapy field. A novel CD25-Treg-depleting antibody (Vopikitug, RG6292) has been engineered to preserve IL-2 signaling on effector T cells to enhance effector activation and antitumor immunity, and is currently being evaluated in the clinic. The Entry into Human-enabling framework described here investigated the characteristics of RG6292, from in vitro quantification of CD25 and RG6292 pharmacology using human tissues to in vivo assessment of PK/PD/safety relationships in cynomolgus monkeys as non-human primate species (NHP). Fundamental knowledge on CD25 and Treg biology in healthy and diseased tissues across NHP and human highlighted the commonalities between these species in regard to the target biology and demonstrated the conservation of RG6292 properties between NHP and human. The integration of in vitro and in vivo PK/PD/safety data from these species enabled the identification of human relevant safety risks, the selection of the most appropriate safe starting dose and the projection of the pharmacologically-relevant dose range. The first clinical data obtained for RG6292 in patients verified the appropriateness of the described approaches as well as validated the full clinical relevance of the projected safety, PK, and PD profiles from animal to man. This work shows how the integration of mechanistic non-clinical data increases the predictive value for human, allowing efficient transition of drug candidates and optimizations of early clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Belli
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Development (pRED), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maria Amann
- Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development (pRED), Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Lucy Hutchinson
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Development (pRED), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Laurène Pousse
- Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development (pRED), Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Afsaneh Abdolzade-Bavil
- Roche Innovation Center Munich, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Development (pRED), Penzberg, Germany
| | - Nicole Justies
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Development (pRED), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bjoern Jacobsen
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Development (pRED), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Corinne Ploix
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Development (pRED), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eleni Tselempi
- Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development (pRED), Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Vinko Tosevski
- Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development (pRED), Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Hans Koll
- Roche Innovation Center Munich, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Development (pRED), Penzberg, Germany
| | - Gabriel Schnetzler
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Development (pRED), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christophe Boetsch
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Development (pRED), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Estelle Marrer-Berger
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Development (pRED), Basel, Switzerland
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Liu M, Jin D, Yu W, Yu J, Cao K, Cheng J, Zheng X, Wang A, Liu Y. Enhancing Tumor Immunotherapy by Multivalent Anti-PD-L1 Nanobody Assembled via Ferritin Nanocage. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308248. [PMID: 38491904 PMCID: PMC11132087 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Increasing immunotherapy response rate and durability can lead to significant improvements in cancer care. To address this challenge, a novel multivalent immune checkpoint therapeutic platform is constructed through site-specific ligation of anti-PD-L1 nanobody (Nb) on ferritin (Ftn) nanocage. Nb-Ftn blocks PD-1/PD-L1 interaction and downregulates PD-L1 levels via endocytosis-induced degradation. In addition, the cage structure of Ftn allows encapsulation of indocyanine green (ICG), an FDA-approved dye. Photothermal treatment with Nb-Ftn@ICG induces immunogenic death of tumor cells, which improves systemic immune response via maturation of dendritic cells and enhanced infiltration of T cells. Moreover, Nb-Ftn encapsulation significantly enhances cellular uptake, tumor accumulation and retention of ICG. In vivo assays showed that this nanoplatform ablates the primary tumor, suppresses abscopal tumors and inhibits tumor metastasis, leading to a prolonged survival rate. This work presents a novel strategy for improving cancer immunotherapy using multivalent nanobody-ferritin conjugates as immunological targeting and enhancing carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manman Liu
- Department of Pharmacythe First Affiliated Hospital of USTCDivision of Life Sciences and MedicineDepartment of ChemistryUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefei230001China
| | - Duo Jin
- Department of Pharmacythe First Affiliated Hospital of USTCDivision of Life Sciences and MedicineDepartment of ChemistryUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefei230001China
| | - Wenxin Yu
- Department of Pharmacythe First Affiliated Hospital of USTCDivision of Life Sciences and MedicineDepartment of ChemistryUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefei230001China
| | - Jiaji Yu
- Department of Pharmacythe First Affiliated Hospital of USTCDivision of Life Sciences and MedicineDepartment of ChemistryUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefei230001China
| | - Kaiming Cao
- Department of Pharmacythe First Affiliated Hospital of USTCDivision of Life Sciences and MedicineDepartment of ChemistryUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefei230001China
| | - Junjie Cheng
- Department of Pharmacythe First Affiliated Hospital of USTCDivision of Life Sciences and MedicineDepartment of ChemistryUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefei230001China
| | - Xiaohu Zheng
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic DiseaseSchool of Basic Medical SciencesCenter for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHMDivision of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefei230027China
| | - Andrew Wang
- Department of Radiation OncologyUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallas75230USA
| | - Yangzhong Liu
- Department of Pharmacythe First Affiliated Hospital of USTCDivision of Life Sciences and MedicineDepartment of ChemistryUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefei230001China
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8
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Yue M, Li C, Li G. New advances in the study of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors-induced liver injury. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 131:111799. [PMID: 38460297 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111799] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
The application of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has made extraordinary achievements in tumor treatment. Among them, programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors can improve the prognosis of advanced tumors, and have been widely used in clinical practice to treat many types of cancers. However, excessive immune response can also induce immune-related adverse events (irAEs) involving many organs. Of these, immune-related liver injury is the relatively common and carries the highest morbidity, which has attracted the attention of hepatologists all over the world. The incidence of this type of liver injury depends specifically on factors such as the type of drug being combined, viral infection, type of cancer and liver transplantation. Although there is no unanimity on the mechanism of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor-induced liver injury, in this review, we also summarize the current evidence that provides insights into the pathogenesis of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor-induced liver injury, including the fact that PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors cause reactivation of CTLs, aberrant presentation of autoantigens, hepatic immune tolerance environment is disrupted, and cytokine secretion, among other effects. Patients usually develop liver injury after the use of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, and clinical symptoms mainly include weakness, muscle pain, nausea and vomiting, and jaundice. Histologically, the main manifestation is lobular hepatitis with lobular inflammatory infiltration. Since the specific biomarkers for PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor-associated liver injury have not been identified yet, alpha-fetoprotein, IL-6, and IL-33 have the potential to be biomarkers for predicting this type of liver injury in the future, but this requires further research. We also describe the examination and treatment of this type of liver injury, which usually includes eliminating related influencing factors, regularly monitoring liver function, temporarily retaining or permanently stopping ICIs treatment according to the severity of toxicity, and using corticosteroids. This review may provide useful information for the future clinical practice of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meijun Yue
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Chunyu Li
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
| | - Guohui Li
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
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9
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Vilbois S, Xu Y, Ho PC. Metabolic interplay: tumor macrophages and regulatory T cells. Trends Cancer 2024; 10:242-255. [PMID: 38135571 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.11.007] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) contains a complex cellular ecosystem where cancer, stromal, vascular, and immune cells interact. Macrophages and regulatory T cells (Tregs) are critical not only for maintaining immunological homeostasis and tumor growth but also for monitoring the functional states of other immune cells. Emerging evidence reveals that metabolic changes in macrophages and Tregs significantly influence their pro-/antitumor functions through the regulation of signaling cascades and epigenetic reprogramming. Hence, they are increasingly recognized as therapeutic targets in cancer immunotherapy. Specific metabolites in the TME may also affect their pro-/antitumor functions by intervening with the metabolic machinery. We discuss how metabolites influence the immunosuppressive phenotypes of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and Tregs. We then describe how TAMs and Tregs, independently or collaboratively, utilize metabolic mechanisms to suppress the activity of CD8+ T cells. Finally, we highlight promising metabolic interventions that can improve the outcome of current cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Vilbois
- Department of Fundamental Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Yingxi Xu
- Department of Fundamental Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland.
| | - Ping-Chih Ho
- Department of Fundamental Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland.
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10
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Kondo M, Kumagai S, Nishikawa H. Metabolic advantages of regulatory T cells dictated by cancer cells. Int Immunol 2024; 36:75-86. [PMID: 37837615 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxad035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells employ glycolysis for their survival and growth (the "Warburg effect"). Consequently, surrounding cells including immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are exposed to hypoglycemic, hypoxic, and low pH circumstances. Since effector T cells depend on the glycolysis for their survival and functions, the metabolically harsh TME established by cancer cells is unfavorable, resulting in the impairment of effective antitumor immune responses. By contrast, immunosuppressive cells such as regulatory T (Treg) cells can infiltrate, proliferate, survive, and exert immunosuppressive functions in the metabolically harsh TME, indicating the different metabolic dependance between effector T cells and Treg cells. Indeed, some metabolites that are harmful for effector T cells can be utilized by Treg cells; lactic acid, a harmful metabolite for effector T cells, is available for Treg cell proliferation and functions. Deficiency of amino acids such as tryptophan and glutamine in the TME impairs effector T cell activation but increases Treg cell populations. Furthermore, hypoxia upregulates fatty acid oxidation via hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and promotes Treg cell migration. Adenosine is induced by the ectonucleotidases CD39 and CD73, which are strongly induced by HIF-1α, and reportedly accelerates Treg cell development by upregulating Foxp3 expression in T cells via A2AR-mediated signals. Therefore, this review focuses on the current views of the unique metabolism of Treg cells dictated by cancer cells. In addition, potential cancer combination therapies with immunotherapy and metabolic molecularly targeted reagents that modulate Treg cells in the TME are discussed to develop "immune metabolism-based precision medicine".
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Kondo
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Shogo Kumagai
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
- Division of Cellular Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Nishikawa
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
- Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
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11
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Hou C, Wang Z, Lu X. Impact of immunosenescence and inflammaging on the effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors. CANCER PATHOGENESIS AND THERAPY 2024; 2:24-30. [PMID: 38328711 PMCID: PMC10846300 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpt.2023.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are employed in immunotherapeutic applications for patients with weakened immune systems and can improve the ability of T cells to kill cancer cells. Although ICIs can potentially treat different types of cancers in various groups of patients, their effectiveness may differ among older individuals. The reason ICIs are less effective in older adults is not yet clearly understood, but age-related changes in the immune system, such as immunosenescence and inflammation, may play a role. Therefore, this review focuses on recent advances in understanding the effects of immunosenescence and inflammation on the efficacy of ICIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuandong Hou
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China
- Department of Hematology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Zining Wang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China
- Department of Hematology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Xuechun Lu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
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12
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Elsafy S, Metselaar J, Lammers T. Nanomedicine - Immune System Interactions: Limitations and Opportunities for the Treatment of Cancer. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2024; 284:231-265. [PMID: 37578622 DOI: 10.1007/164_2023_685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticles interact with immune cells in many different ways. These interactions are crucially important for determining nanoparticles' ability to be used for cancer therapy. Traditionally, strategies such as PEGylation have been employed to reduce (the kinetics of) nanoparticle uptake by immune cells, to endow them with long circulation properties, and to enable them to exploit the Enhanced Permeability and Retention (EPR) effect to accumulate in tumors. More recently, with immunotherapy becoming an increasingly important cornerstone in the clinical management of cancer, ever more research efforts in academia and industry are focusing on specifically targeting immune cells with nanoparticles. In this chapter, we describe the barriers and opportunities of immune cell targeting with nanoparticles, and we discuss how nanoparticle-based drug delivery to specific immune cell populations in tumors as well as in secondary myeloid and lymphoid organs (such as bone marrow, lymph nodes, and spleen) can be leveraged to boost the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Elsafy
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging (ExMI), Center for Biohybrid Medical Systems (CBMS), University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Josbert Metselaar
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging (ExMI), Center for Biohybrid Medical Systems (CBMS), University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Twan Lammers
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging (ExMI), Center for Biohybrid Medical Systems (CBMS), University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
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13
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Ridnour LA, Cheng RYS, Heinz WF, Pore M, Gonzalez AL, Femino EL, Moffat R, Wink AL, Imtiaz F, Coutinho L, Butcher D, Edmondson EF, Rangel MC, Wong STC, Lipkowitz S, Glynn S, Vitek MP, McVicar DW, Li X, Anderson SK, Paolocci N, Hewitt SM, Ambs S, Billiar TR, Chang JC, Lockett SJ, Wink DA. Spatial analysis of NOS2 and COX2 interaction with T-effector cells reveals immunosuppressive landscapes associated with poor outcome in ER- breast cancer patients. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.21.572867. [PMID: 38187660 PMCID: PMC10769421 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.21.572867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Multiple immunosuppressive mechanisms exist in the tumor microenvironment that drive poor outcomes and decrease treatment efficacy. The co-expression of NOS2 and COX2 is a strong predictor of poor prognosis in ER- breast cancer and other malignancies. Together, they generate pro-oncogenic signals that drive metastasis, drug resistance, cancer stemness, and immune suppression. Using an ER- breast cancer patient cohort, we found that the spatial expression patterns of NOS2 and COX2 with CD3+CD8+PD1- T effector (Teff) cells formed a tumor immune landscape that correlated with poor outcome. NOS2 was primarily associated with the tumor-immune interface, whereas COX2 was associated with immune desert regions of the tumor lacking Teff cells. A higher ratio of NOS2 or COX2 to Teff was highly correlated with poor outcomes. Spatial analysis revealed that regional clustering of NOS2 and COX2 was associated with stromal-restricted Teff, while only COX2 was predominant in immune deserts. Examination of other immunosuppressive elements, such as PDL1/PD1, Treg, B7H4, and IDO1, revealed that PDL1/PD1, Treg, and IDO1 were primarily associated with restricted Teff, whereas B7H4 and COX2 were found in tumor immune deserts. Regardless of the survival outcome, other leukocytes, such as CD4 T cells and macrophages, were primarily in stromal lymphoid aggregates. Finally, in a 4T1 model, COX2 inhibition led to a massive cell infiltration, thus validating the hypothesis that COX2 is an essential component of the Teff exclusion process and, thus, tumor evasion. Our study indicates that NOS2/COX2 expression plays a central role in tumor immunosuppression. Our findings indicate that new strategies combining clinically available NOS2/COX2 inhibitors with various forms of immune therapy may open a new avenue for the treatment of aggressive ER-breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Ridnour
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD
| | - Robert Y S Cheng
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD
| | - William F Heinz
- Optical Microscopy and Analysis Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research; Leidos Biomedical Research Inc. for the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD
| | - Milind Pore
- Imaging Mass Cytometry Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research
| | - Ana L Gonzalez
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD
| | - Elise L Femino
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD
| | - Rebecca Moffat
- Optical Microscopy and Analysis Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research; Leidos Biomedical Research Inc. for the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD
| | - Adelaide L Wink
- Optical Microscopy and Analysis Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research; Leidos Biomedical Research Inc. for the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD
| | - Fatima Imtiaz
- Optical Microscopy and Analysis Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research; Leidos Biomedical Research Inc. for the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD
| | - Leandro Coutinho
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo and Comprehensive Center for Precision Oncology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Donna Butcher
- Molecular Histopathology Laboratories, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc. for the National Cancer Institute
| | - Elijah F Edmondson
- Molecular Histopathology Laboratories, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc. for the National Cancer Institute
| | - M Cristina Rangel
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo and Comprehensive Center for Precision Oncology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Sharon Glynn
- Discipline of Pathology, Lambe Institute for Translational Research, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | | | - Daniel W McVicar
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD
| | - Xiaoxian Li
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Stephen K Anderson
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research
| | - Nazareno Paolocci
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, and Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Italy
- Laboratory of Pathology CCR, NCI, NIH
| | | | - Stefan Ambs
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Timothy R Billiar
- Mary and Ron Neal Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Hospital and Weill Cornell Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Jenny C Chang
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD
- Optical Microscopy and Analysis Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research; Leidos Biomedical Research Inc. for the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD
- Imaging Mass Cytometry Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo and Comprehensive Center for Precision Oncology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Molecular Histopathology Laboratories, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc. for the National Cancer Institute
- Houston Methodist Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston TX
- Women's Malignancies Branch, CCR, NCI, NIH
- Discipline of Pathology, Lambe Institute for Translational Research, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- (Mike Duke)
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, and Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Italy
- Laboratory of Pathology CCR, NCI, NIH
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
- Mary and Ron Neal Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Hospital and Weill Cornell Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Stephen J Lockett
- Optical Microscopy and Analysis Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research; Leidos Biomedical Research Inc. for the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD
| | - David A Wink
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD
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14
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Usta SZ, Uchihashi T, Kodama S, Kurioka K, Inubushi T, Shimooka T, Sugauchi A, Seki S, Tanaka S. Current Status and Molecular Mechanisms of Resistance to Immunotherapy in Oral Malignant Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17282. [PMID: 38139110 PMCID: PMC10743423 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417282] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), including anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) antibodies, have initiated a new era in the treatment of malignant melanoma. ICIs can be used in various settings, including first-line, adjuvant, and neo-adjuvant therapy. In the scope of this review, we examined clinical studies utilizing ICIs in the context of treating oral mucosal melanoma, a rare disease, albeit with an extremely poor prognosis, with a specific focus on unraveling the intricate web of resistance mechanisms. The absence of a comprehensive review focusing on ICIs in oral mucosal melanoma is notable. Therefore, this review seeks to address this deficiency by offering a novel and thorough analysis of the current status, potential resistance mechanisms, and future prospects of applying ICIs specifically to oral malignant melanoma. Clarifying and thoroughly understanding these mechanisms will facilitate the advancement of effective therapeutic approaches and enhance the prospects for patients suffering from oral mucosal melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sena Zeynep Usta
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; (S.Z.U.); (S.K.); (K.K.); (T.S.); (A.S.); (S.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Toshihiro Uchihashi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; (S.Z.U.); (S.K.); (K.K.); (T.S.); (A.S.); (S.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Shingo Kodama
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; (S.Z.U.); (S.K.); (K.K.); (T.S.); (A.S.); (S.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Kyoko Kurioka
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; (S.Z.U.); (S.K.); (K.K.); (T.S.); (A.S.); (S.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Toshihiro Inubushi
- Department of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan;
| | - Takuya Shimooka
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; (S.Z.U.); (S.K.); (K.K.); (T.S.); (A.S.); (S.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Akinari Sugauchi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; (S.Z.U.); (S.K.); (K.K.); (T.S.); (A.S.); (S.S.); (S.T.)
- Unit of Dentistry, Osaka University Hospital, 2-15, Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Soju Seki
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; (S.Z.U.); (S.K.); (K.K.); (T.S.); (A.S.); (S.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Susumu Tanaka
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; (S.Z.U.); (S.K.); (K.K.); (T.S.); (A.S.); (S.S.); (S.T.)
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15
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Nishibata T, Amino N, Tanaka-Kado R, Tsujimoto S, Kawashima T, Konagai S, Suzuki T, Takeuchi M. Blockade of EP4 by ASP7657 Modulates Myeloid Cell Differentiation In Vivo and Enhances the Antitumor Effect of Radiotherapy. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 2023:7133726. [PMID: 38058393 PMCID: PMC10697779 DOI: 10.1155/2023/7133726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is thought to influence the antitumor efficacy of immuno-oncology agents through various products of both tumor and stromal cells. One immune-suppressive factor is prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a lipid mediator whose biosynthesis is regulated by ubiquitously expressed cyclooxygenase- (COX-) 1 and inducible COX-2. By activating its receptors, PGE2 induces immune suppression to modulate differentiation of myeloid cells into myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) rather than dendritic cells (DCs). Pharmacological blockade of prostaglandin E receptor 4 (EP4) causes a decrease in MDSCs, reprogramming of macrophage polarization, and increase in tumor-infiltrated T cells, leading to enhancement of antitumor immunity in preclinical models. Here, we report the effects of the highly potent EP4 antagonist ASP7657 on the DC population in tumor and antitumor immune activation in an immunocompetent mouse tumor model. Oral administration of ASP7657 inhibited tumor growth, which was accompanied by an increase in intratumor DC and CD8+ T cell populations and a decrease in the M-MDSC population in a CT26 immunocompetent mouse model. The antitumor activity of ASP7657 was dependent on CD8+ T cells and enhanced when combined with an antiprogrammed cell death-1 (PD-1) antibody. Notably, ASP7657 also significantly enhanced the antitumor efficacy of radiotherapy in an anti-PD-1 antibody refractory model. These results indicate that the therapeutic potential of ASP7657 arises via upregulation of DCs and subsequent CD8+ T cell activation in addition to suppression of MDSCs in mouse models and that combining EP4 antagonists with radiotherapy or an anti-PD-1 antibody can improve antitumor efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihide Nishibata
- Immuno-oncology, Astellas Pharma Inc., 21 Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8585, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Amino
- Immuno-oncology, Astellas Pharma Inc., 21 Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8585, Japan
| | - Ruriko Tanaka-Kado
- Immuno-oncology, Astellas Pharma Inc., 21 Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8585, Japan
| | - Susumu Tsujimoto
- Immuno-oncology, Astellas Pharma Inc., 21 Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8585, Japan
| | - Tomoko Kawashima
- Immuno-oncology, Astellas Pharma Inc., 21 Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8585, Japan
| | - Satoshi Konagai
- Immuno-oncology, Astellas Pharma Inc., 21 Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8585, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Suzuki
- Immuno-oncology, Astellas Pharma Inc., 21 Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8585, Japan
| | - Masahiro Takeuchi
- Immuno-oncology, Astellas Pharma Inc., 21 Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8585, Japan
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16
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Liu K, Yuan S, Wang C, Zhu H. Resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors in gastric cancer. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1285343. [PMID: 38026944 PMCID: PMC10679741 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1285343] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common gastrointestinal malignancies worldwide. In the past decade, with the development of early diagnostic techniques, a clear decline in GC incidence has been observed, but its mortality remains high. The emergence of new immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has changed the treatment of GC patients to some extent. However, only a small number of patients with advanced GC have a durable response to ICI treatment, and the efficacy of ICIs is very limited. Existing studies have shown that the failure of immunotherapy is mainly related to the development of ICI resistance in patients, but the understanding of the resistance mechanism is still insufficient. Therefore, clarifying the mechanism of GC immune resistance is critical to improve its treatment and clinical benefit. In this review, we focus on summarizing the mechanisms of primary or acquired resistance to ICI immunotherapy in GC from both internal and external aspects of the tumor. At the same time, we also briefly discuss some other possible resistance mechanisms in light of current studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Liu
- The Clinical Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Shiman Yuan
- The Clinical Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Chenyu Wang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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17
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Qiao H, Li H. PLP2 Could Be a Prognostic Biomarker and Potential Treatment Target in Glioblastoma Multiforme. Pharmgenomics Pers Med 2023; 16:991-1009. [PMID: 37964785 PMCID: PMC10642424 DOI: 10.2147/pgpm.s425251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to discern the association between PLP2 expression, its biological significance, and the extent of immune infiltration in human GBM. Methods Utilizing the GEPIA2 and TCGA databases, we contrasted the expression levels of PLP2 in GBM against normal tissue. We utilized GEPIA2 and LinkedOmics for survival analysis, recognized genes co-expressed with PLP2 via cBioPortal and GEPIA2, and implemented GO and KEGG analyses. The STRING database facilitated the construction of protein-protein interaction networks. We evaluated the relationship of PLP2 with tumor immune infiltrates using ssGSEA and the TIMER 2.0 database. An IHC assay assessed PLP2 and PDL-1 expression in GBM tissue, and the Drugbank database aided in identifying potential PLP2-targeting compounds. Molecular docking was accomplished using Autodock Vina 1.2.2. Results PLP2 expression was markedly higher in GBM tissues in comparison to normal tissues. High PLP2 expression correlated with a decrease in overall survival across two databases. Functional analyses highlighted a focus of PLP2 functions within leukocyte. Discrepancies in PLP2 expression were evident in immune infiltration, impacting CD4+ T cells, neutrophils, myeloid dendritic cells, and macrophages. There was a concomitant increase in PLP2 and PD-L1 expression in GBM tissues, revealing a link between the two. Molecular docking with ethosuximide and praziquantel yielded scores of -7.441 and -4.295 kcal/mol, correspondingly. Conclusion PLP2's upregulation in GBM may adversely influence the lifespan of GBM patients. The involvement of PLP2 in pathways linked to leukocyte function is suggested. The positive correlation between PLP2 and PD-L1 could provide insights into PLP2's role in glioma modulation. Our research hints at PLP2's potential as a therapeutic target for GBM, with ethosuximide and praziquantel emerging as potential treatment candidates, especially emphasizing the potential of these compounds in GBM treatment targeting PLP2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Qiao
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huanting Li
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
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18
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Zefferino R, Conese M. A Vaccine against Cancer: Can There Be a Possible Strategy to Face the Challenge? Possible Targets and Paradoxical Effects. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1701. [PMID: 38006033 PMCID: PMC10674257 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11111701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Is it possible to have an available vaccine that eradicates cancer? Starting from this question, this article tries to verify the state of the art, proposing a different approach to the issue. The variety of cancers and different and often unknown causes of cancer impede, except in some cited cases, the creation of a classical vaccine directed at the causative agent. The efforts of the scientific community are oriented toward stimulating the immune systems of patients, thereby preventing immune evasion, and heightening chemotherapeutic agents effects against cancer. However, the results are not decisive, because without any warning signs, metastasis often occurs. The purpose of this paper is to elaborate on a vaccine that must be administered to a patient in order to prevent metastasis; metastasis is an event that leads to death, and thus, preventing it could transform cancer into a chronic disease. We underline the fact that the field has not been studied in depth, and that the complexity of metastatic processes should not be underestimated. Then, with the aim of identifying the target of a cancer vaccine, we draw attention to the presence of the paradoxical actions of different mechanisms, pathways, molecules, and immune and non-immune cells characteristic of the tumor microenvironment at the primary site and pre-metastatic niche in order to exclude possible vaccine candidates that have opposite effects/behaviors; after a meticulous evaluation, we propose possible targets to develop a metastasis-targeting vaccine. We conclude that a change in the current concept of a cancer vaccine is needed, and the efforts of the scientific community should be redirected toward a metastasis-targeting vaccine, with the increasing hope of eradicating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Zefferino
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Massimo Conese
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
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Ning J, Hao J, Guo F, Hou X, Li L, Wang J, Wang S, Gao Y, Zheng X, Gao M. ABCB11 accumulated in immature tertiary lymphoid structures participates in xenobiotic metabolic process and predicts resistance to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Transl Oncol 2023; 36:101747. [PMID: 37517143 PMCID: PMC10407442 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are at a high risk of recurrence and multimodal therapy have not significantly improved survival in recent decades. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are effective in a small proportion of HNSCC patients, the majority do not respond. In this study, we for the first time revealed that xenobiotic metabolic process was significantly associated with resistance to programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors in HNSCC and found that ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 11 (ABCB11) accumulated in immature tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) predicted worse progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) after PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors therapy. Moreover, the expression of cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2), a cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme that participates in xenobiotic metabolic process, was significantly upregulated in CD45+ABCB11+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) compared with CD45+ABCB11-TILs in HNSCC tissues. Whole slide scans of 110 HNSCC tissues with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and multispectral immuno-fluorescent (mIF) staining revealed that ABCB11 had a high co-expression with CYP1A2 in immature TLSs, and colocalization of ABCB11 and CYP1A2 in immature TLs significantly associated with high infiltration of immunosuppressive T-regulatory (Treg). Our study revealed that ABCB11 accumulated in immature TLSs might upregulate CYP1A2 to mediate xenobiotic metabolic process, thus increase the immunosuppressive Treg infiltration, and induce resistance to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junya Ning
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tianjin Key Laboratory of General Surgery in Construction, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin 300121, China; Department of Thyroid and Neck Tumor, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Jie Hao
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tianjin Key Laboratory of General Surgery in Construction, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin 300121, China; Department of Thyroid and Neck Tumor, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Fengli Guo
- Department of Thyroid and Neck Tumor, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Xiukun Hou
- Department of Thyroid and Neck Tumor, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Lijuan Li
- Department of Thyroid and Neck Tumor, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Jinmiao Wang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tianjin Key Laboratory of General Surgery in Construction, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin 300121, China
| | - Shoujun Wang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tianjin Key Laboratory of General Surgery in Construction, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin 300121, China
| | - Ying Gao
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tianjin Key Laboratory of General Surgery in Construction, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin 300121, China
| | - Xiangqian Zheng
- Department of Thyroid and Neck Tumor, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Ming Gao
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tianjin Key Laboratory of General Surgery in Construction, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin 300121, China; Department of Thyroid and Neck Tumor, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China.
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20
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Hosseinalizadeh H, Rabiee F, Eghbalifard N, Rajabi H, Klionsky DJ, Rezaee A. Regulating the regulatory T cells as cell therapies in autoimmunity and cancer. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1244298. [PMID: 37828948 PMCID: PMC10565010 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1244298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs), possess a pivotal function in the maintenance of immune homeostasis. The dysregulated activity of Tregs has been associated with the onset of autoimmune diseases and cancer. Hence, Tregs are promising targets for interventions aimed at steering the immune response toward the desired path, either by augmenting the immune system to eliminate infected and cancerous cells or by dampening it to curtail the damage to self-tissues in autoimmune disorders. The activation of Tregs has been observed to have a potent immunosuppressive effect against T cells that respond to self-antigens, thus safeguarding our body against autoimmunity. Therefore, promoting Treg cell stability presents a promising strategy for preventing or managing chronic inflammation that results from various autoimmune diseases. On the other hand, Tregs have been found to be overactivated in several forms of cancer, and their role as immune response regulators with immunosuppressive properties poses a significant impediment to the successful implementation of cancer immunotherapy. However, the targeting of Tregs in a systemic manner may lead to the onset of severe inflammation and autoimmune toxicity. It is imperative to develop more selective methods for targeting the function of Tregs in tumors. In this review, our objective is to elucidate the function of Tregs in tumors and autoimmunity while also delving into numerous therapeutic strategies for reprogramming their function. Our focus is on reprogramming Tregs in a highly activated phenotype driven by the activation of key surface receptors and metabolic reprogramming. Furthermore, we examine Treg-based therapies in autoimmunity, with a specific emphasis on Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-Treg therapy and T-cell receptor (TCR)-Treg therapy. Finally, we discuss key challenges and the future steps in reprogramming Tregs that could lead to the development of novel and effective cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Hosseinalizadeh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Rabiee
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Negar Eghbalifard
- Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hamid Rajabi
- Faculty of Medicine, ShahreKord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Daniel J. Klionsky
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Aryan Rezaee
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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21
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Xu W, Zhang W, Zhao D, Wang Q, Zhang M, Li Q, Zhu W, Xu C. Unveiling the role of regulatory T cells in the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer through single-cell transcriptomics and in vitro experiments. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1242909. [PMID: 37753069 PMCID: PMC10518406 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1242909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In order to investigate the impact of Treg cell infiltration on the immune response against pancreatic cancer within the tumor microenvironment (TME), and identify crucial mRNA markers associated with Treg cells in pancreatic cancer, our study aims to delve into the role of Treg cells in the anti-tumor immune response of pancreatic cancer. Methods The ordinary transcriptome data for this study was sourced from the GEO and TCGA databases. It was analyzed using single-cell sequencing analysis and machine learning. To assess the infiltration level of Treg cells in pancreatic cancer tissues, we employed the CIBERSORT method. The identification of genes most closely associated with Treg cells was accomplished through the implementation of weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Our analysis of single-cell sequencing data involved various quality control methods, followed by annotation and advanced analyses such as cell trajectory analysis and cell communication analysis to elucidate the role of Treg cells within the pancreatic cancer microenvironment. Additionally, we categorized the Treg cells into two subsets: Treg1 associated with favorable prognosis, and Treg2 associated with poor prognosis, based on the enrichment scores of the key genes. Employing the hdWGCNA method, we analyzed these two subsets to identify the critical signaling pathways governing their mutual transformation. Finally, we conducted PCR and immunofluorescence staining in vitro to validate the identified key genes. Results Based on the results of immune infiltration analysis, we observed significant infiltration of Treg cells in the pancreatic cancer microenvironment. Subsequently, utilizing the WGCNA and machine learning algorithms, we ultimately identified four Treg cell-related genes (TRGs), among which four genes exhibited significant correlations with the occurrence and progression of pancreatic cancer. Among them, CASP4, TOB1, and CLEC2B were associated with poorer prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients, while FYN showed a correlation with better prognosis. Notably, significant differences were found in the HIF-1 signaling pathway between Treg1 and Treg2 cells identified by the four genes. These conclusions were further validated through in vitro experiments. Conclusion Treg cells played a crucial role in the pancreatic cancer microenvironment, and their presence held a dual significance. Recognizing this characteristic was vital for understanding the limitations of Treg cell-targeted therapies. CASP4, FYN, TOB1, and CLEC2B exhibited close associations with infiltrating Treg cells in pancreatic cancer, suggesting their involvement in Treg cell functions. Further investigation was warranted to uncover the mechanisms underlying these associations. Notably, the HIF-1 signaling pathway emerged as a significant pathway contributing to the duality of Treg cells. Targeting this pathway could potentially revolutionize the existing treatment approaches for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenjia Zhang
- Shanghai Clinical College, Anhui Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongxu Zhao
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Man Zhang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- The Laboratory of Emergency Medicine, School of the Secondary Clinical Medicine, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Wenxin Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kunshan Third People’s Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chunfang Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
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22
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Gorgulho J, Roderburg C, Beier F, Bokemeyer C, Brümmendorf TH, Luedde T, Loosen SH. Peripheral blood CD3+HLADR+ cells and associated gut microbiome species predict response and overall survival to immune checkpoint blockade. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1206953. [PMID: 37705980 PMCID: PMC10495594 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1206953] [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: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The search for biomarkers to identify ideal candidates for immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy is fundamental. In this study, we analyze peripheral blood CD3+HLADR+ cells (activated T-cells) as a novel biomarker for ICI therapy and how its association to certain gut microbiome species can indicate individual treatment outcomes. Methods Flow cytometry analysis of peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PBMCs) was performed on n=70 patients undergoing ICI therapy for solid malignancies to quantify HLA-DR on circulating CD3+ cells. 16s-rRNA sequencing of stool samples was performed on n=37 patients to assess relative abundance of gut microbiota. Results Patients with a higher frequency of CD3+HLADR+ cells before treatment initiation showed a significantly reduced tumor response and overall survival (OS), a worst response and experienced less toxicities to ICI therapy. As such, patients with a frequency of CD3+HLADR+ cells above an ideal cut-off value of 18.55% had a median OS of only 132 days compared to 569 days for patients below. Patients with increasing CD3+HLADR+ cell counts during therapy had a significantly improved OS. An immune signature score comprising CD3+HLADR+ cells and the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was highly significant for predicting OS before and during therapy. When allied to the relative abundance of microbiota from the Burkholderiales order and the species Bacteroides vulgatus, two immune-microbial scores revealed a promising predictive and prognostic power. Conclusion We identify the frequencies and dynamics of CD3+HLADR+ cells as an easily accessible prognostic marker to predict outcome to ICIs, and how these could be associated with immune modulating microbiome species. Two unprecedented immune-microbial scores comprising CD3+HLADR+, NLR and relative abundance of gut bacteria from the Burkhorderiales order or Bacteroides vulgatus species could accurately predict OS to immune checkpoint blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joao Gorgulho
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section of Pneumology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Mildred Scheel Cancer Career Center, University Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Roderburg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen-Bonn-Cologne-Düsseldorf (CIOABCD), Aachen, Germany
| | - Fabian Beier
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen-Bonn-Cologne-Düsseldorf (CIOABCD), Aachen, Germany
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital Rheinisch Westfällisch Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Carsten Bokemeyer
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section of Pneumology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tim H. Brümmendorf
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen-Bonn-Cologne-Düsseldorf (CIOABCD), Aachen, Germany
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital Rheinisch Westfällisch Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tom Luedde
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen-Bonn-Cologne-Düsseldorf (CIOABCD), Aachen, Germany
| | - Sven H. Loosen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen-Bonn-Cologne-Düsseldorf (CIOABCD), Aachen, Germany
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Shakhpazyan N, Mikhaleva L, Bedzhanyan A, Gioeva Z, Sadykhov N, Mikhalev A, Atiakshin D, Buchwalow I, Tiemann M, Orekhov A. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of the Tumor Stroma in Colorectal Cancer: Insights into Disease Progression and Therapeutic Targets. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2361. [PMID: 37760801 PMCID: PMC10525158 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major health burden worldwide and is the third most common type of cancer. The early detection and diagnosis of CRC is critical to improve patient outcomes. This review explores the intricate interplay between the tumor microenvironment, stromal interactions, and the progression and metastasis of colorectal cancer. The review begins by assessing the gut microbiome's influence on CRC development, emphasizing its association with gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). The role of the Wnt signaling pathway in CRC tumor stroma is scrutinized, elucidating its impact on disease progression. Tumor budding, its effect on tumor stroma, and the implications for patient prognosis are investigated. The review also identifies conserved oncogenic signatures (COS) within CRC stroma and explores their potential as therapeutic targets. Lastly, the seed and soil hypothesis is employed to contextualize metastasis, accentuating the significance of both tumor cells and the surrounding stroma in metastatic propensity. This review highlights the intricate interdependence between CRC cells and their microenvironment, providing valuable insights into prospective therapeutic approaches targeting tumor-stroma interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay Shakhpazyan
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (N.S.); (L.M.); (Z.G.); (N.S.); (A.O.)
| | - Liudmila Mikhaleva
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (N.S.); (L.M.); (Z.G.); (N.S.); (A.O.)
| | - Arkady Bedzhanyan
- Department of Abdominal Surgery and Oncology II (Coloproctology and Uro-Gynecology), Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, 119435 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Zarina Gioeva
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (N.S.); (L.M.); (Z.G.); (N.S.); (A.O.)
| | - Nikolay Sadykhov
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (N.S.); (L.M.); (Z.G.); (N.S.); (A.O.)
| | - Alexander Mikhalev
- Department of Hospital Surgery No. 2, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Dmitri Atiakshin
- Research and Educational Resource Center for Immunophenotyping, Digital Spatial Profiling and Ultrastructural Analysis Innovative Technologies, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, 117198 Moscow, Russia;
- Research Institute of Experimental Biology and Medicine, Burdenko Voronezh State Medical University, 394036 Voronezh, Russia
| | - Igor Buchwalow
- Research and Educational Resource Center for Immunophenotyping, Digital Spatial Profiling and Ultrastructural Analysis Innovative Technologies, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, 117198 Moscow, Russia;
- Institute for Hematopathology, 22547 Hamburg, Germany;
| | | | - Alexander Orekhov
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (N.S.); (L.M.); (Z.G.); (N.S.); (A.O.)
- Laboratory of Angiopathology, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, 125315 Moscow, Russia
- Institute for Atherosclerosis Research, 121096 Moscow, Russia
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Lei Z, Tian Q, Teng Q, Wurpel JND, Zeng L, Pan Y, Chen Z. Understanding and targeting resistance mechanisms in cancer. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e265. [PMID: 37229486 PMCID: PMC10203373 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance to cancer therapies has been a commonly observed phenomenon in clinical practice, which is one of the major causes of treatment failure and poor patient survival. The reduced responsiveness of cancer cells is a multifaceted phenomenon that can arise from genetic, epigenetic, and microenvironmental factors. Various mechanisms have been discovered and extensively studied, including drug inactivation, reduced intracellular drug accumulation by reduced uptake or increased efflux, drug target alteration, activation of compensatory pathways for cell survival, regulation of DNA repair and cell death, tumor plasticity, and the regulation from tumor microenvironments (TMEs). To overcome cancer resistance, a variety of strategies have been proposed, which are designed to enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatment or reduce drug resistance. These include identifying biomarkers that can predict drug response and resistance, identifying new targets, developing new targeted drugs, combination therapies targeting multiple signaling pathways, and modulating the TME. The present article focuses on the different mechanisms of drug resistance in cancer and the corresponding tackling approaches with recent updates. Perspectives on polytherapy targeting multiple resistance mechanisms, novel nanoparticle delivery systems, and advanced drug design tools for overcoming resistance are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi‐Ning Lei
- PrecisionMedicine CenterScientific Research CenterThe Seventh Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of Pharmacy and Health SciencesSt. John's UniversityQueensNew YorkUSA
| | - Qin Tian
- PrecisionMedicine CenterScientific Research CenterThe Seventh Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Qiu‐Xu Teng
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of Pharmacy and Health SciencesSt. John's UniversityQueensNew YorkUSA
| | - John N. D. Wurpel
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of Pharmacy and Health SciencesSt. John's UniversityQueensNew YorkUSA
| | - Leli Zeng
- PrecisionMedicine CenterScientific Research CenterThe Seventh Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Yihang Pan
- PrecisionMedicine CenterScientific Research CenterThe Seventh Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Zhe‐Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of Pharmacy and Health SciencesSt. John's UniversityQueensNew YorkUSA
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Du F, Yang LH, Liu J, Wang J, Fan L, Duangmano S, Liu H, Liu M, Wang J, Zhong X, Zhang Z, Wang F. The role of mitochondria in the resistance of melanoma to PD-1 inhibitors. J Transl Med 2023; 21:345. [PMID: 37221594 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04200-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is one of the most common tumours and has the highest mortality rate of all types of skin cancers worldwide. Traditional and novel therapeutic approaches, including surgery, targeted therapy and immunotherapy, have shown good efficacy in the treatment of melanoma. At present, the mainstay of treatment for melanoma is immunotherapy combined with other treatment strategies. However, immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as PD-1 inhibitors, are not particularly effective in the clinical treatment of patients with melanoma. Changes in mitochondrial function may affect the development of melanoma and the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors. To elucidate the role of mitochondria in the resistance of melanoma to PD-1 inhibitors, this review comprehensively summarises the role of mitochondria in the occurrence and development of melanoma, targets related to the function of mitochondria in melanoma cells and changes in mitochondrial function in different cells in melanoma resistant to PD-1 inhibitors. This review may help to develop therapeutic strategies for improving the clinical response rate of PD-1 inhibitors and prolonging the survival of patients by activating mitochondrial function in tumour and T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Du
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu-Han Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiao Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Jian Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lianpeng Fan
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Suwit Duangmano
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Hao Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Minghua Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaolin Zhong
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Zhuo Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.
| | - Fang Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.
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Li B, Jin J, Guo D, Tao Z, Hu X. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Combined with Targeted Therapy: The Recent Advances and Future Potentials. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2858. [PMID: 37345194 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the therapeutic landscape of cancer and have been widely approved for use in the treatment of diverse solid tumors. Targeted therapy has been an essential part of cancer treatment for decades, and in most cases, a special drug target is required. Numerous studies have confirmed the synergistic effect of combining ICIs with targeted therapy. For example, triple therapy of PD-L1 inhibitor atezolizumab plus BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib and MEK inhibitor cobimetinib has been approved as the first-line treatment in advanced melanoma patients with BRAFV600 mutations. However, not all combinations of ICIs and targeted therapy work. Combining ICIs with EGFR inhibitors in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR mutations only triggered toxicities and did not improve efficacy. Therefore, the efficacies of combinations of ICIs and different targeted agents are distinct. This review firstly and comprehensively covered the current status of studies on the combination of ICIs mainly referring to PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors and targeted drugs, including angiogenesis inhibitors, EGFR/HER2 inhibitors, PARP inhibitors and MAPK/ERK signaling pathway inhibitors, in the treatment of solid tumors. We discussed the underlying mechanisms, clinical efficacies, side effects, and potential predictive biomarkers to give an integrated view of the combination strategy and provide perspectives for future directions in solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Li
- Department of Breast and Urologic Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Juan Jin
- Department of Breast and Urologic Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Duancheng Guo
- Department of Breast and Urologic Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhonghua Tao
- Department of Breast and Urologic Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xichun Hu
- Department of Breast and Urologic Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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27
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Said SS, Ibrahim WN. Cancer Resistance to Immunotherapy: Comprehensive Insights with Future Perspectives. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041143. [PMID: 37111629 PMCID: PMC10141036 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is a type of treatment that harnesses the power of the immune systems of patients to target cancer cells with better precision compared to traditional chemotherapy. Several lines of treatment have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and have led to remarkable success in the treatment of solid tumors, such as melanoma and small-cell lung cancer. These immunotherapies include checkpoint inhibitors, cytokines, and vaccines, while the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell treatment has shown better responses in hematological malignancies. Despite these breakthrough achievements, the response to treatment has been variable among patients, and only a small percentage of cancer patients gained from this treatment, depending on the histological type of tumor and other host factors. Cancer cells develop mechanisms to avoid interacting with immune cells in these circumstances, which has an adverse effect on how effectively they react to therapy. These mechanisms arise either due to intrinsic factors within cancer cells or due other cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). When this scenario is used in a therapeutic setting, the term “resistance to immunotherapy” is applied; “primary resistance” denotes a failure to respond to treatment from the start, and “secondary resistance” denotes a relapse following the initial response to immunotherapy. Here, we provide a thorough summary of the internal and external mechanisms underlying tumor resistance to immunotherapy. Furthermore, a variety of immunotherapies are briefly discussed, along with recent developments that have been employed to prevent relapses following treatment, with a focus on upcoming initiatives to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sawsan Sudqi Said
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
| | - Wisam Nabeel Ibrahim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
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Wang Y, Smith M, Ruiz J, Liu Y, Kucera GL, Topaloglu U, Chan MD, Li W, Su J, Xing F. Modulation of oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial biogenesis by cigarette smoke influence the response to immune therapy in NSCLC patients. Lung Cancer 2023; 178:37-46. [PMID: 36773459 PMCID: PMC10065953 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2023.01.016] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The treatment regimen of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has drastically changed owing to the superior anti-cancer effects generated by the immune-checkpoint blockade (ICB). However, only a subset of patients experience benefit after receiving ICBs. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to increase the response rate by elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms and identifying novel therapeutic targets to enhance the efficacy of IBCs in non-responders. We analyzed the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of 295 NSCLC patients who received anti-PD-1 therapy by segregating them with multiple clinical factors including sex, age, race, smoking history, BMI, tumor grade and subtype. We also identified key signaling pathways and mutations that are enriched in patients with distinct responses to ICB by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and mutational analyses. We found that former and current smokers have a higher response rate to anti-PD-1 treatment than non-smokers. GSEA results revealed that oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and mitochondrial related pathways are significantly enriched in both responders and smokers, suggesting a potential role of cellular metabolism in regulating immune response to ICB. We also demonstrated that all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) which enhances mitochondrial function significantly enhanced the efficacy of anti-PD-1 treatment in vivo. Our clinical and bioinformatics based analyses revealed a connection between smoking induced metabolic switch and the response to immunotherapy, which can be the basis for developing novel combination therapies that are beneficial to never smoked NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuezhu Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Margaret Smith
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Jimmy Ruiz
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Yin Liu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Gregory L Kucera
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Umit Topaloglu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Michael D Chan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Wencheng Li
- Department of Pathology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Jing Su
- Department of Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Fei Xing
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
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Wang X, Zeng W, Yang L, Chang T, Zeng J. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related gene prognostic index and phenotyping clusters for hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Cancer Genet 2023; 274-275:41-50. [PMID: 36972656 DOI: 10.1016/j.cancergen.2023.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes to high tumor heterogeneity and the immunosuppressive environment of the HCC tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we developed EMT-related genes phenotyping clusters and systematically evaluated their impact on HCC prognosis, the TME, and drug efficacy prediction. We identified HCC specific EMT-related genes using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). An EMT-related genes prognostic index (EMT-RGPI) capable of effectively predicting HCC prognosis was then constructed. Consensus clustering of 12 HCC specific EMT-related hub genes uncovered two molecular clusters C1 and C2. Cluster C2 preferentially associated with unfavorable prognosis, higher stemness index (mRNAsi) value, elevated immune checkpoint expression, and immune cell infiltration. The TGF-β signaling, EMT, glycolysis, Wnt β-catenin signaling, and angiogenesis were markedly enriched in cluster C2. Moreover, cluster C2 exhibited higher TP53 and RB1 mutation rates. The TME subtypes and tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) score showed that cluster C1 patients responded well to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) revealed that cluster C2 patients were more sensitive to chemotherapeutic and antiangiogenic agents. These findings may guide risk stratification and precision therapy for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wangyuan Zeng
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570102, China
| | - Lu Yang
- Departments of Medical Oncology, China
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Huuhtanen J, Kasanen H, Peltola K, Lönnberg T, Glumoff V, Brück O, Dufva O, Peltonen K, Vikkula J, Jokinen E, Ilander M, Lee MH, Mäkelä S, Nyakas M, Li B, Hernberg M, Bono P, Lähdesmäki H, Kreutzman A, Mustjoki S. Single-cell characterization of anti-LAG-3 and anti-PD-1 combination treatment in patients with melanoma. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:164809. [PMID: 36719749 PMCID: PMC10014104 DOI: 10.1172/jci164809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundRelatlimab plus nivolumab (anti-lymphocyte-activation gene 3 plus anti-programmed death 1 [anti-LAG-3+anti-PD-1]) has been approved by the FDA as a first-line therapy for stage III/IV melanoma, but its detailed effect on the immune system is unknown.MethodsWe evaluated blood samples from 40 immunotherapy-naive or prior immunotherapy-refractory patients with metastatic melanoma treated with anti-LAG-3+anti-PD-1 in a phase I trial using single-cell RNA and T cell receptor sequencing (scRNA+TCRαβ-Seq) combined with other multiomics profiling.ResultsThe highest LAG3 expression was noted in NK cells, Tregs, and CD8+ T cells, and these cell populations underwent the most significant changes during the treatment. Adaptive NK cells were enriched in responders and underwent profound transcriptomic changes during the therapy, resulting in an active phenotype. LAG3+ Tregs expanded, but based on the transcriptome profile, became metabolically silent during the treatment. Last, higher baseline TCR clonality was observed in responding patients, and their expanding CD8+ T cell clones gained a more cytotoxic and NK-like phenotype.ConclusionAnti-LAG-3+anti-PD-1 therapy has profound effects on NK cells and Tregs in addition to CD8+ T cells.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01968109)FundingCancer Foundation Finland, Sigrid Juselius Foundation, Signe and Ane Gyllenberg Foundation, Relander Foundation, State funding for university-level health research in Finland, a Helsinki Institute of Life Sciences Fellow grant, Academy of Finland (grant numbers 314442, 311081, 335432, and 335436), and an investigator-initiated research grant from BMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jani Huuhtanen
- Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Computer Science, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland.,iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Henna Kasanen
- Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland.,iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Katriina Peltola
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Oncology, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tapio Lönnberg
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Virpi Glumoff
- Research Unit of Biomedicine, Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Oscar Brück
- Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland.,iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Dufva
- Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland.,iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Karita Peltonen
- Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland.,iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Johanna Vikkula
- Department of Computer Science, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - Emmi Jokinen
- Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Computer Science, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland.,iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mette Ilander
- Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Moon Hee Lee
- Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland.,iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Siru Mäkelä
- Department of Oncology, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marta Nyakas
- Oslo University Hospital-Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bin Li
- Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) Research and Development, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Micaela Hernberg
- Department of Oncology, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Petri Bono
- Department of Oncology, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Harri Lähdesmäki
- Department of Computer Science, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - Anna Kreutzman
- Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Satu Mustjoki
- Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland.,iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
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Zhang G, Yuan J, Pan C, Xu Q, Cui X, Zhang J, Liu M, Song Z, Wu L, Wu D, Luo H, Hu Y, Jiao S, Yang B. Multi-omics analysis uncovers tumor ecosystem dynamics during neoadjuvant toripalimab plus nab-paclitaxel and S-1 for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a single-center, open-label, single-arm phase 2 trial. EBioMedicine 2023; 90:104515. [PMID: 36921563 PMCID: PMC10024111 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with chemotherapy as a neoadjuvant therapy have been applied to the treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, the optimal regimen needs to be further explored, particularly for older patients, and the mechanisms by which the immune checkpoint inhibitor combined with chemotherapy modulates the evolution of ESCC are unknown. METHODS In this single-arm phase 2 trial, patients with resectable (stage II/III/IV without metastasis) ESCC were enrolled and received nanoparticle albumin-bound (nab) paclitaxel for two cycles and oral S-1 for 2 weeks, combined with intravenous toripalimab for two cycles before surgery. Combination postoperative adjuvant therapy was administered. The primary outcome was the major pathological response (MPR). Secondary outcomes included pathological complete response (pCR), overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), improvement in Stooler's dysphagia score and degree of daily living ability (dADL). Biopsies and plasma pre- and post-neoadjuvant therapy were performed using whole-exome sequencing, transcriptome sequencing, immunohistochemistry (IHC) for PD-L1, multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) and proximity extension assay technology (PEA) for 92 proteins. FINDINGS From November 2019 to July 2021, 60 patients were enrolled. After neoadjuvant therapy, R0 resection was achieved in 55 (98.21%) patients. MPR was identified in 27 patients (49.09%), and 16 patients (29.09%) achieved pCR. Patients with PR, SD and PD were 37 (61.67%), 21 (35.00%) and 2 (3.33%), respectively. The overall staging, Stooler dysphagia scores and dADL were significantly decreased after treatment. 11 patients (18.3%) experienced grade ≥3 AEs. Compared to PD-L1-Low patients, PD-L1-High patients had a significantly higher ratio of PR. During therapy, the tumor mutation burden (TMB) and tumor neoantigen burden (TNB) were significantly decreased in patients with PR. Differential clonal evolution within tumors was demonstrated by analysis of intratumoral heterogeneity. Transcriptome analyses revealed that the infiltration of CD4+ T lymphocytes at baseline was associated with clinical outcome. During therapy, CD8+ T cells and CD4+ T cells were increased in all patients; however, exhausted cells, nTregs and iTregs were significantly increased in patients with non-MPR. Protein analyses revealed that the levels of IFN-γ, Gal.1 and LAMP3 can predict the clinical benefit. In addition, the expression of CD83, TNFRSF4, TNFSF14, VEGFR2, ADA, ARG1, and HO-1 was associated with serious AEs. More importantly, the integration of CD4+ T cells with plasma protein of IFN-γ, Gal.1 or LAMP3 could further distinguish responders from non-responders. INTERPRETATION In this study, neoadjuvant therapy with toripalimab, nab-paclitaxel and S-1 was less toxic and showed promising antitumor activity in patients with resectable ESCC. Changes in the genome, transcriptome, PD-L1 expression and serum proteins were comprehensively analyzed and correlated with clinical outcomes, which provides insight into the mechanism of action of toripalimab combined with nab-paclitaxel and S-1 in patients with ESCC. FUNDING This study was funded by Major projects of the ministry of science and technology of the 13th five-year plan of China [grant number: 2018ZX09201013].
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqing Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Yuan
- Department of Pathology, the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chaohu Pan
- Shenzhen Engineering Center for Translational Medicine of Precision Cancer Immunodiagnosis and Therapy, YuceBio Technology Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qing Xu
- Department of Nutrition, the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoli Cui
- Shenzhen Engineering Center for Translational Medicine of Precision Cancer Immunodiagnosis and Therapy, YuceBio Technology Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Minglu Liu
- Outpatient Department, Jingnan Medical Area, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhigang Song
- Department of Pathology, the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Liangliang Wu
- Institute of Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dongfang Wu
- Shenzhen Engineering Center for Translational Medicine of Precision Cancer Immunodiagnosis and Therapy, YuceBio Technology Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, China
| | - Haitao Luo
- Shenzhen Engineering Center for Translational Medicine of Precision Cancer Immunodiagnosis and Therapy, YuceBio Technology Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Yi Hu
- Department of Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Shunchang Jiao
- Department of Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
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Starska-Kowarska K. The Role of Different Immunocompetent Cell Populations in the Pathogenesis of Head and Neck Cancer-Regulatory Mechanisms of Pro- and Anti-Cancer Activity and Their Impact on Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1642. [PMID: 36980527 PMCID: PMC10046400 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most aggressive and heterogeneous groups of human neoplasms. HNSCC is characterized by high morbidity, accounting for 3% of all cancers, and high mortality with ~1.5% of all cancer deaths. It was the most common cancer worldwide in 2020, according to the latest GLOBOCAN data, representing the seventh most prevalent human malignancy. Despite great advances in surgical techniques and the application of modern combinations and cytotoxic therapies, HNSCC remains a leading cause of death worldwide with a low overall survival rate not exceeding 40-60% of the patient population. The most common causes of death in patients are its frequent nodal metastases and local neoplastic recurrences, as well as the relatively low response to treatment and severe drug resistance. Much evidence suggests that the tumour microenvironment (TME), tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and circulating various subpopulations of immunocompetent cells, such regulatory T cells (CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Tregs), cytotoxic CD3+CD8+ T cells (CTLs) and CD3+CD4+ T helper type 1/2/9/17 (Th1/Th2/Th9/Th17) lymphocytes, T follicular helper cells (Tfh) and CD56dim/CD16bright activated natural killer cells (NK), carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumour-associated neutrophils (N1/N2 TANs), as well as tumour-associated macrophages (M1/M2 phenotype TAMs) can affect initiation, progression and spread of HNSCC and determine the response to immunotherapy. Rapid advances in the field of immuno-oncology and the constantly growing knowledge of the immunosuppressive mechanisms and effects of tumour cancer have allowed for the use of effective and personalized immunotherapy as a first-line therapeutic procedure or an essential component of a combination therapy for primary, relapsed and metastatic HNSCC. This review presents the latest reports and molecular studies regarding the anti-tumour role of selected subpopulations of immunocompetent cells in the pathogenesis of HNSCC, including HPV+ve (HPV+) and HPV-ve (HPV-) tumours. The article focuses on the crucial regulatory mechanisms of pro- and anti-tumour activity, key genetic or epigenetic changes that favour tumour immune escape, and the strategies that the tumour employs to avoid recognition by immunocompetent cells, as well as resistance mechanisms to T and NK cell-based immunotherapy in HNSCC. The present review also provides an overview of the pre- and clinical early trials (I/II phase) and phase-III clinical trials published in this arena, which highlight the unprecedented effectiveness and limitations of immunotherapy in HNSCC, and the emerging issues facing the field of HNSCC immuno-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Starska-Kowarska
- Department of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Lodz, Żeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland; ; Tel.: +48-604-541-412
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, EnelMed Center Expert, Drewnowska 58, 91-001 Lodz, Poland
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Amgalan B, Wojtowicz D, Kim YA, Przytycka TM. Influence network model uncovers relations between biological processes and mutational signatures. Genome Med 2023; 15:15. [PMID: 36879282 PMCID: PMC9987115 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-023-01162-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been a growing appreciation recently that mutagenic processes can be studied through the lenses of mutational signatures, which represent characteristic mutation patterns attributed to individual mutagens. However, the causal links between mutagens and observed mutation patterns as well as other types of interactions between mutagenic processes and molecular pathways are not fully understood, limiting the utility of mutational signatures. METHODS To gain insights into these relationships, we developed a network-based method, named GENESIGNET that constructs an influence network among genes and mutational signatures. The approach leverages sparse partial correlation among other statistical techniques to uncover dominant influence relations between the activities of network nodes. RESULTS Applying GENESIGNET to cancer data sets, we uncovered important relations between mutational signatures and several cellular processes that can shed light on cancer-related processes. Our results are consistent with previous findings, such as the impact of homologous recombination deficiency on clustered APOBEC mutations in breast cancer. The network identified by GENESIGNET also suggest an interaction between APOBEC hypermutation and activation of regulatory T Cells (Tregs), as well as a relation between APOBEC mutations and changes in DNA conformation. GENESIGNET also exposed a possible link between the SBS8 signature of unknown etiology and the Nucleotide Excision Repair (NER) pathway. CONCLUSIONS GENESIGNET provides a new and powerful method to reveal the relation between mutational signatures and gene expression. The GENESIGNET method was implemented in python, and installable package, source codes and the data sets used for and generated during this study are available at the Github site https://github.com/ncbi/GeneSigNet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bayarbaatar Amgalan
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, 8600 Rockville Pike, 20894, Bethesda, USA
| | - Damian Wojtowicz
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, 8600 Rockville Pike, 20894, Bethesda, USA.,Current address: Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics, and Mechanics, University of Warsaw, ul. Banacha 2, 02-097, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Yoo-Ah Kim
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, 8600 Rockville Pike, 20894, Bethesda, USA
| | - Teresa M Przytycka
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, 8600 Rockville Pike, 20894, Bethesda, USA.
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A Comprehensive Analysis of Programmed Cell Death-Associated Genes for Tumor Microenvironment Evaluation Promotes Precise Immunotherapy in Patients with Lung Adenocarcinoma. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13030476. [PMID: 36983658 PMCID: PMC10058589 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13030476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) represent a new hot spot in tumor therapy. Programmed cell death has an important role in the prognosis. We explore a programmed cell death gene prognostic model associated with survival and immunotherapy prediction via computational algorithms. Patient details were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus databases. We used LASSO algorithm and multiple-cox regression to establish a programmed cell death-associated gene prognostic model. Further, we explored whether this model could evaluate the sensitivity of patients to anti-PD-1/PD-L1. In total, 1342 patients were included. We constructed a programmed cell death model in TCGA cohorts, and the overall survival (OS) was significantly different between the high- and low-risk score groups (HR 2.70; 95% CI 1.94–3.75; p < 0.0001; 3-year OS AUC 0.71). Specifically, this model was associated with immunotherapy progression-free survival benefit in the validation cohort (HR 2.42; 95% CI 1.59–3.68; p = 0.015; 12-month AUC 0.87). We suggest that the programmed cell death model could provide guidance for immunotherapy in LUAD patients.
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van Elsas MJ, Labrie C, Etzerodt A, Charoentong P, van Stigt Thans JJC, Van Hall T, van der Burg SH. Invasive margin tissue-resident macrophages of high CD163 expression impede responses to T cell-based immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2022-006433. [PMID: 36914207 PMCID: PMC10016286 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary and secondary resistance is a major hurdle in cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in immunotherapy resistance is of pivotal importance to improve therapy outcome. METHOD Here, two mouse models with resistance against therapeutic vaccine-induced tumor regression were studied. Exploration of the tumor microenvironment by high dimensional flow cytometry in combination with therapeutic in vivo settings allowed for the identification of immunological factors driving immunotherapy resistance. RESULTS Comparison of the tumor immune infiltrate during early and late regression revealed a change from tumor-rejecting toward tumor-promoting macrophages. In concert, a rapid exhaustion of tumor-infiltrating T cells was observed. Perturbation studies identified a small but discernible CD163hi macrophage population, with high expression of several tumor-promoting macrophage markers and a functional anti-inflammatory transcriptome profile, but not other macrophages, to be responsible. In-depth analyses revealed that they localize at the tumor invasive margins and are more resistant to Csf1r inhibition when compared with other macrophages. In vivo studies validated the activity of heme oxygenase-1 as an underlying mechanism of immunotherapy resistance. The transcriptomic profile of CD163hi macrophages is highly similar to a human monocyte/macrophage population, indicating that they represent a target to improve immunotherapy efficacy. CONCLUSIONS In this study, a small population of CD163hi tissue-resident macrophages is identified to be responsible for primary and secondary resistance against T-cell-based immunotherapies. While these CD163hi M2 macrophages are resistant to Csf1r-targeted therapies, in-depth characterization and identification of the underlying mechanisms driving immunotherapy resistance allows the specific targeting of this subset of macrophages, thereby creating new opportunities for therapeutic intervention with the aim to overcome immunotherapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marit J van Elsas
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Camilla Labrie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Anders Etzerodt
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Pornpimol Charoentong
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jordi J C van Stigt Thans
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Thorbald Van Hall
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd H van der Burg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Xiao BL, Wang XL, Xia HF, Zhang LZ, Wang KM, Chen ZK, Zhong YH, Jiang HG, Zhou FX, Wang W, Chen GL, Chen G. HRS Regulates Small Extracellular Vesicle PD-L1 Secretion and Is Associated with Anti-PD-1 Treatment Efficacy. Cancer Immunol Res 2023; 11:228-240. [PMID: 36484721 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-22-0277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PD-L1 localized to immunosuppressive small extracellular vesicles (sEV PD-L1) contributes to tumor progression and is associated with resistance to immune-checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. Here, by establishing a screening strategy with a combination of tissue microarray (TMA), IHC staining, and measurement of circulating sEV PD-L1, we found that the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) member protein hepatocyte growth factor-regulated tyrosine kinase substrate (HRS) was the key regulator of circulating sEV PD-L1 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. Increased HRS expression was found in tumor tissues and positively correlated with elevated circulating sEV PD-L1 in patients with HNSCC. The expression of HRS was also negatively correlated to the infiltration of CD8+ T cells. Knockdown of HRS markedly reduced PD-L1 expression in HNSCC cell-derived sEVs, and these sEVs from HRS knockdown cells showed decreased immunosuppressive effects on CD8+ T cells. Knockout of HRS inhibited tumor growth in immunocompetent mice together with PD-1 blockade. Moreover, a higher HRS expression was associated with a lower response rate to anti-PD-1 therapy in patients with HNSCC. In summary, our study reveals HRS, the core component of ESCRT-0, regulates sEV PD-L1 secretion, and is associated with the response to ICB therapy in patients with HNSCC, suggesting HRS is a promising target to improve cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Lin Xiao
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-Le Wang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hou-Fu Xia
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lin-Zhou Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Kui-Ming Wang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhuo-Kun Chen
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ya-Hua Zhong
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Huan-Gang Jiang
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fu-Xiang Zhou
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Gai-Li Chen
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Gang Chen
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine, Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Weaver JD, Stack EC, Buggé JA, Hu C, McGrath L, Mueller A, Wong M, Klebanov B, Rahman T, Kaufman R, Fregeau C, Spaulding V, Priess M, Legendre K, Jaffe S, Upadhyay D, Singh A, Xu CA, Krukenberg K, Zhang Y, Ezzyat Y, Saddier Axe D, Kuhne MR, Meehl MA, Shaffer DR, Weist BM, Wiederschain D, Depis F, Gostissa M. Differential expression of CCR8 in tumors versus normal tissue allows specific depletion of tumor-infiltrating T regulatory cells by GS-1811, a novel Fc-optimized anti-CCR8 antibody. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2141007. [PMID: 36352891 PMCID: PMC9639568 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2141007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of T regulatory (Treg) cells in the tumor microenvironment is associated with poor prognosis and resistance to therapies aimed at reactivating anti-tumor immune responses. Therefore, depletion of tumor-infiltrating Tregs is a potential approach to overcome resistance to immunotherapy. However, identifying Treg-specific targets to drive such selective depletion is challenging. CCR8 has recently emerged as one of these potential targets. Here, we describe GS-1811, a novel therapeutic monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to human CCR8 and is designed to selectively deplete tumor-infiltrating Tregs. We validate previous findings showing restricted expression of CCR8 on tumor Tregs, and precisely quantify CCR8 receptor densities on tumor and normal tissue T cell subsets, demonstrating a window for selective depletion of Tregs in the tumor. Importantly, we show that GS-1811 depleting activity is limited to cells expressing CCR8 at levels comparable to tumor-infiltrating Tregs. Targeting CCR8 in mouse tumor models results in robust anti-tumor efficacy, which is dependent on Treg depleting activity, and synergizes with PD-1 inhibition to promote anti-tumor responses in PD-1 resistant models. Our data support clinical development of GS-1811 to target CCR8 in cancer and drive tumor Treg depletion in order to promote anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica D. Weaver
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Edward C. Stack
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Joshua A. Buggé
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Changyun Hu
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Lara McGrath
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Amy Mueller
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Masie Wong
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Boris Klebanov
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Tanzila Rahman
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Rosemary Kaufman
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Christine Fregeau
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Vikki Spaulding
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Michelle Priess
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Kristen Legendre
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Sarah Jaffe
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Anirudh Singh
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Chang-Ai Xu
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Yan Zhang
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Yassine Ezzyat
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Michelle R. Kuhne
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., 333 Lakeside Drive, Foster City, CA 94404, USA
| | - Michael A. Meehl
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Donald R. Shaffer
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Brian M. Weist
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., 333 Lakeside Drive, Foster City, CA 94404, USA
| | | | - Fabien Depis
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Monica Gostissa
- Jounce Therapeutics, Inc., 780 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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38
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Ubukata N, Nakatani E, Hashizume H, Sasaki H, Miyachi Y. Risk factors and drugs that trigger the onset of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis: A population-based cohort study using the Shizuoka Kokuho database. JAAD Int 2022; 11:24-32. [PMID: 36818677 PMCID: PMC9932121 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdin.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence of factors associated with Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) from population-based studies is scarce. Objective We aimed to identify the incidence, risk factors, and drugs that trigger the development of SJS/TEN in the general population. Methods A regional, population-based, longitudinal cohort with 2,398,393 Japanese individuals was analyzed using the Shizuoka Kokuho Database from 2012 to 2020. Results Among 1,909,570 individuals, 223 (0.01%, 2.3 cases/100,000 person-years) patients were diagnosed with SJS/TEN during the observational period of a maximum of 7.5 years. In a multivariable analysis, the risks of SJS/TEN were an older age, and the presence of type 2 diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and systemic autoimmune diseases. The administration of drugs, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, insulin, and type 2 diabetes agents, triggered the onset of SJS/TEN. Limitations The results may apply only to the Japanese population. Conclusion In this cohort population from a database representing the general population, the risks of developing SJS/TEN were old age and a history of type 2 diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and systemic autoimmune disease. Furthermore, in addition to previously reported drugs, the administration of immune checkpoint inhibitors, insulin, and type 2 diabetes agents, may trigger the development of SJS/TEN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanako Ubukata
- Graduate School of Public Health, Shizuoka Graduate University of Public Health, Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Eiji Nakatani
- Graduate School of Public Health, Shizuoka Graduate University of Public Health, Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hideo Hashizume
- Graduate School of Public Health, Shizuoka Graduate University of Public Health, Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka, Japan,Department of Dermatology, Iwata City Hospital, Iwata, Japan,Correspondence to: Hideo Hashizume, MD, PhD, Department of Dermatology, Iwata City Hospital, 512-3, Ohkubo, Iwata, Shizuoka, 438–8550, Japan.
| | - Hatoko Sasaki
- Graduate School of Public Health, Shizuoka Graduate University of Public Health, Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Miyachi
- Graduate School of Public Health, Shizuoka Graduate University of Public Health, Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka, Japan
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Fortis SP, Sofopoulos M, Goulielmaki M, Arnogiannaki N, Ardavanis A, Perez SA, Gritzapis AD, Baxevanis CN. Association between Intratumoral CD8+ T Cells with FoxP3+ and CD163+ Cells: A Potential Immune Intrinsic Negative Feedback Mechanism for Acquired Immune Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246208. [PMID: 36551693 PMCID: PMC9777444 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246208] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Acquired immune resistance (AIR) describes a situation in which cancer patients who initially responded clinically to immunotherapies, after a certain period of time, progress with their disease. Considering that AIR represents a feedback response of the tumor against the immune attack generated during the course of immunotherapies, it is conceivable that AIR may also occur before treatment initiation as a mechanism to escape endogenous adaptive antitumor immunity (EAAI). In the present study, we assessed the EAAI in paraffin-embedded breast primary tumor tissue samples and drew correlations with the clinical outcomes. In particular, we analyzed densities of CD8+ cells as elements mediating antitumor cytotoxicity, and of CD163+ and FoxP3+ cells as suppressor elements. We found a direct correlation between the densities of CD8+ cells and of CD163+ and/or FoxP3+ cells in the vast majority of patients' tumors. Importantly, the vast majority of patients whose tumors were overpopulated by CD8+ cells developed AIR, which was characterized by high intratumoral CD163+ and/or FoxP3+ cell densities and reduced overall survival (OS). We also showed that AIR depends on the levels of CD8+ cell-ratios in the tumor center to the invasive margin. Our data suggest that tumors develop AIR only when under a robust endogenous immune pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sotirios P. Fortis
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Center, Cancer Research Center, Saint Savas Cancer Hospital, 11522 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Maria Goulielmaki
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Center, Cancer Research Center, Saint Savas Cancer Hospital, 11522 Athens, Greece
| | - Niki Arnogiannaki
- Pathology Department, Saint Savas Cancer Hospital, 11522 Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandros Ardavanis
- First Medical Oncology Clinic, Saint Savas Cancer Hospital, 11522 Athens, Greece
| | - Sonia A. Perez
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Center, Cancer Research Center, Saint Savas Cancer Hospital, 11522 Athens, Greece
| | - Angelos D. Gritzapis
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Center, Cancer Research Center, Saint Savas Cancer Hospital, 11522 Athens, Greece
| | - Constantin N. Baxevanis
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Center, Cancer Research Center, Saint Savas Cancer Hospital, 11522 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-21064-09380
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40
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Identification of DDX60 as a Regulator of MHC-I Class Molecules in Colorectal Cancer. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123092. [PMID: 36551849 PMCID: PMC9775109 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies induce durable responses in approximately 15% of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients who exhibit microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or deficient mismatch repair (dMMR). However, more than 80% of CRC patients do not respond to current immunotherapy. The main challenge with these patients is lack of MHC-I signaling to unmask their cancer cells so the immune cells can detect them. Here, we started by comparing IFNγ signature genes and MHC-I correlated gene lists to determine the potential candidates for MHC-I regulators. Then, the protein expression level of listed potential candidates in normal and cancer tissue was compared to select final candidates with enough disparity between the two types of tissues. ISG15 and DDX60 were further tested by wet-lab experiments. Overexpression of DDX60 upregulated the expression of MHC-I, while knockdown of DDX60 reduced the MHC-I expression in CRC cells. Moreover, DDX60 was downregulated in CRC tissues, and lower levels of DDX60 were associated with a poor prognosis. Our data showed that DDX60 could regulate MHC-I expression in CRC; thus, targeting DDX60 may improve the effects of immunotherapy in some patients.
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41
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A single-cell analysis reveals tumor heterogeneity and immune environment of acral melanoma. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7250. [PMID: 36433984 PMCID: PMC9700682 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34877-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Acral melanoma is a dismal subtype of melanoma occurring in glabrous acral skin, and has a higher incidence in East Asians. We perform single-cell RNA sequencing for 63,394 cells obtained from 5 acral and 3 cutaneous melanoma samples to investigate tumor heterogeneity and immune environment. We define 5 orthogonal functional cell clusters that are involved in TGF-beta signaling, Type I interferon, Wnt signaling, Cell cycle, and Cholesterol efflux signaling. Signatures of enriched TGF-beta, Type I interferon, and cholesterol efflux signaling are significantly associated with good prognosis of melanoma. Compared with cutaneous melanoma, acral melanoma samples have significantly severe immunosuppressive state including depletion of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, enrichment of Treg cells, and exhausted CD8+ T cells. PD1 and TIM-3 have higher expression in the exhaustive CD8+ T cells of acral melanoma. Key findings are verified in two independent validation sets. This study contributes to our better understanding of acral melanoma.
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Berg-Larsen A, Mobergslien A, Moen I, Petros G, Kristian A, Gunvaldsen KS, Cruciani V, Wickstroem K, Bjerke RM, Karlsson J, Cuthbertson A. Tumor growth inhibition and immune system activation following treatment with thorium-227 conjugates and PD-1 check-point inhibition in the MC-38 murine model. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1033303. [DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1033303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted thorium-227 conjugates comprise the combination of a monoclonal antibody with specificity for a tumor cell antigen and a 3,2-HOPO chelator enabling complexation of thorium-227 (Th-227). The radiolabeled conjugate functions as an effective delivery system of alpha-particle radiation to the surface of the tumor cell inducing difficult to repair complex DNA damage and cell death. In addition, the mechanism of action of targeted alpha therapy (TAT) appears to involve a significant component linked to stimulation of the immune system. We report herein evidence of immune activation and long-lasting immune protection of a TAT in a syngeneic model using the MC-38 murine cell line. Firstly, MC-38 cells were irradiated ex vivo with the thorium labeled antibody before subcutaneous implantation into mice. These mice were then rechallenged with MC-38 cells contra-laterally. In the group receiving irradiated cells, 9 out of 10 animals had no measurable tumor growth compared to aggressive tumor growth in the control group. Secondly, in an efficacy study, 500 kBq/kg of thorium labeled antibody alone or in combination with PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor gave statistically significant tumor growth inhibition compared to vehicle control. Animals with no measurable tumors were once again rechallenged contra-laterally with MC-38 cells. The re-growth of tumors was significantly delayed (approx. 60 days) in the treatment group compared to age-matched controls (approx. 30 days) in the monotherapy group. Interestingly, in the TAT/ PD-1 combination group no re-growth was observed demonstrating the potential of combining a TAT with checkpoint inhibition therapy. Finally, tumors were excised from treated mice and analyzed by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Analysis revealed significant infiltration of CD8+ T-cells and mature dendritic cells compared to vehicle controls. Together these results indicated that an ongoing immune response from treatment with alpha radiation could be enhanced by check-point inhibition.
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Cheng X, Zhang H, Hamad A, Huang H, Tsung A. Surgery-mediated tumor-promoting effects on the immune microenvironment. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:408-419. [PMID: 35066156 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Surgical resection continues to be the mainstay treatment for solid cancers even though chemotherapy and immunotherapy have significantly improved patient overall survival and progression-free survival. Numerous studies have shown that surgery induces the dissemination of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and that the resultant inflammatory response promotes occult tumor growth and the metastatic process by forming a supportive tumor microenvironment (TME). Surgery-induced platelet activation is one of the initial responses to a wound and the formation of fibrin clots can provide the scaffold for recruited inflammatory cells. Activated platelets can also shield CTCs to protect them from blood shear forces and promote CTCs evasion of immune destruction. Similarly, neutrophils are recruited to the fibrin clot and enhance cancer metastatic dissemination and progression by forming neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Activated macrophages are also recruited to surgical sites to facilitate the metastatic spread. More importantly, the body's response to surgical insult results in the recruitment and expansion of immunosuppressive cell populations (i.e. myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells) and in the suppression of natural killer (NK) cells that contribute to postoperative cancer recurrence and metastasis. In this review, we seek to provide an overview of the pro-tumorigenic mechanisms resulting from surgery's impact on these cells in the TME. Further understanding of these events will allow for the development of perioperative therapeutic strategies to prevent surgery-associated metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Cheng
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Hongji Zhang
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Ahmad Hamad
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Hai Huang
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Allan Tsung
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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Liu J, Yu Y, Liu C, Gao C, Zhuang J, Liu L, Wu Q, Ma W, Zhang Q, Sun C. Combinatorial regimens of chemotherapeutic agents: A new perspective on raising the heat of the tumor immune microenvironment. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1035954. [PMID: 36304169 PMCID: PMC9593050 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1035954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Harnessing the broad immunostimulatory capabilities of chemotherapy in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors has improved immunotherapy outcomes in patients with cancer. Certain chemotherapeutic agents can extensively modify the tumor microenvironment (TME), resulting in the reprogramming of local immune responses. Although chemotherapeutic agents with an enhanced generation of potent anti-tumor immune responses have been tested in preclinical animal models and clinical trials, this strategy has not yet shown substantial therapeutic efficacy in selected difficult-to-treat cancer types. In addition, the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agent-based monotherapy in eliciting a long-term anti-tumor immune response is restricted by the immunosuppressive TME. To enhance the immunomodulatory effect of chemotherapy, researchers have made many attempts, mainly focusing on improving the targeted distribution of chemotherapeutic agents and designing combination therapies. Here, we focused on the mechanisms of the anti-tumor immune response to chemotherapeutic agents and enumerated the attempts to advance the use of chemo-immunotherapy. Furthermore, we have listed the important considerations in designing combinations of these drugs to maximize efficacy and improve treatment response rates in patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyang Liu
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yang Yu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Cun Liu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Chundi Gao
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jing Zhuang
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Lijuan Liu
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, China
- Department of Special Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qibiao Wu
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Wenzhe Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Qiming Zhang
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- Department of Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Qiming Zhang, ; Changgang Sun,
| | - Changgang Sun
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, China
- *Correspondence: Qiming Zhang, ; Changgang Sun,
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45
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Liang Y, Su S, Lun Z, Zhong Z, Yu W, He G, Wang Q, Wang J, Huang S. Ferroptosis regulator SLC7A11 is a prognostic marker and correlated with PD-L1 and immune cell infiltration in liver hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:1012505. [PMID: 36267158 PMCID: PMC9577028 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1012505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is a complicated disease with poor survival and lack of viable treatment options. The roles of ferroptosis and immunotherapy in LIHC are increasingly prominent, but the interplay of ferroptosis with the tumor microenvironment (TME) in LIHC is currently under-investigated.Methods: In this study, we analyzed normal liver tissues and tumor tissues from the TCGA and GTEx databases to obtain differentially expressed ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs). We then clustered LIHC based on the expression levels of selected FRGs and acquired distinct subtypes with significant heterogeneity regarding survival prognoses, PD-L1 expression, and immune cell infiltration. The correlation of those FRGs with TME in LIHC and pan-cancer analysis was also investigated. GO functional annotations and KEGG pathway analyses were performed to investigate the potential reactions of the obtained differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Further external validation was performed using microarrays on the GEO database and the key ferroptosis regulator SLC7A11 expression between LIHC and normal cells was detected by Western blotting.Results: A large proportion of genes were upregulated in the LIHC group. Among three clusters, cluster 3 had the worst prognosis combined with the highest PD-L1 expression and was positively correlated with various immune cells. Subsequently, survival analysis and Cox regression analysis screened out SLC7A11 as an independent prognostic factor in LIHC featured strong PD-L1 expression and unfavorable survival time. We filter out SLC7A11 as an independent prognostic signature in LIHC patients with strongly associated PD-L1 expression and unfavorable survival probability. In the pan-cancer analysis, high expression of SLC7A11 showed poor overall survival in seven cancers, while the correlation between immune checkpoints (ICs) and SLC7A11 varied by cancer type, indicating the potential therapeutic effects of SLC7A11 in cancers other than LIHC. Western blot was further employed to verify the expression of SLC7A11 in LIHC in vitro.Conclusion: Ferroptosis and TME synergistically play key roles in oncogenesis and progression of LIHC, and SLC7A11 can be used as a predictive biomarker for customized immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimin Liang
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shijie Su
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhaoxia Lun
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zishao Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weifeng Yu
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guihua He
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Suiping Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Suiping Huang,
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Lei S, Jin J, Zhao X, Zhou L, Qi G, Yang J. The role of IL-33/ST2 signaling in the tumor microenvironment and Treg immunotherapy. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2022; 247:1810-1818. [PMID: 35733343 PMCID: PMC9679353 DOI: 10.1177/15353702221102094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-33 is a tissue-derived nuclear cytokine belonging to the IL-1 family. Stimulation-2 (ST2) is the only known IL-33 receptor. ST2 signals mostly on immune cells found within tissues, such as regulatory T cells (Treg cells), CD8+ T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. Therefore, the IL-33/ST2 signaling pathway is important in the immune system. IL-33 deficiency impairs Treg cell function. ST2 signaling is also increased in active Treg cells, providing a new approach for Treg-related immunotherapy. The IL-33/ST2 signaling pathway regulates multiple immune-related cells by activating various intracellular kinases and factors in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we review the latest studies on the role of the IL-33/ST2 signaling pathway in TME and Treg immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangbo Lei
- Department of Immunology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, Guangxi, China,Department of Pathophysiology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, Guangxi, China,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, Guangxi, China
| | - Jiamin Jin
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiangfeng Zhao
- Department of Immunology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, Guangxi, China
| | - Lihua Zhou
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, Guangxi, China
| | - Guangying Qi
- Department of Pathophysiology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, Guangxi, China,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, Guangxi, China
| | - Jinfeng Yang
- Department of Immunology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, Guangxi, China,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, Guangxi, China,Jinfeng Yang.
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Zhao L, Li D, Zhang Y, Huang Q, Zhang Z, Chen C, Xu CF, Chu X, Zhang Y, Yang X. HSP70-Promoter-Driven CRISPR/Cas9 System Activated by Reactive Oxygen Species for Multifaceted Anticancer Immune Response and Potentiated Immunotherapy. ACS NANO 2022; 16:13821-13833. [PMID: 35993350 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c01885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
To address the low response rate to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy, we propose a specific promoter-driven CRISPR/Cas9 system, F-PC/pHCP, that achieves permanent genomic disruption of PD-L1 and elicits a multifaceted anticancer immune response to potentiate immunotherapy. This system consists of a chlorin e6-encapsulated fluorinated dendrimer and HSP70-promoter-driven CRISPR/Cas9. F-PC/pHCP under 660 nm laser activated the HSP70 promoter and enabled the specific expression of the Cas9 protein to disrupt the PD-L1 gene, preventing immune escape. Moreover, F-PC/pHCP also induced immunogenic cell death (ICD) of tumor cells and reprogrammed the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Overall, this specific promoter-driven CRISPR/Cas9 system showed great anticancer efficacy and, more importantly, stimulated an immune memory response to inhibit distant tumor growth and lung metastasis. This CRISPR/Cas9 system represents an alternative strategy for ICB therapy as well as enhanced cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhao
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511442, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction and Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Guangdong Province, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, and Innovation Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P. R. China
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Dongdong Li
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511442, P. R. China
| | - Yuxi Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511442, P. R. China
| | - Qiaoyi Huang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511442, P. R. China
| | - Zhenghai Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511442, P. R. China
| | - Chaoran Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511442, P. R. China
| | - Cong-Fei Xu
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511442, P. R. China
| | - Xiao Chu
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Xianzhu Yang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou International Campus, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511442, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction and Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Guangdong Province, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, and Innovation Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P. R. China
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
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Santiago-Sánchez GS, Hodge JW, Fabian KP. Tipping the scales: Immunotherapeutic strategies that disrupt immunosuppression and promote immune activation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:993624. [PMID: 36159809 PMCID: PMC9492957 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.993624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as an effective therapeutic approach for several cancer types. However, only a subset of patients exhibits a durable response due in part to immunosuppressive mechanisms that allow tumor cells to evade destruction by immune cells. One of the hallmarks of immune suppression is the paucity of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), characterized by low numbers of effector CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Additionally, the proper activation and function of lymphocytes that successfully infiltrate the tumor are hampered by the lack of co-stimulatory molecules and the increase in inhibitory factors. These contribute to the imbalance of effector functions by natural killer (NK) and T cells and the immunosuppressive functions by myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the TME, resulting in a dysfunctional anti-tumor immune response. Therefore, therapeutic regimens that elicit immune responses and reverse immune dysfunction are required to counter immune suppression in the TME and allow for the re-establishment of proper immune surveillance. Immuno-oncology (IO) agents, such as immune checkpoint blockade and TGF-β trapping molecules, have been developed to decrease or block suppressive factors to enable the activity of effector cells in the TME. Therapeutic agents that target immunosuppressive cells, either by direct lysis or altering their functions, have also been demonstrated to decrease the barrier to effective immune response. Other therapies, such as tumor antigen-specific vaccines and immunocytokines, have been shown to activate and improve the recruitment of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to the tumor, resulting in improved T effector to Treg ratio. The preclinical data on these diverse IO agents have led to the development of ongoing phase I and II clinical trials. This review aims to provide an overview of select therapeutic strategies that tip the balance from immunosuppression to immune activity in the TME.
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Zhang M, Zhang J, Liu N, Wang B, Zhou Y, Yang J. VISTA is associated with immune infiltration and predicts favorable prognosis in TNBC. Front Oncol 2022; 12:961374. [PMID: 36158663 PMCID: PMC9493462 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.961374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background V-domain Ig-containing suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA), a critical immune checkpoint protein, can regulate the immune system. Nevertheless, little information is available on the expression level of VISTA and its clinical significance as well. The immunological and prognostic role of VISTA in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) still remains unclear. Methods The clinical significance and expression of VISTA in TNBC were examined using RNA sequencing and clinical data. Cancer single-cell state atlas (CancerSEA), gene set enrichment analyses (GSEA), single sample GSEA, ESTIMATE algorithm, immunohistochemistry (IHC) were utilized to assess the functions of VISTA. Results VISTA was down-regulated and closely associated with good prognosis in TNBC. The expression of VISTA was higher in Immunity-H group and immunomodulatory (IM) subtype. The level of VISTA expression in TNBC gradually increased with the degree of stromal tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (sTILs) infiltration. In addition, the high expression of VISTA was strongly linked to higher proportion of CD8 (+) T cell and M1 macrophages. Conclusion VISTA was remarkably correlated with a favorable prognosis and high immune infiltration in patients with TNBC.
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Al-Mterin MA, Murshed K, Elkord E. Correlations between Circulating and Tumor-Infiltrating CD4+ Treg Subsets with Immune Checkpoints in Colorectal Cancer Patients with Early and Advanced Stages. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10091471. [PMID: 36146549 PMCID: PMC9502470 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10091471] [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: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The existence of various T regulatory cell (Treg) subsets in colorectal cancer (CRC) could play a variety of functions in the regulation of anti-cancer immunity. We studied correlations between CD4+ Treg subsets with the expression of immunological checkpoints on CD4+ T cells, including PD-1, TIM-3, LAG-3, and CTLA-4 in CRC patients with early and advanced TNM staging. Strong positive correlations were found between frequencies of FoxP3+ Tregs and FoxP3+Helios+ Tregs with frequencies of various immune checkpoint-expressing CD4+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, there were strong negative correlations between frequencies of FoxP3−Helios− T cells and these immune checkpoint-expressing CD4+ T cells. Specifically, in the TME, we found that the correlations between FoxP3+ Tregs, FoxP3+Helios+ Tregs, FoxP3+Helios− Tregs, and FoxP3−Helios− T cells with CD4+LAG-3+ T cells and CD4+CTLA-4+ T cells were higher in patients with early stages, suggesting the potential of these highly immunosuppressive cells in inhibiting inflammatory responses in the TME. However, the correlations between FoxP3+ Tregs, FoxP3+Helios+ Tregs, and FoxP3−Helios− T cells with CD4+TIM-3+ T cells were higher in patients with advanced stages. This is the first study to explore correlations of Treg subpopulations with immune checkpoint-expressing CD4+ T cells in CRC based on clinicopathological features of CRC patients. The findings of our study provide a justification for focusing on these cells that possess highly immunosuppressive features. Understanding the correlations between different immune checkpoints and Treg subsets in CRC patients has the potential to enhance our understanding of core mechanisms of Treg-mediated immunosuppression in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Khaled Murshed
- Department of Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 5207, Qatar
| | - Eyad Elkord
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa 616, Oman
- Biomedical Research Center, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +968-2544-6798
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