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Yang Y, Liu X, Liu X, Xie C, Shi J. The role of the kynurenine pathway in cardiovascular disease. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1406856. [PMID: 38883986 PMCID: PMC11176437 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1406856] [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: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The kynurenine pathway (KP) serves as the primary route for tryptophan metabolism in most mammalian organisms, with its downstream metabolites actively involved in various physiological and pathological processes. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) serve as the initial and pivotal enzymes of the KP, with IDO playing important and intricate roles in cardiovascular diseases. Multiple metabolites of KP have been observed to exhibit elevated concentrations in plasma across various cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and acute myocardial infarction. Multiple studies have indicated that kynurenine (KYN) may serve as a potential biomarker for several adverse cardiovascular events. Furthermore, Kynurenine and its downstream metabolites have complex roles in inflammation, exhibiting both inhibitory and stimulatory effects on inflammatory responses under different conditions. In atherosclerosis, upregulation of IDO stimulates KYN production, mediating aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-induced exacerbation of vascular inflammation and promotion of foam cell formation. Conversely, in arterial calcification, this mediation alleviates osteogenic differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells. Additionally, in cardiac remodeling, KYN-mediated AhR activation exacerbates pathological left ventricular hypertrophy and fibrosis. Interventions targeting components of the KP, such as IDO inhibitors, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, and anthranilic acid, demonstrate cardiovascular protective effects. This review outlines the mechanistic roles of KP in coronary atherosclerosis, arterial calcification, and myocardial diseases, highlighting the potential diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic value of KP in cardiovascular diseases, thus providing novel insights for the development and application of related drugs in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehang Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xing Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinyi Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chiyang Xie
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiawei Shi
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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2
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Chaudhry KA, Bianchi-Smiraglia A. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor as a tumor modulator: mechanisms to therapy. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1375905. [PMID: 38807762 PMCID: PMC11130384 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1375905] [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: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that is widely recognized to play important, but complex, modulatory roles in a variety of tumor types. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the increasingly controversial role of AhR as a tumor regulator and the mechanisms by which it alters tumor progression based on the cancer cell type. Finally, we discuss new and emerging strategies to therapeutically modulate AhR, focusing on novel agents that hold promise in current human clinical trials as well as existing FDA-approved drugs that could potentially be repurposed for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Bianchi-Smiraglia
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, NY, United States
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3
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Liang H, Zhan J, Chen Y, Xing Z, He ZNT, Liu Y, Li X, Chen Y, Li Z, Kuang C, Yang D, Yang Q. Tryptophan deficiency induced by indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 results in glucose transporter 1-dependent promotion of aerobic glycolysis in pancreatic cancer. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e555. [PMID: 38706741 PMCID: PMC11066657 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), the key enzyme in the catabolism of the essential amino acid tryptophan (Trp) through kynurenine pathway, induces immune tolerance and is considered as a critical immune checkpoint, but its impacts as a metabolism enzyme on glucose and lipid metabolism are overlooked. We aim to clarify the potential role of IDO1 in aerobic glycolysis in pancreatic cancer (PC). Analysis of database revealed the positive correlation in PC between the expressions of IDO1 and genes encoding important glycolytic enzyme hexokinase 2 (HK2), pyruvate kinase (PK), lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1). It was found that IDO1 could modulate glycolysis and glucose uptake in PC cells, Trp deficiency caused by IDO1 overexpression enhanced glucose uptake by stimulating GLUT1 translocation to the plasma membrane of PC cells. Besides, Trp deficiency caused by IDO1 overexpression suppressed the apoptosis of PC cells via promoting glycolysis, which reveals the presence of IDO1-glycolysis-apoptosis axis in PC. IDO1 inhibitors could inhibit glycolysis, promote apoptosis, and exhibit robust therapeutic efficacy when combined with GLUT1 inhibitor in PC mice. Our study reveals the function of IDO1 in the glucose metabolism of PC and provides new insights into the therapeutic strategy for PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringSchool of Life SciencesMOE Engineering Research Center of Gene TechnologyShanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial MicroorganismsFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jiani Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringSchool of Life SciencesMOE Engineering Research Center of Gene TechnologyShanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial MicroorganismsFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yunqiu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringSchool of Life SciencesMOE Engineering Research Center of Gene TechnologyShanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial MicroorganismsFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Zikang Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringSchool of Life SciencesMOE Engineering Research Center of Gene TechnologyShanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial MicroorganismsFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Zhen Ning Tony He
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringSchool of Life SciencesMOE Engineering Research Center of Gene TechnologyShanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial MicroorganismsFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yuying Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringSchool of Life SciencesMOE Engineering Research Center of Gene TechnologyShanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial MicroorganismsFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xuewen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringSchool of Life SciencesMOE Engineering Research Center of Gene TechnologyShanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial MicroorganismsFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yijia Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringSchool of Life SciencesMOE Engineering Research Center of Gene TechnologyShanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial MicroorganismsFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Zhiyao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringSchool of Life SciencesMOE Engineering Research Center of Gene TechnologyShanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial MicroorganismsFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Chunxiang Kuang
- Shanghai Key Lab of Chemical Assessment and SustainabilitySchool of Chemical Science and EngineeringTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Dan Yang
- Department of OrthopedicsShanghai Children's HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Qing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic EngineeringSchool of Life SciencesMOE Engineering Research Center of Gene TechnologyShanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial MicroorganismsFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
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4
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Yu L, Lu J, Du W. Tryptophan metabolism in digestive system tumors: unraveling the pathways and implications. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:174. [PMID: 38462620 PMCID: PMC10926624 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01552-7] [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: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Tryptophan (Trp) metabolism plays a crucial role in influencing the development of digestive system tumors. Dysregulation of Trp and its metabolites has been identified in various digestive system cancers, including esophageal, gastric, liver, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers. Aberrantly expressed Trp metabolites are associated with diverse clinical features in digestive system tumors. Moreover, the levels of these metabolites can serve as prognostic indicators and predictors of recurrence risk in patients with digestive system tumors. Trp metabolites exert their influence on tumor growth and metastasis through multiple mechanisms, including immune evasion, angiogenesis promotion, and drug resistance enhancement. Suppressing the expression of key enzymes in Trp metabolism can reduce the accumulation of these metabolites, effectively impacting their role in the promotion of tumor progression and metastasis. Strategies targeting Trp metabolism through specific enzyme inhibitors or tailored drugs exhibit considerable promise in enhancing therapeutic outcomes for digestive system tumors. In addition, integrating these approaches with immunotherapy holds the potential to further enhance treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis, Treatment of Infectious Diseases,, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Juan Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis, Treatment of Infectious Diseases,, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China.
| | - Weibo Du
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis, Treatment of Infectious Diseases,, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China.
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5
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Luo W, Wang J, Chen H, Qiu J, Wang R, Liu Y, Su D, Tao J, Weng G, Ma H, Zhang T. Novel strategies optimize immunotherapy by improving the cytotoxic function of T cells for pancreatic cancer treatment. Cancer Lett 2023; 576:216423. [PMID: 37778682 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is considered highly malignant due to its unsatisfying prognosis and limited response to therapies. Immunotherapy has therefore been developed to harness the antigen-specific properties and cytotoxicity of the immune system, aiming to induce a robust anti-tumor immune response that specifically demolishes PC cells while minimizing lethality in healthy tissue. The activation and augmentation of cytotoxic T cells play a critical role in the initiation and final success of immunotherapy. PC, however, is often immunotherapy resistant due to its intrinsic immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that consequently hampers effective T cell priming. Emerging therapeutic approaches are orientated to modulate the tumor microenvironment in PC to enhance immune system involvement and heighten T cell efficacy. These novel strategies have shown promising therapeutic effects in the treatment of PC either as standalone approaches or combinatorial with other therapeutic schemes. The objective of this article is to explore innovative approaches to optimize immunotherapy for PC patients through T cell cytotoxic function augmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhao Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Jiangdong Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Ruobing Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yueze Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Dan Su
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Jinxin Tao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Guihu Weng
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Haowei Ma
- Clinical Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Taiping Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China; Clinical Immunology Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
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Farooqi AA, Rakhmetova V, Kapanova G, Tanbayeva G, Mussakhanova A, Abdykulova A, Ryskulova AG. Role of Ubiquitination and Epigenetics in the Regulation of AhR Signaling in Carcinogenesis and Metastasis: "Albatross around the Neck" or "Blessing in Disguise". Cells 2023; 12:2382. [PMID: 37830596 PMCID: PMC10571945 DOI: 10.3390/cells12192382] [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: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms and signal transduction cascades evoked by the activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) are becoming increasingly understandable. AhR is a ligand-activated transcriptional factor that integrates environmental, dietary and metabolic cues for the pleiotropic regulation of a wide variety of mechanisms. AhR mediates transcriptional programming in a ligand-specific, context-specific and cell-type-specific manner. Pioneering cutting-edge research works have provided fascinating new insights into the mechanistic role of AhR-driven downstream signaling in a wide variety of cancers. AhR ligands derived from food, environmental contaminants and intestinal microbiota strategically activated AhR signaling and regulated multiple stages of cancer. Although AhR has classically been viewed and characterized as a ligand-regulated transcriptional factor, its role as a ubiquitin ligase is fascinating. Accordingly, recent evidence has paradigmatically shifted our understanding and urged researchers to drill down deep into these novel and clinically valuable facets of AhR biology. Our rapidly increasing realization related to AhR-mediated regulation of the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of different proteins has started to scratch the surface of intriguing mechanisms. Furthermore, AhR and epigenome dynamics have shown previously unprecedented complexity during multiple stages of cancer progression. AhR not only transcriptionally regulated epigenetic-associated molecules, but also worked with epigenetic-modifying enzymes during cancer progression. In this review, we have summarized the findings obtained not only from cell-culture studies, but also from animal models. Different clinical trials are currently being conducted using AhR inhibitors and PD-1 inhibitors (Pembrolizumab and nivolumab), which confirm the linchpin role of AhR-related mechanistic details in cancer progression. Therefore, further studies are required to develop a better comprehension of the many-sided and "diametrically opposed" roles of AhR in the regulation of carcinogenesis and metastatic spread of cancer cells to the secondary organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammad Ahmad Farooqi
- Institute of Biomedical and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), Islamabad 54000, Pakistan
| | - Venera Rakhmetova
- Department of Internal Diseases, Medical University of Astana, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Gulnara Kapanova
- Faculty of Medicine and healthcare, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 Al-Farabi Ave, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan (G.T.)
- Scientific Center of Anti-Infectious Drugs, 75 Al-Farabi Ave, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
| | - Gulnur Tanbayeva
- Faculty of Medicine and healthcare, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 Al-Farabi Ave, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan (G.T.)
| | - Akmaral Mussakhanova
- Department of Public Health and Management, Astana Medical University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan;
| | - Akmaral Abdykulova
- Department of General Medical Practice, General Medicine Faculty, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan;
| | - Alma-Gul Ryskulova
- Department of Public Health and Social Sciences, Kazakhstan Medical University “KSPH”, Utenos Str. 19A, Almaty 050060, Kazakhstan;
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Han Y, Katayama S, Futakuchi M, Nakamichi K, Wakabayashi Y, Sakamoto M, Nakayama J, Semba K. Targeting c-Jun Is a Potential Therapy for Luminal Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis. Mol Cancer Res 2023; 21:908-921. [PMID: 37310848 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-22-0695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Luminal breast cancer has the highest bone metastasis frequency among all breast cancer subtypes; however, its metastatic mechanism has not been elucidated because of a lack of appropriate models. We have previously developed useful bone metastatic cell lines of luminal breast cancer using MCF7 cells. In this study, we characterized bone metastatic MCF7-BM cell lines and identified c-Jun as a novel bone metastasis marker of luminal breast cancer. The protein level of c-Jun was upregulated in MCF7-BM cells compared with that in parental cells, and its deficiency resulted in the suppression of tumor cell migration, transformation, and reduced osteolytic ability. In vivo, dominant-negative c-Jun exhibited smaller bone metastatic lesions and a lower metastatic frequency. Histologic analysis revealed that c-Jun expression was heterogeneous in bone metastatic lesions, whereas c-Jun overexpression mediated a vicious cycle between MCF7-BM cells and osteoclasts by enhancing calcium-induced migration and releasing the osteoclast activator BMP5. Pharmacological inhibition of c-Jun by the Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor JNK-IN-8 effectively suppressed tumorigenesis and bone metastasis in MCF7-BM cells. Furthermore, c-Jun downstream signals were specifically correlated with the clinical prognosis of patients with the luminal subtype of breast cancer. Our results illustrate the potential benefits of a therapy that targets c-Jun to prevent bone metastasis in luminal breast cancer. IMPLICATIONS c-Jun expression mediates bone metastasis in luminal breast cancer by forming a vicious cycle in the bone microenvironment, which reveals potential strategies for subtype-specific bone metastasis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Han
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shota Katayama
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Futakuchi
- Department of Pathological Diagnostics, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Kazuya Nakamichi
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaro Wakabayashi
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mai Sakamoto
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Nakayama
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
- Laboratory of Integrative Oncology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kentaro Semba
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
- Translational Research Center, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
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Liang X, Du W, Huang L, Xiang L, Pan W, Yang F, Zheng F, Xie Y, Geng L, Gong S, Xu W. Helicobacter pylori promotes gastric intestinal metaplasia through activation of IRF3-mediated kynurenine pathway. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:141. [PMID: 37328804 PMCID: PMC10273570 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01162-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic reprogramming is a critical event for cell fate and function, making it an attractive target for clinical therapy. The function of metabolic reprogramming in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-infected gastric intestinal metaplasia remained to be identified. METHODS Xanthurenic acid (XA) was measured in gastric cancer cells treated with H. pylori or H. pylori virulence factor, respectively, and qPCR and WB were performed to detect CDX2 and key metabolic enzymes expression. A subcellular fractionation approach, luciferase and ChIP combined with immunofluorescence were applied to reveal the mechanism underlying H. pylori mediated kynurenine pathway in intestinal metaplasia in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS Herein, we, for the first time, demonstrated that H. pylori contributed to gastric intestinal metaplasia characterized by enhanced Caudal-related homeobox transcription factor-2 (CDX2) and mucin2 (MUC2) expression, which was attributed to activation of kynurenine pathway. H. pylori promoted kynurenine aminotransferase II (KAT2)-mediated kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism, leading to XA production, which further induced CDX2 expression in gastric epithelial cells. Mechanically, H. pylori activated cyclic guanylate adenylate synthase (cGAS)-interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) pathway in gastric epithelial cells, leading to enhance IRF3 nuclear translocation and the binding of IRF3 to KAT2 promoter. Inhibition of KAT2 could significantly reverse the effect of H. pylori on CDX2 expression. Also, the rescue phenomenon was observed in gastric epithelial cells treated with H. pylori after IRF3 inhibition in vitro and in vivo. Most importantly, phospho-IRF3 was confirmed to be a clinical positive relationship with CDX2. CONCLUSION These finding suggested H. pylori contributed to gastric intestinal metaplasia through KAT2-mediated kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism via cGAS-IRF3 signaling, targeting the kynurenine pathway could be a promising strategy to prevent gastric intestinal metaplasia caused by H. pylori infection. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhua Liang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Wenjun Du
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Ling Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Li Xiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623, China
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Wenxu Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Fangying Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Fengfeng Zheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Putian University, Putian, 351100, China
| | - Yongwu Xie
- Department of Hematology, Zhuhai Center for Maternal and Child Health Care, Zhuhai, China
| | - Lanlan Geng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623, China.
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623, China.
| | - Sitang Gong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623, China.
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623, China.
| | - Wanfu Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623, China.
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510623, China.
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Yang L, Chu Z, Liu M, Zou Q, Li J, Liu Q, Wang Y, Wang T, Xiang J, Wang B. Amino acid metabolism in immune cells: essential regulators of the effector functions, and promising opportunities to enhance cancer immunotherapy. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:59. [PMID: 37277776 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01453-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amino acids are basic nutrients for immune cells during organ development, tissue homeostasis, and the immune response. Regarding metabolic reprogramming in the tumor microenvironment, dysregulation of amino acid consumption in immune cells is an important underlying mechanism leading to impaired anti-tumor immunity. Emerging studies have revealed that altered amino acid metabolism is tightly linked to tumor outgrowth, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance through governing the fate of various immune cells. During these processes, the concentration of free amino acids, their membrane bound transporters, key metabolic enzymes, and sensors such as mTOR and GCN2 play critical roles in controlling immune cell differentiation and function. As such, anti-cancer immune responses could be enhanced by supplement of specific essential amino acids, or targeting the metabolic enzymes or their sensors, thereby developing novel adjuvant immune therapeutic modalities. To further dissect metabolic regulation of anti-tumor immunity, this review summarizes the regulatory mechanisms governing reprogramming of amino acid metabolism and their effects on the phenotypes and functions of tumor-infiltrating immune cells to propose novel approaches that could be exploited to rewire amino acid metabolism and enhance cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luming Yang
- Chongqing University Medical School, Chongqing, 400044, People's Republic of China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 10# Changjiang Branch Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400042, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaole Chu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 10# Changjiang Branch Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400042, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Liu
- Chongqing University Medical School, Chongqing, 400044, People's Republic of China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 10# Changjiang Branch Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400042, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Zou
- Chongqing University Medical School, Chongqing, 400044, People's Republic of China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 10# Changjiang Branch Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400042, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinyang Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 10# Changjiang Branch Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400042, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 10# Changjiang Branch Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400042, People's Republic of China
| | - Yazhou Wang
- Chongqing University Medical School, Chongqing, 400044, People's Republic of China.
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 10# Changjiang Branch Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400042, People's Republic of China.
| | - Junyu Xiang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 10# Changjiang Branch Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400042, People's Republic of China.
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Chongqing Key Laboratory of Digestive Malignancies, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 10# Changjiang Branch Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400042, People's Republic of China.
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology of Ministry of Education of China, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, People's Republic of China.
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, People's Republic of China.
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10
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Yang T, Li QQ, Liu YM, Yang B. T cells in pancreatic cancer stroma: Tryptophan metabolism plays an important role in immunoregulation. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:2701-2703. [PMID: 37213408 PMCID: PMC10198057 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i17.2701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies have shown that the immune system is highly regulated by tryptophan metabolism, which serves as an immunomodulatory factor. The indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), as an intracellular enzyme that participates in metabolism of the essential amino acid tryptophan in the kynurenine pathway, is an independent prognostic marker for pancreatic cancer (PC). First, overexpression of IDO1 inhibits the maturation of dendritic cells and T-cell proliferation in the liver and spleen. Second, the high expression of kynurenine induces and activates the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, resulting in upregulated programmed cell death protein 1 expression. Third, the induction of IDO1 can lead to loss of the T helper 17 cell/regulatory T cell balance, mediated by the proximal tryptophan catabolite from IDO metabolism. In our study, we found that overexpression of IDO1 upregulated CD8+ T cells and reduced natural killer T cells in pancreatic carcinoma in mice. Hence, it may be essential to pay more attention to tryptophan metabolism in patients, especially those who are tolerant to immunotherapy for PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Yang
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Division of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Qiao-Qi Li
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Division of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yong-Mei Liu
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Biao Yang
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Division of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
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11
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Oh J, Kim SA, Kwon KW, Choi SR, Lee CH, Hossain MA, Kim ES, Kim C, Lee BH, Lee S, Kim JH, Cho JY. Sophora flavescens Aiton methanol extract exerts anti-inflammatory effects via reduction of Src kinase phosphorylation. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 305:116015. [PMID: 36563890 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.116015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Sophora flavescens Aiton (Family: Leguminosae), an herbal plant, has been used in East Asian home remedies for centuries for treating ulcers, skin burns, fevers, and inflammatory disorders. In addition, the dried root of S. flavescens was also applied for antipyretic, analgesic, antihelmintic, and stomachic uses. AIM OF STUDY Nonetheless, how this plant can show various pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory responses was not fully elucidated. In this study, therefore, we aimed to investigate the curative effects of S. flavescens on inflammation and its molecular mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS For reaching this aim, various in vitro and in vivo experimental models with LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells, HCl/EtOH-induced gastric ulcer, and LPS-triggered lung injury conditions were employed and anti-inflammatory activity of S. flavescens methanol extract (Sf-ME) was also tested. Fingerprinting profile of Sf-ME was identified via LC-MS analysis. Its anti-inflammatory molecular mechanism was also examined by immunoblotting analysis. RESULTS Nitric oxide production and mRNA expression levels of iNOS, COX-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α were decreased. Additionally, phosphorylation of Src in the signaling cascade was decreased, and activities of the transcriptional factor NF-κB were reduced as determined by a luciferase reporter assay. Moreover, in vivo, gastritis and lung injury lesions were attenuated by Sf-ME. CONCLUSION Taken together, these findings suggest that Sf-ME could be a potential anti-inflammatory therapeutic agent via suppression of Src kinase activity and regulation of IL-1β secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieun Oh
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, South Korea.
| | - Seung A Kim
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, South Korea.
| | - Ki Woong Kwon
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, South Korea.
| | - Se Rin Choi
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, South Korea.
| | - Choong Hwan Lee
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, South Korea.
| | - Mohammad Amjad Hossain
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University, Icksan, 54596, South Korea.
| | - Eun Sil Kim
- National Institute of Biological Resources, Environmental Research Complex, Incheon, 22689, South Korea.
| | - Changmu Kim
- National Institute of Biological Resources, Environmental Research Complex, Incheon, 22689, South Korea.
| | - Byoung-Hee Lee
- National Institute of Biological Resources, Environmental Research Complex, Incheon, 22689, South Korea.
| | - Sarah Lee
- National Institute of Biological Resources, Environmental Research Complex, Incheon, 22689, South Korea.
| | - Jong-Hoon Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University, Icksan, 54596, South Korea.
| | - Jae Youl Cho
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, South Korea.
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12
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Fu S, Xu S, Zhang S. The role of amino acid metabolism alterations in pancreatic cancer: From mechanism to application. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188893. [PMID: 37015314 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of pancreatic cancer is increasing in both developed and developing Nations. In recent years, various research evidence suggested that reprogrammed metabolism may play a key role in pancreatic cancer tumorigenesis and development. Therefore, it has great potential as a diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic target. Amino acid metabolism is deregulated in pancreatic cancer, and changes in amino acid metabolism can affect cancer cell status, systemic metabolism in malignant tumor patients and mistakenly involved in different biological processes including stemness, proliferation and growth, invasion and migration, redox state maintenance, autophagy, apoptosis and even tumor microenvironment interaction. Generally, the above effects are achieved through two pathways, energy metabolism and signal transduction. This review aims to highlight the current research progress on the abnormal alterations of amino acids metabolism in pancreatic cancer, how they affect tumorigenesis and development of pancreatic cancer and the application prospects of them as diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenao Fu
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China; Clinical Medicine Eight-Year Program, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China
| | - Shaokang Xu
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China; Clinical Medicine Eight-Year Program, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China
| | - Shubing Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China.
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13
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Pérez de la Cruz G, Pérez de la Cruz V, Navarro Cossio J, Vázquez Cervantes GI, Salazar A, Orozco Morales M, Pineda B. Kynureninase Promotes Immunosuppression and Predicts Survival in Glioma Patients: In Silico Data Analyses of the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) and of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16030369. [PMID: 36986469 PMCID: PMC10051585 DOI: 10.3390/ph16030369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Kynureninase (KYNU) is a kynurenine pathway (KP) enzyme that produces metabolites with immunomodulatory properties. In recent years, overactivation of KP has been associated with poor prognosis of several types of cancer, in particular by promoting the invasion, metastasis, and chemoresistance of cancer cells. However, the role of KYNU in gliomas remains to be explored. In this study, we used the available data from TCGA, CGGA and GTEx projects to analyze KYNU expression in gliomas and healthy tissue, as well as the potential contribution of KYNU in the tumor immune infiltrate. In addition, immune-related genes were screened with KYNU expression. KYNU expression correlated with the increased malignancy of astrocytic tumors. Survival analysis in primary astrocytomas showed that KYNU expression correlated with poor prognosis. Additionally, KYNU expression correlated positively with several genes related to an immunosuppressive microenvironment and with the characteristic immune tumor infiltrate. These findings indicate that KYNU could be a potential therapeutic target for modulating the tumor microenvironment and enhancing an effective antitumor immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Pérez de la Cruz
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Verónica Pérez de la Cruz
- Neurobiochemistry and Behavior Laboratory, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery “Manuel Velasco Suárez”, Mexico City 14269, Mexico
| | - Javier Navarro Cossio
- Neuroimmunology Unit, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery “Manuel Velasco Suárez”, Mexico City 14269, Mexico
| | - Gustavo Ignacio Vázquez Cervantes
- Neurobiochemistry and Behavior Laboratory, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery “Manuel Velasco Suárez”, Mexico City 14269, Mexico
| | - Aleli Salazar
- Neuroimmunology Unit, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery “Manuel Velasco Suárez”, Mexico City 14269, Mexico
| | - Mario Orozco Morales
- Neuroimmunology Unit, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery “Manuel Velasco Suárez”, Mexico City 14269, Mexico
| | - Benjamin Pineda
- Neuroimmunology Unit, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery “Manuel Velasco Suárez”, Mexico City 14269, Mexico
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-55-5606-4040
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14
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The exploitation of enzyme-based cancer immunotherapy. Hum Cell 2023; 36:98-120. [PMID: 36334180 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-022-00821-2] [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: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy utilizes the immune system and its wide-ranging components to deliver anti-tumor responses. In immune escape mechanisms, tumor microenvironment-associated soluble factors and cell surface-bound molecules are mainly accountable for the dysfunctional activity of tumor-specific CD8+ T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) and stromal cells. The myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), are also key tumor-promoting immune cells. These potent immunosuppressive networks avert tumor rejection at various stages, affecting immunotherapies' outcomes. Numerous clinical trials have elucidated that disruption of immunosuppression could be achieved via checkpoint inhibitors. Another approach utilizes enzymes that can restore the body's potential to counter cancer by triggering the immune system inhibited by the tumor microenvironment. These immunotherapeutic enzymes can catalyze an immunostimulatory signal and modulate the tumor microenvironment via effector molecules. Herein, we have discussed the immuno-metabolic roles of various enzymes like ATP-dephosphorylating ectoenzymes, inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase, phenylamine, tryptophan, and arginine catabolizing enzymes in cancer immunotherapy. Understanding the detailed molecular mechanisms of the enzymes involved in modulating the tumor microenvironment may help find new opportunities for cancer therapeutics.
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15
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Kim DK, Synn CB, Yang SM, Kang S, Baek S, Oh SW, Lee GJ, Kang HW, Lee YS, Park JS, Kim JH, Byeon Y, Kim YS, Lee DJ, Kim HW, Park JD, Lee SS, Lee JY, Lee JB, Kim CG, Hong MH, Lim SM, Kim HR, Pyo KH, Cho BC. YH29407 with anti-PD-1 ameliorates anti-tumor effects via increased T cell functionality and antigen presenting machinery in the tumor microenvironment. Front Chem 2022; 10:998013. [PMID: 36545214 PMCID: PMC9761775 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.998013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Among cancer cells, indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase1 (IDO1) activity has been implicated in improving the proliferation and growth of cancer cells and suppressing immune cell activity. IDO1 is also responsible for the catabolism of tryptophan to kynurenine. Depletion of tryptophan and an increase in kynurenine exert important immunosuppressive functions by activating regulatory T cells and suppressing CD8+ T and natural killer (NK) cells. In this study, we compared the anti-tumor effects of YH29407, the best-in-class IDO1 inhibitor with improved pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, with first and second-generation IDO1 inhibitors (epacadostat and BMS-986205, respectively). YH29407 treatment alone and anti-PD-1 (aPD-1) combination treatment induced significant tumor suppression compared with competing drugs. In particular, combination treatment showed the best anti-tumor effects, with most tumors reduced and complete responses. Our observations suggest that improved anti-tumor effects were caused by an increase in T cell infiltration and activity after YH29407 treatment. Notably, an immune depletion assay confirmed that YH29407 is closely related to CD8+ T cells. RNA-seq results showed that treatment with YH29407 increased the expression of genes involved in T cell function and antigen presentation in tumors expressing ZAP70, LCK, NFATC2, B2M, and MYD88 genes. Our results suggest that an IDO1 inhibitor, YH29407, has enhanced PK/PD compared to previous IDO1 inhibitors by causing a change in the population of CD8+ T cells including infiltrating T cells into the tumor. Ultimately, YH29407 overcame the limitations of the competing drugs and displayed potential as an immunotherapy strategy in combination with aPD-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Kwon Kim
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea,Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chun-Bong Synn
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea,Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seung Min Yang
- Department of Research Support, Yonsei Biomedical Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seongsan Kang
- JEUK Institute for Cancer Research, JEUK Co., Ltd., Gumi, South Korea
| | - Sujeong Baek
- Department of Research Support, Yonsei Biomedical Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Se-Woong Oh
- Yuhan R&D Institute, Yuhan Corporation, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Gyu-Jin Lee
- Yuhan R&D Institute, Yuhan Corporation, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ho-Woong Kang
- Yuhan R&D Institute, Yuhan Corporation, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Young-Sung Lee
- Yuhan R&D Institute, Yuhan Corporation, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jong Suk Park
- Yuhan R&D Institute, Yuhan Corporation, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae Hwan Kim
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Youngseon Byeon
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Young Seob Kim
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Doo Jae Lee
- Wide River Institute of Immunology, Seoul National University, Hongcheon, South Korea
| | - Hyun-Woo Kim
- Wide River Institute of Immunology, Seoul National University, Hongcheon, South Korea
| | - June Dong Park
- Wide River Institute of Immunology, Seoul National University, Hongcheon, South Korea,Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sung Sook Lee
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Inje University Haeundae Paik Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Ji Yun Lee
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Yonsei Cancer Center, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jii Bum Lee
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Yonsei Cancer Center, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chang Gon Kim
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Yonsei Cancer Center, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Min Hee Hong
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Yonsei Cancer Center, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sun Min Lim
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Yonsei Cancer Center, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hey Ryun Kim
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Yonsei Cancer Center, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyoung-Ho Pyo
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Yonsei Cancer Center, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea,Yonsei New Il Han Institute for Integrative Lung Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea,*Correspondence: Byoung Chul Cho, ; Kyoung-Ho Pyo,
| | - Byoung Chul Cho
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Yonsei Cancer Center, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea,Yonsei New Il Han Institute for Integrative Lung Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea,*Correspondence: Byoung Chul Cho, ; Kyoung-Ho Pyo,
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16
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Wu Y, Yang Z, Cheng K, Bi H, Chen J. Small molecule-based immunomodulators for cancer therapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:4287-4308. [PMID: 36562003 PMCID: PMC9764074 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has led to a paradigm shift in the treatment of cancer. Current cancer immunotherapies are mostly antibody-based, thus possessing advantages in regard to pharmacodynamics (e.g., specificity and efficacy). However, they have limitations in terms of pharmacokinetics including long half-lives, poor tissue/tumor penetration, and little/no oral bioavailability. In addition, therapeutic antibodies are immunogenic, thus may cause unwanted adverse effects. Therefore, researchers have shifted their efforts towards the development of small molecule-based cancer immunotherapy, as small molecules may overcome the above disadvantages associated with antibodies. Further, small molecule-based immunomodulators and therapeutic antibodies are complementary modalities for cancer treatment, and may be combined to elicit synergistic effects. Recent years have witnessed the rapid development of small molecule-based cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we describe the current progress in small molecule-based immunomodulators (inhibitors/agonists/degraders) for cancer therapy, including those targeting PD-1/PD-L1, chemokine receptors, stimulator of interferon genes (STING), Toll-like receptor (TLR), etc. The tumorigenesis mechanism of various targets and their respective modulators that have entered clinical trials are also summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kui Cheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Huichang Bi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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17
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Yoshioka S, Ikeda T, Fukuchi S, Kawai Y, Ohta K, Murakami H, Ogo N, Muraoka D, Takikawa O, Asai A. Identification and Characterization of a Novel Dual Inhibitor of
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 and Tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase. Int J Tryptophan Res 2022; 15:11786469221138456. [PMCID: PMC9716449 DOI: 10.1177/11786469221138456] [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: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Kynurenine (Kyn), a metabolite of tryptophan (Trp), is a key regulator of mammal
immune responses such as cancer immune tolerance. Indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase
(IDO) and tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) are main enzymes regulating the first
and rate-limiting step of the Kyn pathway. To identify new small molecule
inhibitors of TDO, we selected A172 glioblastoma cell line constitutively
expressed TDO. Characterization of this cell line using kinase inhibitor library
resulted in identification of MEK/ERK pathway-dependent TDO expression. After
knowing the properties for TDO expression, we further proceeded to screen
chemical library for TDO inhibitors. We previously determined that
S-benzylisothiourea derivatives are enzymatic inhibitors of indoleamine
2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) and suggested that the isothiourea moiety could be an
important pharmacophore for binding to heme. Based on this premise, we screened
an in-house library composed of various isothiourea derivatives and identified a
bisisothiourea derivative, PVZB3001, as an inhibitor of TDO. Interestingly,
PVZB3001 also inhibited the enzymatic activity of IDO1 in both cell-based and
cell-free assays but did not inhibit other heme enzymes. Molecular docking
studies suggested the importance of isothiourea moieties at the ortho position
of the phenyl ring for the inhibition of catalytic activity. PVZB3001 showed
competitive inhibition against TDO, and this was supported by the docking
simulation. PVZB3001 recovered natural killer (NK) cell viability and functions
by inhibiting Kyn accumulation in conditioned medium of both IDO1- and
TDO-expressing cells. Furthermore, oral administration of IDO1-overexpressing
tumor-bearing mice with PVZB3001 significantly inhibited tumor growth. Thus, we
identified a novel selective dual inhibitor of IDO1 and TDO using the Kyn
production assay with a glioblastoma cell line. This inhibitor could be a useful
pharmacological tool for modulating the Kyn pathway in a variety of experimental
systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeko Yoshioka
- Center for Drug Discovery, Graduate
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Tomonori Ikeda
- Center for Drug Discovery, Graduate
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Sogo Fukuchi
- Center for Drug Discovery, Graduate
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yurika Kawai
- Center for Drug Discovery, Graduate
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Katsumi Ohta
- Center for Drug Discovery, Graduate
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hisashi Murakami
- Center for Drug Discovery, Graduate
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Naohisa Ogo
- Center for Drug Discovery, Graduate
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Daisuke Muraoka
- Department of Oncology, Nagasaki
University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Osamu Takikawa
- National Institute for Longevity
Sciences, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi, Japan
| | - Akira Asai
- Center for Drug Discovery, Graduate
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan,Akira Asai, Graduate School of
Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka
422-8526, Japan.
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18
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Fujiwara Y, Kato S, Nesline MK, Conroy JM, DePietro P, Pabla S, Kurzrock R. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) inhibitors and cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Treat Rev 2022; 110:102461. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2022.102461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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19
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Carbidopa, an activator of aryl hydrocarbon receptor, suppresses IDO1 expression in pancreatic cancer and decreases tumor growth. Biochem J 2022; 479:1807-1824. [PMID: 35997090 PMCID: PMC9472820 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210851] [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: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
IDO1 is an immunomodulatory enzyme responsible for tryptophan catabolism. Its expression in immune cells, especially the DCs, has attracted attention because it leads to tryptophan depletion at the immunological synapse, thereby causing T-cell anergy and immune evasion by the tumor cells. Cancer cells also overexpress IDO1. Immunotherapy targeting IDO1 has been one of the focus areas in cancer biology, but lately studies have identified non-immune related functions of IDO1 leading to a paradigm shift with regard to IDO1 function in the context of tumor cells. In this study, we show that PDAC tissues and PDAC cells overexpress IDO1. The expression level is reciprocally related to overall patient survival. We further show that carbidopa, an FDA-approved drug for Parkinson's disease as well as an AhR agonist, inhibits IDO1 expression in PDAC cells. Using athymic nude mice, we demonstrate that carbidopa-mediated suppression of IDO1 expression attenuates tumor growth. Mechanistically, we show that AhR is responsible for carbidopa-mediated suppression of IDO1, directly as a transcription factor and indirectly by interfering with the JAK/STAT pathway. Overall, targeting IDO1 not only in immune cells but also in cancer cells could be a beneficial therapeutic strategy for PDAC and potentially for other cancers as well and that carbidopa could be repurposed to treat cancers that overexpress IDO1.
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20
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Dual-target inhibitors of indoleamine 2, 3 dioxygenase 1 (Ido1): A promising direction in cancer immunotherapy. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 238:114524. [PMID: 35696861 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) is a rate-limiting enzyme that catalyzes the kynurenine (Kyn) pathway of tryptophan metabolism in the first step, and the kynurenine pathway plays a fundamental role in immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, researchers are vigorously developing IDO1 inhibitors, hoping to apply them to cancer immunotherapy. Nowadays, there have been 11 kinds of IDO1 inhibitors entering clinical trials, among which many inhibitors have shown good tumor inhibitory effect in phase I/II clinical trials. But the phase III study of the most promising IDO1 inhibitor compound 29 (Epacadostat) failed in 2018, which may be caused by the compensation effect offered by tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO), the mismatched drug combination strategies, or other reasons. Luckily, dual-target inhibitors show great potential and advantages in solving these problems. In recent years, many studies have linked IDO1 to popular targets and selected many IDO1 dual-target inhibitors through pharmacophore fusion strategy and library construction, which enhance the tumor inhibitory effect and reduce side effects. Currently, three kinds of IDO1/TDO dual-target inhibitors have entered clinical trials, and extensive studies have been developing on IDO1 dual-target inhibitors. In this review, we summarize the IDO1 dual-target inhibitors developed in recent years and focus on the structure optimization process, structure-activity relationship, and the efficacy of in vitro and in vivo experiments, shedding a light on the pivotal significance of IDO1 dual-target inhibitors in the treatment of cancer, providing inspiration for the development of new IDO1 dual-target inhibitors.
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Peng X, Zhao Z, Liu L, Bai L, Tong R, Yang H, Zhong L. Targeting Indoleamine Dioxygenase and Tryptophan Dioxygenase in Cancer Immunotherapy: Clinical Progress and Challenges. Drug Des Devel Ther 2022; 16:2639-2657. [PMID: 35965963 PMCID: PMC9374094 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s373780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Indoleamine 2.3-dioxygenases (IDO1/2) and tryptophan 2.3-dioxygenase (TDO) are the initial and rate-limiting enzymes in tryptophan metabolism, which play an essential role in mediating immunosuppression in tumor microenvironment. Accumulating evidence has indicated that both IDO1 and TDO are highly expressed in many malignant tumors, and their expression is generally associated with reduced tumor-infiltrating immune cells, increased regulatory T-cell infiltration, as well as cancer progression and poor prognosis for malignancies. A large number of IDO1 and TDO inhibitors have been screened or synthesized in the last two decades. Thus far, at least 12 antagonists targeting IDO1 and TDO have advanced to clinical trials. In this account, we conducted a comprehensive review of the development of IDO1 and TDO inhibitors in cancer immunotherapy, particularly their clinical research progress, and presented the current challenges and corresponding solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuerun Peng
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610072, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhipeng Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610072, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liwen Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fengrun District People’s Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei, 063000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lan Bai
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610072, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rongsheng Tong
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610072, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hao Yang
- POWERCHINA Chengdu Engineering Corporation Limited, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610072, People’s Republic of China
- Hao Yang, POWERCHINA Chengdu Engineering Corporation Limited, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China, Email
| | - Lei Zhong
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610072, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Lei Zhong, Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610072, People’s Republic of China, Email
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Anti-GD2 Directed Immunotherapy for High-Risk and Metastatic Neuroblastoma. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12030358. [PMID: 35327550 PMCID: PMC8945428 DOI: 10.3390/biom12030358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is one of the few childhood cancers that carries a tumor-specific antigen in the form of a glycolipid antigen known as GD2. It has restricted expression in normal tissue, such as peripheral afferent nerves. Monoclonal antibodies targeting GD2 have been applied clinically to high-risk neuroblastoma with significant success. However, there are different anti-GD2 products and administration regimens. For example, anti-GD2 has been used in combination with chemotherapy during the induction phase or with retinoic acid during the maintenance stage. Regimens also vary in the choice of whether to add cytokines (i.e., IL-2, GMCSF, or both). Furthermore, the addition of an immune enhancer, such as β-glucan, or allogeneic natural killer cells also becomes a confounder in the interpretation. The question concerning which product or method of administration is superior remains to be determined. So far, most studies agree that adding anti-GD2 to the conventional treatment protocol can achieve better short- to intermediate-term event-free and overall survival, but the long-term efficacy remains to be verified. How to improve its efficacy is another challenge. Late relapse and central nervous system metastasis have emerged as new problems. The methods to overcome the mechanisms related to immune evasion or resistance to immunotherapy represent new challenges to be resolved. The newer anti-GD2 strategies, such as bispecific antibody linking of anti-GD2 with activated T cells or chimeric antigen receptor T cells, are currently under clinical trials, and they may become promising alternatives. The use of anti-GD2/GD3 tumor vaccine is a novel and potential approach to minimizing late relapse. How to induce GD2 expression from tumor cells using the epigenetic approach is a hot topic nowadays. We expect that anti-GD2 treatment can serve as a model for the use of monoclonal antibody immunotherapy against cancers in the future.
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Fang X, Guo L, Xing Z, Shi L, Liang H, Li A, Kuang C, Tao B, Yang Q. IDO1 can impair NK cells function against non-small cell lung cancer by downregulation of NKG2D Ligand via ADAM10. Pharmacol Res 2022; 177:106132. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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