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Li X, Li W, Xu L, Song Y. Chimeric antigen receptor-immune cells against solid tumors: Structures, mechanisms, recent advances, and future developments. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:1285-1302. [PMID: 37640679 PMCID: PMC11191032 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The advent of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell immunotherapies has led to breakthroughs in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, their success in treating solid tumors has been limited. CAR-natural killer (NK) cells have several advantages over CAR-T cells because NK cells can be made from pre-existing cell lines or allogeneic NK cells with a mismatched major histocompatibility complex (MHC), which means they are more likely to become an "off-the-shelf" product. Moreover, they can kill cancer cells via CAR-dependent/independent pathways and have limited toxicity. Macrophages are the most malleable immune cells in the body. These cells can efficiently infiltrate into tumors and are present in large numbers in tumor microenvironments (TMEs). Importantly, CAR-macrophages (CAR-Ms) have recently yielded exciting preclinical results in several solid tumors. Nevertheless, CAR-T, CAR-NK, and CAR-M all have their own advantages and limitations. In this review, we systematically discuss the current status, progress, and the major hurdles of CAR-T cells, CAR-NK cells, and CAR-M as they relate to five aspects: CAR structure, therapeutic mechanisms, the latest research progress, current challenges and solutions, and comparison according to the existing research in order to provide a reasonable option for treating solid tumors in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Li
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, China
- Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Linping Xu
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, China
| | - Yongping Song
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, China
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
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MacLean MR, Walker OL, Arun RP, Fernando W, Marcato P. Informed by Cancer Stem Cells of Solid Tumors: Advances in Treatments Targeting Tumor-Promoting Factors and Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4102. [PMID: 38612911 PMCID: PMC11012648 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074102] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation within tumors that promote cancer progression, metastasis, and recurrence due to their self-renewal capacity and resistance to conventional therapies. CSC-specific markers and signaling pathways highly active in CSCs have emerged as a promising strategy for improving patient outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic targets associated with CSCs of solid tumors across various cancer types, including key molecular markers aldehyde dehydrogenases, CD44, epithelial cellular adhesion molecule, and CD133 and signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and Sonic Hedgehog. We discuss a wide array of therapeutic modalities ranging from targeted antibodies, small molecule inhibitors, and near-infrared photoimmunotherapy to advanced genetic approaches like RNA interference, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, aptamers, antisense oligonucleotides, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, CAR natural killer cells, bispecific T cell engagers, immunotoxins, drug-antibody conjugates, therapeutic peptides, and dendritic cell vaccines. This review spans developments from preclinical investigations to ongoing clinical trials, highlighting the innovative targeting strategies that have been informed by CSC-associated pathways and molecules to overcome therapeutic resistance. We aim to provide insights into the potential of these therapies to revolutionize cancer treatment, underscoring the critical need for a multi-faceted approach in the battle against cancer. This comprehensive analysis demonstrates how advances made in the CSC field have informed significant developments in novel targeted therapeutic approaches, with the ultimate goal of achieving more effective and durable responses in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya R. MacLean
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Olivia L. Walker
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Raj Pranap Arun
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Wasundara Fernando
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Paola Marcato
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
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Solta A, Ernhofer B, Boettiger K, Megyesfalvi Z, Heeke S, Hoda MA, Lang C, Aigner C, Hirsch FR, Schelch K, Döme B. Small cells - big issues: biological implications and preclinical advancements in small cell lung cancer. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:41. [PMID: 38395864 PMCID: PMC10893629 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01953-9] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Current treatment guidelines refer to small cell lung cancer (SCLC), one of the deadliest human malignancies, as a homogeneous disease. Accordingly, SCLC therapy comprises chemoradiation with or without immunotherapy. Meanwhile, recent studies have made significant advances in subclassifying SCLC based on the elevated expression of the transcription factors ASCL1, NEUROD1, and POU2F3, as well as on certain inflammatory characteristics. The role of the transcription regulator YAP1 in defining a unique SCLC subset remains to be established. Although preclinical analyses have described numerous subtype-specific characteristics and vulnerabilities, the so far non-existing clinical subtype distinction may be a contributor to negative clinical trial outcomes. This comprehensive review aims to provide a framework for the development of novel personalized therapeutic approaches by compiling the most recent discoveries achieved by preclinical SCLC research. We highlight the challenges faced due to limited access to patient material as well as the advances accomplished by implementing state-of-the-art models and methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Solta
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Büsra Ernhofer
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kristiina Boettiger
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Zsolt Megyesfalvi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Semmelweis University and National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Simon Heeke
- Department of Thoracic Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mir Alireza Hoda
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Lang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Clemens Aigner
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Fred R Hirsch
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
- Center for Thoracic Oncology, Mount Sinai Health System, Tisch Cancer Institute, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Karin Schelch
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Balazs Döme
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Semmelweis University and National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary.
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary.
- Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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Gisina A, Kim Y, Yarygin K, Lupatov A. Can CD133 Be Regarded as a Prognostic Biomarker in Oncology: Pros and Cons. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17398. [PMID: 38139228 PMCID: PMC10744290 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417398] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The CD133 cell membrane glycoprotein, also termed prominin-1, is expressed on some of the tumor cells of both solid and blood malignancies. The CD133-positive tumor cells were shown to exhibit higher proliferative activity, greater chemo- and radioresistance, and enhanced tumorigenicity compared to their CD133-negative counterparts. For this reason, CD133 is regarded as a potential prognostic biomarker in oncology. The CD133-positive cells are related to the cancer stem cell subpopulation in many types of cancer. Recent studies demonstrated the involvement of CD133 in the regulation of proliferation, autophagy, and apoptosis in cancer cells. There is also evidence of its participation in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition associated with tumor progression. For a number of malignant tumor types, high CD133 expression is associated with poor prognosis, and the prognostic significance of CD133 has been confirmed in a number of meta-analyses. However, some published papers suggest that CD133 has no prognostic significance or even demonstrate a certain correlation between high CD133 levels and a positive prognosis. This review summarizes and discusses the existing evidence for and against the prognostic significance of CD133 in cancer. We also consider possible reasons for conflicting findings from the studies of the clinical significance of CD133.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Gisina
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, V. N. Orekhovich Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, 119121 Moscow, Russia
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Canova S, Trevisan B, Abbate MI, Colonese F, Sala L, Baggi A, Bianchi SP, D'Agostino A, Cortinovis DL. Novel Therapeutic Options for Small Cell Lung Cancer. Curr Oncol Rep 2023; 25:1277-1294. [PMID: 37870696 PMCID: PMC10640463 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-023-01465-7] [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] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this review is to focus on the recent advances in the molecular knowledge of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and potential promising new treatment strategies, like targeting the DNA damage pathway, epigenetics, angiogenesis, and oncogenic drivers. RECENT FINDINGS In the last few years, the addition of immunotherapy to chemotherapy has led to significant improvements in clinical outcomes in this complex neoplasia. Nevertheless, the prognosis remains dismal. Recently, numerous genomic alterations have been identified, and they may be useful to classify SCLC into different molecular subtypes (SCLC-A, SCLC-I, SCLC-Y, SCLC-P). SCLC accounts for 10-20% of all lung cancers, most patients have an extensive disease at the diagnosis, and it is characterized by poor prognosis. Despite the progresses in the knowledge of the disease, efficacious targeted treatments are still lacking. In the near future, the molecular characterisation of SCLC will be fundamental to find more effective treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Canova
- SC Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo Dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Benedetta Trevisan
- SC Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo Dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
- Department of Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Brescia, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maria Ida Abbate
- SC Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo Dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Francesca Colonese
- SC Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo Dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Luca Sala
- SC Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo Dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Alice Baggi
- SC Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo Dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
- Department of Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Brescia, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sofia Paola Bianchi
- Radiation Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo Dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna D'Agostino
- SC Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo Dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Diego Luigi Cortinovis
- SC Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo Dei Tintori, Monza, Italy.
- Medicine and Surgery Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
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Nayak V, Patra S, Singh KR, Ganguly B, Kumar DN, Panda D, Maurya GK, Singh J, Majhi S, Sharma R, Pandey SS, Singh RP, Kerry RG. Advancement in precision diagnosis and therapeutic for triple-negative breast cancer: Harnessing diagnostic potential of CRISPR-cas & engineered CAR T-cells mediated therapeutics. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 235:116573. [PMID: 37437865 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116573] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth, disrupted regulatory pathways, and the accumulation of genetic mutations. These mutations across different types of cancer lead to disruptions in signaling pathways and alterations in protein expression related to cellular growth and proliferation. This review highlights the AKT signaling cascade and the retinoblastoma protein (pRb) regulating cascade as promising for novel nanotheranostic interventions. Through synergizing state-of-the-art gene editing tools like the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-Cas system with nanomaterials and targeting AKT, there is potential to enhance cancer diagnostics significantly. Furthermore, the integration of modified CAR-T cells into multifunctional nanodelivery systems offers a promising approach for targeted cancer inhibition, including the eradication of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Within the context of highly aggressive and metastatic Triple-negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), this review specifically focuses on devising innovative nanotheranostics. For both pre-clinical and post-clinical TNBC detection, the utilization of the CRISPR-Cas system, guided by RNA (gRNA) and coupled with a fluorescent reporter specifically designed to detect TNBC's mutated sequence, could be promising. Additionally, a cutting-edge approach involving the engineering of TNBC-specific iCAR and syn-Notch CAR T-cells, combined with the co-delivery of a hybrid polymeric nano-liposome encapsulating a conditionally replicative adenoviral vector (CRAdV) against CSCs, could present an intriguing intervention strategy. This review thus paves the way for exciting advancements in the field of nanotheranostics for the treatment of TNBC and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinayak Nayak
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research- National Institute on Foot and Mouth Disease- International Center for Foot and Mouth Disease, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Sushmita Patra
- Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Navi-Mumbai 410210, India
| | - Kshitij Rb Singh
- Graduate School of Life Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, 2-4 Hibikino, Wakamatsu, Kitakyushu, Japan.
| | - Bristy Ganguly
- Fish Health Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Das Nishant Kumar
- PG Department of Biotechnology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Deepak Panda
- PG Department of Biotechnology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Ganesh Kumar Maurya
- Zoology Section, Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Jay Singh
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sanatan Majhi
- PG Department of Biotechnology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Rohit Sharma
- Department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shyam S Pandey
- Graduate School of Life Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, 2-4 Hibikino, Wakamatsu, Kitakyushu, Japan.
| | - Ravindra Pratap Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh, India.
| | - Rout George Kerry
- PG Department of Biotechnology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
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7
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Wang J, Zhang T, Li P, Gai J, Chen S, Espinoza G, Kung HC, Zhang R, Fujiwara K, Fu J, Yu J, Zheng L. Engineered TCR T-cell therapy targeting mass spectrometry-identified natural epitope in PDAC. Cancer Lett 2023; 573:216366. [PMID: 37640197 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216366] [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: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Tumor antigens are crucial targets for T-cell-based therapy to induce tumor-specific rejection. However, identifying pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)-specific T-cell epitopes has been challenging. Using advanced mass spectrometry (MS) analysis, we previously identified cancer-associated, class I MHC-bound epitopes shared by multiple PDAC patients with different HLA-A types. Here, we investigated one of these epitopes, LAMC2203-211, a naturally occurring nonmutated epitope on the LAMC2 protein. Following stimulation with the LAMC2203-211 peptide, we cloned T-cell receptors (TCRs) and transduced them into the Jurkat human T-cell line using a lentiviral vector. We found that Jurkat cells expressing LAMC2203-211-specific TCRs resulted in potent, LAMC2 specific, in vitro cytotoxic effects on PDAC cells. Furthermore, in mice that harbored either subcutaneously or orthotopically implanted tumors originating from both HLA-A allele-matched and unmatched PDAC patients, tumor growth was suppressed in a LAMC2-dependent manner following the infusion of LAMC2-targeting T cells. We have therefore developed a LAMC2-specific TCR-based T-cell therapy strategy likely suitable for many PDAC patients. This is the first study to adopt MS analysis to identify natural CD8+ T-cell epitopes in PDAC that could potentially serve as targets for PDAC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxin Wang
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Skip Viragh Pancreatic Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Pancreatic Cancer Precision Medicine Center of Excellence Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tengyi Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Skip Viragh Pancreatic Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Pancreatic Cancer Precision Medicine Center of Excellence Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Pan Li
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Skip Viragh Pancreatic Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Pancreatic Cancer Precision Medicine Center of Excellence Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jessica Gai
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Skip Viragh Pancreatic Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Pancreatic Cancer Precision Medicine Center of Excellence Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Sophia Chen
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Skip Viragh Pancreatic Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Pancreatic Cancer Precision Medicine Center of Excellence Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Gigi Espinoza
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Skip Viragh Pancreatic Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Pancreatic Cancer Precision Medicine Center of Excellence Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Heng-Chung Kung
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Skip Viragh Pancreatic Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Pancreatic Cancer Precision Medicine Center of Excellence Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Skip Viragh Pancreatic Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Pancreatic Cancer Precision Medicine Center of Excellence Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Kenji Fujiwara
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Skip Viragh Pancreatic Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Pancreatic Cancer Precision Medicine Center of Excellence Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; Department of Surgery, Kimura Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Juan Fu
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Skip Viragh Pancreatic Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Pancreatic Cancer Precision Medicine Center of Excellence Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Jun Yu
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Skip Viragh Pancreatic Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Pancreatic Cancer Precision Medicine Center of Excellence Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Lei Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Skip Viragh Pancreatic Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Pancreatic Cancer Precision Medicine Center of Excellence Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; The Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA; Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
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Wang Y, Zhang L, Tan J, Zhang Z, Liu Y, Hu X, Lu B, Gao Y, Tong L, Liu Z, Zhang H, Lin PP, Li B, Gires O, Zhang T. Longitudinal detection of subcategorized CD44v6 + CTCs and circulating tumor endothelial cells (CTECs) enables novel clinical stratification and improves prognostic prediction of small cell lung cancer: A prospective, multi-center study. Cancer Lett 2023; 571:216337. [PMID: 37553013 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216337] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Current management of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) remains challenging. Effective biomarkers are needed to subdivide patients presenting distinct treatment response and clinical outcomes. An understanding of heterogeneous phenotypes of aneuploid CD31- circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and CD31+ circulating tumor endothelial cells (CTECs) may provide novel insights in the clinical management of SCLC. In the present translational and prospective study, increased cancer metastasis-related cell proliferation and motility, accompanied with up-regulated mesenchymal marker vimentin but down-regulated epithelial marker E-cadherin, were observed in both lentivirus infected SCLC and NSCLC cells overexpressing the stemness marker CD44v6. Aneuploid CTCs and CTECs expressing CD44v6 were longitudinally detected by SE-iFISH in 120 SCLC patients. Positive detection of baseline CD44v6+ CTCs and CD44v6+ CTECs was significantly associated with enhanced hepatic metastasis. Karyotype analysis revealed that chromosome 8 (Chr8) in CD44v6+ CTCs shifted from trisomy 8 towards multiploidy in post-therapeutic patients compared to pre-treatment subjects. Furthermore, the burden of baseline CD44v6+ CTCs (t0) or amid the therapy (t1-2), the ratio of baseline CD31+ CTEC/CD31- CTC (t0), and CTC-WBC clusters (t0) were correlated with treatment response and distant metastases, particularly brain metastasis, in subjects with limited disease (LD-SCLC) but not in those with extensive disease (ED-SCLC). Multivariate survival analysis validated that longitudinally detected CD44v6+/CD31- CTCs was an independent prognostic factor for inferior survival in SCLC patients. Our study provides evidence for the first time that comprehensive analyses of CTCs, CTECs, and their respective CD44v6+ subtypes enable clinical stratification and improve prognostic prediction of SCLC, particularly for potentially curable LD-SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic, Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Lina Zhang
- Department of Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Jinjing Tan
- Department of Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyun Zhang
- Department of Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Yanxia Liu
- Department of Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xingsheng Hu
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Baohua Lu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic, Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic, Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Li Tong
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic, Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Zan Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic, Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Hongxia Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Baolan Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic, Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Olivier Gires
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany.
| | - Tongmei Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic, Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China.
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9
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Wang L, Yang Z, Guo F, Chen Y, Wei J, Dai X, Zhang X. Research progress of biomarkers in the prediction of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapeutic efficiency in lung cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1227797. [PMID: 37465684 PMCID: PMC10351040 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1227797] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors is widely used in the treatment of multiple cancer types including lung cancer, which is a leading cause of cancer death in the world. However, only a limited proportion of lung cancer patients will benefit from anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy. Therefore, it is of importance to predict the response to immunotherapy for the precision treatment of patients. Although the expression of PD-L1 and tumor mutation burden (TMB) are commonly used to predict the clinical response of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy, other factors such as tumor-specific genes, dMMR/MSI, and gut microbiome are also promising predictors for immunotherapy in lung cancer. Furthermore, invasive peripheral blood biomarkers including blood DNA-related biomarkers (e.g., ctDNA and bTMB), blood cell-related biomarkers (e.g., immune cells and TCR), and other blood-related biomarkers (e.g., soluble PD-L1 and cytokines) were utilized to predict the immunotherapeutic response. In this review, the current achievements of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy and the potential biomarkers for the prediction of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy in lung cancer treatment were summarized and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zongxing Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Fucheng Guo
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yurong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiarui Wei
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiangpeng Dai
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoling Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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10
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Romeo HE, Barreiro Arcos ML. Clinical relevance of stem cells in lung cancer. World J Stem Cells 2023; 15:576-588. [PMID: 37424954 PMCID: PMC10324501 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v15.i6.576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, it has one of the lowest 5-year survival rate, mainly because it is diagnosed in the late stage of the disease. Lung cancer is classified into two groups, small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-SCLC (NSCLC). In turn, NSCLC is categorized into three distinct cell subtypes: Adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. NSCLC is the most common lung cancer, accounting for 85% of all lung cancers. Treatment for lung cancer is linked to the cell type and stage of the disease, involving chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Despite improvements in therapeutic treatments, lung cancer patients show high rates of recurrence, metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapy. Lung stem cells (SCs) are undifferentiated cells capable of self-renewal and proliferation, are resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy and, due to their properties, could be involved in the development and progression of lung cancer. The presence of SCs in the lung tissue could be the reason why lung cancer is difficult to treat. The identification of lung cancer stem cells biomarkers is of interest for precision medicine using new therapeutic agents directed against these cell populations. In this review, we present the current knowledge on lung SCs and discuss their functional role in the initiation and progression of lung cancer, as well as their role in tumor resistance to chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Horacio Eduardo Romeo
- School of Engineering and Agrarian Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina, Institute of Biomedical Research (BIOMED-UCA-CONICET), CABA C1107AAZ, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Laura Barreiro Arcos
- School of Engineering and Agrarian Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina, Institute of Biomedical Research (BIOMED-UCA-CONICET), CABA C1107AAZ, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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11
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Kang K, Wu Y, Yao Z, Lu Y. Tackling the current dilemma of immunotherapy in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer: A promising strategy of combining with radiotherapy. Cancer Lett 2023; 565:216239. [PMID: 37211066 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Progress in the treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has been modest over the past decades until the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors, which have redefined the standard first-line treatment for extensive-stage SCLC (ES-SCLC). However, despite the positive results of several clinical trials, the limited survival benefit achieved suggests that the priming and sustaining of immunotherapeutic efficacy are poor and further investigation is urgently needed. In this review, we aim to summarize the potential mechanisms underlying the limited efficacy of immunotherapy and intrinsic resistance in ES-SCLC, including impaired antigen presentation and limited T cell infiltration. Moreover, to tackle the current dilemma, given the synergistic effects of radiotherapy on immunotherapy, especially the unique advantages of low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT), such as less immunosuppression and lower radiation toxicity, we propose radiotherapy as a booster to enhance the immunotherapeutic efficacy by overcoming the poor priming effect. Recent clinical trials, including ours, have also focused on adding radiotherapy, including LDRT, to first-line treatment of ES-SCLC. Additionally, we also suggest combination strategies to sustain the immunostimulatory effect of radiotherapy, as well as the cancer-immunity cycle, and further improve survival outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Kang
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yijun Wu
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhuoran Yao
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - You Lu
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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12
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Jaspers JE, Khan JF, Godfrey WD, Lopez AV, Ciampricotti M, Rudin CM, Brentjens RJ. IL-18-secreting CAR T cells targeting DLL3 are highly effective in small cell lung cancer models. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e166028. [PMID: 36951942 PMCID: PMC10145930 DOI: 10.1172/jci166028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) generally have a poor prognosis and a median overall survival of only about 13 months, indicating the urgent need for novel therapies. Delta-like protein 3 (DLL3) has been identified as a tumor-specific cell surface marker on neuroendocrine cancers, including SCLC. In this study, we developed a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) against DLL3 that displays antitumor efficacy in xenograft and murine SCLC models. CAR T cell expression of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-18 greatly enhanced the potency of DLL3-targeting CAR T cell therapy. In a murine metastatic SCLC model, IL-18 production increased the activation of both CAR T cells and endogenous tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. We also observed an increased infiltration, repolarization, and activation of antigen-presenting cells. Additionally, human IL-18-secreting anti-DLL3 CAR T cells showed an increased memory phenotype, less exhaustion, and induced durable responses in multiple SCLC models, an effect that could be further enhanced with anti-PD-1 blockade. All together, these results define DLL3-targeting CAR T cells that produce IL-18 as a potentially promising novel strategy against DLL3-expressing solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janneke E. Jaspers
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - William D. Godfrey
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Andrea V. Lopez
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Metamia Ciampricotti
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Charles M. Rudin
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Thoracic Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Renier J. Brentjens
- Weill Cornell School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
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13
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CD73: Friend or Foe in Lung Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065545. [PMID: 36982618 PMCID: PMC10056814 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ecto-5′-nucleotidase (CD73) plays a strategic role in calibrating the magnitude and chemical nature of purinergic signals that are delivered to immune cells. Its primary function is to convert extracellular ATP to adenosine in concert with ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-1 (CD39) in normal tissues to limit an excessive immune response in many pathophysiological events, such as lung injury induced by a variety of contributing factors. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that the location of CD73, in proximity to adenosine receptor subtypes, indirectly determines its positive or negative effect in a variety of organs and tissues and that its action is affected by the transfer of nucleoside to subtype-specific adenosine receptors. Nonetheless, the bidirectional nature of CD73 as an emerging immune checkpoint in the pathogenesis of lung injury is still unknown. In this review, we explore the relationship between CD73 and the onset and progression of lung injury, highlighting the potential value of this molecule as a drug target for the treatment of pulmonary disease.
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14
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Zhang H, Yang Y, Li X, Yuan X, Chu Q. Targeting the Notch signaling pathway and the Notch ligand, DLL3, in small cell lung cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 159:114248. [PMID: 36645960 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly aggressive and poorly differentiated cancer with high-grade neuroendocrine (NE) features, accounting for approximately 15 % of all lung cancers. For decades, chemotherapy and radiotherapy have predominated the treatment strategy for SCLC, but relapses ensue quickly and result in poor survival of patients. Immunotherapy has brought novel insights, yet the efficacy is still restricted to a limited population with SCLC. Notch signaling is identified to play a key role in the initiation and development of SCLC, and the Notch ligand, Delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3) is found broadly and specifically expressed in SCLC cells. Thus, Notch signaling is under active exploration as a potential therapeutic target in SCLC. Herein, we summarized and updated the functional relevance of Notch signaling in SCLC, discussed Notch signaling-targeted therapy for SCLC and the correspondent preclinical and clinical trials, and investigated the promising synergy effects of Notch signaling targeted therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, China.
| | - Yunkai Yang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, China.
| | - Xuchang Li
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, China.
| | - Xun Yuan
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, China.
| | - Qian Chu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, China.
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15
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Gao Z, Bai Y, Lin A, Jiang A, Zhou C, Cheng Q, Liu Z, Chen X, Zhang J, Luo P. Gamma delta T-cell-based immune checkpoint therapy: attractive candidate for antitumor treatment. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:31. [PMID: 36793048 PMCID: PMC9930367 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01722-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
As a nontraditional T-cell subgroup, γδT cells have gained popularity in the field of immunotherapy in recent years. They have extraordinary antitumor potential and prospects for clinical application. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), which are efficacious in tumor patients, have become pioneer drugs in the field of tumor immunotherapy since they were incorporated into clinical practice. In addition, γδT cells that have infiltrated into tumor tissues are found to be in a state of exhaustion or anergy, and there is upregulation of many immune checkpoints (ICs) on their surface, suggesting that γδT cells have a similar ability to respond to ICIs as traditional effector T cells. Studies have shown that targeting ICs can reverse the dysfunctional state of γδT cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and exert antitumor effects by improving γδT-cell proliferation and activation and enhancing cytotoxicity. Clarification of the functional state of γδT cells in the TME and the mechanisms underlying their interaction with ICs will solidify ICIs combined with γδT cells as a good treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifei Gao
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471The Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 253 Industrial Avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282 People’s Republic of China ,grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471The Second Clinical Medical School, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yifeng Bai
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060The Department of Oncology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731 China
| | - Anqi Lin
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471The Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 253 Industrial Avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282 People’s Republic of China
| | - Aimin Jiang
- grid.73113.370000 0004 0369 1660The Department of Urology, Changhai hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Chaozheng Zhou
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471The Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 253 Industrial Avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282 People’s Republic of China ,grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471The First Clinical Medical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Quan Cheng
- grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164The Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan China ,grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733The Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan China
| | - Xin Chen
- The Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Jian Zhang
- The Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 253 Industrial Avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, People's Republic of China.
| | - Peng Luo
- The Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 253 Industrial Avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, People's Republic of China.
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16
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Dianat-Moghadam H, Sharifi M, Salehi R, Keshavarz M, Shahgolzari M, Amoozgar Z. Engaging stemness improves cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Lett 2023; 554:216007. [PMID: 36396102 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.216007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Intra-tumoral immune cells promote the stemness of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME). CSCs promote tumor progression, relapse, and resistance to immunotherapy. Cancer stemness induces the expression of neoantigens and neo-properties in CSCs, creating an opportunity for targeted immunotherapies. Isolation of stem-like T cells or retaining stemness in T clonotypes strategies produces exhaustion-resistance T cells with superior re-expansion capacity and long-lasting responses after adoptive cell therapies. Stem cells-derived NK cells may be the next generation of NK cell products for immunotherapy. Here, we have reviewed mechanisms by which stemness factors modulated the immunoediting of the TME and summarized the potentials of CSCs in the development of immunotherapy regimens, including CAR-T cells, CAR-NK cells, cancer vaccines, and monoclonal antibodies. We have discussed the natural or genetically engineered stem-like T cells and stem cell-derived NK cells with increased cytotoxicity to tumor cells. Finally, we have provided a perspective on approaches that may improve the therapeutic efficacy of these novel adoptive cell-based products in targeting immunosuppressive TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Dianat-Moghadam
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Mohammadreza Sharifi
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Rasoul Salehi
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Keshavarz
- The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Mehdi Shahgolzari
- Dental Implants Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Zohreh Amoozgar
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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17
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Qu C, Zhang H, Cao H, Tang L, Mo H, Liu F, Zhang L, Yi Z, Long L, Yan L, Wang Z, Zhang N, Luo P, Zhang J, Liu Z, Ye W, Liu Z, Cheng Q. Tumor buster - where will the CAR-T cell therapy 'missile' go? Mol Cancer 2022; 21:201. [PMID: 36261831 PMCID: PMC9580202 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01669-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell (CAR-T cell) therapy based on gene editing technology represents a significant breakthrough in personalized immunotherapy for human cancer. This strategy uses genetic modification to enable T cells to target tumor-specific antigens, attack specific cancer cells, and bypass tumor cell apoptosis avoidance mechanisms to some extent. This method has been extensively used to treat hematologic diseases, but the therapeutic effect in solid tumors is not ideal. Tumor antigen escape, treatment-related toxicity, and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) limit their use of it. Target selection is the most critical aspect in determining the prognosis of patients receiving this treatment. This review provides a comprehensive summary of all therapeutic targets used in the clinic or shown promising potential. We summarize CAR-T cell therapies’ clinical trials, applications, research frontiers, and limitations in treating different cancers. We also explore coping strategies when encountering sub-optimal tumor-associated antigens (TAA) or TAA loss. Moreover, the importance of CAR-T cell therapy in cancer immunotherapy is emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunrun Qu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hui Cao
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province, The Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China.,The School of Clinical Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lanhua Tang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Haoyang Mo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Fangkun Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Liyang Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhenjie Yi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lifu Long
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Luzhe Yan
- XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zeyu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,One-third Lab, College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Weijie Ye
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhixiong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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