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Fan WX, Su F, Zhang Y, Zhang XL, Du YY, Gao YJ, Li WL, Hu WQ, Zhao J. Oncological characteristics, treatments and prognostic outcomes in MMR-deficient colorectal cancer. Biomark Res 2024; 12:89. [PMID: 39183366 PMCID: PMC11346251 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00640-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the third most prevalent cancer globally. It's recognized that the molecular subtype of CRC, characterized by mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) or microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H), plays a critical role in determining appropriate treatment strategies. This review examines the current molecular classifications, focusing on dMMR/MSI-H CRC and its subtypes: Lynch syndrome (LS), Lynch-like syndrome (LLS), and sporadic cases. Despite advances in understanding of these genetic backgrounds, clinical trials have not conclusively differentiated the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors among these subgroups. Therefore, while this review details the molecular characteristics and their general implications for treatment and prognosis, it also highlights the limitations and the need for more refined clinical studies to ascertain tailored therapeutic strategies for each subtype. Furthermore, this review summarizes completed and ongoing clinical studies, emphasizing the importance of developing treatments aligned more closely with molecular profiles. By discussing these aspects, the review seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis of oncological characteristics, presenting a detailed understanding of their implications for treatment and prognosis in dMMR/MSI-H CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Xuan Fan
- Graduate School of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030607, China
- Department of Oncology, Changzhi People's Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi, 046000, China
| | - Fei Su
- Graduate School of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030607, China
- Department of Oncology, Changzhi People's Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi, 046000, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Changzhi People's Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi, 046000, China
- Graduate School of Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi, 046000, China
| | - Xiao-Ling Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Changzhi People's Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi, 046000, China
| | - Yun-Yi Du
- Department of Oncology, Changzhi People's Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi, 046000, China
| | - Yang-Jun Gao
- Department of Oncology, Changzhi People's Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi, 046000, China
| | - Wei-Ling Li
- Department of Oncology, Changzhi People's Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi, 046000, China
- Graduate School of Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi, 046000, China
| | - Wen-Qing Hu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Changzhi People's Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi, 046000, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Changzhi People's Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi, 046000, China.
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2
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Huo X, Han W, Yang Z, Lu Y, Liu N, Hou H. RNF43 in cancer: Molecular understanding and clinical significance in immunotherapy. J Gene Med 2024; 26:e3729. [PMID: 39146560 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3729] [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: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Identifying biomarkers to predict immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) efficacy is warranted. Considering that somatic mutation-derived neoantigens induce strong immune responses, patients with a high tumor mutational burden reportedly tend to respond to ICIs. Therefore, the original function of neoantigenic mutations and their impact on the tumor microenvironment (TME) require attention. RNF43 is a type of RING E3 ubiquitin ligase, and long-term survivors in most cancers had conserved patterns of mutations of RNF43. Also, high microsatellite instability patients had a higher RNF43 mutation rate compared with microsatellite stability tumor patients, who were more sensitive to ICI treatment. Therefore, RNF43 has become a promising biomarker of immunotherapy in a wide range of cancers. This review focuses on the up-to-date knowledge of RNF43 mutation in cancer. We summarize the cancer hallmarks involving activities regulated by RNF43 and highlight its extremely sophisticated regulation of WNT signaling and tumor microenvironment. The key genes interacting with RNF43 have also been summarized and discussed. Additionally, we highlight and propose new strategies of targeting RNF43 and RNF43-based combinations with established immunotherapy and combination therapy. These efforts may provide new perspectives for RNF43-based target therapy in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingfa Huo
- Precision Medicine Center of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Weizhong Han
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yongzhi Lu
- Department of Oncology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Helei Hou
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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3
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Liu B, Zhou H, Tan L, Siu KTH, Guan XY. Exploring treatment options in cancer: Tumor treatment strategies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:175. [PMID: 39013849 PMCID: PMC11252281 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01856-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Traditional therapeutic approaches such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy have burdened cancer patients with onerous physical and psychological challenges. Encouragingly, the landscape of tumor treatment has undergone a comprehensive and remarkable transformation. Emerging as fervently pursued modalities are small molecule targeted agents, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), cell-based therapies, and gene therapy. These cutting-edge treatment modalities not only afford personalized and precise tumor targeting, but also provide patients with enhanced therapeutic comfort and the potential to impede disease progression. Nonetheless, it is acknowledged that these therapeutic strategies still harbour untapped potential for further advancement. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the merits and limitations of these treatment modalities holds the promise of offering novel perspectives for clinical practice and foundational research endeavours. In this review, we discussed the different treatment modalities, including small molecule targeted drugs, peptide drugs, antibody drugs, cell therapy, and gene therapy. It will provide a detailed explanation of each method, addressing their status of development, clinical challenges, and potential solutions. The aim is to assist clinicians and researchers in gaining a deeper understanding of these diverse treatment options, enabling them to carry out effective treatment and advance their research more efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beilei Liu
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hongyu Zhou
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Licheng Tan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kin To Hugo Siu
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xin-Yuan Guan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong Laboratory, Huizhou, China.
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
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4
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Kayhanian H, Cross W, van der Horst SEM, Barmpoutis P, Lakatos E, Caravagna G, Zapata L, Van Hoeck A, Middelkamp S, Litchfield K, Steele C, Waddingham W, Patel D, Milite S, Jin C, Baker AM, Alexander DC, Khan K, Hochhauser D, Novelli M, Werner B, van Boxtel R, Hageman JH, Buissant des Amorie JR, Linares J, Ligtenberg MJL, Nagtegaal ID, Laclé MM, Moons LMG, Brosens LAA, Pillay N, Sottoriva A, Graham TA, Rodriguez-Justo M, Shiu KK, Snippert HJG, Jansen M. Homopolymer switches mediate adaptive mutability in mismatch repair-deficient colorectal cancer. Nat Genet 2024; 56:1420-1433. [PMID: 38956208 PMCID: PMC11250277 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01777-9] [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: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Mismatch repair (MMR)-deficient cancer evolves through the stepwise erosion of coding homopolymers in target genes. Curiously, the MMR genes MutS homolog 6 (MSH6) and MutS homolog 3 (MSH3) also contain coding homopolymers, and these are frequent mutational targets in MMR-deficient cancers. The impact of incremental MMR mutations on MMR-deficient cancer evolution is unknown. Here we show that microsatellite instability modulates DNA repair by toggling hypermutable mononucleotide homopolymer runs in MSH6 and MSH3 through stochastic frameshift switching. Spontaneous mutation and reversion modulate subclonal mutation rate, mutation bias and HLA and neoantigen diversity. Patient-derived organoids corroborate these observations and show that MMR homopolymer sequences drift back into reading frame in the absence of immune selection, suggesting a fitness cost of elevated mutation rates. Combined experimental and simulation studies demonstrate that subclonal immune selection favors incremental MMR mutations. Overall, our data demonstrate that MMR-deficient colorectal cancers fuel intratumor heterogeneity by adapting subclonal mutation rate and diversity to immune selection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - William Cross
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
- Cancer Mechanisms and Biomarker Discovery Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, UK
| | - Suzanne E M van der Horst
- Oncode Institute, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Panagiotis Barmpoutis
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
- UCL Centre for Medical Image Computing, Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Eszter Lakatos
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology and University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Giulio Caravagna
- Department of Mathematics, Informatics and Geosciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Luis Zapata
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Arne Van Hoeck
- Oncode Institute, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sjors Middelkamp
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Dominic Patel
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Salvatore Milite
- Department of Mathematics, Informatics and Geosciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Chen Jin
- UCL Centre for Medical Image Computing, Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ann-Marie Baker
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Daniel C Alexander
- UCL Centre for Medical Image Computing, Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Khurum Khan
- Department of Oncology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Daniel Hochhauser
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Oncology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Marco Novelli
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Pathology, University College London Hospital, London, UK
| | - Benjamin Werner
- Centre for Cancer Genomics and Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Ruben van Boxtel
- Oncode Institute, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Joris H Hageman
- Oncode Institute, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Marjolijn J L Ligtenberg
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Iris D Nagtegaal
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Miangela M Laclé
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Leon M G Moons
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lodewijk A A Brosens
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Andrea Sottoriva
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Computational Biology Research Centre, Human Technopole, Milan, Italy
| | - Trevor A Graham
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Centre for Cancer Genomics and Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Manuel Rodriguez-Justo
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Pathology, University College London Hospital, London, UK
| | - Kai-Keen Shiu
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Oncology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Hugo J G Snippert
- Oncode Institute, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Marnix Jansen
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK.
- Department of Pathology, University College London Hospital, London, UK.
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5
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Sueangoen N, Thuwajit P, Yenchitsomanus PT, Thuwajit C. Public neoantigens in breast cancer immunotherapy (Review). Int J Mol Med 2024; 54:65. [PMID: 38904202 PMCID: PMC11188978 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2024.5388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Among women globally, breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer and the leading cause of cancer‑related death. Interestingly, though genetic mutations contribute to the disease, <15% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of the disease, suggesting a prevalence of sporadic genetic mutations in breast cancer development. In the rapidly rising field of cancer genomics, neoantigen‑based immunotherapy has come to the fore. The investigation of novel proteins arising from unique somatic mutations or neoantigens have opened a new pathway for both individualized and public cancer treatments. Because they are shared among individuals with similar genetic changes, public neoantigens provide an opportunity for 'off‑the‑shelf' anticancer therapies, potentially extending the benefits to a wider patient group. The present review aimed to highlight the role of shared or public neoantigens as therapeutic targets for patients with breast cancer, emphasizing common hotspot mutations of certain genes identified in breast cancer. The clinical utilization of public neoantigen‑based therapies for breast cancer treatment were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natthaporn Sueangoen
- Research Center, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Peti Thuwajit
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Pa-Thai Yenchitsomanus
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy (SiCORE-CIT), Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Chanitra Thuwajit
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
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6
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Song Y, Loomans-Kropp H, Baugher RN, Somerville B, Baxter SS, Kerr TD, Plona TM, Mellott SD, Young TB, Lawhorn HE, Wei L, Hu Q, Liu S, Hutson A, Pinto L, Potter JD, Sei S, Gelincik O, Lipkin SM, Gebert J, Kloor M, Shoemaker RH. Frameshift mutations in peripheral blood as a biomarker for surveillance of Lynch syndrome. J Natl Cancer Inst 2024; 116:957-965. [PMID: 38466935 PMCID: PMC11160491 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djae060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lynch syndrome is a hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome caused by germline mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes, which lead to high microsatellite instability and frameshift mutations at coding mononucleotide repeats in the genome. Recurrent frameshift mutations in these regions are thought to play a central role in the increased risk of various cancers, but no biomarkers are currently available for the surveillance of high microsatellite instability-associated cancers. METHODS A frameshift mutation-based biomarker panel was developed and validated by targeted next-generation sequencing of supernatant DNA from cultured high microsatellite instability colorectal cancer cells. This panel supported selection of 122 frameshift mutation targets as potential biomarkers. This biomarker panel was then tested using matched tumor, adjacent normal tissue, and buffy coat samples (53 samples) and blood-derived cell-free DNA (cfDNA) (38 samples) obtained from 45 high microsatellite instability and mismatch repair-deficient patients. We also sequenced cfDNA from 84 healthy participants to assess background noise. RESULTS Recurrent frameshift mutations at coding mononucleotide repeats were detectable not only in tumors but also in cfDNA from high microsatellite instability and mismatch repair-deficient patients, including a Lynch syndrome carrier, with a varying range of target detection (up to 85.2%), whereas they were virtually undetectable in healthy participants. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed high sensitivity and specificity (area under the curve = 0.94) of the investigated panel. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that frameshift mutations can be detected in cfDNA from high microsatellite instability and mismatch repair-deficient patients and asymptomatic carriers. The 122-target frameshift mutation panel described here has promise as a tool for improved surveillance of high microsatellite instability and mismatch repair-deficient patients, with the potential to reduce the frequency of invasive screening methods for this high-cancer-risk cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurong Song
- Vaccine, Immunity and Cancer Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Holli Loomans-Kropp
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Now at Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ryan N Baugher
- Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Brandon Somerville
- Vaccine, Immunity and Cancer Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Shaneen S Baxter
- Vaccine, Immunity and Cancer Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Travis D Kerr
- Vaccine, Immunity and Cancer Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Teri M Plona
- Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Stephanie D Mellott
- Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Todd B Young
- Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Heidi E Lawhorn
- Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Lei Wei
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Qiang Hu
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Song Liu
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Alan Hutson
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Ligia Pinto
- Vaccine, Immunity and Cancer Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - John D Potter
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Research Centre for Hauora and Health, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
- School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Shizuko Sei
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ozkan Gelincik
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Steven M Lipkin
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Johannes Gebert
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Kloor
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Robert H Shoemaker
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
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7
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Martin MV, Aguilar-Rosas S, Franke K, Pieterse M, Langelaar JV, Schreurs R, Bijlsma MF, Besselink MG, Koster J, Timens W, Khasraw M, Ashley DM, Keir ST, Ottensmeier CH, King EV, Verheij J, Waasdorp C, Valk PJM, Engels SAG, Oostenbach E, van Dinter JT, Hofman DA, Mok JY, van Esch WJE, Wilmink H, Monkhorst K, Verheul HMW, Poel D, Hiltermann TJN, Kempen LCLTV, Groen HJM, Aerts JGJV, Heesch SV, Löwenberg B, Plasterk R, Kloosterman WP. The Neo-Open Reading Frame Peptides That Comprise the Tumor Framome Are a Rich Source of Neoantigens for Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Res 2024; 12:759-778. [PMID: 38573707 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Identification of immunogenic cancer neoantigens as targets for therapy is challenging. Here, we integrate the whole-genome and long-read transcript sequencing of cancers to identify the collection of neo-open reading frame peptides (NOP) expressed in tumors. We termed this collection of NOPs the tumor framome. NOPs represent tumor-specific peptides that are different from wild-type proteins and may be strongly immunogenic. We describe a class of hidden NOPs that derive from structural genomic variants involving an upstream protein coding gene driving expression and translation of noncoding regions of the genome downstream of a rearrangement breakpoint, i.e., where no gene annotation or evidence for transcription exists. The entire collection of NOPs represents a vast number of possible neoantigens particularly in tumors with many structural genomic variants and a low number of missense mutations. We show that NOPs are immunogenic and epitopes derived from NOPs can bind to MHC class I molecules. Finally, we provide evidence for the presence of memory T cells specific for hidden NOPs in peripheral blood from a patient with lung cancer. This work highlights NOPs as a major source of possible neoantigens for personalized cancer immunotherapy and provides a rationale for analyzing the complete cancer genome and transcriptome as a basis for the detection of NOPs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Katka Franke
- CureVac Netherlands B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mark Pieterse
- CureVac Netherlands B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Maarten F Bijlsma
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Imaging and Biomarkers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marc G Besselink
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Imaging and Biomarkers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, location University of Amsterdam, Department of Surgery, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Koster
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Wim Timens
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University, Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Mustafa Khasraw
- Duke University Medical Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - David M Ashley
- Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Stephen T Keir
- Duke University Medical Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Christian H Ottensmeier
- Liverpool Head and Neck Centre, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool and Clatterbridge Cancer Center NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Emma V King
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Poole Hospital, Poole, UK
| | - Joanne Verheij
- Amsterdam UMC, location University of Amsterdam, Department of Pathology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Cynthia Waasdorp
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Peter J M Valk
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sem A G Engels
- The Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ellen Oostenbach
- The Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jip T van Dinter
- The Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Damon A Hofman
- The Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Juk Yee Mok
- Sanquin Reagents, Sanquin, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Hanneke Wilmink
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Imaging and Biomarkers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kim Monkhorst
- Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Henk M W Verheul
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dennis Poel
- Department of Medical Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the, Netherlands
| | - T Jeroen N Hiltermann
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Léon C L T van Kempen
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University, Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands
- University of Antwerp, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Harry J M Groen
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Bob Löwenberg
- CureVac Netherlands B.V., Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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8
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Yang J, Xue C, He Z, Ying L, Meng W, Li M, Zhang N, Ouyang T. Experimental Validation and Multi-omics Analysis Identified ARPC1A as a Novel Oncogene and Potential Therapeutic Target in Glioblastoma. J Cancer 2024; 15:3958-3974. [PMID: 38911374 PMCID: PMC11190758 DOI: 10.7150/jca.94552] [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: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Actin-related protein 2/3 complex subunit 1A (ARPC1A) is implicated in several cancers due to its critical role in regulating actin polymerization. However, the exact mechanism of ARPC1A in cancer remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the biological role of ARPC1A in various cancers and the regulatory role of ARPC1A in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). We analyzed the expression differences, prognostic value, mutations, immune infiltration, immune microenvironment, and single-cell level correlations of ARPC1A in various cancers. Furthermore, we employed gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and functional experiments to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of ARPC1A on GBM. Importantly, we assessed the role of ARPC1A in temozolomide (TMZ) resistance of GBM. ARPC1A expression was up-regulated in most cancer tissues and was associated with poorer prognosis. Genomic mutation analysis revealed that the predominant type of ARPC1A mutation in tumors was amplification. ARPC1A expression was negatively correlated with B-cell and immune scores in most tumors. Both GSEA and single-cell sequencing have revealed that ARPC1A promotes tumor proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In vitro experiments confirmed that ARPC1A knockdown inhibited the proliferation and metastatic ability of GBM cells. Notably, silencing ARPC1A reduced TMZ resistance in GBM cells. This study highlights the prognostic value of ARPC1A in various tumors and its potential for application in immunotherapy. Meanwhile, the modulation of GBM malignant behavior and TMZ resistance by ARPC1A provides a new approach for personalized and precise treatment of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the 1st affiliated hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, No.17, Yongwai Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi province, 330006, China
| | - Chengcheng Xue
- Department of Neurology, the 1st affiliated hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, No.17, Yongwai Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi province, 330006, China
| | - Zesong He
- Department of Neurosurgery, the 1st affiliated hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, No.17, Yongwai Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi province, 330006, China
| | - Li Ying
- Department of Neurosurgery, the 1st affiliated hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, No.17, Yongwai Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi province, 330006, China
| | - Wei Meng
- Department of Neurosurgery, the 1st affiliated hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, No.17, Yongwai Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi province, 330006, China
| | - Meihua Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, the 1st affiliated hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, No.17, Yongwai Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi province, 330006, China
| | - Na Zhang
- Department of Neurology, the 1st affiliated hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, No.17, Yongwai Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi province, 330006, China
| | - Taohui Ouyang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the 1st affiliated hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, No.17, Yongwai Street, Nanchang, Jiangxi province, 330006, China
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9
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Linette GP, Bear AS, Carreno BM. Facts and Hopes in Immunotherapy Strategies Targeting Antigens Derived from KRAS Mutations. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:2017-2024. [PMID: 38266167 PMCID: PMC11094419 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-1212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
In this commentary, we advance the notion that mutant KRAS (mKRAS) is an ideal tumor neoantigen that is amenable for targeting by the adaptive immune system. Recent progress highlights key advances on various fronts that validate mKRAS as a molecular target and support further pursuit as an immunological target. Because mKRAS is an intracellular membrane localized protein and not normally expressed on the cell surface, we surmise that proteasome degradation will generate short peptides that bind to HLA class I (HLA-I) molecules in the endoplasmic reticulum for transport through the Golgi for display on the cell surface. T-cell receptors (TCR)αβ and antibodies have been isolated that specifically recognize mKRAS encoded epitope(s) or haptenated-mKRAS peptides in the context of HLA-I on tumor cells. Case reports using adoptive T-cell therapy provide proof of principle that KRAS G12D can be successfully targeted by the immune system in patients with cancer. Among the challenges facing investigators is the requirement of precision medicine to identify and match patients to available mKRAS peptide/HLA therapeutics and to increase the population coverage by targeting additional mKRAS epitopes. Ultimately, we envision mKRAS-directed immunotherapy as an effective treatment option for selected patients that will complement and perhaps synergize with small-molecule mKRAS inhibitors and targeted mKRAS degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald P. Linette
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Adham S. Bear
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Beatriz M. Carreno
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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10
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Liu YL, Weigelt B. A tale of two pathways: Review of immune checkpoint inhibitors in DNA mismatch repair-deficient and microsatellite instability-high endometrial cancers. Cancer 2024; 130:1733-1746. [PMID: 38422006 PMCID: PMC11058027 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35267] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The DNA mismatch repair (MMR) pathway is critical for correcting DNA mismatches generated during DNA replication. MMR-deficiency (MMR-D) leads to microsatellite instability (MSI) associated with an increased mutation rate, driving cancer development. This is particularly relevant in endometrial cancer (EC) as 25%-30% of tumors are of MMR-D/MSI-high (MSI-H) phenotype. Comprehensive assessment using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and sequencing-based techniques are necessary to fully evaluate ECs given the importance of molecular subtyping in staging and prognosis. This also influences treatment selection as clinical trials have demonstrated survival benefits for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) alone and in combination with chemotherapy for MMR-D/MSI-H EC patients in various treatment settings. As a portion of MMR-D/MSI-H ECs are driven by Lynch syndrome, an inherited cancer predisposition syndrome that is also associated with colorectal cancer, this molecular subtype also prompts germline assessment that can affect at-risk family members. Additionally, heterogeneity in the tumor immune microenvironment and tumor mutation burden (TMB) have been described by MMR mechanism, meaning MLH1 promoter hypermethylation versus germline/somatic MMR gene mutation, and this may affect response to ICI therapies. Variations by ancestry in prevalence and mechanism of MMR-D/MSI-H tumors have also been reported and may influence health disparities given observed differences in tumors of Black compared to White patients which may affect ICI eligibility. These observations highlight the need for additional prospective studies to evaluate the nuances regarding MMR-D heterogeneity as well as markers of resistance to inform future trials of combination therapies to further improve outcomes for patients with EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying L Liu
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Britta Weigelt
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
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11
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Bolivar AM, Duzagac F, Deng N, Reyes-Uribe L, Chang K, Wu W, Bowen CM, Taggart MW, Thirumurthi S, Lynch PM, You YN, Rodriguez-Pascual J, Lipkin SM, Kopetz S, Scheet P, Lizee GA, Reuben A, Sinha KM, Vilar E. Genomic Landscape of Lynch Syndrome Colorectal Neoplasia Identifies Shared Mutated Neoantigens for Immunoprevention. Gastroenterology 2024; 166:787-801.e11. [PMID: 38244726 PMCID: PMC11034773 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2024.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Lynch syndrome (LS) carriers develop mismatch repair-deficient neoplasia with high neoantigen (neoAg) rates. No detailed information on targetable neoAgs from LS precancers exists, which is crucial for vaccine development and immune-interception strategies. We report a focused somatic mutation and frameshift-neoAg landscape of microsatellite loci from colorectal polyps without malignant potential (PWOMP), precancers, and early-stage cancers in LS carriers. METHODS We generated paired whole-exome and transcriptomic sequencing data from 8 colorectal PWOMP, 41 precancers, 8 advanced precancers, and 12 early-stage cancers of 43 LS carriers. A computational pipeline was developed to predict, rank, and prioritize the top 100 detected mutated neoAgs that were validated in vitro using ELISpot and tetramer assays. RESULTS Mutation calling revealed >10 mut/Mb in 83% of cancers, 63% of advanced precancers, and 20% of precancers. Cancers displayed an average of 616 MHC-I neoAgs/sample, 294 in advanced precancers, and 107 in precancers. No neoAgs were detected in PWOMP. A total of 65% of our top 100 predicted neoAgs were immunogenic in vitro, and were present in 92% of cancers, 50% of advanced precancers, and 29% of precancers. We observed increased levels of naïve CD8+ and memory CD4+ T cells in mismatch repair-deficient cancers and precancers via transcriptomics analysis. CONCLUSIONS Shared frameshift-neoAgs are generated within unstable microsatellite loci at initial stages of LS carcinogenesis and can induce T-cell responses, generating opportunities for vaccine development, targeting LS precancers and early-stage cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Bolivar
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Fahriye Duzagac
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Nan Deng
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Laura Reyes-Uribe
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Kyle Chang
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Wenhui Wu
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Charles M Bowen
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Melissa W Taggart
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Selvi Thirumurthi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; Clinical Cancer Genetics Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Patrick M Lynch
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; Clinical Cancer Genetics Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Y Nancy You
- Clinical Cancer Genetics Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; Department of Colorectal Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Steven M Lipkin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell University, New York, New York
| | - Scott Kopetz
- Department of GI Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Paul Scheet
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Gregory A Lizee
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Alexandre Reuben
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Krishna M Sinha
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Eduardo Vilar
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; Clinical Cancer Genetics Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; Department of GI Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
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12
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Mitra A, Kumar A, Amdare NP, Pathak R. Current Landscape of Cancer Immunotherapy: Harnessing the Immune Arsenal to Overcome Immune Evasion. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:307. [PMID: 38785789 PMCID: PMC11118874 DOI: 10.3390/biology13050307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immune evasion represents a leading hallmark of cancer, posing a significant obstacle to the development of successful anticancer therapies. However, the landscape of cancer treatment has significantly evolved, transitioning into the era of immunotherapy from conventional methods such as surgical resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted drug therapy. Immunotherapy has emerged as a pivotal component in cancer treatment, harnessing the body's immune system to combat cancer and offering improved prognostic outcomes for numerous patients. The remarkable success of immunotherapy has spurred significant efforts to enhance the clinical efficacy of existing agents and strategies. Several immunotherapeutic approaches have received approval for targeted cancer treatments, while others are currently in preclinical and clinical trials. This review explores recent progress in unraveling the mechanisms of cancer immune evasion and evaluates the clinical effectiveness of diverse immunotherapy strategies, including cancer vaccines, adoptive cell therapy, and antibody-based treatments. It encompasses both established treatments and those currently under investigation, providing a comprehensive overview of efforts to combat cancer through immunological approaches. Additionally, the article emphasizes the current developments, limitations, and challenges in cancer immunotherapy. Furthermore, by integrating analyses of cancer immunotherapy resistance mechanisms and exploring combination strategies and personalized approaches, it offers valuable insights crucial for the development of novel anticancer immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Mitra
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Anoop Kumar
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, National Institute of Biologicals, Noida 201309, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Nitin P. Amdare
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | - Rajiv Pathak
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
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13
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Emilius L, Bremm F, Binder AK, Schaft N, Dörrie J. Tumor Antigens beyond the Human Exome. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4673. [PMID: 38731892 PMCID: PMC11083240 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094673] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
With the advent of immunotherapeutics, a new era in the combat against cancer has begun. Particularly promising are neo-epitope-targeted therapies as the expression of neo-antigens is tumor-specific. In turn, this allows the selective targeting and killing of cancer cells whilst healthy cells remain largely unaffected. So far, many advances have been made in the development of treatment options which are tailored to the individual neo-epitope repertoire. The next big step is the achievement of efficacious "off-the-shelf" immunotherapies. For this, shared neo-epitopes propose an optimal target. Given the tremendous potential, a thorough understanding of the underlying mechanisms which lead to the formation of neo-antigens is of fundamental importance. Here, we review the various processes which result in the formation of neo-epitopes. Broadly, the origin of neo-epitopes can be categorized into three groups: canonical, noncanonical, and viral neo-epitopes. For the canonical neo-antigens that arise in direct consequence of somatic mutations, we summarize past and recent findings. Beyond that, our main focus is put on the discussion of noncanonical and viral neo-epitopes as we believe that targeting those provides an encouraging perspective to shape the future of cancer immunotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisabeth Emilius
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.E.); (F.B.); (A.K.B.); (J.D.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Franziska Bremm
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.E.); (F.B.); (A.K.B.); (J.D.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Amanda Katharina Binder
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.E.); (F.B.); (A.K.B.); (J.D.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Niels Schaft
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.E.); (F.B.); (A.K.B.); (J.D.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jan Dörrie
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.E.); (F.B.); (A.K.B.); (J.D.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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14
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Garcia-Marquez MA, Thelen M, Bauer E, Maas L, Wennhold K, Lehmann J, Keller D, Nikolić M, George J, Zander T, Schröder W, Müller P, Yazbeck AM, Bruns C, Thomas R, Gathof B, Quaas A, Peifer M, Hillmer AM, von Bergwelt-Baildon M, Schlößer HA. Germline homozygosity and allelic imbalance of HLA-I are common in esophagogastric adenocarcinoma and impair the repertoire of immunogenic peptides. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e007268. [PMID: 38631707 PMCID: PMC11029431 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007268] [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: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The individual HLA-I genotype is associated with cancer, autoimmune diseases and infections. This study elucidates the role of germline homozygosity or allelic imbalance of HLA-I loci in esophago-gastric adenocarcinoma (EGA) and determines the resulting repertoires of potentially immunogenic peptides. METHODS HLA genotypes and sequences of either (1) 10 relevant tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) or (2) patient-specific mutation-associated neoantigens (MANAs) were used to predict good-affinity binders using an in silico approach for MHC-binding (www.iedb.org). Imbalanced or lost expression of HLA-I-A/B/C alleles was analyzed by transcriptome sequencing. FluoroSpot assays and TCR sequencing were used to determine peptide-specific T-cell responses. RESULTS We show that germline homozygosity of HLA-I genes is significantly enriched in EGA patients (n=80) compared with an HLA-matched reference cohort (n=7605). Whereas the overall mutational burden is similar, the repertoire of potentially immunogenic peptides derived from TAAs and MANAs was lower in homozygous patients. Promiscuity of peptides binding to different HLA-I molecules was low for most TAAs and MANAs and in silico modeling of the homozygous to a heterozygous HLA genotype revealed normalized peptide repertoires. Transcriptome sequencing showed imbalanced expression of HLA-I alleles in 75% of heterozygous patients. Out of these, 33% showed complete loss of heterozygosity, whereas 66% had altered expression of only one or two HLA-I molecules. In a FluoroSpot assay, we determined that peptide-specific T-cell responses against NY-ESO-1 are derived from multiple peptides, which often exclusively bind only one HLA-I allele. CONCLUSION The high frequency of germline homozygosity in EGA patients suggests reduced cancer immunosurveillance leading to an increased cancer risk. Therapeutic targeting of allelic imbalance of HLA-I molecules should be considered in EGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Alejandra Garcia-Marquez
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of General, Visceral, Cancer and Transplantation Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Martin Thelen
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of General, Visceral, Cancer and Transplantation Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Eugen Bauer
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Lukas Maas
- Department of Translational Genomics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kerstin Wennhold
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of General, Visceral, Cancer and Transplantation Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jonas Lehmann
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of General, Visceral, Cancer and Transplantation Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Diandra Keller
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of General, Visceral, Cancer and Transplantation Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Miloš Nikolić
- Department of Translational Genomics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Julie George
- Department of Translational Genomics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Zander
- Department I of Internal Medicine and Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO) Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Schröder
- Department of General, Visceral, Cancer and Transplantation Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Philipp Müller
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ali M Yazbeck
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christiane Bruns
- Department of General, Visceral, Cancer and Transplantation Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Roman Thomas
- Department of Translational Genomics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Birgit Gathof
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Alexander Quaas
- Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Martin Peifer
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Translational Genomics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Axel M Hillmer
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael von Bergwelt-Baildon
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Gene Centre, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munchen, Germany
- Department of Medicine III, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munchen, Germany
| | - Hans Anton Schlößer
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of General, Visceral, Cancer and Transplantation Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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15
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Wilbur HC, Le DT, Agarwal P. Immunotherapy of MSI Cancer: Facts and Hopes. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:1438-1447. [PMID: 38015720 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-1935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Microsatellite instability (MSI) is a tumor molecular phenotype that evolves from loss of function in the mismatch repair (MMR) proteins through deleterious germline mutations, epigenetic inactivation, or somatic biallelic mutations. This phenotype is characterized by genomic hyper-mutability, increased neoantigen expression, and a favorable, immune-rich tumor microenvironment. These features confer a greater likelihood of response to treatment with the class of agents known as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and, potentially, other immune-based therapeutics. MSI as a predictive biomarker for response to treatment with ICIs ultimately led to the first tissue-agnostic approval of pembrolizumab for advanced, previously treated MSI or deficient MMR (dMMR) tumors. Nevertheless, response to ICIs in dMMR/MSI tumors is not universal. Identifying predictors of response and elucidating mechanisms of immune escape will be crucial to continued successful treatment of this subset. In this review, we aim to describe the pathogenesis and key immunologic features of dMMR/MSI tumors, provide a brief overview of the currently approved treatments, and discuss promising novel immune-based therapeutics currently under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Catherine Wilbur
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Dung T Le
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Parul Agarwal
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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16
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Feng Y, Guo K, Jin H, Jiang J, Wang M, Lin S. Efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant combination immunotherapy in surgically resectable malignant solid tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2024; 24:169-181. [PMID: 38436076 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2024.2325404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Neoadjuvant immunotherapy has emerged as a prominent research focus recently. For potentially operable patients, neoadjuvant therapy serves as a primary method to reduce tumor load and facilitate surgical interventions. METHODS We retrieved articles from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, American Society of Clinical Oncology, and European Society of Medical Oncology websites from inception to December 2023. Statistical analyses were performed using the R software. Primary outcomes assessed included major pathological response (MPR), pathological complete response (pCR), and treatment-related adverse events (trAEs). RESULTS 29 studies encompassing 1163 patients were included. The MPR rate of neoadjuvant combination immunotherapy was 38% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 25%-52%), and the pCR rate was 33% (95%CI: 25%-42%). These values were significantly higher than those obtained with single agent immunotherapy (p < 0.001). The pooled incidence of overall trAEs was 83% (95%CI: 73%-92%), and grade (G) 3-4 trAEs was 22% (95%CI: 15%-29%), both significantly higher than those observed with single agent immunotherapy (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION This study demonstrated the efficacy of neoadjuvant combination immunotherapy. Given that the majority of the included trials were phase II with small sample sizes, further multicenter phase III randomized controlled trials should be conducted to validate the findings of the review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqian Feng
- Hangzhou School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kaibo Guo
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huimin Jin
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing Jiang
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Menglei Wang
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shengyou Lin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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17
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Das A, Fernandez NR, Levine A, Bianchi V, Stengs LK, Chung J, Negm L, Dimayacyac JR, Chang Y, Nobre L, Ercan AB, Sanchez-Ramirez S, Sudhaman S, Edwards M, Larouche V, Samuel D, Van Damme A, Gass D, Ziegler DS, Bielack SS, Koschmann C, Zelcer S, Yalon-Oren M, Campino GA, Sarosiek T, Nichols KE, Loret De Mola R, Bielamowicz K, Sabel M, Frojd CA, Wood MD, Glover JM, Lee YY, Vanan M, Adamski JK, Perreault S, Chamdine O, Hjort MA, Zapotocky M, Carceller F, Wright E, Fedorakova I, Lossos A, Tanaka R, Osborn M, Blumenthal DT, Aronson M, Bartels U, Huang A, Ramaswamy V, Malkin D, Shlien A, Villani A, Dirks PB, Pugh TJ, Getz G, Maruvka YE, Tsang DS, Ertl-Wagner B, Hawkins C, Bouffet E, Morgenstern DA, Tabori U. Combined Immunotherapy Improves Outcome for Replication-Repair-Deficient (RRD) High-Grade Glioma Failing Anti-PD-1 Monotherapy: A Report from the International RRD Consortium. Cancer Discov 2024; 14:258-273. [PMID: 37823831 PMCID: PMC10850948 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-0559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) is effective for replication-repair-deficient, high-grade gliomas (RRD-HGG). The clinical/biological impact of immune-directed approaches after failing ICI monotherapy is unknown. We performed an international study on 75 patients treated with anti-PD-1; 20 are progression free (median follow-up, 3.7 years). After second progression/recurrence (n = 55), continuing ICI-based salvage prolonged survival to 11.6 months (n = 38; P < 0.001), particularly for those with extreme mutation burden (P = 0.03). Delayed, sustained responses were observed, associated with changes in mutational spectra and the immune microenvironment. Response to reirradiation was explained by an absence of deleterious postradiation indel signatures (ID8). CTLA4 expression increased over time, and subsequent CTLA4 inhibition resulted in response/stable disease in 75%. RAS-MAPK-pathway inhibition led to the reinvigoration of peripheral immune and radiologic responses. Local (flare) and systemic immune adverse events were frequent (biallelic mismatch-repair deficiency > Lynch syndrome). We provide a mechanistic rationale for the sustained benefit in RRD-HGG from immune-directed/synergistic salvage therapies. Future approaches need to be tailored to patient and tumor biology. SIGNIFICANCE Hypermutant RRD-HGG are susceptible to checkpoint inhibitors beyond initial progression, leading to improved survival when reirradiation and synergistic immune/targeted agents are added. This is driven by their unique biological and immune properties, which evolve over time. Future research should focus on combinatorial regimens that increase patient survival while limiting immune toxicity. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 201.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Das
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, India
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Nicholas R. Fernandez
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Adrian Levine
- Department of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Vanessa Bianchi
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lucie K. Stengs
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jiil Chung
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Logine Negm
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jose Rafael Dimayacyac
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Yuan Chang
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Liana Nobre
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ayse B. Ercan
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Santiago Sanchez-Ramirez
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sumedha Sudhaman
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Melissa Edwards
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Valerie Larouche
- Pediatric Haematology/Oncology Department, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada
| | - David Samuel
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Valley Children's Hospital, Madera, California
| | - An Van Damme
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Saint Luc University Hospital, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - David Gass
- Atrium Health/Levine Children's Hospital, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - David S. Ziegler
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Stefan S. Bielack
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Center for Childhood, Adolescent, and Women's Medicine, Stuttgart Cancer Center, Klinikum Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Carl Koschmann
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Shayna Zelcer
- Department of Pediatrics, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Canada
| | - Michal Yalon-Oren
- Department of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, Sheba Medical Centre, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Gadi Abede Campino
- Department of Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, Sheba Medical Centre, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | | | - Kim E. Nichols
- Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | | | - Kevin Bielamowicz
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences/Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Magnus Sabel
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg & Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Charlotta A. Frojd
- Department of Oncology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Matthew D. Wood
- Neuropathology, Oregon Health & Science University Department of Pathology, Portland, Oregon
| | - Jason M. Glover
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Randall Children's Hospital, Portland, Oregon
| | - Yi-Yen Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Magimairajan Vanan
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Jenny K. Adamski
- Neuro-oncology Division, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastien Perreault
- Neurosciences Department, Child Neurology Division, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Canada
| | - Omar Chamdine
- Pediatric Hematology Oncology, King Fahad Specialist Hospital Dammam, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
| | - Magnus Aasved Hjort
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, St. Olav's University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Michal Zapotocky
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Second Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Motol, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Fernando Carceller
- Paediatric and Adolescent Neuro-Oncology and Drug Development, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust & Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Erin Wright
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, Ohio
| | - Ivana Fedorakova
- Clinic of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital, Banská Bystrica, Slovakia
| | - Alexander Lossos
- Department of Oncology, Leslie and Michael Gaffin Centre for Neuro-Oncology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Centre, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ryuma Tanaka
- Division of Hematology/Oncology/Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Michael Osborn
- Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, Australia
| | - Deborah T. Blumenthal
- Neuro-Oncology Service, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Melyssa Aronson
- Zane Cohen Centre for Digestive Diseases, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ute Bartels
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Annie Huang
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Vijay Ramaswamy
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - David Malkin
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Adam Shlien
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Anita Villani
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Peter B. Dirks
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Trevor J. Pugh
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Gad Getz
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Derek S. Tsang
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Birgit Ertl-Wagner
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Cynthia Hawkins
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Eric Bouffet
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Daniel A. Morgenstern
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Uri Tabori
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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18
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Li H, Zheng N, Guo A, Tang W, Li M, Cao Y, Ma X, Cao H, Ma Y, Wang H, Zhao S. FSTL3 promotes tumor immune evasion and attenuates response to anti-PD1 therapy by stabilizing c-Myc in colorectal cancer. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:107. [PMID: 38302412 PMCID: PMC10834545 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06469-0] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PDL1)/programmed cell death 1 (PD1) blockade immunotherapy provides a prospective strategy for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC), but various constraints on the effectiveness of the treatment are still remaining. As reported in previous studies, follistatin-like 3 (FSTL3) could mediate inflammatory response in macrophages by induction lipid accumulation. Herein, we revealed that FSTL3 were overexpressed in malignant cells in the CRC microenvironment, notably, the expression level of FSTL3 was related to tumor immune evasion and the clinical efficacy of anti-PD1 therapy. Further studies determined that hypoxic tumor microenvironment induced the FSTL3 expression via HIF1α in CRC cells, FSTL3 could bind to the transcription factor c-Myc (354-406 amino acids) to suppress the latter's ubiquitination and increase its stability, thereby to up-regulated the expression of PDL1 and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1). The results in the immunocompetent tumor models verified that FSLT3 knockout in tumor cells increased the proportion of CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment, reduced the proportion of regulatory T cells (CD25+ Foxp3+) and exhausted T cells (PD1+ CD8+), and synergistically improved the anti-PD1 therapy efficacy. To sum up, FSTL3 enhanced c-Myc-mediated transcriptional regulation to promote immune evasion and attenuates response to anti-PD1 therapy in CRC, suggesting the potential of FSTL3 as a biomarker of immunotherapeutic efficacy as well as a novel immunotherapeutic target in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Li
- Department of general surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Na Zheng
- General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Anning Guo
- General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weiwei Tang
- Hepatobiliary/Liver Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Living Donor Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Muxin Li
- General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuanyuan Cao
- General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinhua Ma
- General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongyong Cao
- Department of general surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yong Ma
- Department of general surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Hanjin Wang
- Department of general surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Shuli Zhao
- General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
- General Clinical Research Center, Nanjing First Hospital, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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19
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Barajas A, Amengual-Rigo P, Pons-Grífols A, Ortiz R, Gracia Carmona O, Urrea V, de la Iglesia N, Blanco-Heredia J, Anjos-Souza C, Varela I, Trinité B, Tarrés-Freixas F, Rovirosa C, Lepore R, Vázquez M, de Mattos-Arruda L, Valencia A, Clotet B, Aguilar-Gurrieri C, Guallar V, Carrillo J, Blanco J. Virus-like particle-mediated delivery of structure-selected neoantigens demonstrates immunogenicity and antitumoral activity in mice. J Transl Med 2024; 22:14. [PMID: 38172991 PMCID: PMC10763263 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04843-8] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neoantigens are patient- and tumor-specific peptides that arise from somatic mutations. They stand as promising targets for personalized therapeutic cancer vaccines. The identification process for neoantigens has evolved with the use of next-generation sequencing technologies and bioinformatic tools in tumor genomics. However, in-silico strategies for selecting immunogenic neoantigens still have very low accuracy rates, since they mainly focus on predicting peptide binding to Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules, which is key but not the sole determinant for immunogenicity. Moreover, the therapeutic potential of neoantigen-based vaccines may be enhanced using an optimal delivery platform that elicits robust de novo immune responses. METHODS We developed a novel neoantigen selection pipeline based on existing software combined with a novel prediction method, the Neoantigen Optimization Algorithm (NOAH), which takes into account structural features of the peptide/MHC-I interaction, as well as the interaction between the peptide/MHC-I complex and the TCR, in its prediction strategy. Moreover, to maximize neoantigens' therapeutic potential, neoantigen-based vaccines should be manufactured in an optimal delivery platform that elicits robust de novo immune responses and bypasses central and peripheral tolerance. RESULTS We generated a highly immunogenic vaccine platform based on engineered HIV-1 Gag-based Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) expressing a high copy number of each in silico selected neoantigen. We tested different neoantigen-loaded VLPs (neoVLPs) in a B16-F10 melanoma mouse model to evaluate their capability to generate new immunogenic specificities. NeoVLPs were used in in vivo immunogenicity and tumor challenge experiments. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate the relevance of incorporating other immunogenic determinants beyond the binding of neoantigens to MHC-I. Thus, neoVLPs loaded with neoantigens enhancing the interaction with the TCR can promote the generation of de novo antitumor-specific immune responses, resulting in a delay in tumor growth. Vaccination with the neoVLP platform is a robust alternative to current therapeutic vaccine approaches and a promising candidate for future personalized immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Barajas
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
- University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
| | | | - Anna Pons-Grífols
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
- Univeritat Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola, Spain
| | - Raquel Ortiz
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
- Univeritat Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola, Spain
| | | | - Victor Urrea
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
| | - Nuria de la Iglesia
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
| | - Juan Blanco-Heredia
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
| | - Carla Anjos-Souza
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
| | - Ismael Varela
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
| | - Benjamin Trinité
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
| | | | - Carla Rovirosa
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Bonaventura Clotet
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
- University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
- Infectious Diseases Department, Germans Trias I Pujol Hospital, Badalona, Spain
| | | | - Victor Guallar
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jorge Carrillo
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julià Blanco
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
- University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
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20
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Das A, Tabori U, Sambira Nahum LC, Collins NB, Deyell R, Dvir R, Faure-Conter C, Hassall TE, Minturn JE, Edwards M, Brookes E, Bianchi V, Levine A, Stone SC, Sudhaman S, Sanchez Ramirez S, Ercan AB, Stengs L, Chung J, Negm L, Getz G, Maruvka YE, Ertl-Wagner B, Ohashi PS, Pugh T, Hawkins C, Bouffet E, Morgenstern DA. Efficacy of Nivolumab in Pediatric Cancers with High Mutation Burden and Mismatch Repair Deficiency. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:4770-4783. [PMID: 37126021 PMCID: PMC10690097 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Checkpoint inhibitors have limited efficacy for children with unselected solid and brain tumors. We report the first prospective pediatric trial (NCT02992964) using nivolumab exclusively for refractory nonhematologic cancers harboring tumor mutation burden (TMB) ≥5 mutations/megabase (mut/Mb) and/or mismatch repair deficiency (MMRD). PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty patients were screened, and 10 were ultimately included in the response cohort of whom nine had TMB >10 mut/Mb (three initially eligible based on MMRD) and one patient had TMB between 5 and 10 mut/Mb. RESULTS Delayed immune responses contributed to best overall response of 50%, improving on initial objective responses (20%) and leading to 2-year overall survival (OS) of 50% [95% confidence interval (CI), 27-93]. Four children, including three with refractory malignant gliomas are in complete remission at a median follow-up of 37 months (range, 32.4-60), culminating in 2-year OS of 43% (95% CI, 18.2-100). Biomarker analyses confirmed benefit in children with germline MMRD, microsatellite instability, higher activated and lower regulatory circulating T cells. Stochastic mutation accumulation driven by underlying germline MMRD impacted the tumor microenvironment, contributing to delayed responses. No benefit was observed in the single patient with an MMR-proficient tumor and TMB 7.4 mut/Mb. CONCLUSIONS Nivolumab resulted in durable responses and prolonged survival for the first time in a pediatric trial of refractory hypermutated cancers including malignant gliomas. Novel biomarkers identified here need to be translated rapidly to clinical care to identify children who can benefit from checkpoint inhibitors, including upfront management of cancer. See related commentary by Mardis, p. 4701.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Das
- Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Uri Tabori
- Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Lauren C. Sambira Nahum
- Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Natalie B. Collins
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Rina Dvir
- Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | | | - Jane E. Minturn
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Melissa Edwards
- Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Elissa Brookes
- Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Vanessa Bianchi
- Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Adrian Levine
- Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Simone C. Stone
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Sumedha Sudhaman
- Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Santiago Sanchez Ramirez
- Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Ayse B. Ercan
- Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Lucie Stengs
- Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Jill Chung
- Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Logine Negm
- Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Gad Getz
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Birgit Ertl-Wagner
- Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Pamela S. Ohashi
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Trevor Pugh
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Cynthia Hawkins
- Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Eric Bouffet
- Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Daniel A. Morgenstern
- Hospital for Sick Children and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
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21
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Lang F, Sorn P, Schrörs B, Weber D, Kramer S, Sahin U, Löwer M. Multiple instance learning to predict immune checkpoint blockade efficacy using neoantigen candidates. iScience 2023; 26:108014. [PMID: 37965155 PMCID: PMC10641489 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108014] [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: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies showed that the neoantigen candidate load is an imperfect predictor of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) efficacy. Further studies provided evidence that the response to ICB is also affected by the qualitative properties of a few or even single candidates, limiting the predictive power based on candidate quantity alone. Here, we predict ICB efficacy based on neoantigen candidates and their neoantigen features in the context of the mutation type, using Multiple-Instance Learning via Embedded Instance Selection (MILES). Multiple instance learning is a type of supervised machine learning that classifies labeled bags that are formed by a set of unlabeled instances. MILES performed better compared with neoantigen candidate load alone for low-abundant fusion genes in renal cell carcinoma. Our findings suggest that MILES is an appropriate method to predict the efficacy of ICB therapy based on neoantigen candidates without requiring direct T cell response information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Lang
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Patrick Sorn
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Barbara Schrörs
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - David Weber
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Stefan Kramer
- Institute of Computer Science, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Ugur Sahin
- BioNTech SE, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Martin Löwer
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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22
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Ran Y, Hu C, Wan J, Kang Q, Zhou R, Liu P, Ma D, Wang J, Tang L. Integrated investigation and experimental validation of PPARG as an oncogenic driver: implications for prognostic assessment and therapeutic targeting in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1298341. [PMID: 38044948 PMCID: PMC10690586 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1298341] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), a key transcription factor involved in lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis, has been implicated in various types of cancer. However, its precise role in cancer remains unclear. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of PPARG expression using various types of cancer obtained from public databases. We observed significant heterogeneity in PPARG expression across different types of cancer. The association between PPARG expression and patient prognosis was investigated using Cox proportional hazards regression models and survival analysis. Clinical features and protein expression levels in the cohort showed that PPARG expression was strongly associated, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target. We also evaluated the prognostic potential of PPARG by analyzing immune infiltration and genomic stability. We experimentally validated the potential of PPARG as a therapeutic target by analyzing drug sensitivity profiles, molecular docking simulations, and in vitro cell proliferation assays associated with PPARG expression. We identified common expression patterns of PPARG with other genes involved in key carcinogenic pathways. This provides deeper insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying its carcinogenic role. Additionally, functional enrichment analysis revealed significant enrichment of genes related to drug metabolism, cell proliferation, and immune response pathways associated with PPARG. Our findings highlight the importance of PPARG in the broader biology of cancer and suggest its potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for specific types of cancer. The results of our study provide strong support for the potential role of PPARG as a promising prognostic biomarker and immunotherapeutic target across various types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunsheng Ran
- School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Guizhou Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Chemical Drug R&D, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Chujiao Hu
- Guizhou Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Chemical Drug R&D, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Junzhao Wan
- School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Guizhou Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Chemical Drug R&D, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Qian Kang
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Ruixian Zhou
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Dan Ma
- Guizhou Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Chemical Drug R&D, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jianta Wang
- Guizhou Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Chemical Drug R&D, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Lei Tang
- Guizhou Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Chemical Drug R&D, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
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23
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Bhamidipati D, Subbiah V. Tumor-agnostic drug development in dMMR/MSI-H solid tumors. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:828-839. [PMID: 37517955 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.07.002] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) or microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) represents a distinct phenotype among solid tumors characterized by frequent frameshift mutations resulting in the generation of neoantigens that are highly immunogenic. Seminal studies identified that dMMR/MSI-H tumors are exquisitely sensitive to immune checkpoint inhibitors, which has dramatically improved outcomes for patients harboring dMMR/MSI-H tumors. Nevertheless, many patients develop resistance to single-agent immune checkpoint blockade, prompting the need for improved therapeutic options for this patient population. In this review, we highlight key studies examining the efficacy of PD1 inhibitors in the metastatic and neoadjuvant setting for patients with dMMR/MSI-H tumors, describe resistance mechanisms to immune checkpoint blockade, and discuss novel treatment approaches that are currently under investigation for dMMR/MSI-H tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Bhamidipati
- Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vivek Subbiah
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN, USA.
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24
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Bolivar AM, Duzagac F, Sinha KM, Vilar E. Advances in vaccine development for cancer prevention and treatment in Lynch Syndrome. Mol Aspects Med 2023; 93:101204. [PMID: 37478804 PMCID: PMC10528439 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2023.101204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Lynch Syndrome (LS) is one of the most common hereditary cancer syndromes, and is caused by mutations in one of the four DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes, namely MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2. Tumors developed by LS carriers display high levels of microsatellite instability, which leads to the accumulation of large numbers of mutations, among which frameshift insertion/deletions (indels) within microsatellite (MS) loci are the most common. As a result, MMR-deficient (MMRd) cells generate increased rates of tumor-specific neoantigens (neoAgs) that can be recognized by the immune system to activate cancer cell killing. In this context, LS is an ideal disease to leverage immune-interception strategies. Therefore, the identification of these neoAgs is an ongoing effort for the development of LS cancer preventive vaccines. In this review, we summarize the computational methods used for in silico neoAg prediction, including their challenges, and the experimental techniques used for in vitro validation of their immunogenicity. In addition, we outline results from past and on-going vaccine clinical trials and highlight avenues for improvement and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Bolivar
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Fahriye Duzagac
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Krishna M Sinha
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Eduardo Vilar
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Clinical Cancer Genetics Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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25
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Harrold EC, Foote MB, Rousseau B, Walch H, Kemel Y, Richards AL, Keane F, Cercek A, Yaeger R, Rathkopf D, Segal NH, Patel Z, Maio A, Borio M, O'Reilly EM, Reidy D, Desai A, Janjigian YY, Murciano-Goroff YR, Carlo MI, Latham A, Liu YL, Walsh MF, Ilson D, Rosenberg JE, Markowitz AJ, Weiser MR, Rossi AM, Vanderbilt C, Mandelker D, Bandlamudi C, Offit K, Berger MF, Solit DB, Saltz L, Shia J, Diaz LA, Stadler ZK. Neoplasia risk in patients with Lynch syndrome treated with immune checkpoint blockade. Nat Med 2023; 29:2458-2463. [PMID: 37845474 PMCID: PMC10870255 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02544-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic and localized mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) tumors are exquisitely sensitive to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). The ability of ICB to prevent dMMR malignant or pre-malignant neoplasia development in patients with Lynch syndrome (LS) is unknown. Of 172 cancer-affected patients with LS who had received ≥1 ICB cycles, 21 (12%) developed subsequent malignancies after ICB exposure, 91% (29/32) of which were dMMR, with median time to development of 21 months (interquartile range, 6-38). Twenty-four of 61 (39%) ICB-treated patients who subsequently underwent surveillance colonoscopy had premalignant polyps. Within matched pre-ICB and post-ICB follow-up periods, the overall rate of tumor development was unchanged; however, on subgroup analysis, a decreased incidence of post-ICB visceral tumors was observed. These data suggest that ICB treatment of LS-associated tumors does not eliminate risk of new neoplasia development, and LS-specific surveillance strategies should continue. These data have implications for immunopreventative strategies and provide insight into the immunobiology of dMMR tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily C Harrold
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael B Foote
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Benoit Rousseau
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Henry Walch
- Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yelena Kemel
- Niehaus Center for Inherited Cancer Genomics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Allison L Richards
- Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Fergus Keane
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrea Cercek
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rona Yaeger
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dana Rathkopf
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Neil H Segal
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zalak Patel
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anna Maio
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matilde Borio
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eileen M O'Reilly
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Diane Reidy
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Avni Desai
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yelena Y Janjigian
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yonina R Murciano-Goroff
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria I Carlo
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
- Niehaus Center for Inherited Cancer Genomics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alicia Latham
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
- Niehaus Center for Inherited Cancer Genomics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ying L Liu
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
- Niehaus Center for Inherited Cancer Genomics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael F Walsh
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
- Niehaus Center for Inherited Cancer Genomics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - David Ilson
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan E Rosenberg
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Arnold J Markowitz
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Martin R Weiser
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anthony M Rossi
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
- Dermatology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chad Vanderbilt
- Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Diana Mandelker
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chaitanya Bandlamudi
- Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kenneth Offit
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
- Niehaus Center for Inherited Cancer Genomics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael F Berger
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
- Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - David B Solit
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
- Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Leonard Saltz
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jinru Shia
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Luis A Diaz
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zsofia K Stadler
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
- Niehaus Center for Inherited Cancer Genomics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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26
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Song Y, Kerr TD, Sanders C, Dai L, Baxter SS, Somerville B, Baugher RN, Mellott SD, Young TB, Lawhorn HE, Plona TM, Xu B, Wei L, Hu Q, Liu S, Hutson A, Karim B, Burkett S, Difilippantonio S, Pinto L, Gebert J, Kloor M, Lipkin SM, Sei S, Shoemaker RH. Organoids and metastatic orthotopic mouse model for mismatch repair-deficient colorectal cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1223915. [PMID: 37746286 PMCID: PMC10516605 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1223915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Genome integrity is essential for the survival of an organism. DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes (e.g., MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2) play a critical role in the DNA damage response pathway for genome integrity maintenance. Germline mutations of MMR genes can lead to Lynch syndrome or constitutional mismatch repair deficiency syndrome, resulting in an increased lifetime risk of developing cancer characterized by high microsatellite instability (MSI-H) and high mutation burden. Although immunotherapy has been approved for MMR-deficient (MMRd) cancer patients, the overall response rate needs to be improved and other management options are needed. Methods To better understand the biology of MMRd cancers, elucidate the resistance mechanisms to immune modulation, and develop vaccines and therapeutic testing platforms for this high-risk population, we generated organoids and an orthotopic mouse model from intestine tumors developed in a Msh2-deficient mouse model, and followed with a detailed characterization. Results The organoids were shown to be of epithelial origin with stem cell features, to have a high frameshift mutation frequency with MSI-H and chromosome instability, and intra- and inter-tumor heterogeneity. An orthotopic model using intra-cecal implantation of tumor fragments derived from organoids showed progressive tumor growth, resulting in the development of adenocarcinomas mixed with mucinous features and distant metastasis in liver and lymph node. Conclusions The established organoids with characteristics of MSI-H cancers can be used to study MMRd cancer biology. The orthotopic model, with its distant metastasis and expressing frameshift peptides, is suitable for evaluating the efficacy of neoantigen-based vaccines or anticancer drugs in combination with other therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurong Song
- Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Vaccine, Immunity, and Cancer Directorate, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Travis D. Kerr
- Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Vaccine, Immunity, and Cancer Directorate, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Chelsea Sanders
- Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Lisheng Dai
- Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Vaccine, Immunity, and Cancer Directorate, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Shaneen S. Baxter
- Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Vaccine, Immunity, and Cancer Directorate, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Brandon Somerville
- Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Vaccine, Immunity, and Cancer Directorate, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Ryan N. Baugher
- Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Stephanie D. Mellott
- Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Todd B. Young
- Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Heidi E. Lawhorn
- Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Teri M. Plona
- Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Bingfang Xu
- Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Genomics Laboratory, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Lei Wei
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Qiang Hu
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Song Liu
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Alan Hutson
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Baktiar Karim
- Molecular Histopathology Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Sandra Burkett
- Molecular Cytogenetics Core Facility, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Simone Difilippantonio
- Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Ligia Pinto
- Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Vaccine, Immunity, and Cancer Directorate, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Johannes Gebert
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Kloor
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Steven M. Lipkin
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Shizuko Sei
- Chemopreventive Agent Development Research Group, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Robert H. Shoemaker
- Chemopreventive Agent Development Research Group, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
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27
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Guan J, Li GM. DNA mismatch repair in cancer immunotherapy. NAR Cancer 2023; 5:zcad031. [PMID: 37325548 PMCID: PMC10262306 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcad031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumors defective in DNA mismatch repair (dMMR) exhibit microsatellite instability (MSI). Currently, patients with dMMR tumors are benefitted from anti-PD-1/PDL1-based immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. Over the past several years, great progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms by which dMMR tumors respond to ICI, including the identification of mutator phenotype-generated neoantigens, cytosolic DNA-mediated activation of the cGAS-STING pathway, type-I interferon signaling and high tumor-infiltration of lymphocytes in dMMR tumors. Although ICI therapy shows great clinical benefits, ∼50% of dMMR tumors are eventually not responsive. Here we review the discovery, development and molecular basis of dMMR-mediated immunotherapy, as well as tumor resistant problems and potential therapeutic interventions to overcome the resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhong Guan
- Cuiying Biomedical Research Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730030, China
| | - Guo-Min Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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28
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Buonaguro L, Tagliamonte M. Peptide-based vaccine for cancer therapies. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1210044. [PMID: 37654484 PMCID: PMC10467431 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1210044] [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: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Different strategies based on peptides are available for cancer treatment, in particular to counter-act the progression of tumor growth and disease relapse. In the last decade, in the context of therapeutic strategies against cancer, peptide-based vaccines have been evaluated in different tumor models. The peptides selected for cancer vaccine development can be classified in two main type: tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) and tumor-specific antigens (TSAs), which are captured, internalized, processed and presented by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) to cell-mediated immunity. Peptides loaded onto MHC class I are recognized by a specific TCR of CD8+ T cells, which are activated to exert their cytotoxic activity against tumor cells presenting the same peptide-MHC-I complex. This process is defined as active immunotherapy as the host's immune system is either de novo activated or restimulated to mount an effective, tumor-specific immune reaction that may ultimately lead to tu-mor regression. However, while the preclinical data have frequently shown encouraging results, therapeutic cancer vaccines clinical trials, including those based on peptides have not provided satisfactory data to date. The limited efficacy of peptide-based cancer vaccines is the consequence of several factors, including the identification of specific target tumor antigens, the limited immunogenicity of peptides and the highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). An effective cancer vaccine can be developed only by addressing all such different aspects. The present review describes the state of the art for each of such factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Tagliamonte
- Innovative Immunological Models Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - “Fond G. Pascale”, Naples, Italy
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29
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Komuro H, Shinohara S, Fukushima Y, Demachi-Okamura A, Muraoka D, Masago K, Matsui T, Sugita Y, Takahashi Y, Nishida R, Takashima C, Ohki T, Shigematsu Y, Watanabe F, Adachi K, Fukuyama T, Hamana H, Kishi H, Miura D, Tanaka Y, Onoue K, Onoguchi K, Yamashita Y, Stratford R, Clancy T, Yamaguchi R, Kuroda H, Doi K, Iwata H, Matsushita H. Single-cell sequencing on CD8 + TILs revealed the nature of exhausted T cells recognizing neoantigen and cancer/testis antigen in non-small cell lung cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007180. [PMID: 37544663 PMCID: PMC10407349 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007180] [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: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CD8+tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are often observed in non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). However, the characteristics of CD8+ TILs, especially T-cell populations specific for tumor antigens, remain poorly understood. METHODS High throughput single-cell RNA sequencing and single-cell T-cell receptor (TCR) sequencing were performed on CD8+ TILs from three surgically-resected lung cancer specimens. Dimensional reduction for clustering was performed using Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection. CD8+ TIL TCR specific for the cancer/testis antigen KK-LC-1 and for predicted neoantigens were investigated. Differentially-expressed gene analysis, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and single sample GSEA was performed to characterize antigen-specific T cells. RESULTS A total of 6998 CD8+ T cells was analyzed, divided into 10 clusters according to their gene expression profile. An exhausted T-cell (exhausted T (Tex)) cluster characterized by the expression of ENTPD1 (CD39), TOX, PDCD1 (PD1), HAVCR2 (TIM3) and other genes, and by T-cell oligoclonality, was identified. The Tex TCR repertoire (Tex-TCRs) contained nine different TCR clonotypes recognizing five tumor antigens including a KK-LC-1 antigen and four neoantigens. By re-clustering the tumor antigen-specific T cells (n=140), it could be seen that the individual T-cell clonotypes were present on cells at different stages of differentiation and functional states even within the same Tex cluster. Stimulating these T cells with predicted cognate peptide indicated that TCR signal strength and subsequent T-cell proliferation and cytokine production was variable but always higher for neoantigens than KK-LC-1. CONCLUSIONS Our approach focusing on T cells with an exhausted phenotype among CD8+ TILs may facilitate the identification of tumor antigens and clarify the nature of the antigen-specific T cells to specify the promising immunotherapeutic targets in patients with NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyasu Komuro
- Division of Translational Oncoimmunology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Gifu University School of Medicine Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Shuichi Shinohara
- Division of Translational Oncoimmunology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasunori Fukushima
- Division of Translational Oncoimmunology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Gifu University School of Medicine Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Ayako Demachi-Okamura
- Division of Translational Oncoimmunology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Daisuke Muraoka
- Division of Translational Oncoimmunology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Katsuhiro Masago
- Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takuya Matsui
- Division of Translational Oncoimmunology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yusuke Sugita
- Division of Translational Oncoimmunology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yusuke Takahashi
- Division of Translational Oncoimmunology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Reina Nishida
- Division of Translational Oncoimmunology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Chieko Takashima
- Division of Translational Oncoimmunology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takashi Ohki
- Department of Respiratory Surgery, Ichinomiya Nishi Hospital, Ichinomiya, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Shigematsu
- Department of Respiratory Surgery, Ichinomiya Nishi Hospital, Ichinomiya, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Watanabe
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Mie Chuo Medical Center, Tsu, Japan
| | | | - Takashi Fukuyama
- Division of Biomedical Research, Kitasato University Medical Center, Kitamoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Hamana
- Department of Immunology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kishi
- Department of Immunology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Daiki Miura
- Drug Development Division, NEC Corporation, Minato-ku, Japan
| | - Yuki Tanaka
- Drug Development Division, NEC Corporation, Minato-ku, Japan
| | - Kousuke Onoue
- Drug Development Division, NEC Corporation, Minato-ku, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Trevor Clancy
- NEC OncoImmunity AS, Oslo Cancer Cluster, Oslo, Norway
| | - Rui Yamaguchi
- Division of Cancer Systems Biology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
- Division of Cancer Informatics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kuroda
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Doi
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Gifu University School of Medicine Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hisashi Iwata
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Gifu University School of Medicine Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Matsushita
- Division of Translational Oncoimmunology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
- Division of Cancer Immunogenomics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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30
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Mestrallet G, Brown M, Bozkus CC, Bhardwaj N. Immune escape and resistance to immunotherapy in mismatch repair deficient tumors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1210164. [PMID: 37492581 PMCID: PMC10363668 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1210164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Up to 30% of colorectal, endometrial and gastric cancers have a deficiency in mismatch repair (MMR) protein expression due to either germline or epigenetic inactivation. Patients with Lynch Syndrome who inherit an inactive MMR allele have an up to 80% risk for developing a mismatch repair deficient (MMRd) cancer. Due to an inability to repair DNA, MMRd tumors present with genomic instability in microsatellite regions (MS). Tumors with high MS instability (MSI-H) are characterized by an increased frequency of insertion/deletions (indels) that can encode novel neoantigens if they occur in coding regions. The high tumor antigen burden for MMRd cancers is accompanied by an inflamed tumor microenvironment (TME) that contributes to the clinical effectiveness of anti-PD-1 therapy in this patient population. However, between 40 and 70% of MMRd cancer patients do not respond to treatment with PD-1 blockade, suggesting that tumor-intrinsic and -extrinsic resistance mechanisms may affect the success of checkpoint blockade. Immune evasion mechanisms that occur during early tumorigenesis and persist through cancer development may provide a window into resistance pathways that limit the effectiveness of anti-PD-1 therapy. Here, we review the mechanisms of immune escape in MMRd tumors during development and checkpoint blockade treatment, including T cell dysregulation and myeloid cell-mediated immunosuppression in the TME. Finally, we discuss the development of new therapeutic approaches to tackle resistance in MMRd tumors, including cancer vaccines, therapies targeting immunosuppressive myeloid programs, and immune checkpoint combination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Mestrallet
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Hess Center for Science & Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Matthew Brown
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Hess Center for Science & Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Cansu Cimen Bozkus
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Hess Center for Science & Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nina Bhardwaj
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Hess Center for Science & Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Extramural member, Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, United States
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31
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Wang CX, Hunt J, Feinstein S, Kim SK, Monjazeb AM. Advances in Radiotherapy Immune Modulation: From Bench-to-Bedside and Back Again. Surg Oncol Clin N Am 2023; 32:617-629. [PMID: 37182996 DOI: 10.1016/j.soc.2023.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Pre-clinical and clinical data clearly demonstrate the immune modulatory effects of radiotherapy (RT) but clinical trials testing RT + immunotherapy have been equivocal. An improved understanding of the immune modulatory effects of RT and how practical parameters of RT delivery (site and number of lesions, dose, fractionation, timing) influence these effects are needed to optimally combine RT with immunotherapy. Additionally, increased exploration of immunotherapy combinations with RT, beyond immune checkpoint inhibitors, are needed. A "bench-to-bedside and back again" approach will improve our understanding of RT immune modulation and allow for the implementation of more effective RT + immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles X Wang
- UC Davis Health, Department of Radiation Oncology, 4501 X-Street, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Jared Hunt
- UC Davis Health, Department of Radiation Oncology, 4501 X-Street, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Shera Feinstein
- UC Davis Health, Department of Radiation Oncology, 4501 X-Street, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Soo Kyoung Kim
- UC Davis Health, Department of Radiation Oncology, 4501 X-Street, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Arta M Monjazeb
- UC Davis Health, Department of Radiation Oncology, 4501 X-Street, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
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32
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Gregucci F, Spada S, Barcellos-Hoff MH, Bhardwaj N, Chan Wah Hak C, Fiorentino A, Guha C, Guzman ML, Harrington K, Herrera FG, Honeychurch J, Hong T, Iturri L, Jaffee E, Karam SD, Knott SR, Koumenis C, Lyden D, Marciscano AE, Melcher A, Mondini M, Mondino A, Morris ZS, Pitroda S, Quezada SA, Santambrogio L, Shiao S, Stagg J, Telarovic I, Timmerman R, Vozenin MC, Weichselbaum R, Welsh J, Wilkins A, Xu C, Zappasodi R, Zou W, Bobard A, Demaria S, Galluzzi L, Deutsch E, Formenti SC. Updates on radiotherapy-immunotherapy combinations: Proceedings of 6 th annual ImmunoRad conference. Oncoimmunology 2023; 12:2222560. [PMID: 37363104 PMCID: PMC10286673 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2222560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Focal radiation therapy (RT) has attracted considerable attention as a combinatorial partner for immunotherapy (IT), largely reflecting a well-defined, predictable safety profile and at least some potential for immunostimulation. However, only a few RT-IT combinations have been tested successfully in patients with cancer, highlighting the urgent need for an improved understanding of the interaction between RT and IT in both preclinical and clinical scenarios. Every year since 2016, ImmunoRad gathers experts working at the interface between RT and IT to provide a forum for education and discussion, with the ultimate goal of fostering progress in the field at both preclinical and clinical levels. Here, we summarize the key concepts and findings presented at the Sixth Annual ImmunoRad conference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Gregucci
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Miulli General Regional Hospital, Acquaviva delle Fonti, Bari, Italy
| | - Sheila Spada
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mary Helen Barcellos-Hoff
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nina Bhardwaj
- Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Alba Fiorentino
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Miulli General Regional Hospital, Acquaviva delle Fonti, Bari, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, LUM University, Casamassima, Bari, Italy
| | - Chandan Guha
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Monica L. Guzman
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kevin Harrington
- The Institute of Cancer Research/The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Fernanda G. Herrera
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne and Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research at the Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jamie Honeychurch
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Theodore Hong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lorea Iturri
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, CNRS UMR3347, INSERM U1021, Signalisation Radiobiologie et Cancer, Orsay, France
| | - Elisabeth Jaffee
- Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sana D. Karam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Simon R.V. Knott
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Constantinos Koumenis
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David Lyden
- Children’s Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics, and Cell and Developmental Biology, Drukier Institute for Children’s Health, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Alan Melcher
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Michele Mondini
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
- Université of Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France
- INSERM U1030, Radiothérapie Moléculaire et Innovation Thérapeutique, Villejuif, France
| | - Anna Mondino
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Zachary S. Morris
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sean Pitroda
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sergio A. Quezada
- Cancer Immunology Unit, Research Department of Haematology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Laura Santambrogio
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephen Shiao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - John Stagg
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Universite de Montreal, Faculty of Pharmacy, Montreal, Canada
| | - Irma Telarovic
- Laboratory for Applied Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Robert Timmerman
- Departments of Radiation Oncology and Neurosurgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Marie-Catherine Vozenin
- Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Radiation Oncology Service, Department of Oncology, CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ralph Weichselbaum
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, Ludwig Center for Metastases Research, University of Chicago, IL, USA
| | - James Welsh
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anna Wilkins
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom, Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton, UK
| | - Chris Xu
- School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Roberta Zappasodi
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Weiping Zou
- Departments of Surgery and Pathology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Sandra Demaria
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eric Deutsch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
- Université of Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France
- INSERM U1030, Radiothérapie Moléculaire et Innovation Thérapeutique, Villejuif, France
| | - Silvia C. Formenti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Disis ML, Adams SF, Bajpai J, Butler MO, Curiel T, Dodt SA, Doherty L, Emens LA, Friedman CF, Gatti-Mays M, Geller MA, Jazaeri A, John VS, Kurnit KC, Liao JB, Mahdi H, Mills A, Zsiros E, Odunsi K. Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) clinical practice guideline on immunotherapy for the treatment of gynecologic cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e006624. [PMID: 37295818 PMCID: PMC10277149 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced gynecologic cancers have historically lacked effective treatment options. Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of cervical cancer and endometrial cancer, offering durable responses for some patients. In addition, many immunotherapy strategies are under investigation for the treatment of earlier stages of disease or in other gynecologic cancers, such as ovarian cancer and rare gynecologic tumors. While the integration of ICIs into the standard of care has improved outcomes for patients, their use requires a nuanced understanding of biomarker testing, treatment selection, patient selection, response evaluation and surveillance, and patient quality of life considerations, among other topics. To address this need for guidance, the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) convened a multidisciplinary panel of experts to develop a clinical practice guideline. The Expert Panel drew on the published literature as well as their own clinical experience to develop evidence- and consensus-based recommendations to provide guidance to cancer care professionals treating patients with gynecologic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary L Disis
- Cancer Vaccine Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sarah F Adams
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Jyoti Bajpai
- Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Marcus O Butler
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Hospital Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tyler Curiel
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock's Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | | | - Laura Doherty
- Program in Women's Oncology, Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Leisha A Emens
- Department of Medicine, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Claire F Friedman
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Margaret Gatti-Mays
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Melissa A Geller
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Women's Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Amir Jazaeri
- Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Veena S John
- Department of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Northwell Health Cancer Institute, Lake Success, New York, USA
| | - Katherine C Kurnit
- University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - John B Liao
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Haider Mahdi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Anne Mills
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Emese Zsiros
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Kunle Odunsi
- The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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34
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Ishino T, Kawashima S, Tanji E, Ueno T, Ueda Y, Ogasawara S, Sato K, Mano H, Ishihara S, Kato N, Kawazu M, Togashi Y. Somatic mutations can induce a noninflamed tumour microenvironment via their original gene functions, despite deriving neoantigens. Br J Cancer 2023; 128:1166-1175. [PMID: 36732592 PMCID: PMC10006227 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02165-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying biomarkers to predict immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) efficacy is warranted. Considering that somatic mutation-derived neoantigens induce strong immune responses, patients with a high tumour mutational burden reportedly tend to respond to ICIs. However, there are several conflicting data. Therefore, we focused on the original function of neoantigenic mutations and their impact on the tumour microenvironment (TME). METHODS We evaluated 88 high-frequency microsatellite instability (MSI-H) colorectal cancers and analysed the function of the identified neoantigenic mutations and their influence on programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) blockade efficacy. The results were validated using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets. RESULTS We identified frameshift mutations in RNF43 as a common neoantigenic gene mutation in MSI-H tumours. However, loss-of-function RNF43 mutations induced noninflamed TME by activating the WNT/β-catenin signalling pathway. In addition, loss of RNF43 function induced resistance to PD-1 blockade even in neoantigen-rich tumours. TCGA dataset analyses demonstrated that passenger rather than driver gene mutations were related to the inflamed TME in diverse cancer types. CONCLUSIONS We propose a novel concept of "paradoxical neoantigenic mutations" that can induce noninflamed TME through their original gene functions, despite deriving neoantigens, suggesting the significance of qualities as well as quantities in neoantigenic mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takamasa Ishino
- Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Okayama University, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan.,Division of Cell Therapy, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, 666-2, Nitona-cho, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260-8717, Japan.,Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1‑8‑1 Inohana, Chuo‑ku, Chiba, 260‑8670, Japan
| | - Shusuke Kawashima
- Division of Cell Therapy, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, 666-2, Nitona-cho, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260-8717, Japan.,Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1‑8‑1 Inohana, Chuo‑ku, Chiba, 260‑8670, Japan
| | - Etsuko Tanji
- Division of Cell Therapy, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, 666-2, Nitona-cho, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260-8717, Japan
| | - Toshihide Ueno
- Division of Cellular Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute; 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Youki Ueda
- Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Okayama University, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Sadahisa Ogasawara
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1‑8‑1 Inohana, Chuo‑ku, Chiba, 260‑8670, Japan
| | - Kazuhito Sato
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo; 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Mano
- Division of Cellular Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute; 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Soichiro Ishihara
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo; 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Naoya Kato
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1‑8‑1 Inohana, Chuo‑ku, Chiba, 260‑8670, Japan
| | - Masahito Kawazu
- Division of Cell Therapy, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, 666-2, Nitona-cho, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260-8717, Japan. .,Division of Cellular Signaling, National Cancer Center Research Institute; 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan.
| | - Yosuke Togashi
- Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Okayama University, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan. .,Division of Cell Therapy, Chiba Cancer Center Research Institute, 666-2, Nitona-cho, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260-8717, Japan.
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35
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Ahn R, Cui Y, White FM. Antigen discovery for the development of cancer immunotherapy. Semin Immunol 2023; 66:101733. [PMID: 36841147 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Central to successful cancer immunotherapy is effective T cell antitumor immunity. Multiple targeted immunotherapies engineered to invigorate T cell-driven antitumor immunity rely on identifying the repertoire of T cell antigens expressed on the tumor cell surface. Mass spectrometry-based survey of such antigens ("immunopeptidomics") combined with other omics platforms and computational algorithms has been instrumental in identifying and quantifying tumor-derived T cell antigens. In this review, we discuss the types of tumor antigens that have emerged for targeted cancer immunotherapy and the immunopeptidomics methods that are central in MHC peptide identification and quantification. We provide an overview of the strength and limitations of mass spectrometry-driven approaches and how they have been integrated with other technologies to discover targetable T cell antigens for cancer immunotherapy. We highlight some of the emerging cancer immunotherapies that successfully capitalized on immunopeptidomics, their challenges, and mass spectrometry-based strategies that can support their development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuhjin Ahn
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Yufei Cui
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Forest M White
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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36
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Fenton GA, Mitchell DA. Cellular Cancer Immunotherapy Development and Manufacturing in the Clinic. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:843-857. [PMID: 36383184 PMCID: PMC9975672 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-2257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The transfusion of naturally derived or modified cellular therapies, referred to as adoptive cell therapy (ACT), has demonstrated clinical efficacy in the treatment of hematologic malignancies and metastatic melanoma. In addition, cellular vaccination, such as dendritic cell-based cancer vaccines, continues to be actively explored. The manufacturing of these therapies presents a considerable challenge to expanding the use of ACT as a viable treatment modality, particularly at academic production facilities. Furthermore, the expanding commercial interest in ACT presents new opportunities as well as strategic challenges for the future vision of cellular manufacturing in academic centers. Current trends in the production of ACT at tertiary care centers and prospects for improved manufacturing practices that will foster further clinical benefit are reviewed herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graeme A Fenton
- Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.,Preston A. Wells Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Duane A Mitchell
- Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.,Preston A. Wells Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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37
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Rational combinations of targeted cancer therapies: background, advances and challenges. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:213-234. [PMID: 36509911 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00615-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 101.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, elucidation of the genetic defects that underlie cancer has resulted in a plethora of novel targeted cancer drugs. Although these agents can initially be highly effective, resistance to single-agent therapies remains a major challenge. Combining drugs can help avoid resistance, but the number of possible drug combinations vastly exceeds what can be tested clinically, both financially and in terms of patient availability. Rational drug combinations based on a deep understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms associated with therapy resistance are potentially powerful in the treatment of cancer. Here, we discuss the mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapies and how effective drug combinations can be identified to combat resistance. The challenges in clinically developing these combinations and future perspectives are considered.
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38
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Lynch Syndrome and Gynecologic Tumors: Incidence, Prophylaxis, and Management of Patients with Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15051400. [PMID: 36900193 PMCID: PMC10000861 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
This review provides a comprehensive update on recent evidence regarding gynecologic tumors associated with Lynch Syndrome (LS). Endometrial cancer (EC) and ovarian cancer (OC) are the first and second most common gynecologic malignancies in developed countries, respectively, and LS is estimated to be the hereditary cause in 3% of both EC and OC. Despite the increasing evidence on LS-related tumors, few studies have analyzed the outcomes of LS-related EC and OC stratified by mutational variant. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the literature and comparison between updated international guidelines, to help outline a shared pathway for the diagnosis, prevention, and management of LS. Through the widespread adoption of the immunohistochemistry-based Universal Screening, LS diagnosis and identification of mutational variants could be standardized and recognized by international guidelines as a feasible, reproducible, and cost-effective method. Furthermore, the development of a better understanding of LS and its mutational variants will support our ability to better tailor EC and OC management in terms of prophylactic surgery and systemic treatment in the light of the promising results shown by immunotherapy.
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39
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Baulu E, Gardet C, Chuvin N, Depil S. TCR-engineered T cell therapy in solid tumors: State of the art and perspectives. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf3700. [PMID: 36791198 PMCID: PMC9931212 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf3700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 87.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
T cell engineering has changed the landscape of cancer immunotherapy. Chimeric antigen receptor T cells have demonstrated a remarkable efficacy in the treatment of B cell malignancies in hematology. However, their clinical impact on solid tumors has been modest so far. T cells expressing an engineered T cell receptor (TCR-T cells) represent a promising therapeutic alternative. The target repertoire is not limited to membrane proteins, and intrinsic features of TCRs such as high antigen sensitivity and near-to-physiological signaling may improve tumor cell detection and killing while improving T cell persistence. In this review, we present the clinical results obtained with TCR-T cells targeting different tumor antigen families. We detail the different methods that have been developed to identify and optimize a TCR candidate. We also discuss the challenges of TCR-T cell therapies, including toxicity assessment and resistance mechanisms. Last, we share some perspectives and highlight future directions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estelle Baulu
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
- ErVaccine Technologies, Lyon, France
| | - Célia Gardet
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | | | - Stéphane Depil
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
- ErVaccine Technologies, Lyon, France
- Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
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40
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Hannani D, Leplus E, Laulagnier K, Chaperot L, Plumas J. Leveraging a powerful allogeneic dendritic cell line towards neoantigen-based cancer vaccines. Genes Cancer 2023; 14:3-11. [PMID: 36726965 PMCID: PMC9886307 DOI: 10.18632/genesandcancer.229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, immunotherapy has finally found its place in the anti-cancer therapeutic arsenal, even becoming standard of care as first line treatment for metastatic forms. The clinical benefit provided by checkpoint blockers such as anti-PD-1/PD-L1 in many cancers revolutionized the field. However, too many patients remain refractory to these treatments due to weak baseline anti-cancer immunity. There is therefore a need to boost the frequency and function of patients' cytotoxic CD8+ cellular effectors by targeting immunogenic and tumor-restricted antigens, such as neoantigens using an efficient vaccination platform. Dendritic cells (DC) are the most powerful immune cell subset for triggering cellular immune response. However, autologous DC-based vaccines display several limitations, such as the lack of reproducibility and the limited number of cells that can be manufactured. Here we discuss the advantages of a new therapeutic vaccine based on an allogeneic Plasmacytoid DC cell line, which is easy to produce and represents a powerful platform for priming and expanding anti-neoantigen cytotoxic CD8+ T-cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Laurence Chaperot
- 2R&D Laboratory, Etablissement Français du Sang Auvergne Rhône-Alpes (EFS AURA), Grenoble, France
| | - Joël Plumas
- 1PDC*line Pharma, Grenoble, France,2R&D Laboratory, Etablissement Français du Sang Auvergne Rhône-Alpes (EFS AURA), Grenoble, France,Correspondence to:Joël Plumas, email:
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41
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Neoantigens: promising targets for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:9. [PMID: 36604431 PMCID: PMC9816309 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01270-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 205.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in neoantigen research have accelerated the development and regulatory approval of tumor immunotherapies, including cancer vaccines, adoptive cell therapy and antibody-based therapies, especially for solid tumors. Neoantigens are newly formed antigens generated by tumor cells as a result of various tumor-specific alterations, such as genomic mutation, dysregulated RNA splicing, disordered post-translational modification, and integrated viral open reading frames. Neoantigens are recognized as non-self and trigger an immune response that is not subject to central and peripheral tolerance. The quick identification and prediction of tumor-specific neoantigens have been made possible by the advanced development of next-generation sequencing and bioinformatic technologies. Compared to tumor-associated antigens, the highly immunogenic and tumor-specific neoantigens provide emerging targets for personalized cancer immunotherapies, and serve as prospective predictors for tumor survival prognosis and immune checkpoint blockade responses. The development of cancer therapies will be aided by understanding the mechanism underlying neoantigen-induced anti-tumor immune response and by streamlining the process of neoantigen-based immunotherapies. This review provides an overview on the identification and characterization of neoantigens and outlines the clinical applications of prospective immunotherapeutic strategies based on neoantigens. We also explore their current status, inherent challenges, and clinical translation potential.
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42
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Huang KCY, Lai CY, Hung WZ, Chang HY, Lin PC, Chiang SF, Ke TW, Liang JA, Shiau AC, Yang PC, Chen WTL, Chao KSC. A Novel Engineered AAV-Based Neoantigen Vaccine in Combination with Radiotherapy Eradicates Tumors. Cancer Immunol Res 2023; 11:123-136. [PMID: 36315960 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-22-0318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The potency of tumor-specific antigen (TSA) vaccines, such as neoantigen (neoAg)-based cancer vaccines, can be compromised by host immune checkpoint inhibitory mechanisms, such as programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), that attenuate neoAg presentation on dendritic cells (DC) and hinder T cell-mediated cytotoxicity. To overcome PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition in DCs, we developed a novel adeno-associated virus (meAAV) neoAg vaccine, modified with TLR9 inhibitory fragments, PD-1 trap, and PD-L1 miRNA, which extend the persistence of meAAV and activate neoAg-specific T-cell responses in immune-competent colorectal and breast cancer murine models. Moreover, we found that in combination with radiotherapy, the meAAV-based neoAg cancer vaccine not only elicited higher antigen presentation ability, but also maintained neoAg-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses. These functional PD-1 traps and PD-L1 miRNAs overcome host PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitory mechanisms and boost the therapeutic efficacy of radiotherapy. More importantly, combined radiotherapy and meAAV neoAg cancer vaccines significantly enhanced neoAg-specific CTL responses, increased CTL infiltration in tumor microenvironment, and decreased tumor-associated immunosuppression. This process led to the complete elimination of colorectal cancer and delayed tumor growth of breast cancer in tumor-bearing mice. Taken together, our results demonstrated a novel strategy that combines neoAg cancer vaccine and radiotherapy to increase the therapeutic efficacy against colorectal and breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Chih-Yang Huang
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Translation Research Core, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ying Lai
- Center of Proton Therapy and Science, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ze Hung
- Center of Proton Therapy and Science, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yu Chang
- Center of Proton Therapy and Science, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chun Lin
- Center of Proton Therapy and Science, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Fen Chiang
- Lab of Precision Medicine, Feng-Yuan Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tao-Wei Ke
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ji-An Liang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - An-Cheng Shiau
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Radiation Oncology, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chen Yang
- Center of Proton Therapy and Science, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - William Tzu-Liang Chen
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Colorectal Surgery, China Medical University HsinChu Hospital, China Medical University, HsinChu, Taiwan
| | - K S Clifford Chao
- Center of Proton Therapy and Science, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Radiation Oncology, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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43
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Grolmusz VK, Nagy P, Likó I, Butz H, Pócza T, Bozsik A, Papp J, Oláh E, Patócs A. A common genetic variation in GZMB may associate with cancer risk in patients with Lynch syndrome. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1005066. [PMID: 36890824 PMCID: PMC9986427 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1005066] [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: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Lynch syndrome (LS), also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer syndrome (HNPCC) is a common genetic predisposition to cancer due to germline mutations in genes affecting DNA mismatch repair. Due to mismatch repair deficiency, developing tumors are characterized by microsatellite instability (MSI-H), high frequency of expressed neoantigens and good clinical response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Granzyme B (GrB) is the most abundant serine protease in the granules of cytotoxic T-cells and natural killer cells, mediating anti-tumor immunity. However, recent results confirm a diverse range of physiological functions of GrB including that in extracellular matrix remodelling, inflammation and fibrosis. In the present study, our aim was to investigate whether a frequent genetic variation of GZMB, the gene encoding GrB, constituted by three missense single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs2236338, rs11539752 and rs8192917) has any association with cancer risk in individuals with LS. In silico analysis and genotype calls from whole exome sequencing data in the Hungarian population confirmed that these SNPs are closely linked. Genotyping results of rs8192917 on a cohort of 145 individuals with LS demonstrated an association of the CC genotype with lower cancer risk. In silico prediction proposed likely GrB cleavage sites in a high proportion of shared neontigens in MSI-H tumors. Our results propose the CC genotype of rs8192917 as a potential disease-modifying genetic factor in LS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vince Kornél Grolmusz
- Department of Molecular Genetics, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary.,Hereditary Cancers Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network - Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,National Tumorbiology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Petra Nagy
- Department of Molecular Genetics, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - István Likó
- Hereditary Cancers Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network - Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,National Tumorbiology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Henriett Butz
- Department of Molecular Genetics, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary.,Hereditary Cancers Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network - Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,National Tumorbiology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary.,National Oncology Biobank Center, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tímea Pócza
- Department of Molecular Genetics, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anikó Bozsik
- Department of Molecular Genetics, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary.,Hereditary Cancers Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network - Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,National Tumorbiology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - János Papp
- Department of Molecular Genetics, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary.,Hereditary Cancers Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network - Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,National Tumorbiology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Edit Oláh
- Department of Molecular Genetics, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Patócs
- Department of Molecular Genetics, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary.,Hereditary Cancers Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network - Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,National Tumorbiology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
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44
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Thol K, Pawlik P, McGranahan N. Therapy sculpts the complex interplay between cancer and the immune system during tumour evolution. Genome Med 2022; 14:137. [PMID: 36476325 PMCID: PMC9730559 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-022-01138-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer development is an evolutionary process. A key selection pressure is exerted by therapy, one of the few players in cancer evolution that can be controlled. As such, an understanding of how treatment acts to sculpt the tumour and its microenvironment and how this influences a tumour's subsequent evolutionary trajectory is critical. In this review, we examine cancer evolution and intra-tumour heterogeneity in the context of therapy. We focus on how radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy shape both tumour development and the environment in which tumours evolve and how resistance can develop or be selected for during treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Thol
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
- Cancer Genome Evolution Research Group, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Piotr Pawlik
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
- Cancer Genome Evolution Research Group, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Nicholas McGranahan
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK.
- Cancer Genome Evolution Research Group, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK.
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45
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Tumor antigens and vaccines in colorectal cancer. MEDICINE IN DRUG DISCOVERY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medidd.2022.100144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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46
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Kok PS, Antill YC, Scott CL, Lee CK. The impact of single agent PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibition on advanced endometrial cancers: meta-analysis. ESMO Open 2022; 7:100635. [PMID: 36410086 PMCID: PMC9808459 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2022.100635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy is an emerging option for advanced endometrial cancer (EC). Mismatch repair (MMR) status is widely regarded as a biomarker predictive of response to ICIs. The predictive value of MMR based on small, single-arm trials, however, is conflicting. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to assess the activity of single-agent ICI in advanced EC, and compared the magnitude of treatment benefit in MMR deficient (dMMR) and MMR proficient (pMMR) EC. METHODS We carried out an electronic search to identify prospective trials of single-agent ICI in advanced EC. Data on objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS) were extracted and pooled. ORR was estimated using the inverse variance method and subgroup difference by MMR status was examined. PFS difference according to MMR status was summarized using the Kaplan-Meier approach. RESULTS From eight trials with 492 women, the pooled ORR was 19% [95% confidence interval (CI) 16% to 22%]. ORR was significantly greater in dMMR (n = 281) than pMMR EC (n = 211) (dMMR: 46%, pMMR: 8%; risk ratio 5.74, 95% CI 3.58-9.21; interaction P < 0.001). Complete response was 11% and 0.05% and median PFS was 8.3 and 2.1 months in dMMR and pMMR EC, respectively (hazard ratio PFS 0.58, 95% CI 0.38-0.89; P = 0.01). The 12-month PFS rates were 42.0% and 20.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION Single-agent ICI is associated with a 5.74 times greater objective response and 42% reduction in risk of disease progression or death in dMMR compared with pMMR EC. MMR status should be determined prospectively and be used as a stratification factor in future trials of advanced EC. Further translational analysis is urgently required to identify the cause of dMMR and allow subclassification of EC into different dMMR molecular subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- P-S Kok
- Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group, Sydney, Australia; National Health and Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, Australia.
| | - Y C Antill
- Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group, Sydney, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - C L Scott
- Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group, Sydney, Australia; Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - C K Lee
- Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group, Sydney, Australia; Cancer Care Centre, St George Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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47
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Marín-Jiménez JA, García-Mulero S, Matías-Guiu X, Piulats JM. Facts and Hopes in Immunotherapy of Endometrial Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:4849-4860. [PMID: 35789264 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-1564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors has changed the paradigm of treatment for many tumors, and endometrial carcinoma is not an exception. Approved treatment options are pembrolizumab or dostarlimab for mismatch repair deficient tumors, pembrolizumab for tumors with high mutational load, and, more recently, pembrolizumab/lenvatinib for all patients with endometrial cancer. Endometrial cancer is a heterogeneous disease with distinct molecular subtypes and different prognoses. Differences between molecular subgroups regarding antigenicity and immunogenicity should be relevant to develop more tailored immunotherapeutic approaches. In this review, we aim to summarize and discuss the current evidence-Facts, and future opportunities-Hopes-of immunotherapy for endometrial cancer, focusing on relevant molecular and tumor microenvironment features of The Cancer Genome Atlas endometrial cancer subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan A Marín-Jiménez
- Cancer Immunotherapy (CIT) Group - iPROCURE, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) - OncoBell, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Medical Oncology, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra García-Mulero
- Unit of Biomarkers and Susceptibility, Oncology Data Analytics Program (ODAP), IDIBELL-OncoBell, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Matías-Guiu
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, IDIBELL-OncoBell, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova - IRBLLEIDA, Lleida, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer - CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Josep M Piulats
- Cancer Immunotherapy (CIT) Group - iPROCURE, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) - OncoBell, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Medical Oncology, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer - CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
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48
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Wang H, Feng Y, Lu H. Low-Level Cefepime Exposure Induces High-Level Resistance in Environmental Bacteria: Molecular Mechanism and Evolutionary Dynamics. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:15074-15083. [PMID: 35608924 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c00793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotics exert selective pressures on clinically relevant antibiotic resistance. It is critical to understand how antibiotic resistance evolves in environmental microbes exposed to subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotics and whether evolutionary dynamics and emergence of resistance are predictable. In this study, Comamonas testosteroni isolated from wastewater activated sludge were subcultured in a medium containing 10 ng/mL cefepime for 40 days (∼300 generations). Stepwise mutations were accumulated, leading to an ultimate 200-fold increase in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of cefepime. Early stage mutation in DNA polymerase-encoding gene dnaE2 played an important role in antibiotic resistance evolution. Diverse resistance mechanisms were employed and validated experimentally, including increased efflux, biofilm formation, reduced antibiotic uptake, and drug inactivation. The cefepime minimal selective concentrations (MSCs) and relative fitness of susceptible, intermediate, and resistant mutants were determined. Agent-based modeling of the modified Moran process enabled simulations of resistance evolution and predictions of the emergence time and frequency of resistant mutants. The unraveled cefepime resistance mechanisms could be employed by broader bacteria, and the newly developed model is applicable to the predictions of general resistance evolution. The improved knowledge facilitates the assessment, prediction, and mitigation of antibiotic resistance progression in antibiotic-polluted environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanqing Wang
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Youjun Feng
- Departments of Microbiology & General Intensive Care Unit of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Huijie Lu
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Academy of Ecological Civilization, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
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Nagel R, Pataskar A, Champagne J, Agami R. Boosting Antitumor Immunity with an Expanded Neoepitope Landscape. Cancer Res 2022; 82:3637-3649. [PMID: 35904353 PMCID: PMC9574376 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-1525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Immune-checkpoint blockade therapy has been successfully applied to many cancers, particularly tumors that harbor a high mutational burden and consequently express a high abundance of neoantigens. However, novel approaches are needed to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy for treating tumors that lack a high load of classic genetically derived neoantigens. Recent discoveries of broad classes of nongenetically encoded and inducible neoepitopes open up new avenues for therapeutic development to enhance sensitivity to immunotherapies. In this review, we discuss recent work on neoantigen discovery, with an emphasis on novel classes of noncanonical neoepitopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remco Nagel
- Division of Oncogenomics, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Abhijeet Pataskar
- Division of Oncogenomics, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Julien Champagne
- Division of Oncogenomics, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Reuven Agami
- Division of Oncogenomics, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Erasmus MC, Rotterdam University, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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50
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Mestrallet G, Sone K, Bhardwaj N. Strategies to overcome DC dysregulation in the tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2022; 13:980709. [PMID: 36275666 PMCID: PMC9583271 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.980709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) play a key role to modulate anti-cancer immunity in the tumor microenvironment (TME). They link innate to adaptive immunity by processing and presenting tumor antigens to T cells thereby initiating an anti-tumor response. However, subsets of DCs also induce immune-tolerance, leading to tumor immune escape. In this regard, the TME plays a major role in adversely affecting DC function. Better understanding of DC impairment mechanisms in the TME will lead to more efficient DC-targeting immunotherapy. Here, we review the different subtypes and functions of DCs in the TME, including conventional DCs, plasmacytoid DC and the newly proposed subset, mregDC. We further focus on how cancer cells modulate DCs to escape from the host's immune-surveillance. Immune checkpoint expression, small molecule mediators, metabolites, deprivation of pro-immunogenic and release of pro-tumorigenic cytokine secretion by tumors and tumor-attracted immuno-suppressive cells inhibit DC differentiation and function. Finally, we discuss the impact of established therapies on DCs, such as immune checkpoint blockade. Creative DC-targeted therapeutic strategies will be highlighted, including cancer vaccines and cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Mestrallet
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Hess Center for Science & Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kazuki Sone
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Hess Center for Science & Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nina Bhardwaj
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Hess Center for Science & Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Extramural Member, Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, United States
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