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Qin Z, Hou P, Lin H, Chen M, Wang R, Xu T. Inhibition of Lck/Fyn kinase activity promotes the differentiation of induced Treg cells through AKT/mTOR pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 134:112237. [PMID: 38744170 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells are indispensable in maintaining the immune homeostasis and preventing autoimmune diseases. Regulatory T (Treg) cells include thymus derived Treg cells (tTregs) and peripherally induced Treg cells (iTreg), which are differentiated from antigen stimulated CD4+ naïve T cells in presence of TGFβ. tTregs are quite stable, and more immune suppressive, while iTreg cells are less stable, and are prone to differentiate into inflammatory T cells. Therefore, identification of small molecules that could promote the differentiation of iTreg cells is an attractive strategy for autoimmune diseases. Inhibition of AKT/mTOR pathway promotes their differentiation. Whether inhibition of Lck/Fyn kinase activity (upstream of AKT/mTOR pathway) can be used to promote the differentiation of iTreg cells has not been determined. Here, we showed that Srci1, a small molecular inhibitor of Lck/Fyn, promoted the differentiation of FOXP3+ iTreg cells. Srci1 treatment resulted in inhibition of phosphorylation of key components of AKT/mTOR pathway, including mTOR, p70 S6K, 4EBP1, and promoted the expression of Foxp3 and its target genes, thereby promoted differentiation of in vitro iTreg cells. Srci1 treated iTreg cells showed more similar gene expression profile to that of tTreg cells. Our results thus suggest that inhibition of Lck/Fyn kinase activity can promote the differentiation of iTreg cells, and may have implication in autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Qin
- Department of Immunology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Ping Hou
- Department of Immunology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Huizhen Lin
- Department of Immunology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Minghui Chen
- Department of Immunology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Ruining Wang
- Department of Immunology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Immunology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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Zhuo J, Wang C, Kai Y, Xu Y, Cheng K. The role of autophagy regulated by the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and innate lymphoid cells in eosinophilic chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps. Immun Inflamm Dis 2024; 12:e1310. [PMID: 38888464 PMCID: PMC11184929 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and autophagy are important physiological processes. But their roles in eCRSwNP remains controversial. METHODS In this study, we used the eCRSwNP mouse model, PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway inhibitors, and autophagy inhibitors and activators to investigate the regulatory effects of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway on autophagy, and their effects on eosinophilic inflammation, and tissue remodeling. The role of ILC2s in eCRSwNP was also studied, and the relationship between ILC2s and autophagy was preliminarily determined. RESULTS Our results show that eosinophilic inflammation in eCRSwNP mice could be inhibited by promoting the autophagy; otherwise, eosinophilic inflammation could be promoted. Meanwhile, inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway can further promote autophagy and inhibit eosinophilic inflammation. Meanwhile, inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and promoting autophagy can reduce the number of ILC2s and the severity of tissue remodeling in the nasal polyps of eCRSwNP mice. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway plays roles in eosinophilic inflammation and tissue remodeling of eCRSwNP, in part by regulating the level of autophagy. The downregulation of autophagy is a pathogenesis of eCRSwNP; therefore, the recovery of normal autophagy levels might be a new target for eCRSwNP therapy. Furthermore, autophagy might inhibit eosinophilic inflammation and tissue remodeling, in part by reducing the number of ILC2s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin‐Jing Zhuo
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Yi‐Long Kai
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Ying‐Ying Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Ke‐Jia Cheng
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
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Xing K, Che Y, Wang Z, Yuan S, Wu Q, Shi F, Chen Y, Shen X, Zhong X, Xie X, Zhu Q, Li X. Chitosan nanoparticles encapsulated with BEZ235 prevent acute rejection in mouse heart transplantation. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 124:110922. [PMID: 37699303 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110922] [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: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Acute rejection may manifest following heart transplantation, despite the implementation of relatively well-established immunosuppression protocols. The significance of the mTOR signaling pathway in rejection is widely acknowledged. BEZ235, a second-generation mTOR inhibitor with dual inhibitory effects on PI3K and mTOR, holds promise for clinical applications. This study developed a nanodelivery system, BEZ235@NP, to facilitate the intracellular delivery of BEZ235, which enhances efficacy and reduces adverse effects by improving the poor solubility of BEZ235. In the complete MHCII-mismatched model, BEZ235@NP significantly prolonged cardiac allografts survival compared to free BEZ235, which was attributed to more effective suppression of effector T cell activation and promotion of greater expansion of Tregs. These nanoparticles demonstrated excellent biosafety and exhibited no short-term biotoxicity upon investigation. To elucidate the mechanism, primary T cells were isolated from the spleen and it was observed that BEZ235@NP treatment resulted in the arrest of these cells in the G0/G1 phase. As indicated by Western blot analysis, BEZ235@NP substantially reduced mTOR phosphorylation. This, in turn, suppressed downstream pathways and ultimately exerted an anti-proliferative and anti-activating effect on cells. Furthermore, it was observed that inhibition of the mTOR pathway stimulated T-cell autophagy. In conclusion, the strategy of intracellular delivery of BEZ235 presents promising applications for the treatment of acute rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Xing
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China; Cardiovascular Surgery Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University. District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yanjia Che
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China; Cardiovascular Surgery Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University. District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China; Cardiovascular Surgery Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University. District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China.
| | - Shun Yuan
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China; Cardiovascular Surgery Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University. District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China
| | - Qi Wu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China; Cardiovascular Surgery Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University. District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China
| | - Feng Shi
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China; Cardiovascular Surgery Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University. District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yuanyang Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China; Cardiovascular Surgery Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University. District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China
| | - Xiaoyan Shen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China; Cardiovascular Surgery Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University. District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China
| | - Xiaohan Zhong
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China; Cardiovascular Surgery Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University. District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China
| | - Xiaoping Xie
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China; Cardiovascular Surgery Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University. District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China
| | - Qingyi Zhu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China; Cardiovascular Surgery Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University. District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China
| | - Xu Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China; Cardiovascular Surgery Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University. District No. 99, Zhang Road, Wuhan 430060, Hubei, PR China
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Zhang S, Dai Q, Zhang B, Liu S, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Chen D, Zong N, Wang H, Ding J, Gao Q, Wen Y. Syngeneic bone marrow transplantation in combination with PI3K inhibitor reversed hyperglycemia in later-stage streptozotocin-induced diabetes. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1642. [PMID: 34988151 PMCID: PMC8667114 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-3329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Background Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a multiple factor autoimmune disease characterized by T cell-mediated immune destruction of islet β cells. Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) has been a novel strategy for patients with new-onset T1D, but not for those with a later diagnosis. Disturbance of regulatory T cells (Tregs) likely contributes to poor response after transplantation in later-stage T1D. Inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K)/Akt signaling maintains Tregs’ homeostasis. Methods We built a later-stage streptozotocin (STZ)-induced T1D mouse model. Syngeneic bone marrow transplantation (syn-BMT) was performed 20 days after the onset of diabetes in combination with BKM120 (a PI3K inhibitor). Meanwhile, another group of STZ-diabetic mice were transplanted with bone marrow cells cocultured with BKM120 in vitro for 24 h. Fasting glucose and glucose tolerance were recorded during the entire experimental observation after syn-BMT. Samples were collected 126 days after syn-BMT. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to detect the effect of PI3K inhibitor combined with syn-BMT on morphology of the T1D pancreas. CD4+CD25− T cells and CD4+CD25+ T cells were sorted by magnetic cell sorting (MACS), then fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) were used to detect the effect of PI3K inhibitor on modulating immune disorder and restoring the function of Treg cells. Results Our investigation showed syn-BMT in combination with BKM120 effectively maintained normoglycemia in later-stage T1D. The disease remission effects may be induced by the rebalance of Th17/Tregs dysregulation and restoration of Tregs’ immunosuppressive function by BKM120 after syn-BMT. Conclusions These results may reveal important connections for PI3K/Akt inhibition and Tregs’ homeostasis in T1D after transplantation. AHSCT combining immunoregulatory strategies such as PI3K inhibition may be a promising therapeutic approach in later-stage T1D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyun Zhang
- Department of Basic Medicine, Center of Translational Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Qianqian Dai
- Department of Basic Medicine, Center of Translational Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Basic Medicine, Center of Translational Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Siyang Liu
- Department of Basic Medicine, Center of Translational Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Basic Medicine, Center of Translational Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Yixue Zhang
- Department of Basic Medicine, Center of Translational Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Dongyue Chen
- Department of Basic Medicine, Center of Translational Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Ningning Zong
- Department of Basic Medicine, Center of Translational Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongwei Wang
- Department of Basic Medicine, Center of Translational Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingjing Ding
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Qian Gao
- Department of Basic Medicine, Center of Translational Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanting Wen
- Department of Basic Medicine, Center of Translational Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
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el Hage A, Dormond O. Combining mTOR Inhibitors and T Cell-Based Immunotherapies in Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1359. [PMID: 33802831 PMCID: PMC8002586 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
mTOR regulates several processes that control tumor development, including cancer cell growth, angiogenesis and the immune response to tumor. Accordingly, mTOR inhibitors have been thoroughly explored in cancer therapy but have failed to provide long-lasting anticancer benefits. Several resistance mechanisms that counteract the antitumor effect of mTOR inhibitors have been identified and have highlighted the need to use mTOR inhibitors in combination therapies. In this context, emerging evidence has demonstrated that mTOR inhibitors, despite their immunosuppressive properties, provide anticancer benefits to immunotherapies. In fact, mTOR inhibitors also display immunostimulatory effects, in particular by promoting memory CD8+ T cell generation. Hence, mTOR inhibitors represent a therapeutic opportunity to promote antitumor CD8 responses and to boost the efficacy of different modalities of cancer immunotherapy. In this context, strategies to reduce the immunosuppressive activity of mTOR inhibitors and therefore to shift the immune response toward antitumor immunity will be useful. In this review, we present the different classes of mTOR inhibitors and discuss their effect on immune cells by focusing mainly on CD8+ T cells. We further provide an overview of the different preclinical studies that investigated the anticancer effects of mTOR inhibitors combined to immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olivier Dormond
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland;
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Baseline effector cells predict response and NKT cells predict pulmonary toxicity in advanced breast cancer patients treated with everolimus and exemestane. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 93:107404. [PMID: 33524804 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mTOR inhibitor everolimus used in cancer has immune-modulating effects, potentially contributing to an antitumor response but also leading to pulmonary toxicity. We studied the association of immunological cell subsets with antitumor response and pulmonary toxicity in breast cancer patients treated with everolimus plus exemestane. METHODS In this exploratory analysis, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected at baseline and 14, 35, 60, and 90 days after start of treatment, and at the moment of pulmonary toxicity. The percentage and absolute number of T-cells, B-cells, NK-cells, monocytes and numerous subtypes were measured in peripheral blood using flow cytometric analysis and were compared using a (paired) t-test. RESULTS From 20 patients, a total of 89 samples were collected. At baseline, responders versus non-responders had 0.86% versus 0.32% CD4+ effector cells (CD45RA+CD27-) (p = 0.1266) and non-response could be predicted with 0.71 sensitivity and 0.82 specificity. Patients who developed pulmonary toxicity compared to patients without pulmonary toxicity had relatively more NKT-cells at baseline (6.0% versus 1.3%, p = 0.0068, 59 k versus 12 k * 109/l, p = 0.0081) and at the moment of toxicity (5.2% versus 1.2%, p = 0.0106 and 47 k versus 16 k * 109/l, p = 0.0466). Baseline percentage NKT cells predicted pulmonary toxicity with 0.78 sensitivity and 1.0 specificity. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that baseline CD4+ effector cells may be predictive of antitumor responses and baseline NKT cells may be predictive of pulmonary toxicity. These results warrant further validation.
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7
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mTOR Inhibitor Everolimus in Regulatory T Cell Expansion for Clinical Application in Transplantation. Transplantation 2019; 103:705-715. [PMID: 30451741 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000002495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experimental and preclinical evidence suggest that adoptive transfer of regulatory T (Treg) cells could be an appropriate therapeutic strategy to induce tolerance and improve graft survival in transplanted patients. The University of Kentucky Transplant Service Line is developing a novel phase I/II clinical trial with ex vivo expanded autologous Treg cells as an adoptive cellular therapy in renal transplant recipients who are using everolimus (EVR)-based immunosuppressive regimen. METHODS The aim of this study was to determine the mechanisms of action and efficacy of EVR for the development of functionally competent Treg cell-based adoptive immunotherapy in transplantation to integrate a common EVR-based regimen in vivo (in the patient) and ex vivo (in the expansion of autologous Treg cells). CD25 Treg cells were selected from leukapheresis product with a GMP-compliant cell separation system and placed in 5-day (short) or 21-day (long) culture with EVR or rapamycin (RAPA). Multi-parametric flow cytometry analyses were used to monitor the expansion rates, phenotype, autophagic flux, and suppressor function of the cells. phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway profiles of treated cells were analyzed by Western blot and cell bioenergetic parameters by extracellular flux analysis. RESULTS EVR-treated cells showed temporary slower growth, lower metabolic rates, and reduced phosphorylation of protein kinase B compared with RAPA-treated cells. In spite of these differences, the expansion rates, phenotype, and suppressor function of long-term Treg cells in culture with EVR were similar to those with RAPA. CONCLUSIONS Our results support the feasibility of EVR to expand functionally competent Treg cells for their clinical use.
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8
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Chen J, Hu L, Wang J, Cao Y, Zhu D, Chen L, Duan Y. Toxoplasma gondii excreted-secreted antigens suppress Foxp3 via PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:16044-16051. [PMID: 31074049 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii excreted-secreted antigens (ESA) cause spontaneous abortion or fetal teratogenesis during the pregnancy in mice, especially in the early stage. Those adverse pregnancy outcomes are due to the deficit in regulatory T cells (Tregs). Forkhead box P3 (Foxp3), a critical transcription factor, modulates Tregs differentiation and its function. Besides, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein kinase B-mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K-AKT-mTOR) signaling network is implicated in interfering with Foxp3 induction. We previously demonstrated that ESA diminished the number of Tregs and inhibited its function. And ESA suppressed Foxp3 expression via the attenuation of transforming growth factor β RII/Smad2/Smad3/Smad4 pathway. The current study aimed to investigate whether the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling network is involved in Foxp3 downregulation induced by ESA. We found that ESA upregulated PI3K, P-AKT, mTOR, and P-mTOR. Knockdown of PI3K cooperated with ESA to restore Foxp3 expression mediated by ESA. This suppressive role of ESA on Foxp3 expression was abrogated by AKT inhibitor. In addition, neutralization of Toll-like receptor 4 could restore the expression of Foxp3, PI3K, and its downstream effectors induced by ESA. Collectively, the findings indicated that ESA inhibited Foxp3 expression via the upregulation of PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinling Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Hu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yangqing Cao
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Dandan Zhu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Liuting Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinong Duan
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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Huijts CM, Werter IM, Lougheed SM, Goedegebuure RS, van Herpen CM, Hamberg P, Tascilar M, Haanen JB, Verheul HM, de Gruijl TD, van der Vliet HJ. Phase 1 study of everolimus and low-dose oral cyclophosphamide in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2019; 68:319-329. [PMID: 30413837 PMCID: PMC6394488 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-018-2248-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
mTOR inhibitors are frequently used in the treatment of metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC). mTOR regulates cell growth, proliferation, angiogenesis, and survival, and additionally plays an important role in immune regulation. Since mTOR inhibitors were shown to benefit immunosuppressive regulatory T-cell (Treg) expansion, this might suppress antitumor immune responses. Metronomic cyclophosphamide (CTX) was shown to selectively deplete Tregs. This study was, therefore, designed to determine the optimal dosage and schedule of CTX when combined with everolimus to prevent this potentially detrimental Treg expansion. In this national multi-center phase I study, patients with mRCC progressive on first line anti-angiogenic therapy received 10 mg everolimus once daily and were enrolled into cohorts with different CTX dosages and schedules. Besides immune monitoring, adverse events and survival data were monitored. 40 patients, 39 evaluable, were treated with different doses and schedules of CTX. Combined with 10 mg everolimus once daily, the optimal Treg depleting dose and schedule of CTX was 50 mg CTX once daily. 23 (59%) patients experienced one or more treatment-related ≥ grade 3 toxicity, mostly fatigue, laboratory abnormalities and pneumonitis. The majority of the patients achieved stable disease, two patients a partial response. Median PFS of all cohorts was 3.5 months. In conclusion, the optimal Treg depleting dose and schedule of CTX, when combined with everolimus, is 50 mg once daily. This combination leads to acceptable adverse events in comparison with everolimus alone. Currently, the here selected combination is being evaluated in a phase II clinical trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01462214.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte M Huijts
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Inge M Werter
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sinéad M Lougheed
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ruben S Goedegebuure
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carla M van Herpen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Hamberg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Franciscus Gasthuis, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Metin Tascilar
- Department of Medical Oncology, Isala Clinics, Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | - John B Haanen
- Division of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henk M Verheul
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tanja D de Gruijl
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hans J van der Vliet
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Totiger TM, Srinivasan S, Jala VR, Lamichhane P, Dosch AR, Gaidarski AA, Joshi C, Rangappa S, Castellanos J, Vemula PK, Chen X, Kwon D, Kashikar N, VanSaun M, Merchant NB, Nagathihalli NS. Urolithin A, a Novel Natural Compound to Target PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway in Pancreatic Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2018; 18:301-311. [PMID: 30404927 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-18-0464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignancy and is highly resistant to standard treatment regimens. Targeted therapies against KRAS, a mutation present in an overwhelming majority of PDAC cases, have been largely ineffective. However, inhibition of downstream components in the KRAS signaling cascade provides promising therapeutic targets in the management of PDAC and warrants further exploration. Here, we investigated Urolithin A (Uro A), a novel natural compound derived from pomegranates, which targets numerous kinases downstream of KRAS, in particular the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways. We showed that treatment of PDAC cells with Uro A blocked the phosphorylation of AKT and p70S6K in vitro, successfully inhibited the growth of tumor xenografts, and increased overall survival of Ptf1aCre/+;LSL-KrasG12D/+;Tgfbr2flox/flox (PKT) mice compared with vehicle or gemcitabine therapy alone. Histologic evaluation of these Uro A-treated tumor samples confirmed mechanistic actions of Uro A via decreased phosphorylation of AKT and p70S6K, reduced proliferation, and increased cellular apoptosis in both xenograft and PKT mouse models. In addition, Uro A treatment reprogrammed the tumor microenvironment, as evidenced by reduced levels of infiltrating immunosuppressive cell populations such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells, tumor-associated macrophages, and regulatory T cells. Overall, this work provides convincing preclinical evidence for the utility of Uro A as a therapeutic agent in PDAC through suppression of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tulasigeri M Totiger
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, Florida
| | - Supriya Srinivasan
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, Florida
| | - Venkatakrishna R Jala
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Purushottam Lamichhane
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, Florida
| | - Austin R Dosch
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, Florida
| | - Alexander A Gaidarski
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, Florida
| | - Chandrashekhar Joshi
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, Florida
| | - Shobith Rangappa
- Adichunchanagiri Institute for Molecular Medicine, AIMS, Karnataka, India
| | - Jason Castellanos
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Praveen Kumar Vemula
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Public Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Deukwoo Kwon
- Department of Public Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Nilesh Kashikar
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado
| | - Michael VanSaun
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, Florida
| | - Nipun B Merchant
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, Florida
| | - Nagaraj S Nagathihalli
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, Florida.
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11
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Díaz-Molina B, Diaz-Bulnes P, Carvajal Palao R, Bernardo MJ, Rodriguez RM, Corte-Iglesias V, Moris de la Tassa C, Lambert JL, Suarez-Alvarez B. Early Everolimus Initiation Fails to Counteract the Cytotoxic Response Mediated by CD8 + T and NK Cells in Heart Transplant Patients. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2181. [PMID: 30319636 PMCID: PMC6168668 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The positive long-term effects of conversion to everolimus (EVL) after heart transplantation (HT) have been evaluated in several studies. However, the timing of EVL initiation, the best way to combine it with other immunosuppressive treatments, and the impact of these combinations on the immune response are poorly understood aspects. Here, we analyzed the immune phenotype and function of HT patients (n = 56) at short and long terms (prospective and retrospective cohorts), taking into account the time of EVL initiation: early (3 months post-transplant, EVL-E group) or late (>1 year post-transplant, EVL-L group) compared with mycophenolate mofetil treatment (MMF group). We show that early EVL conversion from MMF allows the increase of cytotoxic (CD56dim CD16+) NK and effector-memory (EM, CD45RA− CCR7−) CD8+ T cell subsets, which show a significantly higher level of expression of cytotoxic molecules, IFN-γ production and degranulation ability under activation. NK cell expansion is accompanied by an altered balance of receptor expression, increasing the activation state, and lytic activity of those cells. Those changes are detected after as little as 1 month after EVL conversion in association with the expansion of regulatory T cells and the decrease in B cell frequency. However, no changes in the immune cells subsets were observed after late EVL initiation (EVL-L) compared with the MMF group. Our results imply that only early EVL conversion induces key changes in the post-transplant immune response, preserving an efficient anti-viral response, but simultaneously showing a limited ability to counteract the cytotoxic response to the allograft.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Díaz-Molina
- Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Service, Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Paula Diaz-Bulnes
- Translational Immunology Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Reyes Carvajal Palao
- Translational Immunology Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Maria José Bernardo
- Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Service, Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Ramón M Rodriguez
- Translational Immunology Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Viviana Corte-Iglesias
- Translational Immunology Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | | | - Jose Luis Lambert
- Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Service, Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Beatriz Suarez-Alvarez
- Translational Immunology Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
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12
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Role of mTOR Signaling in Tumor Microenvironment: An Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19082453. [PMID: 30126252 PMCID: PMC6121402 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19082453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway regulates major processes by integrating a variety of exogenous cues, including diverse environmental inputs in the tumor microenvironment (TME). In recent years, it has been well recognized that cancer cells co-exist and co-evolve with their TME, which is often involved in drug resistance. The mTOR pathway modulates the interactions between the stroma and the tumor, thereby affecting both the tumor immunity and angiogenesis. The activation of mTOR signaling is associated with these pro-oncogenic cellular processes, making mTOR a promising target for new combination therapies. This review highlights the role of mTOR signaling in the characterization and the activity of the TME’s elements and their implications in cancer immunotherapy.
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Huijts CM, Santegoets SJ, de Jong TD, Verheul HM, de Gruijl TD, van der Vliet HJ. Immunological effects of everolimus in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2017; 30:341-352. [PMID: 28988508 PMCID: PMC5806813 DOI: 10.1177/0394632017734459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a crucial kinase present in all cells. Besides its role in the regulation of cell-growth, proliferation, angiogenesis, and survival of malignant tumors, mTOR additionally plays an important role in immune regulation by controlling the balance between effector T cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs). This critically affects the suppressive state of the immune system. Here, the systemic immunological effects of everolimus treatment were comprehensively investigated in five patients with metastatic renal cell cancer. In this hypothesis generating study, the immunological alterations in circulating immune subsets induced by everolimus included a (non-significant) increase in the frequency of Tregs, a significant increase in monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells, a significant decrease in the frequency of immunoregulatory natural killer cells, classical CD141+ (cDC1) and CD1c+ (cDC2) dendritic cell subsets, as well as a decrease in the activation status of plasmacytoid dendritic cells and cDC1. These date indicate that the immunological effects of everolimus affect multiple immune cell subsets and altogether tip the balance in favor of immunosuppression, which can be considered a detrimental effect in the treatment of cancer, and may require combination treatment with agents able to negate immune suppression and boost T cell immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte M Huijts
- 1 Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia J Santegoets
- 1 Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tamarah D de Jong
- 2 Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henk M Verheul
- 1 Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tanja D de Gruijl
- 1 Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hans J van der Vliet
- 1 Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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14
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Krakauer T. FDA-approved immunosuppressants targeting staphylococcal superantigens: mechanisms and insights. Immunotargets Ther 2017; 6:17-29. [PMID: 28497030 PMCID: PMC5423536 DOI: 10.2147/itt.s125429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunostimulating staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) and related superantigenic toxins cause diseases in human beings and laboratory animals by hyperactivating cells of the immune system. These protein toxins bind to the major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II) molecules and specific Vβ regions of T-cell receptors (TCRs), resulting in the stimulation of both monocytes/macrophages and T lymphocytes. The bridging of TCR with MHC II molecules by superantigens triggers intracellular signaling cascades, resulting in excessive release of proinflammatory mediators and massive polyclonal T-cell proliferation. The early induction of tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 1 (IL-1), interleukin 2 (IL-2), interferon gamma (IFNγ), and macrophage chemoattractant protein 1 promotes fever, inflammation, and multiple organ injury. The signal transduction pathways for staphylococcal superantigen-induced toxicity downstream from TCR/major histocompatibility complex (MHC) ligation and interaction of cell surface co-stimulatory molecules include the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades and cytokine receptor signaling, activating nuclear factor κB (NFκB) and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin pathways. Knowledge of host regulation within these activated pathways and molecules initiated by SEB and other superantigens enables the selection of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs to interrupt and prevent superantigen-induced shock in animal models. This review focuses on the use of FDA-approved immunosuppressants in targeting the signaling pathways induced by staphylococcal superantigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Krakauer
- Department of Immunology, Molecular Translational Sciences Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, USA
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15
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Buparlisib and paclitaxel in patients with platinum-pretreated recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (BERIL-1): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial. Lancet Oncol 2017; 18:323-335. [DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(17)30064-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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