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Oya Y, Imaizumi K, Mitsudomi T. The next-generation KRAS inhibitors…What comes after sotorasib and adagrasib? Lung Cancer 2024; 194:107886. [PMID: 39047616 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2024.107886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) is one of the first driver oncogenes identified in human cancer in the early 1980s. However, it has been deemed 'undruggable' for nearly four decades until the discovery of KRAS G12C covalent inhibitors, which marked a pivotal breakthrough. Currently, sotorasib and adagrasib have been approved by the US FDA to treat patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring KRAS G12C mutation. However, their efficacy is somewhat limited compared to that of other targeted therapies owing to intrinsic resistance or early acquisition of resistance. While G12C is the predominant subtype of KRAS mutations in NSCLC, G12D/V is prevalent in colorectal and pancreatic cancers. These facts have spurred active research to develop more potent KRAS G12C inhibitors as well as inhibitors targeting non-G12C KRAS mutations. Novel approaches, such as molecular shielding or targeted protein degradation, are also under development. Combining KRAS inhibitors with inhibitors of the receptor-tyrosine kinase-RAS-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is underway to counteract redundant feedback mechanisms. Additionally, immunological approaches utilizing T-cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T cell therapy or vaccines, and Hapimmune antibodies are ongoing. This review delineates the recent advancements in KRAS inhibitor development in the post-sotorasib/adagrasib era, with a focus on NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Oya
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Fujita Health University, Japan
| | | | - Tetsuya Mitsudomi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Izumi City General Hospital, Japan; Kindai University, Faculty of Medicine, Japan.
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2
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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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3
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Torres-Jiménez J, Espinar JB, de Cabo HB, Berjaga MZ, Esteban-Villarrubia J, Fraile JZ, Paz-Ares L. Targeting KRAS G12C in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Current Standards and Developments. Drugs 2024; 84:527-548. [PMID: 38625662 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-024-02030-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Among the most common molecular alterations detected in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are mutations in Kristen Rat Sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS). KRAS mutant NSCLC is a heterogenous group of diseases, different from other oncogene-driven tumors in terms of biology and response to therapies. Despite efforts to develop drugs aimed at inhibiting KRAS or its signaling pathways, KRAS had remained undruggable for decades. The discovery of a small pocket in the binding switch II region of KRASG12C has revolutionized the treatment of KRASG12C-mutated NSCLC patients. Sotorasib and adagrasib, direct KRASG12C inhibitors, have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other regulatory agencies for patients with previously treated KRASG12C-mutated NSCLC, and these advances have become practice changing. However, first-line treatment in KRASG12C-mutated NSCLC does not differ from NSCLC without actionable driver genomic alterations. Treatment with KRASG12C inhibitors is not curative and patients develop progressive disease, so understanding associated mechanisms of drug resistance is key. New KRASG12C inhibitors and several combination therapy strategies, including with immune checkpoint inhibitors, are being studied in clinical trials. The aim of this review is to explore the clinical impact of KRAS, and outline different treatment approaches, focusing on the novel treatment of KRASG12C-mutated NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Torres-Jiménez
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Avda de Córdoba s/n, 28041, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Javier Baena Espinar
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Avda de Córdoba s/n, 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | - Helena Bote de Cabo
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Avda de Córdoba s/n, 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Zurera Berjaga
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Avda de Córdoba s/n, 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Esteban-Villarrubia
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Avda de Córdoba s/n, 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jon Zugazagoitia Fraile
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Avda de Córdoba s/n, 28041, Madrid, Spain
- Lung Cancer Group, Clinical Research Program, CNIO (Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas) and Instituto de Investigación i+12, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Paz-Ares
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Avda de Córdoba s/n, 28041, Madrid, Spain
- Lung Cancer Group, Clinical Research Program, CNIO (Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas) and Instituto de Investigación i+12, Madrid, Spain
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4
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Ash LJ, Busia-Bourdain O, Okpattah D, Kamel A, Liberchuk A, Wolfe AL. KRAS: Biology, Inhibition, and Mechanisms of Inhibitor Resistance. Curr Oncol 2024; 31:2024-2046. [PMID: 38668053 PMCID: PMC11049385 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31040150] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
KRAS is a small GTPase that is among the most commonly mutated oncogenes in cancer. Here, we discuss KRAS biology, therapeutic avenues to target it, and mechanisms of resistance that tumors employ in response to KRAS inhibition. Several strategies are under investigation for inhibiting oncogenic KRAS, including small molecule compounds targeting specific KRAS mutations, pan-KRAS inhibitors, PROTACs, siRNAs, PNAs, and mutant KRAS-specific immunostimulatory strategies. A central challenge to therapeutic effectiveness is the frequent development of resistance to these treatments. Direct resistance mechanisms can involve KRAS mutations that reduce drug efficacy or copy number alterations that increase the expression of mutant KRAS. Indirect resistance mechanisms arise from mutations that can rescue mutant KRAS-dependent cells either by reactivating the same signaling or via alternative pathways. Further, non-mutational forms of resistance can take the form of epigenetic marks, transcriptional reprogramming, or alterations within the tumor microenvironment. As the possible strategies to inhibit KRAS expand, understanding the nuances of resistance mechanisms is paramount to the development of both enhanced therapeutics and innovative drug combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard J. Ash
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Subprogram of the Biology Ph.D. Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Ottavia Busia-Bourdain
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Daniel Okpattah
- Biochemistry Ph.D. Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Avrosina Kamel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Macaulay Honors College, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ariel Liberchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Macaulay Honors College, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Andrew L. Wolfe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Subprogram of the Biology Ph.D. Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
- Biochemistry Ph.D. Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
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5
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Wang SH, Cao Z, Farazuddin M, Chen J, Janczak KW, Tang S, Cannon J, Baker JR. A novel intranasal peptide vaccine inhibits non-small cell lung cancer with KRAS mutation. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:464-471. [PMID: 38177307 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00717-9] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
KRAS mutations occur commonly in the lung and can lead to the development of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). While the mutated KRAS protein is a neoantigen, it usually does not generate an effective anti-tumor immune response on mucosal/epithelial surfaces. Despite this, mutated KRAS remains a potential target for immunotherapy since immune targeting of this protein in animal models has been effective at eliminating tumor cells. We attempted to develop a KRAS vaccine using mutated and wild-type KRAS peptides in combination with a nanoemulsion (NE) adjuvant. The efficacy of this approach was tested in an inducible mutant KRAS-mouse lung tumor model. Animals were immunized intranasally using NE with KRAS peptides. These animals had decreased CD4+FoxP3+ T cells in both lymph nodes and spleen. Immunized animals also showed higher IFN-γ and IL-17a levels to mutated KRAS that were produced by CD8+ T cells and enhancement in KRAS-specific Th1 and Th17 responses that persisted for 3 months after the last vaccination. Importantly, the immunized animals had significantly decreased tumor incidence compared to control animals. In conclusion, a mucosal approach to KRAS vaccination demonstrated the ability to induce local KRAS-specific immune responses in the lung and resulted in reduced tumor incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su He Wang
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Division of Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Zhengyi Cao
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Mohammad Farazuddin
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Division of Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jesse Chen
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Katarzyna W Janczak
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Shengzhuang Tang
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jayme Cannon
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - James R Baker
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Division of Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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6
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Liu Y, Xie B, Chen Q. RAS signaling and immune cells: a sinister crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment. J Transl Med 2023; 21:595. [PMID: 37670322 PMCID: PMC10481548 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04486-9] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The rat sarcoma virus (RAS) gene is the most commonly mutated oncogene in cancer, with about 19% of cancer patients carrying RAS mutations. Studies on the interaction between RAS mutation and tumor immune microenvironment (TIM) have been flourishing in recent years. More and more evidence has proved that RAS signals regulate immune cells' recruitment, activation, and differentiation while assisting tumor cells to evade immune surveillance. This review concluded the direct and indirect treatment strategies for RAS mutations. In addition, we updated the underlying mechanisms by which RAS signaling modulated immune infiltration and immune escape. Finally, we discussed advances in RAS-targeted immunotherapies, including cancer vaccines and adoptive cell therapies, with a particular focus on combination strategies with personalized therapy and great potential to achieve lasting clinical benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongting Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Bin Xie
- Department of Geriatrics, Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Qiong Chen
- Department of Geriatrics, Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Xiangya Lung Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
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7
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Martinov T, Greenberg PD. Targeting Driver Oncogenes and Other Public Neoantigens Using T Cell Receptor-Based Cellular Therapy. ANNUAL REVIEW OF CANCER BIOLOGY 2023; 7:331-351. [PMID: 37655310 PMCID: PMC10470615 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cancerbio-061521-082114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
T cell reactivity to tumor-specific neoantigens can drive endogenous and therapeutically induced antitumor immunity. However, most tumor-specific neoantigens are unique to each patient (private) and targeting them requires personalized therapy. A smaller subset of neoantigens includes epitopes that span recurrent mutation hotspots, translocations, or gene fusions in oncogenic drivers and tumor suppressors, as well as epitopes that arise from viral oncogenic proteins. Such antigens are likely to be shared across patients (public), uniformly expressed within a tumor, and required for cancer cell survival and fitness. Although a limited number of these public neoantigens are naturally immunogenic, recent studies affirm their clinical utility. In this review, we highlight efforts to target mutant KRAS, mutant p53, and epitopes derived from oncogenic viruses using T cells engineered with off-the-shelf T cell receptors. We also discuss the challenges and strategies to achieving more effective T cell therapies, particularly in the context of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tijana Martinov
- Program in Immunology and Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Philip D Greenberg
- Program in Immunology and Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Immunology Department, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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8
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Welty NE, Gill SI. Cancer Immunotherapy Beyond Checkpoint Blockade: JACC: CardioOncology State-of-the-Art Review. JACC CardioOncol 2022; 4:563-578. [PMID: 36636439 PMCID: PMC9830230 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccao.2022.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Avoidance of immune destruction is recognized as one of the hallmarks of cancer development. Although first predicted as a potential antitumor treatment modality more than 50 years ago, the widespread clinical use of cancer immunotherapies has only recently become a reality. Cancer immunotherapy works by reactivation of a stalled pre-existing immune response or by eliciting a de novo immune response, and its toolkit comprises antibodies, vaccines, cytokines, and cell-based therapies. The treatment paradigm in some malignancies has completely changed over the past 10 to 15 years. Massive efforts in preclinical development have led to a surge of clinical trials testing innovative therapeutic approaches as monotherapy and, increasingly, in combination. Here we provide an overview of approved and emerging antitumor immune therapies, focusing on the rich landscape of therapeutic approaches beyond those that block the canonical PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 axes and placing them in the context of the latest understanding of tumor immunology.
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Key Words
- BiTE, bispecific T cell engager
- CAR, chimeric antigen receptor
- CRS, cytokine-release syndrome
- FDA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- HLA, human leukocyte antigen
- ICI, immune checkpoint inhibitor
- IL, interleukin
- NK, natural killer
- NSCLC, non–small cell lung cancer
- TIL, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte
- alloHCT, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
- cancer
- immune therapy
- immunotherapy
- innovation
- mAb, monoclonal antibody
- treatment
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan E. Welty
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Saar I. Gill
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA,Address for correspondence: Dr Saar I. Gill, Smilow Center for Translational Research, Room 8-101, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
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9
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Liu L, Lei Y, Chen W, Zhou Q, Zheng Z, Zeng G, Liu W, Feng P, Zhang Z, Yu L, Chen L. In vivo genome-wide CRISPR screening identifies ZNF24 as a negative NF-κB modulator in lung cancer. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:193. [PMID: 36457047 PMCID: PMC9717477 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00933-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic identification of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) and elucidation of their signaling provide a new angle for understanding of tumorigenesis, which is important for developing successful treatment for lung cancer patients. In our current work, we conducted an in vivo screen for lung cancer TSGs through CRISPR/Cas9 mediated knockout of genes at genome-wide scale. We found that ZNF24 was a potent and clinically relevant TSG of lung cancer. Ectopic expression of ZNF24 arrested lung cancer cells in S phase. Mechanistically, ZNF24 bound to promoter region of P65 to negatively regulate its transcription and thereby the signaling activity of NF-κB pathway. This signaling cascade is clinically relevant. Importantly, we found that combinational inhibition of KRAS, NF-κB, and PD-1 effectively shrank autochthonous KrasG12D/ZNF24-/- lung cancers in transgenic mouse model. Our current work thus revealed an important role played by loss of function of ZNF24 in lung tumorigenesis and shed new light in precision medicine for a portion of lung cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Liu
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 China
| | - Yuxi Lei
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 China
| | - Wensheng Chen
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 China
| | - Qian Zhou
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 China
| | - Zongyao Zheng
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 China
| | - Guandi Zeng
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 China
| | - Wanting Liu
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 China
| | - Pengju Feng
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Department of Chemistry, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 China
| | - Zhiyi Zhang
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 China
| | - Lei Yu
- grid.24696.3f0000 0004 0369 153XBeijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730 China
| | - Liang Chen
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 China
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10
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Targeting KRAS in Pancreatic Cancer. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12111870. [PMID: 36579598 PMCID: PMC9692903 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12111870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is mainly driven by mutations in the KRAS oncogene. While this cancer has shown remarkable therapy resistance, new approaches to inhibit mutated KRAS, KRAS activators and effectors show promise in breaking this therapeutic deadlock. Here, we review these innovations in therapies that target RAS signaling in pancreatic cancer from a clinical point of view. A number of promising approaches are currently in clinical trials or in clinical development. We focus on small-molecule drugs but also discuss immunotherapies and tumor vaccines.
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11
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How CW, Ong YS, Low SS, Pandey A, Show PL, Foo JB. How far have we explored fungi to fight cancer? Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:976-989. [PMID: 33737109 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The use of fungal cultures have been well documented in human history. Although its used in healthcare, like penicillin and statins, have saved countless of lives, but there is still no fungal products that are specifically indicated for cancers. Research into fungal-derived materials to curb cancers in the recent decades have made a considerable progress in terms of drug delivery vehicles, anticancer active ingredients and cancer immunotherapy. Various parts of the organisms have successfully been exploited to achieve specific tasks. Apart from the identification of novel anticancer compound from fungi, its native capsular structure can also be used as drug cargo to achieve higher oral bioavailability. This review summarises the anticancer potential of fungal-derived materials, highlighting the role of capsular polysaccharides, proteins, and other structures in variety of innovative utilities to fit the current pharmaceutical technology. Many bioactive compounds isolated from fungi have also been formulated into nanoparticles to achieve greater anticancer activity. The progress of fungal compounds and their analogues in clinical trials is also highlighted. In addition, the potential of various fungal species to be developed for anticancer immunotherapy are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chee Wun How
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yong Sze Ong
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sze Shin Low
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Jalan Broga, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Ashok Pandey
- Centre for Innovation and Translational Research, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow, 226 001, India
| | - Pau Loke Show
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Jalan Broga, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
| | - Jhi Biau Foo
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 1, Jalan Taylors, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia; Centre for Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology (CDDMP), Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 1, Jalan Taylors, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
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12
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Burska AN, Ilyassova B, Dildabek A, Khamijan M, Begimbetova D, Molnár F, Sarbassov DD. Enhancing an Oxidative "Trojan Horse" Action of Vitamin C with Arsenic Trioxide for Effective Suppression of KRAS-Mutant Cancers: A Promising Path at the Bedside. Cells 2022; 11:3454. [PMID: 36359850 PMCID: PMC9657932 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213454] [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: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The turn-on mutations of the KRAS gene, coding a small GTPase coupling growth factor signaling, are contributing to nearly 25% of all human cancers, leading to highly malignant tumors with poor outcomes. Targeting of oncogenic KRAS remains a most challenging task in oncology. Recently, the specific G12C mutant KRAS inhibitors have been developed but with a limited clinical outcome because they acquire drug resistance. Alternatively, exploiting a metabolic breach of KRAS-mutant cancer cells related to a glucose-dependent sensitivity to oxidative stress is becoming a promising indirect cancer targeting approach. Here, we discuss the use of a vitamin C (VC) acting in high dose as an oxidative "Trojan horse" agent for KRAS-mutant cancer cells that can be potentiated with another oxidizing drug arsenic trioxide (ATO) to obtain a potent and selective cytotoxic impact. Moreover, we outline the advantages of VC's non-natural enantiomer, D-VC, because of its distinctive pharmacokinetics and lower toxicity. Thus, the D-VC and ATO combination shows a promising path to treat KRAS-mutant cancers in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata N. Burska
- Department of Biology, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Aruzhan Dildabek
- Department of Biology, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Medina Khamijan
- Department of Biology, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Dinara Begimbetova
- National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Ferdinand Molnár
- Department of Biology, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Dos D. Sarbassov
- Department of Biology, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
- National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
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13
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In Silico Strategies for Designing of Peptide Inhibitors of Oncogenic K-Ras G12V Mutant: Inhibiting Cancer Growth and Proliferation. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194884. [PMID: 36230807 PMCID: PMC9564332 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The most well-known oncogene and one with the highest rates of mutation across all cancers is K-Ras, also known as the Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homologue. It is also linked to certain cancers with a high mortality rate, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this study was to make peptides that inhibit K-Ras G12V by computer-aided drug design methods. Our results showed that the top four selected peptides interact with K-Ras more strongly than the reference-peptide and can stop K-Ras from activating. Our binding affinity analyses demonstrated that the developed peptides can inhibit K-Ras and slow cancer growth. Abstract Ras plays a pivotal function in cell proliferation and is an important protein in signal transduction pathways. Mutations in genes encoding the Ras protein drive the signaling cascades essential for malignant transformation, tumour angiogenesis, and metastasis and are responsible for above 30% of all human cancers. There is evidence that N-Ras, K-Ras, and H-Ras play significant roles in human cancer. The mutated K-Ras protein is typically observed in malignant growths. Mutant K-Ras is the most common in lung, colon, and pancreatic cancers. The purpose of this research was to create peptides that inhibit K-Ras G12V. The crystal structure of the mutant K-Ras G12V-H-REV107 complex was obtained from a protein data bank. Further, we used a residue scan approach to create unique peptides from the reference peptide (H-REV107). AMBER molecular dynamics simulations were used to test the stability of the top four proposed peptides (based on binding free energies). Our findings showed that the top four selected peptides had stronger interactions with K-Ras than the reference peptide and have the ability to block the activation function of K-Ras. Our extensive analyses of binding affinities showed that our designed peptide possesses the potential to inhibit K-Ras and to reduce the progression of cancer.
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14
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Dai M, Chen S, Teng X, Chen K, Cheng W. KRAS as a Key Oncogene in the Clinical Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer. J Cancer 2022; 13:3209-3220. [PMID: 36118526 PMCID: PMC9475360 DOI: 10.7150/jca.76695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most malignant tumors, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 10%. At present, the comprehensive treatment based on surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy has encountered a bottleneck, and targeted immunotherapy turns to be the direction of future development. About 90% of PDAC patients have KRAS mutations, and KRAS has been widely used in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of PDAC in recent years. With the development of liquid biopsy and gene testing, KRAS is expected to become a new biomarker to assist the stratification and prognosis of PDAC patients. An increasing number of small molecule inhibitors acting on the KRAS pathway are being developed and put into the clinic, providing more options for PDAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manxiong Dai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410005 Hunan Province, China.,Translational Medicine Laboratory of Pancreas Disease of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410005, China
| | - Shaofeng Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410005 Hunan Province, China.,Translational Medicine Laboratory of Pancreas Disease of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410005, China
| | - Xiong Teng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410005 Hunan Province, China.,Translational Medicine Laboratory of Pancreas Disease of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410005, China
| | - Kang Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410005 Hunan Province, China.,Translational Medicine Laboratory of Pancreas Disease of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410005, China
| | - Wei Cheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410005 Hunan Province, China.,Xiangyue Hospital Affiliated to Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, National Clinical Center for Schistosomiasis Treatment, Yueyang 414000, Hunan Province, China.,Translational Medicine Laboratory of Pancreas Disease of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410005, China
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15
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Zhu C, Guan X, Zhang X, Luan X, Song Z, Cheng X, Zhang W, Qin JJ. Targeting KRAS mutant cancers: from druggable therapy to drug resistance. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:159. [PMID: 35922812 PMCID: PMC9351107 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01629-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog (KRAS) is the most frequently mutated oncogene, occurring in a variety of tumor types. Targeting KRAS mutations with drugs is challenging because KRAS is considered undruggable due to the lack of classic drug binding sites. Over the past 40 years, great efforts have been made to explore routes for indirect targeting of KRAS mutant cancers, including KRAS expression, processing, upstream regulators, or downstream effectors. With the advent of KRAS (G12C) inhibitors, KRAS mutations are now druggable. Despite such inhibitors showing remarkable clinical responses, resistance to monotherapy of KRAS inhibitors is eventually developed. Significant progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms of drug resistance to KRAS-mutant inhibitors. Here we review the most recent advances in therapeutic approaches and resistance mechanisms targeting KRAS mutations and discuss opportunities for combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxiao Zhu
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China.,School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Xiaoqing Guan
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China.,Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis, and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Xinuo Zhang
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China.,College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, China
| | - Xin Luan
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research and Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhengbo Song
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Xiangdong Cheng
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China. .,Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis, and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310022, China.
| | - Weidong Zhang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research and Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China. .,School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Jiang-Jiang Qin
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China. .,School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou, 310024, China. .,Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis, and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310022, China.
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16
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Feng J, Gao M, Zhao C, Yang J, Gao H, Lu X, Ju R, Zhang X, Zhang Y. Oral Administration of Probiotics Reduces Chemotherapy-Induced Diarrhea and Oral Mucositis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Nutr 2022; 9:823288. [PMID: 35299763 PMCID: PMC8922230 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.823288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chemotherapy generally causes serious diarrhea and oral mucositis in cancer patients, and subsequently affects treatment. Oral administration of probiotics provides a therapeutic choice to address these limitations. This study aims to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of oral probiotic use in the management of the chemotherapy-induced adverse reactions, and to summarize the mechanisms underlying the action. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Web of Science from the start of the study to its completion on Dec. 31, 2021. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane Collaboration's Tool. Statistical analysis of the acquired data was performed via the RevMan and the Stata Statistical Software. The protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020220650). Results Twelve randomized controlled trials including 1,013 patients were recruited and analyzed via the standard procedure of meta-analysis. In contrast to the control group, orally taking probiotics significantly decreased the risk of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea (≥ 1 grade) (RR = 0.70; 95% Cl: 0.56, 0.88; P = 0.002) and oral mucositis (≥ 1 grade) (RR: 0.84; 95% Cl: 0.78, 0.91; P < 0.00001) at all grades. Further analysis found that severe diarrhea (≥ 2 grades) (RR: 0.50; 95% Cl: 0.32, 0.78; P = 0.002) and severe oral mucositis also significantly declined (≥ 3 grades) (RR: 0.66; 95% Cl: 0.55, 0.79; P < 0.00001) after oral probiotic use. Interestingly, the beneficial effects of probiotics displayed statistically significant only in Asian patients. Importantly, the more species of bacteria they took, the lower the incidences of the adverse reactions occurred. We used Egger's test P value to confirm that there is no publication bias. Conclusions This meta-analysis demonstrated that orally administrated probiotics has a potential to decrease chemotherapy-induced diarrhea and oral mucositis incidences. However, the efficacy of oral probiotic use against the adverse reactions needs to be further verified through more clinical trials, and the species and number of probiotics have to be optimized and standardized prior to clinical applications. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk, identifier: 220650.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Feng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Gao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chengcheng Zhao
- Central Laboratory, Translational Medicine Research Center, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haiyan Gao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Lu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rong Ju
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiuwei Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yunlei Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Central Laboratory, Translational Medicine Research Center, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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17
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Asimgil H, Ertetik U, Çevik NC, Ekizce M, Doğruöz A, Gökalp M, Arık-Sever E, Istvanffy R, Friess H, Ceyhan GO, Demir IE. Targeting the undruggable oncogenic KRAS: the dawn of hope. JCI Insight 2022; 7:e153688. [PMID: 35014625 PMCID: PMC8765045 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.153688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
KRAS mutations are the drivers of various cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer, colon cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Over the last 30 years, immense efforts have been made to inhibit KRAS mutants and oncogenic KRAS signaling using inhibitors. Recently, specific targeting of KRAS mutants with small molecules revived the hopes for successful therapies for lung, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer patients. Moreover, advances in gene editing, protein engineering, and drug delivery formulations have revolutionized cancer therapy regimens. New therapies aim to improve immune surveillance and enhance antitumor immunity by precisely targeting cancer cells harboring oncogenic KRAS. Here, we review recent KRAS-targeting strategies, their therapeutic potential, and remaining challenges to overcome. We also highlight the potential synergistic effects of various combinatorial therapies in preclinical and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hande Asimgil
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary-Unit, School of Medicine, Kerem Aydınlar Campus at Acıbadem University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Utku Ertetik
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary-Unit, School of Medicine, Kerem Aydınlar Campus at Acıbadem University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nedim Can Çevik
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary-Unit, School of Medicine, Kerem Aydınlar Campus at Acıbadem University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Menar Ekizce
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary-Unit, School of Medicine, Kerem Aydınlar Campus at Acıbadem University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Alper Doğruöz
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary-Unit, School of Medicine, Kerem Aydınlar Campus at Acıbadem University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Muazzez Gökalp
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary-Unit, School of Medicine, Kerem Aydınlar Campus at Acıbadem University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Elif Arık-Sever
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary-Unit, School of Medicine, Kerem Aydınlar Campus at Acıbadem University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Rouzanna Istvanffy
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
- SFB/Collaborative Research Centre 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany
| | - Helmut Friess
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
- SFB/Collaborative Research Centre 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany
| | - Güralp Onur Ceyhan
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary-Unit, School of Medicine, Kerem Aydınlar Campus at Acıbadem University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ihsan Ekin Demir
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary-Unit, School of Medicine, Kerem Aydınlar Campus at Acıbadem University, Istanbul, Turkey
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
- SFB/Collaborative Research Centre 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany
- Else Kröner Clinician Scientist Professor for Translational Pancreatic Surgery, Munich, Germany
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18
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Abstract
Antibodies against autologous tumor-associated antigens have been demonstrated as being useful biomarkers for early cancer diagnosis and prognosis. They have several advantages such as long half-life (7-30 days depending on subtiter of Ig), inherent stability in patients' blood due to not being subjected to proteolysis, well-studied biochemical properties, and their easy detections via secondary antibodies or antigens. Moreover, they can be easily screened in the serum using a noninvasive approach. Consequently, many technical approaches have been developed to study autoantibodies. We used serological proteome analysis (SERPA) for analyzing antibodies in pancreatic cancer patients' sera, and the technique will be discussed in detail. SERPA has several advantages over other approaches currently used such as SEREX (serological analysis of tumor antigens by recombinant cDNA expression cloning) and phage display. SEREX involves the construction of a lambda phage cDNA library from tumor samples to infect bacteria. While library construction is a quite laborious and time-consuming procedure in SEREX, detection of posttranslational modifications that could be fundamental for antibody recognition is a major limitation of both SEREX and phage display techniques. SERPA avoids the time-consuming construction of cDNA libraries. In addition, since it does not rely on bacterial expression of antigens, antigens will have their usual posttranslational modifications preventing false-positive or -negative results in autoantibody profiling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Cappello
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Center for Experimental Research and Medical Studies (CeRMS), Turin University Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Sara Bulfamante
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Healthy Sciences, Center for Experimental Research and Medical Studies (CeRMS), Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Giorgia Mandili
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Center for Experimental Research and Medical Studies (CeRMS), Turin University Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesco Novelli
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Center for Experimental Research and Medical Studies (CeRMS), Turin University Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
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19
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Dondulkar A, Akojwar N, Katta C, Khatri DK, Mehra NK, Singh SB, Madan J. Inhalable polymeric micro and nano-immunoadjuvants for developing therapeutic vaccines in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 28:395-409. [PMID: 34736378 DOI: 10.2174/1381612827666211104155604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of death in millions of cancer patients. Lack of diagnosis at an early stage in addition to no specific guidelines for its treatment, and a higher rate of treatment-related toxicity further deteriorate the conditions. Current therapies encompass surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy according to the pattern and the stage of lung cancer. Among all, with a longlasting therapeutic action, reduced side-effects, and a higher rate of survival, therapeutic cancer vaccine is a new, improved strategy for treating NSCLC. Immunoadjuvants are usually incorporated into the therapeutic vaccines to shield the antigen against environmental and physiological harsh conditions in addition to boosting the immune potential. Conventional immunoadjuvants are often associated with an inadequate cellular response, poor target specificity, and low antigen load. Recently, inhalable polymeric nano/micro immunoadjuvants have exhibited immense potential in the development of therapeutic vaccines for the treatment of NSCLC with improved mucosal immunization. The development of polymeric micro/nano immunoadjuvants brought a new era for vaccines with increased strength and efficiency. Therefore, in the present review, we explained the potential application of micro/nano immunoadjuvants for augmenting the stability and efficacy of inhalable vaccines in the treatment of NSCLC. In addition, the role of biodegradable, biocompatible, and non-toxic polymers has also been discussed with case studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayusha Dondulkar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana. India
| | - Natasha Akojwar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana. India
| | - Chanti Katta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana. India
| | - Dharmendra K Khatri
- Department of Pharmacology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana. India
| | - Neelesh K Mehra
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana. India
| | - Shashi B Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana. India
| | - Jitender Madan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, Telangana. India
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20
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Nagasaka M, Potugari B, Nguyen A, Sukari A, Azmi AS, Ou SHI. KRAS Inhibitors- yes but what next? Direct targeting of KRAS- vaccines, adoptive T cell therapy and beyond. Cancer Treat Rev 2021; 101:102309. [PMID: 34715449 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2021.102309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) is a proto-oncogene of the RAS-MAPK pathway. KRAS mutations are present in a variety of malignancies including lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancer. Until the recent approval of sotorasib, a KRAS G12C inhibitor, lack of targeted therapy for KRAS has resulted in poor prognosis of patients with tumors harboring KRAS mutations. While the conditional approval of sotorasib was a major breakthrough for those patients harboring KRAS G12C mutations, G12C only accounts for a fraction of those with KRAS mutations and eventual resistance to G12C inhibitors are unavoidable. This comprehensive review on KRAS inhibitors covers accumulating evidence on not only the G12C inhibitors but also other therapeutic attempts to tackle KRAS including combination therapy as well as direct inhibition with vaccines, adoptive T cell therapy, proteolysis-targeted chimeras (PROTACs) and CRISPR/Cas9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misako Nagasaka
- University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, CA, USA; Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Orange, CA, USA; Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University, Kawasaki, Japan.
| | - Bindu Potugari
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, St. Joseph Mercy Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Alexis Nguyen
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | | | - Asfar S Azmi
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Sai-Hong Ignatius Ou
- University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, CA, USA; Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Orange, CA, USA
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21
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Bear AS, Blanchard T, Cesare J, Ford MJ, Richman LP, Xu C, Baroja ML, McCuaig S, Costeas C, Gabunia K, Scholler J, Posey AD, O'Hara MH, Smole A, Powell DJ, Garcia BA, Vonderheide RH, Linette GP, Carreno BM. Biochemical and functional characterization of mutant KRAS epitopes validates this oncoprotein for immunological targeting. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4365. [PMID: 34272369 PMCID: PMC8285372 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24562-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Activating RAS missense mutations are among the most prevalent genomic alterations observed in human cancers and drive oncogenesis in the three most lethal tumor types. Emerging evidence suggests mutant KRAS (mKRAS) may be targeted immunologically, but mKRAS epitopes remain poorly defined. Here we employ a multi-omics approach to characterize HLA class I-restricted mKRAS epitopes. We provide proteomic evidence of mKRAS epitope processing and presentation by high prevalence HLA class I alleles. Select epitopes are immunogenic enabling mKRAS-specific TCRαβ isolation. TCR transfer to primary CD8+ T cells confers cytotoxicity against mKRAS tumor cell lines independent of histologic origin, and the kinetics of lytic activity correlates with mKRAS peptide-HLA class I complex abundance. Adoptive transfer of mKRAS-TCR engineered CD8+ T cells leads to tumor eradication in a xenograft model of metastatic lung cancer. This study validates mKRAS peptides as bona fide epitopes facilitating the development of immune therapies targeting this oncoprotein. KRAS is commonly mutated at codon 12 in several cancer types, offering a unique opportunity for the development of neoantigen-targeted immunotherapy. Here the authors present a pipeline for the prediction, identification and validation of HLA class-I restricted mutant KRAS G12 peptides, leading to the generation of mutant KRAS-specific T cell receptors for adoptive T cell immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adham S Bear
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. .,Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Tatiana Blanchard
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joseph Cesare
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Lee P Richman
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Chong Xu
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Miren L Baroja
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sarah McCuaig
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christina Costeas
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Khatuna Gabunia
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John Scholler
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Avery D Posey
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mark H O'Hara
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Anze Smole
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel J Powell
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Benjamin A Garcia
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Robert H Vonderheide
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gerald P Linette
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Beatriz M Carreno
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. .,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. .,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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22
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Muscarella P, Bekaii-Saab T, McIntyre K, Rosemurgy A, Ross SB, Richards DA, Fisher WE, Flynn PJ, Mattson A, Coeshott C, Roder H, Roder J, Harrell FE, Cohn A, Rodell TC, Apelian D. A Phase 2 Randomized Placebo-Controlled Adjuvant Trial of GI-4000, a Recombinant Yeast Expressing Mutated RAS Proteins in Patients with Resected Pancreas Cancer. J Pancreat Cancer 2021; 7:8-19. [PMID: 33786412 PMCID: PMC7997807 DOI: 10.1089/pancan.2020.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: GI-4000, a series of recombinant yeast expressing four different mutated RAS proteins, was evaluated in subjects with resected ras-mutated pancreas cancer. Methods: Subjects (n = 176) received GI-4000 or placebo plus gemcitabine. Subjects' tumors were genotyped to identify which matched GI-4000 product to administer. Immune responses were measured by interferon-γ (IFNγ) ELISpot assay and by regulatory T cell (Treg) frequencies on treatment. Pretreatment plasma was retrospectively analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight (MALDI-ToF) mass spectrometry for proteomic signatures predictive of GI-4000 responsiveness. Results: GI-4000 was well tolerated, with comparable safety findings between treatment groups. The GI-4000 group showed a similar pattern of median recurrence-free and overall survival (OS) compared with placebo. For the prospectively defined and stratified R1 resection subgroup, there was a trend in 1 year OS (72% vs. 56%), an improvement in OS (523.5 vs. 443.5 days [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.06 [confidence interval (CI): 0.53-2.13], p = 0.872), and increased frequency of immune responders (40% vs. 8%; p = 0.062) for GI-4000 versus placebo and a 159-day improvement in OS for R1 GI-4000 immune responders versus placebo (p = 0.810). For R0 resection subjects, no increases in IFNγ responses in GI-4000-treated subjects were observed. A higher frequency of R0/R1 subjects with a reduction in Tregs (CD4+/CD45RA+/Foxp3low) was observed in GI-4000-treated subjects versus placebo (p = 0.033). A proteomic signature was identified that predicted response to GI-4000/gemcitabine regardless of resection status. Conclusion: These results justify continued investigation of GI-4000 in studies stratified for likely responders or in combination with immune check-point inhibitors or other immunomodulators, which may provide optimal reactivation of antitumor immunity. ClinicalTrials.gov Number: NCT00300950.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Muscarella
- Department of Surgery, Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | | | | | - Sharona B Ross
- Digestive Disorders Institute, AdventHealth Tampa, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | | | | | - Patrick J Flynn
- Minnesota Oncology, US Oncology Research, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Alicia Mattson
- Smuggler Mountain Group (SMG, Inc.), Aspen, Colorado, USA
| | | | | | | | - Frank E Harrell
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Allen Cohn
- Rocky Mountain Cancer Center, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | | | - David Apelian
- Smuggler Mountain Group (SMG, Inc.), Aspen, Colorado, USA
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23
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Mutations in kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) are the most frequently observed genomic alterations in human cancers. No KRAS targeting therapy has been approved despite more than three decades of efforts. Encouraging progress has been made in targeting KRASG12C with KRASG12C specific covalent inhibitors in the past few years. Herein, we review the recent breakthroughs in KRAS targeting. RECENT FINDINGS KRASG12C mutation was found in 14% of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and 3% of colorectal cancer. Recently, highly potent KRASG12C specific inhibitors have been developed and demonstrated potent activity in preclinical models. Early results from phase 1 clinical trials with sotorasib and MRTX849 show promising antitumor activity in NSCLC, colorectal cancer and other solid tumors harboring KRASG12C mutation. For the first time, the preclinical success of targeting KRAS has translated into clinical benefits, which holds the potential of transforming clinical management of KRAS mutated solid tumors. Additional efforts are needed to identify biomarkers that predict response to KRAS inhibition in patients with KRASG12C as well as to develop strategies to overcome resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chongkai Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Marwan Fakih
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
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24
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Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a recalcitrant cancer with one of the lowest 5-year survival rates. A hallmark of pancreatic cancer is the prevalence of oncogenic mutation in the KRAS gene. The KRAS oncogene plays a critical role in the initiation and maintenance of pancreatic tumors and its signaling network represents a major target for therapeutic intervention. A number of inhibitors have been developed against kinase effectors in various Ras signaling pathways. Their clinical activity, however, has been disappointing thus far. More recently, covalent inhibitors targeting the KRASG12C oncoprotein have been developed. These inhibitors showed promising activity in KRASG12C mutant pancreatic cancer in early clinical trials. This review will present an updated summary of our understanding of mutant KRAS function in pancreatic cancer and discuss therapeutic strategies that target oncogenic KRAS signaling in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Luo
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD.
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25
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Wan Y, Zhang Y, Wang G, Mwangi PM, Cai H, Li R. Recombinant KRAS G12D Protein Vaccines Elicit Significant Anti-Tumor Effects in Mouse CT26 Tumor Models. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1326. [PMID: 32903495 PMCID: PMC7435050 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug development targeting the most frequently mutation G12D of KRAS has great significance. As an attractive immunotherapy, cancer vaccines can overcome binding difficulties of small molecules; however, the weak immunogenicity and production difficulties of reported KRAS mutation vaccines limit their clinical application. To improve antigen-specific immune responses and Anti-Tumor effects on tumors expressing KRAS G12D mutation, we designed recombinant proteins containing KRAS peptide (amino acids 5–21) with G12D (called SP) in two forms: DTT-SP4 and DTSP. DTT-SP4 was constructed by fusing four copies of SP to the C-terminal of the translocation domain of diphtheria toxin (DTT), and DTSP was constructed by grafting SP onto DTT. The two vaccines in combination with aluminum hydroxide (Alum) and cytosine phosphoguanine (CpG) successfully induced conspicuous SP-specific humoral and cellular immune responses, and displayed prominent protective and therapeutic Anti-Tumor effects in mouse CT26 tumor models. Surprisingly, the DTSP-treated group displayed better Anti-Tumor effects in vivo compared with the DTT-SP4-treated and control groups. Moreover, 87.5 and 50% of DTSP-treated mice in the preventive and therapeutic models were tumor free, respectively. Notably, in the DTSP-treated group, the interferon-γ (IFN-γ) expression of T cells in vitro and the T-helper 1 (Th1)–related cytokine expression in tumor tissues indicated that the activated Th1 immune response may be involved in Anti-Tumor activity. Furthermore, DTSP treatment remarkably altered the subpopulation of T cells in splenocytes and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. The percentage of effector CD8+ T cells increased, whereas that of immunosuppressive CD4+Foxp3+ T cells remained reduced in the DTSP group. Dramatic tumor-inhibitory effects of DTSP, which is easily prepared, make it a more attractive strategy against KRAS G12D tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gengchong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Patrick Malonza Mwangi
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huaman Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rongxiu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai HyCharm Inc., Shanghai, China.,Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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26
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Zhou S, Zhang D, Li J, Zhao J, Wang G, Zhang Y, Bai Y, Chen D, Wu H. Landscape of RAS Variations in 17,993 Pan-cancer Patients Identified by Next-generation Sequencing. Pathol Oncol Res 2020; 26:2835-2837. [PMID: 32602003 DOI: 10.1007/s12253-020-00845-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
RAS family genes (HRAS, KRAS and NRAS) were frequently observed in several tumors. The expression of constitutively active RAS proteins mediated by RAS variations promote the development of tumors. KRAS is an important prognostic and drug resistance biomarker. It would also be a promising drug target. Several trials which evaluating the efficacy of RAS G12C inhibitor in solid tumors are initiated. Herein, we analyzed the alterations status of KRAS/NRAS/HRAS across diverse solid tumors. The sing nucleotide variants (SNV) and copy number variants (CNV) data of 17993 Chinese patients from 22 types of cancer were obtained in our database. Genomic profiling of DNA was performed through a next-generation sequencing on tissue. Only the pathogenic mutations and likely pathogenic mutations in clinical significance were rolled into our analysis. Among 17993 pan-cancer patients, the total RAS variants frequency was 22.58%. KRAS was the most frequently altered, followed by NRAS and HRAS. For the SNV, KRAS were most commonly found in pancreas cancer, intestine cancer and colorectal cancer. Further analysis among KRAS SNV patients showed that the mutation frequency of KRAS G12C, G12D, G12R, and G12V was 1.81%, 6.81%, 0.69% and 4.25%, respectively. A total of 21 in 22 types of solid tumors had KRAS G12C/D/R/V pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutation, which occurred most frequently in colorectal cancer, pancreas cancer and lung cancer. Our results suggested that a variety of solid tumors may harbor KRAS G12C/D/R/V mutation. These patients may benefit from KRAS inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoqiang Zhou
- Galactophore Department, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Yunnan Tumor Hospital) , No.518 Kunzhou Road, Yunnan Province, 650118, Kunming, China
| | - Ding Zhang
- The Medical Department, 3D Medicines Inc, Shanghai, China
| | - Junjie Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Central Hospital of Zibo, Zibo, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- The Medical Department, 3D Medicines Inc, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoqiang Wang
- The Medical Department, 3D Medicines Inc, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuzi Zhang
- The Medical Department, 3D Medicines Inc, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuezong Bai
- The Medical Department, 3D Medicines Inc, Shanghai, China
| | - Dedian Chen
- Galactophore Department, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Yunnan Tumor Hospital) , No.518 Kunzhou Road, Yunnan Province, 650118, Kunming, China.
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, NO.300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China.
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27
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Zhang Y, Ma JA, Zhang HX, Jiang YN, Luo WH. Cancer vaccines: Targeting KRAS-driven cancers. Expert Rev Vaccines 2020; 19:163-173. [PMID: 32174221 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2020.1733420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Mutant KRAS is a genetic driver of multiple cancers that has challenged clinical anti-cancer therapeutics in the last 3 decades. Neo-antigens encoded by KRAS mutations have been identified as tumor-specific with high immunogenicity and can be used to deliver precision cancer vaccines to promote anti-tumor immune responses. KRAS mutation-based cancer vaccines have produced encouraging preclinical and clinical results. Cancer vaccines represent a promising approach to treat KRAS-driven cancers.Areas covered: In this review, we summarize the development and progress of vaccines targeting KRAS and evaluate their potential benefits and obstacles in the current landscape of therapy for KRAS-driven cancers.Expert opinion: KRAS mutation-based cancer vaccines can induce immunogenicity in patients with KRAS-driven cancers. However, the mechanisms of tumor suppression including cellular and molecular factors within the tumor microenvironment may limit vaccine efficacy. Combining KRAS-driven therapeutic cancer vaccines with other methods and adjuvants can circumvent immunosuppression and promote therapeutic successes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jin-An Ma
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hai-Xia Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yu-Na Jiang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wen-Hao Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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28
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Integrating context of tumor biology and vaccine design to shape multidimensional immunotherapies. FUTURE DRUG DISCOVERY 2020. [DOI: 10.4155/fdd-2019-0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in cancer therapy have offered great promise but only modest clinical benefits as monotherapies to date. Patients usually respond well to therapies targeted at specific mutations, but only for a short time. Conversely, immunotherapies help fewer patients, but increase survival. Combination therapies, which could offer the best of both worlds, are currently limited by substantial toxicity. While recent advances in genomics and proteomics have yielded an unprecedented depth of enabling datasets, it has also shifted the focus toward in silico predictions. Designing the next wave of multidimensional immunotherapies will require leveraging this knowledge while providing a renewed emphasis on tumor biology and vaccine design. This includes careful selection of tumor clinical stage in the context of pre-existing tumor microenvironments, target antigen and technology platform selections to maximize their effect, and treatment staging. Here, we review strategies on how to approach an increasingly complex landscape of immunotherapeutic agents for use in combination therapies.
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29
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Hoo WPY, Siak PY, In LLA. Overview of Current Immunotherapies Targeting Mutated KRAS Cancers. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:2158-2175. [PMID: 31483231 DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190904163524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of somatic substitution mutations of the KRAS proto-oncogene is highly prevalent in certain cancer types, which often leads to constant activation of proliferative pathways and subsequent neoplastic transformation. It is often seen as a gateway mutation in carcinogenesis and has been commonly deemed as a predictive biomarker for poor prognosis and relapse when conventional chemotherapeutics are employed. Additionally, its mutational status also renders EGFR targeted therapies ineffective owing to its downstream location. Efforts to discover new approaches targeting this menacing culprit have been ongoing for years without much success, and with incidences of KRAS positive cancer patients being on the rise, researchers are now turning towards immunotherapies as the way forward. In this scoping review, recent immunotherapeutic developments and advances in both preclinical and clinical studies targeting K-ras directly or indirectly via its downstream signal transduction machinery will be discussed. Additionally, some of the challenges and limitations of various K-ras targeting immunotherapeutic approaches such as vaccines, adoptive T cell therapies, and checkpoint inhibitors against KRAS positive cancers will be deliberated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winfrey Pui Yee Hoo
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Pui Yan Siak
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Lionel L A In
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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30
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Pan D, Zhou D, Cai W, Wu W, Tan WL, Zhou C, Lou Y. Immunogenicity of Del19 EGFR mutations in Chinese patients affected by lung adenocarcinoma. BMC Immunol 2019; 20:43. [PMID: 31722672 PMCID: PMC6854806 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-019-0320-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mutant peptides presented by cancer cells are superior vaccine candidates than self peptides. The efficacy of mutant K-Ras, P53 and EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) peptides have been tested as cancer vaccines in pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancers. The immunogenicity of EGFR Del19 mutations, frequent in Chinese lung adenocarcinoma patients, remains unclear. Results We predicted the HLA binding epitopes of Del19 mutations of EGFR in Chinese lung adenocarcinoma patients with NetMHC software. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the EGFR-reactive IgG in lung cancer patients. Del19 mutations may be presented by multiple HLA Class I molecules, with delE746_A750 presented by 37.5% of Chinese population. For HLA Class II molecules, Del19 mutations of EGFR may be presented by multiple HLA-DRB1 molecules, with delE746_A750 presented by 58.1% of Chinese population. Serum reactivity to wild type EGFR protein was significantly higher in patients with Del19 EGFR mutations than those with EGFR L858R point mutation or with EGFR wild type genotype. Conclusions These findings suggest that Del19 mutations of EGFR, with an estimated frequency of 40% in Chinese lung adenocarcinoma patients, may serve as unique targets for immunotherapy in Chinese lung cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deng Pan
- Shanghai Pudong New Area Mental Health Center affiliated with Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Dapeng Zhou
- Shanghai Pudong New Area Mental Health Center affiliated with Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China. .,Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital affiliated with Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Weijing Cai
- Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital affiliated with Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Weibo Wu
- Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital affiliated with Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Wen Ling Tan
- Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital affiliated with Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Caicun Zhou
- Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital affiliated with Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yanyan Lou
- Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
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31
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Isaeva OI, Sharonov GV, Serebrovskaya EO, Turchaninova MA, Zaretsky AR, Shugay M, Chudakov DM. Intratumoral immunoglobulin isotypes predict survival in lung adenocarcinoma subtypes. J Immunother Cancer 2019; 7:279. [PMID: 31665076 PMCID: PMC6819482 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-019-0747-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of tumor-infiltrating B-cells (TIBs) and intratumorally-produced antibodies in cancer-immunity interactions essentially remains terra incognita. In particular, it remains unexplored how driver mutations could be associated with distinct TIBs signatures and their role in tumor microenvironment. METHODS Here we analyzed associations of immunoglobulin isotypes and clonality with survival in TCGA RNA-Seq data for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), stratifying patients into 12 driver mutation and phenotypic tumor subgroups. RESULTS We revealed several unexpected associations between TIBs behavior and prognosis. Abundance and high proportion of IgG1 isotype, and low proportion of IgA among all intratumorally produced immunoglobulins were specifically associated with improved overall survival for KRASmut but not KRASwt LUAD, revealing the first link between a driver mutation and B-cell response. We found specific IgG1 signature associated with long survival, which suggests that particular specificities of IgG1+ TIBs could be beneficial in KRASmut LUAD. In contrast to our previous observations for melanoma, highly clonal IgG1 production by plasma cells had no meaningful effect on prognosis, suggesting that IgG1+ TIBs may exert a beneficial effect in KRASmut cases in an alternative way, such as efficient presentation of cognate antigens or direct B cell attack on tumor cells. Notably, a high proportion of the IgG1 isotype is positively correlated with the non-silent mutation burden both in the general LUAD cohort and in most patient subgroups, supporting a role for IgG1+ TIBs in antigen presentation. Complementing the recent finding that the presence of stromal IgG4-producing cells is associated with a favorable prognosis for patients with stage I squamous cell carcinoma, we show that the abundance of IgG4-producing TIBs likewise has a strong positive effect on overall survival in STK11mut and proximal proliferative subgroups of LUAD patients. We hypothesize that the positive role of IgG4 antibodies in some of the lung cancer subtypes could be associated with reported inability of IgG4 isotype to form immune complexes, thus preventing immunosuppression via activation of the myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) phenotype. CONCLUSIONS We discover prominent and distinct associations between TIBs antibody isotypes and survival in lung adenocarcinoma carrying specific driver mutations. These findings indicate that particular types of tumor-immunity relations could be beneficial in particular driver mutation context, which should be taken into account in developing strategies of cancer immunotherapy and combination therapies. Specificity of protective B cell populations in specific cancer subgroups could become a clue to efficient targeted immunotherapies for appropriate cohorts of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- O I Isaeva
- Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia.,BostonGene LLC, Lincoln, MA, USA
| | - G V Sharonov
- Laboratory of Genomics of Antitumor Adaptive Immunity, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.,Genomics of Adaptive Immunity Department, Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
| | - E O Serebrovskaya
- Genomics of Adaptive Immunity Department, Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia.,Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - M A Turchaninova
- Laboratory of Genomics of Antitumor Adaptive Immunity, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.,Genomics of Adaptive Immunity Department, Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
| | - A R Zaretsky
- Genomics of Adaptive Immunity Department, Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia.,Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Evrogen JSC, Moscow, Russia
| | - M Shugay
- Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia.,Laboratory of Genomics of Antitumor Adaptive Immunity, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.,Genomics of Adaptive Immunity Department, Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia.,Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - D M Chudakov
- Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Moscow, Russia. .,Laboratory of Genomics of Antitumor Adaptive Immunity, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. .,Genomics of Adaptive Immunity Department, Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia. .,Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia.
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32
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Whole Recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae Yeast Expressing Ras Mutations as Treatment for Patients With Solid Tumors Bearing Ras Mutations: Results From a Phase 1 Trial. J Immunother 2019. [PMID: 29528991 PMCID: PMC5895167 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
We are developing whole, heat-killed, recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast, engineered to encode target proteins, which stimulate immune responses against malignant cells expressing those targets. This phase 1 trial, enrolling patients with advanced colorectal or pancreas cancer, was designed to evaluate safety, immunogenicity, response, and overall survival of ascending doses of the GI-4000 series of products, which express 3 different forms of mutated Ras proteins. The study enrolled 33 heavily pretreated subjects (14 with pancreas and 19 with colorectal cancer), whose tumors were genotyped before enrollment to identify the specific ras mutation and thereby to identify which GI-4000 product to administer. No dose limiting toxicities were observed and no subject discontinued treatment due to a GI-4000 related adverse event (AE). The majority of AEs and all fatal events were due to underlying disease progression and AE frequencies were not significantly different among dose groups. GI-4000 was immunogenic, as Ras mutation-specific immune responses were detected on treatment in ∼60% of subjects. No objective tumor responses were observed but based on imaging, clinical status and/or biochemical markers, stable disease was observed in 6 subjects (18%) on day 29, while 1 subject had stable disease at days 57 and 85 follow-up visits. The median overall survival was 3.3 months (95% confidence interval, 2.3–5.3 mo), and 5 subjects survived past the 48-week follow-up period. No significant dose-dependent trends for survival were observed. This first clinical trial in humans with GI-4000 demonstrated a favorable safety profile and immunogenicity in the majority of subjects.
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33
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Kumar R, Kumar P. Yeast-based vaccines: New perspective in vaccine development and application. FEMS Yeast Res 2019; 19:5298404. [PMID: 30668686 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foz007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In presently licensed vaccines, killed or attenuated organisms act as a source of immunogens except for peptide-based vaccines. These conventional vaccines required a mass culture of associated or related organisms and long incubation periods. Special requirements during storage and transportation further adds to the cost of vaccine preparations. Availability of complete genome sequence, well-established genetic, inherent natural adjuvant and non-pathogenic nature of yeast species viz. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Pichia pastoris makes them an ideal model system for the development of vaccines both for public health and for on-farm consumption. In this review, we compile the work in this emerging field during last two decades with major emphases on S. cerevisiae and P. pastoris which are routinely used worldwide for expression of heterologous proteins with therapeutic value against infectious diseases along with possible use in cancer therapy. We also pointed towards the developments in use of whole recombinant yeast, yeast surface display and virus-like particles as a novel strategy in the fight against infectious diseases and cancer along with other aspects including suitability of yeast in vaccines preparations, yeast cell wall component as an immune stimulator or modulator and present status of yeast-based vaccines in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravinder Kumar
- Section of Molecular Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Piyush Kumar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400 076, Maharashtra, India
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Tackling Cancer with Yeast-Based Technologies. Trends Biotechnol 2019; 37:592-603. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2018.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 11/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Kumar R. Investigating the long-term stability of protein immunogen(s) for whole recombinant yeast-based vaccines. FEMS Yeast Res 2019; 18:5049006. [PMID: 29982546 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foy071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Even today vaccine(s) remains a mainstay in combating infectious diseases. Many yeast-based vaccines are currently in different phases of clinical trials. Despite the encouraging results of whole recombinant yeast and yeast display, the systematic study assessing the long-term stability of protein antigen(s) in yeast cells is still missing. Therefore, in the present study, I investigate the stability of heterologous protein antigen in the cellular environment of Saccharomyces cerevisiae through Escherichia coli surface protein (major curlin or CsgA). Present biochemical data showed that the stationary-phase yeast cells were able to keep the antigen stable for almost 1 year when stored at 2°C-8°C and 23°C-25°C. Further, iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics of yeast whole cell lysate showed that the level of heterologous fusion protein was low in cells stored at 23°C-25°C compared to those at 2°C-8°C. In the end, I also proposed a workable strategy to test the integrity or completeness of heterologous protein in the yeast cell. I believe that the observations made in the present study will be really encouraging for those interested in the development of a whole recombinant yeast-based vaccine(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravinder Kumar
- Section of Molecular Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
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Fu XH, Chen ZT, Wang WH, Fan XJ, Huang Y, Wu XB, Huang JL, Wang JX, Lin HJ, Tan XL, Wang L, Wang JP. KRAS G12V Mutation is an Adverse Prognostic Factor of Chinese Gastric Cancer Patients. J Cancer 2019; 10:821-828. [PMID: 30854087 PMCID: PMC6400811 DOI: 10.7150/jca.27899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the molecular characteristics of Chinese gastric cancer patients. In our study, the KRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA mutation status of 485 GC patients were analyzed by Sanger sequencing. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to plot survival curves according to different genotypes. The results show that the frequency of KRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA mutations were 4.1%, 1.2% and 3.5%, respectively. BRAF mutations were significantly concentrated in stage III and IV gastric cancer (P=0.009). KRAS G12V mutation carriers have much shorter OS than other mutation carriers and wild-type group patients (P=0.013). In conclusion, only the KRAS G12V mutation has an adverse effect on patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Hui Fu
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China.,Department of Pathology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhi-Ting Chen
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China.,Department of Pathology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Wen-Hui Wang
- Department of Information and Technology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Xin-Juan Fan
- Department of Pathology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Pathology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao-Bin Wu
- Department of GI Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing-Lin Huang
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China.,Department of Pathology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing-Xuan Wang
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China.,Department of Pathology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Han-Jie Lin
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China.,Department of Pathology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao-Li Tan
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China.,Department of Pathology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of GI Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian-Ping Wang
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
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Next Generation Cancer Vaccines-Make It Personal! Vaccines (Basel) 2018; 6:vaccines6030052. [PMID: 30096953 PMCID: PMC6161279 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines6030052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Dramatic success in cancer immunotherapy has been achieved over the last decade with the introduction of checkpoint inhibitors, leading to response rates higher than with chemotherapy in certain cancer types. These responses are often restricted to cancers that have a high mutational burden and show pre-existing T-cell infiltrates. Despite extensive efforts, therapeutic vaccines have been mostly unsuccessful in the clinic. With the introduction of next generation sequencing, the identification of individual mutations is possible, enabling the production of personalized cancer vaccines. Combining immune check point inhibitors to overcome the immunosuppressive microenvironment and personalized cancer vaccines for directing the host immune system against the chosen antigens might be a promising treatment strategy.
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Cai W, Zhou D, Wu W, Tan WL, Wang J, Zhou C, Lou Y. MHC class II restricted neoantigen peptides predicted by clonal mutation analysis in lung adenocarcinoma patients: implications on prognostic immunological biomarker and vaccine design. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:582. [PMID: 30075702 PMCID: PMC6090856 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-4958-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mutant peptides presented by MHC (major histocompatibility complex) Class II in cancer are important targets for cancer immunotherapy. Both animal studies and clinical trials in cancer patients showed that CD4 T cells specific to tumor-derived mutant peptides are essential for the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade therapy by PD1 antibody. Results In this study, we analyzed the next generation sequencing data of 147 lung adenocarcinoma patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas and predicted neoantigens presented by MHC Class I and Class II molecules. We found 18,175 expressed clonal somatic mutations, with an average of 124 per patient. The presentation of mutant peptides by an HLA(human leukocyte antigen) Class II molecule, HLA DRB1, were predicted by NetMHCIIpan3.1. 8804 neo-peptides, including 375 strong binders and 8429 weak binders were found. For HLA DRB1*01:01, 54 strong binders and 896 weak binders were found. The most commonly mutated genes with predicted neo-antigens are KRAS, TTN, RYR2, MUC16, TP53, USH2A, ZFHX4, KEAP1, STK11, FAT3, NAV3 and EGFR. Conclusions Our results support the feasibility of discovering individualized HLA Class II presented mutant peptides as candidates for immunodiagnosis and immunotherapy of lung adenocarcinoma. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-4958-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijing Cai
- Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital affiliated with Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Dapeng Zhou
- Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital affiliated with Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Weibo Wu
- Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital affiliated with Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Wen Ling Tan
- Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital affiliated with Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jiaqian Wang
- YuceBio Technology Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Caicun Zhou
- Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital affiliated with Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yanyan Lou
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
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Ng AWR, Tan PJ, Hoo WPY, Liew DS, Teo MYM, Siak PY, Ng SM, Tan EW, Abdul Rahim R, Lim RLH, Song AAL, In LLA. In silico-guided sequence modifications of K-ras epitopes improve immunological outcome against G12V and G13D mutant KRAS antigens. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5056. [PMID: 30042874 PMCID: PMC6055689 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Somatic point substitution mutations in the KRAS proto-oncogene primarily affect codons 12/13 where glycine is converted into other amino acids, and are highly prevalent in pancreatic, colorectal, and non-small cell lung cancers. These cohorts are non-responsive to anti-EGFR treatments, and are left with non-specific chemotherapy regimens as their sole treatment options. In the past, the development of peptide vaccines for cancer treatment was reported to have poor AT properties when inducing immune responses. Utilization of bioinformatics tools have since become an interesting approach in improving the design of peptide vaccines based on T- and B-cell epitope predictions. Methods In this study, the region spanning exon 2 from the 4th to 18th codon within the peptide sequence of wtKRAS was chosen for sequence manipulation. Mutated G12V and G13D K-ras controls were generated in silico, along with additional single amino acid substitutions flanking the original codon 12/13 mutations. IEDB was used for assessing human and mouse MHC class I/II epitope predictions, as well as linear B-cell epitopes predictions, while RNA secondary structure prediction was performed via CENTROIDFOLD. A scoring and ranking system was established in order to shortlist top mimotopes whereby normalized and reducing weighted scores were assigned to peptide sequences based on seven immunological parameters. Among the top 20 ranked peptide sequences, peptides of three mimotopes were synthesized and subjected to in vitro and in vivo immunoassays. Mice PBMCs were treated in vitro and subjected to cytokine assessment using CBA assay. Thereafter, mice were immunized and sera were subjected to IgG-based ELISA. Results In silico immunogenicity prediction using IEDB tools shortlisted one G12V mimotope (68-V) and two G13D mimotopes (164-D, 224-D) from a total of 1,680 candidates. Shortlisted mimotopes were predicted to promote high MHC-II and -I affinities with optimized B-cell epitopes. CBA assay indicated that: 224-D induced secretions of IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-12p70, and IL-21; 164-D triggered IL-10 and TNF-α; while 68-V showed no immunological responses. Specific-IgG sera titers against mutated K-ras antigens from 164-D immunized Balb/c mice were also elevated post first and second boosters compared to wild-type and G12/G13 controls. Discussion In silico-guided predictions of mutated K-ras T- and B-cell epitopes were successful in identifying two immunogens with high predictive scores, Th-bias cytokine induction and IgG-specific stimulation. Developments of such immunogens are potentially useful for future immunotherapeutic and diagnostic applications against KRAS(+) malignancies, monoclonal antibody production, and various other research and development initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan Wee Ren Ng
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Pei Jun Tan
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Winfrey Pui Yee Hoo
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Dek Shen Liew
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Michelle Yee Mun Teo
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Pui Yan Siak
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sze Man Ng
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ee Wern Tan
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Raha Abdul Rahim
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Renee Lay Hong Lim
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Adelene Ai Lian Song
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Lionel Lian Aun In
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Würfel F, Erber R, Huebner H, Hein A, Lux MP, Jud S, Kremer A, Kranich H, Mackensen A, Häberle L, Hack CC, Rauh C, Wunderle M, Gaß P, Rabizadeh S, Brandl AL, Langemann H, Volz B, Nabieva N, Schulz-Wendtland R, Dudziak D, Beckmann MW, Hartmann A, Fasching PA, Rübner M. TILGen: A Program to Investigate Immune Targets in Breast Cancer Patients - First Results on the Influence of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes. Breast Care (Basel) 2018; 13:8-14. [PMID: 29950961 PMCID: PMC6016056 DOI: 10.1159/000486949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite advancements in the treatment of primary and metastatic breast cancer, many patients lack a durable response to these treatments. Patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2)-positive breast cancer who do not have a pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) have a very poor prognosis. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have been identified as a predictive marker for pCR after NACT in TNBC and HER2-positive breast cancer. These patient populations could also be suitable for novel treatment strategies including neoepitope-based therapies. This work analyses the effect of TILs on the pCR in neoadjuvantly treated patients in the TILGen study and presents the procedures aimed at establishing neoepitope-based therapies in this study. METHODS Neoadjuvantly treated HER2-positive and TNBC patients were eligible for the presented analysis concerning the association between TILs and pCR. A total of 146 patients could be identified within the TILGen study. TILs were evaluated as percentage of stromal tumor tissue in core biopsies at primary diagnosis. The phenotype 'lymphocyte-predominant breast cancer' (LPBC) was associated with pCR by logistic regression adjusted for estrogen receptor status, progesterone receptor status, HER2 status, age at diagnosis, and grading. RESULTS LPBC was seen in 24 (16.4%) patients. In this patient group, 66.7% achieved a pCR, while the pCR rate was 32.8% in patients with a low TIL count. The adjusted odds ratio was 6.60 (95% confidence interval 2.02-21.56; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION TILs are a strong predictor of pCR in TNBC and HER2-positive breast cancer patients. Implications for the use of this information including the effect on prognosis might help to identify patients most likely to benefit from a neoepitope-based therapy approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Würfel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ramona Erber
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hanna Huebner
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alexander Hein
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael P. Lux
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Jud
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anita Kremer
- Department of Internal Medicine 5, Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hannah Kranich
- Department of Internal Medicine 5, Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Mackensen
- Department of Internal Medicine 5, Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lothar Häberle
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Biostatistics Unit, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carolin C. Hack
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Claudia Rauh
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marius Wunderle
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Paul Gaß
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Anna-Lisa Brandl
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hanna Langemann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Volz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Naiba Nabieva
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Schulz-Wendtland
- Institute of Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Diana Dudziak
- Department of Dermatology, Laboratory of Dendritic Cell Biology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Matthias W. Beckmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arndt Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter A. Fasching
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Matthias Rübner
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
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Tsuchida N, Murugan AK, Grieco M. Kirsten Ras* oncogene: significance of its discovery in human cancer research. Oncotarget 2018; 7:46717-46733. [PMID: 27102293 PMCID: PMC5216832 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The KRAS/ K-RAS oncogene is crucially involved in human cancer. The term "oncogene" -- i.e., a gene able to transform a normal cell into a tumor cell - was introduced in 1969, but the word was not used in the human carcinogenesis literature until much later. Transforming Kras and Hras oncogenes from the Kirsten and Harvey sarcoma viruses were not identified until the early 1980s due to the complicated structures of the viral genomes. Orthologs of these viral oncogenes were then found in transforming DNA fragments in human cancers in the form of mutated versions of the HRAS and KRAS proto-oncogenes. Thus, RAS genes were the first human oncogenes to be identified. Subsequent studies showed that mutated KRAS acted as an in vivo oncogenic driver, as indicated by studies of anti-EGFR therapy for metastatic colorectal cancers. This review addresses the historical background and experimental studies that led to the discovery of Kirsten Ras as an oncogene, the role of mutated KRAS in human carcinogenesis, and recent therapeutic studies of cancer cells with KRAS mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuo Tsuchida
- Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical Dental University, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Michele Grieco
- DiSTABiF, Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Seconda Università di Napoli, Caserta, Italy
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pancreatic cancer remains a deadly disease despite advances in surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Treatment failure is likely due to intense chemoresistance and immunosuppression. Therefore, new treatment paradigms are urgently needed. Immunotherapy, particularly adoptive T cell transfer, is a highly-personalized therapy that involves the isolation and ex vivo expansion of tumor-specific T cells before administration to cancer-bearing hosts. Areas covered: This review summarizes different strategies of adoptive T cell therapy and their application in pancreatic cancer treatment. It also highlights recent advances and gives discussion on the future directions in T cell-based immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer. Expert opinion: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is extremely challenging to treat, in part, due to intense desmoplastic reaction and immunosuppression. The recent progress in cancer immunotherapy triggers a hope to use immunotherapeutic modality to treat pancreatic cancer. Immunotherapy is generally well tolerated, and has the potential to function as a monotherapy or in synergistic combination with conventional chemotherapy. We must make efforts to optimize the immunotherapeutic regimen and to select patients to treat based on their biological profile. To accomplish this goal, an intense collaboration is needed to bridge between bench and bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Liu
- a GI Oncology Program and Experimental Therapeutics , Tufts University School of Medicine , Boston , MA , USA.,b PGY-2, Internal Medicine Residency Program at Metrowest Medical Center , Framingham , MA , USA
| | - Muhammad Wasif Saif
- a GI Oncology Program and Experimental Therapeutics , Tufts University School of Medicine , Boston , MA , USA
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Pan J, Zhang Q, Sei S, Shoemaker RH, Lubet RA, Wang Y, You M. Immunoprevention of KRAS-driven lung adenocarcinoma by a multipeptide vaccine. Oncotarget 2017; 8:82689-82699. [PMID: 29137294 PMCID: PMC5669920 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19831] [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] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Mutations in KRAS are detected in up to 30% of lung cancer cases. No effective therapies specifically targeting mutant KRAS have been developed. Vaccination against KRAS mutants is one of the venues of active exploration. The present study evaluated both immunogenicity and antitumor efficacy of a newly formulated multipeptide vaccine targeting multiple epitopes of the KRAS molecule. The formulated vaccine contained top four peptides, which elicited the strongest immunologic response and showed 100% sequence homology between human and mouse. The multipeptide KRAS vaccine was tested in an inducible CCSP-TetO-KRASG12D mouse model, where the vaccine was administered prior to activating the mutant KRAS protein. The KRAS peptide vaccine exhibited striking efficacy, reducing tumor number and tumor burden by >80% when compared with adjuvant alone. Splenocytes collected from vaccinated animals showed a robust immunologic response to the immunizing peptides. Furthermore, in vitro stimulation of these splenocytes by the vaccinated peptides resulted in the secretion of cytokines indicative of Th1 responses but with minimal secretion of Th2-related cytokines. The multipeptide KRAS vaccine was immunogenic and efficacious in the primary prevention of KRAS-induced lung cancer, indicating that the approach potentially can be used to prevent other KRAS-driven cancers, either alone or in combination with other modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Pan
- Cancer Center and Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Qi Zhang
- Cancer Center and Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Shizuko Sei
- Chemopreventive Agent Development Research Group, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Robert H Shoemaker
- Chemopreventive Agent Development Research Group, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ronald A Lubet
- Chemopreventive Agent Development Research Group, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yian Wang
- Cancer Center and Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Ming You
- Cancer Center and Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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Ramachandran M, Dimberg A, Essand M. The cancer-immunity cycle as rational design for synthetic cancer drugs: Novel DC vaccines and CAR T-cells. Semin Cancer Biol 2017; 45:23-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Roohvand F, Shokri M, Abdollahpour-Alitappeh M, Ehsani P. Biomedical applications of yeast- a patent view, part one: yeasts as workhorses for the production of therapeutics and vaccines. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2017; 27:929-951. [PMID: 28608761 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2017.1339789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Yeasts, as Eukaryotes, offer unique features for ease of growth and genetic manipulation possibilities, making it an exceptional microbial host. Areas covered: This review provides general and patent-oriented insights into production of biopharmaceuticals by yeasts. Patents, wherever possible, were correlated to the original or review articles. The review describes applications of major GRAS (generally regarded as safe) yeasts for the production of therapeutic proteins and subunit vaccines; additionally, immunomodulatory properties of yeast cell wall components were reviewed for use of whole yeast cells as a new vaccine platform. The second part of the review will discuss yeast- humanization strategies and innovative applications. Expert opinion: Biomedical applications of yeasts were initiated by utilization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, for production of leavened (fermented) products, and advanced to serve to produce biopharmaceuticals. Higher biomass production and expression/secretion yields, more similarity of glycosylation patterns to mammals and possibility of host-improvement strategies through application of synthetic biology might enhance selection of Pichia pastoris (instead of S. cerevisiae) as a host for production of biopharmaceutical in future. Immunomodulatory properties of yeast cell wall β-glucans and possibility of intracellular expression of heterologous pathogen/tumor antigens in yeast cells have expanded their application as a new platform, 'Whole Yeast Vaccines'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzin Roohvand
- a Department of Virology , Pasteur Institute of Iran , Pasteur Ave, Tehran , Iran
| | - Mehdi Shokri
- a Department of Virology , Pasteur Institute of Iran , Pasteur Ave, Tehran , Iran.,b Department of Immunology , Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran , Iran
| | | | - Parastoo Ehsani
- c Department of Molecular Biology , Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran , Iran
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Hamilton DH, David JM, Dominguez C, Palena C. Development of Cancer Vaccines Targeting Brachyury, a Transcription Factor Associated with Tumor Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Cells Tissues Organs 2017; 203:128-138. [PMID: 28214895 DOI: 10.1159/000446495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is recognized as a relevant process during the progression of carcinomas towards metastatic disease. Epithelial cancer cells undergoing an EMT program may acquire mesenchymal features, motility, invasiveness, and resistance to a variety of anticancer therapeutics. Preventing or reverting the EMT process in carcinomas has the potential to minimize tumor dissemination and the emergence of therapeutic resistance. One of the strategies currently under investigation to target tumor cells undergoing EMT is the generation of a sustained immune response directed against an essential molecular driver of the process. This review focuses on the current development of immune-mediated anticancer interventions aimed at targeting a transcription factor, brachyury, associated with human tumor EMT. Also presented here is a summary of recent studies demonstrating a role for EMT in tumor resistance to immune effector cytotoxicity, and the study of novel strategies aimed at reverting the EMT to be used in combination with immune-mediated anticancer interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duane H Hamilton
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Wada S, Yada E, Ohtake J, Fujimoto Y, Uchiyama H, Yoshida S, Sasada T. Current status and future prospects of peptide-based cancer vaccines. Immunotherapy 2016; 8:1321-1333. [PMID: 27993087 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2016-0063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has attracted attention worldwide owing to the recent development of immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, these therapies have shown limited efficacy, and further advancements are needed before these modalities can progress to widespread use. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a type of nonspecific cancer immunotherapy, and antitumor effects are only observed when cancer-specific T cells are found within the nonspecifically activated T-cell group. In order to facilitate the development of potent immunotherapies, selective enhancement of cancer-specific T cells is essential. In this report, we discuss current and future perspectives, including the latest clinical trials of cancer-specific immunotherapies, particularly cancer peptide vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Wada
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, 2-3-2 Nakao Asahi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 241-8515, Japan
| | - Erika Yada
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, 2-3-2 Nakao Asahi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 241-8515, Japan
| | - Junya Ohtake
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, 2-3-2 Nakao Asahi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 241-8515, Japan
| | - Yuki Fujimoto
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, 2-3-2 Nakao Asahi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 241-8515, Japan
| | - Hidemi Uchiyama
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, 2-3-2 Nakao Asahi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 241-8515, Japan
| | - Shintaro Yoshida
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, 2-3-2 Nakao Asahi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 241-8515, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Sasada
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, 2-3-2 Nakao Asahi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 241-8515, Japan
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Recommendations of the Austrian Working Group on Pulmonary Pathology and Oncology for predictive molecular and immunohistochemical testing in non-small cell lung cancer. MEMO-MAGAZINE OF EUROPEAN MEDICAL ONCOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s12254-016-0297-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Grover A, McLean JL, Troudt JM, Foster C, Izzo L, Creissen E, MacDonald E, Troy A, Izzo AA. Heat killed Saccharomyces cerevisiae as an adjuvant for the induction of vaccine-mediated immunity against infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Vaccine 2016; 34:2798-805. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.04.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Revised: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Türeci Ö, Vormehr M, Diken M, Kreiter S, Huber C, Sahin U. Targeting the Heterogeneity of Cancer with Individualized Neoepitope Vaccines. Clin Cancer Res 2016; 22:1885-96. [PMID: 27084742 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-15-1509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Somatic mutations binding to the patient's MHC and recognized by autologous T cells (neoepitopes) are ideal cancer vaccine targets. They combine a favorable safety profile due to a lack of expression in healthy tissues with a high likelihood of immunogenicity, as T cells recognizing neoepitopes are not shaped by central immune tolerance. Proteins mutated in cancer (neoantigens) shared by patients have been explored as vaccine targets for many years. Shared ("public") mutations, however, are rare, as the vast majority of cancer mutations in a given tumor are unique for the individual patient. Recently, the novel concept of truly individualized cancer vaccination emerged, which exploits the vast source of patient-specific "private" mutations. Concurrence of scientific advances and technological breakthroughs enables the rapid, cost-efficient, and comprehensive mapping of the "mutanome," which is the entirety of somatic mutations in an individual tumor, and the rational selection of neoepitopes. How to transform tumor mutanome data to actionable knowledge for tailoring individualized vaccines "on demand" has become a novel research field with paradigm-shifting potential. This review gives an overview with particular focus on the clinical development of such vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özlem Türeci
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Mustafa Diken
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kreiter
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Christoph Huber
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ugur Sahin
- TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany. Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), Mainz, Germany. Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, Mainz, Germany.
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