1
|
Zhuang S, Yang Z, Cui Z, Zhang Y, Che F. Epigenetic alterations and advancement of lymphoma treatment. Ann Hematol 2024; 103:1435-1454. [PMID: 37581713 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-023-05395-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Lymphomas, complex and heterogeneous malignant tumors, originate from the lymphopoietic system. These tumors are notorious for their high recurrence rates and resistance to treatment, which leads to poor prognoses. As ongoing research has shown, epigenetic modifications like DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNA regulation, and RNA modifications play crucial roles in lymphoma pathogenesis. Epigenetic modification-targeting drugs have exhibited therapeutic efficacy and tolerability in both monotherapy and combination lymphoma therapy. This review discusses pathogenic mechanisms and potential epigenetic therapeutic targets in common lymphomas, offering new avenues for lymphoma diagnosis and treatment. We also discuss the shortcomings of current lymphoma treatments, while suggesting potential areas for future research, in order to improve the prediction and prognosis of lymphoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuhui Zhuang
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Department of Hematology, Linyi People's Hospital, Shandong University, Linyi, 276000, Shandong, China
| | - Zhaobo Yang
- Spine Surgery, Linyi People's Hospital, Shandong University, Linyi, 276000, Shandong, China
| | - Zhuangzhuang Cui
- Department of Hematology, Linyi People's Hospital, Shandong University, Linyi, 276000, Shandong, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Linyi People's Hospital, Shandong University, Linyi, 276000, Shandong, China.
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Key Laboratory of Immunohematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China.
| | - Fengyuan Che
- Department of Neurology, Central Laboratory and Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Linyi People's Hospital, Shandong University, Linyi, 276000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gao Y, Vakoc CR. Therapeutic index of targeting select chromatin complexes in human cancer patients. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2024; 85:102162. [PMID: 38401489 PMCID: PMC11072572 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2024.102162] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Aberrant chromatin regulation can promote the initiation and progression of human cancer. An improved understanding of such mechanisms has resulted in the identification of cancers with an enhanced dependency on specific chromatin regulatory proteins relative to nonmalignant cell types. Hence, targeting of such complexes with small molecules has significant therapeutic potential in oncology. In recent years, several drugs have been developed and evaluated in human cancer patients, which can influence tumor biology by reprogramming of chromatin structure. In this review, we summarize several of the known mechanisms that endow cancer cells with a powerful dependency on chromatin regulation that exceeds the requirements for normal tissue homeostasis. We also summarize the remarkable small-molecule inhibitors that exploit chromatin regulator dependencies with a clear therapeutic benefit in human cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Gao
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA. https://twitter.com/@yuangao_yg
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liang Y, Wang L, Ma P, Ju D, Zhao M, Shi Y. Enhancing anti-tumor immune responses through combination therapies: epigenetic drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1308264. [PMID: 38077327 PMCID: PMC10704038 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1308264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are processes that affect gene expression and cellular functions without involving changes in the DNA sequence. This abnormal or unstable expression of genes regulated by epigenetics can trigger cancer and other various diseases. The immune cells involved in anti-tumor responses and the immunogenicity of tumors may also be affected by epigenomic changes. This holds significant implications for the development and application of cancer immunotherapy, epigenetic therapy, and their combined treatments in the fight against cancer. We provide an overview of recent research literature focusing on how epigenomic changes in immune cells influence immune cell behavior and function, as well as the immunogenicity of cancer cells. And the combined utilization of epigenetic medications with immune checkpoint inhibitors that focus on immune checkpoint molecules [e.g., Programmed Death 1 (PD-1), Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte-Associated Protein 4 (CTLA-4), T cell Immunoglobulin and Mucin Domain (TIM-3), Lymphocyte Activation Gene-3 (LAG-3)] present in immune cells and stromal cells associated with tumors. We highlight the potential of small-molecule inhibitors targeting epigenetic regulators to amplify anti-tumor immune responses. Moreover, we discuss how to leverage the intricate relationship between cancer epigenetics and cancer immunology to create treatment regimens that integrate epigenetic therapies with immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liang
- Precision Pharmacy and Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- Wuchang Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan Wuchang Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Peijun Ma
- Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongen Ju
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Minggao Zhao
- Precision Pharmacy and Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yun Shi
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fabbri N, Mussetti A, Sureda A. Second-line treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: Evolution of options. Semin Hematol 2023; 60:305-312. [PMID: 38342663 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2023.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
In the era of immunochemotherapy, approximately 60%-70% of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients achieve remission with first-line rituximab-based chemoimmunotherapy. However, 30%-40% relapse after initial response to first-line therapy and, out of them, 20%-50% are refractory or experience early relapse. The second-line therapy algorithm for DLBCL has recently evolved, thanks to the recent approval of new therapeutic agents or their combinations. The new guidelines suggest a stratification of relapsed/refractory (R/R) DLBCL based on the time to relapse. For transplant-eligible patients, autologous stem cell transplant remains the preferred option when the patient relapses after 12 months from diagnosis, while anti-CD19 CART-cell therapy is the current preferred choice for high-risk DLBCL, defined as primary refractory or relapse ≤12 months. For transplant-ineligible or CAR T-cell therapy-ineligible patients, the therapeutic arsenal historically lacked effective options. However, new therapeutic options, including polatuzumab vedotin combined with bendamustine-rituximab and tafasitamab with lenalidomide, have been recently approved, and novel agents such as loncastuximab tesirine, selinexor, anti-CD19 CAR T-cell therapy, and bispecific antibodies have shown promising efficacy and manageable safety in this setting offering new hope to patients in this challenging scenario.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Fabbri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - A Mussetti
- Clinical Hematology Department, Institut Català d'Oncologia - L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Sureda
- Clinical Hematology Department, Institut Català d'Oncologia - L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kang JH, Zappasodi R. Modulating Treg stability to improve cancer immunotherapy. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:911-927. [PMID: 37598003 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs) provide a main mechanism of tumor immune evasion. Targeting Tregs, especially in the tumor microenvironment (TME), continues to be investigated to improve cancer immunotherapy. Recent studies have unveiled intratumoral Treg heterogeneity and plasticity, furthering the complexity of the role of Tregs in tumor immunity and immunotherapy response. The phenotypic and functional diversity of intratumoral Tregs can impact their response to therapy and may offer new targets to modulate specific Treg subsets. In this review we provide a unifying framework of critical factors contributing to Treg heterogeneity and plasticity in the TME, and we discuss how this information can guide the development of more specific Treg-targeting therapies for cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jee Hye Kang
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA; Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School, New York, NY, USA
| | - Roberta Zappasodi
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA; Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lu T, Zhang J, Xu-Monette ZY, Young KH. The progress of novel strategies on immune-based therapy in relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Exp Hematol Oncol 2023; 12:72. [PMID: 37580826 PMCID: PMC10424456 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-023-00432-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) can be cured with standard front-line immunochemotherapy, whereas nearly 30-40% of patients experience refractory or relapse. For several decades, the standard treatment strategy for fit relapsed/refractory (R/R) DLBCL patients has been high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (auto-SCT). However, the patients who failed in salvage treatment or those ineligible for subsequent auto-SCT have dismal outcomes. Several immune-based therapies have been developed, including monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, bispecific T-cell engaging antibodies, chimeric antigen receptor T-cells, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and novel small molecules. Meanwhile, allogeneic SCT and radiotherapy are still necessary for disease control for fit patients with certain conditions. In this review, to expand clinical treatment options, we summarize the recent progress of immune-related therapies and prospect the future indirections in patients with R/R DLBCL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tingxun Lu
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, China
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, China
| | - Zijun Y Xu-Monette
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Ken H Young
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
- Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Perdikis-Prati S, Sheikh S, Bouroumeau A, Lang N. Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Blockade and Biomarkers of Response in Lymphoma: A Narrative Review. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1720. [PMID: 37371815 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061720] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has revolutionized the prognosis of several advanced-stage solid tumors. However, its success has been far more limited in hematological malignancies and is mostly restricted to classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) and primary mediastinal B cell lymphoma (PMBCL). In patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), response to PD-1/PD-L1 ICB monotherapy has been relatively limited, although some subtypes are more sensitive than others. Numerous predictive biomarkers have been investigated in solid malignancies, such as PD-L1 expression, tumor mutational burden (TMB) and microsatellite instability (MSI), among others. This review aims to appraise the current knowledge on PD-1/PD-L1 ICB efficacy in lymphoma when used either as monotherapy or combined with other agents, and describes potential biomarkers of response in this specific setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Semira Sheikh
- Department of Hematology, Universitätsspital Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Antonin Bouroumeau
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Diagnostic Department, Geneva University Hospital, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Noémie Lang
- Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospital, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Center of Translational Research in Oncohematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Varma G, Goldstein J, Advani RH. Novel agents in relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Hematol Oncol 2023; 41 Suppl 1:92-106. [PMID: 37294966 DOI: 10.1002/hon.3143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), ineligible for or relapsing after autologous stem-cell transplant or chimeric antigen-receptor T-cell therapies have poor outcomes. Several novel agents, polatuzumab vedotin, tafasitamab, loncastuximab tesirine, and selinexor, have been approved and offer new opportunities for this difficult to treat population. Studies are evaluating combination of these agents with chemotherapy and other emerging therapies. Additionally, advances in our understanding of DLBCL biology, genetics, and immune microenvironment have allowed for the identification of new therapeutic targets like Ikaros and Aiolos, IRAK4, MALT1, and CD47 with several agents in ongoing clinical trials. In this chapter we review updated data supporting the use of the approved agents and discuss other emerging novel therapies for patients with R/R DLBCL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Varma
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jordan Goldstein
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Ranjana H Advani
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Marzochi LL, Cuzziol CI, Nascimento Filho CHVD, Dos Santos JA, Castanhole-Nunes MMU, Pavarino ÉC, Guerra ENS, Goloni-Bertollo EM. Use of histone methyltransferase inhibitors in cancer treatment: A systematic review. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 944:175590. [PMID: 36775112 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Histone modifications are an epigenetic mechanism, and the dysregulation of these proteins is known to be associated with the initiation and progression of cancer. In the search for the development of new and more effective drugs, histone modifications were identified as possible therapeutic targets. Histone methyltransferase (HMT) inhibitors correspond to the third generation of epigenetic drugs capable of writing or deleting epigenetic information. This systematic review summarized the development and prospect for the use of different HMT inhibitors in cancer therapy. An electronic search was applied across CENTRAL, Clinical Trials, Embase, LILACS, LIVIVO, Open Gray, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Based on the title and abstracts, two authors independently selected eligible studies. After the complete reading of the articles, based on the eligibility criteria, 11 studies were included in the review. Different inhibitors of HMT have been explored in multiple clinical studies, and have shown considerable anti-tumor effects. However, few phase 2 studies have been completed and/or have available results. The most advanced clinical trials mainly include tazemetostat, an Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) inhibitor approved for follicular lymphoma (FL). The use of HMT inhibitors has presented, so far, concise results in the treatment of hematological cancers, moreover, the adverse effects presented after the use of these medicines (alone or in combination) did not show a high level of risk for the patient. These findings, in addition to ongoing clinical studies, can represent a promising future regarding the use of HMT inhibitors in treating different types of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ludimila Leite Marzochi
- Research Unit of Genetics and Molecular Biology (UPGEM), Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine of Sao Jose do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Sao Jose do Rio Preto, 15090-000, Brazil.
| | - Caroline Izak Cuzziol
- Research Unit of Genetics and Molecular Biology (UPGEM), Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine of Sao Jose do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Sao Jose do Rio Preto, 15090-000, Brazil
| | | | - Juliana Amorim Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Oral Histopathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Márcia Maria Urbanin Castanhole-Nunes
- Research Unit of Genetics and Molecular Biology (UPGEM), Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine of Sao Jose do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Sao Jose do Rio Preto, 15090-000, Brazil
| | - Érika Cristina Pavarino
- Research Unit of Genetics and Molecular Biology (UPGEM), Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine of Sao Jose do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Sao Jose do Rio Preto, 15090-000, Brazil
| | - Eliete Neves Silva Guerra
- Laboratory of Oral Histopathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Eny Maria Goloni-Bertollo
- Research Unit of Genetics and Molecular Biology (UPGEM), Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine of Sao Jose do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Sao Jose do Rio Preto, 15090-000, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Nan Y, Zhang X, Wang S, Xu C, Wang Y, Han L, Luan J, Hu X, Chen W, Cao Z, Zhu Z, Zeng X, Fan J, Ye L, Shi X, Ju D. Targeting CD47 enhanced the antitumor immunity of PD-L1 blockade in B-cell lymphoma. Immunotherapy 2023; 15:175-187. [PMID: 36727256 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2022-0087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Only a subset of B-cell lymphoma (BCL) patients can benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-1/PD-L1. Materials & methods: In the A20 model, SIRPα-Fc and anti-PD-L1 were employed to target CD47 and PD-L1 simultaneously. Flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to unravel the potential mechanisms. Results: Simultaneously targeting CD47 and PD-L1 activated CD8+ T cells with an increased release of effector molecules. Furthermore, infiltration of F4/80+iNOS+ M1 macrophages was enhanced by the dual therapy. Conclusion: Anti-CD47 therapy could sensitize BCL tumors to anti-PD-L1 therapy in a CD8+ T-cell- and M1-macrophage-dependent manner by promoting cytotoxic lymphocyte infiltration, which may provide a potential strategy for BCL treatment by simultaneously targeting CD47 and PD-L1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanyang Nan
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xuyao Zhang
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Shaofei Wang
- Department of Cellular & Genetic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Caili Xu
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yichen Wang
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Lei Han
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jingyun Luan
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xiaozhi Hu
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhonglian Cao
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zeguo Zhu
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xian Zeng
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jiajun Fan
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Li Ye
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xunlong Shi
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Dianwen Ju
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhang C, Wang L, Xu C, Xu H, Wu Y. Resistance mechanisms of immune checkpoint inhibition in lymphoma: Focusing on the tumor microenvironment. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1079924. [PMID: 36959853 PMCID: PMC10027765 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1079924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the therapeutic strategies of multiple types of malignancies including lymphoma. However, efficiency of ICIs varies dramatically among different lymphoma subtypes, and durable response can only be achieved in a minority of patients, thus requiring unveiling the underlying mechanisms of ICI resistance to optimize the individualized regimens and improve the treatment outcomes. Recently, accumulating evidence has identified potential prognostic factors for ICI therapy, including tumor mutation burden and tumor microenvironment (TME). Given the distinction between solid tumors and hematological malignancies in terms of TME, we here review the clinical updates of ICIs for lymphoma, and focus on the underlying mechanisms for resistance induced by TME, which play important roles in lymphoma and remarkably influence its sensitivity to ICIs. Particularly, we highlight the value of multiple cell populations (e.g., tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, M2 tumor-associated macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells) and metabolites (e.g., indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase and adenosine) in the TME as prognostic biomarkers for ICI response, and also underline additional potential targets in immunotherapy, such as EZH2, LAG-3, TIM-3, adenosine, and PI3Kδ/γ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunlan Zhang
- Department of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Leiming Wang
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Center for transnational medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Caigang Xu
- Department of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Heng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Research Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Heng Xu, ; Yu Wu,
| | - Yu Wu
- Department of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Heng Xu, ; Yu Wu,
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Johnson AL, Laterra J, Lopez-Bertoni H. Exploring glioblastoma stem cell heterogeneity: Immune microenvironment modulation and therapeutic opportunities. Front Oncol 2022; 12:995498. [PMID: 36212415 PMCID: PMC9532940 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.995498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite its growing use in cancer treatment, immunotherapy has been virtually ineffective in clinical trials for gliomas. The inherently cold tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in gliomas, characterized by a high ratio of pro-tumor to anti-tumor immune cell infiltrates, acts as a seemingly insurmountable barrier to immunotherapy. Glioma stem cells (GSCs) within these tumors are key contributors to this cold TIME, often functioning indirectly through activation and recruitment of pro-tumor immune cell types. Furthermore, drivers of GSC plasticity and heterogeneity (e.g., reprogramming transcription factors, epigenetic modifications) are associated with induction of immunosuppressive cell states. Recent studies have identified GSC-intrinsic mechanisms, including functional mimicry of immune suppressive cell types, as key determinants of anti-tumor immune escape. In this review, we cover recent advancements in our understanding of GSC-intrinsic mechanisms that modulate GSC-TIME interactions and discuss cutting-edge techniques and bioinformatics platforms available to study immune modulation at high cellular resolution with exploration of both malignant (i.e., GSC) and non-malignant (i.e., immune) cell fractions. Finally, we provide insight into the therapeutic opportunities for targeting immunomodulatory GSC-intrinsic mechanisms to potentiate immunotherapy response in gliomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L. Johnson
- Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - John Laterra
- Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: John Laterra, ; Hernando Lopez-Bertoni,
| | - Hernando Lopez-Bertoni
- Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: John Laterra, ; Hernando Lopez-Bertoni,
| |
Collapse
|