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Porto DM, Costa GJ, Torres LC, Casarini DE. Immune checkpoint expression as prognostic biomarker candidates in non-small cell lung carcinoma patients. J Surg Oncol 2024. [PMID: 38973141 DOI: 10.1002/jso.27763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer immunotherapy has had an important role in oncologic therapeutics for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using checkpoint inhibitors. We will explore the possible prognosis biomarker candidates such as: soluble OX40 (sOX40), OX40L (sOX40L), Glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor family-related receptor (GITR), and their ligand (GITRL), 4-1BB or tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily 9 (TNFRS9) and inducible T cell co-stimulator (ICOS) in peripheral blood of NSCLC patients. METHODS Fifty-eight patients were diagnosed with advanced NSCLC between January 2019 and March 2020. RESULTS High sOX40 and low s4-1BB levels in smokers compared non-smoker NSCLC patients. Lower sOX40L levels were found in the male than female (p < 0.05). High sOX40 and sGITRL in stage III compared to the stage IV (p < 0.05). With follow-up at 21.4 months, 44.1% and 91.1% were alive in the sGITRhigh and sGITRlow groups, respectively (p = 0.02), and 73.3% and 27.7% were alive in the sGITRLhigh and sGITRLlow groups, respectively (p = 0.02). At 22 months, 38.7% and 92.3% were alive in the sOX40Lhigh and sOX40Llow groups, respectively (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION sGITR, sGITRL, and sOX40L levels were potential prognostic biomarkers and could have an important role as new targets of immunotherapy in NSCLC patients. sGITR, sGITRL, sOX40L, and sOX40 levels were associated with smoking, sex, stage, and age in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora Maria Porto
- Department of Clinical Research, Hospital de Câncer de Pernambuco (HCP), Recife, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Translacional, Departamento de Medicina, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Jorge Costa
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Translacional, Departamento de Medicina, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Translational Research Laboratory, Instituto de Medicina Integral Professor Fernando Figueira (IMIP), Recife, Brazil
| | - Leuridan Cavalcante Torres
- Department of Clinical Research, Hospital de Câncer de Pernambuco (HCP), Recife, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Translacional, Departamento de Medicina, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Translational Research Laboratory, Instituto de Medicina Integral Professor Fernando Figueira (IMIP), Recife, Brazil
| | - Dulce Elena Casarini
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Translacional, Departamento de Medicina, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
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2
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Liang S, Zhou J, Cao C, Liu Y, Ming S, Liu X, Shang Y, Lao J, Peng Q, Yang J, Wu M. GITR exacerbates lysophosphatidylcholine-induced macrophage pyroptosis in sepsis via posttranslational regulation of NLRP3. Cell Mol Immunol 2024; 21:674-688. [PMID: 38740925 PMCID: PMC11214634 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-024-01170-w] [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: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The NLRP3 inflammasome functions as an inflammatory driver, but its relationship with lipid metabolic changes in early sepsis remains unclear. Here, we found that GITR expression in monocytes/macrophages was induced by lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and was positively correlated with the severity of sepsis. GITR is a costimulatory molecule that is mainly expressed on T cells, but its function in macrophages is largely unknown. Our in vitro data showed that GITR enhanced LPC uptake by macrophages and specifically enhanced NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated macrophage pyroptosis. Furthermore, in vivo studies using either cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) or LPS-induced sepsis models demonstrated that LPC exacerbated sepsis severity/lethality, while conditional knockout of GITR in myeloid cells or NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1β deficiency attenuated sepsis severity/lethality. Mechanistically, GITR specifically enhanced inflammasome activation by regulating the posttranslational modification (PTM) of NLRP3. GITR competes with NLRP3 for binding to the E3 ligase MARCH7 and recruits MARCH7 to induce deacetylase SIRT2 degradation, leading to decreasing ubiquitination but increasing acetylation of NLRP3. Overall, these findings revealed a novel role of macrophage-derived GITR in regulating the PTM of NLRP3 and systemic inflammatory injury, suggesting that GITR may be a potential therapeutic target for sepsis and other inflammatory diseases. GITR exacerbates LPC-induced macrophage pyroptosis in sepsis via posttranslational regulation of NLRP3. According to the model, LPC levels increase during the early stage of sepsis, inducing GITR expression on macrophages. GITR not only competes with NLRP3 for binding to the E3 ligase MARCH7 but also recruits MARCH7 to induce the degradation of the deacetylase SIRT2, leading to decreasing ubiquitination but increasing acetylation of NLRP3 and therefore exacerbating LPC-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation, macrophage pyroptosis and systemic inflammatory injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siping Liang
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinyu Zhou
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Can Cao
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiting Liu
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Siqi Ming
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xi Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Yuqi Shang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Juanfeng Lao
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qin Peng
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiahui Yang
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minhao Wu
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China.
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3
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Lokhande L, Nilsson D, de Matos Rodrigues J, Hassan M, Olsson LM, Pyl PT, Vasquez L, Porwit A, Gerdtsson AS, Jerkeman M, Ek S. Quantification and Profiling of Early and Late Differentiation Stage T Cells in Mantle Cell Lymphoma Reveals Immunotherapeutic Targets in Subsets of Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2289. [PMID: 39001353 PMCID: PMC11240320 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16132289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
With the aim to advance the understanding of immune regulation in MCL and to identify targetable T-cell subsets, we set out to combine image analysis and spatial omic technology focused on both early and late differentiation stages of T cells. MCL patient tissue (n = 102) was explored using image analysis and GeoMx spatial omics profiling of 69 proteins and 1812 mRNAs. Tumor cells, T helper (TH) cells and cytotoxic (TC) cells of early (CD57-) and late (CD57+) differentiation stage were analyzed. An image analysis workflow was developed based on fine-tuned Cellpose models for cell segmentation and classification. TC and CD57+ subsets of T cells were enriched in tumor-rich compared to tumor-sparse regions. Tumor-sparse regions had a higher expression of several key immune suppressive proteins, tentatively controlling T-cell expansion in regions close to the tumor. We revealed that T cells in late differentiation stages (CD57+) are enriched among MCL infiltrating T cells and are predictive of an increased expression of immune suppressive markers. CD47, IDO1 and CTLA-4 were identified as potential targets for patients with T-cell-rich MCL TIME, while GITR might be a feasible target for MCL patients with sparse T-cell infiltration. In subgroups of patients with a high degree of CD57+ TC-cell infiltration, several immune checkpoint inhibitors, including TIGIT, PD-L1 and LAG3 were increased, emphasizing the immune-suppressive features of this highly differentiated T-cell subset not previously described in MCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavanya Lokhande
- Department of Immunotechnology, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Daniel Nilsson
- Department of Immunotechnology, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | | | - May Hassan
- Department of Immunotechnology, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Lina M. Olsson
- Department of Immunotechnology, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Paul-Theodor Pyl
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden, Science for Life Laboratory, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Louella Vasquez
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden, Science for Life Laboratory, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Anna Porwit
- Division of Oncology and Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Mats Jerkeman
- Division of Oncology and Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Sara Ek
- Department of Immunotechnology, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
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4
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Zhao M, Yu Y, Song Z. Identification and validation of a costimulatory molecule-related signature to predict the prognosis for uveal melanoma patients. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9146. [PMID: 38644411 PMCID: PMC11033288 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59827-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UVM) is the most common primary tumor in adult human eyes. Costimulatory molecules (CMs) are important in maintaining T cell biological functions and regulating immune responses. To investigate the role of CMs in UVM and exploit prognostic signature by bioinformatics analysis. This study aimed to identify and validate a CMs associated signature and investigate its role in the progression and prognosis of UVM. The expression profile data of training cohort and validation cohort were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset. 60 CM genes were identified, and 34 genes were associated with prognosis by univariate Cox regression. A prognostic signature was established with six CM genes. Further, high- and low-risk groups were divided by the median, and Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curves indicated that high-risk patients presented a poorer prognosis. We analyzed the correlation of gender, age, stage, and risk score on prognosis by univariate and multivariate regression analysis. We found that risk score was the only risk factor for prognosis. Through the integration of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), it was found that the high-risk group presented more immune cell infiltration and expression of immune checkpoints and obtained higher immune scores. Enrichment analysis of the biological functions of the two groups revealed that the differential parts were mainly related to cell-cell adhesion, regulation of T-cell activation, and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. No differences in tumor mutation burden (TMB) were found between the two groups. GNA11 and BAP1 have higher mutation frequencies in high-risk patients. Finally, based on the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer 2 (GDSC2) dataset, drug sensitivity analysis found that high-risk patients may be potential beneficiaries of the treatment of crizotinib or temozolomide. Taken together, our CM-related prognostic signature is a reliable biomarker that may provide ideas for future treatments for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minyao Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yue Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhengyu Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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5
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Wang L, Matsumoto M, Akahori Y, Seo N, Shirakura K, Kato T, Katsumoto Y, Miyahara Y, Shiku H. Preclinical evaluation of a novel CAR-T therapy utilizing a scFv antibody highly specific to MAGE-A4 p230-239/HLA-A∗02:01 complex. Mol Ther 2024; 32:734-748. [PMID: 38243600 PMCID: PMC10928314 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the revolutionary success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T therapy for hematological malignancies, successful CAR-T therapies for solid tumors remain limited. One major obstacle is the scarcity of tumor-specific cell-surface molecules. One potential solution to overcome this barrier is to utilize antibodies that recognize peptide/major histocompatibility complex (MHCs) in a T cell receptor (TCR)-like fashion, allowing CAR-T cells to recognize intracellular tumor antigens. This study reports a highly specific single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibody against the MAGE-A4p230-239/human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A∗02:01 complex (MAGE-A4 pMHC), screened from a human scFv phage display library. Indeed, retroviral vectors encoding CAR, utilizing this scFv antibody as a recognition component, efficiently recognized and lysed MAGA-A4+ tumor cells in an HLA-A∗02:01-restricted manner. Additionally, the adoptive transfer of T cells modified by the CAR-containing glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-related receptor (GITR) intracellular domain (ICD), but not CD28 or 4-1BB ICD, significantly suppressed the growth of MAGE-A4+ HLA-A∗02:01+ tumors in an immunocompromised mouse model. Of note, a comprehensive analysis revealed that a broad range of amino acid sequences of the MAGE-A4p230-239 peptide were critical for the recognition of MAGE-A4 pMHC by these CAR-T cells, and no cross-reactivity to analogous peptides was observed. Thus, MAGE-A4-targeted CAR-T therapy using this scFv antibody may be a promising and safe treatment for solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linan Wang
- Department of Personalized Cancer Immunotherapy, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Masahiro Matsumoto
- Tokyo Laboratory 11, R&D Center, Sony Group Corporation, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Yasushi Akahori
- Department of Personalized Cancer Immunotherapy, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan; Center for Comprehensive Cancer Immunotherapy, Mie University, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Naohiro Seo
- Department of Personalized Cancer Immunotherapy, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Kazuko Shirakura
- Department of Personalized Cancer Immunotherapy, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Takuma Kato
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Yoichi Katsumoto
- Tokyo Laboratory 11, R&D Center, Sony Group Corporation, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Miyahara
- Department of Personalized Cancer Immunotherapy, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan; Center for Comprehensive Cancer Immunotherapy, Mie University, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Shiku
- Department of Personalized Cancer Immunotherapy, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan; Center for Comprehensive Cancer Immunotherapy, Mie University, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan.
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6
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Regmi M, Wang Y, Liu W, Dai Y, Liu S, Ma K, Lin G, Yang J, Liu H, Wu J, Yang C. From glioma gloom to immune bloom: unveiling novel immunotherapeutic paradigms-a review. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:47. [PMID: 38342925 PMCID: PMC10860318 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-02973-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In tumor therapeutics, the transition from conventional cytotoxic drugs to targeted molecular therapies, such as those targeting receptor tyrosine kinases, has been pivotal. Despite this progress, the clinical outcomes have remained modest, with glioblastoma patients' median survival stagnating at less than 15 months. This underscores the urgent need for more specialized treatment strategies. Our review delves into the progression toward immunomodulation in glioma treatment. We dissect critical discoveries in immunotherapy, such as spotlighting the instrumental role of tumor-associated macrophages, which account for approximately half of the immune cells in the glioma microenvironment, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. The complex interplay between tumor cells and the immune microenvironment has been explored, revealing novel therapeutic targets. The uniqueness of our review is its exhaustive approach, synthesizing current research to elucidate the intricate roles of various molecules and receptors within the glioma microenvironment. This comprehensive synthesis not only maps the current landscape but also provides a blueprint for refining immunotherapy for glioma, signifying a paradigm shift toward leveraging immune mechanisms for improved patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moksada Regmi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Center for Precision Neurosurgery and Oncology of Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
- Henan Academy of Innovations in Medical Science (AIMS), Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Yingjie Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Center for Precision Neurosurgery and Oncology of Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Weihai Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Center for Precision Neurosurgery and Oncology of Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yuwei Dai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Center for Precision Neurosurgery and Oncology of Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Shikun Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Center for Precision Neurosurgery and Oncology of Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ke Ma
- Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Guozhong Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Center for Precision Neurosurgery and Oncology of Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Center for Precision Neurosurgery and Oncology of Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hongyi Liu
- Henan Academy of Innovations in Medical Science (AIMS), Zhengzhou, 450003, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Ophthalmology, Beijing, 100730, China
- Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmic Equipment and Materials, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100730, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Henan Academy of Innovations in Medical Science (AIMS), Zhengzhou, 450003, China.
- National Engineering Research Center for Ophthalmology, Beijing, 100730, China.
- Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmic Equipment and Materials, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100730, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Chenlong Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Center for Precision Neurosurgery and Oncology of Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Henan Academy of Innovations in Medical Science (AIMS), Zhengzhou, 450003, China.
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Losurdo A, Di Muzio A, Cianciotti BC, Dipasquale A, Persico P, Barigazzi C, Bono B, Feno S, Pessina F, Santoro A, Simonelli M. T Cell Features in Glioblastoma May Guide Therapeutic Strategies to Overcome Microenvironment Immunosuppression. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:603. [PMID: 38339353 PMCID: PMC10854506 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030603] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and lethal primary brain tumor, bearing a survival estimate below 10% at five years, despite standard chemoradiation treatment. At recurrence, systemic treatment options are limited and the standard of care is not well defined, with inclusion in clinical trials being highly encouraged. So far, the use of immunotherapeutic strategies in GBM has not proved to significantly improve patients' prognosis in the treatment of newly diagnosed GBM, nor in the recurrent setting. Probably this has to do with the unique immune environment of the central nervous system, which harbors several immunosuppressive/pro-tumorigenic factors, both soluble (e.g., TGF-β, IL-10, STAT3, prostaglandin E2, and VEGF) and cellular (e.g., Tregs, M2 phenotype TAMs, and MDSC). Here we review the immune composition of the GBMs microenvironment, specifically focusing on the phenotype and function of the T cell compartment. Moreover, we give hints on the therapeutic strategies, such as immune checkpoint blockade, vaccinations, and adoptive cell therapy, that, interacting with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, might both target in different ways the tumor microenvironment and potentiate the activity of standard therapies. The path to be followed in advancing clinical research on immunotherapy for GBM treatment relies on a twofold strategy: testing combinatorial treatments, aiming to restore active immune anti-tumor responses, tackling immunosuppression, and additionally, designing more phase 0 and window opportunity trials with solid translational analyses to gain deeper insight into the on-treatment shaping of the GBM microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnese Losurdo
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (A.L.); (A.D.M.); (A.D.); (P.P.); (C.B.); (A.S.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy;
| | - Antonio Di Muzio
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (A.L.); (A.D.M.); (A.D.); (P.P.); (C.B.); (A.S.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy;
| | - Beatrice Claudia Cianciotti
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (B.C.C.); (S.F.)
| | - Angelo Dipasquale
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (A.L.); (A.D.M.); (A.D.); (P.P.); (C.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Pasquale Persico
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (A.L.); (A.D.M.); (A.D.); (P.P.); (C.B.); (A.S.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy;
| | - Chiara Barigazzi
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (A.L.); (A.D.M.); (A.D.); (P.P.); (C.B.); (A.S.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy;
| | - Beatrice Bono
- Department of Neurosurgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy;
| | - Simona Feno
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (B.C.C.); (S.F.)
| | - Federico Pessina
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy;
- Department of Neurosurgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy;
| | - Armando Santoro
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (A.L.); (A.D.M.); (A.D.); (P.P.); (C.B.); (A.S.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy;
| | - Matteo Simonelli
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (A.L.); (A.D.M.); (A.D.); (P.P.); (C.B.); (A.S.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy;
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8
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Śnieżewska A, Anisiewicz A, Gdesz-Birula K, Wietrzyk J, Filip-Psurska B. Age-Dependent Effect of Calcitriol on Mouse Regulatory T and B Lymphocytes. Nutrients 2023; 16:49. [PMID: 38201878 PMCID: PMC10780377 DOI: 10.3390/nu16010049] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The hormonally active vitamin D3 metabolite, calcitriol, functions as an important modulator of the immune system. We assumed that calcitriol exerts different effects on immune cells and cytokine production, depending on the age of the animal; therefore, we analyzed its effects on regulatory T lymphocytes and regulatory B lymphocytes in healthy young and old female C57Bl/6/Foxp3GFP mice. In the lymph nodes of young mice, calcitriol decreased the percentage of Tregs, including tTregs and pTregs, and the expression of GITR, CD103, and CD101; however, calcitriol increased the level of IL-35 in adipose tissue. In the case of aged mice, calcitriol decreased the percentages of tTregs and CD19+ cells in lymph nodes and the level of osteopontin in the plasma. Additionally, increases in the levels of IgG and the lowest levels of IFN-γ, IL-10, and IL-35 were observed in the adipose tissue of aged mice. This study showed that calcitriol treatment had different effects, mainly on Treg phenotypes and cytokine secretion, in young and old female mice; it seemed that calcitriol enhanced the immunosuppressive properties of the lymphatic organs and adipose tissue of healthy young mice but not of healthy aged mice, where the opposite effects were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Joanna Wietrzyk
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.Ś.); (A.A.); (K.G.-B.)
| | - Beata Filip-Psurska
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.Ś.); (A.A.); (K.G.-B.)
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9
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Sathe A, Ayala C, Bai X, Grimes SM, Lee B, Kin C, Shelton A, Poultsides G, Ji HP. GITR and TIGIT immunotherapy provokes divergent multicellular responses in the tumor microenvironment of gastrointestinal cancers. Genome Med 2023; 15:100. [PMID: 38008725 PMCID: PMC10680277 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-023-01259-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the mechanistic effects of novel immunotherapy agents is critical to improving their successful clinical translation. These effects need to be studied in preclinical models that maintain the heterogenous tumor microenvironment (TME) and dysfunctional cell states found in a patient's tumor. We investigated immunotherapy perturbations targeting co-stimulatory molecule GITR and co-inhibitory immune checkpoint TIGIT in a patient-derived ex vivo system that maintains the TME in its near-native state. Leveraging single-cell genomics, we identified cell type-specific transcriptional reprogramming in response to immunotherapy perturbations. METHODS We generated ex vivo tumor slice cultures from fresh surgical resections of gastric and colon cancer and treated them with GITR agonist or TIGIT antagonist antibodies. We applied paired single-cell RNA and TCR sequencing to the original surgical resections, control, and treated ex vivo tumor slice cultures. We additionally confirmed target expression using multiplex immunofluorescence and validated our findings with RNA in situ hybridization. RESULTS We confirmed that tumor slice cultures maintained the cell types, transcriptional cell states and proportions of the original surgical resection. The GITR agonist was limited to increasing effector gene expression only in cytotoxic CD8 T cells. Dysfunctional exhausted CD8 T cells did not respond to GITR agonist. In contrast, the TIGIT antagonist increased TCR signaling and activated both cytotoxic and dysfunctional CD8 T cells. This included cells corresponding to TCR clonotypes with features indicative of potential tumor antigen reactivity. The TIGIT antagonist also activated T follicular helper-like cells and dendritic cells, and reduced markers of immunosuppression in regulatory T cells. CONCLUSIONS We identified novel cellular mechanisms of action of GITR and TIGIT immunotherapy in the patients' TME. Unlike the GITR agonist that generated a limited transcriptional response, TIGIT antagonist orchestrated a multicellular response involving CD8 T cells, T follicular helper-like cells, dendritic cells, and regulatory T cells. Our experimental strategy combining single-cell genomics with preclinical models can successfully identify mechanisms of action of novel immunotherapy agents. Understanding the cellular and transcriptional mechanisms of response or resistance will aid in prioritization of targets and their clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuja Sathe
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, CCSR 2245, 269 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Carlos Ayala
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Xiangqi Bai
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, CCSR 2245, 269 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Susan M Grimes
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, CCSR 2245, 269 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Byrne Lee
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Cindy Kin
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Andrew Shelton
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - George Poultsides
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Hanlee P Ji
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, CCSR 2245, 269 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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10
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Gubser C, Pascoe RD, Chang J, Chiu C, Solomon A, Cao R, Rasmussen TA, Lewin SR. GITR activation ex vivo impairs CD8 T cell function in people with HIV on antiretroviral therapy. iScience 2023; 26:108165. [PMID: 38026168 PMCID: PMC10660494 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor related protein (GITR) is a co-stimulatory immune checkpoint molecule constitutively expressed on regulatory T cells (Tregs) and on activated T conventional cells (Tconv). In blood collected from PWH on suppressive ART, GITR expression was reduced in multiple activated CD4 and CD8 T cell subsets but was increased in Tregs. HIV specific CD8 T cells expressed higher levels of GITR and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) compared to total CD8 T cells. Following stimulation with HIV peptides and GITR-ligand (L), we demonstrated a significant decrease in killing by HIV specific CD8 T cells and an increased exhausted profile. T cell receptor co-stimulation with GITR-L abrogated Treg suppression and induced expansion of CD4 Tconv. We conclude that GITR activation is an additional factor contributing to an impaired HIV immune response in PWH on ART and that GITR agonist antibodies should not be pursued for HIV cure strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Gubser
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Rachel D. Pascoe
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Judy Chang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Chris Chiu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ajantha Solomon
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Rosalyn Cao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Thomas A. Rasmussen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Sharon R. Lewin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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11
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Miyashita H, Kurzrock R, Bevins NJ, Thangathurai K, Lee S, Pabla S, Nesline M, Glenn ST, Conroy JM, DePietro P, Rubin E, Sicklick JK, Kato S. T-cell priming transcriptomic markers: implications of immunome heterogeneity for precision immunotherapy. NPJ Genom Med 2023; 8:19. [PMID: 37553332 PMCID: PMC10409760 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-023-00359-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade is effective for only a subset of cancers. Targeting T-cell priming markers (TPMs) may enhance activity, but proper application of these agents in the clinic is challenging due to immune complexity and heterogeneity. We interrogated transcriptomics of 15 TPMs (CD137, CD27, CD28, CD80, CD86, CD40, CD40LG, GITR, ICOS, ICOSLG, OX40, OX40LG, GZMB, IFNG, and TBX21) in a pan-cancer cohort (N = 514 patients, 30 types of cancer). TPM expression was analyzed for correlation with histological type, microsatellite instability high (MSI-H), tumor mutational burden (TMB), and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression. Among 514 patients, the most common histological types were colorectal (27%), pancreatic (11%), and breast cancer (10%). No statistically significant association between histological type and TPM expression was seen. In contrast, expression of GZMB (granzyme B, a serine protease stored in activated T and NK cells that induces cancer cell apoptosis) and IFNG (activates cytotoxic T cells) were significantly higher in tumors with MSI-H, TMB ≥ 10 mutations/mb and PD-L1 ≥ 1%. PD-L1 ≥ 1% was also associated with significantly higher CD137, GITR, and ICOS expression. Patients' tumors were classified into "Hot", "Mixed", or "Cold" clusters based on TPM expression using hierarchical clustering. The cold cluster showed a significantly lower proportion of tumors with PD-L1 ≥ 1%. Overall, 502 patients (98%) had individually distinct patterns of TPM expression. Diverse expression patterns of TPMs independent of histological type but correlating with other immunotherapy biomarkers (PD-L1 ≥ 1%, MSI-H and TMB ≥ 10 mutations/mb) were observed. Individualized selection of patients based on TPM immunomic profiles may potentially help with immunotherapy optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirotaka Miyashita
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dartmouth Cancer Center, Lebanon, NH, USA.
| | - Razelle Kurzrock
- Worldwide Innovative Network (WIN) for Personalized Cancer Therapy, Paris, France
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Nicholas J Bevins
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kartheeswaran Thangathurai
- The Shraga Segal Department for Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
- Department of Physical Science, University of Vavuniya, Vavuniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Suzanna Lee
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, UC, San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Sean T Glenn
- Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Center for Personalized Medicine, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Eitan Rubin
- The Shraga Segal Department for Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Jason K Sicklick
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, and Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Shumei Kato
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, UC, San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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12
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Yang YL, Yang F, Huang ZQ, Li YY, Shi HY, Sun Q, Ma Y, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Yang S, Zhao GR, Xu FH. T cells, NK cells, and tumor-associated macrophages in cancer immunotherapy and the current state of the art of drug delivery systems. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1199173. [PMID: 37457707 PMCID: PMC10348220 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1199173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system provides full protection for the body by specifically identifying 'self' and removing 'others'; thus protecting the body from diseases. The immune system includes innate immunity and adaptive immunity, which jointly coordinate the antitumor immune response. T cells, natural killer (NK) cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the main tumor-killing immune cells active in three antitumor immune cycle. Cancer immunotherapy focusses on activating and strengthening immune response or eliminating suppression from tumor cells in each step of the cancer-immunity cycle; thus, it strengthens the body's immunity against tumors. In this review, the antitumor immune cycles of T cells, natural killer (NK) cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are discussed. Co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory molecules in the three activity cycles and the development of drugs and delivery systems targeting these molecules are emphasized, and the current state of the art of drug delivery systems for cancer immunotherapy are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-long Yang
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Division, Department of Pharmacy, Medical Supplies Center, People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Yang
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Division, Department of Pharmacy, Medical Supplies Center, People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuan-qing Huang
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Division, Department of Pharmacy, Medical Supplies Center, People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan-yuan Li
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Division, Department of Pharmacy, Medical Supplies Center, People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hao-yuan Shi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Division, Department of Pharmacy, Medical Supplies Center, People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Sun
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Division, Department of Pharmacy, Medical Supplies Center, People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Ma
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Division, Department of Pharmacy, Medical Supplies Center, People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Biotherapeutic, The First Medical Centre, People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Division, Department of Pharmacy, Medical Supplies Center, People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Sen Yang
- Chinese People’s Armed Police Force Hospital of Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Guan-ren Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Medical Supplies Center, People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Feng-hua Xu
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Division, Department of Pharmacy, Medical Supplies Center, People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
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13
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Davar D, Zappasodi R. Targeting GITR in cancer immunotherapy - there is no perfect knowledge. Oncotarget 2023; 14:614-621. [PMID: 37335294 PMCID: PMC10278658 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-related protein (GITR) belongs to the TNFR superfamily (TNFRSF) and stimulates both the acquired and innate immunity. GITR is broadly expressed on immune cells, particularly regulatory T cells (Tregs) and natural killer (NK) cells. Given its potential to promote T effector function and impede Treg immune suppression, GITR is an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy. Preclinically, GITR agonists have demonstrated potent anti-tumor efficacy singly and in combination with a variety of agents, including PD-1 blockade. Multiple GITR agonists have been advanced into the clinic, although the experience with these agents has been disappointing. Recent mechanistic insights into the roles of antibody structure, valency, and Fc functionality in mediating anti-tumor efficacy may explain some of the apparent inconsistency or discordance between preclinical data and observed clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diwakar Davar
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Roberta Zappasodi
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, NY 10065, USA
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, NY 10065, USA
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14
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Nagai H, Azuma M, Sato A, Shibui N, Ogawara S, Tsutsui Y, Suzuki A, Wakaizumi T, Ito A, Matsuyama S, Morita M, Hikosaka Kuniishi M, Ishii N, So T. Fundamental Characterization of Antibody Fusion-Single-Chain TNF Recombinant Proteins Directed against Costimulatory TNF Receptors Expressed by T-Lymphocytes. Cells 2023; 12:1596. [PMID: 37371066 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The costimulatory signal regulated by the members of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily expressed by T cells plays essential roles for T cell responses and has emerged as a promising target for cancer immunotherapy. However, it is unclear how the difference in TNFR costimulation contributes to T cell responses. In this study, to clarify the functional significance of four different TNFRs, OX40, 4-1BB, CD27 and GITR, we prepared corresponding single-chain TNF ligand proteins (scTNFLs) connected to IgG Fc domain with beneficial characteristics, i.e., Fc-scOX40L, Fc-sc4-1BBL, Fc-scCD27L (CD70) and Fc-scGITRL. Without intentional cross-linking, these soluble Fc-scTNFL proteins bound to corresponding TNFRs induced NF-kB signaling and promoted proliferative and cytokine responses in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells with different dose-dependencies in vitro. Mice injected with one of the Fc-scTNFL proteins displayed significantly augmented delayed-type hypersensitivity responses, showing in vivo activity. The results demonstrate that each individual Fc-scTNFL protein provides a critical costimulatory signal and exhibits quantitatively distinct activity toward T cells. Our findings provide important insights into the TNFR costimulation that would be valuable for investigators conducting basic research in cancer immunology and also have implications for T cell-mediated immune regulation by designer TNFL proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hodaka Nagai
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Mitsuki Azuma
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Ayaka Sato
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Nagito Shibui
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Sayaka Ogawara
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Yuta Tsutsui
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Ayano Suzuki
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Tomomi Wakaizumi
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Aya Ito
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Shimpei Matsuyama
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Masashi Morita
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Mari Hikosaka Kuniishi
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Naoto Ishii
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Takanori So
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
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15
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Dadas O, Ertay A, Cragg MS. Delivering co-stimulatory tumor necrosis factor receptor agonism for cancer immunotherapy: past, current and future perspectives. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1147467. [PMID: 37180119 PMCID: PMC10167284 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1147467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor necrosis factor superfamily (TNFSF) and their receptors (TNFRSF) are important regulators of the immune system, mediating proliferation, survival, differentiation, and function of immune cells. As a result, their targeting for immunotherapy is attractive, although to date, under-exploited. In this review we discuss the importance of co-stimulatory members of the TNFRSF in optimal immune response generation, the rationale behind targeting these receptors for immunotherapy, the success of targeting them in pre-clinical studies and the challenges in translating this success into the clinic. The efficacy and limitations of the currently available agents are discussed alongside the development of next generation immunostimulatory agents designed to overcome current issues, and capitalize on this receptor class to deliver potent, durable and safe drugs for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osman Dadas
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Ayse Ertay
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Mark S. Cragg
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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16
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Chen W, Xu D, Liu Q, Wu Y, Wang Y, Yang J. Unraveling the heterogeneity of cholangiocarcinoma and identifying biomarkers and therapeutic strategies with single-cell sequencing technology. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 162:114697. [PMID: 37060660 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114697] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a common malignant tumor of the biliary tract that carries a high burden of morbidity and a poor prognosis. Due to the lack of precise diagnostic methods, many patients are often diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease. The current treatment options available are of varying efficacy, underscoring the urgency for the discovery of more effective biomarkers for early diagnosis and improved treatment. Recently, single-cell sequencing (SCS) technology has gained popularity in cancer research. This technology has the ability to analyze tumor tissues at the single-cell level, thus providing insights into the genomics and epigenetics of tumor cells. It also serves as a practical approach to study the mechanisms of cancer progression and to explore therapeutic strategies. In this review, we aim to assess the heterogeneity of CCA using single-cell sequencing technology, with the ultimate goal of identifying possible biomarkers and potential treatment targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangyang Chen
- Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Biliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China; Hangzhou Institute of Digestive Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China
| | - Dongchao Xu
- Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Biliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China; Hangzhou Institute of Digestive Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Biliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China; Hangzhou Institute of Digestive Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China
| | - Yirong Wu
- Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Biliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China; Hangzhou Institute of Digestive Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China.
| | - Jianfeng Yang
- Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Biliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China; Hangzhou Institute of Digestive Diseases, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310003, China.
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17
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Sathe A, Ayala C, Bai X, Grimes SM, Lee B, Kin C, Shelton A, Poultsides G, Ji HP. GITR and TIGIT immunotherapy provokes divergent multi-cellular responses in the tumor microenvironment of gastrointestinal cancers. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.13.532299. [PMID: 36993756 PMCID: PMC10054933 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.13.532299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the cellular mechanisms of novel immunotherapy agents in the human tumor microenvironment (TME) is critical to their clinical success. We examined GITR and TIGIT immunotherapy in gastric and colon cancer patients using ex vivo slice tumor slice cultures derived from cancer surgical resections. This primary culture system maintains the original TME in a near-native state. We applied paired single-cell RNA and TCR sequencing to identify cell type specific transcriptional reprogramming. The GITR agonist was limited to increasing effector gene expression only in cytotoxic CD8 T cells. The TIGIT antagonist increased TCR signaling and activated both cytotoxic and dysfunctional CD8 T cells, including clonotypes indicative of potential tumor antigen reactivity. The TIGIT antagonist also activated T follicular helper-like cells and dendritic cells, and reduced markers of immunosuppression in regulatory T cells. Overall, we identified cellular mechanisms of action of these two immunotherapy targets in the patients' TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuja Sathe
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Carlos Ayala
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Xiangqi Bai
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Susan M. Grimes
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Byrne Lee
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Cindy Kin
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Andrew Shelton
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - George Poultsides
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Hanlee P. Ji
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
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18
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Desai A, Peters S. Immunotherapy-based combinations in metastatic NSCLC. Cancer Treat Rev 2023; 116:102545. [PMID: 37030062 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Immuno-oncology has revolutionized the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) since the approval of immunotherapy by the U.S. FDA in 2015. Despite the advancements, outcomes for patients have room for further improvement. Combination therapies have shown promise in overcoming resistance and improving outcomes. This review focuses on current immunotherapy-based combination approaches, reported and ongoing trials, as well as novel combination strategies, challenges, and future directions for mNSCLC treatment. We summarize approaches in combination with chemotherapy, novel immune checkpoints, tyrosine kinase inhibitors and other strategies including vaccines, and radiation therapy. The promise of biomarker-driven studies to understand resistance and design multi-arm platform trials that evaluate novel therapies is becoming of increasing relevance with the ultimate goal of administering precision immunotherapy by identifying the right dose of the right combination for the right patient at the right time.
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Li Q, Lu J, Li J, Zhang B, Wu Y, Ying T. Antibody-based cancer immunotherapy by targeting regulatory T cells. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1157345. [PMID: 37182149 PMCID: PMC10174253 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1157345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are among the most abundant suppressive cells, which infiltrate and accumulate in the tumor microenvironment, leading to tumor escape by inducing anergy and immunosuppression. Their presence has been correlated with tumor progression, invasiveness and metastasis. Targeting tumor-associated Tregs is an effective addition to current immunotherapy approaches, but it may also trigger autoimmune diseases. The major limitation of current therapies targeting Tregs in the tumor microenvironment is the lack of selective targets. Tumor-infiltrating Tregs express high levels of cell surface molecules associated with T-cell activation, such as CTLA4, PD-1, LAG3, TIGIT, ICOS, and TNF receptor superfamily members including 4-1BB, OX40, and GITR. Targeting these molecules often attribute to concurrent depletion of antitumor effector T-cell populations. Therefore, novel approaches need to improve the specificity of targeting Tregs in the tumor microenvironment without affecting peripheral Tregs and effector T cells. In this review, we discuss the immunosuppressive mechanisms of tumor-infiltrating Tregs and the status of antibody-based immunotherapies targeting Tregs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanxiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Synthetic Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Lu
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jinyao Li
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Baohong Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanling Wu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Synthetic Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Tianlei Ying, ; Yanling Wu,
| | - Tianlei Ying
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Synthetic Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Tianlei Ying, ; Yanling Wu,
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20
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Wei SY, Feng B, Bi M, Guo HY, Ning SW, Cui R. Construction of a ferroptosis-related signature based on seven lncRNAs for prognosis and immune landscape in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. BMC Med Genomics 2022; 15:263. [PMID: 36528763 PMCID: PMC9758795 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-022-01418-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have demonstrated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in regulating tumor cell ferroptosis. However, prognostic signatures based on ferroptosis-related lncRNAs (FRLs) and their relationship to the immune microenvironment have not been comprehensively explored in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). METHODS In the present study, the expression profiles of ccRCC were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database; 459 patient specimens and 69 adjacent normal tissues were randomly separated into training or validation cohorts at a 7:3 ratio. We identified 7 FRLs that constitute a prognostic signature according to the differential analysis, correlation analysis, univariate regression, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox analysis. To identify the independence of risk score as a prognostic factor, univariate and multivariate regression analyses were also performed. Furthermore, CIBERSORT was conducted to analyze the immune infiltration of patients in the high-risk and low-risk groups. Subsequently, the differential expression of immune checkpoint and m6A genes was analyzed in the two risk groups. RESULTS A 7-FRLs prognostic signature of ccRCC was developed to distinguish patients into high-risk and low-risk groups with significant survival differences. This signature has great prognostic performance, with the area under the curve (AUC) for 1, 3, and 5 years of 0.713, 0.700, 0.726 in the training set and 0.727, 0.667, and 0.736 in the testing set, respectively. Moreover, this signature was significantly associated with immune infiltration. Correlation analysis showed that risk score was positively correlated with regulatory T cells (Tregs), activated CD4 memory T cells, CD8 T cells and follicular helper T cells, whereas it was inversely correlated with monocytes and M2 macrophages. In addition, the expression of fourteen immune checkpoint genes and nine m6A-related genes varied significantly between the two risk groups. CONCLUSION We established a novel FRLs-based prognostic signature for patients with ccRCC, containing seven lncRNAs with precise predictive performance. The FRLs prognostic signature may play a significant role in antitumor immunity and provide a promising idea for individualized targeted therapy for patients with ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Yao Wei
- grid.412463.60000 0004 1762 6325Department of Nephrology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China ,grid.410736.70000 0001 2204 9268College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081 Heilongjiang Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Bei Feng
- grid.411491.8Department of Nephrology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 37 Yiyuan Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001 Heilongjiang Province People’s Republic of China ,grid.410736.70000 0001 2204 9268College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081 Heilongjiang Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Bi
- grid.412463.60000 0004 1762 6325Department of Nephrology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hai-Ying Guo
- grid.411491.8Department of Nephrology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 37 Yiyuan Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001 Heilongjiang Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Shang-Wei Ning
- grid.410736.70000 0001 2204 9268College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081 Heilongjiang Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Rui Cui
- grid.411491.8Department of Nephrology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 37 Yiyuan Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001 Heilongjiang Province People’s Republic of China
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21
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Abdeladhim M, Karnell JL, Rieder SA. In or out of control: Modulating regulatory T cell homeostasis and function with immune checkpoint pathways. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1033705. [PMID: 36591244 PMCID: PMC9799097 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1033705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are the master regulators of immunity and they have been implicated in different disease states such as infection, autoimmunity and cancer. Since their discovery, many studies have focused on understanding Treg development, differentiation, and function. While there are many players in the generation and function of truly suppressive Tregs, the role of checkpoint pathways in these processes have been studied extensively. In this paper, we systematically review the role of different checkpoint pathways in Treg homeostasis and function. We describe how co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory pathways modulate Treg homeostasis and function and highlight data from mouse and human studies. Multiple checkpoint pathways are being targeted in cancer and autoimmunity; therefore, we share insights from the clinic and discuss the effect of experimental and approved therapeutics on Treg biology.
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22
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Liu A, Li F, Wang B, Yang L, Xing H, Su C, Gao L, Zhao M, Luo L. Prognostic and immunological significance of calcium-related gene signatures in renal clear cell carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1055841. [PMID: 36588677 PMCID: PMC9795407 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1055841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Calcium signaling is implicated in multiple processes including immune response that important in tumor progression. Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) is the most frequent histological type of renal cell carcinoma with up to a third of cases develop metastases. As a result of a lack of in-depth understanding of the mechanisms underlying KIRC, treatment options have been limited. Here, we aim to comprehensively investigate the landscape of Ca2+ channels, pumps and exchangers in KIRC patients. Methods: The mRNA expression profiles and gene variations of 58 calcium-related genes (CRGs) in KIRC patients and normal control cases were downloaded from TCGA database. CRGs-related risk score was constructed to quantify calcium patterns by using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. The prognostic value, biological functions, immune landscape and therapeutic sensitivities based on CRGs-related risk score were then evaluated using multiple methods. Finally, key gene of CRGs was identified by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). TCGA-CPTAC, GSE53757 datasets, as well as human tissues were used for validation. Results: KIRC patients had significant differences in CRG expression, prognosis, and biological functions between two CRG clusters. CRGs-related risk score was then determined. The prognosis, tumor mutation burden, immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoints, and the response of targeted inhibitors were remarkably different between high and low CRGs-related risk subtypes. CRGs-related high-risk subtype was characterized by immunosuppressive microenvironment with poor prognosis. Meanwhile, several targeted drugs showed distinct sensitivity between CRGs-related risk subtypes. Finally, TRPM3 was identified as a key CRG based on risk score in KIRC patients. TRPM3 mRNA and protein expression were significantly lower in KIRC tumors than in normal controls. Low TRPM3 expression was associated with poor prognosis in KIRC patients. Conclusion: Our study highlighted the promising prognostic value of CRGs in KIRC tumors. The evaluation of CRGs-related risk score will contribute to predicting prognosis and clinical therapy in KIRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Liu
- Precision Pharmacy and Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fei Li
- Precision Pharmacy and Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China,Department of Pharmacy, The Hospital of 92880 Troops, PLA Navy, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Le Yang
- Precision Pharmacy and Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hai Xing
- Medical Affairs Division, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chang Su
- Precision Pharmacy and Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China,Shaanxi Provincial Corps, Chinese People’s Armed Police Force, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Li Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China,*Correspondence: Li Gao, ; Minggao Zhao, ; Lanxin Luo,
| | - Minggao Zhao
- Precision Pharmacy and Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China,Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China,*Correspondence: Li Gao, ; Minggao Zhao, ; Lanxin Luo,
| | - Lanxin Luo
- Precision Pharmacy and Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China,Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China,*Correspondence: Li Gao, ; Minggao Zhao, ; Lanxin Luo,
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23
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Haddad AF, Young JS, Gill S, Aghi MK. Resistance to immune checkpoint blockade: Mechanisms, counter-acting approaches, and future directions. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:532-541. [PMID: 35276342 PMCID: PMC9458771 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapies seek to unleash the immune system against cancer cells. While a variety of immunotherapies exist, one of the most commonly used is immune checkpoint blockade, which refers to the use of antibodies to interfere with immunosuppressive signaling through immune checkpoint molecules. Therapies against various checkpoints have had success in the clinic across cancer types. However, the efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors has varied across different cancer types and non-responsive patient populations have emerged. Non-responders to these therapies have highlighted the importance of understanding underlying mechanisms of resistance in order to predict which patients will respond and to tailor individual treatment paradigms. In this review we discuss the literature surrounding tumor mediated mechanisms of immune checkpoint resistance. We also describe efforts to overcome resistance and combine checkpoint inhibitors with additional immunotherapies. Finally, we provide insight into the future of immune checkpoint blockade, including the need for improved preclinical modeling and predictive biomarkers to facilitate personalized cancer treatments for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Manish K. Aghi
- Corresponding author at: Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Ave, M-779, San Francisco, CA 94143-0112, USA. (M.K. Aghi)
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Advanced Acral Melanoma Therapies: Current Status and Future Directions. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2022; 23:1405-1427. [PMID: 36125617 PMCID: PMC9526689 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-022-01007-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the deadliest malignancies. Its incidence has been significantly increasing in most countries in recent decades. Acral melanoma (AM), a peculiar subgroup of melanoma occurring on the palms, soles, and nails, is the main subtype of melanoma in people of color and is extremely rare in Caucasians. Although great progress has been made in melanoma treatment in recent years, patients with AM have shown limited benefit from current therapies and thus consequently have worse overall survival rates. Achieving durable therapeutic responses in this high-risk melanoma subtype represents one of the greatest challenges in the field. The frequency of BRAF mutations in AM is much lower than that in cutaneous melanoma, which prevents most AM patients from receiving treatment with BRAF inhibitors. However, AM has more frequent mutations such as KIT and CDK4/6, so targeted therapy may still improve the survival of some AM patients in the future. AM may be less susceptible to immune checkpoint inhibitors because of the poor immunogenicity. Therefore, how to enhance the immune response to the tumor cells may be the key to the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced AM. Anti-angiogenic drugs, albumin paclitaxel, or interferons are thought to enhance the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Combination therapies based on the backbone of PD-1 are more likely to provide greater clinical benefits. Understanding the molecular landscapes and immune microenvironment of AM will help optimize our combinatory strategies.
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25
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Santiago-Sánchez GS, Hodge JW, Fabian KP. Tipping the scales: Immunotherapeutic strategies that disrupt immunosuppression and promote immune activation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:993624. [PMID: 36159809 PMCID: PMC9492957 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.993624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as an effective therapeutic approach for several cancer types. However, only a subset of patients exhibits a durable response due in part to immunosuppressive mechanisms that allow tumor cells to evade destruction by immune cells. One of the hallmarks of immune suppression is the paucity of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), characterized by low numbers of effector CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Additionally, the proper activation and function of lymphocytes that successfully infiltrate the tumor are hampered by the lack of co-stimulatory molecules and the increase in inhibitory factors. These contribute to the imbalance of effector functions by natural killer (NK) and T cells and the immunosuppressive functions by myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the TME, resulting in a dysfunctional anti-tumor immune response. Therefore, therapeutic regimens that elicit immune responses and reverse immune dysfunction are required to counter immune suppression in the TME and allow for the re-establishment of proper immune surveillance. Immuno-oncology (IO) agents, such as immune checkpoint blockade and TGF-β trapping molecules, have been developed to decrease or block suppressive factors to enable the activity of effector cells in the TME. Therapeutic agents that target immunosuppressive cells, either by direct lysis or altering their functions, have also been demonstrated to decrease the barrier to effective immune response. Other therapies, such as tumor antigen-specific vaccines and immunocytokines, have been shown to activate and improve the recruitment of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to the tumor, resulting in improved T effector to Treg ratio. The preclinical data on these diverse IO agents have led to the development of ongoing phase I and II clinical trials. This review aims to provide an overview of select therapeutic strategies that tip the balance from immunosuppression to immune activity in the TME.
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26
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Ji Y, Knee D, Chen X, Dang A, Mataraza J, Wolf B, Sy SKB. Model-informed drug development for immuno-oncology agonistic anti-GITR antibody GWN323: Dose selection based on MABEL and biologically active dose. Clin Transl Sci 2022; 15:2218-2229. [PMID: 35731955 PMCID: PMC9468570 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
GWN323, an agonistic human anti-GITR (glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-related protein) IgG1 antibody, was studied clinically as an immuno-oncology therapeutic agent. A model-based minimum anticipated biological effect level (MABEL) approach integrating in vitro and in vivo data informed dose selection for the first-in-human (FIH) study. Data evaluated included pharmacokinetics (PK) of DTA-1.mIgG2a (mouse surrogate GITR antibody for GWN323), target-engagement pharmacodynamic (PD) marker soluble GITR (sGITR), tumor shrinkage in Colon26 syngeneic mice administered with DTA-1.mIgG2a, cytokine release of GWN323 in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and GITR binding affinity. A PK model was developed to describe DTA-1.mIgG2a PK, and its relationship with sGITR was also modeled. Human GWN323 PK was predicted by allometric scaling of mouse PK. Based on the totality of PK/PD modeling and in vitro and in vivo pharmacology and toxicology data, MABEL was estimated to be 3-10 mg once every 3 weeks (Q3W), which informed the starting dose selection of the FIH study. Based on tumor kinetic PK/PD modeling of tumor inhibition by DTA-1.mIgG2a in Colon26 mice and the predicted human PK of GWN323, the biologically active dose of GWN323 was predicted to be 350 mg Q3W, which informed the dose escalation of the FIH study. GWN323 PK from the FIH study was described by a population PK model; the relationship with ex vivo interleukin-2 release, a target-engagement marker, was also modeled. The clinical PK/PD modeling data supported the biological active dose projected from the translational PK/PD modeling in a "learn and confirm" paradigm of model-informed drug development of GWN323.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Ji
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals CorporationEast HanoverNew JerseyUSA
| | - Deborah Knee
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical ResearchSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Xinhui Chen
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals CorporationEast HanoverNew JerseyUSA
| | - Anhthu Dang
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical ResearchCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jennifer Mataraza
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical ResearchCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
| | - Babette Wolf
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical ResearchBaselSwitzerland
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27
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Liu H, Wu W, Sun G, Chia T, Cao L, Liu X, Guan J, Fu F, Yao Y, Wu Z, Zhou S, Wang J, Lu J, Kuang Z, Wu M, He L, Shao Z, Wu D, Chen B, Xu W, Wang Z, He K. Optimal target saturation of ligand-blocking anti-GITR antibody IBI37G5 dictates FcγR-independent GITR agonism and antitumor activity. Cell Rep Med 2022; 3:100660. [PMID: 35732156 PMCID: PMC9245059 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100660] [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: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor (GITR) is a co-stimulatory receptor and an important target for cancer immunotherapy. We herein present a potent FcγR-independent GITR agonist IBI37G5 that can effectively activate effector T cells and synergize with anti-programmed death 1 (PD1) antibody to eradicate established tumors. IBI37G5 depends on both antibody bivalency and GITR homo-dimerization for efficient receptor cross-linking. Functional analyses reveal bell-shaped dose responses due to the unique 2:2 antibody-receptor stoichiometry required for GITR activation. Antibody self-competition is observed after concentration exceeded that of 100% receptor occupancy (RO), which leads to antibody monovalent binding and loss of activity. Retrospective pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics analysis demonstrates that the maximal efficacy is achieved at medium doses with drug exposure near saturating GITR occupancy during the dosing cycle. Finally, we propose an alternative dose-finding strategy that does not rely on the traditional maximal tolerated dose (MTD)-based paradigm but instead on utilizing the RO-function relations as biomarker to guide the clinical translation of GITR and similar co-stimulatory agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huisi Liu
- Department of Immunology, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Innovent Biologics (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., Suzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Preclinical Studies, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Innovent Biologics (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., Suzhou, China
| | - Gangyu Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tiongsun Chia
- Department of Immunology, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Innovent Biologics (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., Suzhou, China
| | - Lei Cao
- Department of Pharmacology and Preclinical Studies, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Innovent Biologics (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaodan Liu
- Department of Immunology, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Innovent Biologics (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., Suzhou, China
| | - Jian Guan
- Department of Immunology, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Innovent Biologics (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., Suzhou, China
| | - Fenggen Fu
- Department of Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, Guoqing Academy, Innovent Biologics (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., Suzhou, China
| | - Ying Yao
- Department of Pharmacology and Preclinical Studies, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Innovent Biologics (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., Suzhou, China
| | - Zhihai Wu
- Department of Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, Guoqing Academy, Innovent Biologics (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., Suzhou, China
| | - Shuaixiang Zhou
- Department of Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, Guoqing Academy, Innovent Biologics (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., Suzhou, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Preclinical Studies, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Innovent Biologics (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., Suzhou, China
| | - Jia Lu
- Department of Pharmacology and Preclinical Studies, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Innovent Biologics (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., Suzhou, China
| | - Zhihui Kuang
- Department of Pharmacology and Preclinical Studies, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Innovent Biologics (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., Suzhou, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Preclinical Studies, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Innovent Biologics (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., Suzhou, China
| | - Luan He
- Department of Immunology, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Innovent Biologics (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., Suzhou, China
| | - Zhiyuan Shao
- Department of Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, Guoqing Academy, Innovent Biologics (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., Suzhou, China
| | - Dongdong Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Preclinical Studies, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Innovent Biologics (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., Suzhou, China
| | - Bingliang Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Preclinical Studies, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Innovent Biologics (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., Suzhou, China
| | - Wenqing Xu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhizhi Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Kaijie He
- Department of Immunology, Innovent Guoqing Academy, Innovent Biologics (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., Suzhou, China.
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28
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Sanborn RE, Schneiders FL, Senan S, Gadgeel SM. Beyond Checkpoint Inhibitors: Enhancing Antitumor Immune Response in Lung Cancer. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2022; 42:1-14. [PMID: 35671433 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_350967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors has dramatically changed the treatment landscape and improved survival for many patients with thoracic malignancies. Although some patients may experience prolonged survival benefit with immune checkpoint inhibitors, a majority do not experience disease control or benefit, supporting the need for research and development of improved approaches for facilitating immune recognition. Additionally, many patients will experience toxicity with the current approaches to immunotherapy, supporting the need for developing treatment strategies with less risk of adverse events. An extensive array of different strategies are currently under investigation, including novel combinations of checkpoint inhibitors or immunotherapies; novel agents beyond checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., bispecific antibodies, vaccine strategies, cytokine therapies); and different approaches for use of radiation to augment systemic immunotherapy agents. With each strategy, researchers are evaluating the potential for augmenting antitumor responses and ensuring more sustained antitumor effects. This article highlights areas of active research, reviewing the rationale for different investigative strategies, as well as currently available clinical data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E Sanborn
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, OR
| | | | - Suresh Senan
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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29
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Zhang X, Meng T, Cui S, Liu D, Pang Q, Wang P. Roles of ubiquitination in the crosstalk between tumors and the tumor microenvironment (Review). Int J Oncol 2022; 61:84. [PMID: 35616129 PMCID: PMC9170352 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2022.5374] [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: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The interaction between a tumor and the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a key role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Ubiquitination, a crucial post-translational modification for regulating protein degradation and turnover, plays a role in regulating the crosstalk between a tumor and the TME. Thus, identifying the roles of ubiquitination in the process may assist researchers to investigate the mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis and tumor progression. In the present review article, new insights into the substrates for ubiquitination that are involved in the regulation of hypoxic environments, angiogenesis, chronic inflammation-mediated tumor formation, and the function of cancer-associated fibroblasts and infiltrating immune cells (tumor-associated macrophages, T-cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells) are summarized. In addition, the potential targets of the ubiquitination proteasome system within the TME for cancer therapy and their therapeutic effects are reviewed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuzhen Zhang
- Anti‑aging and Regenerative Medicine Research Institution, School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong 255000, P.R. China
| | - Tong Meng
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
| | - Shuaishuai Cui
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong 255000, P.R. China
| | - Dongwu Liu
- Anti‑aging and Regenerative Medicine Research Institution, School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong 255000, P.R. China
| | - Qiuxiang Pang
- Anti‑aging and Regenerative Medicine Research Institution, School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong 255000, P.R. China
| | - Ping Wang
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
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Loick SM, Fröhlich A, Gabrielpillai J, Franzen A, Vogt TJ, Dietrich J, Wiek C, Scheckenbach K, Strieth S, Landsberg J, Dietrich D. DNA Methylation and mRNA Expression of OX40 (TNFRSF4) and GITR (TNFRSF18, AITR) in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Correlates With HPV Status, Mutational Load, an Interferon-γ Signature, Signatures of Immune Infiltrates, and Survival. J Immunother 2022; 45:194-206. [PMID: 34908008 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily members 4 (TNFRSF4, OX40) and 18 (TNFRSF18, GITR, AITR) are under investigation as targets for immunotherapy of various cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Understanding the regulation of OX40 and GITR, particularly on an epigenetic level, might help to develop companion predictive biomarkers. We conducted broad correlation analyses of DNA methylation of 46 CpG sites within the GITR/OX40 gene locus in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas and normal adjacent tissues provided by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Research Network. We analyzed methylation levels with regard to transcriptional gene activity (mRNA expression), human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, differential methylation between tumors and normal adjacent tissues, signatures of immune cell infiltrates, an interferon-γ signature, mutational load, and overall survival. Moreover, we investigated methylation levels in HPV-positive and HPV-negative cell lines and in isolated monocytes, granulocytes, CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, and B cells from peripheral blood from healthy donors. Our results revealed a complex and sequence-contextual methylation pattern in accordance with features of epigenetic regulated genes. We detected significant methylation differences between normal adjacent and tumor tissues, between HPV-positive and HPV-negative tumors, between tumor and immune cells, and significant correlations between methylation and mRNA expression. We further found significant correlations of CpG methylation with overall survival, signatures of immune cell infiltrates, an interferon-γ signature, and mutational load. Our study provides a framework to prospectively test specific CpG sites as biomarkers, in particular in the context of immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia M Loick
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB)
| | - Anne Fröhlich
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn
| | | | - Alina Franzen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB)
| | - Timo J Vogt
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB)
| | - Jörn Dietrich
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB)
| | - Constanze Wiek
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Kathrin Scheckenbach
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sebastian Strieth
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB)
| | | | - Dimo Dietrich
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB)
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31
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Ronen D, Bsoul A, Lotem M, Abedat S, Yarkoni M, Amir O, Asleh R. Exploring the Mechanisms Underlying the Cardiotoxic Effects of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapies. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10040540. [PMID: 35455289 PMCID: PMC9031363 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10040540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Adaptive immune response modulation has taken a central position in cancer therapy in recent decades. Treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is now indicated in many cancer types with exceptional results. The two major inhibitory pathways involved are cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA4) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1). Unfortunately, immune activation is not tumor-specific, and as a result, most patients will experience some form of adverse reaction. Most immune-related adverse events (IRAEs) involve the skin and gastrointestinal (GI) tract; however, any organ can be involved. Cardiotoxicity ranges from arrhythmias to life-threatening myocarditis with very high mortality rates. To date, most treatments of ICI cardiotoxicity include immune suppression, which is also not cardiac-specific and may result in hampering of tumor clearance. Understanding the mechanisms behind immune activation in the heart is crucial for the development of specific treatments. Histological data and other models have shown mainly CD4 and CD8 infiltration during ICI-induced cardiotoxicity. Inhibition of CTLA4 seems to result in the proliferation of more diverse T0cell populations, some of which with autoantigen recognition. Inhibition of PD-1 interaction with PD ligand 1/2 (PD-L1/PD-L2) results in release from inhibition of exhausted self-recognizing T cells. However, CTLA4, PD-1, and their ligands are expressed on a wide range of cells, indicating a much more intricate mechanism. This is further complicated by the identification of multiple co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory signals, as well as the association of myocarditis with antibody-driven myasthenia gravis and myositis IRAEs. In this review, we focus on the recent advances in unraveling the complexity of the mechanisms driving ICI cardiotoxicity and discuss novel therapeutic strategies for directly targeting specific underlying mechanisms to reduce IRAEs and improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ronen
- Department of Internal Medicine D, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel;
| | - Aseel Bsoul
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Heart Institute, Hadassah University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel; (A.B.); (S.A.); (O.A.)
| | - Michal Lotem
- Department of Oncology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel;
| | - Suzan Abedat
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Heart Institute, Hadassah University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel; (A.B.); (S.A.); (O.A.)
| | - Merav Yarkoni
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Institute, Hadassah University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel;
| | - Offer Amir
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Heart Institute, Hadassah University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel; (A.B.); (S.A.); (O.A.)
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Institute, Hadassah University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel;
| | - Rabea Asleh
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Heart Institute, Hadassah University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel; (A.B.); (S.A.); (O.A.)
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Institute, Hadassah University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-2-6776564; Fax: +972-2-6411028
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Amalinei C, Grigoraș A, Lozneanu L, Căruntu ID, Giușcă SE, Balan RA. The Interplay between Tumour Microenvironment Components in Malignant Melanoma. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58030365. [PMID: 35334544 PMCID: PMC8953474 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58030365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma has shown an increasing incidence during the last two decades, exhibiting a large spectrum of locations and clinicopathological characteristics. Although current histopathological, biochemical, immunohistochemical, and molecular methods provide a deep insight into its biological behaviour and outcome, melanoma is still an unpredictable disease, with poor outcome. This review of the literature is aimed at updating the knowledge regarding melanoma’s clinicopathological and molecular hallmarks, including its heterogeneity and plasticity, involving cancer stem cells population. A special focus is given on the interplay between different cellular components and their secretion products in melanoma, considering its contribution to tumour progression, invasion, metastasis, recurrences, and resistance to classical therapy. Furthermore, the influences of the specific tumour microenvironment or “inflammasome”, its association with adipose tissue products, including the release of “extracellular vesicles”, and distinct microbiota are currently studied, considering their influences on diagnosis and prognosis. An insight into melanoma’s particular features may reveal new molecular pathways which may be exploited in order to develop innovative therapeutic approaches or tailored therapy.
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Hair J, Robinson MJ, Wilkinson RW, Dovedi SJ. Deep phenotyping of surface stimulatory and inhibitory co-receptors on cancer-resident T and NK cells reveals cell subsets within the tumor-reactive CTL population that are uniquely defined by NKG2A expression. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2022; 27:95-106. [PMID: 35058180 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The field of Immuno-Oncology (IO) is evolving to utilise novel antibody backbones that can co-target multiple cell-surface stimulatory and inhibitory co-receptors (SICR). This approach necessitates a better understanding of SICR co-expression at the single-cell level on IO-relevant tumor-infiltrating leukocyte (TIL) cell types such as T and natural killer (NK) cells. Using high-dimensional flow cytometry we established a comprehensive SICR profile for tumor-resident T and NK cells across a range of human solid tumors where there is a clear need for improved immunotherapeutic intervention. Leveraging the power of our large flow panel, we performed deep-phenotyping of the critical CD8+CD39+ Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte (CTL) population that is enriched for tumor-reactive cytotoxic cells, revealing subsets that are differentiated by their SICR profile, including three that are uniquely defined by NKG2A expression. This study establishes a comprehensive SICR phenotype for human TIL T and NK cells, providing insights to guide the design and application of the next generation of IO molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Hair
- Early Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Granta Park, Cambridge, UK.
| | | | | | - Simon J Dovedi
- Early Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Granta Park, Cambridge, UK
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An anti-PD-1–GITR-L bispecific agonist induces GITR clustering-mediated T cell activation for cancer immunotherapy. NATURE CANCER 2022; 3:337-354. [PMID: 35256819 PMCID: PMC8960412 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-022-00334-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Costimulatory receptors such as glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor–related protein (GITR) play key roles in regulating the effector functions of T cells. In human clinical trials, however, GITR agonist antibodies have shown limited therapeutic effect, which may be due to suboptimal receptor clustering-mediated signaling. To overcome this potential limitation, a rational protein engineering approach is needed to optimize GITR agonist-based immunotherapies. Here we show a bispecific molecule consisting of an anti-PD-1 antibody fused with a multimeric GITR ligand (GITR-L) that induces PD-1-dependent and FcγR-independent GITR clustering, resulting in enhanced activation, proliferation and memory differentiation of primed antigen-specific GITR+PD-1+ T cells. The anti-PD-1–GITR-L bispecific is a PD-1-directed GITR-L construct that demonstrated dose-dependent, immunologically driven tumor growth inhibition in syngeneic, genetically engineered and xenograft humanized mouse tumor models, with a dose-dependent correlation between target saturation and Ki67 and TIGIT upregulation on memory T cells. Anti-PD-1–GITR-L thus represents a bispecific approach to directing GITR agonism for cancer immunotherapy. Alvarez and colleagues develop a bispecific anti-PD-1–GITR-L agonist that activates T cells via a mechanism distinct from those found with individual PD-1 and GITR-L agonists and demonstrate its antitumor activity in mice and nonhuman primates.
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35
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Dynamic changes in regulatory T cells during normal pregnancy, recurrent pregnancy loss, and gestational diabetes. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 150:103492. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Chen BJ, Zhao JW, Zhang DH, Zheng AH, Wu GQ. Immunotherapy of Cancer by Targeting Regulatory T cells. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 104:108469. [PMID: 35008005 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells maintain immune homeostasis by inhibiting abnormal/overactive immune responses to both autogenic and nonautogenic antigens. Treg cells play an important role in immune tolerance, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, organ transplantation, and tumor diseases. Treg cells have two functional characteristics: T cell anergy and immunosuppression. Treg cells remain immune unresponsive to high concentrations of interleukin-2 and anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies. In addition, the activation of Treg cells after TCR-mediated signal stimulation inhibits the activation and proliferation of effector T cells. In the process of tumor development, Treg cells accumulate locally in the tumor and lead to tumor escape by inducing anergy and immunosuppression. It is believed that targeted elimination of Treg cells can activate tumor-specific effector T cells and improve the efficiency of cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, inhibition/clearance of Treg cells is a promising strategy for enhancing antitumor immunity. Here, we review studies of cancer immunotherapies targeting Treg cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Jin Chen
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing-Wen Zhao
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Da-Hong Zhang
- Department of Urology Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ai-Hong Zheng
- Department of Oncology Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Guo-Qing Wu
- Department of Oncology Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Enhancing immunotherapy in cancer by targeting emerging immunomodulatory pathways. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2022; 19:37-50. [PMID: 34580473 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-021-00552-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 330] [Impact Index Per Article: 165.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The discovery and clinical implementation of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting CTLA4, PD-1 and PD-L1 has revolutionized the treatment of cancer, as recognized by the 2018 Nobel Prize for Medicine and Physiology. This groundbreaking new approach has improved the outcomes of patients with various forms of advanced-stage cancer; however, the majority of patients receiving these therapies, even in combination, do not derive clinical benefit. Further development of agents targeting additional immune checkpoints, co-stimulatory receptors and/or co-inhibitory receptors that control T cell function is therefore critical. In this Review, we discuss the translational potential and clinical development of agents targeting both co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory T cell receptors. Specifically, we describe their mechanisms of action, and provide an overview of ongoing clinical trials involving novel ICIs including those targeting LAG3, TIM3, TIGIT and BTLA as well as agonists of the co-stimulatory receptors GITR, OX40, 41BB and ICOS. We also discuss several additional approaches, such as harnessing T cell metabolism, in particular via adenosine signalling, inhibition of IDO1, and targeting changes in glucose and fatty acid metabolism. We conclude that further efforts are needed to optimize the timing of combination ICI approaches and, most importantly, to individualize immunotherapy based on both patient-specific and tumour-specific characteristics.
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Corti C, Nicolò E, Curigliano G. Novel immune targets for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:815-834. [PMID: 34763593 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.2006187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To overcome mechanisms of primary and secondary resistance to the anti-tumor immune response, novel targets such as ICOS, LAG3, and TIM3 are currently being explored at preclinical and early-phase clinical levels. AREAS COVERED This article examines the landscape of the immune therapeutics investigated in early-phase clinical trials for TNBC. Preclinical rationale is provided for each immune target, predominant expression, and function. Clinical implications and preliminary available trial results are discussed and finally, we reflect on aspects of future expectations and challenges in this field. EXPERT OPINION Several immune strategies have been investigated in TNBC, including co-inhibitory molecules beyond PD1-PD-L1 axis, co-stimulatory checkpoints, cancer vaccines, adoptive cell transfer, combination therapies, as well as different routes of administration. Most of approaches showed signs of anti-cancer activity and a good safety profile in early-phase clinical trials. Since IO provided benefit only to a small subgroup of TNBC patients so far, identifying predictive biomarkers is a priority to refine patient-selection. Data from ongoing clinical trials, with the gradually improving interpretation of the breast tumor immune environment, will hopefully refine the role of new immune targets for the treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Corti
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, Irccs, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hematology (DIPO), University of Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Eleonora Nicolò
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, Irccs, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hematology (DIPO), University of Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, Irccs, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hematology (DIPO), University of Milano, Milano, Italy
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Immunoprofiling of 4-1BB Expression Predicts Outcome in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11112041. [PMID: 34829391 PMCID: PMC8622208 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11112041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent success of novel therapies has improved treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients, but most of them still require several treatment regimes. To improve treatment choice, prognostic markers suitable for prediction of disease outcome are required. Several molecular/genetic markers have been established, but accessibility for the entirety of all patients is limited. We here evaluated the relevance of GITR/4-1BB as well as their ligands for the prognosis of CLL patients. Surface expression of GITR/GITRL and 4-1BB/4-1BBL was correlated with established prognostic markers. Next, we separated our patient population according to GITR/GITRL and 4-1BB/4-1BBL expression in groups with high/low expression levels and performed Kaplan-Meier analyses. Interestingly, no correlation was observed with the defined prognostic markers. Whereas no significant difference between high and low expression of GITR, GITRL and 4-1BBL was observed, high 4-1BB levels on leukemic cells were associated with significantly shorter survival. Thereby we identify 4-1BB as prognostic marker for CLL.
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Sharpe MA, Baskin DS, Jenson AV, Baskin AM. Hijacking Sexual Immuno-Privilege in GBM-An Immuno-Evasion Strategy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10983. [PMID: 34681642 PMCID: PMC8536168 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222010983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T-cells (Tregs) are immunosuppressive T-cells, which arrest immune responses to 'Self' tissues. Some immunosuppressive Tregs that recognize seminal epitopes suppress immune responses to the proteins in semen, in both men and women. We postulated that GBMs express reproductive-associated proteins to manipulate reproductive Tregs and to gain immune privilege. We analyzed four GBM transcriptome databases representing ≈900 tumors for hypoxia-responsive Tregs, steroidogenic pathways, and sperm/testicular and placenta-specific genes, stratifying tumors by expression. In silico analysis suggested that the presence of reproductive-associated Tregs in GBM tumors was associated with worse patient outcomes. These tumors have an androgenic signature, express male-specific antigens, and attract reproductive-associated Related Orphan Receptor C (RORC)-Treg immunosuppressive cells. GBM patient sera were interrogated for the presence of anti-sperm/testicular antibodies, along with age-matched controls, utilizing monkey testicle sections. GBM patient serum contained anti-sperm/testicular antibodies at levels > six-fold that of controls. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are associated with estrogenic tumors which appear to mimic placental tissue. We demonstrate that RORC-Tregs drive poor patient outcome, and Treg infiltration correlates strongly with androgen levels. Androgens support GBM expression of sperm/testicular proteins allowing Tregs from the patient's reproductive system to infiltrate the tumor. In contrast, estrogen appears responsible for MDSC/TAM immunosuppression.
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MESH Headings
- Androgens/metabolism
- Brain Neoplasms/immunology
- Brain Neoplasms/mortality
- Brain Neoplasms/pathology
- Carrier Proteins/genetics
- Carrier Proteins/metabolism
- Databases, Factual
- Estrogens/metabolism
- Female
- Glioblastoma/immunology
- Glioblastoma/mortality
- Glioblastoma/pathology
- Humans
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/genetics
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism
- Kaplan-Meier Estimate
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/metabolism
- Male
- Microglia/immunology
- Microglia/metabolism
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3/genetics
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism
- Tumor Microenvironment
- Tumor-Associated Macrophages/immunology
- Tumor-Associated Macrophages/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyn A. Sharpe
- Kenneth R. Peak Brain and Pituitary Tumor Treatment Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital and Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (D.S.B.); (A.V.J.); (A.M.B.)
| | - David S. Baskin
- Kenneth R. Peak Brain and Pituitary Tumor Treatment Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital and Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (D.S.B.); (A.V.J.); (A.M.B.)
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Amanda V. Jenson
- Kenneth R. Peak Brain and Pituitary Tumor Treatment Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital and Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (D.S.B.); (A.V.J.); (A.M.B.)
| | - Alexandra M. Baskin
- Kenneth R. Peak Brain and Pituitary Tumor Treatment Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital and Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (D.S.B.); (A.V.J.); (A.M.B.)
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Kelly WJ, Giles AJ, Gilbert M. T lymphocyte-targeted immune checkpoint modulation in glioma. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 8:jitc-2019-000379. [PMID: 32051289 PMCID: PMC7057419 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2019-000379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunomodulatory therapies targeting inhibitory checkpoint molecules have revolutionized the treatment of solid tumor malignancies. Concerns about whether systemic administration of an immune checkpoint inhibitor could impact primary brain tumors were answered with the observation of definitive responses in pediatric patients harboring hypermutated gliomas. Although initial clinical results in patients with glioblastoma (GBM) were disappointing, recently published results have demonstrated a potential survival benefit in patients with recurrent GBM treated with neoadjuvant programmed cell death protein 1 blockade. While these findings necessitate verification in subsequent studies, they support the possibility of achieving clinical meaningful immune responses in malignant primary brain tumors including GBM, a disease in dire need of additional therapeutic options. There are several challenges involved in treating glioma with immune checkpoint modulators including the immunosuppressive nature of GBM itself with high inhibitory checkpoint expression, the immunoselective blood brain barrier impairing the ability for peripheral lymphocytes to traffic to the tumor microenvironment and the high prevalence of corticosteroid use which suppress lymphocyte activation. However, by simultaneously targeting multiple costimulatory and inhibitory pathways, it may be possible to achieve an effective antitumoral immune response. To this end, there are now several novel agents targeting more recently uncovered “second generation” checkpoint molecules. Given the multiplicity of drugs being considered for combination regimens, an increased understanding of the mechanisms of action and resistance combined with more robust preclinical and early clinical testing will be needed to be able to adequately test these agents. This review summarizes our current understanding of T lymphocyte-modulating checkpoint molecules as it pertains to glioma with the hope for a renewed focus on the most promising therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amber Jin Giles
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mark Gilbert
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Piha-Paul SA, Geva R, Tan TJ, Lim DW, Hierro C, Doi T, Rahma O, Lesokhin A, Luke JJ, Otero J, Nardi L, Singh A, Xyrafas A, Chen X, Mataraza J, Bedard PL. First-in-human phase I/Ib open-label dose-escalation study of GWN323 (anti-GITR) as a single agent and in combination with spartalizumab (anti-PD-1) in patients with advanced solid tumors and lymphomas. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-002863. [PMID: 34389618 PMCID: PMC8365809 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background GWN323 is an IgG1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) against the glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor-related protein. This first-in-human, open-label phase I/Ib study aimed to investigate the safety and tolerability and to identify the recommended doses of GWN323 with/without spartalizumab, an anti-programmed cell death receptor-1 agent, for future studies. Pharmacokinetics, preliminary efficacy and efficacy biomarkers were also assessed. Methods Patients (aged ≥18 years) with advanced/metastatic solid tumors with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of ≤2 were included. GWN323 (10–1500 mg) or GWN323+spartalizumab (GWN323 10–750 mg+spartalizumab 100–300 mg) were administered intravenously at various dose levels and schedules during the dose-escalation phase. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were assessed during the first 21 days in a single-agent arm and 42 days in a combination arm. Adverse events (AEs) were graded per National Cancer Institute-Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events V.4.03 and efficacy was assessed using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors V.1.1. Results Overall, 92 patients (single-agent, n=39; combination, n=53) were included. The maximum administered doses (MADs) in the single-agent and combination arms were GWN323 1500 mg every 3 weeks (q3w) and GWN323 750 mg+spartalizumab 300 mg q3w, respectively. No DLTs were observed with single-agent treatment. Three DLTs (6%, all grade ≥3) were noted with combination treatment: blood creatine phosphokinase increase, respiratory failure and small intestinal obstruction. Serious AEs were reported in 30.8% and 34.0%, and drug-related AEs were reported in 82.1% and 77.4% of patients with single-agent and combination treatments, respectively. Disease was stable in 7 patients and progressed in 26 patients with single-agent treatment. In combination arm patients, 1 had complete response (endometrial cancer); 3, partial response (rectal cancer, adenocarcinoma of colon and melanoma); 14, stable disease; and 27, disease progression. GWN323 exhibited a pharmacokinetic profile typical of mAbs with a dose-dependent increase in the pharmacokinetic exposure. Inconsistent decreases in regulatory T cells and increases in CD8+ T cells were observed in the combination arm. Gene expression analyses showed no significant effect of GWN323 on interferon-γ or natural killer-cell signatures. Conclusions GWN323, as a single agent and in combination, was well tolerated in patients with relapsed/refractory solid tumors. The MAD was 1500 mg q3w for single-agent and GWN323 750 mg+spartalizumab 300 mg q3w for combination treatments. Minimal single-agent activity and modest clinical benefit were observed with the spartalizumab combination. Trial registration number NCT02740270.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarina A Piha-Paul
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ravit Geva
- Division of Oncology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tira J Tan
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Hospital Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Darren Wt Lim
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cinta Hierro
- Medical Oncology Department, Vall D'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Molecular Therapeutics Research Unit (UITM), Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Toshikiko Doi
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Osama Rahma
- Center for Cancer Therapeutic Innovation, Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alexander Lesokhin
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA.,Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jason John Luke
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Javier Otero
- Translational Clinical Oncology, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Inc, East Hanover, New Jersey, USA
| | - Lisa Nardi
- Translational Clinical Oncology, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Inc, East Hanover, New Jersey, USA
| | - Angad Singh
- Oncology Data Science, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alexandros Xyrafas
- Early Development Analytics-Statistics, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Xinhui Chen
- Oncology Therapeutic Area-Pharmacokinetic Sciences, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Inc, East Hanover, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jennifer Mataraza
- Oncology Translational Research, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Philippe L Bedard
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Hospital Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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43
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Hewavisenti RV, Ferguson AL, Gasparini G, Ohashi T, Braun A, Watkins TS, Miles JJ, Elliott M, Sierro F, Feng CG, Britton WJ, Gebhardt T, Tangye S, Palendira U. Tissue-resident regulatory T cells accumulate at human barrier lymphoid organs. Immunol Cell Biol 2021; 99:894-906. [PMID: 34080230 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a critical role in immune regulation and peripheral tolerance. While different types of Tregs have been identified in both mice and humans, much of our understanding about how these cells maintain immune homeostasis is derived from animal models. In this study, we examined two distinct human lymphoid organs to understand how repeated exposure to infections at the mucosal surface influences the phenotype and tissue localization of Tregs. We show that while Tregs in both tonsils and spleen express a tissue-resident phenotype, they accumulate in greater numbers in tonsils. Tonsillar-resident Tregs exhibit a highly suppressive phenotype with significantly increased expression of CD39, ICOS and CTLA-4 compared with their counterparts in circulation or in the spleen. Functionally, resident Tregs are able effectively to suppress T cell proliferation. We further demonstrate that tonsillar-resident Tregs share key features of T follicular helper cells. Spatial analysis reveals that the vast majority of resident Tregs are localized at the border of the T-zone and B cell follicle, as well as within the lymphocyte pockets enriched with resident memory T cells. Together our findings suggest that resident Tregs are strategically co-localized to maintain immune homeostasis at sites of recurrent inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rehana V Hewavisenti
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Angela L Ferguson
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Georgia Gasparini
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tomoki Ohashi
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Asolina Braun
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Thomas S Watkins
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - John J Miles
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Michael Elliott
- Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Chris O'Brien Lifehouse Cancer Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Frederic Sierro
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Carl G Feng
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Warwick J Britton
- Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Thomas Gebhardt
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stuart Tangye
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Umaimainthan Palendira
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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44
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Buzzatti G, Dellepiane C, Del Mastro L. New emerging targets in cancer immunotherapy: the role of GITR. ESMO Open 2021; 4:e000738. [PMID: 32817129 PMCID: PMC7451269 DOI: 10.1136/esmoopen-2020-000738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, immunotherapies have revolutionised anticancer treatment. However, there is still a number of patients that do not respond or acquire resistance to these treatments. Despite several efforts to combine immunotherapy with other strategies like chemotherapy, or other immunotherapy, there is an 'urgent' need to better understand the immune landscape of the tumour microenvironment. New promising approaches, in addition to blocking co-inhibitory pathways, such those cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 and programmed cell death protein 1 mediated, consist of activating co-stimulatory pathways to enhance antitumour immune responses. Among several new targets, glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-related gene (GITR) activation can promote effector T-cell function and inhibit regulatory T-cell (Treg) function. Preclinical data on GITR-agonist monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) demonstrated antitumour activity in vitro and in vivo enhancing CD8+ and CD4+ effector T-cell activity and depleting tumour-infiltrating Tregs. Phase I clinical trials reported a manageable safety profile of GITR mAbs. However, monotherapy seems not to be effective, whereas responses have been reported in combination therapy, in particular adding PD-1 blockade. Several clinical studies are ongoing and results are awaited to further develop GITR-stimulating treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Buzzatti
- U.O. Oncologia Medica 2, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy.
| | - Chiara Dellepiane
- U.O. Oncologia Medica 2, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Lucia Del Mastro
- U.O. Breast Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
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45
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Yoon SJ, Lee CB, Chae SU, Jo SJ, Bae SK. The Comprehensive "Omics" Approach from Metabolomics to Advanced Omics for Development of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Potential Strategies for Next Generation of Cancer Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6932. [PMID: 34203237 PMCID: PMC8268114 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past decade, immunotherapies have been emerging as an effective way to treat cancer. Among several categories of immunotherapies, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are the most well-known and widely used options for cancer treatment. Although several studies continue, this treatment option has yet to be developed into a precise application in the clinical setting. Recently, omics as a high-throughput technique for understanding the genome, transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome has revolutionized medical research and led to integrative interpretation to advance our understanding of biological systems. Advanced omics techniques, such as multi-omics, single-cell omics, and typical omics approaches, have been adopted to investigate various cancer immunotherapies. In this review, we highlight metabolomic studies regarding the development of ICIs involved in the discovery of targets or mechanisms of action and assessment of clinical outcomes, including drug response and resistance and propose biomarkers. Furthermore, we also discuss the genomics, proteomics, and advanced omics studies providing insights and comprehensive or novel approaches for ICI development. The overview of ICI studies suggests potential strategies for the development of other cancer immunotherapies using omics techniques in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Soo Kyung Bae
- College of Pharmacy and Integrated Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, 43 Jibong-ro, Wonmi-gu, Bucheon 14662, Korea; (S.J.Y.); (C.B.L.); (S.U.C.); (S.J.J.)
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46
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MaruYama T, Kobayashi S, Nakatsukasa H, Moritoki Y, Taguchi D, Sunagawa Y, Morimoto T, Asao A, Jin W, Owada Y, Ishii N, Iwabuchi Y, Yoshimura A, Chen W, Shibata H. The Curcumin Analog GO-Y030 Controls the Generation and Stability of Regulatory T Cells. Front Immunol 2021; 12:687669. [PMID: 34248973 PMCID: PMC8261301 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.687669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a crucial role in preventing antitumor immune responses in cancer tissues. Cancer tissues produce large amounts of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), which promotes the generation of Foxp3+ Tregs from naïve CD4+ T cells in the local tumor microenvironment. TGF-β activates nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)/p300 and SMAD signaling, which increases the number of acetylated histones at the Foxp3 locus and induces Foxp3 gene expression. TGF-β also helps stabilize Foxp3 expression. The curcumin analog and antitumor agent, GO-Y030, prevented the TGF-β-induced generation of Tregs by preventing p300 from accelerating NF-κB-induced Foxp3 expression. Moreover, the addition of GO-Y030 resulted in a significant reduction in the number of acetylated histones at the Foxp3 promoter and at the conserved noncoding sequence 1 regions that are generated in response to TGF-β. In vivo tumor models demonstrated that GO-Y030-treatment prevented tumor growth and reduced the Foxp3+ Tregs population in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Therefore, GO-Y030 exerts a potent anticancer effect by controlling Treg generation and stability.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Coculture Techniques
- Curcumin/analogs & derivatives
- Curcumin/pharmacology
- Forkhead Transcription Factors/genetics
- Forkhead Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Lymphocyte Activation/drug effects
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/drug effects
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/metabolism
- Melanoma, Experimental/drug therapy
- Melanoma, Experimental/immunology
- Melanoma, Experimental/metabolism
- Melanoma, Experimental/pathology
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Transgenic
- NF-kappa B/metabolism
- Skin Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Skin Neoplasms/immunology
- Skin Neoplasms/metabolism
- Skin Neoplasms/pathology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/drug effects
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism
- Tumor Burden/drug effects
- p300-CBP Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi MaruYama
- Mucosal Immunology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MS, United States
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita, Japan
| | - Shuhei Kobayashi
- Department of Organ Anatomy, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Hiroko Nakatsukasa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Moritoki
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Daiki Taguchi
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita, Japan
| | - Yoichi Sunagawa
- Division of Molecular Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Morimoto
- Division of Molecular Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Atsuko Asao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Wenwen Jin
- Mucosal Immunology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MS, United States
| | - Yuji Owada
- Department of Organ Anatomy, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Naoto Ishii
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Yoshiharu Iwabuchi
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutics, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Akihiko Yoshimura
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - WanJun Chen
- Mucosal Immunology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MS, United States
| | - Hiroyuki Shibata
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Akita University, Akita, Japan
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47
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Stachyra K, Dudzisz-Śledź M, Bylina E, Szumera-Ciećkiewicz A, Spałek MJ, Bartnik E, Rutkowski P, Czarnecka AM. Merkel Cell Carcinoma from Molecular Pathology to Novel Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6305. [PMID: 34208339 PMCID: PMC8231245 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon and highly aggressive skin cancer. It develops mostly within chronically sun-exposed areas of the skin. MCPyV is detected in 60-80% of MCC cases as integrated within the genome and is considered a major risk factor for MCC. Viral negative MCCs have a high mutation burden with a UV damage signature. Aberrations occur in RB1, TP53, and NOTCH genes as well as in the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway. MCC is highly immunogenic, but MCC cells are known to evade the host's immune response. Despite the characteristic immunohistological profile of MCC, the diagnosis is challenging, and it should be confirmed by an experienced pathologist. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is considered the most reliable staging tool to identify subclinical nodal disease. Subclinical node metastases are present in about 30-50% of patients with primary MCC. The basis of MCC treatment is surgical excision. MCC is highly radiosensitive. It becomes chemoresistant within a few months. MCC is prone to recurrence. The outcomes in patients with metastatic disease are poor, with a historical 5-year survival of 13.5%. The median progression-free survival is 3-5 months, and the median overall survival is ten months. Currently, immunotherapy has become a standard of care first-line therapy for advanced MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Stachyra
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (K.S.); (M.D.-Ś.); (E.B.); (M.J.S.); (P.R.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Dudzisz-Śledź
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (K.S.); (M.D.-Ś.); (E.B.); (M.J.S.); (P.R.)
| | - Elżbieta Bylina
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (K.S.); (M.D.-Ś.); (E.B.); (M.J.S.); (P.R.)
- Department of Clinical Trials, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Szumera-Ciećkiewicz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Diagnostics, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland;
- Department of Diagnostic Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, 00-791 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz J. Spałek
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (K.S.); (M.D.-Ś.); (E.B.); (M.J.S.); (P.R.)
| | - Ewa Bartnik
- Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Piotr Rutkowski
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (K.S.); (M.D.-Ś.); (E.B.); (M.J.S.); (P.R.)
| | - Anna M. Czarnecka
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (K.S.); (M.D.-Ś.); (E.B.); (M.J.S.); (P.R.)
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
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48
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Marin-Acevedo JA, Kimbrough EO, Manochakian R, Zhao Y, Lou Y. Immunotherapies targeting stimulatory pathways and beyond. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:78. [PMID: 33980266 PMCID: PMC8117548 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01085-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory molecules play a critical role in T cell function. Tumor cells escape immune surveillance by promoting immunosuppression. Immunotherapy targeting inhibitory molecules like anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 were developed to overcome these immunosuppressive effects. These agents have demonstrated remarkable, durable responses in a small subset of patients. The other mechanisms for enhancing anti-tumor activities are to target the stimulatory pathways that are expressed on T cells or other immune cells. In this review, we summarize current phase I/II clinical trials evaluating novel immunotherapies targeting stimulatory pathways and outline their advantages, limitations, and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian A Marin-Acevedo
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, 33612, FL, USA
| | - ErinMarie O Kimbrough
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road S., Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Rami Manochakian
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road S., Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Yujie Zhao
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road S., Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Yanyan Lou
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road S., Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
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49
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Ferrall L, Lin KY, Roden RBS, Hung CF, Wu TC. Cervical Cancer Immunotherapy: Facts and Hopes. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:4953-4973. [PMID: 33888488 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-2833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
It is a sad fact that despite being almost completely preventable through human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and screening, cervical cancer remains the fourth most common cancer to affect women worldwide. Persistent high-risk HPV (hrHPV) infection is the primary etiologic factor for cervical cancer. Upward of 70% of cases are driven by HPV types 16 and 18, with a dozen other hrHPVs associated with the remainder of cases. Current standard-of-care treatments include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and/or surgical resection. However, they have significant side effects and limited efficacy against advanced disease. There are a few treatment options for recurrent or metastatic cases. Immunotherapy offers new hope, as demonstrated by the recent approval of programmed cell death protein 1-blocking antibody for recurrent or metastatic disease. This might be augmented by combination with antigen-specific immunotherapy approaches, such as vaccines or adoptive cell transfer, to enhance the host cellular immune response targeting HPV-positive cancer cells. As cervical cancer progresses, it can foster an immunosuppressive microenvironment and counteract host anticancer immunity. Thus, approaches to reverse suppressive immune environments and bolster effector T-cell functioning are likely to enhance the success of such cervical cancer immunotherapy. The success of nonspecific immunostimulants like imiquimod against genital warts also suggest the possibility of utilizing these immunotherapeutic strategies in cervical cancer prevention to treat precursor lesions (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) and persistent hrHPV infections against which the licensed prophylactic HPV vaccines have no efficacy. Here, we review the progress and challenges in the development of immunotherapeutic approaches for the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Ferrall
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ken Y Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Richard B S Roden
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Chien-Fu Hung
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - T-C Wu
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland. .,Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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50
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Bai Z, Su G, Fan R. Single-cell Analysis Technologies for Immuno-oncology Research: from Mechanistic Delineation to Biomarker Discovery. GENOMICS, PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2021; 19:191-207. [PMID: 34000441 PMCID: PMC8602396 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2021.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The successes with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapy in treating multiple cancer types have established immunotherapy as a powerful curative option for patients with advanced cancers. Unfortunately, many patients do not derive benefit or long-term responses, highlighting a pressing need to perform complete investigation of the underlying mechanisms and the immunotherapy-induced tumor regression or rejection. In recent years, a large number of single-cell technologies have leveraged advances in characterizing immune system, profiling tumor microenvironment, and identifying cellular heterogeneity, which establish the foundations for lifting the veil on the comprehensive crosstalk between cancer and immune system during immunotherapies. In this review, we introduce the applications of the most widely used single-cell technologies in furthering our understanding of immunotherapies in terms of underlying mechanisms and their association with therapeutic outcomes. We also discuss how single-cell analyses help to deliver new insights into biomarker discovery to predict patient response rate, monitor acquired resistance, and support prophylactic strategy development for toxicity management. Finally, we provide an overview of applying cutting-edge single-cell spatial-omics to point out the heterogeneity of tumor-immune interactions at higher level that can ultimately guide to the rational design of next-generation immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiliang Bai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instrument, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Graham Su
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Rong Fan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Yale Stem Cell Center and Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Human and Translational Immunology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
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