1
|
Rados M, Landegger A, Schmutzler L, Rabidou K, Taschner-Mandl S, Fetahu IS. Natural killer cells in neuroblastoma: immunological insights and therapeutic perspectives. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024:10.1007/s10555-024-10212-8. [PMID: 39294470 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10212-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells have multifaceted roles within the complex tumor milieu. They are pivotal components of innate immunity and shape the dynamic landscape of tumor-immune cell interactions, and thus can be leveraged for use in therapeutic interventions. NK-based immunotherapies have had remarkable success in hematological malignancies, but these therapies are met with many challenges in solid tumors, including neuroblastoma (NB), a childhood tumor arising from the sympathetic nervous system. With a focus on NB, this review outlines the mechanisms employed by NK cells to recognize and eliminate malignant cells, delving into the dynamic relationship between ligand-receptor interactions, cytokines, and other molecules that facilitate the cross talk between NK and NB cells. We discuss the immunomodulatory functions of NK cells and the mechanisms that contribute to loss of this immunosurveillance in NB, with a focus on how this dynamic has been utilized in recent immunotherapy advancements for NB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Rados
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Lukas Schmutzler
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Kimberlie Rabidou
- Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | | | - Irfete S Fetahu
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Markovska A, Somers K, Guillaume J, Melief J, Mazar AP, Schmitt DM, Schipper HS, Boes M. Targeted inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3 using 9-ING-41 (elraglusib) enhances CD8 T-cell-reactivity against neuroblastoma cells. Sci Rep 2024; 14:21710. [PMID: 39289439 PMCID: PMC11408500 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-72492-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The prognosis of patients with high-risk neuroblastoma remains poor, partly due to inadequate immune recognition of the tumor. Neuroblastomas display extremely low surface MHC-I, preventing recognition by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and contributing to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) is involved in pathways that may affect the MHC-I antigen processing and presentation pathway. We proposed that therapeutic inhibition of GSK-3β might improve the surface display of MHC-I molecules on neuroblastoma cells, and therefore tested if targeting of GSK-3β using the inhibitor 9-ING-41 (Elraglusib) improves MHC-I-mediated CTL recognition. We analyzed mRNA expression data of neuroblastoma tumor datasets and found that non-MYCN-amplified neuroblastomas express higher GSK-3β levels than MYCN-amplified tumors. In non-MYCN-amplified cells SH-SY5Y, SK-N-AS and SK-N-SH 9-ING-41 treatment enhanced MHC-I surface display and the expression levels of a subset of genes involved in MHC-I antigen processing and presentation. Further, 9-ING-41 treatment triggered increased STAT1 pathway activation, upstream of antigen presentation pathways in two of the three non-MYCN-amplified cell lines. Finally, in co-culture experiments with CD8 + T cells, 9-ING-41 improved immune recognition of the neuroblastoma cells, as evidenced by augmented T-cell activation marker levels and T-cell proliferation, which was further enhanced by PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibition. Our preclinical study provides experimental support to further explore the GSK-3β inhibitor 9-ING-41 as an immunomodulatory agent to increase tumor immune recognition in neuroblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Markovska
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - K Somers
- Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Children's Cancer Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - J Guillaume
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - J Melief
- Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - A P Mazar
- Actuate Therapeutics, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - D M Schmitt
- Actuate Therapeutics, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - H S Schipper
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Pediatric Cardiology, Sophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M Boes
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3508 GA, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mohseni R, Mahdavi Sharif P, Behfar M, Shojaei S, Shoae-Hassani A, Jafari L, Khosravi A, Nikfetrat Z, Hamidieh AA. Phase I study of safety and efficacy of allogeneic natural killer cell therapy in relapsed/refractory neuroblastomas post autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Sci Rep 2024; 14:20971. [PMID: 39251669 PMCID: PMC11385932 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-70958-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite low incidence, neuroblastoma, an immunologically cold tumor, is the most common extracranial solid neoplasm in pediatrics. In relapsed/refractory cases, the benefits of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) and other therapies are limited. Natural killer (NK) cells apply cytotoxicity against tumor cells independently of antigen-presenting cells and the adaptive immune system. The primary endpoint of this trial was to assess the safety of the injection of allogenic, ex vivo-expanded and primed NK cells in relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma patients after auto-HSCT. The secondary endpoint included the efficacy of this intervention in controlling tumors. NK cells were isolated and primed ex vivo (by adding interleukin [IL]-2, IL-15, and IL-21) in a GMP-compliant CliniMACS system and administered to four patients with relapsed/refractory MYCN-positive neuroblastoma. NK cell injections (1 and 5 × 107 cells/kg in the first and second injections, respectively) were safe, and no acute or sub-acute adverse events were observed. During the follow-up period, one complete response (CR) and one partial response (PR) were observed, while two cases exhibited progressive disease (PD). In follow-up evaluations, two died due to disease progression, including the case with a PR. The patient with CR had regular growth at the 31-month follow-up, and another patient with PD is still alive and receiving chemotherapies 20 months after therapy. This therapy is an appealing and feasible approach for managing refractory neuroblastomas post-HSCT. Further studies are needed to explore its efficacy with higher doses and more frequent administrations for high-risk neuroblastomas and other immunologically cold tumors.Trial registration number: irct.behdasht.gov.ir (Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, No. IRCT20201202049568N1).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rashin Mohseni
- Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center, Gene, Cell & Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14194, Iran
| | - Pouya Mahdavi Sharif
- Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center, Gene, Cell & Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14194, Iran
| | - Maryam Behfar
- Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center, Gene, Cell & Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14194, Iran
| | - Sahar Shojaei
- National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Shoae-Hassani
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Jafari
- Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center, Gene, Cell & Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14194, Iran
| | - Abbas Khosravi
- Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center, Gene, Cell & Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14194, Iran
| | - Zeynab Nikfetrat
- Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center, Gene, Cell & Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14194, Iran
| | - Amir Ali Hamidieh
- Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center, Gene, Cell & Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14194, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yang L, Huang K, Cao L, Ma Y, Li S, Zhou J, Zhao Z, Wang S. Molecular profiling of core immune-escape genes highlights TNFAIP3 as an immune-related prognostic biomarker in neuroblastoma. Inflamm Res 2024; 73:1529-1545. [PMID: 39028490 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-024-01914-4] [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: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most prevalent and deadliest pediatric solid tumor. With of over 50% of high-risk neuroblastoma cases relapse, the imperative for novel drug targets and therapeutic strategies is accentuated. In neuroblastoma, the existence of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) correlates with an unfavorable patient prognosis. However, the clinical relevance and prognostic implications of regulatory genes linked to TAMs infiltration in neuroblastoma remain unclear, and further study is required. METHODS We conducted a comprehensive analysis utilizing transcriptome expression profiles from three primary datasets associated with neuroblastoma (GSE45547, GSE49710, TARGET) to identify hub genes implicated in immune evasion within neuroblastoma. Subsequently, we utilized single-cell RNA sequencing analysis on 17 clinical neuroblastoma samples to investigate the expression and distribution of these hub genes, leading to the identification of TNFAIP3. The above three public databases were merged to allowed for the validation of TNFAIP3's molecular functions through GO and KEGG analysis. Furthermore, we assessed TNFAIP3's correlation with immune infiltration and its potential immunotherapeutic impact by multiple algorithms. Our single-cell transcriptome data revealed the role of TNFAIP3 in macrophage polarization. Finally, preliminary experimental verifications to confirm the biological functions of TNFAIP3-mediated TAMs in NB. RESULTS A total of 6 genes related to immune evasion were screened and we found that TNFAIP3 exhibited notably higher expression in macrophages than other immune cell types, based on the scRNA-sequencing data. GO and KEGG analysis showed that low expression of TNFAIP3 significantly correlated with the activation of multiple oncogenic pathways as well as immune-related pathways. Then validation affirmed that individuals within the TNFAIP3 high-expression cohort could potentially derive greater advantages from immunotherapeutic interventions, alongside exhibiting heightened immune responsiveness. Deciphering the pseudotime trajectory of macrophages, we revealed the potential of TNFAIP3 in inducing the polarization of macrophages towards the M1 phenotype. Finally, we confirmed that patients in the TNFAIP3 high expression group might benefit more from immunotherapy or chemotherapy as substantiated by RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence examinations. Moreover, the role of TNFAIP3 in macrophage polarization was validated. Preliminary experiment showed that TNFAIP3-mediated TAMs inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion capabilities of NB cells. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that TNFAIP3 was first identified as a promising biomarker for immunotherapy and potential molecular target in NB. Besides, the presence of TNFAIP3 within TAMs may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for NB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linyu Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology Children's Hospitial of Chongqinng Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Metabolism and Inflammatory Diseases, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kai Huang
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology Children's Hospitial of Chongqinng Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Metabolism and Inflammatory Diseases, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lijian Cao
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology Children's Hospitial of Chongqinng Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Metabolism and Inflammatory Diseases, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yue Ma
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology Children's Hospitial of Chongqinng Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Metabolism and Inflammatory Diseases, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Suwen Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology Children's Hospitial of Chongqinng Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Metabolism and Inflammatory Diseases, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianwu Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology Children's Hospitial of Chongqinng Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Metabolism and Inflammatory Diseases, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhenzhen Zhao
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology Children's Hospitial of Chongqinng Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Metabolism and Inflammatory Diseases, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shan Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology Children's Hospitial of Chongqinng Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Metabolism and Inflammatory Diseases, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Du B, Zhang Y, Zhang P, Zhang M, Yu Z, Li L, Hou L, Wang Q, Zhang X, Zhang W. Joint metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis systematically reveal the impact of MYCN in neuroblastoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:20155. [PMID: 39215128 PMCID: PMC11364762 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-71211-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The limited understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying MYCN-amplified (MNA) neuroblastoma (NB) has hindered the identification of effective therapeutic targets for MNA NB, contributing to its higher mortality rate compared to MYCN non-amplified (non-MNA) NB. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis integrating metabolomics and transcriptomics was conducted to systematically investigate the MNA NB. Metabolomics analysis utilized plasma samples from 28 MNA NB patients and 68 non-MNA NB patients, while transcriptomics analysis employed tissue samples from 15 MNA NB patients and 37 non-MNA NB patients. Notably, joint metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis was performed. A total of 46 metabolites exhibited alterations, with 21 displaying elevated levels and 25 demonstrating reduced levels in MNA NB. In addition, 884 mRNAs in MNA NB showed significant changes, among which 766 mRNAs were higher and 118 mRNAs were lower. Joint-pathway analysis revealed three aberrant pathways involving glycerolipid metabolism, purine metabolism, and lysine degradation. This study highlights the substantial differences in metabolomics and transcriptomics between MNA NB and non-MNA NB, identifying three abnormal metabolic pathways that may serve as potential targets for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying MNA NB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bang Du
- Health Commission of Henan Province Key Laboratory for Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Tumor, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
| | - Yingyu Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Henan Key Laboratory of Rare Diseases, Endocrinology and Metabolism Center, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Pin Zhang
- Health Commission of Henan Province Key Laboratory for Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Tumor, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
| | - Mengxin Zhang
- Health Commission of Henan Province Key Laboratory for Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Tumor, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
| | - Zhidan Yu
- Health Commission of Henan Province Key Laboratory for Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Tumor, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
| | - Lifeng Li
- Health Commission of Henan Province Key Laboratory for Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Tumor, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
| | - Ligong Hou
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Pediatric Disease, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
| | - Qionglin Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450018, China.
| | - Xianwei Zhang
- Health Commission of Henan Province Key Laboratory for Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Tumor, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450018, China.
| | - Wancun Zhang
- Health Commission of Henan Province Key Laboratory for Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Tumor, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450018, China.
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Pediatric Disease, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450018, China.
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450018, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mao C, Poimenidou M, Craig BT. Current Knowledge and Perspectives of Immunotherapies for Neuroblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2865. [PMID: 39199637 PMCID: PMC11353182 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16162865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NBL) cells highly express disialoganglioside GD2, which is restricted and weakly expressed in selected healthy cells, making it a desirable target of immunotherapy. Over the past two decades, application of dinutuximab, an anti-GD2 monoclonal antibody (mAb), has been one of the few new therapies to substantially improve outcomes to current levels. Given the persistent challenge of relapse and therapeutic resistance, there is an urgent need for new effective and tolerable treatment options for high-risk NBL. Recent breakthroughs in immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapeutics have not translated into high-risk NBL, like many other major pediatric solid tumors. Given the suppressed tumor microenvironment (TME), single ICIs like anti-CTLA4 and anti-PD1 have not demonstrated significant antitumor response rates. Meanwhile, emerging studies are reporting novel advancements in GD2-based therapies, targeted therapies, nanomedicines, and other immunotherapies such as adoptive transfer of natural killer (NK) cells and chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), and these hold interesting promise for the future of high-risk NBL patient care. Herein, we summarize the current state of the art in NBL therapeutic options and highlight the unique challenges posed by NBL that have limited the successful adoption of immune-modifying therapies. Through this review, we aim to direct the field's attention to opportunities that may benefit from a combination immunotherapy strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenkai Mao
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA;
- Center for Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA;
| | - Maria Poimenidou
- Center for Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA;
| | - Brian T. Craig
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA;
- Center for Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Persaud NV, Park JA, Cheung NKV. High-Risk Neuroblastoma Challenges and Opportunities for Antibody-Based Cellular Immunotherapy. J Clin Med 2024; 13:4765. [PMID: 39200906 PMCID: PMC11355836 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13164765] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as an attractive option for patients with relapsed or refractory high-risk neuroblastoma (HRNB). Neuroblastoma (NB), a sympathetic nervous system cancer arising from an embryonic neural crest cell, is heterogeneous clinically, with outcomes ranging from an isolated abdominal mass that spontaneously regresses to a widely metastatic disease with cure rates of about 50% despite intensive multimodal treatment. Risk group stratification and stage-adapted therapy to achieve cure with minimal toxicities have accomplished major milestones. Targeted immunotherapeutic approaches including monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, adoptive cellular therapies, their combinations, and their integration into standard of care are attractive therapeutic options, although curative challenges and toxicity concerns remain. In this review, we provide an overview of immune approaches to NB and the tumor microenvironment (TME) within the clinical translational framework. We propose a novel T cell-based therapeutic approach that leverages the unique properties of tumor surface antigens such as ganglioside GD2, incorporating specific monoclonal antibodies and recent advancements in adoptive cell therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natasha V. Persaud
- Department of Pediatrics Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Jeong A. Park
- Pediatrics Inha University Hospital, Icheon 22332, Republic of Korea;
| | - Nai Kong V. Cheung
- Department of Pediatrics Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang C, Tan J, Jin Y, Li Z, Yang J, Jia Y, Xia Y, Gong B, Dong Q, Zhao Q. A mitochondria-related genes associated neuroblastoma signature - based on bulk and single-cell transcriptome sequencing data analysis, and experimental validation. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1415736. [PMID: 38962012 PMCID: PMC11220120 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1415736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Neuroblastoma (NB), characterized by its marked heterogeneity, is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children. The status and functionality of mitochondria are crucial in regulating NB cell behavior. While the significance of mitochondria-related genes (MRGs) in NB is still missing in key knowledge. Materials and methods This study leverages consensus clustering and machine learning algorithms to construct and validate an MRGs-related signature in NB. Single-cell data analysis and experimental validation were employed to characterize the pivotal role of FEN1 within NB cells. Results MRGs facilitated the classification of NB patients into 2 distinct clusters with considerable differences. The constructed MRGs-related signature and its quantitative indicators, mtScore and mtRisk, effectively characterize the MRGs-related patient clusters. Notably, the MRGs-related signature outperformed MYCN in predicting NB patient prognosis and was adept at representing the tumor microenvironment (TME), tumor cell stemness, and sensitivity to the chemotherapeutic agents Cisplatin, Topotecan, and Irinotecan. FEN1, identified as the most contributory gene within the MRGs-related signature, was found to play a crucial role in the communication between NB cells and the TME, and in the developmental trajectory of NB cells. Experimental validations confirmed FEN1's significant influence on NB cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, and invasiveness. Conclusion The MRGs-related signature developed in this study offers a novel predictive tool for assessing NB patient prognosis, immune infiltration, stemness, and chemotherapeutic sensitivity. Our findings unveil the critical function of FEN1 in NB, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chaoyu Wang
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiaxiong Tan
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan Jin
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Zongyang Li
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiaxing Yang
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Yubin Jia
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuren Xia
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Baocheng Gong
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiuping Dong
- Department of Tumor Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiang Zhao
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Louault K, De Clerck YA, Janoueix-Lerosey I. The neuroblastoma tumor microenvironment: From an in-depth characterization towards novel therapies. EJC PAEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY 2024; 3:100161. [PMID: 39036648 PMCID: PMC11259008 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcped.2024.100161] [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: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a cancer of the sympathetic nervous system that develops in young children, either as low-risk or high-risk disease. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is now recognized as an important player of the tumor ecosystem that may promote drug resistance and immune escape. Targeting the TME in combination with therapies directly targeting tumor cells therefore represents an interesting strategy to prevent the emergence of resistance in cancer and improve patient's outcome. The development of such strategies however requires an in-depth understanding of the TME landscape, due to its high complexity and intra and inter-tumoral heterogeneity. Various approaches have been used in the last years to characterize the immune and non-immune cell populations present in tumors of neuroblastoma patients, both quantitatively and qualitatively, in particular with the use of single-cell transcriptomics. It is anticipated that in the near future, both genomic and TME information in tumors will contribute to a precise approach to therapy in neuroblastoma. Deciphering the mechanisms of interaction between neuroblastoma cells and stromal or immune cells in the TME is key to identify novel therapeutic combinations. Over the last decade, numerous in vitro studies and in vivo pre-clinical experiments in immune-competent and immune-deficient models have identified therapeutic approaches to circumvent drug resistance and immune escape. Some of these studies have formed the basis for early phase I and II clinical trials in children with recurrent and refractory high-risk neuroblastoma. This review summarizes recently published data on the characterization of the TME landscape in neuroblastoma and novel strategies targeting various TME cellular components, molecules and pathways activated as a result of the tumor-host interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Louault
- Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Cancer, and Blood Disease Institute, 4650 Sunset Bld., Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yves A. De Clerck
- Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Cancer, and Blood Disease Institute, 4650 Sunset Bld., Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Southern California, CA, USA
| | - Isabelle Janoueix-Lerosey
- Curie Institute, PSL Research University, Inserm U830, Paris, France
- SIREDO: Care, Innovation and Research for Children, Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer, Curie Institute, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Song M, Sun Y, Hu Y, Wang C, Jin Y, Liu Y, Da Y, Zhao Q, Zheng R, Li L. Comprehensive quantifications of tumour microenvironment to predict the responsiveness to immunotherapy and prognosis for paediatric neuroblastomas. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 133:112145. [PMID: 38691920 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Treatment strategies for paediatric neuroblastoma as well as many other cancers are limited by the unfavourable tumour microenvironment (TME). In this study, the TMEs of neuroblastoma were grouped by their genetic signatures into four distinct subtypes: immune enriched, immune desert, non-proliferative and fibrotic. An Immune Score and a Proliferation Score were constructed based on the molecular features of the subtypes to quantify the immune microenvironment or malignancy degree of cancer cells in neuroblastoma, respectively. The Immune Score correlated with a patient's response to immunotherapy; the Proliferation Score was an independent prognostic biomarker for neuroblastoma and proved to be more accurate than the existing clinical predictors. This double scoring system was further validated and the conserved molecular pattern associated with immune landscape and malignancy degree was confirmed. Axitinib and BI-2536 were confirmed as candidate drugs for neuroblastoma by the double scoring system. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that axitinib-induced pyroptosis of neuroblastoma cells activated anti-tumour immunity and inhibited tumour growth; BI-2536 induced cell cycle arrest at the S phase in neuroblastoma cells. The comprehensive double scoring system of neuroblastoma may predict prognosis and screen for therapeutic strategies which could provide personalized treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingkun Song
- Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China; Department of Paediatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China; Department of Paediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Yiming Sun
- Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Yikai Hu
- Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Chong Wang
- Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China; Class of 2019, Program in Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Yan Jin
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Yun Liu
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Yurong Da
- Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China.
| | - Qiang Zhao
- Department of Paediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, China.
| | - Rongxiu Zheng
- Department of Paediatrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China.
| | - Long Li
- Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China; Department of Paediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Murphy C, Devis-Jauregui L, Struck R, Boloix A, Gallagher C, Gavin C, Cottone F, Fernandez AS, Madden S, Roma J, Segura MF, Piskareva O. In vivo cisplatin-resistant neuroblastoma metastatic model reveals tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 4 (TNFRSF4) as an independent prognostic factor of survival in neuroblastoma. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303643. [PMID: 38809883 PMCID: PMC11135766 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common solid extracranial tumour in children. Despite major advances in available therapies, children with drug-resistant and/or recurrent neuroblastoma have a dismal outlook with 5-year survival rates of less than 20%. Therefore, tackling relapsed tumour biology by developing and characterising clinically relevant models is a priority in finding targetable vulnerability in neuroblastoma. Using matched cisplatin-sensitive KellyLuc and resistant KellyCis83Luc cell lines, we developed a cisplatin-resistant metastatic MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma model. The average number of metastases per mouse was significantly higher in the KellyCis83Luc group than in the KellyLuc group. The vast majority of sites were confirmed as having lymph node metastasis. Their stiffness characteristics of lymph node metastasis values were within the range reported for the patient samples. Targeted transcriptomic profiling of immuno-oncology genes identified tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 4 (TNFRSF4) as a significantly dysregulated MYCN-independent gene. Importantly, differential TNFRSF4 expression was identified in tumour cells rather than lymphocytes. Low TNFRSF4 expression correlated with poor prognostic indicators in neuroblastoma, such as age at diagnosis, stage, and risk stratification and significantly associated with reduced probability of both event-free and overall survival in neuroblastoma. Therefore, TNFRSF4 Low expression is an independent prognostic factor of survival in neuroblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Murphy
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Cancer Bioengineering Group, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering Research Group (TERG), RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Laura Devis-Jauregui
- Faculty of Medicine, Cell Biology Unit, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Barcelona, Campus Bellvitge, Feixa Llarga s/n, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Ronja Struck
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Cancer Bioengineering Group, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering Research Group (TERG), RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ariadna Boloix
- Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Group of Childhood Cancer & Blood Disorders, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ciara Gallagher
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Cancer Bioengineering Group, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering Research Group (TERG), RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cian Gavin
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Cancer Bioengineering Group, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Federica Cottone
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Cancer Bioengineering Group, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering Research Group (TERG), RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aroa Soriano Fernandez
- Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Group of Childhood Cancer & Blood Disorders, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Stephen Madden
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Josep Roma
- Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Group of Childhood Cancer & Blood Disorders, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel F. Segura
- Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Group of Childhood Cancer & Blood Disorders, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olga Piskareva
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Cancer Bioengineering Group, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering Research Group (TERG), RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre (AMBER), RCSI and TCD, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wu X, Mi T, Jin L, Ren C, Wang J, Zhang Z, Liu J, Wang Z, Guo P, He D. Dual roles of HK3 in regulating the network between tumor cells and tumor-associated macrophages in neuroblastoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:122. [PMID: 38714539 PMCID: PMC11076449 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03702-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/10/2024]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common and deadliest extracranial solid tumor in children. Targeting tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is a strategy for attenuating tumor-promoting states. The crosstalk between cancer cells and TAMs plays a pivotal role in mediating tumor progression in NB. The overexpression of Hexokinase-3 (HK3), a pivotal enzyme in glucose metabolism, has been associated with poor prognosis in NB patients. Furthermore, it correlates with the infiltration of M2-like macrophages within NB tumors, indicating its significant involvement in tumor progression. Therefore, HK3 not only directly regulates the malignant biological behaviors of tumor cells, such as proliferation, migration, and invasion, but also recruits and polarizes M2-like macrophages through the PI3K/AKT-CXCL14 axis in neuroblastoma. The secretion of lactate and histone lactylation alterations within tumor cells accompanies this interaction. Additionally, elevated expression of HK3 in M2-TAMs was found at the same time. Modulating HK3 within M2-TAMs alters the biological behavior of tumor cells, as demonstrated by our in vitro studies. This study highlights the pivotal role of HK3 in the progression of NB malignancy and its intricate regulatory network with M2-TAMs. It establishes HK3 as a promising dual-functional biomarker and therapeutic target in combating neuroblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wu
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Structural Birth Defect and Reconstruction, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Tao Mi
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Structural Birth Defect and Reconstruction, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Liming Jin
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Structural Birth Defect and Reconstruction, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Chunnian Ren
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Structural Birth Defect and Reconstruction, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Jinkui Wang
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Structural Birth Defect and Reconstruction, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Zhaoxia Zhang
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Structural Birth Defect and Reconstruction, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Jiayan Liu
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Structural Birth Defect and Reconstruction, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Zhaoyin Wang
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Structural Birth Defect and Reconstruction, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Peng Guo
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Structural Birth Defect and Reconstruction, Chongqing, 400014, China
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dawei He
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Structural Birth Defect and Reconstruction, Chongqing, 400014, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zheng M, Kumar A, Sharma V, Behl T, Sehgal A, Wal P, Shinde NV, Kawaduji BS, Kapoor A, Anwer MK, Gulati M, Shen B, Singla RK, Bungau SG. Revolutionizing pediatric neuroblastoma treatment: unraveling new molecular targets for precision interventions. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1353860. [PMID: 38601081 PMCID: PMC11004261 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1353860] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most frequent solid tumor in pediatric cases, contributing to around 15% of childhood cancer-related deaths. The wide-ranging genetic, morphological, and clinical diversity within NB complicates the success of current treatment methods. Acquiring an in-depth understanding of genetic alterations implicated in the development of NB is essential for creating safer and more efficient therapies for this severe condition. Several molecular signatures are being studied as potential targets for developing new treatments for NB patients. In this article, we have examined the molecular factors and genetic irregularities, including those within insulin gene enhancer binding protein 1 (ISL1), dihydropyrimidinase-like 3 (DPYSL3), receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1) and murine double minute 2-tumor protein 53 (MDM2-P53) that play an essential role in the development of NB. A thorough summary of the molecular targeted treatments currently being studied in pre-clinical and clinical trials has been described. Recent studies of immunotherapeutic agents used in NB are also studied in this article. Moreover, we explore potential future directions to discover new targets and treatments to enhance existing therapies and ultimately improve treatment outcomes and survival rates for NB patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Zheng
- Joint Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence for Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ankush Kumar
- Amity School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amity University, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Vishakha Sharma
- Amity School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amity University, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Tapan Behl
- Amity School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amity University, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Aayush Sehgal
- GHG Khalsa College of Pharmacy, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Pranay Wal
- Pranveer Singh Institute of Technology, Pharmacy, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | | | - Anupriya Kapoor
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Md. Khalid Anwer
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Monica Gulati
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
- Australian Research Consortium in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Bairong Shen
- Joint Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence for Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rajeev K. Singla
- Joint Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence for Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | - Simona Gabriela Bungau
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wienke J, Visser LL, Kholosy WM, Keller KM, Barisa M, Poon E, Munnings-Tomes S, Himsworth C, Calton E, Rodriguez A, Bernardi R, van den Ham F, van Hooff SR, Matser YAH, Tas ML, Langenberg KPS, Lijnzaad P, Borst AL, Zappa E, Bergsma FJ, Strijker JGM, Verhoeven BM, Mei S, Kramdi A, Restuadi R, Sanchez-Bernabeu A, Cornel AM, Holstege FCP, Gray JC, Tytgat GAM, Scheijde-Vermeulen MA, Wijnen MHWA, Dierselhuis MP, Straathof K, Behjati S, Wu W, Heck AJR, Koster J, Nierkens S, Janoueix-Lerosey I, de Krijger RR, Baryawno N, Chesler L, Anderson J, Caron HN, Margaritis T, van Noesel MM, Molenaar JJ. Integrative analysis of neuroblastoma by single-cell RNA sequencing identifies the NECTIN2-TIGIT axis as a target for immunotherapy. Cancer Cell 2024; 42:283-300.e8. [PMID: 38181797 PMCID: PMC10864003 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Pediatric patients with high-risk neuroblastoma have poor survival rates and urgently need more effective treatment options with less side effects. Since novel and improved immunotherapies may fill this need, we dissect the immunoregulatory interactions in neuroblastoma by single-cell RNA-sequencing of 24 tumors (10 pre- and 14 post-chemotherapy, including 5 pairs) to identify strategies for optimizing immunotherapy efficacy. Neuroblastomas are infiltrated by natural killer (NK), T and B cells, and immunosuppressive myeloid populations. NK cells show reduced cytotoxicity and T cells have a dysfunctional profile. Interaction analysis reveals a vast immunoregulatory network and identifies NECTIN2-TIGIT as a crucial immune checkpoint. Combined blockade of TIGIT and PD-L1 significantly reduces neuroblastoma growth, with complete responses (CR) in vivo. Moreover, addition of TIGIT+PD-L1 blockade to standard relapse treatment in a chemotherapy-resistant Th-ALKF1174L/MYCN 129/SvJ syngeneic model induces CR. In conclusion, our integrative analysis provides promising targets and a rationale for immunotherapeutic combination strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judith Wienke
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Lindy L Visser
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Waleed M Kholosy
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Kaylee M Keller
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marta Barisa
- Cancer Section, Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Evon Poon
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Sophie Munnings-Tomes
- Cancer Section, Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Courtney Himsworth
- Cancer Section, Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth Calton
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | | | - Ronald Bernardi
- Genentech, A Member of the Roche Group, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Femke van den Ham
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Yvette A H Matser
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Michelle L Tas
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Philip Lijnzaad
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Anne L Borst
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Elisa Zappa
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Bronte M Verhoeven
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shenglin Mei
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Amira Kramdi
- Institut Curie, Inserm U830, PSL Research University, Diversity and Plasticity of Childhood Tumors Lab, Paris, France; SIREDO: Care, Innovation and Research for Children, Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Restuadi Restuadi
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Alvaro Sanchez-Bernabeu
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Netherlands Proteomics Centre, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Annelisa M Cornel
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Juliet C Gray
- Centre for Cancer Immunology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | | | - Marc H W A Wijnen
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Karin Straathof
- University College London (UCL) Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK; UCL Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Sam Behjati
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK; Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK; Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Wei Wu
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Netherlands Proteomics Centre, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore, Singapore; Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Albert J R Heck
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Netherlands Proteomics Centre, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Koster
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Stefan Nierkens
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Isabelle Janoueix-Lerosey
- Institut Curie, Inserm U830, PSL Research University, Diversity and Plasticity of Childhood Tumors Lab, Paris, France; SIREDO: Care, Innovation and Research for Children, Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Ronald R de Krijger
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ninib Baryawno
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Louis Chesler
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - John Anderson
- Cancer Section, Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK; Department of Oncology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, England, UK
| | | | | | - Max M van Noesel
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Division Imaging & Cancer, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jan J Molenaar
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Patel AG, Ashenberg O, Collins NB, Segerstolpe Å, Jiang S, Slyper M, Huang X, Caraccio C, Jin H, Sheppard H, Xu K, Chang TC, Orr BA, Shirinifard A, Chapple RH, Shen A, Clay MR, Tatevossian RG, Reilly C, Patel J, Lupo M, Cline C, Dionne D, Porter CBM, Waldman J, Bai Y, Zhu B, Barrera I, Murray E, Vigneau S, Napolitano S, Wakiro I, Wu J, Grimaldi G, Dellostritto L, Helvie K, Rotem A, Lako A, Cullen N, Pfaff KL, Karlström Å, Jané-Valbuena J, Todres E, Thorner A, Geeleher P, Rodig SJ, Zhou X, Stewart E, Johnson BE, Wu G, Chen F, Yu J, Goltsev Y, Nolan GP, Rozenblatt-Rosen O, Regev A, Dyer MA. A spatial cell atlas of neuroblastoma reveals developmental, epigenetic and spatial axis of tumor heterogeneity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.07.574538. [PMID: 38260392 PMCID: PMC10802404 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.07.574538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a pediatric cancer arising from the developing sympathoadrenal lineage with complex inter- and intra-tumoral heterogeneity. To chart this complexity, we generated a comprehensive cell atlas of 55 neuroblastoma patient tumors, collected from two pediatric cancer institutions, spanning a range of clinical, genetic, and histologic features. Our atlas combines single-cell/nucleus RNA-seq (sc/scRNA-seq), bulk RNA-seq, whole exome sequencing, DNA methylation profiling, spatial transcriptomics, and two spatial proteomic methods. Sc/snRNA-seq revealed three malignant cell states with features of sympathoadrenal lineage development. All of the neuroblastomas had malignant cells that resembled sympathoblasts and the more differentiated adrenergic cells. A subset of tumors had malignant cells in a mesenchymal cell state with molecular features of Schwann cell precursors. DNA methylation profiles defined four groupings of patients, which differ in the degree of malignant cell heterogeneity and clinical outcomes. Using spatial proteomics, we found that neuroblastomas are spatially compartmentalized, with malignant tumor cells sequestered away from immune cells. Finally, we identify spatially restricted signaling patterns in immune cells from spatial transcriptomics. To facilitate the visualization and analysis of our atlas as a resource for further research in neuroblastoma, single cell, and spatial-omics, all data are shared through the Human Tumor Atlas Network Data Commons at www.humantumoratlas.org.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anand G Patel
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Orr Ashenberg
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Natalie B Collins
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Åsa Segerstolpe
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sizun Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michal Slyper
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Chiara Caraccio
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Hongjian Jin
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Heather Sheppard
- Comparative Pathology Core, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Ke Xu
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Ti-Cheng Chang
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Brent A Orr
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Abbas Shirinifard
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Richard H Chapple
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Amber Shen
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Michael R Clay
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ruth G Tatevossian
- Cancer Biomarkers Laboratory, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Colleen Reilly
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jaimin Patel
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Marybeth Lupo
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Cynthia Cline
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Danielle Dionne
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Caroline B M Porter
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Julia Waldman
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yunhao Bai
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Bokai Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Evan Murray
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sébastien Vigneau
- Center for Cancer Genomics, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sara Napolitano
- Center for Cancer Genomics, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Isaac Wakiro
- Center for Cancer Genomics, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jingyi Wu
- Center for Cancer Genomics, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Grace Grimaldi
- Center for Cancer Genomics, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laura Dellostritto
- Center for Cancer Genomics, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karla Helvie
- Center for Cancer Genomics, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Asaf Rotem
- Center for Cancer Genomics, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ana Lako
- Center for Immuno-Oncology (CIO), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicole Cullen
- Center for Immuno-Oncology (CIO), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kathleen L Pfaff
- Center for Immuno-Oncology (CIO), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Åsa Karlström
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Judit Jané-Valbuena
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ellen Todres
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Aaron Thorner
- Center for Cancer Genomics, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paul Geeleher
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Scott J Rodig
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Elizabeth Stewart
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Bruce E Johnson
- Center for Cancer Genomics, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gang Wu
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Fei Chen
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jiyang Yu
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Yury Goltsev
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Garry P Nolan
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Orit Rozenblatt-Rosen
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Current address: Research and Early Development, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Aviv Regev
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
- Koch Institute of Integrative Cancer Research, Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Current address: Research and Early Development, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
- Lead contacts
| | - Michael A Dyer
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- Lead contacts
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhu A, Li X, Wang J. Integrating bulk-seq and single-cell-seq reveals disulfidptosis potential index associating with neuroblastoma prognosis and immune infiltration. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:16647-16658. [PMID: 37721569 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05392-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Neuroblastoma is a challenging pediatric tumor with a need for improved treatment strategies. This study explores the role of disulfidptosis, a form of cell death induced by intracellular disulfide accumulation, in neuroblastoma and its implications for prognosis and immune infiltration. METHODS We subgrouped neuroblastoma samples based on disulfidptosis-related gene expression and constructed a disulfidptosis potential index (DPI) to quantify disulfidptosis levels in neurobalstoma. The correlation between DPI, outcome, immune infiltration, and drug sensitivity were explored. RESULTS Combing RNA-seq and single-cell dataset, we found that higher disulfidptosis potential index (DPI) is associated with poorer outcomes in neuroblastoma patients, indicating the detrimental impact of enhanced disulfide stress and cellular dysfunction. Furthermore, we found that higher DPI is correlated with reduced immune infiltration within the tumor microenvironment, highlighting an immunosuppressive milieu in high DPI neuroblastomas. The DPI-high neuroblastoma may benefit from the estrogen pathway related drug fulvestrant. CONCLUSION Overall, this study highlights the significance of disulfidptosis as a potential therapeutic target and underscores the importance of integrating immune modulation strategies, offering new avenues for improved management of neuroblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aiguo Zhu
- Tianjin Cancer Hospital Airport Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Xin Li
- Tianjin Cancer Hospital Airport Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China.
| | - Jian Wang
- Tianjin Cancer Hospital Airport Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Song M, Huang Y, Hong Y, Liu J, Zhu J, Lu S, Wang J, Sun F, Huang J, Xu J, Tang Y, Xia JC, Zhang Y. PD-L1-expressing natural killer cells predict favorable prognosis and response to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in neuroblastoma. Oncoimmunology 2023; 13:2289738. [PMID: 38125723 PMCID: PMC10732605 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2289738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
T/NK cell-based immunotherapy has achieved remarkable success in adult cancers but has limited efficacy in pediatric malignancies including high-risk neuroblastoma (NB). Immune defects of NB tumor microenvironment are poorly understood compared with adults. Here, we described the unique characteristics of NB immune contexture and determined the phenotype signatures of PD-L1-expressing CD8+ T and NK cells in NB tumors by systemically analyzing the spatial distribution of T and NK cells and the distinct expression of programmed death 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) in patients with NB. We found that PD-L1-expressing CD8+ T and NK cells in NB tumors were highly activated and functionally competent and associated with better clinical outcomes. Intratumoral NK cells were a favorable prognostic biomarker independent of CD8+ T cells, PD-1/PD-L1 expression, tumor stage, MYCN amplification, and risk classification. NK cells combined with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies showed potent antitumor activity against both MYCN-amplified and non-amplified NBs in vitro and in vivo, and PD-L1-expressing NK cells associated with improved antitumor efficacy. Collectively, we raise novel insights into the role of PD-L1 expression on CD8+ T-cell and NK-cell activation. We highlight the great potential of intratumoral NK cells in better defining risk stratification, and predicting survival and response to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy in NB. These findings explain why single anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy may not be successful in NB, suggesting its combination with NK cell-adoptive cellular therapy as a promising strategy for relapsing/refractory NB. This study provides a potential prospect that patients with PD-L1-expressing NK cells may respond to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengjia Song
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yue Huang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ye Hong
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia Zhu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Suying Lu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Feifei Sun
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junting Huang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaqian Xu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Tang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian-Chuan Xia
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yizhuo Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kennedy PT, Zannoupa D, Son MH, Dahal LN, Woolley JF. Neuroblastoma: an ongoing cold front for cancer immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007798. [PMID: 37993280 PMCID: PMC10668262 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most frequent extracranial childhood tumour but effective treatment with current immunotherapies is challenging due to its immunosuppressive microenvironment. Efforts to date have focused on using immunotherapy to increase tumour immunogenicity and enhance anticancer immune responses, including anti-GD2 antibodies; immune checkpoint inhibitors; drugs which enhance macrophage and natural killer T (NKT) cell function; modulation of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes pathway; and engineering neuroblastoma-targeting chimeric-antigen receptor-T cells. Some of these strategies have strong preclinical foundation and are being tested clinically, although none have demonstrated notable success in treating paediatric neuroblastoma to date. Recently, approaches to overcome heterogeneity of neuroblastoma tumours and treatment resistance are being explored. These include rational combination strategies with the aim of achieving synergy, such as dual targeting of GD2 and tumour-associated macrophages or natural killer cells; GD2 and the B7-H3 immune checkpoint; GD2 and enhancer of zeste-2 methyltransferase inhibitors. Such combination strategies provide opportunities to overcome primary resistance to and maximize the benefits of immunotherapy in neuroblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul T Kennedy
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Demetra Zannoupa
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Meong Hi Son
- Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Lekh N Dahal
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - John F Woolley
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Tan J, Wang C, Jin Y, Xia Y, Gong B, Zhao Q. Optimal combination of MYCN differential gene and cellular senescence gene predicts adverse outcomes in patients with neuroblastoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1309138. [PMID: 38035110 PMCID: PMC10687280 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1309138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Neuroblastoma (NB) is a common extracranial tumor in children and is highly heterogeneous. The factors influencing the prognosis of NB are not simple. Methods To investigate the effect of cell senescence on the prognosis of NB and tumor immune microenvironment, 498 samples of NB patients and 307 cellular senescence-related genes were used to construct a prediction signature. Results A signature based on six optimal candidate genes (TP53, IL-7, PDGFRA, S100B, DLL3, and TP63) was successfully constructed and proved to have good prognostic ability. Through verification, the signature had more advantages than the gene expression level alone in evaluating prognosis was found. Further T cell phenotype analysis displayed that exhausted phenotype PD-1 and senescence-related phenotype CD244 were highly expressed in CD8+ T cell in MYCN-amplified group with higher risk-score. Conclusion A signature constructed the six MYCN-amplified differential genes and aging-related genes can be used to predict the prognosis of NB better than using each high-risk gene individually and to evaluate immunosuppressed and aging tumor microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxiong Tan
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Chaoyu Wang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan Jin
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuren Xia
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Baocheng Gong
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiang Zhao
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Qin YY, Yang Y, Ren YH, Gao F, Wang MJ, Li G, Liu YX, Fan L. A pan-cancer analysis of the MAPK family gene and their association with prognosis, tumor microenvironment, and therapeutic targets. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35829. [PMID: 37960824 PMCID: PMC10637530 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinases family of genes plays a crucial role in a wide range of inflammatory responses in the human body. The MAPK family of genes includes ERK, ERK5, JNK, P-38 mitogen-activated protein kinases. However, the correlation between MAPK family gene expression and pan-cancer prognosis, as well as the tumor microenvironment, has not been extensively studied. This study integrated multiple bioinformatics analysis methods to assess the expression and prognostic value of MAPK family genes, as well as their relationship with tumor microenvironment in patients with pan-cancer. The results showed that ERK, JNK, and P-38 MAPK expression were found to be significantly upregulated in rectum adenocarcinoma (READ), colon adenocarcinoma/rectum adenocarcinoma esophageal carcinoma (COADREAD), and kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), and significantly downregulated in acute myeloid leukemia. And the results revealed good prognostic results for ERK, JNK, and P-38 MAPK in READ, COADREAD, and KIRC. We observed significant positive correlation between MAPK family gene expression and immune scores especially dendritic cells in READ, COADREAD, and KIRC. And we observed that the expression levels of MAPK family genes were significantly correlated with the expression of immune-related genes, such as CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL8, CXCR1, CXCR2, CTLA-4, CD80, CD86, and CD28, suggesting their important role in regulating immune infiltrates and tumor progression. Therefore, our study suggested that MAPK family gene plays an important role in regulating immune infiltrates and tumor progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Yuan Qin
- School of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, China
| | - Yan Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, China
| | - Yan-Hui Ren
- School of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, China
| | - Feng Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, China
| | - Min-Jie Wang
- Medical Experimental Center, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, China
| | - Gang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, China
| | - Yun-Xia Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, China
| | - Lei Fan
- School of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Zappa E, Vitali A, Anders K, Molenaar JJ, Wienke J, Künkele A. Adoptive cell therapy in paediatric extracranial solid tumours: current approaches and future challenges. Eur J Cancer 2023; 194:113347. [PMID: 37832507 PMCID: PMC10695178 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2023.113347] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has ignited hope to cure paediatric solid tumours that resist traditional therapies. Among the most promising methods is adoptive cell therapy (ACT). Particularly, ACT using T cells equipped with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) has moved into the spotlight in clinical studies. However, the efficacy of ACT is challenged by ACT-intrinsic factors, like lack of activation or T cell exhaustion, as well as immune evasion strategies of paediatric solid tumours, such as their highly immunosuppressive microenvironment. Novel strategies, including ACT using innate-like lymphocytes, innovative cell engineering techniques, and ACT combination therapies, are being developed and will be crucial to overcome these challenges. Here, we discuss the main classes of ACT for the treatment of paediatric extracranial solid tumours, reflect on the available preclinical and clinical evidence supporting promising strategies, and address the challenges that ACT is still facing. Ultimately, we highlight state-of-the-art developments and opportunities for new therapeutic options, which hold great potential for improving outcomes in this challenging patient population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Zappa
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Alice Vitali
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Kathleen Anders
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan J Molenaar
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Judith Wienke
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Annette Künkele
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Borau C, Wertheim KY, Hervas-Raluy S, Sainz-DeMena D, Walker D, Chisholm R, Richmond P, Varella V, Viceconti M, Montero A, Gregori-Puigjané E, Mestres J, Kasztelnik M, García-Aznar JM. A multiscale orchestrated computational framework to reveal emergent phenomena in neuroblastoma. COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE 2023; 241:107742. [PMID: 37572512 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2023.107742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a complex and aggressive type of cancer that affects children. Current treatments involve a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and stem cell transplantation. However, treatment outcomes vary due to the heterogeneous nature of the disease. Computational models have been used to analyse data, simulate biological processes, and predict disease progression and treatment outcomes. While continuum cancer models capture the overall behaviour of tumours, and agent-based models represent the complex behaviour of individual cells, multiscale models represent interactions at different organisational levels, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the system. In 2018, the PRIMAGE consortium was formed to build a cloud-based decision support system for neuroblastoma, including a multi-scale model for patient-specific simulations of disease progression. In this work we have developed this multi-scale model that includes data such as patient's tumour geometry, cellularity, vascularization, genetics and type of chemotherapy treatment, and integrated it into an online platform that runs the simulations on a high-performance computation cluster using Onedata and Kubernetes technologies. This infrastructure will allow clinicians to optimise treatment regimens and reduce the number of costly and time-consuming clinical trials. This manuscript outlines the challenging framework's model architecture, data workflow, hypothesis, and resources employed in its development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Borau
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering (M2BE), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - K Y Wertheim
- Department of Computer Science and InsigneoInstitute for In Silico Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Centre of Excellence for Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Modelling and School of Computer Science, University of Hull, Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom
| | - S Hervas-Raluy
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering (M2BE), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - D Sainz-DeMena
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering (M2BE), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - D Walker
- Department of Computer Science and InsigneoInstitute for In Silico Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - R Chisholm
- Department of Computer Science and InsigneoInstitute for In Silico Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - P Richmond
- Department of Computer Science and InsigneoInstitute for In Silico Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - V Varella
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Medical Technology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - M Viceconti
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Medical Technology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - A Montero
- Chemotargets SL, Baldiri Reixac 4, Parc Cientific de Barcelona (PCB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - E Gregori-Puigjané
- Chemotargets SL, Baldiri Reixac 4, Parc Cientific de Barcelona (PCB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Mestres
- Chemotargets SL, Baldiri Reixac 4, Parc Cientific de Barcelona (PCB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Kasztelnik
- ACC Cyfronet, AGH University of Science and Technology, Kraków, Poland
| | - J M García-Aznar
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering (M2BE), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Martínez-Pacheco ML, Hernández-Lemus E, Mejía C. Analysis of High-Risk Neuroblastoma Transcriptome Reveals Gene Co-Expression Signatures and Functional Features. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1230. [PMID: 37759629 PMCID: PMC10525871 DOI: 10.3390/biology12091230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma represents a neoplastic expansion of neural crest cells in the developing sympathetic nervous system and is childhood's most common extracranial solid tumor. The heterogeneity of gene expression in different types of cancer is well-documented, and genetic features of neuroblastoma have been described by classification, development stage, malignancy, and progression of tumors. Here, we aim to analyze RNA sequencing datasets, publicly available in the GDC data portal, of neuroblastoma tumor samples from various patients and compare them with normal adrenal gland tissue from the GTEx data portal to elucidate the gene expression profile and regulation networks they share. Our results from the differential expression, weighted correlation network, and functional enrichment analyses that we performed with the count data from neuroblastoma and standard normal gland samples indicate that the analysis of transcriptome data from 58 patients diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma shares the expression pattern of 104 genes. More importantly, our analyses identify the co-expression relationship and the role of these genes in multiple biological processes and signaling pathways strongly associated with this disease phenotype. Our approach proposes a group of genes and their biological functions to be further investigated as essential molecules and possible therapeutic targets of neuroblastoma regardless of the etiology of individual tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carmen Mejía
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro 76010, Mexico;
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Brignole C, Calarco E, Bensa V, Giusto E, Perri P, Ciampi E, Corrias MV, Astigiano S, Cilli M, Loo D, Bonvini E, Pastorino F, Ponzoni M. Antitumor activity of the investigational B7-H3 antibody-drug conjugate, vobramitamab duocarmazine, in preclinical models of neuroblastoma. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007174. [PMID: 37775116 PMCID: PMC10546160 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION B7-H3 is a potential target for pediatric cancers, including neuroblastoma (NB). Vobramitamab duocarmazine (also referred to as MGC018 and herein referred to as vobra duo) is an investigational duocarmycin-based antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) directed against the B7-H3 antigen. It is composed of an anti-B7-H3 humanized IgG1/kappa monoclonal antibody chemically conjugated through a cleavable valine-citrulline linker to a duocarmycin-hydroxybenzamide azaindole (vc-seco-DUBA). Vobra duo has shown preliminary clinical activity in B7-H3-expressing tumors. METHODS B7-H3 expression was evaluated by flow-cytometry in a panel of human NB cell lines. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in monolayer and in multicellular tumor spheroid (MCTS) models by the water-soluble tetrazolium salt,MTS, proliferation assay and Cell Titer Glo 3D cell viability assay, respectively. Apoptotic cell death was investigated by annexin V staining. Orthotopic, pseudometastatic, and resected mouse NB models were developed to mimic disease conditions related to primary tumor growth, metastases, and circulating tumor cells with minimal residual disease, respectively. RESULTS All human NB cell lines expressed cell surface B7-H3 in a unimodal fashion. Vobra duo was cytotoxic in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner against all cell lines (IC50 range 5.1-53.9 ng/mL) and NB MCTS (IC50 range 17.8-364 ng/mL). Vobra duo was inactive against a murine NB cell line (NX-S2) that did not express human B7-H3; however, NX-S2 cells were killed in the presence of vobra duo when co-cultured with human B7-H3-expressing cells, demonstrating bystander activity. In orthotopic and pseudometastatic mouse models, weekly intravenous treatments with 1 mg/kg vobra duo for 3 weeks delayed tumor growth compared with animals treated with an irrelevant (anti-CD20) duocarmycin-ADC. Vobra duo treatment for 4 weeks further increased survival in both orthotopic and resected NB models. Vobra duo compared favorably to TOpotecan-TEMozolomide (TOTEM), the standard-of-care therapy for NB relapsed disease, with tumor relapse delayed or arrested by two or three repeated 4-week vobra duo treatments, respectively. Further increased survival was observed in mice treated with vobra duo in combination with TOTEM. Vobra duo treatment was not associated with body weight loss, hematological toxicity, or clinical chemistry abnormalities. CONCLUSION Vobra duo exerts relevant antitumor activity in preclinical B7-H3-expressing NB models and represents a potential candidate for clinical translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Brignole
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Enzo Calarco
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Veronica Bensa
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Elena Giusto
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Patrizia Perri
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Eleonora Ciampi
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Valeria Corrias
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Michele Cilli
- Animal Facility, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Derik Loo
- MacroGenics Inc, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Fabio Pastorino
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Mirco Ponzoni
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Bao W, Song Z, Wan H, Yu X, Chen Z, Jiang Y, Chen X, Le K. Model for predicting prognosis and immunotherapy based on CD +8 T cells infiltration in neuroblastoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:9839-9855. [PMID: 37248319 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04897-7] [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: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroblastoma (NBL) is an extracranial malignant tumor in children deriving from the neural crest in the sympathetic nervous system. Although various immunotherapy interventions have made significant breakthroughs in many adult cancers, the efficacy of these immunotherapies was still limited in NBL. NBL has low immunogenicity which results in a lack of tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Moreover, tumor cells can wield many immune evasion strategies both in the TME and systemically to impede lymphocyte infiltration and activation. All these factors hamper the anti-tumor effects of CD8+ T cells during immunotherapy and the levels of infiltrating CD8+ T cells correlate with therapy response. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, we utilized multidimensional bioinformatic methods to establish a risk model based on CD8+ T cells -related genes (CD8+ TRGs). RESULTS We obtained 33 CD8+ TRGs with well-predictive ability for prognosis in both GSE49711 and E-MTAB-8248 cohorts. Then, 12 CD8+ TRGs including HK2, RP2, HPSE, ELL2, GFI1, SLC22A16, FCGR3A, CTSS, SH2D1A, RBP5, ATF5, and ADAM9 were finally identified for risk model construction and validation. This model revealed a stable performance in prognostic prediction of the overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) in patients with NBL. Additionally, our research indicated that the immune and stromal scores, immune-related pathways, immune cell infiltration, the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and immune checkpoint molecules, immunotherapy response, and drug susceptibility revealed significant differences between high and low-risk groups. CONCLUSIONS According to our analyses, the constructed CD8+ TRGs-based risk model may be promising for the clinical prediction of anti-tumor therapy responses and prognoses in NBL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Bao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Zhiping Song
- Department of Anesthesia, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Hao Wan
- Department of General Surgery, Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital, No.122 Yangming Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Xiaoping Yu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Zhaoyan Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Yaqing Jiang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Kai Le
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No.17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China.
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 11 Yuk Choi Rd, Hong Kong S.A.R., China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Larrosa C, Mora J, Cheung NK. Global Impact of Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs) in Children: A Focus on Anti-GD2. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3729. [PMID: 37509390 PMCID: PMC10378537 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), as the name implies, are clonal antibodies that bind to the same antigen. mAbs are broadly used as diagnostic or therapeutic tools for neoplasms, autoimmune diseases, allergic conditions, and infections. Although most mAbs are approved for treating adult cancers, few are applicable to childhood malignancies, limited mostly to hematological cancers. As for solid tumors, only anti-disialoganglioside (GD2) mAbs are approved specifically for neuroblastoma. Inequities of drug access have continued, affecting most therapeutic mAbs globally. To understand these challenges, a deeper dive into the complex transition from basic research to the clinic, or between marketing and regulatory agencies, is timely. This review focuses on current mAbs approved or under investigation in pediatric cancer, with special attention on solid tumors and anti-GD2 mAbs, and the hurdles that limit their broad global access. Beyond understanding the mechanisms of drug resistance, the continual discovery of next generation drugs safer for children and easier to administer, the discovery of predictive biomarkers to avoid futility should ease the acceptance by patient, health care professionals and regulatory agencies, in order to expand clinical utility. With a better integration into the multimodal treatment for each disease, protocols that align with the regional clinical practice should also improve acceptance and cost-effectiveness. Communication and collaboration between academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and regulatory agencies should help to ensure accessible, affordable, and sustainable health care for all.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Larrosa
- Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona, 08950 Barcelona, Spain; (C.L.); (J.M.)
| | - Jaume Mora
- Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona, 08950 Barcelona, Spain; (C.L.); (J.M.)
| | - Nai-Kong Cheung
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Hu J, Song F, Kang W, Xia F, Song Z, Wang Y, Li J, Zhao Q. Integrative analysis of multi-omics data for discovery of ferroptosis-related gene signature predicting immune activity in neuroblastoma. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1162563. [PMID: 37521469 PMCID: PMC10373597 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1162563] [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: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy for neuroblastoma remains unsatisfactory due to heterogeneity and weak immunogenicity. Exploring powerful signatures for the evaluation of immunotherapy outcomes remain the primary purpose. We constructed a ferroptosis-related gene (FRG) signature by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and Cox regression, identified 10 independent prognostic FRGs in a training cohort (GSE62564), and then verified them in an external validation cohort (TCGA). Associated with clinical factors, the signature accurately predicts overall survival of 3, 5, and 10 years. An independent prognostic nomogram, which included FRG risk, age, stage of the International Neuroblastoma Staging System, and an MYCN status, was constructed. The area under the curves showed satisfactory prognostic predicting performance. Through bulk RNA-seq and proteomics data, we revealed the relationship between hub genes and the key onco-promoter MYCN gene and then validated the results in MYCN-amplified and MYCN-non-amplified cell lines with qRT-PCR. The FRG signature significantly divided patients into high- and low-risk groups, and the differentially expressed genes between the two groups were enriched in immune actions, autophagy, and carcinogenesis behaviors. The low-risk group embodied higher positive immune component infiltration and a higher expression of immune checkpoints with a more favorable immune cytolytic activity (CYT). We verified the predictive power of this signature with data from melanoma patients undergoing immunotherapy, and the predictive power was satisfactory. Gene mutations were closely related to the signature and prognosis. AURKA and PRKAA2 were revealed to be nodal hub FRGs in the signature, and both were shown to have significantly different expressions between the INSS stage IV and other stages after immunohistochemical validation. With single-cell RNA-seq analysis, we found that genes related to T cells were enriched in TNFA signaling and interferon-γ hallmark. In conclusion, we constructed a ferroptosis-related gene signature that can predict the outcomes and work in evaluating the effects of immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiajian Hu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Department of Pediatric Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Fengju Song
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenjuan Kang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Fantong Xia
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Department of Pediatric Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Zi’an Song
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Department of Pediatric Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yangyang Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Department of Pediatric Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jie Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Department of Pediatric Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiang Zhao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Department of Pediatric Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Rohila D, Park IH, Pham TV, Jones R, Tapia E, Liu KX, Tamayo P, Yu A, Sharabi AB, Joshi S. Targeting macrophage Syk enhances responses to immune checkpoint blockade and radiotherapy in high-risk neuroblastoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1148317. [PMID: 37350973 PMCID: PMC10283071 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1148317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neuroblastoma (NB) is considered an immunologically cold tumor and is usually less responsive to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are highly infiltrated in NB tumors and promote immune escape and resistance to ICB. Hence therapeutic strategies targeting immunosuppressive TAMs can improve responses to ICB in NB. We recently discovered that spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) reprograms TAMs toward an immunostimulatory phenotype and enhances T-cell responses in the lung adenocarcinoma model. Here we investigated if Syk is an immune-oncology target in NB and tested whether a novel immunotherapeutic approach utilizing Syk inhibitor together with radiation and ICB could provide a durable anti-tumor immune response in an MYCN amplified murine model of NB. Methods Myeloid Syk KO mice and syngeneic MYCN-amplified cell lines were used to elucidate the effect of myeloid Syk on the NB tumor microenvironment (TME). In addition, the effect of Syk inhibitor, R788, on anti-tumor immunity alone or in combination with anti-PDL1 mAb and radiation was also determined in murine NB models. The underlying mechanism of action of this novel therapeutic combination was also investigated. Results Herein, we report that Syk is a marker of NB-associated macrophages and plays a crucial role in promoting immunosuppression in the NB TME. We found that the blockade of Syk in NB-bearing mice markedly impairs tumor growth. This effect is facilitated by macrophages that become immunogenic in the absence of Syk, skewing the suppressive TME towards immunostimulation and activating anti-tumor immune responses. Moreover, combining FDA-approved Syk inhibitor, R788 (fostamatinib) along with anti-PDL1 mAb provides a synergistic effect leading to complete tumor regression and durable anti-tumor immunity in mice bearing small tumors (50 mm3) but not larger tumors (250 mm3). However, combining radiation to R788 and anti-PDL1 mAb prolongs the survival of mice bearing large NB9464 tumors. Conclusion Collectively, our findings demonstrate the central role of macrophage Syk in NB progression and demonstrate that Syk blockade can "reeducate" TAMs towards immunostimulatory phenotype, leading to enhanced T cell responses. These findings further support the clinical evaluation of fostamatinib alone or with radiation and ICB, as a novel therapeutic intervention in neuroblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Rohila
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - In Hwan Park
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Timothy V. Pham
- Office of Cancer Genomics, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Riley Jones
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Elisabette Tapia
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Kevin X. Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Pablo Tamayo
- Office of Cancer Genomics, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Alice Yu
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Andrew B. Sharabi
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Shweta Joshi
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Li M, Duan X, You D, Liu L. Construction of a novel clinical nomogram to predict cancer-specific survival in patients with primary malignant adrenal tumors: a large population-based retrospective study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1184607. [PMID: 37305122 PMCID: PMC10249662 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1184607] [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: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Primary malignant adrenal tumors were rare and had a poor prognosis. This investigation aimed to create a useful clinical prediction nomogram to anticipate cancer-specific survival (CSS) of patients with a primary malignant adrenal tumor. Method This study included 1748 patients with malignant adrenal tumor diagnoses subjects from 2000 to 2019. These subjects were allocated randomly into training (70%) and validation (30%) cohorts. Patients with adrenal tumors underwent univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses to identify the CSS-independent predictive biomarkers. Therefore, a nomogram was created depending on those predictors, and calibration curves, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to assess the calibration capacity of the nomogram, discriminative power, and clinical efficiency, respectively. Afterward, a risk system for categorizing patients with adrenal tumors was established. Result The univariate and multivariate Cox analysis demonstrated the CSS-independent predictive factors, including age, tumor stage, size, histological type, and surgery. As a result, a nomogram was developed using these variables. For the 3-, 5-, and 10-year CSS of this nomogram, the values of the area under the curve (AUC) of the ROC curves were 0.829, 0.827, and 0.822, respectively. Furthermore, the AUC values of the nomogram were higher than those of the individual independent prognostic components of CSS, indicating that the nomogram had stronger prognostic prediction reliability. A novel risk stratification method was created to further improve patient stratification and give clinical professionals a better reference for clinical decision-making. Conclusion Through the developed nomogram and risk stratification method, the CSS of patients with malignant adrenal tumors could be predicted more precisely, assisting physicians to differentiate patients better and creating personalized treatment strategies to optimize patient benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhen Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoying Duan
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Di You
- Department of Anesthesiology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Linlin Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Rivera Z, Escutia C, Madonna MB, Gupta KH. Biological Insight and Recent Advancement in the Treatment of Neuroblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108470. [PMID: 37239815 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most frequent solid tumors in children is neuroblastoma, which has a variety of clinical behaviors that are mostly influenced by the biology of the tumor. Unique characteristics of neuroblastoma includes its early age of onset, its propensity for spontaneous tumor regression in newborns, and its high prevalence of metastatic disease at diagnosis in individuals older than 1 year of age. Immunotherapeutic techniques have been added to the previously enlisted chemotherapeutic treatments as therapeutic choices. A groundbreaking new treatment for hematological malignancies is adoptive cell therapy, specifically chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy. However, due to the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME) of neuroblastoma tumor, this treatment approach faces difficulties. Numerous tumor-associated genes and antigens, including the MYCN proto-oncogene (MYCN) and disialoganglioside (GD2) surface antigen, have been found by the molecular analysis of neuroblastoma cells. The MYCN gene and GD2 are two of the most useful immunotherapy findings for neuroblastoma. The tumor cells devise numerous methods to evade immune identification or modify the activity of immune cells. In addition to addressing the difficulties and potential advancements of immunotherapies for neuroblastoma, this review attempts to identify important immunological actors and biological pathways involved in the dynamic interaction between the TME and immune system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zoriamin Rivera
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Carlos Escutia
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Mary Beth Madonna
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Kajal H Gupta
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Gong J, Dong L, Wang C, Luo N, Han T, Li M, Sun T, Ding R, Han B, Li G. Molecular genomic landscape of pediatric solid tumors in Chinese patients: implications for clinical significance. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023:10.1007/s00432-023-04756-5. [PMID: 37140698 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04756-5] [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: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pediatric solid tumors are significantly different from adult tumors. Studies have revealed genomic aberrations in pediatric solid tumors, but these analyses were based on Western populations. Currently, it is not known to what extent the existing genomic findings represent differences in ethnic backgrounds. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We retrospectively analyzed the basic clinical characteristics of the patients, including age, cancer type, and sex distribution, and further analyzed the somatic and germline mutations of cancer-related genes in a Chinese pediatric cohort. In addition, we investigated the clinical significance of genomic mutations on therapeutic, prognostic, diagnostic, and preventive actions. RESULTS Our study enrolled 318 pediatric patients, including 234 patients with CNS tumors and 84 patients with non-CNS tumors. Somatic mutation analysis showed that there were significant differences in mutation types between CNS tumors and non-CNS tumors. P/LP germline variants were identified in 8.49% of patients. In total, 42.8% patients prompted diagnostic, 37.7% patients prompted prognostic, 58.2% patients prompted therapeutic, and 8.5% patients prompted tumor-predisposing and preventive, and we found that genomic findings might improve clinical management. CONCLUSIONS Our study is the first large-scale study to analyze the landscape of genetic mutations in pediatric patients with solid tumors in China. Genomic findings in CNS and non-CNS solid pediatric tumors provide evidence for the clinical classification and individualized treatment of pediatric tumors, and they will facilitate improvement of clinical management. Data presented in this study should serve as a reference to guide the future design of clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Gong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Liujian Dong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University; Henan Children's Hospital; Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Chuanwei Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Ningning Luo
- The Medical Department, The State Key Lab of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd, Nanjing Simcere Medical Laboratory Science Co., Ltd, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd, Nanjing, 210000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tiantian Han
- The Medical Department, The State Key Lab of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd, Nanjing Simcere Medical Laboratory Science Co., Ltd, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd, Nanjing, 210000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mengmeng Li
- The Medical Department, The State Key Lab of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd, Nanjing Simcere Medical Laboratory Science Co., Ltd, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd, Nanjing, 210000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tingting Sun
- The Medical Department, The State Key Lab of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd, Nanjing Simcere Medical Laboratory Science Co., Ltd, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd, Nanjing, 210000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ran Ding
- The Medical Department, The State Key Lab of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug Development, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd, Nanjing Simcere Medical Laboratory Science Co., Ltd, Jiangsu Simcere Diagnostics Co., Ltd, Nanjing, 210000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bo Han
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Department of Pathology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Brain Function Remodeling, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Zeng L, Xu H, Li SH, Xu SY, Chen K, Qin LJ, Miao L, Wang F, Deng L, Wang FH, Li L, Fu S, Liu N, Wang R, Li YQ, Wang HY. Cross-cohort analysis identified an immune checkpoint-based signature to predict the clinical outcomes of neuroblastoma. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2022-005980. [PMID: 37130627 PMCID: PMC10163522 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroblastoma (NB) places a substantial health burden on families worldwide. This study aimed to develop an immune checkpoint-based signature (ICS) based on the expression of immune checkpoints to better assess patient survival risk and potentially guide patient selection for immunotherapy of NB. METHODS Immunohistochemistry integrated with digital pathology was used to determine the expression levels of 9 immune checkpoints in 212 tumor tissues used as the discovery set. The GSE85047 dataset (n=272) was used as a validation set in this study. In the discovery set, the ICS was constructed using a random forest algorithm and confirmed in the validation set to predict overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS). Kaplan-Meier curves with a log-rank test were drawn to compare the survival differences. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to calculate the area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS Seven immune checkpoints, including PD-L1, B7-H3, IDO1, VISTA, T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain containing-3 (TIM-3), inducible costimulatory molecule (ICOS) and costimulatory molecule 40 (OX40), were identified as abnormally expressed in NB in the discovery set. OX40, B7-H3, ICOS and TIM-3 were eventually selected for the ICS model in the discovery set, and 89 patients with high risk had an inferior OS (HR 15.91, 95% CI 8.87 to 28.55, p<0.001) and EFS (HR 4.30, 95% CI 2.80 to 6.62, p<0.001). Furthermore, the prognostic value of the ICS was confirmed in the validation set (p<0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that age and the ICS were independent risk factors for OS in the discovery set (HR 6.17, 95% CI 1.78 to 21.29 and HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.25, respectively). Furthermore, nomogram A combining the ICS and age demonstrated significantly better prognostic value than age alone in predicting the patients' 1-year, 3-year and 5-year OS in the discovery set (1 year: AUC, 0.891 (95% CI 0.797 to 0.985) vs 0.675 (95% CI 0.592 to 0.758); 3 years: 0.875 (95% CI 0.817 to 0.933) vs 0.701 (95% CI 0.645 to 0.758); 5 years: 0.898 (95% CI 0.851 to 0.940) vs 0.724 (95% CI 0.673 to 0.775), respectively), which was confirmed in the validation set. CONCLUSIONS We propose an ICS that significantly differentiates between low-risk and high-risk patients, which might add prognostic value to age and provide clues for immunotherapy in NB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zeng
- Department of Pathology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Medical Center for South Central Region, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Pathology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Medical Center for South Central Region, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shu-Hua Li
- Molecular Diagnosis and Gene Testing Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuo-Yu Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Southern Medical University Nanfang Hospital, Guangzhou, China
- Bio-totem Pte. Ltd, Foshan, China
| | - Kai Chen
- Department of Pathology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Medical Center for South Central Region, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang-Jun Qin
- Department of Pathology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Medical Center for South Central Region, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Miao
- Guangzhou Institute of Paediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structural Birth Defect Disease, National Children's Medical Center for South Central Region, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Deng
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Feng-Hua Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Le Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sha Fu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumour Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Cellular & Molecular Diagnostics Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ran Wang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying-Qing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hai-Yun Wang
- Department of Pathology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Medical Center for South Central Region, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Institute of Paediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structural Birth Defect Disease, National Children's Medical Center for South Central Region, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Hervas-Raluy S, Wirthl B, Guerrero PE, Robalo Rei G, Nitzler J, Coronado E, Font de Mora Sainz J, Schrefler BA, Gomez-Benito MJ, Garcia-Aznar JM, Wall WA. Tumour growth: An approach to calibrate parameters of a multiphase porous media model based on in vitro observations of Neuroblastoma spheroid growth in a hydrogel microenvironment. Comput Biol Med 2023; 159:106895. [PMID: 37060771 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.106895] [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: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
To unravel processes that lead to the growth of solid tumours, it is necessary to link knowledge of cancer biology with the physical properties of the tumour and its interaction with the surrounding microenvironment. Our understanding of the underlying mechanisms is however still imprecise. We therefore developed computational physics-based models, which incorporate the interaction of the tumour with its surroundings based on the theory of porous media. However, the experimental validation of such models represents a challenge to its clinical use as a prognostic tool. This study combines a physics-based model with in vitro experiments based on microfluidic devices used to mimic a three-dimensional tumour microenvironment. By conducting a global sensitivity analysis, we identify the most influential input parameters and infer their posterior distribution based on Bayesian calibration. The resulting probability density is in agreement with the scattering of the experimental data and thus validates the proposed workflow. This study demonstrates the huge challenges associated with determining precise parameters with usually only limited data for such complex processes and models, but also demonstrates in general how to indirectly characterise the mechanical properties of neuroblastoma spheroids that cannot feasibly be measured experimentally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Hervas-Raluy
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Aragon Institute for Engineering Research (I3A), Maria de Luna 3, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain.
| | - Barbara Wirthl
- Institute for Computational Mechanics, Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Engineering and Design, Department of Engineering Physics & Computation, Boltzmannstraße 15, Garching b. Munich, 85748, Germany
| | - Pedro E Guerrero
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Aragon Institute for Engineering Research (I3A), Maria de Luna 3, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
| | - Gil Robalo Rei
- Institute for Computational Mechanics, Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Engineering and Design, Department of Engineering Physics & Computation, Boltzmannstraße 15, Garching b. Munich, 85748, Germany
| | - Jonas Nitzler
- Institute for Computational Mechanics, Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Engineering and Design, Department of Engineering Physics & Computation, Boltzmannstraße 15, Garching b. Munich, 85748, Germany; Professorship for Data-Driven Materials Modeling, Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Engineering and Design, Department of Engineering Physics & Computation, Boltzmannstraße 15, Garching b. Munich, 85748, Germany
| | - Esther Coronado
- Clinical and Translational Oncology Research Group, Instituto de Investigación La Fe,, Fernando Abril Martorell 106, Valencia, 46026, Spain
| | - Jaime Font de Mora Sainz
- Clinical and Translational Oncology Research Group, Instituto de Investigación La Fe,, Fernando Abril Martorell 106, Valencia, 46026, Spain
| | - Bernhard A Schrefler
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Padua, Marzolo 9, Padua, 35131, Italy; Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, Boltzmannstraße 15, Garching b. Munich, 85748, Germany
| | - Maria Jose Gomez-Benito
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Aragon Institute for Engineering Research (I3A), Maria de Luna 3, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
| | - Jose Manuel Garcia-Aznar
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Aragon Institute for Engineering Research (I3A), Maria de Luna 3, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain
| | - Wolfgang A Wall
- Institute for Computational Mechanics, Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Engineering and Design, Department of Engineering Physics & Computation, Boltzmannstraße 15, Garching b. Munich, 85748, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Rasic P, Jeremic M, Jeremic R, Dusanovic Pjevic M, Rasic M, Djuricic SM, Milickovic M, Vukadin M, Mijovic T, Savic D. Targeting B7-H3-A Novel Strategy for the Design of Anticancer Agents for Extracranial Pediatric Solid Tumors Treatment. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28083356. [PMID: 37110590 PMCID: PMC10145344 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28083356] [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: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent scientific data recognize the B7-H3 checkpoint molecule as a potential target for immunotherapy of pediatric solid tumors (PSTs). B7-H3 is highly expressed in extracranial PSTs such as neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, nephroblastoma, osteosarcoma, and Ewing sarcoma, whereas its expression is absent or very low in normal tissues and organs. The influence of B7-H3 on the biological behavior of malignant solid neoplasms of childhood is expressed through different molecular mechanisms, including stimulation of immune evasion and tumor invasion, and cell-cycle disruption. It has been shown that B7-H3 knockdown decreased tumor cell proliferation and migration, suppressed tumor growth, and enhanced anti-tumor immune response in some pediatric solid cancers. Antibody-drug conjugates targeting B7-H3 exhibited profound anti-tumor effects against preclinical models of pediatric solid malignancies. Moreover, B7-H3-targeting chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells demonstrated significant in vivo activity against different xenograft models of neuroblastoma, Ewing sarcoma, and osteosarcoma. Finally, clinical studies demonstrated the potent anti-tumor activity of B7-H3-targeting antibody-radioimmunoconjugates in metastatic neuroblastoma. This review summarizes the established data from various PST-related studies, including in vitro, in vivo, and clinical research, and explains all the benefits and potential obstacles of targeting B7-H3 by novel immunotherapeutic agents designed to treat malignant extracranial solid tumors of childhood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petar Rasic
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Mother and Child Health Care Institute of Serbia "Dr. Vukan Cupic", 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Jeremic
- Institute of Medical and Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Rada Jeremic
- Institute of Medical Physiology "Richard Burian", Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Dusanovic Pjevic
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milica Rasic
- Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Slavisa M Djuricic
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Mother and Child Health Care Institute of Serbia "Dr. Vukan Cupic", 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Banja Luka, 78000 Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Maja Milickovic
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Mother and Child Health Care Institute of Serbia "Dr. Vukan Cupic", 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Miroslav Vukadin
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Mother and Child Health Care Institute of Serbia "Dr. Vukan Cupic", 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tanja Mijovic
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Mother and Child Health Care Institute of Serbia "Dr. Vukan Cupic", 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Djordje Savic
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Mother and Child Health Care Institute of Serbia "Dr. Vukan Cupic", 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Ma Y, Li C, Zhao Z, Yang C, Zhou J, Peng L, Deng X, Wang S. Increased D-dimer level was a poor predictor of neuroblastoma, especially in the high-risk group. World J Surg Oncol 2023; 21:96. [PMID: 36915082 PMCID: PMC10010962 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-023-02974-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE D-dimer levels are associated with tumor progression and prognosis in various cancers. However, there are few research about the relationship between D-dimer and neuroblastoma (NB). This study assessed the relationships of D-dimer levels with clinical features and overall survival (OS) in patients with NB. METHODS Information about the clinical features of 365 patients and the prognosis of 301 patients was collected. The relationship between D-dimer levels and clinical features or OS was analyzed. We constructed the risk score based on Cox regression analysis and verified the predictive efficacy of the model through ROC curve and calibration curve. RESULTS The results showed that D-dimer levels were significantly increased in patients with nonmediastinal tumor, tumor larger than 10 cm, stage 3-4 disease, bone marrow metastasis, unfavorable histology, bone metastasis, NMYC amplification, and the high-risk group (all P < 0.05). The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that there were significant differences in 3- and 5-year OS (87.4% vs. 32.3%, 79.3% vs. 32.3%, P < 0.0001) between the low D-dimer and high D-dimer groups. In the high-risk group, the OS of high D-dimer was significantly lower than that of low D-dimer (P < 0.0001). All cases were divided into the training cohort (N = 211) and the validation cohort (N = 90). Multivariate analysis further suggested that D-dimer level, bone metastasis, and NMYC status were independent prognostic factors for OS (all P < 0.05). Based on the above three factors, we constructed the risk score in the training cohort. Survival analysis showed that compared with the other groups, the group with 11 scores had the worst prognosis (3-year OS 0%, P < 0.0001). The time-dependent ROC analysis and calibration curve indicated that the risk score had good accuracy. CONCLUSIONS Patients with high D-dimer levels tended to have unfavorable clinical characteristics and poor prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ma
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Medical Big Data Intelligent Application Chongqing University Engineering Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
| | - Changchun Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Medical Big Data Intelligent Application Chongqing University Engineering Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenzhen Zhao
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Medical Big Data Intelligent Application Chongqing University Engineering Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Medical Big Data Intelligent Application Chongqing University Engineering Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianwu Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Medical Big Data Intelligent Application Chongqing University Engineering Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Peng
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Medical Big Data Intelligent Application Chongqing University Engineering Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaobin Deng
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Medical Big Data Intelligent Application Chongqing University Engineering Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Medical Big Data Intelligent Application Chongqing University Engineering Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Vitale C, Bottino C, Castriconi R. Monocyte and Macrophage in Neuroblastoma: Blocking Their Pro-Tumoral Functions and Strengthening Their Crosstalk with Natural Killer Cells. Cells 2023; 12:885. [PMID: 36980226 PMCID: PMC10047506 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, immunotherapy has represented an enormous step forward in the fight against cancer. Immunotherapeutic approaches have increasingly become a fundamental part of the combined therapies currently adopted in the treatment of patients with high-risk (HR) neuroblastoma (NB). An increasing number of studies focus on the understanding of the immune landscape in NB and, since this tumor expresses low or null levels of MHC class I, on the development of new strategies aimed at enhancing innate immunity, especially Natural Killer (NK) cells and macrophages. There is growing evidence that, within the NB tumor microenvironment (TME), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which mainly present an M2-like phenotype, have a crucial role in mediating NB development and immune evasion, and they have been correlated to poor clinical outcomes. Importantly, TAM can also impair the antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) mediated by NK cells upon the administration of anti-GD2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), the current standard immunotherapy for HR-NB patients. This review deals with the main mechanisms regulating the crosstalk among NB cells and TAMs or other cellular components of the TME, which support tumor development and induce drug resistance. Furthermore, we will address the most recent strategies aimed at limiting the number of pro-tumoral macrophages within the TME, reprogramming the TAMs functional state, thus enhancing NK cell functions. We also prospectively discuss new or unexplored aspects of human macrophage heterogeneity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Vitale
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Cristina Bottino
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy
| | - Roberta Castriconi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Zhang S, Jiang R, Yang M, Wang T, Chen H, Shi Y, Liu W, Huang M. Identification of a novel eighteen-gene signature of recurrent metastasis neuroblastoma. J Mol Med (Berl) 2023; 101:403-417. [PMID: 36856811 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-023-02299-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common malignant tumor in childhood, and metastases occur in more than 30% patients. Recurrent metastasis is the main cause of poor prognosis and high mortality in neuroblastoma. In this regard, there is still a lack of sufficient biomarkers and effective therapies. Therefore, we performed a multi-omics analysis of neuroblastoma patients from Therapeutically Applicable Research To Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET). With clinical relapse site information, tumor samples derived from the primary site were divided into recurrent metastasis and primary tumor groups. The initial gene signature was obtained by comparing RNA-Seq and copy number variation differences. Survival data was used to further filter prognosis-related genes. This 18-gene signature consists of three clusters: tumor suppression, cell proliferation, and immunity. A super enhancer is involved in the enhanced expression of NCAPG in cluster2 together with IRF3. Based on the gene signature expression in primary neuroblastoma, it is possible to predict tumor metastasis before it occurs. According to the anticancer drug dataset of Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC), vinorelbine and docetaxel were predicted to have high sensitivity against recurrent metastatic neuroblastoma. In conclusion, our study offers a novel metastasis biomarker and helps understand the mechanisms of tumor recurrent metastasis. KEY MESSAGES: We identified a novel eighteen-gene signature of recurrent metastasis neuroblastoma and build risk and classification models. We dissected the regulatory role of NCAPG in signatures. We found immune exhaustion and immunosuppression in recurrent metastasis neuroblastoma. Vinorelbine and docetaxel were predicted to have high sensitivity against recurrent metastatic neuroblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shufan Zhang
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Rong Jiang
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Manqiu Yang
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Cambridge-Suda Genomic Research Center, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Human Genetics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138672, Singapore
| | - Yifan Shi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Wei Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China.
| | - Moli Huang
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Iyoda T, Yamasaki S, Ueda S, Shimizu K, Fujii SI. Natural Killer T and Natural Killer Cell-Based Immunotherapy Strategies Targeting Cancer. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020348. [PMID: 36830717 PMCID: PMC9953375 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Both natural killer T (NKT) and natural killer (NK) cells are innate cytotoxic lymphoid cells that produce inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and their role in the innate immune response to tumors and microorganisms has been investigated. Especially, emerging evidence has revealed their status and function in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of tumor cells. Some bacteria producing NKT cell ligands have been identified to exert antitumor effects, even in the TME. By contrast, tumor-derived lipids or metabolites may reportedly suppress NKT and NK cells in situ. Since NKT and NK cells recognize stress-inducible molecules or inhibitory molecules on cancer cells, their status or function depends on the balance between inhibitory and activating receptor signals. As a recent strategy in cancer immunotherapy, the mobilization or restoration of endogenous NKT or NK cells by novel vaccines or therapies has become a focus of research. As a new biological evidence, after activation, effector memory-type NKT cells lasted in tumor-bearing models, and NK cell-based immune checkpoint inhibition potentiated the enhancement of NK cell cytotoxicity against cancer cells in preclinical and clinical trials. Furthermore, several new modalities based on the characteristics of NKT and NK cells, including artificial adjuvant vector cells, chimeric antigen receptor-expressing NK or NKT cell therapy, or their combination with immune checkpoint blockade have been developed. This review examines challenges and future directions for improving these therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomonori Iyoda
- Laboratory for Immunotherapy, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Satoru Yamasaki
- Laboratory for Immunotherapy, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Shogo Ueda
- Laboratory for Immunotherapy, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Kanako Shimizu
- Laboratory for Immunotherapy, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
- RIKEN Program for Drug Discovery and Medical Technology Platforms, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
- Correspondence: (K.S.); (S.F.); Tel.:+ 81-45-503-7062 (S.F.); Fax: +81-45-503-7061 (S.F.)
| | - Shin-ichiro Fujii
- Laboratory for Immunotherapy, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
- RIKEN Program for Drug Discovery and Medical Technology Platforms, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
- Correspondence: (K.S.); (S.F.); Tel.:+ 81-45-503-7062 (S.F.); Fax: +81-45-503-7061 (S.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Wieczorek A, Zaniewska-Tekieli A, Ehlert K, Pawinska-Wasikowska K, Balwierz W, Lode H. Dinutuximab beta combined with chemotherapy in patients with relapsed or refractory neuroblastoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1082771. [PMID: 36816982 PMCID: PMC9936065 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1082771] [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: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Prognosis in children with refractory and relapsed high-risk neuroblastoma is poor. Only a minority of patients obtain remission when treated with second-line chemotherapy regimens. Chemotherapy combined with anti-GD2 antibodies has previously been shown to increase response and survival rates. We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 25 patients with relapsed or refractory high-risk neuroblastoma who were treated with irinotecan/temozolomide chemotherapy in combination with the anti-GD2 antibody dinutuximab beta. The therapy resulted in an objective response rate of 64%, with 32% of patients achieving a complete response. Response to treatment was observed in patients with refractory disease (n=5) and those with first (n=12) or consecutive (n=8) relapses, including patients with progressing disease. In four patients, best response was achieved after more than 5 cycles, suggesting that some patients may benefit from prolonged chemotherapy and dinutuximab beta treatment. Fourteen of our 25 patients had previously received dinutuximab beta, four of whom achieved complete response and six partial response (objective response rate 71%). The therapy was well tolerated, even in heavily pre-treated patients and those who had previously received dinutuximab beta treatment. Toxicities were comparable to those previously reported for the individual therapies, and no discontinuations due to toxicities occurred. Combination of chemotherapy with dinutuximab beta is a promising treatment option for patients with relapsed or refractory high-risk neuroblastoma and should be further explored in clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Wieczorek
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital of Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Zaniewska-Tekieli
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital of Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Karoline Ehlert
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Katarzyna Pawinska-Wasikowska
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital of Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Walentyna Balwierz
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Children's Hospital of Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Holger Lode
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Li Q, Wang J, Cheng Y, Hu A, Li D, Wang X, Guo Y, Zhou Y, Chen G, Bao B, Gao H, Song J, Du X, Zheng L, Tong Q. Long-Term Survival of Neuroblastoma Patients Receiving Surgery, Chemotherapy, and Radiotherapy: A Propensity Score Matching Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12030754. [PMID: 36769402 PMCID: PMC9918249 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12030754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid malignancy in children. This study was undertaken to determine the long-term survival of neuroblastoma patients receiving conventional therapeutics (surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy). The neuroblastoma patients examined were registered in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database (1975-2016). Using propensity score matching analysis, the patients were paired by record depending on whether they received surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy. Univariate and multivariate analyses of the disease-specific survival of the paired patients were performed by the log-rank test and Cox regression assay. A total of 4568 neuroblastoma patients were included in this study. During 1975-2016, the proportion of histopathological grade III/IV cases receiving surgery gradually increased, while the number of patients with tumors of grade I to IV undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy was stable or even decreased. After propensity score analysis, for Grade I + II and Grade III tumors, surgery obviously improved the disease-specific survival of patients, while chemotherapy was unfavorable for patient prognosis, and radiotherapy exerted no obvious effect on the patients. However, no matter what treatment was chosen, the patients with advanced-histopathological-grade tumors had a poor prognosis. Meanwhile, for all histopathological grades, the patients receiving surgery and subsequent chemotherapy or radiotherapy suffered from worsen disease-specific survival than those simply undergoing surgery. Fortunately, the negative effects of surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy improved gradually over time. Surgery improved the long-term survival of the neuroblastoma patients, while chemotherapy and radiotherapy exerted an unfavorable impact on patient outcome. These results provide an important reference for the clinical treatment of neuroblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qilan Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jianqun Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yang Cheng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Anpei Hu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xiaojing Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430022, China
- Clinical Center of Human Genomic Research, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yanhua Guo
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Guo Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Banghe Bao
- Department of Pathology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Haiyang Gao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jiyu Song
- Department of Pathology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xinyi Du
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Liduan Zheng
- Clinical Center of Human Genomic Research, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430022, China
- Department of Pathology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430022, China
- Correspondence: (L.Z.); (Q.T.); Tel.: +86-27-8572-6129 (L.Z.); +86-27-8535-0762 (Q.T.); Fax: +86-27-8572-6821 (L.Z. & Q.T.)
| | - Qiangsong Tong
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430022, China
- Clinical Center of Human Genomic Research, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430022, China
- Correspondence: (L.Z.); (Q.T.); Tel.: +86-27-8572-6129 (L.Z.); +86-27-8535-0762 (Q.T.); Fax: +86-27-8572-6821 (L.Z. & Q.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Ivasko SM, Anders K, Grunewald L, Launspach M, Klaus A, Schwiebert S, Ruf P, Lindhofer H, Lode HN, Andersch L, Schulte JH, Eggert A, Hundsdoerfer P, Künkele A, Zirngibl F. Combination of GD2-directed bispecific trifunctional antibody therapy with Pd-1 immune checkpoint blockade induces anti-neuroblastoma immunity in a syngeneic mouse model. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1023206. [PMID: 36700232 PMCID: PMC9869131 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1023206] [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: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite advances in treating high-risk neuroblastoma, 50-60% of patients still suffer relapse, necessitating new treatment options. Bispecific trifunctional antibodies (trAbs) are a promising new class of immunotherapy. TrAbs are heterodimeric IgG-like molecules that bind CD3 and a tumor-associated antigen simultaneously, whereby inducing a TCR-independent anti-cancer T cell response. Moreover, via their functional Fc region they recruit and activate cells of the innate immune system like antigen-presenting cells potentially enhancing induction of adaptive tumor-specific immune responses. Methods We used the SUREK trAb, which is bispecific for GD2 and murine Cd3. Tumor-blind trAb and the monoclonal ch14.18 antibody were used as controls. A co-culture model of murine dendritic cells (DCs), T cells and a neuroblastoma cell line was established to evaluate the cytotoxic effect and the T cell effector function in vitro. Expression of immune checkpoint molecules on tumor-infiltrating T cells and the induction of an anti-neuroblastoma immune response using a combination of whole cell vaccination and trAb therapy was investigated in a syngeneic immunocompetent neuroblastoma mouse model (NXS2 in A/J background). Finally, vaccinated mice were assessed for the presence of neuroblastoma-directed antibodies. We show that SUREK trAb-mediated effective killing of NXS2 cells in vitro was strictly dependent on the combined presence of DCs and T cells. Results Using a syngeneic neuroblastoma mouse model, we showed that vaccination with irradiated tumor cells combined with SUREK trAb treatment significantly prolonged survival of tumor challenged mice and partially prevent tumor outgrowth compared to tumor vaccination alone. Treatment led to upregulation of programmed cell death protein 1 (Pd-1) on tumor infiltrating T cells and combination with anti-Pd-1 checkpoint inhibition enhanced the NXS2-directed humoral immune response. Conclusion Here, we provide first preclinical evidence that a tumor vaccination combined with SUREK trAb therapy induces an endogenous anti-neuroblastoma immune response reducing tumor recurrence. Furthermore, a combination with anti-Pd-1 immune checkpoint blockade might even further improve this promising immunotherapeutic concept in order to prevent relapse in high-risk neuroblastoma patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Marie Ivasko
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt – Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany,Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Kathleen Anders
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt – Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Berlin, Germany
| | - Laura Grunewald
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt – Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Launspach
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt – Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany,Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Anika Klaus
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt – Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Silke Schwiebert
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt – Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Ruf
- Trion Research, Martinsried, Germany
| | | | - Holger N. Lode
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Lena Andersch
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt – Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johannes H. Schulte
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt – Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Berlin, Germany,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Angelika Eggert
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt – Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Berlin, Germany,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Patrick Hundsdoerfer
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt – Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany,Department of Pediatrics, HELIOS Klinikum Berlin Buch, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annette Künkele
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt – Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany,Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Berlin, Germany,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Felix Zirngibl
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt – Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany,Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany,*Correspondence: Felix Zirngibl,
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Wang X, Yang J, Bian H, Yang H. Development of A novel ferroptosis-related prognostic signature with multiple significance in paediatric neuroblastoma. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1067187. [PMID: 36911020 PMCID: PMC9992189 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1067187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent regulated cell death pathway that plays an essential role in the occurrence and development of tumours. Nonetheless, little is known about the impact of ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) on neuroblastoma. Methods Transcriptional profiles and clinicopathological data of neuroblastoma were downloaded from the TARGET and GEO datasets. These were used as the training set and the validation set, respectively. Non-negative matrix factorisation was employed to divide patients with neuroblastoma into distinct ferroptosis clusters. The Cox regression model with LASSO was performed based on the FRGs to construct a multigene signature, which was subsequently evaluated in the testing set. Finally, we analysed the differences in the tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) and immunotherapeutic response among the different risk groups. Results The two distinct ferroptosis subtypes were determined and correlated with different clinical outcomes and tumour-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs). A risk model was developed to explore the risk scores of the individual patients. Patients in the low-risk group survived significantly longer than those in the high-risk group and showed a good predictive performance in the testing set. The risk score was significantly linked to clinicopathological traits, and it was confirmed as an independent prognostic indicator for assessing the overall survival. We also found that patients with low-risk scores had a higher infiltration of TIICs and a better immunotherapeutic response. Conclusions This study showed the potential role of FRGs in contributing to the clinical features, prognosis, TIME, and immunotherapy of neuroblastoma cases. Our findings offer a valuable basis for future research in targeting ferroptosis and its TIME and provide novel measures for the prevention and treatment of neuroblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Wuhan Children' Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Wuhan Children' Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongqiang Bian
- Department of General Surgery, Wuhan Children' Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hu Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Wuhan Children' Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Mu J, Gong J, Lin P, Zhang M, Wu K. Machine learning methods revealed the roles of immune-metabolism related genes in immune infiltration, stemness, and prognosis of neuroblastoma. Cancer Biomark 2023; 38:241-259. [PMID: 37545226 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-230119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunometabolism plays an important role in neuroblastoma (NB). However, the mechanism of immune-metabolism related genes (IMRGs) in NB remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the effects of IMRGs on the prognosis, immune infiltration and stemness of patients with NB using machine learning methods. METHODS R software (v4.2.1) was used to identify the differentially expressed IMRGs, and machine learning algorithm was used to screen the prognostic genes from IMRGs. Then we constructed a prognostic model and calculated the risk scores. The NB patients were grouped according to the prognosis scores. In addition, the genes most associated with the immune infiltration and stemness of NB were analyzed by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). RESULTS There were 89 differentially expressed IMRGs between the MYCN amplification and the MYCN non-amplification group, among which CNR1, GNAI1, GLDC and ABCC4 were selected by machine learning algorithm to construct the prognosis model due to their better prediction effect. Both the K-M survival curve and the 5-year Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve indicated that the prognosis model could predict the prognosis of NB patients, and there was significant difference in immune infiltration between the two groups according to the median of risk score. CONCLUSIONS We verified the effects of IMRGs on the prognosis, immune infiltration and stemness of NB. These findings could provide help for predicting prognosis and developing immunotherapy in NB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua Mu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianan Gong
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Peng Lin
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Mengzhen Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Kai Wu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Halliwell E, Vitali A, Muller H, Alonso-Ferrero M, Barisa M, Gavriil A, Piapi A, Leboreiro-Babe C, Gileadi T, Yeung J, Pataillot-Meakin T, Fisher J, Tucker L, Donovan L, Chesler L, Chester K, Anderson J. Targeting of low ALK antigen density neuroblastoma using AND logic-gate engineered CAR-T cells. Cytotherapy 2023; 25:46-58. [PMID: 36396552 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2022.10.007] [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: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS The targeting of solid cancers with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells faces many technological hurdles, including selection of optimal target antigens. Promising pre-clinical and clinical data of CAR T-cell activity have emerged from targeting surface antigens such as GD2 and B7H3 in childhood cancer neuroblastoma. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is expressed in a majority of neuroblastomas at low antigen density but is largely absent from healthy tissues. METHODS To explore an alternate target antigen for neuroblastoma CAR T-cell therapy, the authors generated and screened a single-chain variable fragment library targeting ALK extracellular domain to make a panel of new anti-ALK CAR T-cell constructs. RESULTS A lead novel CAR T-cell construct was capable of specific cytotoxicity against neuroblastoma cells expressing low levels of ALK, but with only weak cytokine and proliferative T-cell responses. To explore strategies for amplifying ALK CAR T cells, the authors generated a co-CAR approach in which T cells received signal 1 from a first-generation ALK construct and signal 2 from anti-B7H3 or GD2 chimeric co-stimulatory receptors. The co-CAR approach successfully demonstrated the ability to avoid targeting single-antigen-positive targets as a strategy for mitigating on-target off-tumor toxicity. CONCLUSIONS These data provide further proof of concept for ALK as a neuroblastoma CAR T-cell target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Halliwell
- Cancer Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Alice Vitali
- Cancer Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Henrike Muller
- Cancer Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | | | - Marta Barisa
- Cancer Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Artemis Gavriil
- Cancer Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Alice Piapi
- Cancer Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | | | - Talia Gileadi
- Cancer Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Jenny Yeung
- Molecular and Cellular Immunology Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK; UCL Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | | | - Jonathan Fisher
- Cancer Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | | | - Laura Donovan
- Cancer Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | | | | | - John Anderson
- Cancer Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Yang J, Han L, Sha Y, Jin Y, Li Z, Gong B, Li J, Liu Y, Wang Y, Zhao Q. A novel ganglioside-related risk signature can reveal the distinct immune landscape of neuroblastoma and predict the immunotherapeutic response. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1061814. [PMID: 36605200 PMCID: PMC9807785 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1061814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Gangliosides play an essential role in cancer development and progression. However, the involvement of gangliosides in the prognosis and tumor microenvironment (TME) of neuroblastoma is not entirely understood. Methods Consensus clustering analysis was performed to identify ganglioside-mediated molecular subtypes. LASSO-Cox analysis was conducted to identify independent prognostic genes, and a novel risk signature was constructed. The risk signature was validated internally and externally. We further explored the independent prognosis value, immune landscape, drug susceptibility, and tumor dedifferentiation of the risk signature. The role of the signature gene B3GALT4 in neuroblastoma was explored in vitro. Results Seventeen ganglioside-related genes were differentially expressed between INSS stage 4 and other stages, and two ganglioside-related clusters with distinct prognoses were identified. A novel risk signature integrating ten ganglioside-related prognostic genes was established. Across the train set and external validation sets, the risk signature presented high predictive accuracy and discrimination. The risk signature was an independent prognostic factor and constructed a nomogram combining multiple clinical characteristics. In the high-score group, the deficiency in antigen processing and presenting machinery, lack of immune cell infiltration, and escaping NK cells contributed substantially to immune escape. The low-score group was more responsive to immune checkpoint blockade therapy, while the high-score group showed substantial sensitivity to multiple chemotherapeutic drugs. Besides, the risk score was significantly positively correlated with the stemness index and reduced considerably in all-trans retinoic acid-treated neuroblastoma cell lines, indicating high dedifferentiation in the high-score group. Additionally, neuroblastoma cells with downregulation of B3GALT4 present with increased proliferation, invasion, and metastasis abilities in vitro. Conclusion The novel ganglioside-related risk signature highlights the role of ganglioside in neuroblastoma prognosis and immune landscape and helps optimize chemotherapy and immunotherapy for neuroblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxing Yang
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Lei Han
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Department of Cancer Molecular Diagnostics Core, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yongliang Sha
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan Jin
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhongyuan Li
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Baocheng Gong
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Yun Liu
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Yangyang Wang
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiang Zhao
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Cornel AM, Dunnebach E, Hofman DA, Das S, Sengupta S, van den Ham F, Wienke J, Strijker JGM, van den Beemt DAMH, Essing AHW, Koopmans B, Engels SAG, Lo Presti V, Szanto CS, George RE, Molenaar JJ, van Heesch S, Dierselhuis MP, Nierkens S. Epigenetic modulation of neuroblastoma enhances T cell and NK cell immunogenicity by inducing a tumor-cell lineage switch. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-005002. [PMID: 36521927 PMCID: PMC9756225 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunotherapy in high-risk neuroblastoma (HR-NBL) does not live up to its full potential due to inadequate (adaptive) immune engagement caused by the extensive immunomodulatory capacity of HR-NBL. We aimed to tackle one of the most notable immunomodulatory processes in neuroblastoma (NBL), absence of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) surface expression, a process greatly limiting cytotoxic T cell engagement. We and others have previously shown that MHC-I expression can be induced by cytokine-driven immune modulation. Here, we aimed to identify tolerable pharmacological repurposing strategies to upregulate MHC-I expression and therewith enhance T cell immunogenicity in NBL. METHODS Drug repurposing libraries were screened to identify compounds enhancing MHC-I surface expression in NBL cells using high-throughput flow cytometry analyses optimized for adherent cells. The effect of positive hits was confirmed in a panel of NBL cell lines and patient-derived organoids. Compound-treated NBL cell lines and organoids were cocultured with preferentially expressed antigen of melanoma (PRAME)-reactive tumor-specific T cells and healthy-donor natural killer (NK) cells to determine the in vitro effect on T cell and NK cell cytotoxicity. Additional immunomodulatory effects of histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) were identified by transcriptome and translatome analysis of treated organoids. RESULTS Drug library screening revealed MHC-I upregulation by inhibitor of apoptosis inhibitor (IAPi)- and HDACi drug classes. The effect of IAPi was limited due to repression of nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) pathway activity in NBL, while the MHC-I-modulating effect of HDACi was widely translatable to a panel of NBL cell lines and patient-derived organoids. Pretreatment of NBL cells with the HDACi entinostat enhanced the cytotoxic capacity of tumor-specific T cells against NBL in vitro, which coincided with increased expression of additional players regulating T cell cytotoxicity (eg, TAP1/2 and immunoproteasome subunits). Moreover, MICA and MICB, important in NK cell cytotoxicity, were also increased by entinostat exposure. Intriguingly, this increase in immunogenicity was accompanied by a shift toward a more mesenchymal NBL cell lineage. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates the potential of combining (immuno)therapy with HDACi to enhance both T cell-driven and NKcell-driven immune responses in patients with HR-NBL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annelisa M Cornel
- Prinses Maxima Centrum voor Kinderoncologie, Utrecht, The Netherlands,Center for Translational Immunology, Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ester Dunnebach
- Prinses Maxima Centrum voor Kinderoncologie, Utrecht, The Netherlands,Center for Translational Immunology, Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Damon A Hofman
- Prinses Maxima Centrum voor Kinderoncologie, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sanjukta Das
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA,School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Satyaki Sengupta
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Femke van den Ham
- Prinses Maxima Centrum voor Kinderoncologie, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Judith Wienke
- Prinses Maxima Centrum voor Kinderoncologie, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Denise A M H van den Beemt
- Prinses Maxima Centrum voor Kinderoncologie, Utrecht, The Netherlands,Center for Translational Immunology, Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anke H W Essing
- Prinses Maxima Centrum voor Kinderoncologie, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bianca Koopmans
- Prinses Maxima Centrum voor Kinderoncologie, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sem A G Engels
- Prinses Maxima Centrum voor Kinderoncologie, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Vania Lo Presti
- Prinses Maxima Centrum voor Kinderoncologie, Utrecht, The Netherlands,Center for Translational Immunology, Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Celina S Szanto
- Prinses Maxima Centrum voor Kinderoncologie, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rani E George
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jan J Molenaar
- Prinses Maxima Centrum voor Kinderoncologie, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - S Nierkens
- Prinses Maxima Centrum voor Kinderoncologie, Utrecht, The Netherlands,Center for Translational Immunology, Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Ma K, Zhang P, Xia Y, Dong L, Li Y, Liu L, Liu Y, Wang Y. A signature based on five immune-related genes to predict the survival and immune characteristics of neuroblastoma. BMC Med Genomics 2022; 15:242. [PMID: 36419120 PMCID: PMC9685875 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-022-01400-y] [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: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MYCN amplification (MNA) has been proved to be related to poor prognosis in neuroblastoma (NBL), but the MYCN-related immune signatures and genes remain unclear. METHODS Enrichment analysis was used to identify the significant enrichment pathways of differentially expressed immune-related genes (DEIRGs). Weight gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was applied to reveal the correlation between these DEIRGs and MYCN status. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were used to construct risk model. The relevant fractions of immune cells were evaluated by CIBERSORT and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA). RESULTS Five genes, including CHGA, PTGER1, SHC3, PLXNC1, and TRIM55 were enrolled into the risk model. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that our model performed well in predicting the outcomes of NBL (3-years AUC = 0.720, 5-year AUC = 0.775, 10-years AUC = 0.782), which has been validated in the GSE49711 dataset and the E-MTAB-8248 dataset. By comparing with the tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) and tumor inflammation signature (TIS), we further proved that our model is reliable. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses indicated that the risk score, age, and MYCN can serve as independent prognostic factors in the E-MATB-8248. Functional enrichment analysis showed the DEIRGs were enriched in leukocyte adhesion-related signaling pathways. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed the significantly enriched pathways of the five MYCN-related DEIRGs. The risk score was negatively correlated with the immune checkpoint CD274 (PD-L1) but no significant difference with the TMB. We also confirmed the prognostic value of our model in predicting immunotherapeutics. CONCLUSION We constructed and verified a signature based on DEIRG that related to MNA and predicted the survival of NBL based on relevant immune signatures. These findings could provide help for predicting prognosis and developing immunotherapy in NBL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- KeXin Ma
- Department of Pediatrics, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 3 Kangfuqian Street, Zhengzhou, China
| | - PeiPei Zhang
- Department of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Xia
- Department of Pediatrics, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 3 Kangfuqian Street, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lin Dong
- Department of Pediatrics, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 3 Kangfuqian Street, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 3 Kangfuqian Street, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Liu Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 3 Kangfuqian Street, Zhengzhou, China
| | - YaJuan Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 3 Kangfuqian Street, Zhengzhou, China
| | - YouJun Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 3 Kangfuqian Street, Zhengzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Lucarini V, Melaiu O, D’Amico S, Pastorino F, Tempora P, Scarsella M, Pezzullo M, De Ninno A, D’Oria V, Cilli M, Emionite L, Infante P, Di Marcotullio L, De Ioris MA, Barillari G, Alaggio R, Businaro L, Ponzoni M, Locatelli F, Fruci D. Combined mitoxantrone and anti-TGFβ treatment with PD-1 blockade enhances antitumor immunity by remodelling the tumor immune landscape in neuroblastoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:326. [PMID: 36397148 PMCID: PMC9670422 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02525-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Poor infiltration of functioning T cells renders tumors unresponsive to checkpoint-blocking immunotherapies. Here, we identified a combinatorial in situ immunomodulation strategy based on the administration of selected immunogenic drugs and immunotherapy to sensitize poorly T-cell-infiltrated neuroblastoma (NB) to the host antitumor immune response. Methods 975A2 and 9464D NB cell lines derived from spontaneous tumors of TH-MYCN transgenic mice were employed to study drug combinations able of enhancing the antitumor immune response using in vivo and ex vivo approaches. Migration of immune cells towards drug-treated murine-derived organotypic tumor spheroids (MDOTS) were assessed by microfluidic devices. Activation status of immune cells co-cultured with drug-treated MDOTS was evaluated by flow cytometry analysis. The effect of drug treatment on the immune content of subcutaneous or orthotopic tumors was comprehensively analyzed by flow-cytometry, immunohistochemistry and multiplex immunofluorescence. The chemokine array assay was used to detect soluble factors released into the tumor microenvironment. Patient-derived organotypic tumor spheroids (PDOTS) were generated from human NB specimens. Migration and activation status of autologous immune cells to drug-treated PDOTS were performed. Results We found that treatment with low-doses of mitoxantrone (MTX) recalled immune cells and promoted CD8+ T and NK cell activation in MDOTS when combined with TGFβ and PD-1 blockade. This combined immunotherapy strategy curbed NB growth resulting in the enrichment of a variety of both lymphoid and myeloid immune cells, especially intratumoral dendritic cells (DC) and IFNγ- and granzyme B-expressing CD8+ T cells and NK cells. A concomitant production of inflammatory chemokines involved in remodelling the tumor immune landscape was also detected. Interestingly, this treatment induced immune cell recruitment against PDOTS and activation of CD8+ T cells and NK cells. Conclusions Combined treatment with low-dose of MTX and anti-TGFβ treatment with PD-1 blockade improves antitumor immunity by remodelling the tumor immune landscape and overcoming the immunosuppressive microenvironment of aggressive NB. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02525-9.
Collapse
|
49
|
GDPD5 Related to Lipid Metabolism Is a Potential Prognostic Biomarker in Neuroblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213740. [PMID: 36430219 PMCID: PMC9695425 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213740] [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: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is an extracranial solid tumor in children with poor prognosis in high-risk patients and its pathogenesis and prognostic markers urgently need to be explored. This study aimed to explore potential biomarkers related to NB from the aspect of lipid metabolism. Fifty-eight lipid metabolism-related differentially expressed genes between high-risk NB and non-high-risk NB in the GSE49710 dataset were analyzed using bioinformatics, including 45 down-regulated genes and 13 up-regulated genes. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis identified steroid hormone biosynthesis as an abnormal metabolic pathway in high-risk NB. Survival analysis established a three-gene prognostic model, including ACHE, GDPD5 and PIK3R1. In the test data, the AUCs of the established prognostic models used to predict patient survival at 1, 3 and 5 years were 0.84, 0.90 and 0.91, respectively. Finally, in the SH-SY5Y cell line, it was verified that overexpression of GDPD5 can inhibit cell proliferation and migration, as well as affect the lipid metabolism of SH-SY5Y, but not the sugar metabolism. hsa-miR-592 was predicted to be a potential target miRNA of GDPD5 by bioinformatics. In conclusion, this study develops a lipid-metabolism-related gene-based prognostic model for NB and demonstrates that GDPD5 inhibits SH-SY5Y proliferation and migration and may be targeted by hsa-miR-592 and inhibit SH-SY5Y fat synthesis.
Collapse
|
50
|
Du H, Cai W. Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome associated with neuroblastoma: Insights into antitumor immunity. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29949. [PMID: 36094353 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome (OMS) is a rare neurological disorder. Half of these cases occur in children with neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma patients with OMS usually have better oncological outcomes than those without OMS even after stratification by tumor stage and age, indicating that factors mediating OMS may also inhibit tumor cell proliferation. Although the mechanisms underlying OMS remain undefined, the cytokines and lymphocytes alterations in the cerebrospinal fluid support the concept that it is a pattern of neuroinflammation due to an autoimmune effect. The presence of lymphoid follicles consisting of follicular dendritic cells, CD20+ B lymphocytes, CD3+ T lymphocytes, and CD68+ macrophages in the tumor microenvironment in OMS-associated neuroblastoma support the autoimmune nature of this disorder. This review focuses on the clinical and genetic features of OMS-associated neuroblastoma, and we update readers on immune features of neuroblastoma with or without OMS to gain insights into antitumor immunity as it relates to tumor biology and prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Du
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Weisong Cai
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| |
Collapse
|