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Felten R, Ye T, Schleiss C, Schwikowski B, Sibilia J, Monneaux F, Dumortier H, Jonsson R, Lessard C, Ng F, Takeuchi T, Mariette X, Gottenberg JE. Identification of new candidate drugs for primary Sjögren's syndrome using a drug repurposing transcriptomic approach. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:3715-3723. [PMID: 36869684 PMCID: PMC10629788 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To date, no immunomodulatory drug has demonstrated its efficacy in primary SS (pSS). We sought to analyse potential commonalities between pSS transcriptomic signatures and signatures of various drugs or specific knock-in or knock-down genes. METHODS Gene expression from peripheral blood samples of patients with pSS was compared with that of healthy controls in two cohorts and three public databases. In each of the five datasets, we analysed the 150 most up- and downregulated genes between pSS patients and controls with regard to the differentially expressed genes resulting from the biological action on nine cell lines of 2837 drugs, 2160 knock-in and 3799 knock-down genes in the Connectivity Map database. RESULTS We analysed 1008 peripheral blood transcriptomes from five independent studies (868 patients with pSS and 140 healthy controls). Eleven drugs could represent potential candidate drugs, with histone deacetylases and PI3K inhibitors among the most significantly associated. Twelve knock-in genes were associated with a pSS-like profile and 23 knock-down genes were associated with a pSS-revert profile. Most of those genes (28/35, 80%) were interferon-regulated. CONCLUSION This first drug repositioning transcriptomic approach in SS confirms the interest of targeting interferons and identifies histone deacetylases and PI3K inhibitors as potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renaud Felten
- Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie, Immunopathologie et Chimie Thérapeutique, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IBMC), CNRS UPR3572, Strasbourg, France
- RESO, Centre de Référence des Maladies Autoimmunes Systémiques Rares Est Sud-Ouest, Strasbourg, France
| | - Tao Ye
- IGBMC, CNRS UMR7104, Inserm U1258, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Cedric Schleiss
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie, Immunopathologie et Chimie Thérapeutique, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IBMC), CNRS UPR3572, Strasbourg, France
| | - Benno Schwikowski
- Computational Systems Biomedicine Lab, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Jean Sibilia
- Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- RESO, Centre de Référence des Maladies Autoimmunes Systémiques Rares Est Sud-Ouest, Strasbourg, France
- Laboratoire d'ImmunoRhumatologie Moléculaire, INSERM UMR_S1109, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Fanny Monneaux
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie, Immunopathologie et Chimie Thérapeutique, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IBMC), CNRS UPR3572, Strasbourg, France
| | - Hélène Dumortier
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie, Immunopathologie et Chimie Thérapeutique, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IBMC), CNRS UPR3572, Strasbourg, France
| | - Roland Jonsson
- Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Christopher Lessard
- Department of Pathology, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Fai Ng
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Tsutomu Takeuchi
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Xavier Mariette
- Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpital Bicètre, APHP, Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Jacques-Eric Gottenberg
- Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie, Immunopathologie et Chimie Thérapeutique, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IBMC), CNRS UPR3572, Strasbourg, France
- RESO, Centre de Référence des Maladies Autoimmunes Systémiques Rares Est Sud-Ouest, Strasbourg, France
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Chupak L, Wichroski M, Zheng X, Ding M, Martin S, Allard C, Shi J, Gentles R, Meanwell NA, Fang J, Tenney D, Tokarski J, Cao C, Wee S. Discovery of Potent, Dual-Inhibitors of Diacylglycerol Kinases Alpha and Zeta Guided by Phenotypic Optimization. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:929-935. [PMID: 37465293 PMCID: PMC10351048 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00063] [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: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
We describe a phenotypic screening and optimization strategy to discover compounds that block intracellular checkpoint signaling in T-cells. We identified dual DGKα and ζ inhibitors notwithstanding the modest similarity between α and ζ relative to other DGK isoforms. Optimized compounds produced cytokine release and T-cell proliferation consistent with DGK inhibition and potentiated an immune response in human and mouse T-cells. Additionally, lead inhibitor BMS-502 demonstrated dose-dependent immune stimulation in the mouse OT-1 model, setting the stage for a drug discovery program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Chupak
- Bristol
Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, 100 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Michael Wichroski
- Bristol
Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, 100 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Xiaofan Zheng
- Bristol
Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, 100 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Min Ding
- Bristol
Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, 100 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Scott Martin
- Bristol
Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, 100 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Christopher Allard
- Bristol
Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, 100 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Jianliang Shi
- Bristol
Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, PO Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-4000, United
States
| | - Robert Gentles
- Bristol
Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, 100 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Nicholas A. Meanwell
- Bristol
Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, PO Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-4000, United
States
| | - Jie Fang
- Bristol
Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, PO Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-4000, United
States
| | - Daniel Tenney
- Bristol
Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, PO Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-4000, United
States
| | - John Tokarski
- Bristol
Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, PO Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-4000, United
States
| | - Carolyn Cao
- Bristol
Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, PO Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-4000, United
States
| | - Susan Wee
- Bristol
Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, PO Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-4000, United
States
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Gravina T, Boggio CMT, Gorla E, Racca L, Polidoro S, Centonze S, Ferrante D, Lunghi M, Graziani A, Corà D, Baldanzi G. Role of Diacylglycerol Kinases in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1877. [PMID: 37509516 PMCID: PMC10377028 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071877] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) play dual roles in cell transformation and immunosurveillance. According to cancer expression databases, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) exhibits significant overexpression of multiple DGK isoforms, including DGKA, DGKD and DGKG, without a precise correlation with specific AML subtypes. In the TGCA database, high DGKA expression negatively correlates with survival, while high DGKG expression is associated with a more favorable prognosis. DGKA and DGKG also feature different patterns of co-expressed genes. Conversely, the BeatAML and TARGET databases show that high DGKH expression is correlated with shorter survival. To assess the suitability of DGKs as therapeutic targets, we treated HL-60 and HEL cells with DGK inhibitors and compared cell growth and survival with those of untransformed lymphocytes. We observed a specific sensitivity to R59022 and R59949, two poorly selective inhibitors, which promoted cytotoxicity and cell accumulation in the S phase in both cell lines. Conversely, the DGKA-specific inhibitors CU-3 and AMB639752 showed poor efficacy. These findings underscore the pivotal and isoform-specific involvement of DGKs in AML, offering a promising pathway for the identification of potential therapeutic targets. Notably, the DGKA and DGKH isoforms emerge as relevant players in AML pathogenesis, albeit DGKA inhibition alone seems insufficient to impair AML cell viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Gravina
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Center for Translational Research on Allergic and Autoimmune Diseases (CAAD), University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Chiara Maria Teresa Boggio
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Center for Translational Research on Allergic and Autoimmune Diseases (CAAD), University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Elisa Gorla
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Center for Translational Research on Allergic and Autoimmune Diseases (CAAD), University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Luisa Racca
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Center for Translational Research on Allergic and Autoimmune Diseases (CAAD), University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Silvia Polidoro
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Center for Translational Research on Allergic and Autoimmune Diseases (CAAD), University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Sara Centonze
- Center for Translational Research on Allergic and Autoimmune Diseases (CAAD), University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Daniela Ferrante
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Monia Lunghi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28110 Novara, Italy
| | - Andrea Graziani
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC), University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
| | - Davide Corà
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Center for Translational Research on Allergic and Autoimmune Diseases (CAAD), University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Gianluca Baldanzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Center for Translational Research on Allergic and Autoimmune Diseases (CAAD), University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
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Kang JX, Zhao GK, Yang XM, Huang MX, Hui WQ, Zeng R, Ouyang Q. Recent advances on dual inhibitors targeting HIV reverse transcriptase associated polymerase and ribonuclease H. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 250:115196. [PMID: 36787657 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115196] [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: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Reverse transcriptase (RT) plays an indispensable role in the replication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through its associated polymerase and ribonuclease H (RNase H) activities during the viral RNA genome transformation into proviral DNA. Due to the fact that HIV is a highly mutagenic virus and easily resistant to single-target RT inhibitors, dual inhibitors targeting HIV RT associated polymerase and RNase H have been developed. These dual inhibitors have the advantages of increasing efficacy, reducing drug resistance, drug-drug interactions, and cytotoxicity, as well as improving patient compliance. In this review, we summarize recent advances in polymerase/RNase H dual inhibitors focusing on drug design strategies, and structure-activity relationships and share new insights into developing anti-HIV drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Xiong Kang
- Department of Pharmacy, Armed Police Forces Hospital of Sichuan, 614000, Leshan, China
| | - Guang-Kuan Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiu-Ming Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Mou-Xin Huang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Wen-Qi Hui
- Department of Pharmacy, Xi'an Fifth Hospital, Xian, 710082, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rong Zeng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Qin Ouyang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, China.
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Velnati S, Centonze S, Rossino G, Purghè B, Antona A, Racca L, Mula S, Ruffo E, Malacarne V, Malerba M, Manfredi M, Graziani A, Baldanzi G. Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein interacts and inhibits diacylglycerol kinase alpha promoting IL-2 induction. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1043603. [PMID: 37138877 PMCID: PMC10149931 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1043603] [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: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Phosphorylation of diacylglycerol by diacylglycerol-kinases represents a major inhibitory event constraining T cell activation upon antigen engagement. Efficient TCR signalling requires the inhibition of the alpha isoform of diacylglycerol kinase, DGKα, by an unidentified signalling pathway triggered by the protein adaptor SAP. We previously demonstrated that, in SAP absence, excessive DGKα activity makes the T cells resistant to restimulation-induced cell death (RICD), an apoptotic program counteracting excessive T cell clonal expansion. Results Herein, we report that the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASp) inhibits DGKα through a specific interaction of the DGKα recoverin homology domain with the WH1 domain of WASp. Indeed, WASp is necessary and sufficient for DGKα inhibition, and this WASp function is independent of ARP2/3 activity. The adaptor protein NCK-1 and the small G protein CDC42 connect WASp-mediated DGKα inhibition to SAP and the TCR signalosome. In primary human T cells, this new signalling pathway is necessary for a full response in terms of IL-2 production, while minimally affecting TCR signalling and restimulation-induced cell death. Conversely, in T cells made resistant to RICD by SAP silencing, the enhanced DAG signalling due to DGKα inhibition is sufficient to restore apoptosis sensitivity. Conclusion We discover a novel signalling pathway where, upon strong TCR activation, the complex between WASp and DGKα blocks DGKα activity, allowing a full cytokine response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Velnati
- Department of Translational Medicine, Universitàdel Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Center for Translational Research on Allergic and Autoimmune Diseases (CAAD), Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Sara Centonze
- Center for Translational Research on Allergic and Autoimmune Diseases (CAAD), Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Department of Heath Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- *Correspondence: Sara Centonze,
| | - Giulia Rossino
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC), University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Beatrice Purghè
- Department of Translational Medicine, Universitàdel Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Center for Translational Research on Allergic and Autoimmune Diseases (CAAD), Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Annamaria Antona
- Department of Translational Medicine, Universitàdel Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Luisa Racca
- Department of Translational Medicine, Universitàdel Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Center for Translational Research on Allergic and Autoimmune Diseases (CAAD), Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Sabrina Mula
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC), University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Elisa Ruffo
- Department of Surgery and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Valeria Malacarne
- Department of Translational Medicine, Universitàdel Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC), University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Mario Malerba
- Department of Translational Medicine, Universitàdel Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Respiratory Unit, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Vercelli, Italy
| | - Marcello Manfredi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Universitàdel Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Center for Translational Research on Allergic and Autoimmune Diseases (CAAD), Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Andrea Graziani
- Department of Translational Medicine, Universitàdel Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC), University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Gianluca Baldanzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Universitàdel Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Center for Translational Research on Allergic and Autoimmune Diseases (CAAD), Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
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The Role of Diacylglycerol Kinase in the Amelioration of Diabetic Nephropathy. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27206784. [PMID: 36296376 PMCID: PMC9607625 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27206784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The drastic increase in the number of patients with diabetes and its complications is a global issue. Diabetic nephropathy, the leading cause of chronic kidney disease, significantly affects patients’ quality of life and medical expenses. Furthermore, there are limited drugs for treating diabetic nephropathy patients. Impaired lipid signaling, especially abnormal protein kinase C (PKC) activation by de novo-synthesized diacylglycerol (DG) under high blood glucose, is one of the causes of diabetic nephropathy. DG kinase (DGK) is an enzyme that phosphorylates DG and generates phosphatidic acid, i.e., DGK can inhibit PKC activation under diabetic conditions. Indeed, it has been proven that DGK activation ameliorates diabetic nephropathy. In this review, we summarize the involvement of PKC and DGK in diabetic nephropathy as therapeutic targets, and its mechanisms, by referring to our recent study.
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Szilágyi K, Flachner B, Hajdú I, Szaszkó M, Dobi K, Lőrincz Z, Cseh S, Dormán G. Rapid Identification of Potential Drug Candidates from Multi-Million Compounds' Repositories. Combination of 2D Similarity Search with 3D Ligand/Structure Based Methods and In Vitro Screening. Molecules 2021; 26:5593. [PMID: 34577064 PMCID: PMC8468386 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26185593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid in silico selection of target focused libraries from commercial repositories is an attractive and cost-effective approach in early drug discovery. If structures of active compounds are available, rapid 2D similarity search can be performed on multimillion compounds' databases. This approach can be combined with physico-chemical parameter and diversity filtering, bioisosteric replacements, and fragment-based approaches for performing a first round biological screening. Our objectives were to investigate the combination of 2D similarity search with various 3D ligand and structure-based methods for hit expansion and validation, in order to increase the hit rate and novelty. In the present account, six case studies are described and the efficiency of mixing is evaluated. While sequentially combined 2D/3D similarity approach increases the hit rate significantly, sequential combination of 2D similarity with pharmacophore model or 3D docking enriched the resulting focused library with novel chemotypes. Parallel integrated approaches allowed the comparison of the various 2D and 3D methods and revealed that 2D similarity-based and 3D ligand and structure-based techniques are often complementary, and their combinations represent a powerful synergy. Finally, the lessons we learnt including the advantages and pitfalls of the described approaches are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - György Dormán
- TargetEx Ltd., Madách I. u. 31/2, 2120 Dunakeszi, Hungary; (K.S.); (B.F.); (I.H.); (M.S.); (K.D.); (Z.L.); (S.C.)
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Diacylglycerol Kinase alpha in X Linked Lymphoproliferative Disease Type 1. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115816. [PMID: 34072296 PMCID: PMC8198409 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Diacylglycerol kinases are intracellular enzymes that control the balance between the secondary messengers diacylglycerol and phosphatidic acid. DGKα and DGKζ are the prominent isoforms that restrain the intensity of T cell receptor signalling by metabolizing PLCγ generated diacylglycerol. Thus, their activity must be tightly controlled to grant cellular homeostasis and refine immune responses. DGKα is specifically inhibited by strong T cell activating signals to allow for full diacylglycerol signalling which mediates T cell response. In X-linked lymphoproliferative disease 1, deficiency of the adaptor protein SAP results in altered T cell receptor signalling, due in part to persistent DGKα activity. This activity constrains diacylglycerol levels, attenuating downstream pathways such as PKCθ and Ras/MAPK and decreasing T cell restimulation induced cell death. This is a form of apoptosis triggered by prolonged T cell activation that is indeed defective in CD8+ cells of X-linked lymphoproliferative disease type 1 patients. Accordingly, inhibition or downregulation of DGKα activity restores in vitro a correct diacylglycerol dependent signal transduction, cytokines production and restimulation induced apoptosis. In animal disease models, DGKα inhibitors limit CD8+ expansion and immune-mediated tissue damage, suggesting the possibility of using inhibitors of diacylglycerol kinase as a new therapeutic approach.
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Diacylglycerol kinase α inhibition cooperates with PD-1-targeted therapies to restore the T cell activation program. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 70:3277-3289. [PMID: 33837851 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-02924-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antibody-based therapies blocking the programmed cell death-1/ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) axis have provided unprecedent clinical success in cancer treatment. Acquired resistance, however, frequently occurs, commonly associated with the upregulation of additional inhibitory molecules. Diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) α limits the extent of Ras activation in response to antigen recognition, and its upregulation facilitates hypofunctional, exhausted T cell states. Pharmacological DGKα targeting restores cytotoxic function of chimeric antigen receptor and CD8+ T cells isolated from solid tumors, suggesting a mechanism to reverse T cell exhausted phenotypes. Nevertheless, the contribution of DGKα downstream of the PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitory axis in human T cells and the consequences of combining DGKα and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors are still unresolved relevant issues. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used a human triple parameter reporter cell line to investigate DGKα contribution to the PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitory pathway. We also addressed the impact of deleting DGKα expression in the growth dynamics and systemic tumor-derived effects of a PD-1-related tumor model, the MC38 colon adenocarcinoma. RESULTS We identify DGKα as a contributor to the PD-1/PD-L1 axis that strongly limits the Ras/ERK/AP-1 pathway. DGKα function reinforces exhausted T cell phenotypes ultimately promoting tumor growth and generalized immunosuppression. Pharmacological DGKα inhibition selectively enhances AP-1 transcription and, importantly, cooperates with antibodies blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 interrelation. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that DGKα inhibition could provide an important mechanism to revert exhausted T lymphocyte phenotypes and thus favor proper anti-tumor T cell responses. The cooperative effect observed after PD-1/PD-L1 and DGKα blockade offers a promising strategy to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy in the treatment of cancer.
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10
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Potential role of diacylglycerol kinases in immune-mediated diseases. Clin Sci (Lond) 2021; 134:1637-1658. [PMID: 32608491 DOI: 10.1042/cs20200389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The mechanism promoting exacerbated immune responses in allergy and autoimmunity as well as those blunting the immune control of cancer cells are of primary interest in medicine. Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) are key modulators of signal transduction, which blunt diacylglycerol (DAG) signals and produce phosphatidic acid (PA). By modulating lipid second messengers, DGK modulate the activity of downstream signaling proteins, vesicle trafficking and membrane shape. The biological role of the DGK α and ζ isoforms in immune cells differentiation and effector function was subjected to in deep investigations. DGK α and ζ resulted in negatively regulating synergistic way basal and receptor induced DAG signals in T cells as well as leukocytes. In this way, they contributed to keep under control the immune response but also downmodulate immune response against tumors. Alteration in DGKα activity is also implicated in the pathogenesis of genetic perturbations of the immune function such as the X-linked lymphoproliferative disease 1 and localized juvenile periodontitis. These findings suggested a participation of DGK to the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying several immune-mediated diseases and prompted several researches aiming to target DGK with pharmacologic and molecular strategies. Those findings are discussed inhere together with experimental applications in tumors as well as in other immune-mediated diseases such as asthma.
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11
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Beyond Lipid Signaling: Pleiotropic Effects of Diacylglycerol Kinases in Cellular Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186861. [PMID: 32962151 PMCID: PMC7554708 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The diacylglycerol kinase family, which can attenuate diacylglycerol signaling and activate phosphatidic acid signaling, regulates various signaling transductions in the mammalian cells. Studies on the regulation of diacylglycerol and phosphatidic acid levels by various enzymes, the identification and characterization of various diacylglycerol and phosphatidic acid-regulated proteins, and the overlap of different diacylglycerol and phosphatidic acid metabolic and signaling processes have revealed the complex and non-redundant roles of diacylglycerol kinases in regulating multiple biochemical and biological networks. In this review article, we summarized recent progress in the complex and non-redundant roles of diacylglycerol kinases, which is expected to aid in restoring dysregulated biochemical and biological networks in various pathological conditions at the bed side.
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Liu CS, Schmezer P, Popanda O. Diacylglycerol Kinase Alpha in Radiation-Induced Fibrosis: Potential as a Predictive Marker or Therapeutic Target. Front Oncol 2020; 10:737. [PMID: 32477950 PMCID: PMC7235333 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy is an efficient tool in cancer treatment, but it brings along the risk of side effects such as fibrosis in the irradiated healthy tissue thus limiting tumor control and impairing quality of life of cancer survivors. Knowledge on radiation-related fibrosis risk and therapeutic options is still limited and requires further research. Recent studies demonstrated that epigenetic regulation of diacylglycerol kinase alpha (DGKA) is associated with radiation-induced fibrosis. However, the specific mechanisms are still unknown. In this review, we scrutinized the role of DGKA in the radiation response and in further cellular functions to show the potential of DGKA as a predictive marker or a novel target in fibrosis treatment. DGKA was reported to participate in immune response, lipid signaling, exosome production, and migration as well as cell proliferation, all processes which are suggested to be critical steps in fibrogenesis. Most of these functions are based on the conversion of diacylglycerol (DAG) to phosphatidic acid (PA) at plasma membranes, but DGKA might have also other, yet not well-known functions in the nucleus. Current evidence summarized here underlines that DGKA activation may play a central role in fibrosis formation post-irradiation and shows a potential of direct DGKA inhibitors or epigenetic modulators to attenuate pro-fibrotic reactions, thus providing novel therapeutic choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Shan Liu
- Division of Cancer Epigenomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Schmezer
- Division of Cancer Epigenomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Odilia Popanda
- Division of Cancer Epigenomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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Velnati S, Massarotti A, Antona A, Talmon M, Fresu LG, Galetto AS, Capello D, Bertoni A, Mercalli V, Graziani A, Tron GC, Baldanzi G. Structure activity relationship studies on Amb639752: toward the identification of a common pharmacophoric structure for DGKα inhibitors. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2020; 35:96-108. [PMID: 31690133 PMCID: PMC6844378 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2019.1684911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A series of analogues of Amb639752, a novel diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) inhibitor recently discovered by us via virtual screening, have been tested. The compounds were evaluated as DGK inhibitors on α, θ, and ζ isoforms, and as antagonists on serotonin receptors. From these assays emerged two novel compounds, namely 11 and 20, which with an IC50 respectively of 1.6 and 1.8 µM are the most potent inhibitors of DGKα discovered to date. Both compounds demonstrated the ability to restore apoptosis in a cellular model of X-linked lymphoproliferative disease as well as the capacity to reduce the migration of cancer cells, suggesting their potential utility in preventing metastasis. Finally, relying on experimental biological data, molecular modelling studies allow us to set a three-point pharmacophore model for DGK inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Velnati
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.,Institute for Research and Cure of Autoimmune Diseases, CAAD, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Alberto Massarotti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Annamaria Antona
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Maria Talmon
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Luigia Grazia Fresu
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Alessandra Silvia Galetto
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.,Palliative Care Division, A.S.L., Vercelli, Italy
| | - Daniela Capello
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bertoni
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Valentina Mercalli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Andrea Graziani
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Gian Cesare Tron
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Gianluca Baldanzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.,Institute for Research and Cure of Autoimmune Diseases, CAAD, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
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DGKα in Neutrophil Biology and Its Implications for Respiratory Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225673. [PMID: 31766109 PMCID: PMC6887790 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) play a key role in phosphoinositide signaling by removing diacylglycerol and generating phosphatidic acid. Besides the well-documented role of DGKα and DGKζ as negative regulators of lymphocyte responses, a robust body of literature points to those enzymes, and specifically DGKα, as crucial regulators of leukocyte function. Upon neutrophil stimulation, DGKα activation is necessary for migration and a productive response. The role of DGKα in neutrophils is evidenced by its aberrant behavior in juvenile periodontitis patients, which express an inactive DGKα transcript. Together with in vitro experiments, this suggests that DGKs may represent potential therapeutic targets for disorders where inflammation, and neutrophils in particular, plays a major role. In this paper we focus on obstructive respiratory diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but also rare genetic diseases such as alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. Indeed, the biological role of DGKα is understudied outside the T lymphocyte field. The recent wave of research aiming to develop novel and specific inhibitors as well as KO mice will allow a better understanding of DGK's role in neutrophilic inflammation. Better knowledge and pharmacologic tools may also allow DGK to move from the laboratory bench to clinical trials.
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Talmon M, Massara E, Brunini C, Fresu LG. Comparison of anti-inflammatory mechanisms between doxofylline and theophylline in human monocytes. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2019; 59:101851. [PMID: 31563516 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2019.101851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methylxanthines are important pharmacological agents in the treatment of asthma and of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. The present study was designed to compare the ability of doxofylline and theophylline to modulate inflammatory pathways in human monocytes. METHODS Monocytes isolated from healthy anonymous human buffy coats were treated with doxofylline or theophylline in the presence of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and their phenotype, the oxidative burst, cytokine expression and release, cAMP production, and protein kinase C (PKC) activity were evaluated. RESULTS Doxofylline and theophylline did not have overlapping effects on human monocytes. While sharing some common characteristics, they differed significantly in their selectivity. Theophylline affected LPS- above PMA-induced cellular responsivity, while doxofylline behaved in the opposite manner. Furthermore, when testing PKC activity, we found an inhibitory effect of doxofylline but not of theophylline, at equimolar doses. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our data support the growing hypothesis that doxofylline does not have a superimposable mechanism of action compared to theophylline, and this may both explain some differences in the risk/benefit ratio and may direct studies to tailor therapy for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Talmon
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Erika Massara
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Chiara Brunini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Luigia Grazia Fresu
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100, Novara, Italy.
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