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Wang Z, Yuan L, Liao X, Guo X, Chen J. Reducing PD-L1 Expression by Degraders and Downregulators as a Novel Strategy to Target the PD-1/PD-L1 Pathway. J Med Chem 2024; 67:6027-6043. [PMID: 38598179 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Targeting the programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway has evolved into one of the most promising strategies for tumor immunotherapy. Thus far, multiple monoclonal antibody drugs have been approved for treating a variety of tumors, while the development of small-molecule PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors has lagged far behind, with only a few small-molecule inhibitors entering clinical trials. In addition to antibody drugs and small-molecule inhibitors, reducing the expression levels of PD-L1 has attracted extensive research interest as another promising strategy to target the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. Herein, we analyze the structures and mechanisms of molecules that reduce PD-L1 expression and classify them as degraders and downregulators according to whether they directly bind to PD-L1. Moreover, we discuss the potential prospects for developing PD-L1-targeting drugs based on these molecules. It is hoped that this perspective will provide profound insights into the discovery of potent antitumor immunity drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijie Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Oncology, Ministry of Science and Innovation, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518100, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Lin Yuan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xiaotong Liao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xia Guo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Oncology, Ministry of Science and Innovation, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518100, China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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Zhang F, Jiang R, Sun S, Wu C, Yu Q, Awadasseid A, Wang J, Zhang W. Recent advances and mechanisms of action of PD-L1 degraders as potential therapeutic agents. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 268:116267. [PMID: 38422701 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116267] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
PD-L1 is an important immune checkpoint protein that can bind to T cells' PD-1 receptor, thereby promoting immune escape from tumors. In recent years, many researchers have developed strategies to degrade PD-L1 to improve the effect of immunotherapy. The study of degrading PD-L1 provides new opportunities for immunotherapy. Here, we mainly summarize and review the current active molecules and mechanisms that mediate the degradation of immature and mature PD-L1 during the post-translational modification stages, involving PD-L1 phosphorylation, glycosylation, palmitoylation, ubiquitination, and the autophagy-lysosomal process. This review expects that by degrading PD-L1 protein, we will not only gain a better understanding of oncogenic mechanisms involving tumor PD-L1 protein but also provide a new way to improve immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Ruiya Jiang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Shishi Sun
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Caiyun Wu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Qimeng Yu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Annoor Awadasseid
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Moganshan Institute, Zhejiang University of Technology, Deqing, China
| | - Jianwei Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China.
| | - Wen Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China.
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3
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Cheng B, Pan W, Xiao Y, Ding Z, Zhou Y, Fei X, Liu J, Su Z, Peng X, Chen J. HDAC-targeting epigenetic modulators for cancer immunotherapy. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116129. [PMID: 38211468 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116129] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
HDAC inhibitors, which can inhibit the activity of HDAC enzymes, have been extensively studied in tumor immunotherapy and have shown potential therapeutic effects in cancer immunotherapy. To date, numerous small molecule HDAC inhibitors have been identified, but many of them suffer from limited clinical efficacy and serious toxicity. Hence, HDAC inhibitor-based combination therapies, and other HDAC modulators (e.g. PROTAC degraders, dual-acting agents) have attracted great attention with significant advancements achieved in the past few years due to their superior efficacy compared to single-target HDAC inhibitors. In this review, we overviewed the recent progress on HDAC-based drug discovery with a focus on HDAC inhibitor-based drug combination therapy and other HDAC-targeting strategies (e.g. selective HDAC inhibitors, HDAC-based dual-target inhibitors, and PROTAC HDAC degraders) for cancer immunotherapy. In addition, we also summarized the reported co-crystal structures of HDAC inhibitors in complex with their target proteins and the binding interactions. Finally, the challenges and future directions for HDAC-based drug discovery in cancer immunotherapy are also discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binbin Cheng
- School of Medicine, Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, 435003, PR China; Key Laboratory of Joint Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Liver Disease and Liver Cancer of Lishui, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui People's Hospital, Lishui, Zhejiang, 323000, PR China; Molecular Pharmacology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, PR China
| | - Wei Pan
- CardioIogy Department, Geriatric Department, Foshan Women and Children Hospital, Foshan, Guangdong, 528000, PR China
| | - Yao Xiao
- Wuchang Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan Wuchang Hospital, Wuchang, 430063, PR China
| | - Zongbao Ding
- Department of Bioengineering, Zhuhai Campus of Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, 519041, PR China
| | - Yingxing Zhou
- School of Medicine, Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, 435003, PR China
| | - Xiaoting Fei
- School of Medicine, Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, 435003, PR China
| | - Jin Liu
- School of Medicine, Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, 435003, PR China
| | - Zhenhong Su
- School of Medicine, Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, 435003, PR China.
| | - Xiaopeng Peng
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 314000, PR China.
| | - Jianjun Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, PR China.
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Fallarini S, Cerofolini L, Salobehaj M, Rizzo D, Gheorghita GR, Licciardi G, Capialbi DE, Zullo V, Sodini A, Nativi C, Fragai M. Site-Selective Functionalized PD-1 Mutant for a Modular Immunological Activity against Cancer Cells. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:5428-5437. [PMID: 37902625 PMCID: PMC10646970 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00893] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Targeting immune checkpoints is a well-established strategy in cancer therapy, and antibodies blocking PD-1/PD-L1 interactions to restore the immunological activity against cancer cells have been clinically validated. High-affinity mutants of the PD-1 ectodomain have recently been proposed as an alternative to antibodies to target PD-L1 on cancer cells, shedding new light on this research area. In this dynamic scenario, the PD-1 mutant, here reported, largely expands the chemical space of nonantibody and nonsmall-molecule inhibitor therapeutics that can be used to target cancer cells overexpressing PD-L1 receptors. The polyethylene glycol moieties and the immune response-stimulating carbohydrates, used as site-selective tags, represent the proof of concept for future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Fallarini
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, DSF, University
of Piemonte Orientale, Largo Donegani 2, Novara (NO) 28100, Italy
| | - Linda Cerofolini
- Department
of Chemistry, DICUS, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3,13, Sesto Fiorentino (FI) 50019, Italy
- CeRM/CIRMMP, University of Florence, Via L. Sacconi 6, Sesto
Fiorentino (FI) 50019, Italy
| | - Maria Salobehaj
- Department
of Chemistry, DICUS, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3,13, Sesto Fiorentino (FI) 50019, Italy
- CeRM/CIRMMP, University of Florence, Via L. Sacconi 6, Sesto
Fiorentino (FI) 50019, Italy
| | - Domenico Rizzo
- Department
of Chemistry, DICUS, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3,13, Sesto Fiorentino (FI) 50019, Italy
- CeRM/CIRMMP, University of Florence, Via L. Sacconi 6, Sesto
Fiorentino (FI) 50019, Italy
| | - Giulia Roxana Gheorghita
- Department
of Chemistry, DICUS, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3,13, Sesto Fiorentino (FI) 50019, Italy
- CeRM/CIRMMP, University of Florence, Via L. Sacconi 6, Sesto
Fiorentino (FI) 50019, Italy
- Giotto
Biotech, S.R.L, Via Madonna
del Piano 6, Sesto Fiorentino (FI) 50019, Italy
| | - Giulia Licciardi
- Department
of Chemistry, DICUS, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3,13, Sesto Fiorentino (FI) 50019, Italy
- CeRM/CIRMMP, University of Florence, Via L. Sacconi 6, Sesto
Fiorentino (FI) 50019, Italy
| | - Daniela Eloisa Capialbi
- Department
of Chemistry, DICUS, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3,13, Sesto Fiorentino (FI) 50019, Italy
| | - Valerio Zullo
- Department
of Chemistry, DICUS, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3,13, Sesto Fiorentino (FI) 50019, Italy
| | - Andrea Sodini
- Department
of Chemistry, DICUS, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3,13, Sesto Fiorentino (FI) 50019, Italy
| | - Cristina Nativi
- Department
of Chemistry, DICUS, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3,13, Sesto Fiorentino (FI) 50019, Italy
| | - Marco Fragai
- Department
of Chemistry, DICUS, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3,13, Sesto Fiorentino (FI) 50019, Italy
- CeRM/CIRMMP, University of Florence, Via L. Sacconi 6, Sesto
Fiorentino (FI) 50019, Italy
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Bertrand P. Aptamers Targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 Axis: A Perspective. J Med Chem 2023; 66:10878-10888. [PMID: 37561598 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Aptamers have emerged in recent years as alternatives to antibodies or small molecules to interfere with the immune check points by blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 interactions and represent an interesting perspective for immuno-oncology. Aptamers are RNA or DNA nucleotides able to bind to a target with high affinity, with the target ranging from small molecules to proteins and up to cells. Aptamers are identified by the SELEX method that can be modified for specific purposes. The range of applications of aptamers covers therapy as well as new alternative assay technologies similar to ELISA. Aptamers' limited plasma stability can be managed using delivery strategies. The goal of this Perspective is to give an overview of the current development of aptamers targeting the most studied immune checkpoint modulators, PD-1 and PD-L1, and analogous strategies with aptamers for other immuno-related targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Bertrand
- University of Poitiers, IC2MP UMR 7285 CNRS, 4 rue Michel Brunet B27, TSA 51106, 86073 Poitiers cedex 9, France
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