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Zeng J, Zhang L, Ma S, Dai W, Xu M, Wei Y, Zhang Y, Cheng Y, Zhu G, Lu S, Li Q, Cao B. Dysregulation of peripheral and intratumoral KLRG1 + CD8 +T cells is associated with immune evasion in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. Transl Oncol 2024; 45:101968. [PMID: 38713923 PMCID: PMC11097332 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101968] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Killer cell lectin like receptor G1 (KLRG1) is identified as a co-inhibitory receptor for NK cells and antigen-experienced T cells. The role of KLRG1 in immune regulation in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains poorly understood. MATERIALS AND METHODS We measured the proportion and immune function of KLRG1+CD8+T cells derived from peripheral blood in patients with NSCLC by flow cytometry. Besides, using data from the gene expression profiles and single-cell sequencing, we explored the expression and immune role of KLRG1 in tumor tissues of patients with NSCLC. We further determined the prognostic value of KLRG1 in terms of overall survival (OS) in NSCLC patients. RESULTS We found that the proportion of KLRG1+CD8+T cells in peripheral blood significantly increased in patients with NSCLC as compared to those with benign pulmonary nodules and healthy donors. Peripheral KLRG1+CD8+T cell proportion was increased in elder subjects compared to that in younger ones, implying an immunosenescence phenotype. Moreover, the KLRG1+CD8+T cell levels were positively correlated with tumor size and TNM stage in the NSCLC cohort. In vitro stimulation experiments demonstrated that the KLRG1+CD8+T cells from peripheral blood expressed higher levels of Granzyme B and perforin than the KLRG1-CD8+ T cells. However, single-cell RNA sequencing data revealed that the KLRG1+CD8+ T cells were less infiltrated in tumor microenvironment and exhibited impaired cytotoxicity. The KLRG1 gene expression levels were significantly lower in tumor tissues than that in normal lung tissues, and were inversely correlated with CDH1 expression levels. Moreover, higher expression of CDH1 in tumor tissues predicted worse overall survival only in patients with KLRG1-high expression, but not in the KLRG1-low subset. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that KLRG1+CD8+T cells were associated with tumor immune evasion in NSCLC and suggests KLRG1 as a potential immunotherapy target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Zeng
- Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Shiqi Ma
- Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Dai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Man Xu
- Department of Healthy Center, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Wei
- Department of Oncology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuyang Zhang
- Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Youfu Cheng
- Department of Healthy Center, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Guiquan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Centre for Oral Diseases, Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shun Lu
- Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Bangrong Cao
- Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Department of Biobank, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
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Kim AM, Zhao L, Patel TR, Bailey CJ, Bai Q, Wakefield MR, Fang Y. From bench to bedside: the past, present and future of IL-21 immunotherapy. Med Oncol 2024; 41:181. [PMID: 38900341 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02404-7] [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: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
As immunotherapy gains momentum as a promising approach for treating several types of cancer, IL-21 has emerged as the latest discovery within the γ chain cytokine family, known for its decisive effects on innate and adaptive immunity and immunopathology. Through the modulation of immune cells, IL-21 has demonstrated significant anti-tumor effects in preclinical studies. The potential of IL-21 in cancer treatment has been explored in phase I and II clinical trials, where it has been utilized both as monotherapy and in combination with other drug agents. Further investigation, alongside larger studies, is necessary before final evaluation and application of IL-21 as immunotherapy. This review aims to summarize these pre-clinical and clinical studies and to discuss the possible future directions of IL-21 immunotherapy development. Such a study may be helpful to accelerate the process of clinical application for IL21 immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin M Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines, IA, 50312, USA
| | - Lei Zhao
- The Department of Respiratory Medicine, The 2nd People's Hospital of Hefei and Hefei Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Tej R Patel
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Colin J Bailey
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Qian Bai
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Mark R Wakefield
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Yujiang Fang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines, IA, 50312, USA.
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA.
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3
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Salani R, McCormack M, Kim YM, Ghamande S, Hall SL, Lorusso D, Barraclough L, Gilbert L, Guzman Ramirez A, Lu CH, Sabatier R, Colombo N, Hu Y, Krishnan V, Molinero L, Feng Y, Kim N, Castro M, Lin YG, Monk BJ. A non-comparative, randomized, phase II trial of atezolizumab or atezolizumab plus tiragolumab for programmed death-ligand 1-positive recurrent cervical cancer (SKYSCRAPER-04). Int J Gynecol Cancer 2024:ijgc-2024-005588. [PMID: 38858106 DOI: 10.1136/ijgc-2024-005588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate tiragolumab (anti-TIGIT) and atezolizumab (anti-PD-L1) as second- or third-line therapy for PD-L1-positive persistent/recurrent cervical cancer. METHODS In the open-label, non-comparative, randomized phase II SKYSCRAPER-04 trial (NCT04300647), patients with PD-L1-positive (SP263 tumor area positivity ≥5%) recurrent/persistent cervical cancer after 1-2 chemotherapy lines (≥1 platinum-based) were randomized 3:1 to atezolizumab 1200 mg with/without tiragolumab 600 mg every 3 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Stratification factors were performance status, prior (chemo)radiotherapy, and disease status. The primary endpoint was independent review committee-assessed confirmed objective response rate per RECIST v1.1 in patients receiving tiragolumab plus atezolizumab. An objective response rate ≥21% (one-sample z-test p≤0.0245) was required for statistical significance versus a historical reference. RESULTS Protocol-defined independent review committee-assessed objective response rates were 19.0% (95% CI 12.6 to 27.0) in 126 patients receiving tiragolumab plus atezolizumab (p=0.0787 vs historical reference) and 15.6% (95% CI 6.5 to 29.5) in 45 atezolizumab-treated patients. Response rates were higher in PD-L1high (tumor area positivity ≥10%) than PD-L1low (tumor area positivity 5%-9%) subgroups with both regimens. At 8.5 months' median follow-up, independent review committee-assessed progression-free survival was 2.8 months (95% CI 1.7 to 4.1) with tiragolumab plus atezolizumab and 1.9 months (95% CI 1.5 to 3.0) with atezolizumab. In post hoc analyses (10.4 months' median follow-up), median overall survival was 11.1 months (95% CI 9.6 to 14.5) with the combination and 10.6 months (95% CI 6.9 to 13.8) with atezolizumab (crossover permitted). In the combination group, 3% of patients had adverse events requiring treatment discontinuation and 8% had grade ≥3 adverse events of special interest; corresponding values in the single-agent arm were 4% and 11%. There were no treatment-related deaths or new safety findings. CONCLUSION The objective response rate with the tiragolumab-plus-atezolizumab combination was numerically higher than the historical reference but did not reach statistical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritu Salani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mary McCormack
- Department of Oncology, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Yong-Man Kim
- Gynecologic Cancer Center, Asan Cancer Institute, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Sharad Ghamande
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Shaundra L Hall
- National Cervical Cancer Coalition, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Domenica Lorusso
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS and Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Lisa Barraclough
- Clinical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Lucy Gilbert
- The Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Chien-Hsing Lu
- Department of OB/GYN, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Renaud Sabatier
- Department of Medical Oncology, Aix-Marseille University, CRCM, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Nicoletta Colombo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Gynecologic Oncology Program, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Youyou Hu
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Yuning Feng
- Genentech, Inc, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Nicole Kim
- Genentech, Inc, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Yvonne G Lin
- Genentech, Inc, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Bradley J Monk
- Department of Oncology, HonorHealth University of Arizona College of Medicine and Creighton University School of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
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Kong X, Zhang J, Chen S, Wang X, Xi Q, Shen H, Zhang R. Immune checkpoint inhibitors: breakthroughs in cancer treatment. Cancer Biol Med 2024; 21:j.issn.2095-3941.2024.0055. [PMID: 38801082 PMCID: PMC11208906 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2024.0055] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past two decades, immunotherapies have increasingly been considered as first-line treatments for most cancers. One such treatment is immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), which has demonstrated promising results against various solid tumors in clinical trials. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are currently available as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). These ICIs target specific immune checkpoints, including cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1). Clinical trial results strongly support the feasibility of this immunotherapeutic approach. However, a substantial proportion of patients with cancer develop resistance or tolerance to treatment, owing to tumor immune evasion mechanisms that counteract the host immune response. Consequently, substantial research focus has been aimed at identifying additional ICIs or synergistic inhibitory receptors to enhance the effectiveness of anti-PD-1, anti-programmed cell death ligand 1 (anti-PD-L1), and anti-CTLA-4 treatments. Recently, several immune checkpoint molecular targets have been identified, such as T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT), mucin domain containing-3 (TIM-3), lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA), B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA), and signal-regulatory protein α (SIRPα). Functional mAbs targeting these molecules are under development. CTLA-4, PD-1/PD-L1, and other recently discovered immune checkpoint proteins with distinct structures are at the forefront of research. This review discusses these structures, as well as clinical progress in mAbs targeting these immune checkpoint molecules and their potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqing Kong
- Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jinyi Zhang
- Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Shuwei Chen
- Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xianyang Wang
- Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qing Xi
- Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Han Shen
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Rongxin Zhang
- Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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5
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Benevolo Savelli C, Bisio M, Legato L, Fasano F, Santambrogio E, Nicolosi M, Morra D, Boccomini C, Freilone R, Botto B, Novo M. Advances in Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment: From Molecular Biology to Clinical Practice. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1830. [PMID: 38791909 PMCID: PMC11120540 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101830] [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: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL) is a highly curable disease, but around 20% of patients experience progression or relapse after standard frontline chemotherapy regimens. Salvage regimens followed by autologous stem cell transplants represent the historical treatment approach for these cases. In the last decade, with the increasing understanding of cHL biology and tumor microenvironment role in disease course, novel molecules have been introduced in clinical practice, improving outcomes in the relapsed/refractory setting. The anti-CD30 antibody-drug conjugated brentuximab vedotin and PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors represent nowadays curative options for chemorefractory patients, and randomized trials recently demonstrated their efficacy in frontline immune-chemo-combined modalities. Several drugs able to modulate the patients' T-lymphocytes and NK cell activity are under development, as well as many anti-CD30 chimeric antigen receptor T-cell products. Multiple tumor aberrant epigenetic mechanisms are being investigated as targets for antineoplastic compounds such as histone deacetylase inhibitors and hypomethylating agents. Moreover, JAK2 inhibition combined with anti-PD1 blockade revealed a potential complementary therapeutic pathway in cHL. In this review, we will summarize recent findings on cHL biology and novel treatment options clinically available, as well as promising future perspectives in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Benevolo Savelli
- Hematology Division, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, C.so Bramante 88, 10126 Turin, Italy; (M.B.); (L.L.); (F.F.); (E.S.); (M.N.); (D.M.); (C.B.); (R.F.); (B.B.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mattia Novo
- Hematology Division, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, C.so Bramante 88, 10126 Turin, Italy; (M.B.); (L.L.); (F.F.); (E.S.); (M.N.); (D.M.); (C.B.); (R.F.); (B.B.)
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6
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Dai T, Sun H, Liban T, Vicente-Suarez I, Zhang B, Song Y, Jiang Z, Yu J, Sheng J, Lv B. A novel anti-LAG-3/TIGIT bispecific antibody exhibits potent anti-tumor efficacy in mouse models as monotherapy or in combination with PD-1 antibody. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10661. [PMID: 38724599 PMCID: PMC11082181 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61477-6] [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: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
We report the generation of a novel anti-LAG-3/TIGIT bispecific IgG4 antibody, ZGGS15, and evaluated its anti-tumor efficacy in mouse models as monotherapy or in combination with a PD-1 antibody. ZGGS15 exhibited strong affinities for human LAG-3 and TIGIT, with KDs of 3.05 nM and 2.65 nM, respectively. ZGGS15 has EC50s of 0.69 nM and 1.87 nM for binding to human LAG-3 and TIGIT on CHO-K1 cells, respectively. ZGGS15 competitively inhibited the binding of LAG-3 to MHC-II (IC50 = 0.77 nM) and the binding of TIGIT to CD155 (IC50 = 0.24 nM). ZGGS15 does not induce ADCC, CDC, or obvious cytokine production. In vivo results showed that ZGGS15 had better anti-tumor inhibition than single anti-LAG-3 or anti-TIGIT agents and demonstrated a synergistic effect when combined with nivolumab, with a significantly higher tumor growth inhibition of 95.80% (p = 0.001). The tumor volume inhibition rate for ZGGS15 at 2 mg/kg was 69.70%, and for ZGGS15 at 5 mg/kg plus nivolumab at 1 mg/kg, it was 94.03% (p < 0.001). Our data reveal that ZGGS15 exhibits potent anti-tumor efficacy without eliciting ADCC or CDC or causing cytokine production, therefore having a safe profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongcheng Dai
- Suzhou Zelgen Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Kunshan, China
| | - Hao Sun
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Tyler Liban
- Gensun Biopharma Inc., Thousand Oaks, CA, USA
| | | | - Bin Zhang
- Suzhou Zelgen Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Kunshan, China
| | - Yongping Song
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhongxing Jiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jifeng Yu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | | | - Binhua Lv
- Suzhou Zelgen Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Kunshan, China.
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7
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Kumari K, Singh A, Chaudhary A, Singh RK, Shanker A, Kumar V, Haque R. Neoantigen Identification and Dendritic Cell-Based Vaccines for Lung Cancer Immunotherapy. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:498. [PMID: 38793749 PMCID: PMC11125796 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12050498] [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: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies can treat many cancers, including difficult-to-treat cases such as lung cancer. Due to its tolerability, long-lasting therapeutic responses, and efficacy in a wide spectrum of patients, immunotherapy can also help to treat lung cancer, which has few treatment choices. Tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) for cancer vaccinations and T-cell therapies are difficult to discover. Neoantigens (NeoAgs) from genetic mutations, irregular RNA splicing, protein changes, or viral genetic sequences in tumor cells provide a solution. NeoAgs, unlike TSAs, are non-self and can cause an immunological response. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatics can swiftly detect and forecast tumor-specific NeoAgs. Highly immunogenic NeoAgs provide personalized or generalized cancer immunotherapies. Dendritic cells (DCs), which originate and regulate T-cell responses, are widely studied potential immunotherapeutic therapies for lung cancer and other cancers. DC vaccines are stable, reliable, and safe in clinical trials. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the current status, limitations, and prospective clinical applications of DC vaccines, as well as the identification and selection of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II genes for NeoAgs. Our goal is to explain DC biology and activate DC manipulation to help researchers create extremely potent cancer vaccines for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Kumari
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya 824236, Bihar, India; (K.K.); (A.C.)
| | - Amarnath Singh
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | - Archana Chaudhary
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya 824236, Bihar, India; (K.K.); (A.C.)
| | - Rakesh Kumar Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India;
| | - Asheesh Shanker
- Department of Bioinformatics, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya 824236, Bihar, India
| | - Vinay Kumar
- Heart and Vascular Institute, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
| | - Rizwanul Haque
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya 824236, Bihar, India; (K.K.); (A.C.)
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Yang J, Wang L, Byrnes JR, Kirkemo LL, Driks H, Belair CD, Aguilar OA, Lanier LL, Wells JA, Fong L, Blelloch R. PVRL2 Suppresses Antitumor Immunity through PVRIG- and TIGIT-independent Pathways. Cancer Immunol Res 2024; 12:575-591. [PMID: 38588410 PMCID: PMC11063765 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0722] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Poliovirus receptor-related 2 (PVRL2, also known as nectin-2 or CD112) is believed to act as an immune checkpoint protein in cancer; however, most insight into its role is inferred from studies on its known receptor, poliovirus receptor (PVR)-related immunoglobulin domain protein (PVRIG, also known as CD112R). Here, we study PVRL2 itself. PVRL2 levels were found to be high in tumor cells and tumor-derived exosomes. Deletion of PVRL2 in multiple syngeneic mouse models of cancer showed a dramatic reduction in tumor growth that was immune dependent. This effect was even greater than that seen with deletion of PD-L1. PVRL2 was shown to function by suppressing CD8+ T and natural killer cells in the tumor microenvironment. The loss of PVRL2 suppressed tumor growth even in the absence of PVRIG. In contrast, PVRIG loss showed no additive effect in the absence of PVRL2. T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT) blockade combined with PVRL2 deletion resulted in a near complete block in tumor growth. This effect was not recapitulated by the combined deletion of PVRL2 with its paralog, PVR, which is the ligand for TIGIT. These data uncover PVRL2 as a distinct inhibitor of the antitumor immune response with functions beyond that of its known receptor PVRIG. Moreover, the data provide a strong rationale for combinatorial targeting of PVRL2 and TIGIT for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiuling Yang
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - James R. Byrnes
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Lisa L. Kirkemo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Hannah Driks
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Cassandra D. Belair
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Oscar A. Aguilar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, and Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, California
| | - Lewis L. Lanier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, and Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, California
| | - James A. Wells
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Lawrence Fong
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Robert Blelloch
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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9
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Li Y, Li B, Wang Q, Zhang X, Zhang Q, Zhou X, Shi R, Wu Y, Zhai W, Chen Z, Zhou X, Zhao W. Dual targeting of TIGIT and PD-1 with a novel small molecule for cancer immunotherapy. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 223:116162. [PMID: 38527557 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116162] [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: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors have unveiled promising clinical prospects in cancer treatment. Nonetheless, their effectiveness remains restricted, marked by consistently low response rates and affecting only a subset of patients. The co-blockade of TIGIT with PD-1 has exhibited substantial anti-tumor effects. Notably, there is a dearth of reports on small-molecule inhibitors concurrently targeting both TIGIT and PD-1. In this study, we employed Microscale Thermophoresis (MST) to screen our laboratory's existing repository of small molecules. Our findings illuminated Gln(TrT) 's affinity for both TIGIT and PD-1, affirming its potential to effectively inhibit TIGIT/PVR and PD-1/PD-L1 pathways. In vitro co-culture experiments substantiated Gln(TrT)'s proficiency in restoring Jurkat T-cell functionality by blocking both TIGIT/PVR and PD-1/PD-L1 interactions. In the MC38 murine tumor model, Gln(TrT) emerges as a pivotal modulator, promoting the intratumoral infiltration and functional competence of CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, whether used as a monotherapy or in conjunction with radiotherapy, Gln(TrT) substantially impedes MC38 tumor progression, significantly extending the survival of murine subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Beibei Li
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Qingchao Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiangrui Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Qiongqiong Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiuman Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Ranran Shi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Luohe Medical College, Luohe 462000, China
| | - Yahong Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; International Joint Laboratory for Protein and Peptide Drugs of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Wenjie Zhai
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; International Joint Laboratory for Protein and Peptide Drugs of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Zhenzhen Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiaowen Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Wenshan Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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10
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Yang C, Xuan T, Gong Q, Dai X, Wang C, Zhang R, Zhao W, Wang J, Yue W, Li J. Efficacy and safety of novel immune checkpoint inhibitor-based combinations versus chemotherapy as first-line treatment for patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer: A network meta-analysis. Thorac Cancer 2024; 15:1246-1262. [PMID: 38623838 PMCID: PMC11128374 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.15310] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) have an exceptionally poor prognosis and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) combined with etoposide-platinum is recommended as standard first-line therapy. However, which combination pattern is the best still remains unknown. This network meta-analysis was performed to compare the efficacy and safety of currently available patterns including an antiangiogenic agent containing regimen and probed into the most appropriate therapy for patients. METHODS Hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs) were generated using R software. The outcomes of overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and adverse events of grade 3 or higher (grade ≥ 3 adverse events [AEs]) were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 5544 patients were included for analysis. Drug combination patterns included adebrelimab, atezolizumab, durvalumab, durvalumab plus tremelimumab, ipilimumab, pembrolizumab, serplulimab, benmelstobart plus anlotinib, tislelizumab, tiragolumab plus atezolizumab and toripalimab in combination with chemotherapy. The novel antiangiogenic agent containing regimen benmelstobart + anlotinib + chemotherapy showed the highest possibility to present the best PFS and OS versus chemotherapy. Compared with ICI plus chemotherapy, it also achieved significantly better PFS and presented a tendency of OS benefit. As for safety and toxicity, patients treated with benmelstobart + anlotinib + chemotherapy and durvalumab + tremelimumab + chemotherapy suffered a higher likelihood of more grade ≥ 3 AEs without unexpected AEs. CONCLUSION PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors-based combinations are associated with significant improvement in both PFS and OS for treatment-naïve ES-SCLC patients. Benmelstobart plus anlotinib with chemotherapy (CT) yielded better survival benefit versus CT alone or other ICIs + CT with caution for more adverse effects along with the addition of an antiangiogenic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuang Yang
- Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Tiantian Xuan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Qing Gong
- Department of Respiratory Oncology, Wendeng District People's HospitalWeihaiChina
| | - Xin Dai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shandong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineJinanChina
| | - Chengjun Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Rongyu Zhang
- Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Wen Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Weiming Yue
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Jisheng Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanChina
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11
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Zhou X, Li Y, Zhang X, Li B, Jin S, Wu M, Zhou X, Dong Q, Du J, Zhai W, Wu Y, Qiu L, Li G, Qi Y, Zhao W, Gao Y. Hemin blocks TIGIT/PVR interaction and induces ferroptosis to elicit synergistic effects of cancer immunotherapy. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:996-1009. [PMID: 38324132 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2472-4] [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: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
The immune checkpoint TIGIT/PVR blockade exhibits significant antitumor effects through activation of NK and CD8+ T cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) could induce tumor ferroptosis through IFN-γ released by immune cells, indicating the synergetic effects of ICB with ferroptosis in inhibiting tumor growth. However, the development of TIGIT/PVR inhibitors with ferroptosis-inducing effects has not been explored yet. In this study, the small molecule Hemin that could bind with TIGIT to block TIGIT/PVR interaction was screened by virtual molecular docking and cell-based blocking assay. Hemin could effectively restore the IL-2 secretion from Jurkat-hTIGIT cells. Hemin reinvigorated the function of CD8+ T cells to secrete IFN-γ and the elevated IFN-γ could synergize with Hemin to induce ferroptosis in tumor cells. Hemin inhibited tumor growth by boosting CD8+ T cell immune response and inducing ferroptosis in CT26 tumor model. More importantly, Hemin in combination with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade exhibited more effective antitumor efficacy in anti-PD-1 resistant B16 tumor model. In summary, our finding indicated that Hemin blocked TIGIT/PVR interaction and induced tumor cell ferroptosis, which provided a new therapeutic strategy to combine immunotherapy and ferroptosis for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yang Li
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Xiangrui Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Beibei Li
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Shengzhe Jin
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Menghan Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Xiuman Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen Campus, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Qingyu Dong
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jiangfeng Du
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Wenjie Zhai
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yahong Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Lu Qiu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen Campus, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Guodong Li
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yuanming Qi
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Wenshan Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Yanfeng Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen Campus, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
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12
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Bauer M, Schöbel CM, Wickenhauser C, Seliger B, Jasinski-Bergner S. Deciphering the role of alternative splicing in neoplastic diseases for immune-oncological therapies. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1386993. [PMID: 38736877 PMCID: PMC11082354 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1386993] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) is an important molecular biological mechanism regulated by complex mechanisms involving a plethora of cis and trans-acting elements. Furthermore, AS is tissue specific and altered in various pathologies, including infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic diseases. Recently developed immuno-oncological therapies include monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells targeting, among others, immune checkpoint (ICP) molecules. Despite therapeutic successes have been demonstrated, only a limited number of patients showed long-term benefit from these therapies with tumor entity-related differential response rates were observed. Interestingly, splice variants of common immunotherapeutic targets generated by AS are able to completely escape and/or reduce the efficacy of mAb- and/or CAR-based tumor immunotherapies. Therefore, the analyses of splicing patterns of targeted molecules in tumor specimens prior to therapy might help correct stratification, thereby increasing therapy success by antibody panel selection and antibody dosages. In addition, the expression of certain splicing factors has been linked with the patients' outcome, thereby highlighting their putative prognostic potential. Outstanding questions are addressed to translate the findings into clinical application. This review article provides an overview of the role of AS in (tumor) diseases, its molecular mechanisms, clinical relevance, and therapy response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Bauer
- Institute of Pathology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Chiara-Maria Schöbel
- Institute for Translational Immunology, Brandenburg Medical School (MHB), Theodor Fontane, Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany
| | - Claudia Wickenhauser
- Institute of Pathology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute for Translational Immunology, Brandenburg Medical School (MHB), Theodor Fontane, Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany
- Department of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Development & Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP) Design, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Simon Jasinski-Bergner
- Institute for Translational Immunology, Brandenburg Medical School (MHB), Theodor Fontane, Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany
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13
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Ren X, Lin S, Guan F, Kang H. Glycosylation Targeting: A Paradigm Shift in Cancer Immunotherapy. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:2607-2621. [PMID: 38725856 PMCID: PMC11077373 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.93806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has shown great potential in cancer treatment. However, even with the intervention of techniques such as immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, tumors can still achieve immune escape, leading to a low response rate. Abnormal glycosylation is a widely recognized hallmark of cancer. The development of a complex "glyco-code" on the surface of tumor cells can potentially influence the immune system's ability to monitor tumors and can impact the anti-tumor immune response. Therefore, abnormal glycosylation has emerged as a promising target for immunotherapy. Many recent studies have shown that targeted glycosylation can reshape the tumor microenvironment (TME) and promote the immune response, thereby improving the response to immunotherapy. This review summarizes how glycosylation affects anti-tumor immune function in the TME and synthesizes the latest research progress on targeted glycosylation in immunotherapy. It is hoped that by elucidating the basic laws and biological connotations of glycosylation, this review will enable researcher to thoroughly analyze the mechanism of its influence on the immune metabolic regulation network, which will provide a theoretical tool for promoting the clinical application of glycosylation codes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueting Ren
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shuai Lin
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Feng Guan
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Huafeng Kang
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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14
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Schokrpur S, White MG, Roland CL, Patel SP. Immuno-Oncology: New Insights into Targets and Therapies. Surg Oncol Clin N Am 2024; 33:265-278. [PMID: 38401909 DOI: 10.1016/j.soc.2023.12.006] [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] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
The role of immunotherapy in the care of surgical oncology patients promises to expand as investigators and clinicians evaluate new targets and approaches. Currently active clinical trials evaluate new immune checkpoints, including lymphocyte activation gene 3, T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains, and killer Ig-like receptor 2DL1/2L3. Vaccines delivered through mRNA have demonstrated exciting results in early clinical trials and hold promise for expanded application. Investigational approaches include dendritic cell vaccines, peptide vaccines, cytokines therapies, and cellular therapies. These studies have the potential to revolutionize the management of surgical oncology patients and promote durable cures following surgical resection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiruyeh Schokrpur
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Michael G White
- Department of Colon & Rectal Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler Street, Unit 1401, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Christina L Roland
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler St, Unit 1401, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sandip Pravin Patel
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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15
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Launonen IM, Erkan EP, Niemiec I, Junquera A, Hincapié-Otero M, Afenteva D, Liang Z, Salko M, Szabo A, Perez-Villatoro F, Falco MM, Li Y, Micoli G, Nagaraj A, Haltia UM, Kahelin E, Oikkonen J, Hynninen J, Virtanen A, Nirmal AJ, Vallius T, Hautaniemi S, Sorger P, Vähärautio A, Färkkilä A. Chemotherapy induces myeloid-driven spatial T-cell exhaustion in ovarian cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.19.585657. [PMID: 38562799 PMCID: PMC10983974 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.19.585657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
To uncover the intricate, chemotherapy-induced spatiotemporal remodeling of the tumor microenvironment, we conducted integrative spatial and molecular characterization of 97 high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) samples collected before and after chemotherapy. Using single-cell and spatial analyses, we identify increasingly versatile immune cell states, which form spatiotemporally dynamic microcommunities at the tumor-stroma interface. We demonstrate that chemotherapy triggers spatial redistribution and exhaustion of CD8+ T cells due to prolonged antigen presentation by macrophages, both within interconnected myeloid networks termed "Myelonets" and at the tumor stroma interface. Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics identifies prominent TIGIT-NECTIN2 ligand-receptor interactions induced by chemotherapy. Using a functional patient-derived immuno-oncology platform, we show that CD8+T-cell activity can be boosted by combining immune checkpoint blockade with chemotherapy. Our discovery of chemotherapy-induced myeloid-driven spatial T-cell exhaustion paves the way for novel immunotherapeutic strategies to unleash CD8+ T-cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity in HGSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga-Maria Launonen
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Iga Niemiec
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ada Junquera
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Daria Afenteva
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Zhihan Liang
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Matilda Salko
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Angela Szabo
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Matias M Falco
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Yilin Li
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Giulia Micoli
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ashwini Nagaraj
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ulla-Maija Haltia
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Oncology, Clinical trials unit, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Essi Kahelin
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and HUS Diagnostic Center, Helsinki University Hospital
| | - Jaana Oikkonen
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Johanna Hynninen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Anni Virtanen
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and HUS Diagnostic Center, Helsinki University Hospital
| | - Ajit J Nirmal
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Tuulia Vallius
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
- Ludwig Center at Harvard
| | - Sampsa Hautaniemi
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Peter Sorger
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Anna Vähärautio
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Foundation for the Finnish Cancer Institute, Finland
| | - Anniina Färkkilä
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Oncology, Clinical trials unit, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute for Life Sciences, University of Helsinki, Finland
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16
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Liu Y, Jiang X, Wu Y, Yu H. Global research landscape and trends of cancer radiotherapy plus immunotherapy: A bibliometric analysis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27103. [PMID: 38449655 PMCID: PMC10915415 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to present current research trends on the synergistic use of radiotherapy and immunotherapy (IRT) for cancer treatment. On March 1, 2023, we conducted a literature search for IRT papers using the Web of Science database. We extracted information and constructed two databases - the Core Database (CD) with 864 papers and Generalized Database (GD) with 6344 papers. A bibliometric analysis was performed to provide insights into the research landscape, to identify emerging trends and highly cited papers and journals in the field of IRT. The CD contained 864 papers that were collectively cited 31,818 times. Prominent journals in this area included the New England Journal of Medicine, Lancet Oncology, and the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Corresponding authors from the USA contributed the most publications. In recent years, lung cancer, melanoma, stereotactic radiotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and the tumor microenvironment emerged as hot research areas. This bibliometric analysis presented quantitative insights into research concerning IRT and proposed potential avenues for further exploration. Moreover, researchers can use our findings to select appropriate journals for publication or identify prospective collaborators. In summary, this bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the historical progression and recent advancements in IRT research that may serve as inspiration for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhao Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Department of Oncology, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Hospital), Qingdao, China
| | - Xu Jiang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Hospital), Qingdao, China
| | - Yujuan Wu
- Department of Oncology, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Hospital), Qingdao, China
| | - Haiming Yu
- Department of Oncology, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Hospital), Qingdao, China
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17
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Yang Y, Xin D, Guan L, Luo X, Wu H, Chu J, Xing J, Liu C, Wang F. Dual immunotherapy in advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer: A network meta-analysis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27576. [PMID: 38463838 PMCID: PMC10923855 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Recently, there has been extensive research on dual immunotherapy for advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), yet a comprehensive evaluation is lacking. This study aimed to rank the available treatment options and assess the efficacy and safety of dual immunotherapy regimens through the implementation of a Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA). Materials and methods A thorough search was conducted to recognize eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on March 20, 2023. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) and grade ≥3 TRAEs were evaluated to identify the efficacy and safety of dual immunotherapy regimens. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) and P score were employed to rank the treatments. Results Eleven clinical trials involving six different regimens were included in this study. The combination of anti-programmed cell death protein 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) antibodies with anti-T-cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT) antibodies emerged as the most promising regimen for improving OS and PFS, followed by anti-PD-1/PD-L1 + anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) + chemotherapy treatment and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 + anti-CTLA-4 treatment. The forest plots demonstrated that these three regimens were all superior to chemotherapy. The above results were observed in both unselected treatment line and first-line settings. The least likely to be associated with TRAEs and grade ≥3 TRAEs were respectively anti-CTLA-4 treatment and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 + anti-TIGIT treatment, with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 + anti-CTLA-4 + chemotherapy treatment to be the worst. Conclusions This NMA validated the promising efficacy and safety of dual immunotherapy in advanced or metastatic NSCLC. Among them, anti-PD-1/PD-L1 + anti-TIGIT regimen emerges as a highly potential therapeutic approach. Ongoing research efforts should focus on improving treatment regimens, identifying biomarkers, and managing TRAEs to optimize the patient benefits of dual immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Yang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Dao Xin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Lulu Guan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Xi Luo
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Han Wu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Jingwen Chu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Jianxiang Xing
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Chengjiang Liu
- Department of General Medicine, Affiliated Anqing First People's Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anqing 246000, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
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18
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Wang M, Krueger JB, Gilkey AK, Stelljes EM, Kluesner MG, Pomeroy EJ, Skeate JG, Slipek NJ, Lahr WS, Vázquez PNC, Zhao Y, Eaton EJ, Laoharawee K, Webber BR, Moriarity BS. Precision Enhancement of CAR-NK Cells through Non-Viral Engineering and Highly Multiplexed Base Editing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.05.582637. [PMID: 38496503 PMCID: PMC10942345 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.05.582637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells' unique ability to kill transformed cells expressing stress ligands or lacking major histocompatibility complexes (MHC) has prompted their development for immunotherapy. However, NK cells have demonstrated only moderate responses against cancer in clinical trials and likely require advanced genome engineering to reach their full potential as a cancer therapeutic. Multiplex genome editing with CRISPR/Cas9 base editors (BE) has been used to enhance T cell function and has already entered clinical trials but has not been reported in human NK cells. Here, we report the first application of BE in primary NK cells to achieve both loss-of-function and gain-of-function mutations. We observed highly efficient single and multiplex base editing, resulting in significantly enhanced NK cell function. Next, we combined multiplex BE with non-viral TcBuster transposon-based integration to generate IL-15 armored CD19 CAR-NK cells with significantly improved functionality in a highly suppressive model of Burkitt's lymphoma both in vitro and in vivo. The use of concomitant non-viral transposon engineering with multiplex base editing thus represents a highly versatile and efficient platform to generate CAR-NK products for cell-based immunotherapy and affords the flexibility to tailor multiple gene edits to maximize the effectiveness of the therapy for the cancer type being treated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjing Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Joshua B Krueger
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Alexandria K Gilkey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Erin M Stelljes
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Mitchell G Kluesner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Emily J Pomeroy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Joseph G Skeate
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Nicholas J Slipek
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Walker S Lahr
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Patricia N Claudio Vázquez
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Yueting Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Ella J Eaton
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Kanut Laoharawee
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Beau R Webber
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Branden S Moriarity
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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19
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Ulitzka M, Harwardt J, Lipinski B, Tran H, Hock B, Kolmar H. Potent Apoptosis Induction by a Novel Trispecific B7-H3xCD16xTIGIT 2+1 Common Light Chain Natural Killer Cell Engager. Molecules 2024; 29:1140. [PMID: 38474651 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29051140] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Valued for their ability to rapidly kill multiple tumor cells in succession as well as their favorable safety profile, NK cells are of increasing interest in the field of immunotherapy. As their cytotoxic activity is controlled by a complex network of activating and inhibiting receptors, they offer a wide range of possible antigens to modulate their function by antibodies. In this work, we utilized our established common light chain (cLC)-based yeast surface display (YSD) screening procedure to isolate novel B7-H3 and TIGIT binding monoclonal antibodies. The chicken-derived antibodies showed single- to low-double-digit nanomolar affinities and were combined with a previously published CD16-binding Fab in a 2+1 format to generate a potent NK engaging molecule. In a straightforward, easily adjustable apoptosis assay, the construct B7-H3xCD16xTIGIT showed potent apoptosis induction in cancer cells. These results showcase the potential of the TIGIT NK checkpoint in combination with activating receptors to achieve increased cytotoxic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Ulitzka
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Str. 4, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Julia Harwardt
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Str. 4, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Britta Lipinski
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Str. 4, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Hue Tran
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Str. 4, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Björn Hock
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Str. 4, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Harald Kolmar
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Str. 4, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
- Centre of Synthetic Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, 64283 Darmstadt, Germany
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20
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Davoudi F, Moradi A, Sadeghirad H, Kulasinghe A. Tissue biomarkers of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Immunol Cell Biol 2024; 102:179-193. [PMID: 38228572 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12723] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has been rejuvenated by the growing understanding of the immune system's role in tumor activity over the past two decades. During cancer initiation and progression, tumor cells employ various mechanisms that resemble peripheral immune tolerance to evade the antitumor responses of the immune system. Immune checkpoint molecules are the major mechanism of immune resistance that are exploited by tumor cells to inhibit T-cell activation and suppress immune responses. The targeting of immune checkpoint pathways has led to substantial improvements in survival rates in a number of solid cancers. However, a lack of understanding of the heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) has resulted in inefficient therapy responses. A greater understanding of the TME is needed to identify patients likely to respond, and those that will have resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Advancement in spatial single-cell technologies has allowed deeper insight into the phenotypic and functional diversities of cells in the TME. In this review, we provide an overview of ICI biomarkers and highlight how high-dimensional spatially resolved, single-cell approaches provide deep molecular insights into the TME and allow for the discovery of biomarkers of clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Davoudi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Afshin Moradi
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Habib Sadeghirad
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Arutha Kulasinghe
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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21
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Kroemer G, Chan TA, Eggermont AMM, Galluzzi L. Immunosurveillance in clinical cancer management. CA Cancer J Clin 2024; 74:187-202. [PMID: 37880100 PMCID: PMC10939974 DOI: 10.3322/caac.21818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The progression of cancer involves a critical step in which malignant cells escape from control by the immune system. Antineoplastic agents are particularly efficient when they succeed in restoring such control (immunosurveillance) or at least establish an equilibrium state that slows down disease progression. This is true not only for immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), but also for conventional chemotherapy, targeted anticancer agents, and radiation therapy. Thus, therapeutics that stress and kill cancer cells while provoking a tumor-targeting immune response, referred to as immunogenic cell death, are particularly useful in combination with ICIs. Modern oncology regimens are increasingly using such combinations, which are referred to as chemoimmunotherapy, as well as combinations of multiple ICIs. However, the latter are generally associated with severe side effects compared with single-agent ICIs. Of note, the success of these combinatorial strategies against locally advanced or metastatic cancers is now spurring successful attempts to move them past the postoperative (adjuvant) setting to the preoperative (neoadjuvant) setting, even for patients with operable cancers. Here, the authors critically discuss the importance of immunosurveillance in modern clinical cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Kroemer
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe Labellisée par la Ligue Contre le Cancer, Inserm U1138, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France; Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Villejuif, France; Institut du Cancer Paris Carpem, Department of Biology, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Timothy A. Chan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taussig Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA; Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA; National Center for Regenerative Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Alexander M. M. Eggermont
- University Medical Center Utrecht & Princess Maxima Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Comprehensive Cancer Center München, Technical University München & Ludwig Maximilian University, München, Germany
| | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA; Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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22
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Kiem D, Ocker M, Greil R, Neureiter D, Melchardt T. Enhancing anti-CD274 (PD-L1) targeting through combinatorial immunotherapy with bispecific antibodies and fusion proteins: from preclinical to phase II clinical trials. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024; 33:229-242. [PMID: 38354028 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2319317] [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: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immune checkpoint inhibitors have achieved great success in the treatment of many different types of cancer. Programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1, CD274) is a major immunosuppressive immune checkpoint and a target for several already approved monoclonal antibodies. Despite this, novel strategies are under development, as the overall response remains low. AREAS COVERED In this review, an overview of the current biomarkers for response to PD-L1 inhibitor treatment is given, followed by a discussion of potential novel biomarkers, including tumor mutational burden and circulating tumor DNA. Combinatorial immunotherapy is a potential novel strategy to increase the response to PD-L1 inhibitor treatment and currently, several interesting bispecific antibodies as well as bispecific fusion proteins are undergoing early clinical investigation. We focus on substances targeting PD-L1 and a secondary target, and a secondary immunomodulatory target like CTLA-4, TIGIT, or CD47. EXPERT OPINION Overall, the presented studies show anti-tumor activity of these combinatorial immunotherapeutic approaches. However, still relatively low response rates suggest a need for better biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Kiem
- III Medical Department, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Matthias Ocker
- Medical Department, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Campus, Charité Mitte, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- EO Translational Insights Consulting GmbH, Berlin, Germany
- Tacalyx GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Richard Greil
- III Medical Department, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Daniel Neureiter
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
- Institute of Pathology, Paracelsus Medical University, University Hospital Salzburg (SALK), Salzburg, Austria
| | - Thomas Melchardt
- III Medical Department, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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23
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Chew V, Chuang CH, Hsu C. Translational research on drug development and biomarker discovery for hepatocellular carcinoma. J Biomed Sci 2024; 31:22. [PMID: 38368324 PMCID: PMC10874078 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-024-01011-y] [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: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Translational research plays a key role in drug development and biomarker discovery for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, unique challenges exist in this field because of the limited availability of human tumor samples from surgery, the lack of homogenous oncogenic driver mutations, and the paucity of adequate experimental models. In this review, we provide insights into these challenges and review recent advancements, with a particular focus on the two main agents currently used as mainstream therapies for HCC: anti-angiogenic agents and immunotherapy. First, we examine the pre-clinical and clinical studies to highlight the challenges of determining the optimal therapeutic combinations with biologically effective dosage for HCC. Second, we discuss biomarker studies focusing on anti-PD1/anti-PD-L1-based combination therapy. Finally, we discuss the progress made in our collective understanding of tumor immunology and in multi-omics analysis technology, which enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying immunotherapy, characterize different patient subgroups, and facilitate the development of novel combination approaches to improve treatment efficacy. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive overview of efforts in translational research aiming at advancing our understanding of and improving the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Chew
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth-DukeNUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chien-Huai Chuang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chiun Hsu
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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24
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Osegueda A, Polo ML, Baquero L, Urioste A, Ghiglione Y, Paz S, Poblete G, Gonzalez Polo V, Turk G, Quiroga MF, Laufer N. Markers of Natural Killer Cell Exhaustion in HIV/HCV Coinfection and Their Dynamics After HCV Clearance Mediated by Direct-Acting Antivirals. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad591. [PMID: 38107019 PMCID: PMC10723816 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad591] [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: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Liver fibrosis is a leading cause of morbimortality in people with HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV). Natural killer (NK) cells are linked with amelioration of liver fibrosis; however, NK cells from individuals coinfected with HIV/HCV with cirrhosis display impaired functionality and high PD-1 expression. Here, we aimed to study PD-1, TIGIT, and Tim3 as potential exhaustion markers in NK cells from persons coinfected with HIV/HCV with mild and advanced liver fibrosis. We also evaluated the role of PD-1 expression on NK cells after HCV clearance by direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from individuals coinfected with HIV/HCV (N = 54; METAVIR F0/F1, n = 27; F4, evaluated by transient elastography, n = 27). In 26 participants, samples were collected before, at the end of, and 12 months after successful DAA treatment. The frequency, immunophenotype (PD-1, TIGIT, and Tim3 expression), and degranulation capacity (CD107a assay) of NK cells were determined by flow cytometry. Results Unlike PD-1, Tim3 and TIGIT were comparably expressed between persons with mild and advanced fibrosis. Degranulation capacity was diminished in NK/TIGIT+ cells in both fibrosis stages, while NK/PD-1+ cells showed a lower CD107a expression in cirrhotic cases. Twelve months after DAA treatment, those with advanced fibrosis showed an improved NK cell frequency and reduced NK/PD-1+ cell frequency but no changes in CD107a expression. In individuals with mild fibrosis, neither PD-1 nor NK cell frequency was modified, although the percentage of NK/CD107a+ cells was improved at 12 months posttreatment. Conclusions Although DAA improved exhaustion and frequency of NK cells in cirrhotic cases, functionality was reverted only in mild liver fibrosis, remarking the importance of an early DAA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Osegueda
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y SIDA (INBIRS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Laura Polo
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y SIDA (INBIRS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucia Baquero
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y SIDA (INBIRS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Microbiología, Parasitología e Inmunología, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandra Urioste
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y SIDA (INBIRS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Yanina Ghiglione
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y SIDA (INBIRS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silvia Paz
- Hospital Francisco Javier Muñiz, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Virginia Gonzalez Polo
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y SIDA (INBIRS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Turk
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y SIDA (INBIRS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Microbiología, Parasitología e Inmunología, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Florencia Quiroga
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y SIDA (INBIRS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Microbiología, Parasitología e Inmunología, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Natalia Laufer
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y SIDA (INBIRS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Microbiología, Parasitología e Inmunología, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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25
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Hajjar J, Derbala MH, Naing A. Unlocking the Potential of Anti-TIGIT Therapy-Between Promise and Challenges. JAMA Oncol 2023; 9:1503-1504. [PMID: 37768657 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2023.3835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Joud Hajjar
- Division of Immunology, Allergy & Retrovirology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston
| | - Mohamed H Derbala
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - Aung Naing
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
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26
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Borgeaud M, Sandoval J, Obeid M, Banna G, Michielin O, Addeo A, Friedlaender A. Novel targets for immune-checkpoint inhibition in cancer. Cancer Treat Rev 2023; 120:102614. [PMID: 37603905 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Immune-checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer therapy, yet many patients either do not derive any benefit from treatment or develop a resistance to checkpoint inhibitors. Intrinsic resistance can result from neoantigen depletion, defective antigen presentation, PD-L1 downregulation, immune-checkpoint ligand upregulation, immunosuppression, and tumor cell phenotypic changes. On the other hand, extrinsic resistance involves acquired upregulation of inhibitory immune-checkpoints, leading to T-cell exhaustion. Current data suggest that PD-1, CTLA-4, and LAG-3 upregulation limits the efficacy of single-agent immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Ongoing clinical trials are investigating novel immune-checkpoint targets to avoid or overcome resistance. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the evolving landscape of potentially targetable immune-checkpoints in cancer. We highlight their biology, emphasizing the current understanding of resistance mechanisms and focusing on promising strategies that are under investigation. We also summarize current results and ongoing clinical trials in this crucial field that could once again revolutionize outcomes for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michel Obeid
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppe Banna
- Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
| | | | | | - Alex Friedlaender
- Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland; Clinique Générale Beaulieu, Geneva, Switzerland.
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27
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Giordano Attianese GMP, Ash S, Irving M. Coengineering specificity, safety, and function into T cells for cancer immunotherapy. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:166-198. [PMID: 37548063 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive T-cell transfer (ACT) therapies, including of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and T cells gene-modified to express either a T cell receptor (TCR) or a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), have demonstrated clinical efficacy for a proportion of patients and cancer-types. The field of ACT has been driven forward by the clinical success of CD19-CAR therapy against various advanced B-cell malignancies, including curative responses for some leukemia patients. However, relapse remains problematic, in particular for lymphoma. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, relative limited efficacy has been demonstrated for ACT of non-hematological solid tumors. Indeed, in addition to pre-infusion challenges including lymphocyte collection and manufacturing, ACT failure can be attributed to several biological processes post-transfer including, (i) inefficient tumor trafficking, infiltration, expansion and retention, (ii) chronic antigen exposure coupled with insufficient costimulation resulting in T-cell exhaustion, (iii) a range of barriers in the tumor microenvironment (TME) mediated by both tumor cells and suppressive immune infiltrate, (iv) tumor antigen heterogeneity and loss, or down-regulation of antigen presentation machinery, (v) gain of tumor intrinsic mechanisms of resistance such as to apoptosis, and (vi) various forms of toxicity and other adverse events in patients. Affinity-optimized TCRs can improve T-cell function and innovative CAR designs as well as gene-modification strategies can be used to coengineer specificity, safety, and function into T cells. Coengineering strategies can be designed not only to directly support the transferred T cells, but also to block suppressive barriers in the TME and harness endogenous innate and adaptive immunity. Here, we review a selection of the remarkable T-cell coengineering strategies, including of tools, receptors, and gene-cargo, that have been developed in recent years to augment tumor control by ACT, more and more of which are advancing to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Maria Paola Giordano Attianese
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Ash
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Melita Irving
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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28
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Bhamidipati D, Subbiah V. Tumor-agnostic drug development in dMMR/MSI-H solid tumors. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:828-839. [PMID: 37517955 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) or microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) represents a distinct phenotype among solid tumors characterized by frequent frameshift mutations resulting in the generation of neoantigens that are highly immunogenic. Seminal studies identified that dMMR/MSI-H tumors are exquisitely sensitive to immune checkpoint inhibitors, which has dramatically improved outcomes for patients harboring dMMR/MSI-H tumors. Nevertheless, many patients develop resistance to single-agent immune checkpoint blockade, prompting the need for improved therapeutic options for this patient population. In this review, we highlight key studies examining the efficacy of PD1 inhibitors in the metastatic and neoadjuvant setting for patients with dMMR/MSI-H tumors, describe resistance mechanisms to immune checkpoint blockade, and discuss novel treatment approaches that are currently under investigation for dMMR/MSI-H tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Bhamidipati
- Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vivek Subbiah
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN, USA.
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29
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Renault T, Meunier L, Monet C. Acute liver failure following immune checkpoint inhibitors. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2023; 47:102203. [PMID: 37660741 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2023.102203] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
We report the case of a 64-year-old man admitted to intensive care unit for liver failure secondary to immune-mediated hepatitis. This patient suffered from a progressing laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. A treatment was started with immune checkpoint inhibitors combining anti PD-L1 plus novel anti-TIGIT or placebo (ATEZOLIZUMAB plus TIRAGOLUMAB or placebo), as part of a clinical trial. The patient then developed immune-mediated hepatitis, proven by liver biopsy. Despite 14 days of corticosteroids at 2 mg/kg the condition of the patient worsened, with the development of liver failure. The patient was admitted to intensive care unit, treated with plasma exchange, and made a complete recovery from this life-threatening condition. To our knowledge this is the case of a successful use of plasma exchange to treat ATEZOLIZUMAB +/- TIRAGOLUMAB induced liver toxicity. INSIGHTS: Plasma exchange could be a potential lifesaving treatment to severe immune-mediated hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Renault
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care unit, Regional University Hospital of Montpellier, St-Eloi Hospital, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, CEDEX 5, France
| | - Lucy Meunier
- Liver Unit, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier University, IRMB, Montpellier, France.
| | - Clément Monet
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care unit, Regional University Hospital of Montpellier, St-Eloi Hospital, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, CEDEX 5, France; PhyMedExp, University of Montpellier, INSERM U1046, CNRS UMR, 9214, Montpellier, France
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30
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Zeven K, De Groof TW, Ceuppens H, Awad RM, Ertveldt T, de Mey W, Meeus F, Raes G, Breckpot K, Devoogdt N. Development and evaluation of nanobody tracers for noninvasive nuclear imaging of the immune-checkpoint TIGIT. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1268900. [PMID: 37799715 PMCID: PMC10548220 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1268900] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction T cell Ig and ITIM domain receptor (TIGIT) is a next-generation immune checkpoint predominantly expressed on activated T cells and NK cells, exhibiting an unfavorable prognostic association with various malignancies. Despite the emergence of multiple TIGIT-blocking agents entering clinical trials, only a fraction of patients responded positively to anti-TIGIT therapy. Consequently, an urgent demand arises for noninvasive techniques to quantify and monitor TIGIT expression, facilitating patient stratification and enhancing therapeutic outcomes. Small antigen binding moieties such as nanobodies, are promising candidates for such tracer development. Methods We generated a panel of anti-human or anti-mouse TIGIT nanobodies from immunized llamas. In addition, we designed a single-chain variable fragment derived from the clinically tested monoclonal antibody Vibostolimab targeting TIGIT, and assessed its performance alongside the nanobodies. In vitro characterization studies were performed, including binding ability and affinity to cell expressed or recombinant TIGIT. After Technetium-99m labeling, the nanobodies and the single-chain variable fragment were evaluated in vivo for their ability to detect TIGIT expression using SPECT/CT imaging, followed by ex vivo biodistribution analysis. Results Nine nanobodies were selected for binding to recombinant and cell expressed TIGIT with low sub-nanomolar affinities and are thermostable. A six-fold higher uptake in TIGIT-overexpressing tumor was demonstrated one hour post- injection with Technetium-99m labeled nanobodies compared to an irrelevant control nanobody. Though the single-chain variable fragment exhibited superior binding to TIGIT-expressing peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro, its in vivo behavior yielded lower tumor-to-background ratios at one hour post- injection, indicating that nanobodies are better suited for in vivo imaging than the single-chain variable fragment. Despite the good affinity, high specificity and on-target uptake in mice in this setting, imaging of TIGIT expression on tumor- infiltrating lymphocytes within MC38 tumors remained elusive. This is likely due to the low expression levels of TIGIT in this model. Discussion The excellent affinity, high specificity and rapid on-target uptake in mice bearing TIGIT- overexpressing tumors showed the promising diagnostic potential of nanobodies to noninvasively image high TIGIT expression within the tumor. These findings hold promise for clinical translation to aid patient selection and improve therapy response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katty Zeven
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Therapy (MITH), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Timo W.M. De Groof
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Therapy (MITH), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hannelore Ceuppens
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robin Maximilian Awad
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thomas Ertveldt
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wout de Mey
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fien Meeus
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Geert Raes
- Laboratory for Cellular and Molecular Immunology (CMIM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Therapy (MITH), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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To KKW, Cho WC. Drug Repurposing to Circumvent Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Resistance in Cancer Immunotherapy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2166. [PMID: 37631380 PMCID: PMC10459070 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have achieved unprecedented clinical success in cancer treatment. However, drug resistance to ICI therapy is a major hurdle that prevents cancer patients from responding to the treatment or having durable disease control. Drug repurposing refers to the application of clinically approved drugs, with characterized pharmacological properties and known adverse effect profiles, to new indications. It has also emerged as a promising strategy to overcome drug resistance. In this review, we summarized the latest research about drug repurposing to overcome ICI resistance. Repurposed drugs work by either exerting immunostimulatory activities or abolishing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Compared to the de novo drug design strategy, they provide novel and affordable treatment options to enhance cancer immunotherapy that can be readily evaluated in the clinic. Biomarkers are exploited to identify the right patient population to benefit from the repurposed drugs and drug combinations. Phenotypic screening of chemical libraries has been conducted to search for T-cell-modifying drugs. Genomics and integrated bioinformatics analysis, artificial intelligence, machine and deep learning approaches are employed to identify novel modulators of the immunosuppressive TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth K. W. To
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - William C. Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Savino W, Lepletier A. Thymus-derived hormonal and cellular control of cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1168186. [PMID: 37529610 PMCID: PMC10389273 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1168186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The thymus gland is a central lymphoid organ in which developing T cell precursors, known as thymocytes, undergo differentiation into distinct type of mature T cells, ultimately migrating to the periphery where they exert specialized effector functions and orchestrate the immune responses against tumor cells, pathogens and self-antigens. The mechanisms supporting intrathymic T cell differentiation are pleiotropically regulated by thymic peptide hormones and cytokines produced by stromal cells in the thymic microenvironment and developing thymocytes. Interestingly, in the same way as T cells, thymic hormones (herein exemplified by thymosin, thymulin and thymopoietin), can circulate to impact immune cells and other cellular components in the periphery. Evidence on how thymic function influences tumor cell biology and response of patients with cancer to therapies remains unsatisfactory, although there has been some improvement in the knowledge provided by recent studies. Herein, we summarize research progression in the field of thymus-mediated immunoendocrine control of cancer, providing insights into how manipulation of the thymic microenvironment can influence treatment outcomes, including clinical responses and adverse effects of therapies. We review data obtained from clinical and preclinical cancer research to evidence the complexity of immunoendocrine interactions underpinning anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson Savino
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Brazilian National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- INOVA-IOC Network on Neuroimmunomodulation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ailin Lepletier
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
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Williams JC, Ford ML, Coopersmith CM. Cancer and sepsis. Clin Sci (Lond) 2023; 137:881-893. [PMID: 37314016 PMCID: PMC10635282 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220713] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Sepsis is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. While mortality is high regardless of inciting infection or comorbidities, mortality in patients with cancer and sepsis is significantly higher than mortality in patients with sepsis without cancer. Cancer patients are also significantly more likely to develop sepsis than the general population. The mechanisms underlying increased mortality in cancer and sepsis patients are multifactorial. Cancer treatment alters the host immune response and can increase susceptibility to infection. Preclinical data also suggests that cancer, in and of itself, increases mortality from sepsis with dysregulation of the adaptive immune system playing a key role. Further, preclinical data demonstrate that sepsis can alter subsequent tumor growth while tumoral immunity impacts survival from sepsis. Checkpoint inhibition is a well-accepted treatment for many types of cancer, and there is increasing evidence suggesting this may be a useful strategy in sepsis as well. However, preclinical studies of checkpoint inhibition in cancer and sepsis demonstrate results that could not have been predicted by examining either variable in isolation. As sepsis management transitions from a 'one size fits all' model to a more individualized approach, understanding the mechanistic impact of cancer on outcomes from sepsis represents an important strategy towards delivering on the promise of precision medicine in the intensive care unit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroson C. Williams
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, U.S.A
- Emory Critical Care Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, U.S.A
| | - Mandy L. Ford
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, U.S.A
- Emory Transplant Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, U.S.A
| | - Craig M. Coopersmith
- Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, U.S.A
- Emory Critical Care Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, U.S.A
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Kreidieh FY, Tawbi HA, Alexaki A, Borghaei H, Kandalaft LE. Novel Immunotherapeutics: Perspectives on Checkpoints, Bispecifics, and Vaccines in Development. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2023; 43:e391278. [PMID: 37364224 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_391278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decade, the advent of molecular techniques and deeper understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) have enabled the development of a multitude of immunotherapy targets and approaches. Despite the revolutionary advancement in immunotherapy, treatment resistance remains a challenge leading to decreased response rate in a significant proportion of patients. As such, there has recently been an evolving focus to enhance efficacy, durability, and toxicity profiles of immunotherapy. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer treatment with many already-approved antibodies and several others in the pipeline, bispecific antibodies build on their success in an attempt to deliver an even more potent immune response against tumor cells. On the other hand, vaccines comprise the oldest and most versatile form of immunotherapy. Peptide and nucleic acid vaccines are relatively simple to manufacture compared with oncolytic virus-based vaccines, whereas the dendritic cell vaccines are the most complex, requiring autologous cell culture. Nevertheless, a crucial question in the development of cancer vaccines is the choice of antigen whereby shared and patient-private antigen approaches are currently being pursued. There is hope that cancer vaccines will join the repertoire of successful novel immunotherapeutics in the market. Better insights into the impact of immunotherapy on effector T cells and other immune cell populations in the TME shall be a major priority across the immune-oncology discipline and can help identify predictive biomarkers to evaluate response to treatment and identify patients who would most likely benefit from immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firas Y Kreidieh
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Hussein A Tawbi
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Aikaterini Alexaki
- Center of Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Lana E Kandalaft
- Center of Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, and Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Agora Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
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