The importance of animal models in tumor immunity and immunotherapy

Advances of ultrasound in tumor immunotherapy

Immunotherapy has become a revolutionary method for treating tumors, offering new hope to cancer patients worldwide. Immunotherapy strategies such as checkpoint inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, and cancer vaccines have shown significant potential in clinical trials. Despite the promising results, there are still limitations that impede the overall effectiveness of immunotherapy; the response to immunotherapy is uneven, the response rate of patients is still low, and systemic immune toxicity accompanied with tumor cell immune evasion is common. Ultrasound technology has evolved rapidly in recent years and has become a significant player in tumor immunotherapy. The introductions of high intensity focused ultrasound and ultrasound-stimulated microbubbles have opened doors for new therapeutic strategies in the fight against tumor. This paper explores the revolutionary advancements of ultrasound combined with immunotherapy in this particular field.

Bacteria-based immunotherapy for cancer: a systematic review of preclinical studies

Immunotherapy has been emerging as a powerful strategy for cancer management. Recently, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that bacteria-based immunotherapy including naive bacteria, bacterial components, and bacterial derivatives, can modulate immune response via various cellular and molecular pathways. The key mechanisms of bacterial antitumor immunity include inducing immune cells to kill tumor cells directly or reverse the immunosuppressive microenvironment. Currently, bacterial antigens synthesized as vaccine candidates by bioengineering technology are novel antitumor immunotherapy. Especially the combination therapy of bacterial vaccine with conventional therapies may further achieve enhanced therapeutic benefits against cancers. However, the clinical translation of bacteria-based immunotherapy is limited for biosafety concerns and non-uniform production standards. In this review, we aim to summarize immunotherapy strategies based on advanced bacterial therapeutics and discuss their potential for cancer management, we will also propose approaches for optimizing bacteria-based immunotherapy for facilitating clinical translation.

Mouse models for immuno-oncology

Realizing the clinical promise of cancer immunotherapy is hindered by gaps in our knowledge of in vivo mechanisms underlying treatment response as well as treatment limiting toxicity. Preclinical in vivo model systems and technologies are required to address these knowledge gaps and to surmount the challenges faced in the clinical application of immunotherapy. Mice are commonly used for basic and translational research to support development and testing of immune interventions, including for cancer. Here, we discuss the advantages and the limitations of current models as well as future developments.

Preclinical Evaluation of CAR T Cell Function: In Vitro and In Vivo Models

Immunotherapy using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells is a rapidly emerging modality that engineers T cells to redirect tumor-specific cytotoxicity. CAR T cells have been well characterized for their efficacy against B cell malignancies, and rigorously studied in other types of tumors. Preclinical evaluation of CAR T cell function, including direct tumor killing, cytokine production, and memory responses, is crucial to the development and optimization of CAR T cell therapies. Such comprehensive examinations are usually performed in different types of models. Model establishment should focus on key challenges in the clinical setting and the capability to generate reliable data to indicate CAR T cell therapeutic potency in the clinic. Further, modeling the interaction between CAR T cells and tumor microenvironment provides additional insight for the future endeavors to enhance efficacy, especially against solid tumors. This review will summarize both in vitro and in vivo models for CAR T cell functional evaluation, including how they have evolved with the needs of CAR T cell research, the information they can provide for preclinical assessment of CAR T cell products, and recent technology advances to test CAR T cells in more clinically relevant models.

Fc-based Duokines: dual-acting costimulatory molecules comprising TNFSF ligands in the single-chain format fused to a heterodimerizing Fc (scDk-Fc)

Targeting costimulatory receptors of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily (TNFSF) to activate T-cells and promote anti-tumor T-cell function have emerged as a promising strategy in cancer immunotherapy. Previous studies have shown that combining two different members of the TNFSF resulted in dual-acting costimulatory molecules with the ability to activate two different receptors either on the same cell or on different cell types. To achieve prolonged plasma half-life and extended drug disposition, we have developed novel dual-acting molecules by fusing single-chain ligands of the TNFSF to heterodimerizing Fc chains (scDuokine-Fc, scDk-Fc). Incorporating costimulatory ligands of the TNF superfamily into a scDk-Fc molecule resulted in enhanced T-cell proliferation translating in an increased anti-tumor activity in combination with a primary T-cell-activating bispecific antibody. Our data show that the scDk-Fc molecules are potent immune-stimulatory molecules that are able to enhance T-cell mediated anti-tumor responses.

Breast cancer resistance mechanisms: challenges to immunotherapy

PURPOSE

The clinical implementation of immunotherapy has profoundly transformed cancer treatment. Targeting the immune system to mount anti-tumor responses can elicit a systemically durable response. Employing immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has suppressed tumor growth and vastly improved patient overall and progression-free survival in several cancer types, most notably melanoma and non-small cell lung carcinoma. Despite widescale clinical success, ICB response is heterogeneously efficacious across tumor types. Many cancers, including breast cancer, are frequently refractory to ICB. In this review, we will discuss the challenges facing immunotherapy success and address the underlying mechanisms responsible for primary and acquired breast cancer resistance to immunotherapy.

FINDINGS

Even in initially ICB-responsive tumors, many acquire resistance due to tumor-specific alterations, loss of tumor-specific antigens, and extrinsic mechanisms that reshape the immune landscape within the tumor microenvironment (TME). The tumor immune interaction circumvents the benefits of immunotherapy; tumors rewire the tumor-suppressive functions of activated immune cells within their stroma to propagate tumor growth and progression.

CONCLUSIONS

The breast cancer immune TME is complex and the mechanisms driving resistance to ICB are multifaceted. Continued study in both preclinical models and clinical trials should help elucidate these mechanisms so they can be targeted to benefit more breast cancer patients.

A TLR4 agonist improves immune checkpoint blockade treatment by increasing the ratio of effector to regulatory cells within the tumor microenvironment

Brucella lumazine synthase (BLS) is a homodecameric protein that activates dendritic cells via toll like receptor 4, inducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. We have previously shown that BLS has a therapeutic effect in B16 melanoma-bearing mice only when administered at early stages of tumor growth. In this work, we study the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of BLS, by analyzing the tumor microenvironment. Administration of BLS at early stages of tumor growth induces high levels of serum IFN-γ, as well as an increment of hematopoietic immune cells within the tumor. Moreover, BLS-treatment increases the ratio of effector to regulatory cells. However, all treated mice eventually succumb to the tumors. Therefore, we combined BLS administration with anti-PD-1 treatment. Combined treatment increases the outcome of both monotherapies. In conclusion, we show that the absence of the therapeutic effect at late stages of tumor growth correlates with low levels of serum IFN-γ and lower infiltration of immune cells in the tumor, both of which are essential to delay tumor growth. Furthermore, the combined treatment of BLS and PD-1 blockade shows that BLS could be exploited as an essential immunomodulator in combination therapy with an immune checkpoint blockade to treat skin cancer.

Vaginal drug delivery approaches for localized management of cervical cancer

Cervical cancer or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) remain a major public health problem among women globally. Traditional methods such as surgery are often associated with possible complications which may impact future pregnancies and childbirth especially for young female patients. Vagina with a high contact surface is a suitable route for the local and systemic delivery of drugs but its abundant mucus in continuous exchange presents a barrier for the popularization of conventional vaginal formulations including suppositories, gel, patch, creams and so on. So the development of new pharmaceutical forms based on nanotechnology became appealing owing to its several advantages such as mucosa penetration, bioadhesion, controlled drug release, and decreased adverse effects. This review provided an overview of the development of topical treatment of cervical cancer or CIN through vaginal drug delivery ranging from conventional vaginal formulations to new nanocarriers to the newly developed phototherapy and gene therapy, analyzing the problems faced by current methods used, and advising the developing trend in future. The methods of establishing preclinical animal model are also discussed.

Bioengineered tissue models for the development of dynamic immuno-associated tumor models and high-throughput immunotherapy cytotoxicity assays

Cancer immunotherapy is rapidly developing, with numerous therapies approved over the past decade and more therapies expected to gain approval in the future. However, immunotherapy of solid tumors has been less successful because immunosuppressive barriers limit immune cell trafficking and function against cancer cells. Interactions between suppressive immune cells, cytokines, and inhibitory factors are central to cancer immunotherapy approaches. In this review, we discuss recent advances in utilizing microfluidic platforms for understanding cancer-suppressive immune system interactions. Dendritic cell (DC)-mediated tumor models, infiltrated lymphocyte-mediated tumor models [e.g., natural killer (NK) cells, T cells, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, and macrophages], monocyte-mediated tumor models, and immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) tumor models are among the various bioengineered immune cell-cancer cell interactions that we reviewed herein.

Maltotriose-modified poly(propylene imine) Glycodendrimers as a potential novel platform in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic Leukemia. A proof-of-concept pilot study in the animal model of CLL

Cancer nanotherapeutics have shown promise in resolving some of the limitations of conventional drug delivery systems such as nonspecific biodistribution and targeting, lack of water solubility, and low therapeutic indices, Among the various nanoparticles that are available, dendrimers, highly branched macromolecules with a specific size and shape, are one of the most promising ones. In this preliminary study, we tested the anti-tumor activity of maltotriose-modified fourth-generation poly(propylene imine) glycodendrimers (PPI-G4-M3) in vivo in the subcutaneous MEC-1 xenograft model of human chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in NOD scid gamma mice. Fludarabine was used for model validation and as a positive treatment control. The anti-tumor response was calculated as tumor volume, tumor control ratio, and tumor growth inhibition. The study showed that PPI-G4-M3 inhibited subcutaneous tumor growth more efficiently than fludarabine. The anti-tumor response was dose-dependent. Cationic PPI-G4-M3 showed the highest anti-tumor activity but also higher toxicity than the neutral dendrimers and fludarabine. These first promising results warrant further studies in the optimization of dendrimers charge, dose, route and schedule of administration to combat CLL.

Choosing The Right Animal Model for Renal Cancer Research

The increase in the life expectancy of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in the last decade is due to changes that have occurred in the area of preclinical studies. Understanding cancer pathophysiology and the emergence of new therapeutic options, including immunotherapy, would not be possible without proper research. Before new approaches to disease treatment are developed and introduced into clinical practice they must be preceded by preclinical tests, in which animal studies play a significant role. This review describes the progress in animal model development in kidney cancer research starting from the oldest syngeneic or chemically-induced models, through genetically modified mice, finally to xenograft, especially patient-derived, avatar and humanized mouse models. As there are a number of subtypes of RCC, our aim is to help to choose the right animal model for a particular kidney cancer subtype. The data on genetic backgrounds, biochemical parameters, histology, different stages of carcinogenesis and metastasis in various animal models of RCC as well as their translational relevance are summarized. Moreover, we shed some light on imaging methods, which can help define tumor microstructure, assist in the analysis of its metabolic changes and track metastasis development.

Reverting Immune Suppression to Enhance Cancer Immunotherapy

Tumors employ strategies to escape immune control. The principle aim of most cancer immunotherapies is to restore effective immune surveillance. Among the different processes regulating immune escape, tumor microenvironment-associated soluble factors, and/or cell surface-bound molecules are mostly responsible for dysfunctional activity of tumor-specific CD8⁺T cells. These dynamic immunosuppressive networks prevent tumor rejection at several levels, limiting also the success of immunotherapies. Nevertheless, the recent clinical development of immune checkpoint inhibitors or of molecules modulating cellular targets and immunosuppressive enzymes highlights the great potential of approaches based on the selective disruption of immunosuppressive networks. Currently, the administration of different categories of immunotherapy in combination regimens is the ultimate modality for impacting the survival of cancer patients. With the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors, designed to mount an effective antitumor immune response, profound changes occurred in cancer immunotherapy: from a global stimulation of the immune system to a specific targeting of an immune component. This review will specifically highlight the players, the mechanisms limiting an efficient antitumor response and the current immunotherapy modalities tailored to target immune suppressive pathways. We also discuss the ongoing challenges encountered by these strategies and provide suggestions for circumventing hurdles to new immunotherapeutic approaches, including the use of relevant biomarkers in the optimization of immunotherapy regimens and the identification of patients who can benefit from defined immune-based approaches.

Human Biofield Therapy and the Growth of Mouse Lung Carcinoma

Biofield therapies have gained popularity and are being explored as possible treatments for cancer. In some cases, devices have been developed that mimic the electromagnetic fields that are emitted from people delivering biofield therapies. However, there is limited research examining if humans could potentially inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and suppress tumor growth through modification of inflammation and the immune system. We found that human NSCLC A549 lung cancer cells exposed to Sean L. Harribance, a purported healer, showed reduced viability and downregulation of pAkt. We further observed that the experimental exposure slowed growth of mouse Lewis lung carcinoma evidenced by significantly smaller tumor volume in the experimental mice (274.3 ± 188.9 mm³) than that of control mice (740.5 ± 460.2 mm³; P < .05). Exposure to the experimental condition markedly reduced tumoral expression of pS6, a cytosolic marker of cell proliferation, by 45% compared with that of the control group. Results of reversed phase proteomic array suggested that the experimental exposure downregulated the PD-L1 expression in the tumor tissues. Similarly, the serum levels of cytokines, especially MCP-1, were significantly reduced in the experimental group (P < .05). Furthermore, TILs profiling showed that CD8⁺/CD4⁻ immune cell population was increased by almost 2-fold in the experimental condition whereas the number of intratumoral CD25⁺/CD4⁺ (T-reg cells) and CD68⁺ macrophages were 84% and 33%, respectively, lower than that of the control group. Together, these findings suggest that exposure to purported biofields from a human is capable of suppressing tumor growth, which might be in part mediated through modification of the tumor microenvironment, immune function, and anti-inflammatory activity in our mouse lung tumor model.

Mouse Models for Immunotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Liver cancer is one of the dominant causes of cancer-related mortality, and the survival rate of liver cancer is among the lowest for all cancers. Immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has yielded some encouraging results, but the percentage of patients responding to single-agent therapies remains low. Therefore, potential directions for improved immunotherapies include identifying new immune targets and checkpoints and customizing treatment procedures for individual patients. The development of combination therapies for HCC is also crucial and urgent and, thus, further studies are required. Mice have been utilized in immunotherapy research due to several advantages, for example, being low in cost, having high success rates for inducing tumor growth, and so on. Moreover, immune-competent mice are used in immunotherapy research to clarify the role that the immune system plays in cancer growth. In this review paper, the advantages and disadvantages of mouse models for immunotherapy, the equipment that are used for monitoring HCC, and the cell strains used for inducing HCC are reviewed.

Comparison of responsiveness to cancer development and anti-cancer drug in three different C57BL/6N stocks

In our efforts to understand the systemic features of tumors, the importance of animal models is increasing due to the recent growth in the development of immunotherapy and targeted therapies. This has resulted in increased attention towards tumor animal models using C57BL/6N, which are mainly used in immunological studies. In this study, the C57BL/6NKorl stock and two other commercial stocks (C57BL/6NA and C57BL/N6B) are evaluated by comparing the occurrence of tumors using the syngeneic model; furthermore, we compare the response to anti-cancer drugs in the syngeneic model by evaluating survival, growth of tumors, proliferation and molecular biology analysis. In the syngeneic model using LLC (Lewis lung carcinoma) cells, the survival of mice and growth of the tumor showed a better response in the C57BL/6NKorl stock, and was dependent on the cell concentration of the dosing tumor, as compared to the other C57BL/6N stocks. However, the Ki-67 staining showed only little difference in cell proliferation within the tumor tissue each mouse stocks. Comparing the sensitivity to anti-cancer drug by examining changes in growth, volume and weight revealed that cisplatin treatment for tumor-bearing C57BL/6NKorl was more dependent on concentration. The Ki-67 staining, however, showed no difference among the C57BL/6N stocks after cisplatin treatment. The expressions of p27 and p53 tumor suppressor proteins, caspase-3 and Bax showed dose-dependent increase after exposure to cisplatin, whereas the expression of Bcl-2 was reduced in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the expressions of MMP-2 and VEGF involved in metastasis, as well as inflammatory genes IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10, showed dose-dependent decrease in tumor tissue after cisplatin exposure. Differences observed among the C57BL/6N stocks were not significant. Taken together, our studies reveal that C57BL/6NKorl has the potential of being a useful biological resource established in Korea, as it does not differ from the two commercially available C57BL/6N stocks when considering response to tumor generation and sensitivity to anti-cancer drugs using the syngeneic tumor model.

Magnetic Resonance Colonography Enables the Efficacy Assessment of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in an Orthotopic Colorectal Cancer Mouse Model

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become an effective therapeutic option for colorectal cancer and studies on these drugs have therefore increased greatly. Efficacy assessments of ICIs in preclinical orthotopic colorectal cancer using MRI have not been reported however due to the difficulties in conducting colorectal imaging. The purpose of this present study was to investigate the feasibility of using magnetic resonance colonography (MRC) to evaluate the efficacy of an ICI, an anti-PD-L1 antibody, in an orthotopic colorectal cancer mouse model. The mouse model was generated by the engraftment of colorectal cancer cells into the submucosal layer of the colon. Anti-cancer efficacy was assessed by tumor volume and metastatic tumor number analyses, and these values were significantly lower in the PD-L1 antibody-treated group compared to the controls. Histological analyses using H&E and Ki-67 immunohistochemical staining confirmed a highly efficacious tumor growth inhibition and enhanced infiltration by CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes in the PD-L1 antibody-treated group. We conclude that MRC has the potential to be used for ICI efficacy assessments against orthotopic colorectal cancer mouse model.

Research Evidence on High-Fat Diet-Induced Prostate Cancer Development and Progression

Although recent evidence has suggested that a high-fat diet (HFD) plays an important role in prostate carcinogenesis, the underlying mechanisms have largely remained unknown. This review thus summarizes previous preclinical studies that have used prostate cancer cells and animal models to assess the impact of dietary fat on prostate cancer development and progression. Large variations in the previous studies were found during the selection of preclinical models and types of dietary intervention. Subcutaneous human prostate cancer cell xenografts, such as LNCaP, LAPC-4, and PC-3 and genetic engineered mouse models, such as TRAMP and Pten knockout, were frequently used. The dietary interventions had not been standardized, and distinct variations in the phenotype were observed in different studies using distinct HFD components. The use of different dietary components in the research models is reported to influence the effect of diet-induced metabolic disorders. The proposed underlying mechanisms for HFD-induced prostate cancer were divided into (1) growth factor signaling, (2) lipid metabolism, (3) inflammation, (4) hormonal modulation, and others. A number of preclinical studies proposed that dietary fat and/or obesity enhanced prostate cancer development and progression. However, the relationship still remains controversial, and care should be taken when interpreting the results in a human context. Future studies using more sophisticated preclinical models are imperative in order to explore deeper understanding regarding the impact of dietary fat on the development and progression of prostate cancer.

Inflammatory cytokines associated with cancer growth induce mitochondria and cytoskeleton alterations in cardiomyocytes

Cardiac dysfunction is often observed in patients with cancer also representing a serious problem limiting chemotherapeutic intervention and even patient survival. In view of the recently established role of the immune system in the control of cancer growth, the present work has been undertaken to investigate the effects of a panel of the most important inflammatory cytokines on the integrity and function of mitochondria, as well as of the cytoskeleton, two key elements in the functioning of cardiomyocytes. Either mitochondria features or actomyosin cytoskeleton organization of in vitro‐cultured cardiomyocytes treated with different inflammatory cytokines were analyzed. In addition, to investigate the interplay between tumor growth and cardiac function in an in vivo system, immunocompetent female mice were inoculated with cancer cells and treated with the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin at a dosing schedule able to suppress tumor growth without inducing cardiac alterations. Analyses carried out in cardiomyocytes treated with the inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), interferon γ (IFN‐γ), interleukin 6 (IL‐6), IL‐8, and IL‐1β revealed severe phenotypic changes, for example, of contractile cytoskeletal elements, mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production and mitochondria network organization. Accordingly, in immunocompetent mice, the tumor growth was accompanied by increased levels of the inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α, IFN‐γ, IL‐6, and IL‐8, either in serum or in the heart tissue, together with a significant reduction of ventricular systolic function. The alterations of mitochondria and of microfilament system of cardiomyocytes, due to the systemic inflammation associated with cancer growth, could be responsible for remote cardiac injury and impairment of systolic function observed in vivo.

Betulin silver nanoparticles qualify as efficient antimelanoma agents in in vitro and in vivo studies

The current study was purported to assess the: (i) in vitro toxicity of betulin silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-B), bare and capped with polyethylene glycol (PEG), on two murine melanoma cell lines (B164A5 and B16Ova) and on healthy cell lines (keratinocytes and melanocytes), and (ii) in vivo antitumor efficacy of PEGylated AgNPs-B in an experimental melanoma model. Bare and PEG-capped AgNPs-B were synthesized by a chemical reduction method resulting in stable and non-aggregated spherical AgNPs-B and PEG-AgNPs-B, of narrow size distributions and mean hydrodynamic diameters of 25 nm and 75 nm, respectively. In vitro assessments were achieved by MTT and Annexin V-FITC assays and in vivo evaluation involved non-invasive techniques for the surveillance of the physiological skin parameters changes and histopathological examination of the harvested organs. The in vitro results revealed selective cytotoxicity against melanoma cells, at low doses that are nontoxic to normal cells; higher doses were associated with the loss of selectivity and toxicity for healthy cells. PEGylated formulation of betulin exerted a dose-dependent pro-apoptotic effect, more obvious in the case of B164A5 cells. Histopathological analysis suggested that PEGylated AgNPs-B developed relevant in vivo effects as antimelanoma agents by decreasing the tumor volume and inhibiting the development of secondary tumors.

Comparison of hock- and footpad-injection as a prostate adenocarcinoma model in rats

BACKGROUND

Objective of this study is a feasibility-test comparing hock- and footpad-injection in rats with inoculated MatLyLu - adenocarcinoma tumor model. This study compares the development of an adenocarcinoma model (MatLyLu) in 12 Copenhagen rats. Two groups (n = 6) of animals were inoculated with 1 × 10⁶ MatLyLu tumor cells solved in 0.1 ml NaCl either by footpad or hock injection. All animals were examined before tumor inoculation and before euthanasia using a 3.0 Tesla MRI. Histological evaluation of all organs was performed post mortem.

RESULTS

Both types of injection were able to induce the adenocarcinoma model using MatLyLu tumor cells. The primary tumor could be visualized in MRI and confirmed histologically. Comparing the risk of reflux and the maximum injection volume during injection, the hock injection was superior to the footpad injection (less reflux, less anatomical restrictions for larger volumes). The hock injection induces a faster tumor growth compared to the footpad injection. As consequence the maximum level of long term discomfort after hock injection was reached earlier, even if it grew on a not weight bearing structure. Early lymph node tumor metastasis could not be observed macroscopically nor detected histologically. Therefore the reproducibility of the MatLyLu tumor model is questionable.

CONCLUSION

Hock injection is a feasible alternative technique compared with footpad-injection in rats. It provides a save and easy injection method for various early-terminated applications with the potential to increase animal welfare during tumor models in rats.

Ultrasound-mediated microbubble destruction: a new method in cancer immunotherapy

Immunotherapy provides a new treatment option for cancer. However, it may be therapeutically insufficient if only using the self-immune system alone to attack the tumor without any aiding methods. To overcome this drawback and improve the efficiency of therapy, new treatment methods are emerging. In recent years, ultrasound-mediated microbubble destruction (UMMD) has shown great potential in cancer immunotherapy. Using the combination of ultrasound and targeted microbubbles, molecules such as antigens or genes encoding antigens can be efficiently and specifically delivered into the tumor tissue. This review focuses on the recent progress in the application of UMMD in cancer immunotherapy.

Expression of CD3, PD-L1 and CTLA-4 in mammary and extra-mammary Paget disease

BACKGROUND

Mammary and extra-mammary Paget disease is a rare form of intra-epithelial glandular neoplasm which is characteristically recurrent and necessitates multiple excisions that have an important impact on morbidity. Local immuno-modulating treatments have been applied with promising results, but the local immune markers of Paget disease have not been studied.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the local immune micro-environment of Paget disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-four specimens from 41 patients, including cases with multiple recurrences and underlying primary neoplasm, have been studied for their expression of CD3, PD-L1 and CTLA-4.

RESULTS

Nineteen cases were mammary; 22 were extra-mammary and involved the vulva, the anus, the inguinal region and the lower extremity. PD-L1 was not expressed by any neoplastic lesion or the associated lymphocytes. CTLA-4 expression was found in nine cases. Higher stromal CD3 expression and moderate levels of intra-epithelial CD3 expression were present in most cases. Biopsies, subsequent excision specimens and recurrences showed the same immunohistochemical profile of CD3 and PD-L1, although there were different levels of CTLA-4 in a few cases. The underlying lesions in mammary Paget disease showed the same immunohistochemical profile as the intra-epithelial neoplastic cells. The expression of the markers did not correlate with age, sex, localization or recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Paget disease is characterized by an intense lymphocytic response, devoid of the immune-suppressive impact of the PD-L1 pathway, but with occasional CTLA-4 expression.

Transgenic mice that accept Luciferase- or GFP-expressing syngeneic tumor cells at high efficiencies

Jellyfish green fluorescent protein (GFP) and firefly luciferase can serve as versatile tracking markers for identification and quantification of transplanted cancer cells in vivo. However, immune reactions against these markers can hamper the formation of syngraft tumors and metastasis that follows. Here, we report two transgenic (Tg) mouse lines that express nonfunctional mutant marker proteins, namely modified firefly luciferase (Luc2) or enhanced GFP (EGFP). These mice, named as Tg-mLuc2 and Tg-mEGFP, turned out to be immunologically tolerant to the respective tracking markers and thus efficiently accepted syngeneic cancer cells expressing the active forms of the markers. We then injected intrarectally the F₁ hybrid Tg mice (BALB/c × C57BL/6J) with Colon-26 (C26) colon cancer cells that originated from a BALB/c mouse. Even when C26 cells expressed active Luc2 or EGFP, they formed primary tumors in the Tg mice with only 10⁴ cells per mouse compared with more than 10⁶ cells required in the nontransgenic BALB/c hosts. Furthermore, we detected metastatic foci of C26 cells in the liver and lungs of the Tg mice by tracking the specific reporter activities. These results show the usefulness of the Tg mouse lines as recipients for transplantation experiments with the non-self tracking marker-expressing cells.

Human tissue models in cancer research: looking beyond the mouse

Mouse models, including patient-derived xenograft mice, are widely used to address questions in cancer research. However, there are documented flaws in these models that can result in the misrepresentation of human tumour biology and limit the suitability of the model for translational research. A coordinated effort to promote the more widespread development and use of ‘non-animal human tissue’ models could provide a clinically relevant platform for many cancer studies, maximising the opportunities presented by human tissue resources such as biobanks. A number of key factors limit the wide adoption of non-animal human tissue models in cancer research, including deficiencies in the infrastructure and the technical tools required to collect, transport, store and maintain human tissue for lab use. Another obstacle is the long-standing cultural reliance on animal models, which can make researchers resistant to change, often because of concerns about historical data compatibility and losing ground in a competitive environment while new approaches are embedded in lab practice. There are a wide range of initiatives that aim to address these issues by facilitating data sharing and promoting collaborations between organisations and researchers who work with human tissue. The importance of coordinating biobanks and introducing quality standards is gaining momentum. There is an exciting opportunity to transform cancer drug discovery by optimising the use of human tissue and reducing the reliance on potentially less predictive animal models.

Summary: Samuel Jackson and Gareth Thomas discuss the limitations of patient-derived xenograft mouse models and highlight initiatives to maximise the use of human tissue in cancer research, with the goal of improving translation and reducing animal experimentation.

Molecular mechanism of Poria cocos combined with oxaliplatin on the inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in gastric cancer cells

PURPOSE

Natural product Poria cocos possesses antitumor effect. This study will explore the molecular mechanism of Poria cocos combined with chemotherapy in the inhibition of gastric cancer cell EMT process.

METHODS

The experiment was divided into blank control group, Poria cocos group, oxaliplatin group and Poria cocos combined with oxaliplatin group. Scratch and Transwell assay were used to detect cell migration and invasion respectively. RT-qPCR and Western Blot analyses were used to detect mRNA and protein expression of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related factors including Snail, Twist, Vimentin, E-cadherin and N-cadherin respectively. Morphologic assessment was performed with HPIAS-1000 automated image analysis system.

RESULTS

The migration and invasion abilities of gastric cancer cells in the Poria cocos combined with oxaliplatin group were significantly decreased (P < 0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of Snail, Twist, Vimentin and N-cadherin were significantly decreased while the mRNA and protein expression of E-cadherin were significantly increased (P < 0.01) compared with blank control group. Nude mice model of gastric cancer was successfully established. Poria cocos combined with oxaliplatin could significantly inhibit gastric tumor progression. The expression of EMT related factors were consistent with in vitro study. Morphologic assessment showed that the nucleus area, perimeter, mean diameter, volume, long diameter and shape factor in the Poria cocos combined with oxaliplatin group were significantly different compared with the blank control group (P < 0.01) but not significantly different compared with the normal control.

CONCLUSIONS

Poria cocos combined with oxaliplatin could significantly inhibit the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells. Through both in vitro and in vivo studies, it is confirmed that Poria cocos combined with oxaliplatin could significantly inhibit the EMT process of gastric cancer. Poria cocos combined with oxaliplatin could significantly affect the morphology changes of gastric cancer cells. These findings may provide a theoretical guidance for the clinical treatment of gastric cancer.

Rad52 deficiency decreases development of lung squamous cell carcinomas by enhancing immuno-surveillance

RAD52 is involved in homologous recombination and DNA repair. This study focuses on lung cancer progression and how the DNA repair gene, Rad52, enables tumor cells to have sufficient genome integrity, i.e., the ability to repair lethal DNA damage, to avoid cell death. In this report, we analyze the phenotypic differences between wild type and Rad52-/- in inhibition of tumor phenotypes including cell growth, viability, cytolysis, and immune profiling. We demonstrated that loss of Rad52 not only increases the death of cells undergoing carcinogen-induced transformation in vivo, but that Rad52 loss also augments in vivo antitumor activity through an enhanced capacity for direct killing of LLC tumor cells by stimulated Rad52-/- NK and CD8+ T cells. We hypothesize that upon DNA damage, wild type cells attempt to repair DNA lesions, but those cells that survive will continue to divide with damage and a high likelihood of progressing to malignancy. Loss of Rad52, however, appears to increase genomic instability beyond a manageable threshold, acceding the damaged cells to death before they are able to become tumor cells. Our results suggest a key role for the complex interplay between the DNA damage response and host immunity in determining risk for Squamous Cell Lung Carcinoma.

Towards clinical translation of ligand-functionalized liposomes in targeted cancer therapy: Challenges and opportunities

The development of therapeutic resistance to targeted anticancer therapies remains a significant clinical problem, with intratumoral heterogeneity playing a key role. In this context, improving the therapeutic outcome through simultaneous targeting of multiple tumor cell subtypes within a heterogeneous tumor is a promising approach. Liposomes have emerged as useful drug carriers that can reduce systemic toxicity and increase drug delivery to the tumor site. While clinically used liposomal drug formulations show marked therapeutic advantages over free drug formulations, ligand-functionalized liposomes that can target multiple tumor cell subtypes may further improve the therapeutic efficacy by facilitating drug delivery to a broader population of tumor cells making up the heterogeneous tumor tissue. Ligand-directed liposomes enable the so-called active targeting of cell receptors via surface-attached ligands that direct drug uptake into tumor cells or tumor-associated stromal cells, and so can increase the selectivity of drug delivery. Despite promising preclinical results demonstrating improved targeting and anti-tumor effects of ligand-directed liposomes, there has been limited translation of this approach to the clinic. Key challenges for translation include the lack of established methods to scale up production and comprehensively characterize ligand-functionalized liposome formulations, as well as the inadequate recapitulation of in vivo tumors in the preclinical models currently used to evaluate their performance. Herein, we discuss the utility of recent ligand-directed liposome approaches, with a focus on dual-ligand liposomes, for the treatment of solid tumors and examine the drawbacks limiting their progression to clinical adoption.

NF-kappaB: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB) is a transcription factor family that regulates a large number of genes that are involved in important physiological processes, including survival, inflammation, and immune responses. More recently, constitutive expression of NF-κB has been associated with several types of cancer. In addition, microorganisms, such as viruses and bacteria, cooperate in the activation of NF-κB in tumors, confirming the multifactorial role of this transcription factor as a cancer driver. Recent reports have shown that the NF-κB signaling pathway should receive attention for the development of therapies. In addition to the direct effects of NF-κB in cancer cells, it might also impact immune cells that can both promote or prevent tumor development. Currently, with the rise of cancer immunotherapy, the link among immune cells, inflammation, and cancer is a major focus, and NF-κB could be an important regulator for the success of these therapies. This review discusses the contrasting roles of NF-κB as a regulator of pro- and antitumor processes and its potential as a therapeutic target.

Agonist anti-GITR antibody significantly enhances the therapeutic efficacy of Listeria monocytogenes-based immunotherapy

Background

We previously demonstrated that in addition to generating an antigen-specific immune response, Listeria monocytogenes (Lm)-based immunotherapy significantly reduces the ratio of regulatory T cells (Tregs)/CD4⁺ and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the tumor microenvironment. Since Lm-based immunotherapy is able to inhibit the immune suppressive environment, we hypothesized that combining this treatment with agonist antibody to a co-stimulatory receptor that would further boost the effector arm of immunity will result in significant improvement of anti-tumor efficacy of treatment.

Methods

Here we tested the immune and therapeutic efficacy of Listeria-based immunotherapy combination with agonist antibody to glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor-related protein (GITR) in TC-1 mouse tumor model. We evaluated the potency of combination on tumor growth and survival of treated animals and profiled tumor microenvironment for effector and suppressor cell populations.

Results

We demonstrate that combination of Listeria-based immunotherapy with agonist antibody to GITR synergizes to improve immune and therapeutic efficacy of treatment in a mouse tumor model. We show that this combinational treatment leads to significant inhibition of tumor-growth, prolongs survival and leads to complete regression of established tumors in 60% of treated animals. We determined that this therapeutic benefit of combinational treatment is due to a significant increase in tumor infiltrating effector CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells along with a decrease of inhibitory cells.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first study that exploits Lm-based immunotherapy combined with agonist anti-GITR antibody as a potent treatment strategy that simultaneously targets both the effector and suppressor arms of the immune system, leading to significantly improved anti-tumor efficacy. We believe that our findings depicted in this manuscript provide a promising and translatable strategy that can enhance the overall efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.

Novel therapeutic targets on the horizon for lung cancer

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, and is classically divided into two major histological subtypes: non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). Although NSCLC and SCLC are considered distinct entities with different genomic landscapes, emerging evidence highlights a convergence in therapeutically relevant targets for both histologies. In adenocarcinomas with defined alterations such as EGFR mutations and ALK translocations, targeted therapies are now first-line standard of care. By contrast, many experimental and targeted agents remain largely unsuccessful for SCLC. Intense preclinical research and clinical trials are underway to exploit unique traits of lung cancer, such as oncogene dependency, DNA damage response, angiogenesis, and cellular plasticity arising from presence of cancer stem cell lineages. In addition, the promising clinical activity observed in NSCLC in response to immune checkpoint blockade has spurred great interest in the field of immunooncology, with the scope to develop a diverse repertoire of synergistic and personalised immunotherapeutics. In this Review, we discuss novel therapeutic agents for lung cancer that are in early-stage development, and how prospective clinical trials and drug development may be shaped by a deeper understanding of this heterogeneous disease.

Metabolic Reprogramming in Glioma

Many cancers have long been thought to primarily metabolize glucose for energy production—a phenomenon known as the Warburg Effect, after the classic studies of Otto Warburg in the early twentieth century. Yet cancer cells also utilize other substrates, such as amino acids and fatty acids, to produce raw materials for cellular maintenance and energetic currency to accomplish cellular tasks. The contribution of these substrates is increasingly appreciated in the context of glioma, the most common form of malignant brain tumor. Multiple catabolic pathways are used for energy production within glioma cells, and are linked in many ways to anabolic pathways supporting cellular function. For example: glycolysis both supports energy production and provides carbon skeletons for the synthesis of nucleic acids; meanwhile fatty acids are used both as energetic substrates and as raw materials for lipid membranes. Furthermore, bio-energetic pathways are connected to pro-oncogenic signaling within glioma cells. For example: AMPK signaling links catabolism with cell cycle progression; mTOR signaling contributes to metabolic flexibility and cancer cell survival; the electron transport chain produces ATP and reactive oxygen species (ROS) which act as signaling molecules; Hypoxia Inducible Factors (HIFs) mediate interactions with cells and vasculature within the tumor environment. Mutations in the tumor suppressor p53, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes Isocitrate Dehydrogenase 1 and 2 have been implicated in oncogenic signaling as well as establishing metabolic phenotypes in genetically-defined subsets of malignant glioma. These pathways critically contribute to tumor biology. The aim of this review is two-fold. Firstly, we present the current state of knowledge regarding the metabolic strategies employed by malignant glioma cells, including aerobic glycolysis; the pentose phosphate pathway; one-carbon metabolism; the tricarboxylic acid cycle, which is central to amino acid metabolism; oxidative phosphorylation; and fatty acid metabolism, which significantly contributes to energy production in glioma cells. Secondly, we highlight processes (including the Randle Effect, AMPK signaling, mTOR activation, etc.) which are understood to link bio-energetic pathways with oncogenic signals, thereby allowing the glioma cell to achieve a pro-malignant state.

Synthetic nanovaccines for immunotherapy

Although vaccination is historically one of the most successful strategies for the prevention of infectious diseases, development of vaccines for cancer and many chronic infections, such as HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis, has remained a challenge. Strong and long-lasting antigen-specific T cell responses are critical for therapy of these diseases. A major challenge in achieving a robust CD8+ T cell response is the requirement of spatio-temporal orchestration of antigen cross-presentation in antigen-presenting cells with innate stimulation. Here, we discuss the development of nanoparticle vaccine (nanovaccine) that modulates the innate immune system and enhances adaptive immunity with reduced toxicity. We address how nanovaccines can integrate multiple functions, such as lymph node targeting, antigen presentation, and stimulation of innate immunity, to achieve a robust T cell response for immunotherapy.

Combination immunotherapy: a road map

Cancer immunotherapy and in particular monoclonal antibodies blocking the inhibitory programed cell death 1 pathway (PD-1/PD-L1) have made a significant impact on the treatment of cancer patients in recent years. However, despite the remarkable clinical efficacy of these agents in a number of malignancies, it has become clear that they are not sufficiently active for many patients. Initial evidence, for example with combined inhibition of PD-1 and CTLA-4 in melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), has highlighted the potential to further enhance the clinical benefits of monotherapies by combining agents with synergistic mechanisms of action. In order to address the current progress and consider challenges associated with these novel approaches, the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) convened a Combination Immunotherapy Task Force. This Task Force was charged with identifying and prioritizing the most promising prospects for combinatorial approaches as well as addressing the challenges associated with developing these strategies. As a result of the extensive clinical benefit and tolerable side effects demonstrated with agents inhibiting the PD-1 pathway, an overview of current evidence to support its promising potential for use as a backbone in combination strategies is presented. In addition, key issues in the development of these strategies including preclinical modeling, patient safety and toxicity considerations, clinical trial design, and endpoints are also discussed. Overall, the goal of this manuscript is to provide a summary of the current status and potential challenges associated with the development and clinical implementation of these strategies.

Choosing the right cell line for renal cell cancer research

Cell lines are still a tool of choice for many fields of biomedical research, including oncology. Although cancer is a very complex disease, many discoveries have been made using monocultures of established cell lines. Therefore, the proper use of in vitro models is crucial to enhance our understanding of cancer. Therapeutics against renal cell cancer (RCC) are also screened with the use of cell lines. Multiple RCC in vitro cultures are available, allowing in vivo heterogeneity in the laboratory, but at the same time, these can be a source of errors. In this review, we tried to sum up the data on the RCC cell lines used currently. An increasing amount of data on RCC shed new light on the molecular background of the disease; however, it revealed how much still needs to be done. As new types of RCC are being distinguished, novel cell lines and the re-exploration of old ones seems to be indispensable to create effective in vitro tools for drug screening and more.

Development of an autologous canine cancer vaccine system for resectable malignant tumors in dogs

While conventional therapies exist for canine cancer, immunotherapies need to be further explored and applied to the canine setting. We have developed an autologous cancer vaccine (K9-ACV), which is available for all dogs with resectable disease. K9-ACV was evaluated for safety and immunogenicity for a variety of cancer types in a cohort of companion dogs under veterinary care. The autologous vaccine was prepared by enzymatic digestion of solid tumor biopsies. The resultant single cell suspensions were then UV-irradiated resulting in immunogenic cell death of the tumor cells. Following sterility and endotoxin testing, the tumor cells were admixed with CpG ODN adjuvant and shipped to the participating veterinary clinics. The treating veterinarians then vaccinated each patient with three intradermal injections (10 million cells per dose) at 30-day intervals (one prime and two boost injections). In a cohort of 20 dogs completing the study, 17 dogs (85%) developed an augmented IgG response to autologous tumor antigens as demonstrated using western blot analysis of pre- and post-peripheral blood samples. We also report several dogs have lived beyond expected survival time based on previously published data. In summary, K9-ACV is an additional option to be considered for the treatment of dogs with resectable cancer.

CCL20-CCR6 Cytokine Network Facilitate Treg Activity in Advanced Grades and Metastatic Variants of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Tumour immunity regulates tumour restriction to the site of occurrence. Failure of this balance facilitates tumour spread beyond the primary organ of origin. Tregs are known to be recruited in infections, including viral infections like hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Thus, they form a continuum of initial viral infection, an environment of immune suppression by recruitment of Tregs, intrinsic viral-mediated nuclear transformation and carcinogenesis, and thereafter worsening of progress, including metastasis due to the Tregs suppressing the cell-mediated destruction of tumour cells. In this study, we obtained advanced grades of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and examined the cytokines that is potentially known to recruit Tregs. We examined the expression of CCL20, the cytokine that recruits Tregs. We isolated Tregs from HCC samples and examined expression of CCR6, the receptor for CCL20 and compared expression in control tissues obtained mainly from subjects with cirrhosis, but no evidence of cancer. The findings of this study indicate that mRNA expression of CCL20 is significantly enhanced, along with expression of mRNA for the cytokines IL17 and IL6. Furthermore, tissue expression of Gamma-interferon was reduced in HCC. When Tregs were isolated from the liver cancer samples, the expression of CCR6, the only and specific receptor for CCL20, was upregulated in the cancer tissue derived Tregs . Furthermore, STAT3 levels were significantly increased in these tumour-derived Tregs. This study demonstrates that immune evasion mechanisms are operant in hepatocellular carcinoma through a transcriptional network of CCL20-IL17-IL6 cytokines that facilitate immune suppression-mediated cancer cell elimination and metastasis.

Liraglutide Compromises Pancreatic β Cell Function in a Humanized Mouse Model

Incretin mimetics are frequently used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes because they potentiate β cell response to glucose. Clinical evidence showing short-term benefits of such therapeutics (e.g., liraglutide) is abundant; however, there have been several recent reports of unexpected complications in association with incretin mimetic therapy. Importantly, clinical evidence on the potential effects of such agents on the β cell and islet function during long-term, multiyear use remains lacking. We now show that prolonged daily liraglutide treatment of >200 days in humanized mice, transplanted with human pancreatic islets in the anterior chamber of the eye, is associated with compromised release of human insulin and deranged overall glucose homeostasis. These findings raise concern about the chronic potentiation of β cell function through incretin mimetic therapy in diabetes.

Skin tumor immunity: Site does matter for antigen presentation by DCs

The immune system has the ability to specifically identify and eliminate tumors, but the underlying mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon are not fully understood. A study published in this issue of the European Journal of Immunology now provides new insights into this important problem. Joncker et al. [Eur. J. Immunol. 2016. 46: 609-618] show that the timely mobilization of tumor antigen-bearing dendritic cells (DCs) from the periphery to the lymph nodes is critical for effective antitumor T-cell immunity, and that DCs present tumor antigens much more efficiently when encountered in the skin rather than in the subcutaneous tissues.

Induction of eEF2-specific antitumor CTL responses in vivo by vaccination with eEF2-derived 9mer-peptides

Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2) is an essential factor for protein synthesis. Previous studies have shown that the eEF2 gene was overexpressed and plays an oncogenic role in various types of cancers and that eEF2 gene product elicited both humoral immune responses to produce eEF2-specific IgG autoantibody in cancer-bearing individuals and cellular immune responses to induce eEF2 peptide-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in vitro. The purpose of the present study was to induce eEF2-specific, antitumor CTL responses in vivo by vaccination with MHC class I-binding eEF2-derived peptide. First, two mouse MHC class I-restricted eEF2‑derived, 9-mer peptides, EF17 (17-25 aa, ANIRNMSVI) and EF180 (180-188 aa, RIVENVNVI) were identified as eEF2-specific CTL peptides, and mice were vaccinated intradermally eight times with either EF17 or EF180 peptide emulsified with Montanide ISA51 adjuvant. Cytotoxicity assay showed that eEF2-specific CTLs were induced in both EF17‑and EF180‑vaccinated mice, and histological study showed no detectable damage in the organs of these mice. Next, to examine in vivo antitumor effects of eEF2 peptide vaccination in a therapeutic model, mice were vaccinated four times with one each of the two eEF2 peptides at weekly intervals after implantation of eEF2-expressing leukemia cells. The vaccination with eEF2 peptides induced eEF2-specific CTLs and suppressed tumor growth, and disease-free survival was significantly longer in EF180-vaccinated mice compared to control mice. The survival was associated with the robustness of eEF2-specific CTL induction. These results indicate that vaccination with MHC class I-binding eEF2 peptide induced eEF2-targeting, antitumor CTL responses in vivo without damage to normal organs, which provided us a rationale for eEF2 peptide-based cancer immunotherapy.

Microfluidics: A new tool for modeling cancer-immune interactions

In recognition of the enormous potential of immunotherapies against cancer, research into the interactions between tumor and immune cells has accelerated, leading to the recent FDA approval of several drugs that reduce cancer progression. Numerous cellular and molecular interactions have been identified by which immune cells can intervene in the metastatic cascade, leading to the development of several in vivo and in vitro model systems that can recapitulate these processes. Among these, microfluidic technologies hold many advantages in terms of their unique ability to capture the essential features of multiple cell type interactions in three-dimensions while allowing tight control of the microenvironment and real-time monitoring. Here, we review current assays and discuss the development of new microfluidic technologies for immunotherapy.

CD86 polymorphism affects pneumonia-induced sepsis by decreasing gene expression in monocytes

Sepsis, a clinical syndrome occurring in patients following infection or injury, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. CD86 (B7-2) is a costimulatory molecule on antigen-presenting cells and plays critical roles in immune responses. In the current study, we investigated the association of two CD86 polymorphisms, rs1129055G/A and rs17281995G/C, with susceptibility to pneumonia-induced sepsis and examined the effects of these two polymorphisms on gene expression in monocytes. CD86 rs1129055G/A and rs17281995G/C were identified in 192 pneumonia-induced septic patients and 201 healthy controls. Data showed that frequencies of the rs1129055GA and AA genotypes were significantly lower in patients than in controls (odds ratio [OR]=0.57, 95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.35-0.93, p=0.023, and OR=0.40, 95 % CI, 0.23-0.71, p=0.002). Interestingly, the other polymorphism, rs17281995G/C, revealed significantly increased numbers in pneumonia-induced sepsis compared to controls (OR=1.85, 95 % CI, 1.07-3.20, p=0.025). Further analyses about CD86 gene expression revealed that both messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels of CD86 were downregulated in monocytes from controls carrying rs17281995GC genotype than those carrying wild-type rs17281995GG genotype (p=0.022 and p=0013). These results suggest that polymorphisms in CD86 gene have diverse effects on the pathogenesis of pneumonia-induced sepsis, in which rs17281995G/C may increase the risk of the disease by interfering gene expression of CD86 in monocytes.

The FDA guidance on therapeutic cancer vaccines: the need for revision to include preventive cancer vaccines or for a new guidance dedicated to them

Cancer vaccines based on antigens derived from self molecules rather than pathogens have been under basic and clinical investigations for many years. Up until very recently, they had been tested primarily in the setting of metastatic disease with the goal to engage the immune system in slowing down disease progression. Many therapeutic vaccine trials, either investigator initiated or led by pharmaceutical companies, have been completed and many are currently ongoing, following the FDA Guidance on therapeutic cancer vaccines published in 2011. In recent years, the target of cancer vaccines is being shifted to early cancer and even premalignant disease with the goal of preventing cancer. Although some issues addressed in the FDA Guidance on therapeutic vaccines apply to preventive vaccines, many do not. Here, we discuss a set of recommendations for revising the current Guidance to also cover preventive vaccines, or to include in a new Guidance dedicated specifically to vaccines for cancer prevention.

The CCL2 chemokine is a negative regulator of autophagy and necrosis in luminal B breast cancer cells

Luminal A and B breast cancers are the most prevalent forms of breast cancer diagnosed in women. Compared to luminal A breast cancer patients, patients with luminal B breast cancers experience increased disease recurrence and lower overall survival. The mechanisms that regulate the luminal B subtype remain poorly understood. The chemokine CCL2 is overexpressed in breast cancer, correlating with poor patient prognosis. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of CCL2 expression in luminal B breast cancer cells. Breast tissues, MMTV-PyVmT and MMTV-Neu transgenic mammary tumors forming luminal B-like lesions, were immunostained for CCL2 expression. To determine the role of CCL2 in breast cancer cells, CCL2 gene expression was silenced in mammary tumor tissues and cells using TAT cell-penetrating peptides non-covalently cross linked to siRNAs (Ca-TAT/siRNA). CCL2 expression was examined by ELISA and flow cytometry. Cell growth and survival were analyzed by flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, and fluorescence microscopy. CCL2 expression was significantly increased in luminal B breast tumors, MMTV- PyVmT and MMTV-Neu mammary tumors, compared or normal breast tissue or luminal A breast tumors. Ca-TAT delivery of CCL2 siRNAs significantly reduced CCL2 expression in PyVmT mammary tumors, and decreased cell proliferation and survival. CCL2 gene silencing in PyVmT carcinoma cells or BT474 luminal B breast cancer cells decreased cell growth and viability associated with increased necrosis and autophagy. CCL2 expression is overexpressed in luminal B breast cancer cells and is important for regulating cell growth and survival by inhibiting necrosis and autophagy.

Cancer immunotherapy: nanodelivery approaches for immune cell targeting and tracking

Cancer is one of the most common diseases afflicting people globally. New therapeutic approaches are needed due to the complexity of cancer as a disease. Many current treatments are very toxic and have modest efficacy at best. Increased understanding of tumor biology and immunology has allowed the development of specific immunotherapies with minimal toxicity. It is important to highlight the performance of monoclonal antibodies, immune adjuvants, vaccines and cell-based treatments. Although these approaches have shown varying degrees of clinical efficacy, they illustrate the potential to develop new strategies. Targeted immunotherapy is being explored to overcome the heterogeneity of malignant cells and the immune suppression induced by both the tumor and its microenvironment. Nanodelivery strategies seek to minimize systemic exposure to target therapy to malignant tissue and cells. Intracellular penetration has been examined through the use of functionalized particulates. These nano-particulate associated medicines are being developed for use in imaging, diagnostics and cancer targeting. Although nano-particulates are inherently complex medicines, the ability to confer, at least in principle, different types of functionality allows for the plausible consideration these nanodelivery strategies can be exploited for use as combination medicines. The development of targeted nanodelivery systems in which therapeutic and imaging agents are merged into a single platform is an attractive strategy. Currently, several nanoplatform-based formulations, such as polymeric nanoparticles, micelles, liposomes and dendrimers are in preclinical and clinical stages of development. Herein, nanodelivery strategies presently investigated for cancer immunotherapy, cancer targeting mechanisms and nanocarrier functionalization methods will be described. We also intend to discuss the emerging nano-based approaches suitable to be used as imaging techniques and as cancer treatment options.

TGF- β: an important mediator of allergic disease and a molecule with dual activity in cancer development

The transforming growth factor- β (TGF- β ) superfamily is a family of structurally related proteins that includes TGF- β , activins/inhibins, and bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs). Members of the TGF- β superfamily regulate cellular functions such as proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and migration and thus play key roles in organismal development. TGF- β is involved in several human diseases, including autoimmune disorders and vascular diseases. Activation of the TGF- β receptor induces phosphorylation of serine/threonine residues and triggers phosphorylation of intracellular effectors (Smads). Once activated, Smad proteins translocate to the nucleus and induce transcription of their target genes, regulating various processes and cellular functions. Recently, there has been an attempt to correlate the effect of TGF- β with various pathological entities such as allergic diseases and cancer, yielding a new area of research known as "allergooncology," which investigates the mechanisms by which allergic diseases may influence the progression of certain cancers. This knowledge could generate new therapeutic strategies aimed at correcting the pathologies in which TGF- β is involved. Here, we review recent studies that suggest an important role for TGF- β in both allergic disease and cancer progression.