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Manoutcharian K, Gevorkian G. Are we getting closer to a successful neoantigen cancer vaccine? Mol Aspects Med 2024; 96:101254. [PMID: 38354548 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101254] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Although significant advances in immunotherapy have revolutionized the treatment of many cancer types over the past decade, the field of vaccine therapy, an important component of cancer immunotherapy, despite decades-long intense efforts, is still transmitting signals of promises and awaiting strong data on efficacy to proceed with regulatory approval. The field of cancer vaccines faces standard challenges, such as tumor-induced immunosuppression, immune response in inhibitory tumor microenvironment (TME), intratumor heterogeneity (ITH), permanently evolving cancer mutational landscape leading to neoantigens, and less known obstacles: neoantigen gain/loss upon immunotherapy, the timing and speed of appearance of neoantigens and responding T cell clonotypes and possible involvement of immune interference/heterologous immunity, in the complex interplay between evolving tumor epitopes and the immune system. In this review, we discuss some key issues related to challenges hampering the development of cancer vaccines, along with the current approaches focusing on neoantigens. We summarize currently well-known ideas/rationales, thus revealing the need for alternative vaccine approaches. Such a discussion should stimulate vaccine researchers to apply out-of-box, unconventional thinking in search of new avenues to deal with critical, often yet unaddressed challenges on the road to a new generation of therapeutics and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Manoutcharian
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), CDMX, Apartado Postal 70228, Cuidad Universitaria, Mexico DF, CP, 04510, Mexico.
| | - Goar Gevorkian
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), CDMX, Apartado Postal 70228, Cuidad Universitaria, Mexico DF, CP, 04510, Mexico.
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2
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Pounraj S, Chen S, Ma L, Mazzieri R, Dolcetti R, Rehm BHA. Targeting Tumor Heterogeneity with Neoantigen-Based Cancer Vaccines. Cancer Res 2024; 84:353-363. [PMID: 38055891 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-2042] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Neoantigen-based cancer vaccines have emerged as a promising immunotherapeutic approach to treat cancer. Nevertheless, the high degree of heterogeneity in tumors poses a significant hurdle for developing a vaccine that targets the therapeutically relevant neoantigens capable of effectively stimulating an immune response as each tumor contains numerous unique putative neoantigens. Understanding the complexities of tumor heterogeneity is crucial for the development of personalized neoantigen-based vaccines, which hold the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment and improve patient outcomes. In this review, we discuss recent advancements in the design of neoantigen-based cancer vaccines emphasizing the identification, validation, formulation, and targeting of neoantigens while addressing the challenges posed by tumor heterogeneity. The review highlights the application of cutting-edge approaches, such as single-cell sequencing and artificial intelligence to identify immunogenic neoantigens, while outlining current limitations and proposing future research directions to develop effective neoantigen-based vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saranya Pounraj
- Centre for Cell Factories and Biopolymers (CCFB), Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University (Nathan Campus), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Shuxiong Chen
- Centre for Cell Factories and Biopolymers (CCFB), Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University (Nathan Campus), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Linlin Ma
- Centre for Cell Factories and Biopolymers (CCFB), Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University (Nathan Campus), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University (Nathan Campus), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Roberta Mazzieri
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Riccardo Dolcetti
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Bernd H A Rehm
- Centre for Cell Factories and Biopolymers (CCFB), Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University (Nathan Campus), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland (MHIQ), Griffith University (Gold Coast Campus), Queensland, Australia
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3
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Rai GP, Shanker A. Coevolution-based computational approach to detect resistance mechanism of epidermal growth factor receptor. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119592. [PMID: 37730130 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119592] [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: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Tyrosine kinase epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) correlates the neoplastic cell metastasis, angiogenesis, neoplastic incursion, and apoptosis. Due to the involvement of EGFR in these biological processes, it becomes a most potent target for treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) have endorsed high efficacy and anticipation to patients but unfortunately, within a year of treatment, drug targets develop resistance due to mutations. The present study detected the compensatory mutations in EGFR to know the evolutionary mechanism of drug resistance. The results of this study demonstrate that compensatory mutations enlarge the drug-binding pocket which may lead to the altered orientation of the ligand (gefitinib and erlotinib) causing drug resistance. This indicates that coevolutionary forces play a significant role in fine-tuning the structure of EGFR protein against the drugs. The analysis provides insight into the evolution-induced structural aspects of drug resistance changes in EGFR which in turn be useful in designing drugs with better efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyan Prakash Rai
- Department of Bioinformatics, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, Bihar 824236, India
| | - Asheesh Shanker
- Department of Bioinformatics, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, Bihar 824236, India.
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Mishra SK, Priya P, Rai GP, Haque R, Shanker A. Coevolution based immunoinformatics approach considering variability of epitopes to combat different strains: A case study using spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Comput Biol Med 2023; 163:107233. [PMID: 37422941 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.107233] [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: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
In the recent past several vaccines were developed to combat the COVID-19 disease. Unfortunately, the protective efficacy of the current vaccines has been reduced due to the high mutation rate in SARS-CoV-2. Here, we successfully implemented a coevolution based immunoinformatics approach to design an epitope-based peptide vaccine considering variability in spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. The spike glycoprotein was investigated for B- and T-cell epitope prediction. Identified T-cell epitopes were mapped on previously reported coevolving amino acids in the spike protein to introduce mutation. The non-mutated and mutated vaccine components were constructed by selecting epitopes showing overlapping with the predicted B-cell epitopes and highest antigenicity. Selected epitopes were linked with the help of a linker to construct a single vaccine component. Non-mutated and mutated vaccine component sequences were modelled and validated. The in-silico expression level of the vaccine constructs (non-mutated and mutated) in E. coli K12 shows promising results. The molecular docking analysis of vaccine components with toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) demonstrated strong binding affinity. The time series calculations including root mean square deviation (RMSD), radius of gyration (RGYR), and energy of the system over 100 ns trajectory obtained from all atom molecular dynamics simulation showed stability of the system. The combined coevolutionary and immunoinformatics approach used in this study will certainly help to design an effective peptide vaccine that may work against different strains of SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, the strategy used in this study can be implemented on other pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurav Kumar Mishra
- Department of Bioinformatics, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, Bihar, India
| | - Prerna Priya
- Department of Botany, Purnea Mahila College, Purnia, Bihar, India
| | - Gyan Prakash Rai
- Department of Bioinformatics, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, Bihar, India
| | - Rizwanul Haque
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, Bihar, India
| | - Asheesh Shanker
- Department of Bioinformatics, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, Bihar, India.
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Martínez-Cortés F, Domínguez-Romero AN, Pérez-Hernández EG, Orozco-Delgado DL, Avila S, Odales J, Guzman Valle J, Gevorkian G, Manoutcharian K. Tumor antigen-unbiased variable epitope library contains mimotopes with antitumor effect in a mouse model of breast cancer. Mol Immunol 2023; 157:91-100. [PMID: 37002957 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.03.019] [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: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death that affects the female population worldwide. Despite advances in treatments and a greater understanding of the disease, there are still difficulties in successfully treating patients. Currently, the main challenge in the field of cancer vaccines is antigenic variability which can reduce antigen-specific T- cell response efficacy. The search for and validation of immunogenic antigen targets increased dramatically over the past few decades and, with the advent of modern sequencing techniques, permitting the fast and accurate identification of the neoantigen landscape of tumor cells, will undoubtedly continue to grow exponentially for years to come. We have previously implemented Variable Epitope Libraries (VEL) as an unconventional vaccine strategy in preclinical models and for identifying and selecting mutant epitope variants. Here, we used an alanine-based sequence to generate a 9-mer VEL-like combinatorial mimotope library G3d as a new class of vaccine immunogen. An in silico analysis of the 16,000 G3d-derived sequences revealed potential MHC-I binders and immunogenic mimotopes. We demonstrated the antitumor effect of treatment with G3d in the 4T1 murine model of breast cancer. Moreover, two different T cell proliferation screening assays against a panel of randomly selected G3d-derived mimotopes allowed the isolation of both stimulatory and inhibitory mimotopes showing differential therapeutic vaccine efficacy. Thus, the mimotope library is a promising vaccine immunogen and a reliable source for isolating molecular cancer vaccine components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Martínez-Cortés
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, AP 70228, México City 04510, Mexico
| | - Allan Noé Domínguez-Romero
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, AP 70228, México City 04510, Mexico
| | - Eréndira G Pérez-Hernández
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, AP 70228, México City 04510, Mexico
| | - Diana L Orozco-Delgado
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, AP 70228, México City 04510, Mexico
| | - Sandra Avila
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, AP 70228, México City 04510, Mexico
| | - Josué Odales
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, AP 70228, México City 04510, Mexico
| | - Jesus Guzman Valle
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, AP 70228, México City 04510, Mexico
| | - Goar Gevorkian
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, AP 70228, México City 04510, Mexico
| | - Karen Manoutcharian
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, AP 70228, México City 04510, Mexico.
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Li L, Duns GJ, Dessie W, Cao Z, Ji X, Luo X. Recent advances in peptide-based therapeutic strategies for breast cancer treatment. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1052301. [PMID: 36794282 PMCID: PMC9922721 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1052301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related fatalities in female worldwide. Effective therapies with low side effects for breast cancer treatment and prevention are, accordingly, urgently required. Targeting anticancer materials, breast cancer vaccines and anticancer drugs have been studied for many years to decrease side effects, prevent breast cancer and suppress tumors, respectively. There are abundant evidences to demonstrate that peptide-based therapeutic strategies, coupling of good safety and adaptive functionalities are promising for breast cancer therapy. In recent years, peptide-based vectors have been paid attention in targeting breast cancer due to their specific binding to corresponding receptors overexpressed in cell. To overcome the low internalization, cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) could be selected to increase the penetration due to the electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions between CPPs and cell membranes. Peptide-based vaccines are at the forefront of medical development and presently, 13 types of main peptide vaccines for breast cancer are being studied on phase III, phase II, phase I/II and phase I clinical trials. In addition, peptide-based vaccines including delivery vectors and adjuvants have been implemented. Many peptides have recently been used in clinical treatments for breast cancer. These peptides show different anticancer mechanisms and some novel peptides could reverse the resistance of breast cancer to susceptibility. In this review, we will focus on current studies of peptide-based targeting vectors, CPPs, peptide-based vaccines and anticancer peptides for breast cancer therapy and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Li
- Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center for Comprehensive Development and Utilization of Biomass Resources, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, Yongzhou, China
| | - Gregory J. Duns
- Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center for Comprehensive Development and Utilization of Biomass Resources, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, Yongzhou, China
| | - Wubliker Dessie
- Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center for Comprehensive Development and Utilization of Biomass Resources, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, Yongzhou, China
| | - Zhenmin Cao
- Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center for Comprehensive Development and Utilization of Biomass Resources, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, Yongzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Ji
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Medical College, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China,*Correspondence: Xiaoyuan Ji, ; Xiaofang Luo,
| | - Xiaofang Luo
- Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center for Comprehensive Development and Utilization of Biomass Resources, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering, Yongzhou, China,*Correspondence: Xiaoyuan Ji, ; Xiaofang Luo,
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7
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Odales J, Servín-Blanco R, Martínez-Cortés F, Guzman Valle J, Domínguez-Romero AN, Gevorkian G, Manoutcharian K. Antitumor efficacy of MUC1-derived variable epitope library treatments in a mouse model of breast cancer. Vaccine 2022; 40:4796-4805. [PMID: 35788294 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.06.062] [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: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The identification of novel targets for cancer immunotherapy and the development of new vaccine immunogens are subjects of permanent interest. MUC1 is an overexpressed antigen found in most tumors, and its overexpression correlates with poor prognosis. Many attempts to direct the immune response against MUC1 in tumor cells have failed, including several clinical trials. We have previously developed an innovative Variable Epitope Library (VEL) vaccine platform that carries massively substituted mutant variants of defined epitopes or epitope regions as an alternative to using wild-type peptide sequences-based immunogens. Here, two murine MUC1-derived epitopes equivalent to the previously tested in cancer immunotherapy human MUC1 regions were used to generate VELs. We observed that vaccination with the 23L VEL immunogens, encompassing the entire signal peptide region of MUC1, reduces the tumor area compared to the wild-type sequence treatment. Contrastingly, vaccination with the MUC1 signal peptide-derived predicted CD8++ T cell epitope-based VEL, 9MUC1spL, showed similar tumor area reduction as the wild-type treatment; however, a decrease in lung metastasis after 9MUC1spL treatment was observed. In addition, vaccination induced a large pool of CD8+ T cells which recognized most variant epitopes from 9MUC1spL. Also, we generated MUC1 variable number tandem repeat (VNTR)-based VELs that reduced the metastatic burden when dendritic cells and M13 recombinant bacteriophages were used as vaccine carriers. Collectively, our data demonstrate the immunogenic and antitumor properties of MUC1 signal peptide- and VNTR-derived VEL immunogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josué Odales
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), AP 70228, Ciudad Universitaria, México DF 04510, MÉXICO
| | - Rodolfo Servín-Blanco
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), AP 70228, Ciudad Universitaria, México DF 04510, MÉXICO
| | - Fernando Martínez-Cortés
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), AP 70228, Ciudad Universitaria, México DF 04510, MÉXICO
| | - Jesus Guzman Valle
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), AP 70228, Ciudad Universitaria, México DF 04510, MÉXICO
| | - Allan Noé Domínguez-Romero
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), AP 70228, Ciudad Universitaria, México DF 04510, MÉXICO
| | - Goar Gevorkian
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), AP 70228, Ciudad Universitaria, México DF 04510, MÉXICO
| | - Karen Manoutcharian
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), AP 70228, Ciudad Universitaria, México DF 04510, MÉXICO.
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He X, Zhou S, Quinn B, Huang W, Jahagirdar D, Vega M, Ortega J, Long MD, Ito F, Abrams SI, Lovell JF. Position-Scanning Peptide Libraries as Particle Immunogens for Improving CD8 + T-Cell Responses. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2103023. [PMID: 34716694 PMCID: PMC8693074 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202103023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Short peptides reflecting major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I (MHC-I) epitopes frequently lack sufficient immunogenicity to induce robust antigen (Ag)-specific CD8+ T cell responses. In the current work, it is demonstrated that position-scanning peptide libraries themselves can serve as improved immunogens, inducing Ag-specific CD8+ T cells with greater frequency and function than the wild-type epitope. The approach involves displaying the entire position-scanning library onto immunogenic nanoliposomes. Each library contains the MHC-I epitope with a single randomized position. When a recently identified MHC-I epitope in the glycoprotein gp70 envelope protein of murine leukemia virus (MuLV) is assessed, only one of the eight positional libraries tested, randomized at amino acid position 5 (Pos5), shows enhanced induction of Ag-specific CD8+ T cells. A second MHC-I epitope from gp70 is assessed in the same manner and shows, in contrast, multiple positional libraries (Pos1, Pos3, Pos5, and Pos8) as well as the library mixture give rise to enhanced CD8+ T cell responses. The library mixture Pos1-3-5-8 induces a more diverse epitope-specific T-cell repertoire with superior antitumor efficacy compared to an established single mutation mimotope (AH1-A5). These data show that positional peptide libraries can serve as immunogens for improving CD8+ T-cell responses against endogenously expressed MHC-I epitopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuedan He
- University at BuffaloState University of New YorkBuffaloNY14260USA
| | - Shiqi Zhou
- University at BuffaloState University of New YorkBuffaloNY14260USA
| | - Breandan Quinn
- University at BuffaloState University of New YorkBuffaloNY14260USA
| | - Wei‐Chiao Huang
- University at BuffaloState University of New YorkBuffaloNY14260USA
| | - Dushyant Jahagirdar
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyMcGill University MontrealQuebecH3A1Y2Canada
| | - Michael Vega
- Division of Research and Innovation PartnershipsNorthern Illinois UniversityDeKalbIL60115USA
| | - Joaquin Ortega
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyMcGill University MontrealQuebecH3A1Y2Canada
| | - Mark D. Long
- Department of Cancer Genetics and GenomicsRoswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (RPCCC)BuffaloNY14263USA
| | - Fumito Ito
- Department of ImmunologyRoswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffaloNY14263USA
- Center for ImmunotherapyRoswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffaloNY14263USA
- Department of Surgical OncologyRoswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffaloNY14263USA
| | - Scott I. Abrams
- Department of ImmunologyRoswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffaloNY14263USA
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Martínez-Cortés F, Servín-Blanco R, Domínguez-Romero AN, Munguía ME, Guzman Valle J, Odales J, Gevorkian G, Manoutcharian K. Generation of cancer vaccine immunogens derived from Oncofetal antigen (OFA/iLRP) using variable epitope libraries tested in an aggressive breast cancer model. Mol Immunol 2021; 139:65-75. [PMID: 34454186 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
After decades of cancer vaccine efforts, there is an imperious necessity for novel ideas that may result in better tumor control in patients. We have proposed the use of a novel Variable Epitope Library (VEL) vaccine strategy, which incorporates an unprecedented number of mutated epitopes to target antigenic variability and break tolerance against tumor-associated antigens. Here, we used an oncofetal antigen/immature laminin receptor protein-derived sequence to generate 9-mer and 43-mer VEL immunogens. 4T1 tumor-bearing mice developed epitope-specific CD8+IFN-γ+ and CD4+IFN-γ+ T cell responses after treatment. Tumor and lung analysis demonstrated that VELs could increase the number of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes with diverse effector functions while reducing the number of immunosuppressive myeloid-derived suppressor and regulatory T cells. Most importantly, VEL immunogens inhibited tumor growth and metastasis after a single dose. The results presented here are consistent with our previous studies and provide evidence for VEL immunogens' feasibility as promising cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Martínez-Cortés
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), AP 70228, Ciudad Universitaria, México DF, 04510, Mexico
| | - Rodolfo Servín-Blanco
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), AP 70228, Ciudad Universitaria, México DF, 04510, Mexico
| | - Allan Noé Domínguez-Romero
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), AP 70228, Ciudad Universitaria, México DF, 04510, Mexico
| | - María Elena Munguía
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), AP 70228, Ciudad Universitaria, México DF, 04510, Mexico
| | - Jesus Guzman Valle
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), AP 70228, Ciudad Universitaria, México DF, 04510, Mexico
| | - Josué Odales
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), AP 70228, Ciudad Universitaria, México DF, 04510, Mexico
| | - Goar Gevorkian
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), AP 70228, Ciudad Universitaria, México DF, 04510, Mexico
| | - Karen Manoutcharian
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), AP 70228, Ciudad Universitaria, México DF, 04510, Mexico.
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10
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Neoantigen Cancer Vaccines: Real Opportunity or Another Illusion? Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2021; 69:12. [PMID: 33909124 PMCID: PMC8080209 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-021-00615-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In this communication, we will analyze some important factors and immunological phenomena related to neoantigen cancer vaccines, with particular emphasis on recently published Phase I clinical trials. Several obstacles and issues are addressed that challenge the current paradigm and inquire if neoantigens, which are essentially single-use vaccine candidates, are legitimate targets to induce protective immune responses with regard to the evolving mutational landscape. We also share insights into the striking similarities between cancer and antigenically variable pathogens and suggest that any successful vaccine against either should demonstrate a similar property: efficient induction of a diverse pool of immune cells equipped to prevent immune escape. Hence, to confront antigenic variability directly, we have employed our innovative vaccine concept, Variable Epitope Libraries, composed of large combinatorial libraries of heavily mutated epitopes, as a "universal" vaccine platform. Collectively, we offer critical analyses on key issues, which ultimately reflect on the prospective clinical relevance of personalized neoantigen vaccines which is still undefined.
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Priya P, Shanker A. Coevolutionary forces shaping the fitness of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein against human receptor ACE2. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2020; 87:104646. [PMID: 33249264 PMCID: PMC7691136 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2020.104646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The current global health problem caused by SARS-CoV-2 has challenged the scientific community in various ways. Therefore, worldwide several scientific groups are exploring SARS-CoV-2 from different aspects including its origin, spread, severe infectivity, and also to find a cure. It is now well known that spike glycoprotein helps SARS-CoV-2 to enter inside the human host through a cellular receptor ACE2. However, the role of coevolutionary forces that makes SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein more fit towards its human host remains unexplored. Therefore, in present bioinformatics study we identify coevolving amino acids in spike glycoprotein. Additionally, the effects of coevolution on the stability of the spike glycoprotein as well as its binding with receptor ACE2 were predicted. The results clearly indicate that coevolutionary forces play a pivotal role in increasing the fitness of spike glycoprotein against ACE2. Coevolutionary amino acids increasing the fitness of spike glycoprotein against ACE2 were analysed Role of coevolution on the stability of the spike glycoprotein and its binding with receptor ACE2 were predicted Findings of present analysis suggest that coevolutionary forces help to increase the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2
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Affiliation(s)
- Prerna Priya
- Department of Botany, Purnea Mahila College, Purnia, Bihar, India
| | - Asheesh Shanker
- Department of Bioinformatics, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, Bihar, India.
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Odales J, Guzman Valle J, Martínez-Cortés F, Manoutcharian K. Immunogenic properties of immunoglobulin superfamily members within complex biological networks. Cell Immunol 2020; 358:104235. [PMID: 33137645 PMCID: PMC7548077 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2020.104235] [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: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Antibody-based therapies induce CDR-specific T and B cell responses. Idiotype-anti-idiotype network alters immune system memory compartment. Antigenized antibodies are efficient vaccine immunogen.
Antibodies, T cell receptors and major histocompatibility complex molecules are members of the immunoglobulin superfamily and have pivotal roles in the immune system. The fine interrelation between them regulates several immune functions. Here, we describe lesser-known functions ascribed to these molecules in generating and maintaining immune response. Particularly, we outline the contribution of antibody- and T cell receptor-derived complementarity-determining region neoantigens, antigenized antibodies, as well as major histocompatibility complex class I molecules-derived epitopes to the induction of protective/therapeutic immune responses against pathogens and cancer. We discuss findings of our own and other studies describing protective mechanisms, based on immunogenic properties of immunoglobulin superfamily members, and evaluate the perspectives of application of this class of immunogens in molecular vaccines design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josué Odales
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), AP 70228, Ciudad Universitaria, México, DF 04510, Mexico
| | - Jesus Guzman Valle
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), AP 70228, Ciudad Universitaria, México, DF 04510, Mexico
| | - Fernando Martínez-Cortés
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), AP 70228, Ciudad Universitaria, México, DF 04510, Mexico
| | - Karen Manoutcharian
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), AP 70228, Ciudad Universitaria, México, DF 04510, Mexico.
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Domínguez‐Romero AN, Martínez‐Cortés F, Munguía ME, Odales J, Gevorkian G, Manoutcharian K. Generation of multiepitope cancer vaccines based on large combinatorial libraries of survivin-derived mutant epitopes. Immunology 2020; 161:123-138. [PMID: 32619293 PMCID: PMC7496785 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune tolerance is the main challenge in the field of cancer vaccines, so modified peptide sequences or naturally occurring mutated versions of cancer-related wild-type (WT) antigens represent a promising pathway. However, the low immunogenicity of mutation-induced neoantigens and, particularly, their incapacity to activate CD8+ T cells are generating doubts on the success of neoantigen-based cancer vaccines in clinical trials. We developed a novel vaccine approach based on a new class of vaccine immunogens, called variable epitope libraries (VELs). We used three regions of survivin (SVN), composed of 40, 49 and 51 amino acids, along with the complete SVN protein to generate the VELs as multiepitope vaccines. BALB/c mice, challenged with the aggressive and highly metastatic 4T1 cell line, were vaccinated in a therapeutic setting. We showed significant tumor growth inhibition and, most importantly, strong suppression of lung metastasis after a single immunization using VEL vaccines. We demonstrated vaccine-induced broad cellular immune responses concomitant with extensive tumor infiltration of T cells, the activation of CD107a+ IFN-γ+ T cells in the spleen and a significant increase in the number of CD3+ CD8+ Ly6C+ effector T cells. In addition, we observed the presence of interferon-γ-, granzyme B- and perforin-producing lymphocytes along with modifications in the amount of CD11b+ Ly6Cint/low Ly6G+ granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells and CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3+ regulatory T cells in the lungs and tumors of mice. In summary, we showed that the VELs represent a potent new class of cancer immunotherapy and propose the application of the VEL vaccine concept as a true alternative to currently available vaccine platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fernando Martínez‐Cortés
- Instituto de Investigaciones BiomédicasUniversidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)MéxicoDFMéxico
| | - María Elena Munguía
- Instituto de Investigaciones BiomédicasUniversidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)MéxicoDFMéxico
| | - Josué Odales
- Instituto de Investigaciones BiomédicasUniversidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)MéxicoDFMéxico
| | - Goar Gevorkian
- Instituto de Investigaciones BiomédicasUniversidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)MéxicoDFMéxico
| | - Karen Manoutcharian
- Instituto de Investigaciones BiomédicasUniversidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)MéxicoDFMéxico
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da Silva IL, Montero-Montero L, Ferreira E, Quintanilla M. New Insights Into the Role of Qa-2 and HLA-G Non-classical MHC-I Complexes in Malignancy. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2894. [PMID: 30574154 PMCID: PMC6292030 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well established that the immune system can identify and destroy neoplastic transformed cells in a process known as immunosurveillance. Most studies have focused on the classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class Ia molecules, which are known to play an important role on the presentation of tumor antigens to the immune system in order to activate a response against tumor cells. However, a larger family of non-classical MHC class Ib-related molecules has received less attention. In this mini-review, we discuss the role of class Ib murine Qa-2 and its proposed human HLA-G homolog on immunosurveillance during embryogenesis and cancer. Whereas, both HLA-G and Qa-2 are involved in immune tolerance in pregnancy, the current evidence suggests that they play opposite roles in cancer. HLA-G appears to promote tumor progression while Qa-2 acts as a tumor suppressor awaking the immune system to reject tumor cells, as suggested by studies on different cancer cell models, such as melanoma, lymphoma, lung carcinoma, and our own results in mammary carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Istéfani L da Silva
- Center of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of the West of Bahia, Barreiras, Brazil
| | - Lucía Montero-Montero
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Enio Ferreira
- Laboratory of Compared Pathology, Department of General Pathology, Biological Science Institute, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Miguel Quintanilla
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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