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Chibaya L, DeMarco KD, Lusi CF, Kane GI, Brassil ML, Parikh CN, Murphy KC, Chowdhury SR, Li J, Ma B, Naylor TE, Cerrutti J, Mori H, Diaz-Infante M, Peura J, Pitarresi JR, Zhu LJ, Fitzgerald KA, Atukorale PU, Ruscetti M. Nanoparticle delivery of innate immune agonists combined with senescence-inducing agents promotes T cell control of pancreatic cancer. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadj9366. [PMID: 39196958 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adj9366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/30/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has quickly risen to become the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. This is in part because of its fibrotic tumor microenvironment (TME) that contributes to poor vascularization and immune infiltration and subsequent chemo- and immunotherapy failure. Here, we investigated an immunotherapy approach combining delivery of stimulator of interferon genes (STING) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) innate immune agonists by lipid-based nanoparticle (NP) coencapsulation with senescence-inducing RAS-targeted therapies, which can remodel the immune suppressive PDAC TME through the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Treatment of transplanted and autochthonous PDAC mouse models with these regimens led to enhanced uptake of NPs by multiple cell types in the PDAC TME, induction of type I interferon and other proinflammatory signaling pathways, increased antigen presentation by tumor cells and antigen-presenting cells, and subsequent activation of both innate and adaptive immune responses. This two-pronged approach produced potent T cell-driven and type I interferon-mediated tumor regression and long-term survival in preclinical PDAC models dependent on both tumor and host STING activation. STING and TLR4-mediated type I interferon signaling was also associated with enhanced natural killer and CD8+ T cell immunity in human PDAC samples. Thus, combining localized immune agonist delivery with systemic tumor-targeted therapy can orchestrate a coordinated type I interferon-driven innate and adaptive immune response with durable antitumor efficacy against PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loretah Chibaya
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Kelly D DeMarco
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Christina F Lusi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Griffin I Kane
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Meghan L Brassil
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Chaitanya N Parikh
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Katherine C Murphy
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Shreya R Chowdhury
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Junhui Li
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Boyang Ma
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Tiana E Naylor
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Julia Cerrutti
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Haruka Mori
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Division of Innate Immunity, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Miranda Diaz-Infante
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Jessica Peura
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jason R Pitarresi
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Lihua Julie Zhu
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Genomics and Computational Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Katherine A Fitzgerald
- Division of Innate Immunity, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Prabhani U Atukorale
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
- Division of Innate Immunity, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Cancer Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Marcus Ruscetti
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Cancer Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Immunology and Microbiology Program, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
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2
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Shaji SG, Patel P, Mamani UF, Guo Y, Koirala S, Lin CY, Alahmari M, Omoscharka E, Cheng K. Delivery of a STING Agonist Using Lipid Nanoparticles Inhibits Pancreatic Cancer Growth. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:8769-8778. [PMID: 39220196 PMCID: PMC11365503 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s462213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The tumor microenvironment (TME) of pancreatic cancer is highly immunosuppressive and characterized by a large number of cancer-associated fibroblasts, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and regulatory T cells. Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is an endoplasmic reticulum receptor that plays a critical role in immunity. STING agonists have demonstrated the ability to inflame the TME, reduce tumor burden, and confer anti-tumor activity in mouse models. 2'3' cyclic guanosine monophosphate adenosine monophosphate (2'3'-cGAMP) is a high-affinity endogenous ligand of STING. However, delivering cGAMP to antigen-presenting cells and tumor cells within the cytosol remains challenging due to membrane impermeability and poor stability. Methods In this study, we encapsulated 2'3'-cGAMP in a lipid nanoparticle (cGAMP-LNP) designed for efficient cellular delivery. We assessed the properties of the nanoparticles using a series of in-vitro studies designed to evaluate their cellular uptake, cytosolic release, and minimal cytotoxicity. Furthermore, we examined the nanoparticle's anti-tumor effect in a syngeneic mouse model of pancreatic cancer. Results The lipid platform significantly increased the cellular uptake of 2'3'-cGAMP. cGAMP-LNP exhibited promising antitumor activity in the syngeneic mouse model of pancreatic cancer. Discussion The LNP platform shows promise for delivering exogenous 2'3'-cGAMP or its derivatives in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherin George Shaji
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Pratikkumar Patel
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Umar-Farouk Mamani
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Yuhan Guo
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Sushil Koirala
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Chien-Yu Lin
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Mohammed Alahmari
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Evanthia Omoscharka
- Department of Pathology, University Health/Truman Medical Center, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas, MO, USA
| | - Kun Cheng
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
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3
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Suzuki Y, Sato T, Sugimori M, Kanemaru Y, Onodera S, Tsuchiya H, Nakamori Y, Tsuyuki S, Ikeda A, Ikeda R, Goda Y, Kaneko H, Irie K, Sue S, Maeda S. Activation of STING in pancreatic cancer-associated fibroblasts exerts an antitumor effect by enhancing tumor immunity. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17071. [PMID: 39048609 PMCID: PMC11269671 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-68061-y] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a high mortality rate; therefore, the development of effective treatments is a priority. The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway enhances tumor immunity by inducing the production of type 1 interferon (IFN) and proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines and promoting the infiltration of cytotoxic T cells. To assess the function of STING on pancreatic tumorigenesis, Ptf1aER-Cre/+ LSL-KrasG12D/+ p53loxP/loxP mice (KPC mice) and Ptf1aER-Cre/+ LSL-KrasG12D/+ p53loxP/loxP/STING-/- mice (KPCS mice) were generated. However, STING deletion did not affect pancreatic tumorigenesis in mice. Because STING is expressed not only in immune cells but also in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), we evaluated the STING function in PDAC CAFs. A mouse STING agonist 5,6-Dimethyl-9-oxo-9H-xanthene-4-acetic acid (DMXAA) was administered to KPC mice and CAFs from KPC mice and the resulting immune response was evaluated. DMXAA activated STING in PDAC CAFs in KPC mice, promoting cytotoxic T cell infiltration by secreting proinflammatory cytokines and enhancing tumor immunity. We next generated STING-deficient PDAC cells and subcutaneous tumors in which STING was expressed only in CAFs by performing bone marrow transplantation and assessed the antitumor effect of STING-activated CAFs. The administration of DMXAA to subcutaneous tumors expressing STING only in CAFs sustained the antitumor effect of DMXAA. About half of human PDACs lacked STING expression in the cancer stroma, suggesting that STING activation in PDAC CAFs exerts an antitumor effect, and STING agonists can be more effective in tumors with high than in those with low STING expression in the stroma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshimasa Suzuki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9, Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Takeshi Sato
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9, Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Makoto Sugimori
- Gastroenterological Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yushi Kanemaru
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9, Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Sho Onodera
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9, Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Hiromi Tsuchiya
- Gastroenterological Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Nakamori
- Gastroenterological Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Sho Tsuyuki
- Gastroenterological Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Aya Ikeda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9, Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Ikeda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9, Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Goda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9, Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kaneko
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9, Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Kuniyasu Irie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9, Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Soichiro Sue
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9, Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Shin Maeda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9, Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan.
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Li J, Moresco P, Fearon DT. Intratumoral NKT cell accumulation promotes antitumor immunity in pancreatic cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2403917121. [PMID: 38980903 PMCID: PMC11260137 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2403917121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is a potentially lethal disease lacking effective treatments. Its immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) allows it to evade host immunosurveillance and limits response to immunotherapy. Here, using the mouse KRT19-deficient (sgKRT19-edited) PDA model, we find that intratumoral accumulation of natural killer T (NKT) cells is required to establish an immunologically active TME. Mechanistically, intratumoral NKT cells facilitate type I interferon (IFN) production to initiate an antitumor adaptive immune response, and orchestrate the intratumoral infiltration of T cells, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. At the molecular level, NKT cells promote the production of type I IFN through the interaction of their CD40L with CD40 on myeloid cells. To evaluate the therapeutic potential of these observations, we find that administration of folinic acid to mice bearing PDA increases NKT cells in the TME and improves their response to anti-PD-1 antibody treatment. In conclusion, NKT cells have an essential role in the immune response to mouse PDA and are potential targets for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayun Li
- Cancer Center, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY11724
| | - Philip Moresco
- Cancer Center, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY11724
- Graduate Program in Genetics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY11794
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY11794
| | - Douglas T. Fearon
- Cancer Center, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY11724
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY10065
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5
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Wu Q, Mao H, Jiang Z, Tang D. Tumour-associated neutrophils: Potential therapeutic targets in pancreatic cancer immunotherapy. Immunology 2024; 172:343-361. [PMID: 38402904 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly malignant tumour of the digestive system with poor therapeutic response and low survival rates. Immunotherapy has rapidly developed in recent years and has achieved significant outcomes in numerous malignant neoplasms. However, responses to immunotherapy in PC are rare, and the immunosuppressive and desmoplastic tumour microenvironment (TME) significantly hinders their efficacy in PC. Tumour-associated neutrophils (TANs) play a crucial role in the PC microenvironment and exert a profound influence on PC immunotherapy by establishing a robust stromal shelter and restraining immune cells to assist PC cells in immune escape, which may subvert the current status of PC immunotherapy. The present review aims to offer a comprehensive summary of the latest progress in understanding the involvement of TANs in PC desmoplastic and immunosuppressive functions and to emphasise the potential therapeutic implications of focusing on TANs in the immunotherapy of this deleterious disease. Finally, we provide an outlook for the future use of TANs in PC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihang Wu
- Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Han Mao
- Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zhengting Jiang
- Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Dong Tang
- Department of General Surgery, Institute of General Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, China
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6
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Vendramini-Costa DB, Francescone R, Franco-Barraza J, Luong T, Graves M, de Aquino AM, Steele N, Gardiner JC, Dos Santos SAA, Ogier C, Malloy E, Borghaei L, Martinez E, Zhigarev DI, Tan Y, Lee H, Zhou Y, Cai KQ, Klein-Szanto AJ, Wang H, Andrake M, Dunbrack RL, Campbell K, Cukierman E. Netrin G1 Ligand is a new stromal immunomodulator that promotes pancreatic cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.15.594354. [PMID: 38798370 PMCID: PMC11118300 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.15.594354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Understanding pancreatic cancer biology is fundamental for identifying new targets and for developing more effective therapies. In particular, the contribution of the stromal microenvironment to pancreatic cancer tumorigenesis requires further exploration. Here, we report the stromal roles of the synaptic protein Netrin G1 Ligand (NGL-1) in pancreatic cancer, uncovering its pro-tumor functions in cancer-associated fibroblasts and in immune cells. We observed that the stromal expression of NGL-1 inversely correlated with patients' overall survival. Moreover, germline knockout (KO) mice for NGL-1 presented decreased tumor burden, with a microenvironment that is less supportive of tumor growth. Of note, tumors from NGL-1 KO mice produced less immunosuppressive cytokines and displayed an increased percentage of CD8 + T cells than those from control mice, while preserving the physical structure of the tumor microenvironment. These effects were shown to be mediated by NGL-1 in both immune cells and in the local stroma, in a TGF-β-dependent manner. While myeloid cells lacking NGL-1 decreased the production of immunosuppressive cytokines, NGL-1 KO T cells showed increased proliferation rates and overall polyfunctionality compared to control T cells. CAFs lacking NGL-1 were less immunosuppressive than controls, with overall decreased production of pro-tumor cytokines and compromised ability to inhibit CD8 + T cells activation. Mechanistically, these CAFs downregulated components of the TGF-β pathway, AP-1 and NFAT transcription factor families, resulting in a less tumor-supportive phenotype. Finally, targeting NGL-1 genetically or using a functionally antagonistic small peptide phenocopied the effects of chemotherapy, while modulating the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), rather than eliminating it. We propose NGL-1 as a new local stroma and immunomodulatory molecule, with pro-tumor roles in pancreatic cancer. Statement of Significance Here we uncovered the pro-tumor roles of the synaptic protein NGL-1 in the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer, defining a new target that simultaneously modulates tumor cell, fibroblast, and immune cell functions. This study reports a new pathway where NGL-1 controls TGF-β, AP-1 transcription factor members and NFAT1, modulating the immunosuppressive microenvironment in pancreatic cancer. Our findings highlight NGL-1 as a new stromal immunomodulator in pancreatic cancer.
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7
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Wang X, Wu Y, Tian Y, Hu H, Zhao Y, Xue B, Sun Z, Wei A, Xie F, Qian LJ. GLUT1-mediated microglial proinflammatory activation contributes to the development of stress-induced spatial learning and memory dysfunction in mice. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:48. [PMID: 38627830 PMCID: PMC11020476 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-024-01229-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress is a recognized risk factor for cognitive decline, which triggers neuroinflammation involving microglial activation. However, the specific mechanism for microglial activation under stress and affects learning and memory remains unclear. METHODS The chronic stress mouse model was utilized to explore the relationship between microglial activation and spatial memory impairment. The effect of hippocampal hyperglycemia on microglial activation was evaluated through hippocampal glucose-infusion and the incubation of BV2 cells with high glucose. The gain-and loss-of-function experiments were conducted to investigate the role of GLUT1 in microglial proinflammatory activation. An adeno-associated virus (AAV) was employed to specifically knockdown of GLUT1 in hippocampal microglia to assess its impact on stressed-mice. RESULTS Herein, we found that chronic stress induced remarkable hippocampal microglial proinflammatory activation and neuroinflammation, which were involved in the development of stress-related spatial learning and memory impairment. Mechanistically, elevated hippocampal glucose level post-stress was revealed to be a key regulator of proinflammatory microglial activation via specifically increasing the expression of microglial GLUT1. GLUT1 overexpression promoted microglial proinflammatory phenotype while inhibiting GLUT1 function mitigated this effect under high glucose. Furthermore, specific downregulation of hippocampal microglial GLUT1 in stressed-mice relieved microglial proinflammatory activation, neuroinflammation, and spatial learning and memory injury. Finally, the NF-κB signaling pathway was demonstrated to be involved in the regulatory effect of GLUT1 on microglia. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that elevated glucose and GLUT1 expression induce microglia proinflammatory activation, contributing to stress-associated spatial memory dysfunction. These findings highlight significant interplay between metabolism and inflammation, presenting a possible therapeutic target for stress-related cognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Wang
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, #27 Taiping Road, Haidian, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Yuhan Wu
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, #27 Taiping Road, Haidian, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Yingrui Tian
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, #27 Taiping Road, Haidian, Beijing, 100850, China
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Jiulongpo District, Chongqing, 400050, China
| | - Hui Hu
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, #27 Taiping Road, Haidian, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Yun Zhao
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, #27 Taiping Road, Haidian, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Binghua Xue
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, #27 Taiping Road, Haidian, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Zhaowei Sun
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, #27 Taiping Road, Haidian, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Aijun Wei
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, #27 Taiping Road, Haidian, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Fang Xie
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, #27 Taiping Road, Haidian, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Ling-Jia Qian
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, #27 Taiping Road, Haidian, Beijing, 100850, China.
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8
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Schmid M, Fischer P, Engl M, Widder J, Kerschbaum-Gruber S, Slade D. The interplay between autophagy and cGAS-STING signaling and its implications for cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1356369. [PMID: 38660307 PMCID: PMC11039819 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1356369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is an intracellular process that targets various cargos for degradation, including members of the cGAS-STING signaling cascade. cGAS-STING senses cytosolic double-stranded DNA and triggers an innate immune response through type I interferons. Emerging evidence suggests that autophagy plays a crucial role in regulating and fine-tuning cGAS-STING signaling. Reciprocally, cGAS-STING pathway members can actively induce canonical as well as various non-canonical forms of autophagy, establishing a regulatory network of feedback mechanisms that alter both the cGAS-STING and the autophagic pathway. The crosstalk between autophagy and the cGAS-STING pathway impacts a wide variety of cellular processes such as protection against pathogenic infections as well as signaling in neurodegenerative disease, autoinflammatory disease and cancer. Here we provide a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms involved in autophagy and cGAS-STING signaling, with a specific focus on the interactions between the two pathways and their importance for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Schmid
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- MedAustron Ion Therapy Center, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Max Perutz Labs, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Patrick Fischer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- MedAustron Ion Therapy Center, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Max Perutz Labs, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Magdalena Engl
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Max Perutz Labs, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Biocenter PhD Program, a Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Joachim Widder
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sylvia Kerschbaum-Gruber
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- MedAustron Ion Therapy Center, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
| | - Dea Slade
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- MedAustron Ion Therapy Center, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Max Perutz Labs, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
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9
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Fritsch LE, Kelly C, Leonard J, de Jager C, Wei X, Brindley S, Harris EA, Kaloss AM, DeFoor N, Paul S, O'Malley H, Ju J, Olsen ML, Theus MH, Pickrell AM. STING-Dependent Signaling in Microglia or Peripheral Immune Cells Orchestrates the Early Inflammatory Response and Influences Brain Injury Outcome. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e0191232024. [PMID: 38360749 PMCID: PMC10957216 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0191-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
While originally identified as an antiviral pathway, recent work has implicated that cyclic GMP-AMP-synthase-Stimulator of Interferon Genes (cGAS-STING) signaling is playing a critical role in the neuroinflammatory response to traumatic brain injury (TBI). STING activation results in a robust inflammatory response characterized by the production of inflammatory cytokines called interferons, as well as hundreds of interferon stimulated genes (ISGs). Global knock-out (KO) mice inhibiting this pathway display neuroprotection with evidence that this pathway is active days after injury; yet, the early neuroinflammatory events stimulated by STING signaling remain understudied. Furthermore, the source of STING signaling during brain injury is unknown. Using a murine controlled cortical impact (CCI) model of TBI, we investigated the peripheral immune and microglial response to injury utilizing male chimeric and conditional STING KO animals, respectively. We demonstrate that peripheral and microglial STING signaling contribute to negative outcomes in cortical lesion volume, cell death, and functional outcomes postinjury. A reduction in overall peripheral immune cell and neutrophil infiltration at the injury site is STING dependent in these models at 24 h. Transcriptomic analysis at 2 h, when STING is active, reveals that microglia drive an early, distinct transcriptional program to elicit proinflammatory genes including interleukin 1-β (IL-1β), which is lost in conditional knock-out mice. The upregulation of alternative innate immune pathways also occurs after injury in these animals, which supports a complex relationship between brain-resident and peripheral immune cells to coordinate the proinflammatory response and immune cell influx to damaged tissue after injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Fritsch
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, Virginia 24016
| | - Colin Kelly
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, Virginia 24016
| | - John Leonard
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
| | - Caroline de Jager
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, Virginia 24016
| | - Xiaoran Wei
- Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences Graduate Program, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
| | - Samantha Brindley
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
| | - Elizabeth A Harris
- Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences Graduate Program, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
| | - Alexandra M Kaloss
- Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences Graduate Program, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
| | - Nicole DeFoor
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
| | - Swagatika Paul
- Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences Graduate Program, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
| | - Hannah O'Malley
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
| | - Jing Ju
- Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences Graduate Program, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
| | - Michelle L Olsen
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
| | - Michelle H Theus
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
| | - Alicia M Pickrell
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
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10
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Gorchs L, Fernández-Moro C, Asplund E, Oosthoek M, Solders M, Ghorbani P, Sparrelid E, Rangelova E, Löhr MJ, Kaipe H. Exhausted Tumor-infiltrating CD39+CD103+ CD8+ T Cells Unveil Potential for Increased Survival in Human Pancreatic Cancer. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:460-474. [PMID: 38335302 PMCID: PMC10875982 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
In pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, the infiltration of CD8+ T cells within the tumor microenvironment correlates with a favorable prognosis. However, a significant proportion of tumor-infiltrating T cells become trapped within the desmoplastic stroma and lack tumor reactivity. Here, we explored different T-cell subsets in pancreatic tumors and adjacent tissues. We identified a subset of CD8+ T cells, double positive (DP) for CD39 and CD103 in pancreatic tumors, which has recently been described to display tumor reactivity in other types of solid tumors. Interestingly, DP CD8+ T cells preferentially accumulated in central tumor tissues compared with paired peripheral tumor and adjacent non-tumor tissues. Consistent with an antigen encounter, DP CD8+ T cells demonstrated higher proliferative rates and displayed an exhausted phenotype, characterized by elevated expression of PD-1 and TIM-3, compared with CD39-CD103- CD8+ T cells. In addition, DP CD8+ T cells exhibited higher expression levels of the tissue trafficking receptors CCR5 and CXCR6, while displaying lower levels of CXCR3 and CXCR4. Importantly, a high proportion of DP CD8+ T cells is associated with increased patient survival. These findings suggest that DP CD8+ T cells with a phenotype reminiscent of that of tumor-reactive T cells are present in pancreatic tumors. The abundance of DP CD8+ T cells could potentially aid in selecting patients for pancreatic cancer immunotherapy trials. SIGNIFICANCE Patients with pancreatic cancer with a high proportion of CD39+CD103+ CD8+ T cells exhibiting a tumor-reactive phenotype have improved survival rates, suggesting their potential utility in selecting candidates for immunotherapy trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Gorchs
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carlos Fernández-Moro
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ebba Asplund
- Department of Upper GI, C1:77 Karolinska Comprehensive Cancer Center, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marlies Oosthoek
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Solders
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Poya Ghorbani
- Department of Upper GI, C1:77 Karolinska Comprehensive Cancer Center, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ernesto Sparrelid
- Department of Upper GI, C1:77 Karolinska Comprehensive Cancer Center, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elena Rangelova
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Surgery, Section for Upper Abdominal Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Matthias J. Löhr
- Department of Upper GI, C1:77 Karolinska Comprehensive Cancer Center, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helen Kaipe
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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11
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Lekan AA, Weiner LM. The Role of Chemokines in Orchestrating the Immune Response to Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:559. [PMID: 38339310 PMCID: PMC10854906 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemokines are small molecules that function as chemotactic factors which regulate the migration, infiltration, and accumulation of immune cells. Here, we comprehensively assess the structural and functional role of chemokines, examine the effects of chemokines that are present in the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumor microenvironment (TME), specifically those produced by cancer cells and stromal components, and evaluate their impact on immune cell trafficking, both in promoting and suppressing anti-tumor responses. We further explore the impact of chemokines on patient outcomes in PDAC and their role in the context of immunotherapy treatments, and review clinical trials that have targeted chemokine receptors and ligands in the treatment of PDAC. Lastly, we highlight potential strategies that can be utilized to harness chemokines in order to increase cytotoxic immune cell infiltration and the anti-tumor effects of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Louis M. Weiner
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, 3970 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20057, USA;
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12
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Zhang J, Yu S, Peng Q, Wang P, Fang L. Emerging mechanisms and implications of cGAS-STING signaling in cancer immunotherapy strategies. Cancer Biol Med 2024; 21:j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0440. [PMID: 38172538 PMCID: PMC10875285 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The intricate interplay between the human immune system and cancer development underscores the central role of immunotherapy in cancer treatment. Within this landscape, the innate immune system, a critical sentinel protecting against tumor incursion, is a key player. The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) and stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway has been found to be a linchpin of innate immunity: activation of this signaling pathway orchestrates the production of type I interferon (IFN-α/β), thus fostering the maturation, differentiation, and mobilization of immune effectors in the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, STING activation facilitates the release and presentation of tumor antigens, and therefore is an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy. Current strategies to activate the STING pathway, including use of pharmacological agonists, have made substantial advancements, particularly when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors. These approaches have shown promise in preclinical and clinical settings, by enhancing patient survival rates. This review describes the evolving understanding of the cGAS-STING pathway's involvement in tumor biology and therapy. Moreover, this review explores classical and non-classical STING agonists, providing insights into their mechanisms of action and potential for optimizing immunotherapy strategies. Despite challenges and complexities, the cGAS-STING pathway, a promising avenue for enhancing cancer treatment efficacy, has the potential to revolutionize patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Zhang
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Sihui Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qiao Peng
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Lan Fang
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
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13
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Ma S, Caligiuri MA, Yu J. Harnessing Natural Killer Cells for Lung Cancer Therapy. Cancer Res 2023; 83:3327-3339. [PMID: 37531223 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-1097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Although natural killer (NK) cells are garnering interest as a potential anticancer therapy because they selectively recognize and eliminate cancer cells, their use in treating solid tumors, including lung cancer, has been limited due to impediments to their efficacy, such as their limited ability to reach tumor tissues, the reduced antitumor activity of tumor-infiltrating NK cells, and the suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). This comprehensive review provides an in-depth analysis of the cross-talk between the lung cancer TME and NK cells. We highlight the various mechanisms used by the TME to modulate NK-cell phenotypes and limit infiltration, explore the role of the TME in limiting the antitumor activity of NK cells, and discuss the current challenges and obstacles that hinder the success of NK-cell-based immunotherapy for lung cancer. Potential opportunities and promising strategies to address these challenges have been implemented or are being developed to optimize NK-cell-based immunotherapy for lung cancer. Through critical evaluation of existing literature and emerging trends, this review provides a comprehensive outlook on the future of NK-cell-based immunotherapy for treating lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoubao Ma
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Michael A Caligiuri
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jianhua Yu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Los Angeles, California
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14
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Hajiabadi S, Alidadi S, Montakhab Farahi Z, Ghahramani Seno MM, Farzin H, Haghparast A. Immunotherapy with STING and TLR9 agonists promotes synergistic therapeutic efficacy with suppressed cancer-associated fibroblasts in colon carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1258691. [PMID: 37901237 PMCID: PMC10611477 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1258691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The innate immune sensing of nucleic acids using effective immunoadjuvants is critical for increasing protective immune responses against cancer. Stimulators of interferon genes (STING) and toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonists are considered promising candidates in several preclinical tumor models with the potential to be used in clinical settings. However, the effects of such treatment on tumor stroma are currently unknown. In this study, we investigated the immunotherapeutic effects of ADU-S100 as a STING agonist and CpG ODN1826 as a TLR9 agonist in a preclinical model of colon carcinoma. Tumor-bearing mice were treated intratumorally on days 10 and 16 post-tumor inoculation with ADU-S100 and CpG ODN1826. Cytokine profiles in the tumor and spleen, tumor cell apoptosis, the infiltration of immune cells, and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) were evaluated to identify the immunological mechanisms after treatment. The powerful antitumor activity of single and combination treatments, the upregulation of the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the tumor and spleen, and the recruitment and infiltration of the TME by immune cells revealed the synergism of immunoadjuvants in the eradication of the colon carcinoma model. Remarkably, the significant downregulation of CAFs in the TME indicated that suppression of tumorigenesis occurred after immunoadjuvant therapy. The results illustrate the potential of targeting the STING and TLR9 pathways as powerful immunoadjuvants in the treatment of preclinical colon carcinoma and the possibility of harnessing these pathways in future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sare Hajiabadi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Soodeh Alidadi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zohreh Montakhab Farahi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Hamidreza Farzin
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agriculture Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Mashhad, Iran
| | - Alireza Haghparast
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
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15
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Chibaya L, Lusi CF, DeMarco KD, Kane GI, Brassil ML, Parikh CN, Murphy KC, Li J, Naylor TE, Cerrutti J, Peura J, Pitarresi JR, Zhu LJ, Fitzgerald KA, Atukorale PU, Ruscetti M. Nanoparticle delivery of innate immune agonists combines with senescence-inducing agents to mediate T cell control of pancreatic cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.18.558307. [PMID: 37790484 PMCID: PMC10542133 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.18.558307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma has quickly risen to become the 3rd leading cause of cancer-related death. This is in part due to its fibrotic tumor microenvironment (TME) that contributes to poor vascularization and immune infiltration and subsequent chemo- and immunotherapy failure. Here we investigated an innovative immunotherapy approach combining local delivery of STING and TLR4 innate immune agonists via lipid-based nanoparticles (NPs) co-encapsulation with senescence-inducing RAS-targeted therapies that can remodel the immune suppressive PDAC TME through the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Treatment of transplanted and autochthonous PDAC mouse models with these regimens led to enhanced uptake of NPs by multiple cell types in the PDAC TME, induction of type I interferon and other pro-inflammatory signaling, increased antigen presentation by tumor cells and antigen presenting cells, and subsequent activation of both innate and adaptive immune responses. This two-pronged approach produced potent T cell-driven and Type I interferon-dependent tumor regressions and long-term survival in preclinical PDAC models. STING and TLR4-mediated Type I interferon signaling were also associated with enhanced NK and CD8+ T cell immunity in human PDAC. Thus, combining localized immune agonist delivery with systemic tumor-targeted therapy can synergize to orchestrate a coordinated innate and adaptive immune assault to overcome immune suppression and activate durable anti-tumor T cell responses against PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loretah Chibaya
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Christina F. Lusi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA USA
| | - Kelly D. DeMarco
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Griffin I. Kane
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA USA
| | - Meghan L. Brassil
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA USA
| | - Chaitanya N. Parikh
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Katherine C. Murphy
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Junhui Li
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Tiana E. Naylor
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA USA
| | - Julia Cerrutti
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA USA
| | - Jessica Peura
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jason R. Pitarresi
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Lihua Julie Zhu
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Katherine A. Fitzgerald
- Division of Innate Immunity, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Prabhani U. Atukorale
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA USA
- Division of Innate Immunity, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA. USA
| | - Marcus Ruscetti
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Cancer Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA. USA
- Immunology and Microbiology Program, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
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16
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Alshebremi M, Tomchuck SL, Myers JT, Kingsley DT, Eid S, Abiff M, Bonner M, Saab ST, Choi SH, Huang AYC. Functional tumor cell-intrinsic STING, not host STING, drives local and systemic antitumor immunity and therapy efficacy following cryoablation. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e006608. [PMID: 37553183 PMCID: PMC10414127 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite its potential utility in delivering direct tumor killing and in situ whole-cell tumor vaccination, tumor cryoablation produces highly variable and unpredictable clinical response, limiting its clinical utility. The mechanism(s) driving cryoablation-induced local antitumor immunity and the associated abscopal effect is not well understood. METHODS The aim of this study was to identify and explore a mechanism of action by which cryoablation enhances the therapeutic efficacy in metastatic tumor models. We used the subcutaneous mouse model of the rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) cell lines RMS 76-9STINGwt or RMS 76-9STING-/-, along with other murine tumor models, in C57BL/6 or STING-/- (TMEM173-/- ) mice to evaluate local tumor changes, lung metastasis, abscopal effect on distant tumors, and immune cell dynamics in the tumor microenvironment (TME). RESULTS The results show that cryoablation efficacy is dependent on both adaptive immunity and the STING signaling pathway. Contrary to current literature dictating an essential role of host-derived STING activation as a driver of antitumor immunity in vivo, we show that local tumor control, lung metastasis, and the abscopal effect on distant tumor are all critically dependent on a functioning tumor cell-intrinsic STING signaling pathway, which induces inflammatory chemokine and cytokine responses in the cryoablated TME. This reliance extends beyond cryoablation to include intratumoral STING agonist therapy. Additionally, surveys of gene expression databases and tissue microarrays of clinical tumor samples revealed a wide spectrum of expressions among STING-related signaling components. CONCLUSIONS Tumor cell-intrinsic STING pathway is a critical component underlying the effectiveness of cryoablation and suggests that expression of STING-related signaling components may serve as a potential therapy response biomarker. Our data also highlight an urgent need to further characterize tumor cell-intrinsic STING pathways and the associated downstream inflammatory response evoked by cryoablation and other STING-dependent therapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Alshebremi
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suzanne L Tomchuck
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Jay T Myers
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Daniel T Kingsley
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Saada Eid
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Muta Abiff
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Melissa Bonner
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Shahrazad T Saab
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Sung Hee Choi
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Alex Yee-Chen Huang
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Center for Pediatric Immunotherapy, Angie Fowler AYA Cancer Institute, UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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17
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Moreno Ayala MA, Campbell TF, Zhang C, Dahan N, Bockman A, Prakash V, Feng L, Sher T, DuPage M. CXCR3 expression in regulatory T cells drives interactions with type I dendritic cells in tumors to restrict CD8 + T cell antitumor immunity. Immunity 2023; 56:1613-1630.e5. [PMID: 37392735 PMCID: PMC10752240 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2023.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Infiltration of regulatory T (Treg) cells, an immunosuppressive population of CD4+ T cells, into solid cancers represents a barrier to cancer immunotherapy. Chemokine receptors are critical for Treg cell recruitment and cell-cell interactions in inflamed tissues, including cancer, and thus are an ideal therapeutic target. Here, we show in multiple cancer models that CXCR3+ Treg cells were increased in tumors compared with lymphoid tissues, exhibited an activated phenotype, and interacted preferentially with CXCL9-producing BATF3+ dendritic cells (DCs). Genetic ablation of CXCR3 in Treg cells disrupted DC1-Treg cell interactions and concomitantly increased DC-CD8+ T cell interactions. Mechanistically, CXCR3 ablation in Treg cells increased tumor antigen-specific cross-presentation by DC1s, increasing CD8+ T cell priming and reactivation in tumors. This ultimately impaired tumor progression, especially in combination with anti-PD-1 checkpoint blockade immunotherapy. Overall, CXCR3 is shown to be a critical chemokine receptor for Treg cell accumulation and immune suppression in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariela A Moreno Ayala
- Division of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Timothy F Campbell
- Division of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Chenyu Zhang
- Division of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Noa Dahan
- Division of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Alissa Bockman
- Division of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Varsha Prakash
- Division of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Lawrence Feng
- Division of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Theo Sher
- Division of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Michel DuPage
- Division of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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18
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Vonderhaar EP, Dwinell MB, Craig BT. Targeted immune activation in pediatric solid tumors: opportunities to complement local control approaches. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1202169. [PMID: 37426669 PMCID: PMC10325564 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1202169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Surgery or radiation therapy is nearly universally applied for pediatric solid tumors. In many cases, in diverse tumor types, distant metastatic disease is present and evades surgery or radiation. The systemic host response to these local control modalities may lead to a suppression of antitumor immunity, with potential negative impact on the clinical outcomes for patients in this scenario. Emerging evidence suggests that the perioperative immune responses to surgery or radiation can be modulated therapeutically to preserve anti-tumor immunity, with the added benefit of preventing these local control approaches from serving as pro-tumorigenic stimuli. To realize the potential benefit of therapeutic modulation of the systemic response to surgery or radiation on distant disease that evades these modalities, a detailed knowledge of the tumor-specific immunology as well as the immune responses to surgery and radiation is imperative. In this Review we highlight the current understanding of the tumor immune microenvironment for the most common peripheral pediatric solid tumors, the immune responses to surgery and radiation, and current evidence that supports the potential use of immune activating agents in the perioperative window. Finally, we define existing knowledge gaps that limit the current translational potential of modulating perioperative immunity to achieve effective anti-tumor outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily P. Vonderhaar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Center for Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Michael B. Dwinell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Center for Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Cancer Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Brian T. Craig
- Center for Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
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19
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Huang C, Li W, Ren X, Tang M, Zhang K, Zhuo F, Dou X, Yu B. The Crucial Roles and Research Advances of cGAS-STING Pathway in Cutaneous Disorders. Inflammation 2023:10.1007/s10753-023-01812-7. [PMID: 37083899 PMCID: PMC10119538 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-023-01812-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
The cGAS-STING signaling pathway senses the presence of cytosolic DNA, induces strong type I interferon responses, and enhances inflammatory cytokine production, placing it as an important axis in infection, autoimmunity, and tumor immunity. Recent studies have shown that the abnormalities and/or dysfunctions of cGAS-STING signaling are closely related to the pathogenesis of skin diseases and/or cancers. Additionally, a variety of new therapeutics targeting the cGAS-STING signaling are in development for the treatment of skin disorders. However, the precise molecular mechanisms of cGAS-STING-mediated cutaneous disorders have not been fully elucidated. In this review, we will summarize the regulatory roles and mechanisms of cGAS-STING signaling in skin disorders and recent progresses of cGAS-STING-related drugs as well as their potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Research Institute of Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, 518036, China
| | - Wenting Li
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Research Institute of Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, 518036, China
| | - Xuanyao Ren
- Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University - the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, 518036, China
| | - Mindan Tang
- Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University - the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, 518036, China
| | - Kaoyuan Zhang
- Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University - the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, 518036, China
| | - Fan Zhuo
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Research Institute of Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, 518036, China
| | - Xia Dou
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Research Institute of Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, 518036, China
| | - Bo Yu
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Research Institute of Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, 518036, China.
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20
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Zhang Y, Yan J, Hou X, Wang C, Kang DD, Xue Y, Du S, Deng B, McComb DW, Liu SL, Zhong Y, Dong Y. STING Agonist-Derived LNP-mRNA Vaccine Enhances Protective Immunity Against SARS-CoV-2. NANO LETTERS 2023; 23:2593-2600. [PMID: 36942873 PMCID: PMC10042142 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c04883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-mediated delivery of messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccines has provided large-scale immune protection to the public. To elicit a robust immune response against SARS-CoV-2 infections, antigens produced by mRNAs encoding SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoprotein need to be efficiently delivered and presented to antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells (DCs). As concurrent innate immune stimulation can facilitate the antigen presentation process, a library of non-nucleotide STING agonist-derived amino lipids (SALs) was synthesized and formulated into LNPs for mRNA delivery. SAL12 lipid nanoparticles (SAL12-LNPs) were identified as most potent in delivering mRNAs encoding the Spike glycoprotein (S) of SARS-CoV-2 while activating the STING pathway in DCs. Two doses of SAL12 S-LNPs by intramuscular immunization elicited potent neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuebao Zhang
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Jingyue Yan
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Xucheng Hou
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Chang Wang
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Diana D. Kang
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Yonger Xue
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Shi Du
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Binbin Deng
- Center for Electron Microscopy and Analysis, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43212, United States
| | - David W. McComb
- Center for Electron Microscopy and Analysis, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43212, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Shan-Lu Liu
- Center for Retrovirus Research and Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Yichen Zhong
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Yizhou Dong
- Division of Pharmaceutics & Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Center for Clinical and Translational Science, The Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, Center for Cancer Engineering, Center for Cancer Metabolism, Pelotonia Institute for Immune-Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
- Icahn Genomics Institute, Precision Immunology Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
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21
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Hines JB, Kacew AJ, Sweis RF. The Development of STING Agonists and Emerging Results as a Cancer Immunotherapy. Curr Oncol Rep 2023; 25:189-199. [PMID: 36705879 PMCID: PMC10994474 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-023-01361-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW New therapies are needed to potentiate the effects of current immunotherapies and overcome resistance. The stimulator of interferon genes genes (STING) pathway is an innate immune activating cascade that may enhance current cancer immunotherapies. RECENT FINDINGS Preclinical data has shown that the addition of a STING agonist enhances the effect of current treatments such as immune checkpoint inhibitor antibodies and radiation therapy. Early phase trials have demonstrated modest efficacy of STING agonists and revealed new mechanistic and technical challenges. STING agonists are a new class of agents that activate the immune response to improve tumor control. A wide range of preclinical experiments, translational data, and ongoing clinical trials support the therapeutic use of STING agonists in patients. Trials to determine optimal drug combinations and novel delivery mechanisms are continuing in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacobi B Hines
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave, MC 2115, Chicago, IL, 60605, USA
| | - Alec J Kacew
- Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Randy F Sweis
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave, MC 2115, Chicago, IL, 60605, USA.
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22
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Hargadon KM. Genetic dysregulation of immunologic and oncogenic signaling pathways associated with tumor-intrinsic immune resistance: a molecular basis for combination targeted therapy-immunotherapy for cancer. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:40. [PMID: 36629955 PMCID: PMC11072992 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04689-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Since the turn of the century, advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy have revolutionized the treatment of cancer. Although these approaches have far outperformed traditional therapies in various clinical settings, both remain plagued by mechanisms of innate and acquired resistance that limit therapeutic efficacy in many patients. With a focus on tumor-intrinsic resistance to immunotherapy, this review highlights our current understanding of the immunologic and oncogenic pathways whose genetic dysregulation in cancer cells enables immune escape. Emphasis is placed on genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic aberrations that influence the activity of these pathways in the context of immune resistance. Specifically, the role of pathways that govern interferon signaling, antigen processing and presentation, and immunologic cell death as determinants of tumor immune susceptibility are discussed. Likewise, mechanisms of tumor immune resistance mediated by dysregulated RAS-MAPK, WNT, PI3K-AKT-mTOR, and cell cycle pathways are described. Finally, this review highlights the ways in which recent insight into genetic dysregulation of these immunologic and oncogenic signaling pathways is informing the design of combination targeted therapy-immunotherapy regimens that aim to restore immune susceptibility of cancer cells by overcoming resistance mechanisms that often limit the success of monotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian M Hargadon
- Hargadon Laboratory, Department of Biology, Hampden-Sydney College, Hampden-Sydney, VA, 23943, USA.
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23
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Jacoberger-Foissac C, Cousineau I, Bareche Y, Allard D, Chrobak P, Allard B, Pommey S, Messaoudi N, McNicoll Y, Soucy G, Koseoglu S, Masia R, Lake AC, Seo H, Eeles CB, Rohatgi N, Robson SC, Turcotte S, Haibe-Kains B, Stagg J. CD73 Inhibits cGAS-STING and Cooperates with CD39 to Promote Pancreatic Cancer. Cancer Immunol Res 2023; 11:56-71. [PMID: 36409930 PMCID: PMC9812927 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-22-0260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The ectonucleotidases CD39 and CD73 catalyze extracellular ATP to immunosuppressive adenosine, and as such, represent potential cancer targets. We investigated biological impacts of CD39 and CD73 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) by studying clinical samples and experimental mouse tumors. Stromal CD39 and tumoral CD73 expression significantly associated with worse survival in human PDAC samples and abolished the favorable prognostic impact associated with the presence of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells. In mouse transplanted KPC tumors, both CD39 and CD73 on myeloid cells, as well as CD73 on tumor cells, promoted polarization of infiltrating myeloid cells towards an M2-like phenotype, which enhanced tumor growth. CD39 on tumor-specific CD8+ T cells and pancreatic stellate cells also suppressed IFNγ production by T cells. Although therapeutic inhibition of CD39 or CD73 alone significantly delayed tumor growth in vivo, targeting of both ectonucleotidases exhibited markedly superior antitumor activity. CD73 expression on human and mouse PDAC tumor cells also protected against DNA damage induced by gemcitabine and irradiation. Accordingly, large-scale pharmacogenomic analyses of human PDAC cell lines revealed significant associations between CD73 expression and gemcitabine chemoresistance. Strikingly, increased DNA damage in CD73-deficient tumor cells associated with activation of the cGAS-STING pathway. Moreover, cGAS expression in mouse KPC tumor cells was required for antitumor activity of the CD73 inhibitor AB680 in vivo. Our study, thus, illuminates molecular mechanisms whereby CD73 and CD39 seemingly cooperate to promote PDAC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Célia Jacoberger-Foissac
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Montreal., Cancer Axis, Centre de Recherche Du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada., Institut du Cancer de Montréal
| | - Isabelle Cousineau
- Cancer Axis, Centre de Recherche Du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada., Institut du Cancer de Montréal
| | - Yacine Bareche
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Montreal., Cancer Axis, Centre de Recherche Du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada., Institut du Cancer de Montréal
| | - David Allard
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Montreal., Cancer Axis, Centre de Recherche Du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada., Institut du Cancer de Montréal
| | - Pavel Chrobak
- Cancer Axis, Centre de Recherche Du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada., Institut du Cancer de Montréal
| | - Bertrand Allard
- Cancer Axis, Centre de Recherche Du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada., Institut du Cancer de Montréal
| | - Sandra Pommey
- Cancer Axis, Centre de Recherche Du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada., Institut du Cancer de Montréal
| | - Nouredin Messaoudi
- Department of Surgery, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium., Department of Surgery, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel and Europe Hospitals, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yannic McNicoll
- Surgery Department, Hôpital Jean-Talon, CIUSSS NIM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Geneviève Soucy
- Pathology Service, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Ricard Masia
- Surface Oncology, Inc. Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Heewon Seo
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher B. Eeles
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Neha Rohatgi
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Simon C. Robson
- Center for Inflammation Research, Gastroenterology, Departments of Medicine and Anesthesia, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Simon Turcotte
- Cancer Axis, Centre de Recherche Du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada., Institut du Cancer de Montréal., Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery & Liver Transplantation Service, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Benjamin Haibe-Kains
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada., Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John Stagg
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Montreal., Cancer Axis, Centre de Recherche Du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada., Institut du Cancer de Montréal.,Correspondence: 900 St-Denis Street, Montréal, QC, Canada, H2X 0A9; ; Tel: 514-890-8000 ex:25170
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24
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Schmitz CRR, Maurmann RM, Guma FTCR, Bauer ME, Barbé-Tuana FM. cGAS-STING pathway as a potential trigger of immunosenescence and inflammaging. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1132653. [PMID: 36926349 PMCID: PMC10011111 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1132653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with an increased incidence of autoimmune diseases, despite the progressive decline of immune responses (immunosenescence). This apparent paradox can be explained by the age-related chronic low-grade systemic inflammation (inflammaging) and progressive dysregulation of innate signaling. During cellular aging, there is an accumulation of damaged DNA in the cell's cytoplasm, which serves as ubiquitous danger-associated molecule, promptly recognized by DNA sensors. For instance, the free cytoplasmic DNA can be recognized, by DNA-sensing molecules like cGAS-STING (cyclic GMP-AMP synthase linked to a stimulator of interferon genes), triggering transcriptional factors involved in the secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators. However, the contribution of this pathway to the aging immune system remains largely unknown. Here, we highlight recent advances in understanding the biology of the cGAS-STING pathway, its influence on the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), and its modulation of the immune system during sterile inflammation. We propose that this important stress sensor of DNA damage is also a trigger of immunosenescence and inflammaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carine Raquel Richter Schmitz
- Laboratório de Imunobiologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Biológicas - Bioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rafael Moura Maurmann
- Laboratório de Imunobiologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Fatima T C R Guma
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Biológicas - Bioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Moisés Evandro Bauer
- Laboratório de Imunobiologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia - Neuroimunomodulação (INCT-NIM), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Brasília, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Gerontologia Biomédica, Escola de Medicina, Pontifícia Universidade do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Florencia Maria Barbé-Tuana
- Laboratório de Imunobiologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular da Escola de Ciências da Saúde da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Pediatria e Saúde da Criança da Escola de Medicina, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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25
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Wang Y, Geller AE, Yan J. Unexpected Breg-NK crosstalk in STING agonist therapy. Cell Mol Immunol 2022; 19:1330-1332. [PMID: 36357522 PMCID: PMC9708661 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-022-00952-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yunke Wang
- Division of Immunotherapy, The Hiram C. Polk, Jr., MD Department of Surgery, Immuno-Oncology Program, Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Anne E Geller
- Division of Immunotherapy, The Hiram C. Polk, Jr., MD Department of Surgery, Immuno-Oncology Program, Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Jun Yan
- Division of Immunotherapy, The Hiram C. Polk, Jr., MD Department of Surgery, Immuno-Oncology Program, Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA.
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26
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Wang X, Zhang Y, Wang S, Ni H, Zhao P, Chen G, Xu B, Yuan L. The role of CXCR3 and its ligands in cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1022688. [PMID: 36479091 PMCID: PMC9720144 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1022688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemokines are a class of small cytokines or signaling proteins that are secreted by cells. Owing to their ability to induce directional chemotaxis of nearby responding cells, they are called chemotactic cytokines. Chemokines and chemokine receptors have now been shown to influence many cellular functions, including survival, adhesion, invasion, and proliferation, and regulate chemokine levels. Most malignant tumors express one or more chemokine receptors. The CXC subgroup of chemokine receptors, CXCR3, is mainly expressed on the surface of activated T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells, and plays an essential role in infection, autoimmune diseases, and tumor immunity by binding to specific receptors on target cell membranes to induce targeted migration and immune responses. It is vital to treat infections, autoimmune diseases, and tumors. CXCR3 and its ligands, CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11, are closely associated with the development and progression of many tumors. With the elucidation of its mechanism of action, CXCR3 is expected to become a new indicator for evaluating the prognosis of patients with tumors and a new target for clinical tumor immunotherapy. This article reviews the significance and mechanism of action of the chemokine receptor CXCR3 and its specific ligands in tumor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Wang
- Department of Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yangyang Zhang
- Department of Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Sen Wang
- Department of Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hongyan Ni
- Department of Surgery, Henan No.3 Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guangyu Chen
- Department of Immunotherapy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Benling Xu
- Department of Immunotherapy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Long Yuan
- Department of Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
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27
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Roussot N, Ghiringhelli F, Rébé C. Tumor Immunogenic Cell Death as a Mediator of Intratumor CD8 T-Cell Recruitment. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223672. [PMID: 36429101 PMCID: PMC9688834 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The success of anticancer treatments relies on a long-term response which can be mediated by the immune system. Thus, the concept of immunogenic cell death (ICD) describes the capacity of dying cancer cells, under chemotherapy or physical stress, to express or release danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). These DAMPs are essential to activate dendritic cells (DCs) and to stimulate an antigen presentation to CD8 cytotoxic cells. Then, activated CD8 T cells exert their antitumor effects through cytotoxic molecules, an effect which is transitory due to the establishment of a feedback loop leading to T-cell exhaustion. This phenomenon can be reversed using immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs), such as anti-PD-1, PD-L1 or CTLA-4 Abs. However, the blockade of these checkpoints is efficient only if the CD8 T cells are recruited within the tumor. The CD8 T-cell chemoattraction is mediated by chemokines. Hence, an important question is whether the ICD can not only influence the DC activation and resulting CD8 T-cell activation but can also favor the chemokine production at the tumor site, thus triggering their recruitment. This is the aim of this review, in which we will decipher the role of some chemokines (and their specific receptors), shown to be released during ICD, on the CD8 T-cell recruitment and antitumor response. We will also analyze the clinical applications of these chemokines as predictive or prognostic markers or as new targets which should be used to improve patients' response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Roussot
- Cancer Biology Transfer Platform, Centre Georges-François Leclerc, F-21000 Dijon, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche INSERM LNC-UMR1231, F-21000 Dijon, France
- UFR Sciences de Santé, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-21000 Dijon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Georges-François Leclerc, F-21000 Dijon, France
| | - François Ghiringhelli
- Cancer Biology Transfer Platform, Centre Georges-François Leclerc, F-21000 Dijon, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche INSERM LNC-UMR1231, F-21000 Dijon, France
- UFR Sciences de Santé, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-21000 Dijon, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Georges-François Leclerc, F-21000 Dijon, France
- Genetic and Immunology Medical Institute, F-21000 Dijon, France
- Correspondence: (F.G.); (C.R.)
| | - Cédric Rébé
- Cancer Biology Transfer Platform, Centre Georges-François Leclerc, F-21000 Dijon, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche INSERM LNC-UMR1231, F-21000 Dijon, France
- UFR Sciences de Santé, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-21000 Dijon, France
- Correspondence: (F.G.); (C.R.)
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28
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Gautam SK, Basu S, Aithal A, Dwivedi NV, Gulati M, Jain M. Regulation of pancreatic cancer therapy resistance by chemokines. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:69-80. [PMID: 36064086 PMCID: PMC10370390 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal malignancy characterized by high resistance and poor response to chemotherapy. In addition, the poorly immunogenic pancreatic tumors constitute an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) that render immunotherapy-based approaches ineffective. Understanding the mechanisms of therapy resistance, identifying new targets, and developing effective strategies to overcome resistance can significantly impact the management of PDAC patients. Chemokines are small soluble factors that are significantly deregulated during PDAC pathogenesis, contributing to tumor growth, metastasis, immune cell trafficking, and therapy resistance. Thus far, different chemokine pathways have been explored as therapeutic targets in PDAC, with some promising results in recent clinical trials. Particularly, immunotherapies such as immune check point blockade therapies and CAR-T cell therapies have shown promising results when combined with chemokine targeted therapies. Considering the emerging pathological and clinical significance of chemokines in PDAC, we reviewed major chemokine-regulated pathways leading to therapy resistance and the ongoing endeavors to target chemokine signaling in PDAC. This review discusses the role of chemokines in regulating therapy resistance in PDAC and highlights the continuing efforts to target chemokine-regulated pathways to improve the efficacy of various treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shailendra K Gautam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Soumi Basu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Abhijit Aithal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Nidhi V Dwivedi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Mansi Gulati
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA
| | - Maneesh Jain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA; Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA.
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Yang L, Zhang X, Huang X, Dong X, Jing S, Zhang Y, Zhao B, Wang Z, Qu H. Correlation between IFNAR1 expression in peripheral blood T lymphocytes and inflammatory cytokines, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and chemosensitivity in patients with colorectal cancer. Cytokine 2022; 159:156008. [PMID: 36063748 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2022.156008] [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: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
IFN-α receptor (IFNAR) is critical for maintaining the crosstalk between cancer cells and lymphocytes. We investigated IFNAR1 expression in peripheral blood CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and explored their relationships with plasma cytokines, chemosensitivity and infiltrated T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of colorectal cancer (CRC). The levels of IFNAR1, IFN-γ, and PD1 in peripheral T cells were tested using flow cytometry. Immunohistochemical staining of IFNAR1 in CRC tissues was performed. A cytometric bead array was used to determine the plasma concentrations of cytokines. In CRC patients, IFNAR1 levels were significantly increased in peripheral blood T cells, and plasma IL-6 levels were also significantly increased. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that IFNAR1 expression in CD8+ T cells was negatively associated with plasma IL-2, IFN-γ, and TNFα. IFNAR1 expression in CD4+ T cells was positively associated with TME infiltrated levels of CD8+ T cells. The levels of CD8+ T cells with IFNAR1 and plasma IFN-γ were associated with chemosensitivity. Collectively, IFNAR1 levels in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were significantly upregulated in CRC patients and positively associated with T-cell infiltration. IFNAR1 may be a chemotherapy biomarker for predicting response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China; Medical Research Center, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Xiaojing Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Xiaoxi Huang
- Medical Research Center, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Xichen Dong
- Medical Research Center, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Shui Jing
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Yudong Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Baocheng Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China.
| | - Zhenjun Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China.
| | - Hao Qu
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China.
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Preparation of Water-Soluble Acetylaminoglucan with Low Molecular Weight and Its Anti-Tumor Activity on H22 Tumor-Bearing Mice. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27217273. [DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, a novel low molecular weight of acetylaminoglucan (AGA) was obtained and its antitumor activity on H22 tumor-bearing mice was investigated. The results of UV, HPLC and FT-IR showed that AGA present high purity with low molecular weight of 2.76 × 103 Da. Animal experiments showed that AGA could inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells in H22 tumor-bearing mice by protecting the immune organs, enhancing the phagocytosis ability of macrophages, killing activity of NK cells and proliferation capacity of lymphocytes, improving the levels of cytokines in vivo and regulating the distribution of lymphocyte subsets, and the tumor inhibition rate reached to 52.74% (50 mg/kg). Cell cycle determination further indicated that AGA could induce apoptosis of tumor cells and arrests it in S phase. These results will provide a data basis for the potential application of AGA in pharmaceutical industry.
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Li S, Mirlekar B, Johnson BM, Brickey WJ, Wrobel JA, Yang N, Song D, Entwistle S, Tan X, Deng M, Cui Y, Li W, Vincent BG, Gale M, Pylayeva-Gupta Y, Ting JPY. STING-induced regulatory B cells compromise NK function in cancer immunity. Nature 2022; 610:373-380. [PMID: 36198789 PMCID: PMC9875944 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05254-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
An immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment is a major obstacle in the control of pancreatic and other solid cancers1-3. Agonists of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) protein trigger inflammatory innate immune responses to potentially overcome tumour immunosuppression4. Although these agonists hold promise as potential cancer therapies5, tumour resistance to STING monotherapy has emerged in clinical trials and the mechanism(s) is unclear5-7. Here we show that the administration of five distinct STING agonists, including cGAMP, results in an expansion of human and mouse interleukin (IL)-35+ regulatory B cells in pancreatic cancer. Mechanistically, cGAMP drives expression of IL-35 by B cells in an IRF3-dependent but type I interferon-independent manner. In several preclinical cancer models, the loss of STING signalling in B cells increases tumour control. Furthermore, anti-IL-35 blockade or genetic ablation of IL-35 in B cells also reduces tumour growth. Unexpectedly, the STING-IL-35 axis in B cells reduces proliferation of natural killer (NK) cells and attenuates the NK-driven anti-tumour response. These findings reveal an intrinsic barrier to systemic STING agonist monotherapy and provide a combinatorial strategy to overcome immunosuppression in tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirui Li
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Bhalchandra Mirlekar
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Brandon M Johnson
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - W June Brickey
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - John A Wrobel
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Na Yang
- Functional Epigenomics Unit (HNN-2G5), National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Dingka Song
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Sarah Entwistle
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Xianming Tan
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Meng Deng
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Division of Craniofacial and Surgical Care, School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ya Cui
- Division of Computational Biomedicine, Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Division of Computational Biomedicine, Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin G Vincent
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Michael Gale
- Department of Immunology, Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yuliya Pylayeva-Gupta
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Jenny P-Y Ting
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Division of Craniofacial and Surgical Care, School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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Skorupan N, Palestino Dominguez M, Ricci SL, Alewine C. Clinical Strategies Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:4209. [PMID: 36077755 PMCID: PMC9454553 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer has a complex tumor microenvironment which engages in extensive crosstalk between cancer cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and immune cells. Many of these interactions contribute to tumor resistance to anti-cancer therapies. Here, new therapeutic strategies designed to modulate the cancer-associated fibroblast and immune compartments of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas are described and clinical trials of novel therapeutics are discussed. Continued advances in our understanding of the pancreatic cancer tumor microenvironment are generating stromal and immune-modulating therapeutics that may improve patient responses to anti-tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nebojsa Skorupan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Medical Oncology Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mayrel Palestino Dominguez
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Samuel L. Ricci
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Christine Alewine
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Gorchs L, Oosthoek M, Yucel-Lindberg T, Moro CF, Kaipe H. Chemokine Receptor Expression on T Cells Is Modulated by CAFs and Chemokines Affect the Spatial Distribution of T Cells in Pancreatic Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153826. [PMID: 35954489 PMCID: PMC9367555 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The infiltration of T cells in pancreatic tumors has been correlated with better overall survival. However, the dense desmoplastic stroma, mainly composed by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), can sequester the T cells in the stroma preventing them from reaching the tumor nests. Chemokines are small molecules capable of directing T cell migration. Here, we explored whether CAFs could modulate the expression of chemokine receptors on T cells and examined if the spatial distribution of T cells within tumors was correlated to chemokine secretion patterns. Overall, we found that CXCR3 ligands was associated with an increased number of T cells in tumor rich areas and that CAFs downregulated the expression of CXCR3 on T cells. Understanding the mechanisms by which T cells are prevented from reaching the tumor nests is of great importance for the development of novel targeting therapies. Abstract The accumulation of T cells is associated with a better prognosis in pancreatic cancer. However, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, largely composed by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), can prevent T cells from reaching the tumor nests. We examined how human CAFs modulated chemokine receptors known to be associated with T cell trafficking, CXCR3 and CCR5, and T cell exclusion, CXCR4. CAFs decreased the expression of CXCR3 and CCR5 but increased CXCR4 expression in both 2D and 3D cultures, affecting the migratory capacity of T cells towards CXCL10. An immunohistochemistry analysis showed that very few T cells were found in the tumor nests. Within the stroma, CD8+ T cells were localized more distantly from the malignant cells whereas CD4+ T cells were more equally distributed. Tumor tissues with a high production of chemokines were associated with less T cell infiltration when the whole tissue was analyzed. However, when the spatial localization of CD8+ T cells within the tissue was taken into account, levels of CXCR3 ligands and the CCR5 ligand CCL8 showed a positive association with a high relative T cell infiltration in tumor-rich areas. Thus, CXCR3 ligands could mediate T cell trafficking but CAFs could prevent T cells from reaching the malignant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Gorchs
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence: (L.G.); (H.K.)
| | - Marlies Oosthoek
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Carlos Fernández Moro
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helen Kaipe
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Stockholm, Sweden
- Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 52 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence: (L.G.); (H.K.)
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The Comprehensive Analysis of Interferon-Related Prognostic Signature with regard to Immune Features in Ovarian Cancer. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:7900785. [PMID: 35769811 PMCID: PMC9236773 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7900785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Interferon plays an important role in immune response of ovarian cancer. However, the expression pattern of interferon in ovarian cancer remains unclear. This study is aimed at exploring the expression profile of interferon-relate genes and constructing an interferon-based prognostic signature in ovarian cancer. The ovarian cancer samples collected from TCGA database were viewed as the training set, and ovarian cancer samples collected from GEO datasets were used as the independent validation sets. Univariate Cox regression analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to construct interferon-related signature, which worked as independent prognostic factor. Bioinformatics based on David software, GSEA, and R software were used to investigate the relationship between immune status and the signature in ovarian cancer. The signature showed close correlation with the status for ovarian cancer immune microenvironment, which might provide the possibility for clinical targeted therapy.
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Cattolico C, Bailey P, Barry ST. Modulation of Type I Interferon Responses to Influence Tumor-Immune Cross Talk in PDAC. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:816517. [PMID: 35273962 PMCID: PMC8902310 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.816517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of many cancer types. However, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) exhibit poor responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors with immunotherapy-based trials not generating convincing clinical activity. PDAC tumors often have low infiltration of tumor CD8+ T cells and a highly immunosuppressive microenvironment. These features classify PDAC as immunologically "cold." However, the presence of tumor T cells is a favorable prognostic feature in PDAC. Intrinsic tumor cell properties govern interactions with the immune system. Alterations in tumor DNA such as genomic instability, high tumor mutation burden, and/or defects in DNA damage repair are associated with responses to both immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Cytotoxic or metabolic stress produced by radiation and/or chemotherapy can act as potent immune triggers and prime immune responses. Damage- or stress-mediated activation of nucleic acid-sensing pathways triggers type I interferon (IFN-I) responses that activate innate immune cells and natural killer cells, promote maturation of dendritic cells, and stimulate adaptive immunity. While PDAC exhibits intrinsic features that have the potential to engage immune cells, particularly following chemotherapy, these immune-sensing mechanisms are ineffective. Understanding where defects in innate immune triggers render the PDAC tumor-immune interface less effective, or how T-cell function is suppressed will help develop more effective treatments and harness the immune system for durable outcomes. This review will focus on the pivotal role played by IFN-I in promoting tumor cell-immune cell cross talk in PDAC. We will discuss how PDAC tumor cells bypass IFN-I signaling pathways and explore how these pathways can be co-opted or re-engaged to enhance the therapeutic outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Cattolico
- Bioscience, Early Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Bailey
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Department of Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Section Surgical Research, University Clinic Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simon T. Barry
- Bioscience, Early Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Cleary JM, Wolpin BM, Dougan SK, Raghavan S, Singh H, Huffman B, Sethi NS, Nowak JA, Shapiro GI, Aguirre AJ, D'Andrea AD. Opportunities for Utilization of DNA Repair Inhibitors in Homologous Recombination Repair-Deficient and Proficient Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:6622-6637. [PMID: 34285063 PMCID: PMC8678153 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-1367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is rapidly progressive and notoriously difficult to treat with cytotoxic chemotherapy and targeted agents. Recent demonstration of the efficacy of maintenance PARP inhibition in germline BRCA mutated pancreatic cancer has raised hopes that increased understanding of the DNA damage response pathway will lead to new therapies in both homologous recombination (HR) repair-deficient and proficient pancreatic cancer. Here, we review the potential mechanisms of exploiting HR deficiency, replicative stress, and DNA damage-mediated immune activation through targeted inhibition of DNA repair regulatory proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Cleary
- Dana-Farber Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Brian M Wolpin
- Dana-Farber Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Stephanie K Dougan
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Srivatsan Raghavan
- Dana-Farber Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Harshabad Singh
- Dana-Farber Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Brandon Huffman
- Dana-Farber Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nilay S Sethi
- Dana-Farber Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jonathan A Nowak
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Geoffrey I Shapiro
- Dana-Farber Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for DNA Damage and Repair, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Andrew J Aguirre
- Dana-Farber Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alan D D'Andrea
- Dana-Farber Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
- Center for DNA Damage and Repair, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
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Mohseni G, Li J, Ariston Gabriel AN, Du L, Wang YS, Wang C. The Function of cGAS-STING Pathway in Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer. Front Immunol 2021; 12:781032. [PMID: 34858438 PMCID: PMC8630697 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.781032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The activation of stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signalling pathway has been suggested to promote the immune responses against malignancy. STING is activated in response to the detection of cytosolic DNA and can induce type I interferons and link innate immunity with the adaptive immune system. Due to accretive evidence demonstrating that the STING pathway regulates the immune cells of the tumor microenvironment (TME), STING as a cancer biotherapy has attracted considerable attention. Pancreatic cancer, with a highly immunosuppressive TME, remains fatal cancer. STING has been applied to the treatment of pancreatic cancer through distinct strategies. This review reveals the role of STING signalling on pancreatic tumors and other diseases related to the pancreas. We then discuss new advances of STING in either monotherapy or combination methods for pancreatic cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazal Mohseni
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Abakundana Nsenga Ariston Gabriel
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lutao Du
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yun-Shan Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chuanxin Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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STING Signaling and Skin Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225603. [PMID: 34830754 PMCID: PMC8615888 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent developments in immunotherapy against malignancies overcome the disadvantages of traditional systemic treatments; however, this immune checkpoint treatment is not perfect and cannot obtain a satisfactory clinical outcome in all cases. Therefore, an additional therapeutic option for malignancy is needed in oncology. Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) has recently been highlighted as a strong type I interferon driver and shows anti-tumor immunity against various malignancies. STING-targeted anti-tumor immunotherapy is expected to enhance the anti-tumor effects and clinical outcomes of immunotherapy against malignancies. In this review, we focus on recent advancements in the knowledge gained from research on STING signaling in skin cancers. In addition to the limitations of STING-targeted immunotherapy, we also discuss the clinical application of STING agonists in the treatment of skin cancer.
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STING-driven interferon signaling triggers metabolic alterations in pancreas cancer cells visualized by [ 18F]FLT PET imaging. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2105390118. [PMID: 34480004 PMCID: PMC8433573 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2105390118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFNs) are critical effectors of emerging cancer immunotherapies designed to activate pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). A challenge in the clinical translation of these agents is the lack of noninvasive pharmacodynamic biomarkers that indicate increased intratumoral IFN signaling following PRR activation. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging enables the visualization of tissue metabolic activity, but whether IFN signaling-induced alterations in tumor cell metabolism can be detected using PET has not been investigated. We found that IFN signaling augments pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell nucleotide metabolism via transcriptional induction of metabolism-associated genes including thymidine phosphorylase (TYMP). TYMP catalyzes the first step in the catabolism of thymidine, which competitively inhibits intratumoral accumulation of the nucleoside analog PET probe 3'-deoxy-3'-[18F]fluorothymidine ([18F]FLT). Accordingly, IFN treatment up-regulates cancer cell [18F]FLT uptake in the presence of thymidine, and this effect is dependent upon TYMP expression. In vivo, genetic activation of stimulator of interferon genes (STING), a PRR highly expressed in PDAC, enhances the [18F]FLT avidity of xenograft tumors. Additionally, small molecule STING agonists trigger IFN signaling-dependent TYMP expression in PDAC cells and increase tumor [18F]FLT uptake in vivo following systemic treatment. These findings indicate that [18F]FLT accumulation in tumors is sensitive to IFN signaling and that [18F]FLT PET may serve as a pharmacodynamic biomarker for STING agonist-based therapies in PDAC and possibly other malignancies characterized by elevated STING expression.
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Gorchs L, Kaipe H. Interactions between Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts and T Cells in the Pancreatic Tumor Microenvironment and the Role of Chemokines. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2995. [PMID: 34203869 PMCID: PMC8232575 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13122995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Less than 10% of patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) survive 5 years or more, making it one of the most fatal cancers. Accumulation of T cells in pancreatic tumors is associated with better prognosis, but immunotherapies to enhance the anti-tumor activity of infiltrating T cells are failing in this devastating disease. Pancreatic tumors are characterized by a desmoplastic stroma, which mainly consists of activated cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Pancreatic CAFs have emerged as important regulators of the tumor microenvironment by contributing to immune evasion through the release of chemokines, cytokines, and growth factors, which alters T-cell migration, differentiation and cytotoxic activity. However, recent discoveries have also revealed that subsets of CAFs with diverse functions can either restrain or promote tumor progression. Here, we discuss our current knowledge about the interactions between CAFs and T cells in PDAC and summarize different therapy strategies targeting the CAF-T cell axis with focus on CAF-derived soluble immunosuppressive factors and chemokines. Identifying the functions of different CAF subsets and understanding their roles in T-cell trafficking within the tumor may be fundamental for the development of an effective combinational treatment for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Gorchs
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 14152 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helen Kaipe
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 14152 Stockholm, Sweden
- Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, 14152 Stockholm, Sweden
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