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Wang Z, Miao F, Gu L, Zhang R, Ma Y, Li Y, Zheng J, Lin Z, Gao Y, Huang L, Shen Y, Wu T, Luo F, Li W. Stimulator of Interferon Genes-Activated Biomimetic Dendritic Cell Nanovaccine as a Chemotherapeutic Booster to Enhance Systemic Fibrosarcoma Treatment. ACS NANO 2024. [PMID: 39172516 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c05657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosarcoma, a malignant mesenchymal tumor, is characterized by aggressive invasiveness and a high recurrence rate, leading to poor prognosis. Anthracycline drugs, such as doxorubicin (DOX), represent the frontline chemotherapy for fibrosarcoma, but often exhibit suboptimal efficacy. Recently, exploiting the stimulator of interferon genes (STING)-mediated innate immunity has emerged as a hopeful strategy for cancer treatment. Integrating chemotherapy with immunomodulators in chemo-immunotherapy has shown potential for enhancing treatment outcomes. Herein, we introduce an advanced dendritic cell (DC) nanovaccine, cGAMP@PLGA@CRTM (GP@CRTM), combined with low-dose DOX to enhance fibrosarcoma chemo-immunotherapy. The nanovaccine consists of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles encapsulating the STING agonist 2,3-cGAMP (cGAMP@PLGA, GP) as its core, and a calreticulin (CRT) high-expressing fibrosarcoma cell membrane (CRTM) as the shell. Exposing CRT on the vaccine surface aids in recruiting DCs and stimulating uptake, facilitating efficient simultaneous delivery of STING agonists and tumor antigens to DCs. This dual delivery method effectively activates the STING pathway in DCs, triggering sustained immune stimulation. Simultaneously, low-dose DOX reduces chemotherapy-related side effects, directly kills a subset of tumor cells, and increases tumor immunogenicity, thus further amplifying immune therapeutic performance. Hence, these findings demonstrate the potential of DC nanovaccine GP@CRTM as a booster for chemotherapy. Synergistically combining low-dose DOX with the DC nanovaccine emerges as a powerful chemo-immunotherapy strategy, optimizing systemic fibrosarcoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Fenglin Miao
- Cancer Research Center, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, Fujian, China
| | - Lingwei Gu
- Cancer Research Center, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, Fujian, China
| | - Ruyi Zhang
- Cancer Research Center, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, Fujian, China
| | - Yuan Ma
- Cancer Research Center, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, Fujian, China
| | - Ying Li
- Heji Hospital Affiliated with Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi 046000, Shanxi, China
| | - Jialiang Zheng
- Cancer Research Center, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, Fujian, China
| | - Zhenhang Lin
- Cancer Research Center, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, Fujian, China
| | - Yilai Gao
- Cancer Research Center, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361000, Fujian, China
| | - Liyong Huang
- Fuzhou No. 1 Hospital Affiliated with Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350000, Fu Jian, China
| | - Ye Shen
- Shanghai Jiangxia Blood Technology Co., Ltd. Shanghai 200000, China
| | - Ting Wu
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Fanghong Luo
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Wengang Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
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2
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Wang MM, Choi MR, Battistella C, Gattis B, Qiao B, Evangelopoulos M, Mirkin CA, Olvera de la Cruz M, Zhang B, Gianneschi NC. Proteomimetic Polymers Trigger Potent Antigen-Specific T Cell Responses to Limit Tumor Growth. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:14959-14971. [PMID: 38781575 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c05340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Elicitation of effective antitumor immunity following cancer vaccination requires the selective activation of distinct effector cell populations and pathways. Here we report a therapeutic approach for generating potent T cell responses using a modular vaccination platform technology capable of inducing directed immune activation, termed the Protein-like Polymer (PLP). PLPs demonstrate increased proteolytic resistance, high uptake by antigen-presenting cells (APCs), and enhanced payload-specific T cell responses. Key design parameters, namely payload linkage chemistry, degree of polymerization, and side chain composition, were varied to optimize vaccine formulations. Linking antigens to the polymer backbone using an intracellularly cleaved disulfide bond copolymerized with a diluent amount of oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) resulted in the highest payload-specific potentiation of antigen immunogenicity, enhancing dendritic cell (DC) activation and antigen-specific T cell responses. Vaccination with PLPs carrying either gp100, E7, or adpgk peptides significantly increased the survival of mice inoculated with B16F10, TC-1, or MC38 tumors, respectively, without the need for adjuvants. B16F10-bearing mice immunized with gp100-carrying PLPs showed increased antitumor CD8+ T cell immunity, suppressed tumor growth, and treatment synergy when paired with two distinct stimulator of interferon gene (STING) agonists. In a human papillomavirus-associated TC-1 model, combination therapy with PLP and 2'3'-cGAMP resulted in 40% of mice completely eliminating implanted tumors while also displaying curative protection from rechallenge, consistent with conferment of lasting immunological memory. Finally, PLPs can be stored long-term in a lyophilized state and are highly tunable, underscoring the unique properties of the platform for use as generalizable cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max M Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Mi-Ran Choi
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine-Division of Hematology/Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
| | - Claudia Battistella
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Brayley Gattis
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Baofu Qiao
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Department of Natural Sciences, Baruch College, City University of New York, New York, New York 10010, United States
| | - Michael Evangelopoulos
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Chad A Mirkin
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Monica Olvera de la Cruz
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Bin Zhang
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine-Division of Hematology/Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
| | - Nathan C Gianneschi
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60208, United States
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3
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Rezabakhsh A, Sadaie MR, Ala A, Roosta Y, Habtemariam S, Sahebnasagh A, Khezri MR. STING agonists as promising vaccine adjuvants to boost immunogenicity against SARS-related coronavirus derived infection: possible role of autophagy. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:305. [PMID: 38831299 PMCID: PMC11145937 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01680-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
As a major component of innate immunity and a positive regulator of interferons, the Stimulator of interferon gene (STING) has an immunotherapy potential to govern a variety of infectious diseases. Despite the recent advances regarding vaccines against COVID-19, nontoxic novel adjuvants with the potential to enhance vaccine efficacy are urgently desired. In this connection, it has been well-documented that STING agonists are applied to combat COVID-19. This approach is of major significance for boosting immune responses most likely through an autophagy-dependent manner in susceptible individuals against infection induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus (SARS‑CoV‑2). Given that STING agonists exert substantial immunomodulatory impacts under a wide array of pathologic conditions, these agents could be considered novel adjuvants for enhancing immunogenicity against the SARS-related coronavirus. Here, we intend to discuss the recent advances in STING agonists' recruitment to boost innate immune responses upon vaccination against SARS-related coronavirus infections. In light of the primordial role of autophagy modulation, the potential of being an antiviral vaccine adjuvant was also explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysa Rezabakhsh
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Shahid Madani specialized Heart Hospita, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, University St, Tabriz, 5166615573, Iran.
| | - M Reza Sadaie
- NovoMed Consulting, Biomedical Sciences, Germantown, Maryland, USA
| | - Alireza Ala
- Emergency and Trauma Care Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yousef Roosta
- Hematology, Immune Cell Therapy, and Stem Cells Transplantation Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Solomon Habtemariam
- Pharmacognosy Research and Herbal Analysis Services UK, University of Greenwich, Kent, UK
| | - Adeleh Sahebnasagh
- Clinical Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rafi Khezri
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, 5715799313, Iran.
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4
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Zhou F, Huang L, Li S, Yang W, Chen F, Cai Z, Liu X, Xu W, Lehto V, Lächelt U, Huang R, Shi Y, Lammers T, Tao W, Xu ZP, Wagner E, Xu Z, Yu H. From structural design to delivery: mRNA therapeutics for cancer immunotherapy. EXPLORATION (BEIJING, CHINA) 2024; 4:20210146. [PMID: 38855617 PMCID: PMC11022630 DOI: 10.1002/exp.20210146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
mRNA therapeutics have emerged as powerful tools for cancer immunotherapy in accordance with their superiority in expressing all sequence-known proteins in vivo. In particular, with a small dosage of delivered mRNA, antigen-presenting cells (APCs) can synthesize mutant neo-antigens and multi-antigens and present epitopes to T lymphocytes to elicit antitumor effects. In addition, expressing receptors like chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), T-cell receptor (TCR), CD134, and immune-modulating factors including cytokines, interferons, and antibodies in specific cells can enhance immunological response against tumors. With the maturation of in vitro transcription (IVT) technology, large-scale and pure mRNA encoding specific proteins can be synthesized quickly. However, the clinical translation of mRNA-based anticancer strategies is restricted by delivering mRNA into target organs or cells and the inadequate endosomal escape efficiency of mRNA. Recently, there have been some advances in mRNA-based cancer immunotherapy, which can be roughly classified as modifications of the mRNA structure and the development of delivery systems, especially the lipid nanoparticle platforms. In this review, the latest strategies for overcoming the limitations of mRNA-based cancer immunotherapies and the recent advances in delivering mRNA into specific organs and cells are summarized. Challenges and opportunities for clinical applications of mRNA-based cancer immunotherapy are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia MedicaChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Lujia Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia MedicaChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Shiqin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia MedicaChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Wenfang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia MedicaChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Fangmin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia MedicaChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Zhixiong Cai
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian ProvinceMengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian ProvinceMengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Wujun Xu
- Department of Applied PhysicsUniversity of Eastern FinlandKuopioFinland
| | - Vesa‐Pekka Lehto
- Department of Applied PhysicsUniversity of Eastern FinlandKuopioFinland
| | - Ulrich Lächelt
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Rongqin Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Smart Drug DeliveryMinistry of Education, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yang Shi
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular ImagingRWTH Aachen University ClinicAachenGermany
| | - Twan Lammers
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular ImagingRWTH Aachen University ClinicAachenGermany
| | - Wei Tao
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anaesthesiology, Brigham and Women's HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Zhi Ping Xu
- Institute of Biomedical Health Technology and Engineering and Institute of Systems and Physical BiologyShenzhen Bay LaboratoryShenzhenChina
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for NanoscienceLudwig‐Maximilians‐UniversitätMunichGermany
| | - Zhiai Xu
- School of Chemistry and Molecular EngineeringEast China Normal UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Haijun Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia MedicaChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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5
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Nguyen DC, Song K, Jokonya S, Yazdani O, Sellers DL, Wang Y, Zakaria ABM, Pun SH, Stayton PS. Mannosylated STING Agonist Drugamers for Dendritic Cell-Mediated Cancer Immunotherapy. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2024; 10:666-675. [PMID: 38559305 PMCID: PMC10979423 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.3c01310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) pathway is a promising target for cancer immunotherapy. Despite recent advances, therapies targeting the STING pathway are often limited by routes of administration, suboptimal STING activation, or off-target toxicity. Here, we report a dendritic cell (DC)-targeted polymeric prodrug platform (polySTING) that is designed to optimize intracellular delivery of a diamidobenzimidazole (diABZI) small-molecule STING agonist while minimizing off-target toxicity after parenteral administration. PolySTING incorporates mannose targeting ligands as a comonomer, which facilitates its uptake in CD206+/mannose receptor+ professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The STING agonist is conjugated through a cathepsin B-cleavable valine-alanine (VA) linker for selective intracellular drug release after receptor-mediated endocytosis. When administered intravenously in tumor-bearing mice, polySTING selectively targeted CD206+/mannose receptor+ APCs in the TME, resulting in increased cross-presenting CD8+ DCs, infiltrating CD8+ T cells in the TME as well as maturation across multiple DC subtypes in the tumor-draining lymph node (TDLN). Systemic administration of polySTING slowed tumor growth in a B16-F10 murine melanoma model as well as a 4T1 murine breast cancer model with an acceptable safety profile. Thus, we demonstrate that polySTING delivers STING agonists to professional APCs after systemic administration, generating efficacious DC-driven antitumor immunity with minimal side effects. This new polymeric prodrug platform may offer new opportunities for combining efficient targeted STING agonist delivery with other selective tumor therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinh Chuong Nguyen
- Molecular
Engineering & Sciences Institute, University
of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Kefan Song
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Simbarashe Jokonya
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Omeed Yazdani
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Drew L. Sellers
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Yonghui Wang
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - ABM Zakaria
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Suzie H. Pun
- Molecular
Engineering & Sciences Institute, University
of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Patrick S. Stayton
- Molecular
Engineering & Sciences Institute, University
of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
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6
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Kulkarni R, Maranholkar V, Nguyen N, Cirino PC, Willson RC, Varadarajan N. The efficient synthesis and purification of 2'3'- cGAMP from Escherichia coli. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1345617. [PMID: 38525075 PMCID: PMC10957790 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1345617] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Agonists of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway are being explored as potential immunotherapeutics for the treatment of cancer and as vaccine adjuvants for infectious diseases. Although chemical synthesis of 2'3' - cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate-Adenosine Monophosphate (cGAMP) is commercially feasible, the process results in low yields and utilizes organic solvents. To pursue an efficient and environmentally friendly process for the production of cGAMP, we focused on the recombinant production of cGAMP via a whole-cell biocatalysis platform utilizing the murine cyclic Guanosine monophosphate-Adenosine monophosphate synthase (mcGAS). In E. coli BL21(DE3) cells, recombinant expression of mcGAS, a DNA-dependent enzyme, led to the secretion of cGAMP to the supernatants. By evaluating the: (1) media composition, (2) supplementation of divalent cations, (3) temperature of protein expression, and (4) amino acid substitutions pertaining to DNA binding; we showed that the maximum yield of cGAMP in the supernatants was improved by 30% from 146 mg/L to 186 ± 7 mg/mL under optimized conditions. To simplify the downstream processing, we developed and validated a single-step purification process for cGAMP using anion exchange chromatography. The method does not require protein affinity chromatography and it achieved a yield of 60 ± 2 mg/L cGAMP, with <20 EU/mL (<0.3 EU/μg) of endotoxin. Unlike chemical synthesis, our method provides a route for the recombinant production of cGAMP without the need for organic solvents and supports the goal of moving toward shorter, more sustainable, and more environmentally friendly processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Kulkarni
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Vijay Maranholkar
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Nam Nguyen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Patrick C. Cirino
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Richard C. Willson
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Navin Varadarajan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
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7
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Huang C, Shao N, Huang Y, Chen J, Wang D, Hu G, Zhang H, Luo L, Xiao Z. Overcoming challenges in the delivery of STING agonists for cancer immunotherapy: A comprehensive review of strategies and future perspectives. Mater Today Bio 2023; 23:100839. [PMID: 38024837 PMCID: PMC10630661 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
STING (Stimulator of Interferon Genes) agonists have emerged as promising agents in the field of cancer immunotherapy, owing to their excellent capacity to activate the innate immune response and combat tumor-induced immunosuppression. This review provides a comprehensive exploration of the strategies employed to develop effective formulations for STING agonists, with particular emphasis on versatile nano-delivery systems. The recent advancements in delivery systems based on lipids, natural/synthetic polymers, and proteins for STING agonists are summarized. The preparation methodologies of nanoprecipitation, self-assembly, and hydrogel, along with their advantages and disadvantages, are also discussed. Furthermore, the challenges and opportunities in developing next-generation STING agonist delivery systems are elaborated. This review aims to serve as a reference for researchers in designing novel and effective STING agonist delivery systems for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuiqing Huang
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Department of Ultrasound, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, 511400, China
| | - Ni Shao
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yanyu Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Jifeng Chen
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Duo Wang
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Genwen Hu
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Department of Radiology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518020, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Interventional Vascular Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Dongguan, 523560, China
| | - Liangping Luo
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zeyu Xiao
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
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8
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Nguyen BL, Phung CD, Pham DV, Le ND, Jeong JH, Kim J, Kim JH, Chang JH, Jin SG, Choi HG, Ku SK, Kim JO. Liposomal co-delivery of toll-like receptors 3 and 7 agonists induce a hot triple-negative breast cancer immune environment. J Control Release 2023; 361:443-454. [PMID: 37558053 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly aggressive and has no standard treatment. Although being considered as an alternative to conventional treatments for TNBC, immunotherapy has to deal with many challenges that hinder its efficacy, particularly the poor immunogenic condition of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, we designed a liposomal nanoparticle (LN) platform that delivers simultaneously toll-like receptor 7 (imiquimod, IQ) and toll-like receptor 3 (poly(I:C), IC) agonists to take advantage of the different toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathways, which enhances the condition of TME from a "cold" to a "hot" immunogenic state. The optimized IQ/IC-loaded LN (IQ/IC-LN) was effectively internalized by cancer cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells, followed by the release of the delivered drugs and subsequent stimulation of the TLR3 and TLR7 signaling pathways. This stimulation encouraged the secretion of type I interferon (IFN-α, IFN-β) and CXCLl0, a T-cell and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) recruitment chemokine, from both cancer cells and macrophages and polarized macrophages to the M1 subtype in in vitro studies. Notably, systemic administration of IQ/IC-LN allowed for the high accumulation of drug content in the tumor, followed by the effective uptake by immune cells in the TME. IQ/IC-LN treatment comprehensively enhanced the immunogenic condition in the TME, which robustly inhibited tumor growth in tumor-bearing mice. Furthermore, synergistic antitumor efficacy was obtained when the IQ/IC-LN-induced immunogenic state in TME was combined with anti-PD1 antibody therapy. Thus, our results suggest the potential of combining 2 TLR agonists to reform the TME from a "cold" to a "hot" state, supporting the therapeutic efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao Loc Nguyen
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Cao Dai Phung
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Duc-Vinh Pham
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Ngoc Duy Le
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee-Heon Jeong
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeonghwan Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Hyun Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hoon Chang
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Giu Jin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Dankook University, 119 Dandae-ro, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Han-Gon Choi
- College of Pharmacy & Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, 55 Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Sae Kwang Ku
- College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan 38610, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Oh Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea.
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Czapla J, Drzyzga A, Matuszczak S, Cichoń T, Rusin M, Jarosz-Biej M, Pilny E, Smolarczyk R. Antitumor effect of anti-vascular therapy with STING agonist depends on the tumor microenvironment context. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1249524. [PMID: 37655095 PMCID: PMC10465696 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1249524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Targeting tumor vasculature is an efficient weapon to fight against cancer; however, activation of alternative pathways to rebuild the disrupted vasculature leads to rapid tumor regrowth. Immunotherapy that exploits host immune cells to elicit and sustain potent antitumor response has emerged as one of the most promising tools for cancer treatment, yet many treatments fail due to developed resistance mechanisms. Therefore, our aim was to examine whether combination of immunotherapy and anti-vascular treatment will succeed in poorly immunogenic, difficult-to-treat melanoma and triple-negative breast tumor models. Methods Our study was performed on B16-F10 melanoma and 4T1 breast tumor murine models. Mice were treated with the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway agonist (cGAMP) and vascular disrupting agent combretastatin A4 phosphate (CA4P). Tumor growth was monitored. The tumor microenvironment (TME) was comprehensively investigated using multiplex immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. We also examined if such designed therapy sensitizes investigated tumor models to an immune checkpoint inhibitor (anti-PD-1). Results The use of STING agonist cGAMP as monotherapy was insufficient to effectively inhibit tumor growth due to low levels of STING protein in 4T1 tumors. However, when additionally combined with an anti-vascular agent, a significant therapeutic effect was obtained. In this model, the obtained effect was related to the TME polarization and the stimulation of the innate immune response, especially activation of NK cells. Combination therapy was unable to activate CD8+ T cells. Due to the lack of PD-1 upregulation, no improved therapeutic effect was observed when additionally combined with the anti-PD-1 inhibitor. In B16-F10 tumors, highly abundant in STING protein, cGAMP as monotherapy was sufficient to induce potent antitumor response. In this model, the therapeutic effect was due to the infiltration of the TME with activated NK cells. cGAMP also caused the infiltration of CD8+PD-1+ T cells into the TME; hence, additional benefits of using the PD-1 inhibitor were observed. Conclusion The study provides preclinical evidence for a great influence of the TME on the outcome of applied therapy, including immune cell contribution and ICI responsiveness. We pointed the need of careful TME screening prior to antitumor treatments to achieve satisfactory results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Czapla
- Center for Translational Research and Molecular Biology of Cancer, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice, Poland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ryszard Smolarczyk
- Center for Translational Research and Molecular Biology of Cancer, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice, Poland
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10
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Zahedipour F, Zamani P, Mashreghi M, Astaneh M, Sankian M, Amiri A, Jamialahmadi K, Jaafari MR. Nanoliposomal VEGF-R2 peptide vaccine acts as an effective therapeutic vaccine in a murine B16F10 model of melanoma. Cancer Nanotechnol 2023; 14:62. [PMID: 37333490 PMCID: PMC10264216 DOI: 10.1186/s12645-023-00213-7] [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: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) plays an important role in melanoma development and progression. Peptide vaccines have shown great potential in cancer immunotherapy by targeting VEGFR-2 as a tumor-associated antigen and boosting the immune response against both tumor cells and tumor endothelial cells. Despite this, the low efficiency of peptide vaccines has resulted in moderate therapeutic results in the majority of studies. Enhancing the delivery of peptide vaccines using nanoliposomes is an important strategy for improving the efficacy of peptide vaccines. In this regard, we designed VEGFR-2-derived peptides restricted to both mouse MHC I and human HLA-A*02:01 using immunoinformatic tools and selected three peptides representing the highest binding affinities. The peptides were encapsulated in nanoliposomal formulations using the film method plus bath sonication and characterized for their colloidal properties. Results The mean diameter of peptide-encapsulated liposomes was around 135 nm, zeta potential of - 17 mV, and encapsulation efficiency of approximately 70%. Then, vaccine formulations were injected subcutaneously in mice bearing B16F10-established melanoma tumors and their efficiency in triggering immunological, and anti-tumor responses was evaluated. Our results represented that one of our designed VEGFR-2 peptide nanoliposomal formulations (Lip-V1) substantially activated CD4+ (p < 0.0001) and CD8+ (P < 0.001) T cell responses and significantly boosted the production of IFN-γ (P < 0.0001) and IL-4 (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, this formulation led to a significant decrease in tumor volume (P < 0.0001) and enhanced survival (P < 0.05) in mice. Conclusion Our findings suggest that the nanoliposomal formulation containing VEGFR-2 peptides could be a promising therapeutic vaccination approach capable of eliciting strong antigen-specific immunologic and anti-tumor responses. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12645-023-00213-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Zahedipour
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Parvin Zamani
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mashreghi
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mojgan Astaneh
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Sankian
- Immunology Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Atefeh Amiri
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Jamialahmadi
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Reza Jaafari
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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11
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Wang-Bishop L, Kimmel BR, Ngwa VM, Madden MZ, Baljon JJ, Florian DC, Hanna A, Pastora LE, Sheehy TL, Kwiatkowski AJ, Wehbe M, Wen X, Becker KW, Garland KM, Schulman JA, Shae D, Edwards D, Wolf MM, Delapp R, Christov PP, Beckermann KE, Balko JM, Rathmell WK, Rathmell JC, Chen J, Wilson JT. STING-activating nanoparticles normalize the vascular-immune interface to potentiate cancer immunotherapy. Sci Immunol 2023; 8:eadd1153. [PMID: 37146128 PMCID: PMC10226150 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.add1153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The tumor-associated vasculature imposes major structural and biochemical barriers to the infiltration of effector T cells and effective tumor control. Correlations between stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway activation and spontaneous T cell infiltration in human cancers led us to evaluate the effect of STING-activating nanoparticles (STANs), which are a polymersome-based platform for the delivery of a cyclic dinucleotide STING agonist, on the tumor vasculature and attendant effects on T cell infiltration and antitumor function. In multiple mouse tumor models, intravenous administration of STANs promoted vascular normalization, evidenced by improved vascular integrity, reduced tumor hypoxia, and increased endothelial cell expression of T cell adhesion molecules. STAN-mediated vascular reprogramming enhanced the infiltration, proliferation, and function of antitumor T cells and potentiated the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive T cell therapy. We present STANs as a multimodal platform that activates and normalizes the tumor microenvironment to enhance T cell infiltration and function and augments responses to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihong Wang-Bishop
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Blaise R. Kimmel
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Verra M. Ngwa
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Matthew Z. Madden
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Jessalyn J. Baljon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - David C. Florian
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Ann Hanna
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Lucinda E. Pastora
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Taylor L. Sheehy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Alexander J. Kwiatkowski
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Mohamed Wehbe
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Xiaona Wen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Kyle W. Becker
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Kyle M. Garland
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Jacob A. Schulman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Daniel Shae
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Deanna Edwards
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Melissa M. Wolf
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Rossane Delapp
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Plamen P. Christov
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Kathryn E. Beckermann
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Justin M. Balko
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
- Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
| | - W. Kimryn Rathmell
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
- Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
| | - Jeffrey C. Rathmell
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
- Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
| | - Jin Chen
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
| | - John T. Wilson
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
- Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
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12
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Nanotechnology for next-generation cancer immunotherapy: State of the art and future perspectives. J Control Release 2023; 356:14-25. [PMID: 36805873 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decade, immunotherapy aiming to activate an effective antitumor immune response has ushered in a new era of cancer treatment. However, the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy is limited by low response rates and high systemic toxicity. Nanotechnology is an encouraging platform for the development of next-generation cancer immunotherapy to effectively treat advanced cancer. Nanotechnology-enabled immunotherapy has remarkable advantages, ranging from the increased bioavailability and stability of immunotherapeutic agents to the enhanced activation of immune cells and favorable safety profiles. Nanotechnology-enabled immunotherapy can target solid tumors through reprogramming or stimulating immune cells (i.e., nanovaccines); modulating the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment; or targeting tumor cells and altering their responses to immune cells to generate effective antitumor immunity. In this Oration, I introduce the advanced strategies currently being pursued by our laboratory and other groups to improve the therapeutic efficacy of cancer immunotherapy and discuss the potential challenges and future directions.
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13
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Jiang Y, Zhang J. Role of STING protein in breast cancer: mechanisms and therapeutic implications. MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (NORTHWOOD, LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 40:30. [PMID: 36460853 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01908-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most frequent causes of cancer related death worldwide, and despite the significant advances in therapeutic approaches, a significant proportion of patients succumb to metastasis and tumor recurrence. Breast cancer is an immunogenic cancer, and therefore, immunotherapy is considered a major therapeutic strategy. The survival rate has been increased significantly in HER2+ breast cancers after immunotherapy by monoclonal antibodies alone, or combined with chemical anti-cancer agents. Moreover, in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), a number of novel agents called immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown optimal efficacy. The major hindrance in cancer immunotherapy is frequent development of resistance and cancer remission. cGAS-STING pathway has a key role in anti-cancer immunity as its downstream signals especially type I interferon (IFN) acts as a link between innate and adaptive immunity. Considering the roles of type I IFN in enhancing dendritic cells activity, promoting the functions of CD8+ T cells, and protecting the effector cells against apoptosis, the induction of cGAS-STING pathway demonstrated promising therapeutic effects against breast cancer, especially in triple negative breast cancers. In this review, we discuss the latest findings and the recent advances regarding the role of cGAS-STING pathway and its activation in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Jiang
- Department of Vascular and Endocrine Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710000, China
| | - Juliang Zhang
- Department of Vascular and Endocrine Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710000, China.
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14
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Regulation of cGAS Activity and Downstream Signaling. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182812. [PMID: 36139387 PMCID: PMC9496985 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is a predominant and ubiquitously expressed cytosolic onfirmedDNA sensor that activates innate immune responses by producing a second messenger, cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP), and the stimulator of interferon genes (STING). cGAS contains a highly disordered N-terminus, which can sense genomic/chromatin DNA, while the C terminal of cGAS binds dsDNA liberated from various sources, including mitochondria, pathogens, and dead cells. Furthermore, cGAS cellular localization dictates its response to foreign versus self-DNA. Recent evidence has also highlighted the importance of dsDNA-induced post-translational modifications of cGAS in modulating inflammatory responses. This review summarizes and analyzes cGAS activity regulation based on structure, sub-cellular localization, post-translational mechanisms, and Ca2+ signaling. We also discussed the role of cGAS activation in different diseases and clinical outcomes.
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15
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Nanodelivery of cGAS-STING activators for tumor immunotherapy. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2022; 43:957-972. [PMID: 36089410 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2022.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Activation of the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway has great potential to promote antitumor immunity. Development of activators for the cGAS-STING pathway (cGAS-STING activators) has profoundly revolutionized tumor immunotherapy. However, successful clinical application of cGAS-STING activators is contingent on having appropriate systems to achieve safe, effective, and specific delivery. There is an increasing emphasis on the design and application of nano drug delivery systems (NDDS) that can facilitate the delivery potential of cGAS-STING activators. In this review, we discuss barriers for translational development of cGAS-STING activators (DNA damaging drugs and STING agonists) and recent advances of NDDS for these agents in tumor immunotherapy.
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16
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Petrovic M, Porcello A, Tankov S, Majchrzak O, Kiening M, Laingoniaina AC, Jbilou T, Walker PR, Borchard G, Jordan O. Synthesis, Formulation and Characterization of Immunotherapeutic Glycosylated Dendrimer/cGAMP Complexes for CD206 Targeted Delivery to M2 Macrophages in Cold Tumors. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14091883. [PMID: 36145631 PMCID: PMC9503622 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-tumor responses can be achieved via the stimulation of the immune system, a therapeutic approach called cancer immunotherapy. Many solid tumor types are characterized by the presence of immune-suppressive tumor-associated macrophage (TAMs) cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Moreover, TAM infiltration is strongly associated with poor survival in solid cancer patients and hence a low responsiveness to cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, 2′3′ Cyclic GMP-AMP (2′3′ cGAMP) was employed for its ability to shift macrophages from pro-tumoral M2-like macrophages (TAM) to anti-tumoral M1. However, cGAMP transfection within macrophages is limited by the molecule’s negative charge, poor stability and lack of targeting. To circumvent these barriers, we designed nanocarriers based on poly(amidoamine) dendrimers (PAMAM) grafted with D-glucuronic acid (Glu) for M2 mannose-mediated endocytosis. Two carriers were synthesized based on different dendrimers and complexed with cGAMP at different ratios. Orthogonal techniques were employed for synthesis (NMR, ninhydrin, and gravimetry), size (DLS, NTA, and AF4-DLS), charge (DLS and NTA), complexation (HPLC-UV and AF4-UV) and biocompatibility and toxicity (primary cells and hen egg chorioallantoic membrane model) evaluations in order to evaluate the best cGAMP carrier. The best formulation was selected for its low toxicity, biocompatibility, monodispersed distribution, affinity towards CD206 and ability to increase M1 (STAT1 and NOS2) and decrease M2 marker (MRC1) expression in macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Petrovic
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alexandre Porcello
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stoyan Tankov
- Translational Research Centre in Oncohaematology, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Oliwia Majchrzak
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Martin Kiening
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Annick Clara Laingoniaina
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tayeb Jbilou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Paul R. Walker
- Translational Research Centre in Oncohaematology, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gerrit Borchard
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Jordan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-223796586
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Improving potency of Nanoliposomal AE36 peptide vaccine by adding CD4+ T cell helper epitope and MPL in TUBO breast cancer mice model. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2022.103346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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18
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Polyethylenimine/cGAMP Nanocomplexes for STING-Mediated Cancer Immunotherapy: Formulation and Characterization Using Orthogonal Techniques. Processes (Basel) 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/pr10050882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) has lately been extensively investigated in cancer immunotherapy due its activation of the innate immunity stimulation of interferon genes (STING) pathway within antigen presenting cells (APC) leading to an increase in tumor specific CD8+ T cells. As negatively charged dinucleotides are prone to enzymatic degradation before being taken up by APC, there is a need for an appropriate carrier. Therefore, polyethylenimine (PEI), a gold standard for oligonucleotide delivery, was selected. Molecular weight, type of PEI and N/P ratio between PEI/cGAMP were investigated in terms of toxicity, efficacy and physicochemical properties of the nanocomplexes (NCs) such as size, zeta potential and shape. Due to lack of nano-medicine regulations and the need for a case-by case assessment, here we examine these parameters by several orthogonal methods, such as dynamic light scattering (DLS), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and online asymmetric flow field flow fractionation (AF4) connected to DLS. N/P ratio of 2/1 ratio using linear PEI 25 kDa resulted in larger, positively charged particles of elongated shape, which were shown to have the best toxicity/efficacy ratio among different PEIs and ratios tested.
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Strategies for fighting pandemic virus infections: Integration of virology and drug delivery. J Control Release 2022; 343:361-378. [PMID: 35122872 PMCID: PMC8810279 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.01.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory viruses have sometimes resulted in worldwide pandemics, with the influenza virus and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) being major participants. Long-term efforts have made it possible to control the influenza virus, but seasonal influenza continues to take many lives each year, and a pandemic influenza virus sometimes emerges. Although vaccines for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been developed, we are not yet able to coexist with the SARS-CoV-2. To overcome such viruses, it is necessary to obtain knowledge about international surveillance systems, virology, ecology and to determine that immune responses are effective. The information must then be transferred to drugs. Delivery systems would be expected to contribute to the rational development of drugs. In this review, virologist and drug delivery system (DDS) researchers discuss drug delivery strategies, especially the use of lipid-based nanocarriers, for fighting to respiratory virus infections.
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