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Yue B, Gao Y, Hu Y, Zhan M, Wu Y, Lu L. Harnessing CD8 + T cell dynamics in hepatitis B virus-associated liver diseases: Insights, therapies and future directions. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1731. [PMID: 38935536 PMCID: PMC11210506 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1731] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection playsa significant role in the etiology and progression of liver-relatedpathologies, encompassing chronic hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and eventual hepatocellularcarcinoma (HCC). Notably, HBV infection stands as the primary etiologicalfactor driving the development of HCC. Given the significant contribution ofHBV infection to liver diseases, a comprehensive understanding of immunedynamics in the liver microenvironment, spanning chronic HBV infection,fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC, is essential. In this review, we focused on thefunctional alterations of CD8+ T cells within the pathogenic livermicroenvironment from HBV infection to HCC. We thoroughly reviewed the roles ofhypoxia, acidic pH, metabolic reprogramming, amino acid deficiency, inhibitory checkpointmolecules, immunosuppressive cytokines, and the gut-liver communication in shapingthe dysfunction of CD8+ T cells in the liver microenvironment. Thesefactors significantly impact the clinical prognosis. Furthermore, we comprehensivelyreviewed CD8+ T cell-based therapy strategies for liver diseases,encompassing HBV infection, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC. Strategies includeimmune checkpoint blockades, metabolic T-cell targeting therapy, therapeuticT-cell vaccination, and adoptive transfer of genetically engineered CD8+ T cells, along with the combined usage of programmed cell death protein-1/programmeddeath ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors with mitochondria-targeted antioxidants.Given that targeting CD8+ T cells at various stages of hepatitis Bvirus-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV + HCC) shows promise, we reviewedthe ongoing need for research to elucidate the complex interplay between CD8+ T cells and the liver microenvironment in the progression of HBV infection toHCC. We also discussed personalized treatment regimens, combining therapeuticstrategies and harnessing gut microbiota modulation, which holds potential forenhanced clinical benefits. In conclusion, this review delves into the immunedynamics of CD8+ T cells, microenvironment changes, and therapeuticstrategies within the liver during chronic HBV infection, HCC progression, andrelated liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Yue
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai Institute of Translational MedicineZhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Jinan UniversityZhuhaiGuangdongChina
| | - Yuxia Gao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai Institute of Translational MedicineZhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Jinan UniversityZhuhaiGuangdongChina
| | - Yi Hu
- Microbiology and Immunology DepartmentSchool of MedicineFaculty of Medical ScienceJinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Meixiao Zhan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai Institute of Translational MedicineZhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Jinan UniversityZhuhaiGuangdongChina
| | - Yangzhe Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai Institute of Translational MedicineZhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Jinan UniversityZhuhaiGuangdongChina
| | - Ligong Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai Institute of Translational MedicineZhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Jinan UniversityZhuhaiGuangdongChina
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Hsu CY, Mustafa MA, Kumar A, Pramanik A, Sharma R, Mohammed F, Jawad IA, Mohammed IJ, Alshahrani MY, Ali Khalil NAM, Shnishil AT, Abosaoda MK. Exploiting the immune system in hepatic tumor targeting: Unleashing the potential of drugs, natural products, and nanoparticles. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 256:155266. [PMID: 38554489 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic tumors present a formidable challenge in cancer therapeutics, necessitating the exploration of novel treatment strategies. In recent years, targeting the immune system has attracted interest to augment existing therapeutic efficacy. The immune system in hepatic tumors includes numerous cells with diverse actions. CD8+ T lymphocytes, T helper 1 (Th1) CD4+ T lymphocytes, alternative M1 macrophages, and natural killer (NK) cells provide the antitumor immunity. However, Foxp3+ regulatory CD4+ T cells (Tregs), M2-like tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are the key immune inhibitor cells. Tumor stroma can also affect these interactions. Targeting these cells and their secreted molecules is intriguing for eliminating malignant cells. The current review provides a synopsis of the immune system components involved in hepatic tumor expansion and highlights the molecular and cellular pathways that can be targeted for therapeutic intervention. It also overviews the diverse range of drugs, natural products, immunotherapy drugs, and nanoparticles that have been investigated to manipulate immune responses and bolster antitumor immunity. The review also addresses the potential advantages and challenges associated with these approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chou-Yi Hsu
- Department of Pharmacy, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan City 71710, Taiwan
| | | | - Ashwani Kumar
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, Jain (Deemed-to-be) University, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560069, India; Department of Pharmacy, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, Rajasthan 303012, India
| | - Atreyi Pramanik
- Institute of Pharma Sciences and Research, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India
| | - Rajiv Sharma
- Institute of Pharma Sciences and Research, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India
| | - Faraj Mohammed
- Department of Pharmacy, Al-Manara College for Medical Sciences, Maysan, Iraq
| | | | - Imad Jasim Mohammed
- College of Pharmacy, National University of Science and Technology, Dhi Qar, Iraq
| | - Mohammad Y Alshahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.
| | | | | | - Munther Kadhim Abosaoda
- College of technical engineering, the Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq; College of technical engineering, the Islamic University of Al Diwaniyah, Iraq; College of technical engineering, the Islamic University of Babylon, Iraq
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Hussein MS, Li Q, Mao R, Peng Y, He Y. TCR T cells overexpressing c-Jun have better functionality with improved tumor infiltration and persistence in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1114770. [PMID: 37215108 PMCID: PMC10192869 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1114770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The overall 5-year survival rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a major form of liver cancer, is merely 20%, underscoring the need for more effective therapies. We recently identified T cell receptors (TCR) specific for the HLA-A2/alpha fetoprotein amino acids 158-166 (AFP158) and showed that these TCR engineered T cells could control HCC xenografts in NSG mice. However, their efficacy was limited by poor expansion, loss of function, and short persistence of the TCR T cells. Here, we studied whether overexpression of c-Jun, a transcription factor required for T cell activation, in the TCR T cells could enhance their expansion, function, and persistence in HCC tumor models. Methods Recombinant lentiviral vectors (lv), expressing either the HLA-A2/AFP158-specific TCR or both the TCR and c-Jun (TCR-JUN), were constructed and used to transduce primary human T cells to generate the TCR or TCR-JUN T cells, respectively. We compared the expansion, effector function, and exhaustion status of the TCR and TCR-JUN T cells in vitro after HCC tumor stimulation. Additionally, we studied the persistence and antitumor effects of the TCR and TCR-JUN T cells using the HCC xenografts in NSG mice. Results We could effectively transduce primary human T cells to express both TCR and c-Jun. Compared to the HLA-A2/AFP158 TCR T cells, the TCR-JUN T cells have better expansion potential in culture, with enhanced functional capacity against HCC tumor cells. In addition, the TCR-JUN T cells were less apoptotic and more resistant to exhaustion after HepG2 tumor stimulation. In the HCC xenograft tumor model, c-Jun overexpression enhanced the TCR T cell expansion and increased the overall survival rate of the treated mice. Importantly, the TCR-JUN T cells were less exhausted in the tumor lesions and demonstrated enhanced tumor infiltration, functionality, and persistence. Conclusion c-Jun overexpression can enhance the expansion, function, and persistence of the A2/AFP158 TCR engineered T cells. The c-Jun gene co-delivery has the potential to enhance the antitumor efficacy of AFP specific TCR T cells when treating patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed S. Hussein
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Qi Li
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Rui Mao
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Yibing Peng
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Yukai He
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
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Caraballo Galva LD, Jiang X, Hussein MS, Zhang H, Mao R, Brody P, Peng Y, He AR, Kehinde-Ige M, Sadek R, Qiu X, Shi H, He Y. Novel low-avidity glypican-3 specific CARTs resist exhaustion and mediate durable antitumor effects against HCC. Hepatology 2022; 76:330-344. [PMID: 34897774 PMCID: PMC10568540 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Chimeric antigen receptor engineered T cells (CARTs) for HCC and other solid tumors are not as effective as they are for blood cancers. CARTs may lose function inside tumors due to persistent antigen engagement. The aims of this study are to develop low-affinity monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and low-avidity CARTs for HCC and to test the hypothesis that low-avidity CARTs can resist exhaustion and maintain functions in solid tumors, generating durable antitumor effects. METHODS AND RESULTS New human glypican-3 (hGPC3) mAbs were developed from immunized mice. We obtained three hGPC3-specific mAbs that stained HCC tumors, but not the adjacent normal liver tissues. One of them, 8F8, bound an epitope close to that of GC33, the frequently used high-affinity mAb, but with approximately 17-fold lower affinity. We then compared the 8F8 CARTs to GC33 CARTs for their in vitro function and in vivo antitumor effects. In vitro, low-avidity 8F8 CARTs killed both hGPC3high and hGPC3low HCC tumor cells to the same extent as high-avidity GC33 CARTs. 8F8 CARTs expanded and persisted to a greater extent than GC33 CARTs, resulting in durable responses against HCC xenografts. Importantly, compared with GC33 CARTs, there were 5-fold more of 8F8-BBz CARTs in the tumor mass for a longer period of time. Remarkably, the tumor-infiltrating 8F8 CARTs were less exhausted and apoptotic, and more functional than GC33 CARTs. CONCLUSION The low-avidity 8F8-BBz CART resists exhaustion and apoptosis inside tumor lesions, demonstrating a greater therapeutic potential than high-avidity CARTs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaotao Jiang
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Mohamed S. Hussein
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Huajun Zhang
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Rui Mao
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Pierce Brody
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Yibing Peng
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Aiwu Ruth He
- Lombardi Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Mercy Kehinde-Ige
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ramses Sadek
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Xiangguo Qiu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Huidong Shi
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Yukai He
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
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Mechanism of a Herbal Formula Associated with Prognosis and Immune Infiltration in LIHC: Transcriptomics Analysis and Molecular Dynamics Simulations. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:6084321. [PMID: 35754689 PMCID: PMC9217603 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6084321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background The aim of this study is to explore the interactions between effective monomers of herbal formulas and their therapeutic targets using systems biology approaches which may be a promising approach to unraveling their underlying mechanisms. Shentao Ruangan decoction (STRGD), which has been experimentally, clinically demonstrated to be effective in treating liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC), was selected. Methods Bioactive ingredients and drug targets of STRGD were retrieved from the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform and BATMAN-TCM databases. LIHC-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and key modules were identified by a weighted gene coexpression network analysis using The Cancer Genome Atlas data. The Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to investigate the relationship between STRGD tumor targets and patients survival. The CIBERSORT deconvolution algorithm was used to analyze the correlation between STRGD tumor targets and infiltrating immune cells. Enrichment analysis was used to analyze biological functions. Interactions between STRGD compounds and LIHC-immune-related genes were investigated using molecular docking and MDS. Results We identified 24 STRGD tumor targets, which were found to be correlated with survival and the level of immune cell infiltration in LIHC patients. Immune infiltration, gene set enrichment, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses highlighted the roles of T and B cell subsets, which were both related to activator protein 1 (AP1), in STRGD action. Docking studies and HPLC indicated that tanshinone IIA is the main compound of STRGD in LIHC treatment, and MDS showed that the potential LIHC-immune-related targets 1FOS and 1JUN firmly bind to tanshinone IIA. Conclusions The mechanisms of STRGD in improving the immune and survival status of LIHC patients include interactions between STRGD compounds and LIHC-immune-related targets. The findings of this study can guide research studies on the potential usefulness of tanshinone IIA in the development of drugs targeting 1JUN and 1FOS for the treatment of LIHC.
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Chimeric antigen receptor engineered T cells and their application in the immunotherapy of solid tumours. Expert Rev Mol Med 2022; 24:e7. [PMID: 35086597 PMCID: PMC9617572 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2021.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In this article, we reviewed the current literature studies and our understanding of the parameters that affect the chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T's) activation, effector function, in vivo persistence, and antitumour effects. These factors include T cell subsets and their differentiation stages, the components of chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) design, the expression promoters and delivery vectors, and the CAR-T production process. The CAR signalling and CAR-T activation were also studied in comparison to TCR. The last section of the review gave special consideration of CAR design for solid tumours, focusing on strategies to improve CAR-T tumour infiltration and survival in the hostile tumour microenvironment. With several hundred clinical trials undergoing worldwide, the pace of CAR-T immunotherapy moves from bench to bedside is unprecedented. We hope that the article will provide readers a clear and comprehensive view of this rapidly evolving field and will help scientists and physician to design effective CAR-Ts immunotherapy for solid tumours.
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Guan MC, Wang MD, Liu SY, Ouyang W, Liang L, Pawlik TM, Xu QR, Huang DS, Shen F, Zhu H, Yang T. Early diagnosis and therapeutic strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma: From bench to bedside. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 13:197-215. [PMID: 33889272 PMCID: PMC8040062 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v13.i4.197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The prognosis of patients with HCC remains poor largely due to the late diagnosis and lack of effective treatments. Despite being widely used, alpha-fetoprotein serology and ultrasonography have limited diagnostic performance for early-stage HCC. The emergence of omics strategies has contributed to significant advances in the development of non-invasive biomarkers for the early diagnosis of HCC including proteins, metabolites, circulating tumor deoxyribonucleic acid, and circulating non-coding ribonucleic acid. Early diagnosis is beneficial to patients as it increases the proportion who can be treated with curative treatment, thus prolonging survival outcomes. Currently, multiple clinical trials involving locoregional, systemic therapies, and combinations of these modalities are changing therapeutic strategies for different stage HCC. Success in several preclinical trials that involve immunotherapeutic innovations has created the potential to complement and enforce other treatment strategies in the future. This review summarizes the most recent advances in non-invasive early molecular detection, current therapy strategies, and potential immunotherapeutic innovations of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Cheng Guan
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ming-Da Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital (Navy Medical University), Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Si-Yu Liu
- Department of Laboratory, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital, Lishui 323000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Wei Ouyang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lei Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic and Minimal Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic and Minimal Invasive Surgery, Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Qiu-Ran Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic and Minimal Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic and Minimal Invasive Surgery, Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Dong-Sheng Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic and Minimal Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic and Minimal Invasive Surgery, Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Feng Shen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital (Navy Medical University), Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Tian Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital (Navy Medical University), Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic and Minimal Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic and Minimal Invasive Surgery, Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
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Peng Q, Zhu X, Li C, Xin P, Zheng Y, Liu S. APDL1-CART cells exhibit strong PD-L1-specific activity against leukemia cells. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:7199-7210. [PMID: 33653969 PMCID: PMC7993657 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells target specific tumor antigens and lyse tumor cells in an MHC-independent manner. However, the efficacy of CAR-T cell and other cancer immunotherapies is limited by the expression of immune-checkpoint molecules such as programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) on tumor cells, which binds to PD-1 receptors on T cells leading to T cell inactivation and immune escape. Here, we incorporated a PD-L1-targeted single-chain variable fragment (scFv) fusion protein sequence into a CAR vector to generate human anti-PD-L1-CAR-T cells (aPDL1-CART cells) targeting the PD-L1 antigen. Unlike control T cells, aPDL1-CART cells significantly halted the expansion and reduced the viability of co-cultured leukemia cells (Raji, CD46, and K562) overexpressing PD-L1, and this effect was paralleled by increased secretion of IL-2 and IFN-γ. The antitumor efficacy of aPDL1-CART cells was also evaluated in vivo by co-injecting control T cells or aPDL1-CART cells along with PDL1-CA46 cells to generate subcutaneous xenografts in NCG mice. Whereas large tumors developed in mice inoculated with PDL1-CA46 cells alone or together with control T cells, no tumor formation was detected in xenografts containing aPDL1-CART cells. Our data suggest that immune checkpoint-targeted CAR-T cells may be useful for controlling and eradicating immune-refractory hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qunyi Peng
- Department of Haematology, Quanzhou First Hospital of Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou 362000, China
| | - Xiongpeng Zhu
- Department of Haematology, Quanzhou First Hospital of Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou 362000, China
| | - Chuntuan Li
- Department of Haematology, Quanzhou First Hospital of Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou 362000, China
| | - Pengliang Xin
- Department of Haematology, Quanzhou First Hospital of Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou 362000, China
| | - Yan Zheng
- Department of Haematology, Quanzhou First Hospital of Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou 362000, China
| | - Shengquan Liu
- Department of Haematology, Quanzhou First Hospital of Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou 362000, China
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Cai Y, Tian Y, Wang J, Wei W, Tang Q, Lu L, Luo Z, Li W, Lu Y, Pu J, Yang Z. Identification of Driver Genes Regulating the T-Cell-Infiltrating Levels in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Genet 2020; 11:560546. [PMID: 33381145 PMCID: PMC7767976 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.560546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The driver genes regulating T-cell infiltration are important for understanding immune-escape mechanisms and developing more effective immunotherapy. However, researches in this field have rarely been reported in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the present study, we identified cancer driver genes triggered by copy number alterations such as CDKN2B, MYC, TSC1, TP53, and GSK3B. The T-cell infiltration levels were significantly decreased in both HCC and recurrent HCC tissues compared with the adjacent normal liver tissues. Remarkably, we identified that copy number losses of MAX and TP53 were candidate driver genes that significantly suppress T-cell infiltration in HCC. Accordingly, their downstream oncogenic pathway, cell cycle, was significantly activated in the low T-cell infiltration HCC. Moreover, the chemokine-related target genes by TP53, which played key roles in T-cell recruitment, were also downregulated in HCC with TP53/MAX deletions, suggesting that copy number losses in MAX and TP53 might result in T-cell depletion in HCC via downregulating chemokines. Clinically, the T-cell infiltration levels and chemokines activity could accurately predict the response of sorafenib, and the prognostic outcomes in HCC. In conclusion, the systematic analysis not only facilitates identification of driver genes and signaling pathways involved in T-cell infiltration and immune escape, but also gains more insights into the functional roles of T cells in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Cai
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Tian
- Department of Urology Surgery, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianchu Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Wang Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Qianli Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Libai Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Zongjiang Luo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Wenchuan Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Yuan Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Jian Pu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Zhengxia Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Huai'an Second People's Hospital, The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, China
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Hepatocellular carcinoma immunotherapy: The impact of epigenetic drugs and the gut microbiome. LIVER RESEARCH 2020; 4:191-198. [PMID: 33343967 PMCID: PMC7746137 DOI: 10.1016/j.livres.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been increasing for decades. This disease has now risen to become the sixth most common malignancy overall, while ranking as the third most frequent cause of cancer mortality. While several surgical interventions and loco-regional treatment options are available, up to 80% of patients present with advanced disease not amenable to standard therapies. Indeed, traditional cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents are notoriously ineffective and essentially play no role in the management of affected patients. This has led to an enormous need for more effective systemic therapeutic options. In recent years, immunotherapy has emerged as a potentially viable and exciting new alternative for the treatment of HCC. Although the current immunotherapeutic options remain imperfect, various strategies can be employed to further improve their efficacy. New findings have revealed epigenetic modulation can be effective as a new approach for improving HCC immunotherapy. Studying the gut microbiome (gut-liver axis) can also be an interesting subject in this regard. Here, we explore the latest insights into the role of immunotherapy treatmenting HCC, both mono and in combination with other agents. We also focus on the impact of epigenetic drugs and the microbiome in the overall effectiveness of HCC immunotherapy.
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