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Li T, Li S, Kang Y, Zhou J, Yi M. Harnessing the evolving CRISPR/Cas9 for precision oncology. J Transl Med 2024; 22:749. [PMID: 39118151 PMCID: PMC11312220 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05570-4] [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: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR)/Cas9 system, a groundbreaking innovation in genetic engineering, has revolutionized our approach to surmounting complex diseases, culminating in CASGEVY™ approved for sickle cell anemia. Derived from a microbial immune defense mechanism, CRISPR/Cas9, characterized as precision, maneuverability and universality in gene editing, has been harnessed as a versatile tool for precisely manipulating DNA in mammals. In the process of applying it to practice, the consecutive exploitation of novel orthologs and variants never ceases. It's conducive to understanding the essentialities of diseases, particularly cancer, which is crucial for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. CRISPR/Cas9 is used not only to investigate tumorous genes functioning but also to model disparate cancers, providing valuable insights into tumor biology, resistance, and immune evasion. Upon cancer therapy, CRISPR/Cas9 is instrumental in developing individual and precise cancer therapies that can selectively activate or deactivate genes within tumor cells, aiming to cripple tumor growth and invasion and sensitize cancer cells to treatments. Furthermore, it facilitates the development of innovative treatments, enhancing the targeting efficiency of reprogrammed immune cells, exemplified by advancements in CAR-T regimen. Beyond therapy, it is a potent tool for screening susceptible genes, offering the possibility of intervening before the tumor initiative or progresses. However, despite its vast potential, the application of CRISPR/Cas9 in cancer research and therapy is accompanied by significant efficacy, efficiency, technical, and safety considerations. Escalating technology innovations are warranted to address these issues. The CRISPR/Cas9 system is revolutionizing cancer research and treatment, opening up new avenues for advancements in our understanding and management of cancers. The integration of this evolving technology into clinical practice promises a new era of precision oncology, with targeted, personalized, and potentially curative therapies for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianye Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuiquan Li
- Department of Rehabilitation and Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Kang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianwei Zhou
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, People's Republic of China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ming Yi
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.
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Chen L, Hu H, Pan Y, Lu Y, Zhao M, Zhao Y, Wang L, Liu K, Yu Z. The role of HPV11 E7 in modulating STING-dependent interferon β response in recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. J Virol 2024; 98:e0192523. [PMID: 38624230 PMCID: PMC11092327 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01925-23] [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: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a rare benign tumor caused mainly by the infection of the respiratory tract epithelial cells by the human papillomavirus (HPV) type 6/11. However, the specific mechanisms underlying the inhibition of the host's innate immune response by HPV remain unclear. For this purpose, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze the states of various immune cells in RRP samples post-HPV infection and utilized a cellular model of HPV infection to elucidate the mechanisms by which HPV evades the innate immune system in RRP. The results revealed distinct immune cell heterogeneity in RRP and demonstrated that HPV11 E7 can inhibit the phosphorylation of the stimulator of interferon genes protein, thereby circumventing the body's antiviral response. In vitro co-culture experiments demonstrated that stimulation of macrophages to produce interferon-beta induced the death of HPV-infected epithelial cells, also reducing HPV viral levels. In summary, our study preliminarily identifies the potential mechanisms by which HPV evades the host's antiviral immune response, as well as the latent antiviral functions exhibited by activated macrophages. This research serves as an initial exploration of antiviral immune evasion in RRP, laying a solid foundation for investigating immunotherapeutic approaches for the disease.IMPORTANCESurgical tumor reduction is the most common treatment for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). One of the characteristics of RRP is its persistent recurrence, and multiple surgeries are usually required to control the symptoms. Recently, some adjuvant therapies have shown effectiveness, but none of them can completely clear human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and thus, a localized antiviral immune response is significant for disease control; after all, HPV infection is limited to the epithelium. Inhibition of interferon-beta (IFN-β) secretion by HPV11 E7 viral proteins in epithelial cells by affecting stimulator of interferon genes phosphorylation may account for the persistence of low-risk HPV replication in the RRP. Moreover, suppression of the IFN-I pathway in RRP cell types might provide clues regarding the hyporeactive function of local immune cells. However, activation of macrophage groups to produce IFN-β can still destroy HPV-infected cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, BenQ Medical Center, The Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing Medical Key Laboratory of Laryngopharynx-Head and Neck Oncology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huiying Hu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, BenQ Medical Center, The Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing Medical Key Laboratory of Laryngopharynx-Head and Neck Oncology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yufei Pan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, BenQ Medical Center, The Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing Medical Key Laboratory of Laryngopharynx-Head and Neck Oncology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuanyuan Lu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, BenQ Medical Center, The Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing Medical Key Laboratory of Laryngopharynx-Head and Neck Oncology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mengyuan Zhao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, BenQ Medical Center, The Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing Medical Key Laboratory of Laryngopharynx-Head and Neck Oncology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yun Zhao
- Nanjing Medical Key Laboratory of Laryngopharynx-Head and Neck Oncology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lixin Wang
- Nanjing Medical Key Laboratory of Laryngopharynx-Head and Neck Oncology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kai Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, BenQ Medical Center, The Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing Medical Key Laboratory of Laryngopharynx-Head and Neck Oncology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhenkun Yu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, BenQ Medical Center, The Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing Medical Key Laboratory of Laryngopharynx-Head and Neck Oncology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Saulters EL, Kennedy PT, Carter RJ, Alsufyani A, Jones TM, Woolley JF, Dahal LN. Differential Regulation of the STING Pathway in Human Papillomavirus-Positive and -Negative Head and Neck Cancers. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:118-133. [PMID: 38147007 PMCID: PMC10793589 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinomas, which arise from the cells that line the mucosal surfaces of the head and neck, represent the most common type of head and neck cancers (HNSCC). Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been strongly associated with the development of oropharyngeal cancers, which are cancers that occur in the back of the throat, including the tonsils and base of the tongue. HNSCCs with and without HPV infection have distinct pathology, with HPV-positive patients having higher levels of immune infiltration, activation in the tumor microenvironment and better response to radiation and chemotherapy. It is, however, unclear whether HPV infection in HNSCCs has the potential to activate innate-immune sensing pathways and if these cancers possess intrinsic immunogenicity associated with HPV infection. Here we investigate the innate immune stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway and immune responses to STING activation in HNSCCs and uncover fundamental differences in the regulation of this pathway in cell lines versus primary human clinical specimens. We show that while STING is differentially expressed in HPV-positive and -negative HNSCC cell lines, they exhibit a gross functional defect in signaling through this pathway. However, STING activation in immune cell populations generated immune signatures predicted to elicit useful tumoricidal mechanisms. In contrast, IHC analysis of human tissue microarrays revealed enhanced STING expression in HPV-related tumors and high intratumoral expression of STING correlated with increased survival. SIGNIFICANCE STING is an important innate immune sensor of cytosolic DNA, inducing essential antiviral and antitumoral responses. This research shows that STING expression is enhanced in HPV-positive HNSCC patient tissue, with high intratumoral STING expression correlating with increased survival. In addition, STING activation in immune cell populations augmented antitumoral effects against HNSCCs, suggesting patients may benefit from the use of STING agonists in combination with traditional therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L. Saulters
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Paul T. Kennedy
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel J. Carter
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Abdullah Alsufyani
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Terence M. Jones
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - John F. Woolley
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Lekh N. Dahal
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Smahel M, Nunvar J. Bioinformatics analysis of immune characteristics in tumors with alternative carcinogenesis pathways induced by human papillomaviruses. Virol J 2023; 20:287. [PMID: 38049810 PMCID: PMC10696676 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-02241-6] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) induce a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) and anogenital cancers, particularly cervical cancer (CC). The major viral proteins that contribute to tumorigenesis are the E6 and E7 oncoproteins, whose expression is usually enhanced after the integration of viral DNA into the host genome. Recently, an alternative tumorigenesis pathway has been suggested in approximately half of HNSCC and CC cases associated with HPV infection. This pathway is characterized by extrachromosomal HPV persistence and increased expression of the viral E2, E4, and E5 genes. The E6, E7, E5, and E2 proteins have been shown to modify the expression of numerous cellular immune-related genes. The antitumor immune response is a critical factor in the prognosis of HPV-driven cancers, and its characterization may contribute to the prediction and personalization of the increasingly used cancer immunotherapy. METHODS We analyzed the immune characteristics of HPV-dependent tumors and their association with carcinogenesis types. Transcriptomic HNSCC and CC datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas were used for this analysis. RESULTS Clustering with immune-related genes resulted in two clusters of HPV16-positive squamous cell carcinomas in both tumor types: cluster 1 had higher activation of immune responses, including stimulation of the antigen processing and presentation pathway, which was associated with higher immune cell infiltration and better overall survival, and cluster 2 was characterized by keratinization. In CC, the distribution of tumor samples into clusters 1 and 2 did not depend on the level of E2/E5 expression, but in HNSCC, most E2/E5-high tumors were localized in cluster 1 and E2/E5-low tumors in cluster 2. Further analysis did not reveal any association between the E2/E5 levels and the expression of immune-related genes. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that while the detection of immune responses associated with preserved expression of genes encoding components of antigen processing and presentation machinery in HPV-driven tumors may be markers of better prognosis and an important factor in therapy selection, the type of carcinogenesis does not seem to play a decisive role in the induction of antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Smahel
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, 252 50, Vestec, Czech Republic.
| | - Jaroslav Nunvar
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, 252 50, Vestec, Czech Republic
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Zahnreich S, El Guerzyfy S, Kaufmann J, Schmidberger H. The cGAS/STING/IFN-1 Response in Squamous Head and Neck Cancer Cells after Genotoxic Challenges and Abrogation of the ATR-Chk1 and Fanconi Anemia Axis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14900. [PMID: 37834346 PMCID: PMC10573837 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914900] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are often refractory to platinum-based radiochemotherapy and new immuno-oncological strategies. To stimulate immunogenic antitumor responses in HNSCC patients, we investigated the cGAS/STING/IFN-1 signaling pathway after genotoxic treatments and concomitant abrogation of the DNA damage response (DDR). For this purpose, FaDu and UM-SCC1 cells were exposed to X-rays or cisplatin and treated with an ATR or Chk1 inhibitor, or by Fanconi anemia gene A knockout (FANCA ko). We assessed clonogenic survival, cell cycle regulation, micronuclei, free cytosolic double-stranded DNA, and the protein expression and activity of the cGAS/STING/IFN-1 pathway and related players. Cell survival, regulation of G2/M arrest, and formation of rupture-prone cGAS-positive micronuclei after genotoxic treatments were most affected by ATR inhibition and FANCA ko. In UM-SCC-1 cells only, 8 Gy X-rays promoted IFN-1 expression unaltered by abrogation of the DDR or concomitant increased TREX1 expression. At a higher dose of 20 Gy, this effect was observed only for concurrent Chk1- or ATR-inhibition. FANCA ko or cisplatin treatment was ineffective in this regard. Our observations open new perspectives for the enhancement of cGAS/STING/IFN-1-mediated antitumor immune response in HNSCC by hypofractionated or stereotactic radiotherapy concepts in multimodal settings with immuno-oncological strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Zahnreich
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Radiation Therapy, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg, University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany (H.S.)
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Trujillo-Cirilo L, Weiss-Steider B, Vargas-Angeles CA, Corona-Ortega MT, Rangel-Corona R. Immune microenvironment of cervical cancer and the role of IL-2 in tumor promotion. Cytokine 2023; 170:156334. [PMID: 37598478 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156334] [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: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a heterogeneous mixture of resident and tumor cells that maintain close communication through their secretion products. The composition of the TME is dynamic and complex among the different types of cancer, where the immune cells play a relevant role in the elimination of tumor cells, however, under certain circumstances they contribute to tumor development. In cervical cancer (CC) the human papilloma virus (HPV) shapes the microenvironment in order to mediate persistent infections that favors transformation and tumor development. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is an important TME cytokine that induces CD8+ effector T cells and NKs to eliminate tumor cells, however, IL-2 can also suppress the immune response through Treg cells. Recent studies have shown that CC cells express the IL-2 receptor (IL-2R), that are induced to proliferate at low concentrations of exogenous IL-2 through alterations in the JAK/STAT pathway. This review provides an overview of the main immune cells that make up the TME in CC, as well as the participation of IL-2 in the tumor promotion. Finally, it is proposed that the low density of IL-2 produced by immunocompetent cells is used by tumor cells through its IL-2R as a mechanism to proliferate simultaneously depleting this molecule in order to evade immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Trujillo-Cirilo
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Research Unit Cell Differentiation and Cancer, L-4 P.B. FES Zaragoza, National University of Mexico, Av., Guelatao No. 66 Col. Ejercito de Oriente, Iztapalapa, C.P. 09230 Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Benny Weiss-Steider
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Research Unit Cell Differentiation and Cancer, L-4 P.B. FES Zaragoza, National University of Mexico, Av., Guelatao No. 66 Col. Ejercito de Oriente, Iztapalapa, C.P. 09230 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Carlos Adrian Vargas-Angeles
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Research Unit Cell Differentiation and Cancer, L-4 P.B. FES Zaragoza, National University of Mexico, Av., Guelatao No. 66 Col. Ejercito de Oriente, Iztapalapa, C.P. 09230 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Maria Teresa Corona-Ortega
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Research Unit Cell Differentiation and Cancer, L-4 P.B. FES Zaragoza, National University of Mexico, Av., Guelatao No. 66 Col. Ejercito de Oriente, Iztapalapa, C.P. 09230 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rosalva Rangel-Corona
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Research Unit Cell Differentiation and Cancer, L-4 P.B. FES Zaragoza, National University of Mexico, Av., Guelatao No. 66 Col. Ejercito de Oriente, Iztapalapa, C.P. 09230 Mexico City, Mexico
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Saito M, Rajesh A, Innes C, van der Griend R, Fitzgerald P, Simcock B, Sykes P, Hibma M. The High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Type Influences the Tissue Microenvironment in Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Grade 2. Viruses 2023; 15:1953. [PMID: 37766359 PMCID: PMC10535121 DOI: 10.3390/v15091953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
High-risk, cancer-causing human papillomavirus (HPV) types are associated with cervical precancer and cancer. A high proportion of high-risk HPV precancer lesions undergo immune-mediated regression. The purpose of this study was to determine if the tissue microenvironment of HPV16 and 18 (HPV16/18) cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 lesions differed from other high-risk types (HPV 'other'). Consistent with other studies, we found that progression to higher-grade disease was more frequent in HPV16/18 lesions when compared with HPV 'other' lesions. HPV16/18 lesions were significantly more likely to be indoleamine 2,3,-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1)-positive and were associated with reduced CD8 and FoxP3 T cells in the lesion. In the stroma, reduced Tbet- and CD32-positive cells and increased Blimp1-positive cells were significantly associated with HPV16/18 lesions when compared with HPV 'other' types. On analysis of the IDO1-positive tissues, lesional IDO1 was associated with significantly decreased numbers of CD4-, CD8-, and FoxP3-positive cells in the stroma compared with IDO1-negative tissues. These data suggest that IDO1 expression may impair infiltration of CD4, CD8, and FoxP3 cells into the stroma beneath the precancer lesion. Increased expression of IDO1 may contribute to immune avoidance and an increased frequency of disease progression in HPV16- and 18-positive lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayumi Saito
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (M.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Aarthi Rajesh
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (M.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Carrie Innes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Otago, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand; (C.I.); (B.S.); (P.S.)
| | | | | | - Bryony Simcock
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Otago, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand; (C.I.); (B.S.); (P.S.)
| | - Peter Sykes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Otago, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand; (C.I.); (B.S.); (P.S.)
| | - Merilyn Hibma
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (M.S.); (A.R.)
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Viculin J, Degoricija M, Vilović K, Gabela I, Franković L, Vrdoljak E, Korac-Prlic J. Elevated Tumor Cell-Intrinsic STING Expression in Advanced Laryngeal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3510. [PMID: 37444620 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Laryngeal cancer is the second most common malignancy of the head and neck, worldwide. Immunotherapy targeting checkpoint inhibitors has been approved for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic laryngeal cancer but has a relatively low response rate and outcomes that leave many patients underserved. Targeting the cGAS-STING signaling pathway can potentially improve the activation of immune effector cells, although its role in the development and progression of laryngeal cancer has not yet been investigated in depth. Fifty-nine tumor samples from patients with pathologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx, stage I-IV non-metastatic disease, who were treated at the University Hospital of Split, were immunohistochemically stained for the expression of STING, cGAS, CD8, CD68, and CD163. Elevated tumor cell-intrinsic STING expression was positively associated with stage IV (p = 0.0031), pT3, and pT4 laryngeal cancers (p = 0.0336) as well as with higher histological grades (G2 and G3) (p = 0.0204) and lymph node-positive tumors (p = 0.0371). After adjusting for age, sex, location, and cGAS expression, elevated STING expression was significantly associated with stage IV cancer in a multiple logistic regression model (β = 1.849, SE = ±0.8643, p = 0.0324). Elevated STING expression represents a potentially favorable predictive biomarker for new therapeutic approaches involving STING agonists combined with immunotherapy and DNA-damaging agents (radiotherapy, cisplatin, and PARP inhibitors) in laryngeal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Viculin
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Marina Degoricija
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Katarina Vilović
- Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Cytology, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Ivana Gabela
- Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Immunology and Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Lucija Franković
- Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Immunology and Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Eduard Vrdoljak
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
- Department of Clinical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Jelena Korac-Prlic
- Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Immunology and Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
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Miyauchi S, Kim SS, Jones RN, Zhang L, Guram K, Sharma S, Schoenberger SP, Cohen EEW, Califano JA, Sharabi AB. Human papillomavirus E5 suppresses immunity via inhibition of the immunoproteasome and STING pathway. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112508. [PMID: 37171962 PMCID: PMC10789500 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The role that human papillomavirus (HPV) oncogenes play in suppressing responses to immunotherapy in cancer deserves further investigation. In particular, the effects of HPV E5 remain poorly understood relative to E6 and E7. Here, we demonstrate that HPV E5 is a negative regulator of anti-viral interferon (IFN) response pathways, antigen processing, and antigen presentation. Using head and neck cancer as a model, we identify that E5 decreases expression and function of the immunoproteasome and that the immunoproteasome, but not the constitutive proteasome, is associated with improved overall survival in patients. Moreover, immunopeptidome analysis reveals that HPV E5 restricts the repertoire of antigens presented on the cell surface, likely contributing to immune escape. Mechanistically, we discover a direct interaction between E5 and stimulator of interferon genes (STING), which suppresses downstream IFN signaling. Taken together, these findings identify a powerful molecular mechanism by which HPV E5 limits immune detection and mediates resistance to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayuri Miyauchi
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Sangwoo S Kim
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Riley N Jones
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Kripa Guram
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Sonia Sharma
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | | | - Ezra E W Cohen
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Joseph A Califano
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Andrew B Sharabi
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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10
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Yanan L, Hui L, Zhuo C, Longqing D, Ran S. Comprehensive analysis of mitophagy in HPV-related head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7480. [PMID: 37161060 PMCID: PMC10170109 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34698-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common tumour type in otorhinolaryngology, and its occurrence is related to long-term exposure to tobacco and alcohol. Recently, HPV infection has become an increasingly important contributor to HNSCC, and HPV-associated HNSCC has a different clinical course and better prognosis than non-HPV-associated HNSCC. However, the exact molecular mechanism of HNSCC is unclear. Here, we obtained data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and gene expression omnibus (GEO) to analyse the mitophagy process and related influencing factors of HPV-associated HNSCC via the integration of bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation. We found that in HPV-associated HNSCC, process of mitophagy affects tumour development, immune cell infiltration and prognosis. In the mitophagy process of HPV-related HNSCC: NOS2, IL17REL, TMSB15A, TUBB4A and other hub genes showed significantly higher expression levels than in non-HPV-related HNSCC. Furthermore, this was also confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT‒PCR), which was used to detect the expression of differentially expressed genes in HNSCC tissues. Furthermore, we found that the unique immunological characteristics by expressing CD8+ T cell in a high level in HPV-related HNSCC, and the scores obtained from the score model affected the prognosis of patients. In conclusion, our study revealed the unique biomolecular signature of mitophagy in HPV-associated HNSCC, which may contribute to the development of precise treatment regimens for HPV-associated HNSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yanan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, 250000, Shandong, China
| | - Liang Hui
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Ji'nan, 250014, Shandong, China.
| | - Cheng Zhuo
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, 250000, Shandong, China
| | - Ding Longqing
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, 250000, Shandong, China
| | - Sun Ran
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, 250000, Shandong, China
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11
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Lin Fracp P, Holloway L, Min Franzcr M, Lee Franzcr M, Fowler Franzcr A. Prognostic and predictive values of baseline and mid-treatment FDG-PET in oropharyngeal carcinoma treated with primary definitive (chemo)radiation and impact of HPV status: review of current literature and emerging roles. Radiother Oncol 2023; 184:109686. [PMID: 37142128 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2023.109686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE This study provides a review of the literature assessing whether semiquantitative PET parameters acquired at baseline and/or during definitive (chemo)radiotherapy ("prePET" and "iPET") can predict survival outcomes in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPC), and the impact of human papilloma virus (HPV) status. MATERIAL AND METHODS A literature search was carried out using PubMed and Embase between 2001 to 2021 in accordance with PRISMA. RESULTS The analysis included 22 FDG-PET/CT studies1-22, 19 pre-PET and 3 both pre-PET and iPET14,18,20,. The analysis involved 2646 patients, of which 1483 are HPV-positive (17 studies: 10 mixed and 7 HPV-positive only), 589 are HPV-negative, and 574 have unknown HPV status. Eighteen studies found significant correlations of survival outcomes with pre-PET parameters, most commonly primary or "Total" (combined primary and nodal) metabolic tumour volume and/or total lesional glycolysis. Two studies could not establish significant correlations and both employed SUVmax only. Two studies also could not establish significant correlations when taking into account of the HPV-positive population only. Because of the heterogeneity and lack of standardized methodology, no conclusions on optimal cut-off values can be drawn. Ten studies specifically evaluated HPV-positive patients: five showed positive correlation of pre-PET parameters and survival outcomes, but four of these studies did not include advanced T or N staging in multivariate analysis1,6,15,22, and two studies only showed positive correlations after excluding high risk patients with smoking history7 or adverse CT features22. Two studies found that prePET parameters predicted treatment outcomes only in HPV-negative but not HPV-positive patients10,16. Two studies found that iPET parameters could predict outcomes in HPV-positive patients but not prePET parameters14,18. CONCLUSION The current literature supports high pre-treatment metabolic burden prior to definitive (chemo)radiotherapy can predict poor treatment outcomes for HPV-negative OPC patients. Evidence is conflicting and currently does not support correlation in HPV-positive patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Lin Fracp
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia; South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia; School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, NSW, Australia.
| | - Lois Holloway
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia; School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, NSW, Australia; Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia; Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Myo Min Franzcr
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Queensland, Australia; Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mark Lee Franzcr
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia; Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
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12
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Avila JP, Carvalho BM, Coimbra EC. A Comprehensive View of the Cancer-Immunity Cycle (CIC) in HPV-Mediated Cervical Cancer and Prospects for Emerging Therapeutic Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041333. [PMID: 36831674 PMCID: PMC9954575 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide, with more than 500,000 new cases each year and a mortality rate of around 55%. Over 80% of these deaths occur in developing countries. The most important risk factor for CC is persistent infection by a sexually transmitted virus, the human papillomavirus (HPV). Conventional treatments to eradicate this type of cancer are accompanied by high rates of resistance and a large number of side effects. Hence, it is crucial to devise novel effective therapeutic strategies. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have aimed to develop immunotherapeutic methods for treating cancer. However, these strategies have not proven to be effective enough to combat CC. This means there is a need to investigate immune molecular targets. An adaptive immune response against cancer has been described in seven key stages or steps defined as the cancer-immunity cycle (CIC). The CIC begins with the release of antigens by tumor cells and ends with their destruction by cytotoxic T-cells. In this paper, we discuss several molecular alterations found in each stage of the CIC of CC. In addition, we analyze the evidence discovered, the molecular mechanisms and their relationship with variables such as histological subtype and HPV infection, as well as their potential impact for adopting novel immunotherapeutic approaches.
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13
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Du Y, Hu Z, Luo Y, Wang HY, Yu X, Wang RF. Function and regulation of cGAS-STING signaling in infectious diseases. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1130423. [PMID: 36825026 PMCID: PMC9941744 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1130423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The efficacious detection of pathogens and prompt induction of innate immune signaling serve as a crucial component of immune defense against infectious pathogens. Over the past decade, DNA-sensing receptor cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) and its downstream signaling adaptor stimulator of interferon genes (STING) have emerged as key mediators of type I interferon (IFN) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) responses in health and infection diseases. Moreover, both cGAS-STING pathway and pathogens have developed delicate strategies to resist each other for their survival. The mechanistic and functional comprehension of the interplay between cGAS-STING pathway and pathogens is opening the way for the development and application of pharmacological agonists and antagonists in the treatment of infectious diseases. Here, we briefly review the current knowledge of DNA sensing through the cGAS-STING pathway, and emphatically highlight the potent undertaking of cGAS-STING signaling pathway in the host against infectious pathogenic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Du
- Department of Medicine, and Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Research Center of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiqiang Hu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yien Luo
- Department of Neurology, Guangdong Neuroscience Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Helen Y. Wang
- Department of Medicine, and Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Single Cell Technology and Application, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Rong-Fu Wang
- Department of Medicine, and Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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14
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Ferreira DA, Idris A, McMillan NAJ. Analysis of a hit-and-run tumor model by HPV in oropharyngeal cancers. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28260. [PMID: 36305515 PMCID: PMC9828080 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Several viruses are known to be associated with the development of certain cancers, including human papilloma virus (HPV), an established causative agent for a range of anogenital and head and neck cancers. However, the causality has been based on the presence of the virus, or its genetic material, in the sampled tumors. We have long wondered if viruses cause cancer via a "hit and run" mechanism such that they are no longer present in the resulting tumors. Here, we hypothesize that the absence of viral genes from the tumor does not necessarily exclude the viral aetiology. To test this, we used an HPV-driven oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) tumor model and CRISPR to delete the viral oncogene, E7. Indeed, the genetic removal of HPV E7 oncogene eliminates tumors in vivo. Remarkably, E7 deleted tumors recurred over time and develop new mutations not previously seen in HPV+ OPC tumors. Importantly, a number of these new mutations are found to be already present in HPV- OPC tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyelle Assis Ferreira
- Griffith Centre for Cell and Gene Medicine, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Pharmacy and Medical ScienceGriffith UniversitySouthportQueenslandAustralia
| | - Adi Idris
- Griffith Centre for Cell and Gene Medicine, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Pharmacy and Medical ScienceGriffith UniversitySouthportQueenslandAustralia
| | - Nigel A. J. McMillan
- Griffith Centre for Cell and Gene Medicine, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Pharmacy and Medical ScienceGriffith UniversitySouthportQueenslandAustralia
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15
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Zeng PH, Yin WJ. The cGAS/STING signaling pathway: a cross-talk of infection, senescence and tumors. Cell Cycle 2023; 22:38-56. [PMID: 35946607 PMCID: PMC9769453 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2022.2109899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The cGAS/STING signaling pathway is an important part of the cytoplasmic DNA sensor, which can trigger a type I interferon response to microbial infection when pathogenic DNA is detected. However, continuous inhibition of cGAS/STING signaling by viral infection may be an important cause of tumorigenesis. At the same time, recent studies have shown that although the cGAS/STING signaling pathway also plays a core role in anti-tumor immunity and cell senescence, the inflammatory response induced by cGAS/STING signaling will also promote tumorigenesis in different backgrounds. Here, we discuss the role of cGAS/STING in the context of infection, senescence, and tumors, especially with respect to progression, to facilitate a better understanding of the mechanism of the cGAS/STING pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Hui Zeng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Wen-Jun Yin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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16
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Xu Q, Chen Y, Jin Y, Wang Z, Dong H, Kaufmann AM, Albers AE, Qian X. Advanced Nanomedicine for High-Risk HPV-Driven Head and Neck Cancer. Viruses 2022; 14:v14122824. [PMID: 36560828 PMCID: PMC9788019 DOI: 10.3390/v14122824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HR-HPV)-driven head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is on the rise globally. HR-HPV-driven HNSCC displays molecular and clinical characteristics distinct from HPV-uninvolved cases. Therapeutic strategies for HR-HPV-driven HNSCC are under investigation. HR-HPVs encode the oncogenes E6 and E7, which are essential in tumorigenesis. Meanwhile, involvement of E6 and E7 provides attractive targets for developing new therapeutic regimen. Here we will review some of the recent advancements observed in preclinical studies and clinical trials on HR-HPV-driven HNSCC, focusing on nanotechnology related methods. Materials science innovation leads to great improvement for cancer therapeutics including HNSCC. This article discusses HPV-E6 or -E7- based vaccines, based on plasmid, messenger RNA or peptide, at their current stage of development and testing as well as how nanoparticles can be designed to target and access cancer cells and activate certain immunology pathways besides serving as a delivery vehicle. Nanotechnology was also used for chemotherapy and photothermal treatment. Short interference RNA targeting E6/E7 showed some potential in animal models. Gene editing by CRISPR-CAS9 combined with other treatments has also been assessed. These advancements have the potential to improve the outcome in HR-HPV-driven HNSCC, however breakthroughs are still to be awaited with nanomedicine playing an important role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Xu
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Ye Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 1 East Banshan Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Yuan Jin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 1 East Banshan Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Zhiyu Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 1 East Banshan Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou 310022, China
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Haoru Dong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 1 East Banshan Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou 310022, China
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Andreas M. Kaufmann
- Clinic for Gynecology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas E. Albers
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Medical School Berlin, 14197 Berlin, Germany
| | - Xu Qian
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 1 East Banshan Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou 310022, China
- Correspondence:
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17
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Wei Y, Zhao Z, Ma X. Description of CRISPR-Cas9 development and its prospects in human papillomavirus-driven cancer treatment. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1037124. [PMID: 36479105 PMCID: PMC9721393 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1037124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) have been recognized as the etiologic agents of various cancers and are called HPV-driven cancers. Concerning HPV-mediated carcinogenic action, gene therapy can cure cancer at the molecular level by means of the correction of specific genes or sites. CRISPR-Cas9, as a novel genetic editing technique, can correct errors in the genome and change the gene expression and function in cells efficiently, quickly, and with relative ease. Herein, we overviewed studies of CRISPR-mediated gene remedies for HPV-driven cancers and summarized the potential applications of CRISPR-Cas9 in gene therapy for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Wei
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China,West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhen Zhao
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China,West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xuelei Ma
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China,*Correspondence: Xuelei Ma,
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18
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Castro-Muñoz LJ, Rocha-Zavaleta L, Lizano M, Ramírez-Alcántara KM, Madrid-Marina V, Manzo-Merino J. Alteration of the IFN-Pathway by Human Papillomavirus Proteins: Antiviral Immune Response Evasion Mechanism. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10112965. [PMID: 36428532 PMCID: PMC9687819 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A persistent infection with the so-called high-risk Human Papillomaviruses (hr-HPVs) plays a fundamental role in the development of different neoplasms. The expression of the HPV proteins throughout the different steps of the viral life cycle produce a disruption of several cellular processes, including immune response, which can lead to cell transformation. The interferon-mediated response plays an important role in eliminating HPV-infected and -transformed cells. The ability of HPV to disrupt the proper function of the interferon response is based on a series of molecular mechanisms coordinated by HPV proteins intended to prevent clearance of infection, ultimately producing an immunotolerant environment that facilitates the establishment of persistence and cancer. In this review, we focus on the molecular actions performed by HPV E1, E2, E5, E6 and E7 proteins on IFN signaling elements and their contribution to the establishment of infection, viral persistence and the progression to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Josué Castro-Muñoz
- The Wistar Institute, 3601 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, México/Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. San Fernando No. 22, Col. Sección XVI, Tlalpan, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Leticia Rocha-Zavaleta
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Escolar S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, Delegación Coyoacán, Mexico City 04500, Mexico
| | - Marcela Lizano
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, México/Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. San Fernando No. 22, Col. Sección XVI, Tlalpan, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
- Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Katia Montserrat Ramírez-Alcántara
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, México/Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. San Fernando No. 22, Col. Sección XVI, Tlalpan, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Vicente Madrid-Marina
- Dirección de Infecciones Crónicas y Cáncer, Centro de Investigación sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas (CISEI), Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655, Santa María Ahuacatitlán, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62100, Mexico
| | - Joaquín Manzo-Merino
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, México/Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. San Fernando No. 22, Col. Sección XVI, Tlalpan, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
- Cátedras CONACyT-Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, San Fernando No. 22, Col. Sección XVI, Tlalpan, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
- Correspondence:
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19
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Genetic deletion of HPV E7 oncogene effectively regresses HPV driven oral squamous carcinoma tumour growth. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 155:113782. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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20
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Biesaga B, Smolarczyk R, Mucha-Małecka A, Czapla J, Ryś J, Małecki K. Prognostic Significance of STING Immunoexpression in Relation to HPV16 Infection in Patients with Squamous Cell Carcinomas of Oral Cavity and Oropharynx. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102538. [PMID: 36289800 PMCID: PMC9599825 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with HPV16 in cancers of the oral cavity (OCSCC) and oropharynx (OPSCC) is, today, an important etiological and prognostic factor. Patients with HPV-positive OPSCC have a better prognosis than uninfected patients. However, in over 40% of these patients, cancer progression is noticed. Their identification is particularly important due to the ongoing clinical trials regarding the possibility of de-escalation of anticancer treatment in patients with HPV-positive OPSCC. Some studies suggest that there is possibility to differentiate prognosis of HPV16-positive patients by STING (Stimulator of Interferon Genes) immunoexpression. The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of STING immunoexpression on overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of patients with HPV16-positive and -negative OCSCC and OPSCC. The study was performed in a group of 87 patients with OCSCC and OPSCC for which in our earlier study active HPV16 infection was assessed by P16 expression followed by HPV DNA detection. To analyze STING immunoexpression in tumor area (THS) and in adjacent stromal tissues (SHS) H score (HS) was applied. In the subgroup with HPV16, active infection patients with tumors with THS had significantly better DFS (p = 0.047) than those without THS. In this subgroup, TSH did not significantly influence OS, and SHS did not significantly correlate with OS and DFS. In the subgroup of patients without active HPV16 infection, THS and SHS also did not significantly influence patients' survival. Presented results indicated prognostic potential of tumor STING immunoexpression in patients with active HPV16 infection in cancers of oral cavity and oropharynx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Biesaga
- Department of Tumor Pathology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Cracow Branch, Garncarska 11, 31-115 Cracow, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-12-63-48-498
| | - Ryszard Smolarczyk
- Center for Translational Research and Molecular Biology of Cancer, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice Branch, Wybrzeże Armii Krajowej 15, 44-102 Gliwice, Poland
| | - Anna Mucha-Małecka
- Department of Radiotherapy, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Cracow Branch, Garncarska 11, 31-115 Cracow, Poland
| | - Justyna Czapla
- Center for Translational Research and Molecular Biology of Cancer, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice Branch, Wybrzeże Armii Krajowej 15, 44-102 Gliwice, Poland
| | - Janusz Ryś
- Department of Tumor Pathology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Cracow Branch, Garncarska 11, 31-115 Cracow, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Małecki
- Department of Radiotherapy for Children and Adults, University Children’s Hospital of Krakow, Wielicka 265, 30-663 Cracow, Poland
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21
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Ge Z, Ding S. Regulation of cGAS/STING signaling and corresponding immune escape strategies of viruses. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:954581. [PMID: 36189363 PMCID: PMC9516114 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.954581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate immunity is the first line of defense against invading external pathogens, and pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are the key receptors that mediate the innate immune response. Nowadays, there are various PRRs in cells that can activate the innate immune response by recognizing pathogen-related molecular patterns (PAMPs). The DNA sensor cGAS, which belongs to the PRRs, plays a crucial role in innate immunity. cGAS detects both foreign and host DNA and generates a second-messenger cGAMP to mediate stimulator of interferon gene (STING)-dependent antiviral responses, thereby exerting an antiviral immune response. However, the process of cGAS/STING signaling is regulated by a wide range of factors. Multiple studies have shown that viruses directly target signal transduction proteins in the cGAS/STING signaling through viral surface proteins to impede innate immunity. It is noteworthy that the virus utilizes these cGAS/STING signaling regulators to evade immune surveillance. Thus, this paper mainly summarized the regulatory mechanism of the cGAS/STING signaling pathway and the immune escape mechanism of the corresponding virus, intending to provide targeted immunotherapy ideas for dealing with specific viral infections in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Ge
- School of Sport, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shuzhe Ding
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Shuzhe Ding,
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22
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Ni H, Zhang H, Li L, Huang H, Guo H, Zhang L, Li C, Xu JX, Nie CP, Li K, Zhang X, Xia X, Li J. T cell-intrinsic STING signaling promotes regulatory T cell induction and immunosuppression by upregulating FOXP3 transcription in cervical cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-005151. [PMID: 36126994 PMCID: PMC9490630 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is an innate immune sensor of cytoplasmic double-stranded DNA originating from microorganisms and host cells. The activation of cytosolic DNA-STING pathway in tumor microenvironments is usually linked to more robust adaptive immune responses to tumors, however the intracellular function of STING in regulatory T cells is largely unknown. In the present study, we aimed to explore the contribution of intracellular STING activation to regulatory T cell induction (iTreg) in cervical cancer (CC) microenvironments. METHODS Blood samples and tumor specimens were obtained from patients with CC. The intratumoral STING, CCL22, CD8 and forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) expression levels were measured by immunohistochemistry. T cell-specific STING conditional knockout mice (CD4-Cre/STINGflox/flox, TKO) were generated, and syngeneic TC-1 tumor model were investigated. The differentiation and molecular regulatory pathway of human and murine iTreg under different treatments were investigated by ex vivo assays, immunoblotting and quantitative PCR. Tumor-associated exosomes (T-EXO) were isolated from CC cell lines and exosomal contents were identified by ELISA and Western blot analysis. The impact of T-EXO on T cell differentiation was tested in in vitro cell culture. RESULTS Increased STING, CCL22 level, FOXP3+ cells but decreased CD8+ cells in tumor tissues predicted poor survival. Tumor-bearing CD4-Cre-STINGflox/flox (TKO) mice displayed slower tumor growth tendencies as well as fewer FOXP3+ cells but higher CD8+ cell proportion in tumor tissues than wild-type (WT) mice. Activating of STING signaling cooperated with T cell receptor, interleukin-2 receptor and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signals to promote CD4+CD25highFOXP3+ iTreg differentiation from both human and murine CD4+-naïve T cells from WT and IFNAR-/- mice but not TKO or IRF3-/- mice in vitro. Ectopic STING, TBK1 or IRF3 expression promoted iTreg differentiation from human CD4+-naïve T cells. T cell-intrinsic STING activation induced FOXP3 transcription through TBK1-IRF3-mediated SMAD3 and STAT5 phosphorylation independent of interferon-β. In CC, tumor-derived exosomes activated STING signaling in tumor-infiltrated T cells by exosomal TGF-β, cyclic GMP-AMP synthase and 2'-3'-cGAMP, leading to iTreg expansion. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight a novel mechanism for iTreg expansion mediated by tumor-derived exosome-activated T cell-intrinsic STING signal, and provide a rationale for developing immunotherapeutic strategies targeting STING signal in CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhe Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Huanling Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - He Huang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Experiment Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunwei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Xiao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Cai-Ping Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Kui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoshi Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojun Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China .,Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
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23
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Bhujbal S, Bhujbal R, Giram P. An overview: CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing for viral vaccine development. Expert Rev Vaccines 2022; 21:1581-1593. [PMID: 35959589 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2022.2112952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION : Gene-editing technology revolutionized vaccine manufacturing and offers a variety of benefits over traditional vaccinations, such as improved immune response, higher production rate, stability, precise immunogenic activity, and fewer adverse effects. The more recently discovered Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/associated protein 9 (Cas9) system has become the most widely utilized technology based on its efficiency, utility, flexibility, versatility, ease of use, and cheaper compared to other gene-editing techniques. Considering its wider scope for genomic modification, CRISPR/Cas9-based technology's potential is explored for vaccine development. AREAS COVERED : In this review, we will address the recent advances in the CRISPR/Cas system for the development of vaccines and viral vectors for delivery. In addition, we will discuss strategies for the development of the vaccine, as well as the limitations and future prospects of the CRISPR/Cas system. EXPERT OPINION : Human and animal viruses have been exposed to antiviral CRISPR/Cas9-based engineering to prevent infection, which uses knockout, knock-in, gene activation/deactivation, RNA targeting, and editing cell lines strategies for gene editing of viruses. Because of that CRISPR/Cas system is used to boost the vaccine production yield by removing unwanted genes that cause disease or are required for viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh Bhujbal
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Dr. D. Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Sant. Tukaram Nagar Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra (India) -411018
| | - Rushikesh Bhujbal
- Department of Quality Assurance Technique, Dr. D. Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Sant. Tukaram Nagar Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra (India) -411018
| | - Prabhanjan Giram
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Dr. D. Y. Patil Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Sant. Tukaram Nagar Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra (India) -411018.,Department of Pharmaceutics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA- 14260-1660
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24
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Molecular Markers to Predict Prognosis and Treatment Response in Uterine Cervical Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225748. [PMID: 34830902 PMCID: PMC8616420 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality in women worldwide. Each year, over half a million new cases are estimated, resulting in more than 300,000 deaths. While less-invasive, fertility-preserving surgical procedures can be offered to women in early stages, treatment for locally advanced disease may include radical hysterectomy, primary chemoradiotherapy (CRT) or a combination of these modalities. Concurrent platinum-based chemoradiotherapy regimens remain the first-line treatments for locally advanced cervical cancer. Despite achievements such as the introduction of angiogenesis inhibitors, and more recently immunotherapies, the overall survival of women with persistent, recurrent or metastatic disease has not been extended significantly in the last decades. Furthermore, a broad spectrum of molecular markers to predict therapy response and survival and to identify patients with high- and low-risk constellations is missing. Implementation of these markers, however, may help to further improve treatment and to develop new targeted therapies. This review aims to provide comprehensive insights into the complex mechanisms of cervical cancer pathogenesis within the context of molecular markers for predicting treatment response and prognosis.
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25
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Tang N, Zhang Y, Shen Z, Yao Y, Nair V. Application of CRISPR-Cas9 Editing for Virus Engineering and the Development of Recombinant Viral Vaccines. CRISPR J 2021; 4:477-490. [PMID: 34406035 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2021.0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas technology, discovered originally as a bacterial defense system, has been extensively repurposed as a powerful tool for genome editing for multiple applications in biology. In the field of virology, CRISPR-Cas9 technology has been widely applied on genetic recombination and engineering of genomes of various viruses to ask some fundamental questions about virus-host interactions. Its high efficiency, specificity, versatility, and low cost have also provided great inspiration and hope in the field of vaccinology to solve a series of bottleneck problems in the development of recombinant viral vaccines. This review highlights the applications of CRISPR editing in the technological advances compared to the traditional approaches used for the construction of recombinant viral vaccines and vectors, the main factors affecting their application, and the challenges that need to be overcome for further streamlining their effective usage in the prevention and control of diseases. Factors affecting efficiency, target specificity, and fidelity of CRISPR-Cas editing in the context of viral genome editing and development of recombinant vaccines are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Tang
- Shandong Binzhou Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine Academy and UK-China Centre of Excellence for Research on Avian Diseases, Binzhou, P.R. China; University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Yaoyao Zhang
- The Pirbright Institute and UK-China Centre of Excellence for Research on Avian Diseases, Pirbright, Ash road, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom; University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Zhiqiang Shen
- Shandong Binzhou Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine Academy and UK-China Centre of Excellence for Research on Avian Diseases, Binzhou, P.R. China; University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Yongxiu Yao
- The Pirbright Institute and UK-China Centre of Excellence for Research on Avian Diseases, Pirbright, Ash road, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom; University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Venugopal Nair
- The Pirbright Institute and UK-China Centre of Excellence for Research on Avian Diseases, Pirbright, Ash road, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom; University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,The Jenner Institute Laboratories, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; and University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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26
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Gusho E, Laimins L. Human Papillomaviruses Target the DNA Damage Repair and Innate Immune Response Pathways to Allow for Persistent Infection. Viruses 2021; 13:1390. [PMID: 34372596 PMCID: PMC8310235 DOI: 10.3390/v13071390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) is the major risk factor associated with development of anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers. Initial infection by HPVs occurs into basal epithelial cells where viral genomes are established as nuclear episomes and persist until cleared by the immune response. Productive replication or amplification occurs upon differentiation and is dependent upon activation of the ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM), ataxia telangiectasia and RAD3-related (ATR) DNA damage repair (DDR) pathways. In addition to activating DDR pathways, HPVs must escape innate immune surveillance mechanisms by antagonizing sensors, adaptors, interferons and antiviral gene expression. Both DDR and innate immune pathways are key host mechanisms that crosstalk with each other to maintain homeostasis of cells persistently infected with HPVs. Interestingly, it is still not fully understood why some HPV infections get cleared while others do not. Targeting of these two processes with antiviral therapies may provide opportunities for treatment of cancers caused by high-risk HPVs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laimonis Laimins
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA;
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27
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Vats A, Trejo-Cerro O, Thomas M, Banks L. Human papillomavirus E6 and E7: What remains? Tumour Virus Res 2021; 11:200213. [PMID: 33716206 PMCID: PMC7972986 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvr.2021.200213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Decades of research on the human papillomavirus oncogenes, E6 and E7, have given us huge amounts of data on their expression, functions and structures. We know much about the very many cellular proteins and pathways that they influence in one way or another. However, much of this information is quite discrete, referring to one activity examined under one condition. It is now time to join the dots to try to understand a larger picture: how, where and when do all these interactions occur... and why? Examining these questions will also show how many of the yet obscure cellular processes work together for cellular and tissue homeostasis in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arushi Vats
- Tumour Virology Group, ICGEB, AREA Science Park, Trieste, 34149, Italy
| | - Oscar Trejo-Cerro
- Tumour Virology Group, ICGEB, AREA Science Park, Trieste, 34149, Italy
| | - Miranda Thomas
- Tumour Virology Group, ICGEB, AREA Science Park, Trieste, 34149, Italy.
| | - Lawrence Banks
- Tumour Virology Group, ICGEB, AREA Science Park, Trieste, 34149, Italy
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28
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Latest Advances of Virology Research Using CRISPR/Cas9-Based Gene-Editing Technology and Its Application to Vaccine Development. Viruses 2021; 13:v13050779. [PMID: 33924851 PMCID: PMC8146441 DOI: 10.3390/v13050779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the CRISPR/Cas9-based gene-editing techniques have been well developed and applied widely in several aspects of research in the biological sciences, in many species, including humans, animals, plants, and even in viruses. Modification of the viral genome is crucial for revealing gene function, virus pathogenesis, gene therapy, genetic engineering, and vaccine development. Herein, we have provided a brief review of the different technologies for the modification of the viral genomes. Particularly, we have focused on the recently developed CRISPR/Cas9-based gene-editing system, detailing its origin, functional principles, and touching on its latest achievements in virology research and applications in vaccine development, especially in large DNA viruses of humans and animals. Future prospects of CRISPR/Cas9-based gene-editing technology in virology research, including the potential shortcomings, are also discussed.
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29
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Scott TA, Morris KV. Designer nucleases to treat malignant cancers driven by viral oncogenes. Virol J 2021; 18:18. [PMID: 33441159 PMCID: PMC7805041 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-021-01488-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral oncogenic transformation of healthy cells into a malignant state is a well-established phenomenon but took decades from the discovery of tumor-associated viruses to their accepted and established roles in oncogenesis. Viruses cause ~ 15% of know cancers and represents a significant global health burden. Beyond simply causing cellular transformation into a malignant form, a number of these cancers are augmented by a subset of viral factors that significantly enhance the tumor phenotype and, in some cases, are locked in a state of oncogenic addiction, and substantial research has elucidated the mechanisms in these cancers providing a rationale for targeted inactivation of the viral components as a treatment strategy. In many of these virus-associated cancers, the prognosis remains extremely poor, and novel drug approaches are urgently needed. Unlike non-specific small-molecule drug screens or the broad-acting toxic effects of chemo- and radiation therapy, the age of designer nucleases permits a rational approach to inactivating disease-causing targets, allowing for permanent inactivation of viral elements to inhibit tumorigenesis with growing evidence to support their efficacy in this role. Although many challenges remain for the clinical application of designer nucleases towards viral oncogenes; the uniqueness and clear molecular mechanism of these targets, combined with the distinct advantages of specific and permanent inactivation by nucleases, argues for their development as next-generation treatments for this aggressive group of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan A Scott
- Center for Gene Therapy, City of Hope, Beckman Research Institute and Hematological Malignancy and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute at the City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Rd, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
| | - Kevin V Morris
- Center for Gene Therapy, City of Hope, Beckman Research Institute and Hematological Malignancy and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute at the City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Rd, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
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