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Wang M, Qin L, Thia K, Nguyen T, MacDonald S, Belobrov S, Kranz S, Goode D, Trapani JA, Wiesenfeld D, Neeson PJ. Cancer cell-specific PD-L1 expression is a predictor of poor outcome in patients with locally advanced oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e009617. [PMID: 39357980 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2024-009617] [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] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Locally advanced oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) presents a significant clinical challenge despite being partially responsive to standard treatment modalities. This study investigates the prognostic implications of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in these tumors, focusing on its association with treatment outcomes and the immune microenvironment. METHODS We assessed tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in 132 patients with OCSCC to evaluate their impact on survival. Multiplex immunohistochemistry staining for CD3, CD68, CD11c, PD-L1, and P40 was used to explore correlations with clinical outcomes in patients with early-stage (n=22) and locally advanced (n=36) OCSCC. These initial findings were validated through differential gene expression analysis, gene set enrichment, and immune cell deconvolution in a The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort of 163 locally advanced OCSCC tumors. Additionally, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on a smaller cohort (n=10) further characterized the PD-L1hi or PD-L1lo cancer cells in these tumors. RESULTS Elevated PD-L1 expression was associated with poor outcomes in patients with locally advanced OCSCC undergoing standard adjuvant therapy, irrespective of "hot" or "cold" classification based on TILs assessment. PD-L1hi tumors exhibited an active immune response phenotype, enriched with M1 macrophages, CD8+ T cells and T regulatory cells in the tumor microenvironment. Notably, the negative impact of PD-L1 expression on outcomes was primarily attributed to its expression by cancer cells, rather than immune cells. Furthermore, scRNA-seq revealed that immune interactions were not essential for PD-L1 upregulation in cancer cells, instead, complex regulatory networks were involved. Additionally, PD-L1lo locally advanced tumors exhibited more complex pathway enrichment and diverse T-cell populations compared with those in the early-stage. CONCLUSION Our findings underscore the prognostic significance of PD-L1 expression in locally advanced OCSCC, and unveil the complex interplay between PD-L1 expression, immune responses, and molecular pathways in the tumor microenvironment. This study provides insights that may inform future therapeutic strategies, including the possibility of tailored immunotherapeutic approaches for patients with PD-L1hi locally advanced OCSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minyu Wang
- Cancer Immunology Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Cancer Immunotherapy, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lei Qin
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Computational Cancer Biology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kevin Thia
- Cancer Immunology Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Cancer Immunotherapy, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thu Nguyen
- Cancer Immunology Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sean MacDonald
- Cancer Immunology Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Cancer Immunotherapy, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simone Belobrov
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sevastjan Kranz
- Department of Pathology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Goode
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Computational Cancer Biology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joseph A Trapani
- Cancer Immunology Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Cancer Immunotherapy, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Wiesenfeld
- Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul Joseph Neeson
- Cancer Immunology Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Cancer Immunotherapy, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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2
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Ju Y, Xu D, Liao MM, Sun Y, Bao WD, Yao F, Ma L. Barriers and opportunities in pancreatic cancer immunotherapy. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:199. [PMID: 39266715 PMCID: PMC11393360 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00681-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) presents a fatal clinical challenge characterized by a dismal 5-year overall survival rate, primarily due to the lack of early diagnosis and limited therapeutic efficacy. Immunotherapy, a proven success in multiple cancers, has yet to demonstrate significant benefits in PDAC. Recent studies have revealed the immunosuppressive characteristics of the PDAC tumor microenvironment (TME), including immune cells with suppressive properties, desmoplastic stroma, microbiome influences, and PDAC-specific signaling pathways. In this article, we review recent advances in understanding the immunosuppressive TME of PDAC, TME differences among various mouse models of pancreatic cancer, and the mechanisms underlying resistance to immunotherapeutic interventions. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of targeting cancer cell-intrinsic pathways and TME components to sensitize PDAC to immune therapies, providing insights into strategies and future perspectives to break through the barriers in improving pancreatic cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Ju
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Biomedicine and Health, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
| | - Dongzhi Xu
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Biomedicine and Health, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
| | - Miao-Miao Liao
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Biomedicine and Health, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Yutong Sun
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Wen-Dai Bao
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Biomedicine and Health, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Fan Yao
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Biomedicine and Health, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China.
- Shenzhen Institute of Nutrition and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China.
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China.
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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3
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Yang M, Liu J, Li J, Wen S, Hu Y, Lu W, Liu J, Huang P, Liu P. The rheumatoid arthritis drug auranofin exerts potent anti-lymphoma effect by stimulating TXNRD-mediated ROS generation and inhibition of energy metabolism. Redox Biol 2024; 75:103245. [PMID: 38909408 PMCID: PMC11254835 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103245] [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: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the survival of lymphoma patients who experience disease progression or relapse remains very poor, new therapeutic approaches and effective drugs are urgently needed. Here we show that auranofin (AF), an anti-rheumatoid drug thought to inhibit thioredoxin reductases (TXNRDs) as its mechanism of action, exhibited potent activity against multiple cancer types, especially effective against B cell lymphoma. Surprisingly, a knockdown of TXNRD1 and TXNRD2 did not cause significant cytotoxicity, suggesting that abrogation of TXNRD enzyme per se was insufficient to cause cancer cell death. Further mechanistic study showed that the interaction of AF with TXNRD could convert this antioxidant enzyme to a ROS-generating molecule via disrupting its electron transport, leading to a leak of electrons that interact with molecular oxygen to form superoxide. AF also suppressed energy metabolism by inhibiting both mitochondria complex II and the glycolytic enzyme GAPDH, leading to a significant depletion of ATP and inhibition of cancer growth in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, we found that the AF-mediated ROS stress could induce PD-L1 expression, revealing an unwanted effect of AF in causing immune suppression. We further showed that a combination of AF with anti-PD-1 antibody could enhance the anticancer activity in a syngeneic immune-competent mouse B-cell lymphoma model. Our study suggests that AF could be a potential drug for lymphoma treatment, and its combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors would be a logical strategy to increase the therapeutic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Yang
- Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, China
| | - Jiaxin Liu
- Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianan Li
- Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shijun Wen
- Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yumin Hu
- Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenhua Lu
- Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinyun Liu
- Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Metabolic Innovation Center, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Platform of Metabolomics Center for Precision Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Peng Huang
- Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Metabolic Innovation Center, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Platform of Metabolomics Center for Precision Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Panpan Liu
- Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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4
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Li J, Lim JYS, Eu JQ, Chan AKMH, Goh BC, Wang L, Wong ALA. Reactive Oxygen Species Modulation in the Current Landscape of Anticancer Therapies. Antioxid Redox Signal 2024; 41:322-341. [PMID: 38445392 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2023.0445] [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] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Significance: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated during mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, and are tightly controlled through homeostatic mechanisms to maintain intracellular redox, regulating growth and proliferation in healthy cells. However, ROS production is perturbed in cancers where abnormal accumulation of ROS leads to oxidative stress and genomic instability, triggering oncogenic signaling pathways on one hand, while increasing oxidative damage and triggering ROS-dependent death signaling on the other. Recent Advances: Our review illuminates how critical interactions between ROS and oncogenic signaling, the tumor microenvironment, and DNA damage response (DDR) pathways have led to interest in ROS modulation as a means of enhancing existing anticancer strategies and developing new therapeutic opportunities. Critical Issues: ROS equilibrium exists via a delicate balance of pro-oxidant and antioxidant species within cells. "Antioxidant" approaches have been explored mainly in the form of chemoprevention, but there is insufficient evidence to advocate its routine application. More progress has been made via the "pro-oxidant" approach of targeting cancer vulnerabilities and inducing oxidative stress. Various therapeutic modalities have employed this approach, including direct ROS-inducing agents, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, DDR therapies, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Finally, emerging delivery systems such as "nanosensitizers" as radiotherapy enhancers are currently in development. Future Directions: While approaches designed to induce ROS have shown considerable promise in selectively targeting cancer cells and dealing with resistance to conventional therapies, most are still in early phases of development and challenges remain. Further research should endeavor to refine treatment strategies, optimize drug combinations, and identify predictive biomarkers of ROS-based cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Li
- Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jie Qing Eu
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Boon Cher Goh
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lingzhi Wang
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Andrea Li-Ann Wong
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
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5
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Glorieux C, Liu S, Trachootham D, Huang P. Targeting ROS in cancer: rationale and strategies. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:583-606. [PMID: 38982305 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-024-00979-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) in biological systems are transient but essential molecules that are generated and eliminated by a complex set of delicately balanced molecular machineries. Disruption of redox homeostasis has been associated with various human diseases, especially cancer, in which increased ROS levels are thought to have a major role in tumour development and progression. As such, modulation of cellular redox status by targeting ROS and their regulatory machineries is considered a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. Recently, there has been major progress in this field, including the discovery of novel redox signalling pathways that affect the metabolism of tumour cells as well as immune cells in the tumour microenvironment, and the intriguing ROS regulation of biomolecular phase separation. Progress has also been made in exploring redox regulation in cancer stem cells, the role of ROS in determining cell fate and new anticancer agents that target ROS. This Review discusses these research developments and their implications for cancer therapy and drug discovery, as well as emerging concepts, paradoxes and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Glorieux
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shihua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Peng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.
- Metabolic Innovation Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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6
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Feng YYF, Li YC, Liu HM, Xu R, Liu YT, Zhang W, Yang HY, Chen G. Synthetic lethal CRISPR screen identifies a cancer cell-intrinsic role of PD-L1 in regulation of vulnerability to ferroptosis. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114477. [PMID: 38985676 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114477] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the success of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibition in tumor therapy, many patients do not benefit. This failure may be attributed to the intrinsic functions of PD-L1. We perform a genome-wide CRISPR synthetic lethality screen to systematically explore the intrinsic functions of PD-L1 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells, identifying ferroptosis-related genes as essential for the viability of PD-L1-deficient cells. Genetic and pharmacological induction of ferroptosis accelerates cell death in PD-L1 knockout cells, which are also more susceptible to immunogenic ferroptosis. Mechanistically, nuclear PD-L1 transcriptionally activates SOD2 to maintain redox homeostasis. Lower reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ferroptosis are observed in patients with HNSCC who have higher PD-L1 expression. Our study illustrates that PD-L1 confers ferroptosis resistance in HNSCC cells by activating the SOD2-mediated antioxidant pathway, suggesting that targeting the intrinsic functions of PD-L1 could enhance therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang-Ying-Fan Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Yi-Cun Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Stomatological Center, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Guangdong 518036, China; Guangdong Provincial High-level Clinical Key Specialty, Guangdong 518036, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Research Center of Oral Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, Guangdong 518036, China; The Institute of Stomatology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Guangdong 518036, China
| | - Hai-Ming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Rui Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Yu-Tong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China.
| | - Hong-Yu Yang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Stomatological Center, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Guangdong 518036, China; Guangdong Provincial High-level Clinical Key Specialty, Guangdong 518036, China; Guangdong Province Engineering Research Center of Oral Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, Guangdong 518036, China; The Institute of Stomatology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Guangdong 518036, China.
| | - Gang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China; TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China; Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China.
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7
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Lu J, He R, Liu Y, Zhang J, Xu H, Zhang T, Chen L, Yang G, Zhang J, Liu J, Chi H. Exploiting cell death and tumor immunity in cancer therapy: challenges and future directions. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1416115. [PMID: 38887519 PMCID: PMC11180757 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1416115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains a significant global challenge, with escalating incidence rates and a substantial burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Herein, we present an in-depth exploration of the intricate interplay between cancer cell death pathways and tumor immunity within the tumor microenvironment (TME). We begin by elucidating the epidemiological landscape of cancer, highlighting its pervasive impact on premature mortality and the pronounced burden in regions such as Asia and Africa. Our analysis centers on the pivotal concept of immunogenic cell death (ICD), whereby cancer cells succumbing to specific stimuli undergo a transformation that elicits robust anti-tumor immune responses. We scrutinize the mechanisms underpinning ICD induction, emphasizing the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) as key triggers for dendritic cell (DC) activation and subsequent T cell priming. Moreover, we explore the contributions of non-apoptotic RCD pathways, including necroptosis, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis, to tumor immunity within the TME. Emerging evidence suggests that these alternative cell death modalities possess immunogenic properties and can synergize with conventional treatments to bolster anti-tumor immune responses. Furthermore, we discuss the therapeutic implications of targeting the TME for cancer treatment, highlighting strategies to harness immunogenic cell death and manipulate non-apoptotic cell death pathways for therapeutic benefit. By elucidating the intricate crosstalk between cancer cell death and immune modulation within the TME, this review aims to pave the way for the development of novel cancer therapies that exploit the interplay between cell death mechanisms and tumor immunity and overcome Challenges in the Development and implementation of Novel Therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaan Lu
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Ru He
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jinghan Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Heng Xu
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Tianchi Zhang
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Department of General Surgery, Dazhou Central Hospital, Dazhou, China
| | - Li Chen
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Department of General Surgery, Dazhou Central Hospital, Dazhou, China
| | - Guanhu Yang
- Department of Specialty Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Dazhou Central Hospital, Dazhou, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Dazhou Central Hospital, Dazhou, China
| | - Hao Chi
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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8
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Liu Y, Chen W, Liu M, Yeh H, Chen W, Jiang K, Li H, Chen Z, Wang W, Abou‐Kheir W, Wen Y. Immunosuppressive role of BDNF in therapy-induced neuroendocrine prostate cancer. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:1665-1686. [PMID: 38381121 PMCID: PMC11161734 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13614] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Prostate stromal cells play a crucial role in the promotion of tumor growth and immune evasion in the tumor microenvironment (TME) through intricate molecular alterations in their interaction with prostate cancer (PCa) cells. While the impact of these cells on establishing an immunosuppressive response and influencing PCa aggressiveness remains incompletely understood. Our study shows that the activation of the leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF)/LIF receptor (LIFR) pathway in both prostate tumor and stromal cells, following androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), leads to the development of an immunosuppressive TME. Activation of LIF/LIFR signaling in PCa cells induces neuroendocrine differentiation (NED) and upregulates immune checkpoint expression. Inhibition of LIF/LIFR attenuates these effects, underscoring the crucial role of LIF/LIFR in linking NED to immunosuppression. Prostate stromal cells expressing LIFR contribute to NED and immunosuppressive marker abundance in PCa cells, while LIFR knockdown in prostate stromal cells reverses these effects. ADT-driven LIF/LIFR signaling induces brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, which, in turn, promotes NED, aggressiveness, and immune evasion in PCa cells. Clinical analyses demonstrate elevated BDNF levels in metastatic castration-resistant PCa (CRPC) and a positive correlation with programmed death-ligand 1 (PDL1) and immunosuppressive signatures. This study shows that the crosstalk between PCa cells and prostate stromal cells enhances LIF/LIFR signaling, contributing to an immunosuppressive TME and NED in PCa cells through the upregulation of BDNF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen‐Nien Liu
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and TechnologyTaipei Medical UniversityTaiwan
| | - Wei‐Yu Chen
- Department of Pathology, Wan Fang HospitalTaipei Medical UniversityTaiwan
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of MedicineTaipei Medical UniversityTaiwan
| | - Ming‐Kun Liu
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and TechnologyTaipei Medical UniversityTaiwan
| | - Hsiu‐Lien Yeh
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and TechnologyTaipei Medical UniversityTaiwan
| | - Wei‐Hao Chen
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and TechnologyTaipei Medical UniversityTaiwan
| | - Kuo‐Ching Jiang
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and TechnologyTaipei Medical UniversityTaiwan
| | - Han‐Ru Li
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and TechnologyTaipei Medical UniversityTaiwan
| | - Zi‐Qing Chen
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy, School of PharmacyTaipei Medical UniversityTaiwan
| | - Wan‐Hsin Wang
- Division of Clinical Pharmacy, School of PharmacyTaipei Medical UniversityTaiwan
| | - Wassim Abou‐Kheir
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences Faculty of MedicineAmerican University of BeirutLebanon
| | - Yu‐Ching Wen
- Department of Urology, Wan Fang HospitalTaipei Medical UniversityTaiwan
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, College of MedicineTaipei Medical UniversityTaiwan
- TMU Research Center of Urology and KidneyTaipei Medical UniversityTaiwan
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9
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Rauth S, Malafa M, Ponnusamy MP, Batra SK. Emerging Trends in Gastrointestinal Cancer Targeted Therapies: Harnessing Tumor Microenvironment, Immune Factors, and Metabolomics Insights. Gastroenterology 2024:S0016-5085(24)04917-5. [PMID: 38759843 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2024.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are the leading cause of new cancer cases and cancer-related deaths worldwide. The treatment strategies for patients with GI tumors have focused on oncogenic molecular profiles associated with tumor cells. Recent evidence has demonstrated that the tumor cell functions are modulated by its microenvironment, compromising fibroblasts, extracellular matrices, microbiome, immune cells, and the enteric nervous system. Along with the tumor microenvironment components, alterations in key metabolic pathways have emerged as a hallmark of tumor cells. From these perspectives, this review will highlight the functions of different cellular components of the GI tumor microenvironment and their implications for treatment. Furthermore, we discuss the major metabolic reprogramming in GI tumor cells and how understanding metabolic rewiring could lead to new therapeutic strategies. Finally, we briefly summarize the targeted agents currently being studied in GI cancers. Understanding the complex interplay between tumor cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic factors during tumor progression is critical for developing new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanchita Rauth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Mokenge Malafa
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Moorthy P Ponnusamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska.
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska.
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10
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Ye W, Lu X, Qiao Y, Ou WB. Activity and resistance to KRAS G12C inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189108. [PMID: 38723697 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) are associated with a high mortality rate. Mutations in the V-Ki-ras2 Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog (KRAS) proto-oncogene GTPase (KRAS) are frequently observed in these cancers. Owing to its structural attributes, KRAS has traditionally been regarded as an "undruggable" target. However, recent advances have identified a novel mutational regulatory site, KRASG12C switch II, leading to the development of two KRASG12C inhibitors (adagrasib and sotorasib) that are FDA-approved. This groundbreaking discovery has revolutionized our understanding of the KRAS locus and offers treatment options for patients with NSCLC harboring KRAS mutations. Due to the presence of alternative resistance pathways, the use of KRASG12C inhibitors as a standalone treatment for patients with CRC is not considered optimal. However, the combination of KRASG12C inhibitors with other targeted drugs has demonstrated greater efficacy in CRC patients harboring KRAS mutations. Furthermore, NSCLC and CRC patients harboring KRASG12C mutations inevitably develop primary or acquired resistance to drug therapy. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of resistance mechanisms, such as secondary mutations of KRAS, mutations of downstream intermediates, co-mutations with KRAS, receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) activation, Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transitions (EMTs), and tumor remodeling, the implementation of KRASG12C inhibitor-based combination therapy holds promise as a viable solution. Furthermore, the emergence of protein hydrolysis-targeted chimeras and molecular glue technologies has been facilitated by collaborative efforts in structural science and pharmacology. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the recent advancements in various aspects related to the KRAS gene, including the KRAS signaling pathway, tumor immunity, and immune microenvironment crosstalk, as well as the latest developments in KRASG12C inhibitors and mechanisms of resistance. In addition, this study discusses the strategies used to address drug resistance in light of the crosstalk between these factors. In the coming years, there will likely be advancements in the development of more efficacious pharmaceuticals and targeted therapeutic approaches for treating NSCLC and CRC. Consequently, individuals with KRAS-mutant NSCLC may experience a prolonged response duration and improved treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ye
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xin Lu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yue Qiao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wen-Bin Ou
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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11
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Zhang X, Ma H, He Y, He W, Chen N, Li Y, Zhong W, Wu G, Zhou X, Hua H, Ye F, Cai H, Jiang W. Reclassification of RAS/BRAF allele mutations predicts the survival benefit of triplet chemotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2024; 16:17588359231225035. [PMID: 38293276 PMCID: PMC10826380 DOI: 10.1177/17588359231225035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Different RAS/BRAF allele mutations imply distinct biological properties in various solid tumors. Recently, several studies have focused on the predictive and prognostic roles of various RAS/BRAF allele mutations in colorectal cancer (CRC) but the results remain controversial. Methods Between March 2017 and September 2022, the patients diagnosed as stages I-IV CRC with detailed medical records including next-generation sequencing (NGS) data and clinicopathological follow-up information available at our center were enrolled. Survival data were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the difference was tested in a log-rank test. Multivariate tests were carried out using Cox models. Results A total of 1029 CRC patients were included, and the incidence of RAS/BRAF mutation was 58.4%. The hypermutated cohort was defined as patients with microsatellite instability-H or POLE/D mutation. In the non-hypermutational cohort, only KRAS G13D mutation was associated with a higher incidence and inferior disease-free survival in patients with stage I-III CRC. In the cohort of patients with non-hypermutated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), we assessed the risk of various RAS/BRAF allele mutations and subsequently reclassified patients into four groups based on first-line median progression-free survival: wild type (group 1), low-risk RAS/BRAF mutation (group 2, RAS/BRAF mutations other than KRAS G13D/G12V/G12C or BRAF V600E), high-risk RAS mutation (group 3, KRAS G13D/G12V/G12C), and BRAF V600E mutation (group 4). mCRC patients with high-risk RAS mutation could significantly benefit from intensive triplet chemotherapy (hazard ratio, 2.54; 95% confidence interval, 1.36-5.12; p = 0.0091). Conclusion In the non-hypermutated CRC cohort, the prognostic risk of various RAS/BRAF allele mutations varied between local and metastatic CRC. KRAS G13D mutation tended to be the only prognostic marker for stages I-III CRC; however, KRAS G13D/G12V/G12C mutations collectively defined a high-risk subgroup of mCRC patients with poor prognosis, who would benefit from intensive triplet chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Haizhong Ma
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Medicine for Surgical Oncology in Gansu Province, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Gansu, China
| | - Yinjun He
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenguang He
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Nan Chen
- Departments of Colorectal Surgery, Yuyao Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yuyao, China
| | - Yandong Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weixiang Zhong
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guosheng Wu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xile Zhou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hanju Hua
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feng Ye
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui Cai
- NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Medicine for Surgical Oncology in Gansu Province, Gansu Provincial Hospital, 204 Donggang West Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, China, 730000
| | - Weiqin Jiang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Shangcheng District Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province China, 310003
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12
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Martins C, Rasbach E, Heppt MV, Singh P, Kulcsar Z, Holzgruber J, Chakraborty A, Mucciarone K, Kleffel S, Brandenburg A, Hoetzenecker W, Rahbari NN, DeCaprio JA, Thakuria M, Murphy GF, Ramsey MR, Posch C, Barthel SR, Schatton T. Tumor cell-intrinsic PD-1 promotes Merkel cell carcinoma growth by activating downstream mTOR-mitochondrial ROS signaling. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadi2012. [PMID: 38241371 PMCID: PMC10798567 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive skin cancer. Inhibitors targeting the programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint have improved MCC patient outcomes by boosting antitumor T cell immunity. Here, we identify PD-1 as a growth-promoting receptor intrinsic to MCC cells. In human MCC lines and clinical tumors, RT-PCR-based sequencing, immunoblotting, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence analyses demonstrated PD-1 gene and protein expression by MCC cells. MCC-PD-1 ligation enhanced, and its inhibition or silencing suppressed, in vitro proliferation and in vivo tumor xenograft growth. Consistently, MCC-PD-1 binding to PD-L1 or PD-L2 induced, while antibody-mediated PD-1 blockade inhibited, protumorigenic mTOR signaling, mitochondrial (mt) respiration, and ROS generation. Last, pharmacologic inhibition of mTOR or mtROS reversed MCC-PD-1:PD-L1-dependent proliferation and synergized with PD-1 checkpoint blockade in suppressing tumorigenesis. Our results identify an MCC-PD-1-mTOR-mtROS axis as a tumor growth-accelerating mechanism, the blockade of which might contribute to clinical response in patients with MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Martins
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Program of Glyco-Immunology and Oncology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Erik Rasbach
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Program of Glyco-Immunology and Oncology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Markus V. Heppt
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Praveen Singh
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Program of Glyco-Immunology and Oncology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Zsofi Kulcsar
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Program of Glyco-Immunology and Oncology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Julia Holzgruber
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Program of Glyco-Immunology and Oncology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Johannes Kepler University, 4020 Linz, Austria
| | - Asmi Chakraborty
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Program of Glyco-Immunology and Oncology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kyla Mucciarone
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sonja Kleffel
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Anne Brandenburg
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Wolfram Hoetzenecker
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Johannes Kepler University, 4020 Linz, Austria
| | - Nuh N. Rahbari
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - James A. DeCaprio
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Program in Virology, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma Center of Excellence, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Manisha Thakuria
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma Center of Excellence, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - George F. Murphy
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Matthew R. Ramsey
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Christian Posch
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Vienna Healthcare Group, 1130 Vienna, Austria
- Faculty of Medicine, Sigmund Freud University Vienna, 1020 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Steven R. Barthel
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Program of Glyco-Immunology and Oncology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Tobias Schatton
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Program of Glyco-Immunology and Oncology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Tripathi P, Kumari R, Pathak R. Drugging the undruggable: Advances in targeting KRAS signaling in solid tumors. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 385:1-39. [PMID: 38663957 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Cancer remains the leading cause of global mortality, prompting a paradigm shift in its treatment and outcomes with the advent of targeted therapies. Among the most prevalent mutations in RAS-driven cancers, Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutations account for approximately 86% of cases worldwide, particularly in lung, pancreatic, and colon cancers, contributing to poor prognosis and reduced overall survival. Despite numerous efforts to understand the biology of KRAS mutants and their pivotal role in cancer development, the lack of well-defined drug-binding pockets has deemed KRAS an "undruggable" therapeutic target, presenting significant challenges for researchers and clinicians alike. Through significant biochemical and technological advances, the last decade has witnessed promising breakthroughs in targeted therapies for KRAS-mutated lung, colon, and pancreatic cancers, marking a critical turning point in the field. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the characteristics of KRAS mutations across various solid tumors, highlighting ongoing cutting-edge research on the immune microenvironment, the development of KRAS-driven mice models, and the recent progress in the exploration of specific KRAS mutant-targeted therapeutic approaches. By comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of KRAS signaling in solid tumors and the latest therapeutic developments, this chapter will shed light on the potential for novel therapeutic strategies to combat KRAS-driven tumors and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prajna Tripathi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Rajni Kumari
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Rajiv Pathak
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, United States.
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14
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Glorieux C, Enríquez C, González C, Aguirre-Martínez G, Buc Calderon P. The Multifaceted Roles of NRF2 in Cancer: Friend or Foe? Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:70. [PMID: 38247494 PMCID: PMC10812565 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Physiological concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) play vital roles in various normal cellular processes, whereas excessive ROS generation is central to disease pathogenesis. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a critical transcription factor that regulates the cellular antioxidant systems in response to oxidative stress by governing the expression of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes that shield cells from diverse oxidative alterations. NRF2 and its negative regulator Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) have been the focus of numerous investigations in elucidating whether NRF2 suppresses tumor promotion or conversely exerts pro-oncogenic effects. NRF2 has been found to participate in various pathological processes, including dysregulated cell proliferation, metabolic remodeling, and resistance to apoptosis. Herein, this review article will examine the intriguing role of phase separation in activating the NRF2 transcriptional activity and explore the NRF2 dual impacts on tumor immunology, cancer stem cells, metastasis, and long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs). Taken together, this review aims to discuss the NRF2 multifaceted roles in both cancer prevention and promotion while also addressing the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations associated with modulating NRF2 therapeutically in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Glorieux
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Cinthya Enríquez
- Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique 1100000, Chile; (C.E.); (C.G.); (G.A.-M.)
- Programa de Magister en Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique 1100000, Chile
| | - Constanza González
- Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique 1100000, Chile; (C.E.); (C.G.); (G.A.-M.)
| | - Gabriela Aguirre-Martínez
- Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique 1100000, Chile; (C.E.); (C.G.); (G.A.-M.)
- Instituto de Química Medicinal, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique 1100000, Chile
| | - Pedro Buc Calderon
- Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique 1100000, Chile; (C.E.); (C.G.); (G.A.-M.)
- Instituto de Química Medicinal, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique 1100000, Chile
- Research Group in Metabolism and Nutrition, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
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15
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Hao S, Cai D, Gou S, Li Y, Liu L, Tang X, Chen Y, Zhao Y, Shen J, Wu X, Li M, Chen M, Li X, Sun Y, Gu L, Li W, Wang F, Cho CH, Xiao Z, Du F. Does each Component of Reactive Oxygen Species have a Dual Role in the Tumor Microenvironment? Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:4958-4986. [PMID: 37469162 PMCID: PMC11340293 DOI: 10.2174/0929867331666230719142202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a class of highly reactive oxidizing molecules, including superoxide anion (O2 •-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), among others. Moderate levels of ROS play a crucial role in regulating cellular signaling and maintaining cellular functions. However, abnormal ROS levels or persistent oxidative stress can lead to changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) that favor cancer development. This review provides an overview of ROS generation, structure, and properties, as well as their effects on various components of the TME. Contrary to previous studies, our findings reveal a dual effect of ROS on different components of the TME, whereby ROS can either enhance or inhibit certain factors, ultimately leading to the promotion or suppression of the TME. For example, H2O2 has dual effects on immune cells and non-- cellular components within the TME, while O2 •- has dual effects on T cells and fibroblasts. Furthermore, each component demonstrates distinct mechanisms of action and ranges of influence. In the final section of the article, we summarize the current clinical applications of ROS in cancer treatment and identify certain limitations associated with existing therapeutic approaches. Therefore, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of ROS, highlighting their dual effects on different components of the TME, and exploring the potential clinical applications that may pave the way for future treatment and prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Hao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Sichuan Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Dan Cai
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Sichuan Luzhou, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
| | - Shuang Gou
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Sichuan Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Yan Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Sichuan Luzhou, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
| | - Xiaolong Tang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Sichuan Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Sichuan Luzhou, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
| | - Yueshui Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Sichuan Luzhou, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
| | - Jing Shen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Sichuan Luzhou, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
| | - Xu Wu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Sichuan Luzhou, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
| | - Mingxing Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Sichuan Luzhou, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
| | - Meijuan Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
| | - Xiaobing Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
| | - Yuhong Sun
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
| | - Li Gu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
| | - Wanping Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
| | - Chi Hin Cho
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Zhangang Xiao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Sichuan Luzhou, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
| | - Fukuan Du
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Sichuan Luzhou, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Sichuan Luzhou 646600, China
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16
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Han JH, Lee EJ, Park W, Choi JG, Ha KT, Chung HS. Cosmosiin Induces Apoptosis in Colorectal Cancer by Inhibiting PD-L1 Expression and Inducing ROS. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:2131. [PMID: 38136250 PMCID: PMC10740471 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12122131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies, particularly those concerning immune checkpoint inhibitors, have transformed cancer treatment in recent years. Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a key target for immunotherapy that is overexpressed in the cells of colorectal cancer, a widespread malignant cancer that poses a significant healthcare challenge. This study investigated the effects of cosmosiin treatment on colorectal cancer cell lines. Cosmosiin is a naturally occurring flavone glycoside compound that has potential health benefits, including antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. This study showed that cosmosiin effectively suppresses the expression of PD-L1 and triggers apoptosis, which is facilitated through pathways that are related to reactive oxygen species. These outcomes suggest that cosmosiin could be a promising candidate for an immune checkpoint inhibitor in the treatment of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Ho Han
- Korean Medicine (KM)-Application Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM), Daegu 41062, Republic of Korea; (J.H.H.); (E.-J.L.); (J.-G.C.)
| | - Eun-Ji Lee
- Korean Medicine (KM)-Application Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM), Daegu 41062, Republic of Korea; (J.H.H.); (E.-J.L.); (J.-G.C.)
| | - Wonyoung Park
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea; (W.P.); (K.-T.H.)
| | - Jang-Gi Choi
- Korean Medicine (KM)-Application Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM), Daegu 41062, Republic of Korea; (J.H.H.); (E.-J.L.); (J.-G.C.)
| | - Ki-Tae Ha
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea; (W.P.); (K.-T.H.)
| | - Hwan-Suck Chung
- Korean Medicine (KM)-Application Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM), Daegu 41062, Republic of Korea; (J.H.H.); (E.-J.L.); (J.-G.C.)
- Korean Convergence Medical Science Major, University of Science and Technology (UST), KIOM Campus, Daegu 41062, Republic of Korea
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Huo JT, Tuersun A, Yu SY, Zhang YC, Feng WQ, Xu ZQ, Zhao JK, Zong YP, Lu AG. Leveraging a KRAS-based signature to predict the prognosis and drug sensitivity of colon cancer and identifying SPINK4 as a new biomarker. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22230. [PMID: 38097680 PMCID: PMC10721872 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48768-0] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
KRAS is one of the leading mutations reported in colon cancer. However, there are few studies on the application of KRAS related signature in predicting prognosis and drug sensitivity of colon cancer patient. We identified KRAS related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. A signature closely related to overall survival was recognized with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and univariate cox regression analysis. Then we validated this signature with overall expression score (OE score) algorithm using both scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq data. Based on this signature, we performed LASSO cox regression to establish a prognostic model, and corresponding scores were calculated. Differences in genomic alteration, immune microenvironment, drug sensitivity between high- and low-KRD score groups were investigated. A KRAS related signature composed of 80 DEGs in colon cancer were recognized, among which 19 genes were selected to construct a prognostic model. This KRAS related signature was significantly correlated with worse prognosis. Furthermore, patients who scored lower in the prognostic model presented a higher likelihood of responding to chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Furthermore, among the 19 selected genes in the model, SPINK4 was identified as an independent prognostic biomarker. Further validation in vitro indicated the knockdown of SPINK4 promoted the proliferation and migration of SW48 cells. In conclusion, a novel KRAS related signature was identified and validated based on clinical and genomic information from TCGA and GEO databases. The signature was proved to regulate genomic alteration, immune microenvironment and drug sensitivity in colon cancer, and thus might serve as a predictor for individual prognosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Ting Huo
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200020, People's Republic of China
| | - Abudumaimaitijiang Tuersun
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200020, People's Republic of China
| | - Su-Yue Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200020, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Chen Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200020, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Qing Feng
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200020, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuo-Qing Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200020, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Kun Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200020, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ya-Ping Zong
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200020, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ai-Guo Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200020, People's Republic of China.
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18
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Chiari R, Palladino S, Emili R, De Lisa M, Sarti D, Catalano V, Magnani M, Graziano F, Ruzzo A. KRAS4A and KRAS4B in liquid biopsy of metastatic lung adenocarcinoma patients treated with Pembrolizumab or chemotherapy plus Pembrolizumab. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21036. [PMID: 38030703 PMCID: PMC10687227 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48304-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
KRAS is involved in the stability and expression of PD-L1. We investigated the expression of circulating mRNA (cmRNA) of KRAS4A and KRAS4B and the possible impact on progression-free survival (PFS) of patients with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma treated with immunotherapy. Patients without driver mutations undergoing Pembrolizumab (P) or P plus chemotherapy (PC) were prospectively accrued for liquid biopsy analysis of KRAS4A, KRAS4B, and PD-L1 cmRNA. Both KRAS isoforms were also studied for association with PD-L1 cmRNA. Of 56 patients, 28 received P and 28 PC. Patients with high levels of both KRAS isoforms showed significantly better PFS. The median PFS for KRAS4A was 29 months (95% CI 22-29 months) and KRAS4B 24 months (95% CI 13-29 months), respectively. The median PFS of patients with low levels of both isoforms was 12 months (95% CI 6-15 months for KRAS4A and 95% CI 5-20 months for KRAS4B). High KRAS4A retained a significant positive association with PFS in the multivariate model. An exploratory analysis in treatment subgroups found a positive association between high KRAS4A and KRAS4B with PFS in patients treated with P. PD-L1 cmRNA was significantly higher in patients with high KRAS isoforms levels and this effect was pronounced for high KRAS4A carriers. KRAS4A deserves further investigation as a potential marker for defining patients who may benefit the most from immune checkpoint inhibitors therapy and improving personalized cancer immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Chiari
- Oncology Unit, AST1 Pesaro e Urbino, Stabilimento di Muraglia - Via Lombroso 1, 61122, Pesaro, Italy
- Oncology Unit, AST1 Pesaro e Urbino, Fano, Italy
| | - Silvia Palladino
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Via Arco d'Augusto, 2, 61032, Fano, Italy
| | - Rita Emili
- Oncology Unit, AST1 Pesaro e Urbino, Urbino, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Mauro Magnani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Via Arco d'Augusto, 2, 61032, Fano, Italy
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Francesco Graziano
- Oncology Unit, AST1 Pesaro e Urbino, Stabilimento di Muraglia - Via Lombroso 1, 61122, Pesaro, Italy.
| | - Annamaria Ruzzo
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Via Arco d'Augusto, 2, 61032, Fano, Italy.
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19
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Wu R, Liu W, Yang Q, Zhang J, Hou P, Xiong J, Wu L, Li E. LncTUG1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma immune evasion via upregulating PD-L1 expression. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16998. [PMID: 37813900 PMCID: PMC10562488 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42948-8] [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: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
HCC is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. Although traditional treatment methods have been improved in recent years, the survival rate of HCC patients has not been significantly improved. Immunotherapy has shown extremely high clinical value in a variety of tumors. In this study, we found that TUG1 could regulate the expression of PD-L1 through JAK2/STAT3 to mediate immunosuppression. Here, The expression of TUG1 and PD-L1 in HCC tissues was evaluated through analysis of databases and verified in HCC tissue and HCC cancer cells by qRT-PCR. The effect of TUG1 on tumor immune escape was detected by coculture, and cell viability was detected with a CCK8 assay. The results demonstrated that TUG1 was closely associated with anticancer immunity. TUG1 and PD-L1 were highly expressed in HCC tissues and HCC cancer cells, and high expression of TUG1 and PD-L1 was related to the poor prognosis of HCC patients. In addition, knocking down TUG1 expression could reduce PD-L1 expression and enhance the cancer cell-killing capability of T cells. Downregulating TUG1 expression could also decrease the mRNA and protein expression of JAK2 and STAT3. To sum up, TUG1 and PD-L1 are overexpressed in patients with liver cancer and are related to the poor prognosis of these patients. Silencing TUG1 expression reduced the mRNA and protein expression of PD-L1 by affecting the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongshou Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, 83 Xinqiao Main Street, Chongqing, 400000, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingping Yang
- Department of Assisted Reproductive, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingling Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Hou
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianghui Xiong
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Linquan Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China.
| | - Enliang Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China.
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20
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Aktar S, Islam F, Cheng T, Gamage SMK, Choudhury IN, Islam MS, Lu CT, Hamid FB, Ishida H, Abe I, Xie N, Gopalan V, Lam AK. Correlation between KRAS Mutation and CTLA-4 mRNA Expression in Circulating Tumour Cells: Clinical Implications in Colorectal Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1808. [PMID: 37761948 PMCID: PMC10530465 DOI: 10.3390/genes14091808] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Combination strategies of KRAS inhibition with immunotherapy in treating advanced or recurrent colorectal carcinoma (CRC) may need to be assessed in circulating tumour cells (CTCs) to achieve better clinical outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the genomic variations of KRAS in CTCs and matched CRC tissues and compared mRNA expression of KRAS and CTLA-4 between wild-type and KRAS-mutated CTCs and CRC tissues. Clinicopathological correlations were also compared. Six known mutations of KRAS were identified at both codon 12 and codon 13 (c.35G>T/G12V, c.35G>A7/G12D, c.35G>C/G12A, c.34G>A/G12S, c.38G>C/G13A, and c.38G>A/G13D). Three CTC samples harboured the identified mutations (16.7%; 3/18), while fifteen matched primary tumour tissues (65.2%, 15/23) showed the mutations. CTCs harbouring the KRAS variant were different from matched CRC tissue. All the mutations were heterozygous. Though insignificant, CTLA-4 mRNA expression was higher in patients carrying KRAS mutations. Patients harbouring KRAS mutations in CTCs were more likely to have poorly differentiated tumours (p = 0.039) and with lymph node metastasis (p = 0.027) and perineural invasion (p = 0.014). KRAS mutations in CTCs were also significantly correlated with overall pathological stages (p = 0.027). These findings imply the genetic basis of KRAS with immunotherapeutic target molecules based on a real-time platform. This study also suggests the highly heterogeneous nature of cancer cells, which may facilitate the assessment of clonal dynamics across a single patient's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharmin Aktar
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia; (S.A.); (T.C.); (S.M.K.G.); (M.S.I.); (F.B.H.); (H.I.); (I.A.); (N.X.)
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail 1902, Bangladesh
| | - Farhadul Islam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh;
| | - Tracie Cheng
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia; (S.A.); (T.C.); (S.M.K.G.); (M.S.I.); (F.B.H.); (H.I.); (I.A.); (N.X.)
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia;
| | - Sujani Madhurika Kodagoda Gamage
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia; (S.A.); (T.C.); (S.M.K.G.); (M.S.I.); (F.B.H.); (H.I.); (I.A.); (N.X.)
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia;
- Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD 4229, Australia
| | - Indra Neil Choudhury
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia;
| | - Md Sajedul Islam
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia; (S.A.); (T.C.); (S.M.K.G.); (M.S.I.); (F.B.H.); (H.I.); (I.A.); (N.X.)
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia;
- Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Barishal, Barishal 8254, Bangladesh
| | - Cu Tai Lu
- Department of Surgery, Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, QLD 4215, Australia;
| | - Faysal Bin Hamid
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia; (S.A.); (T.C.); (S.M.K.G.); (M.S.I.); (F.B.H.); (H.I.); (I.A.); (N.X.)
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia;
| | - Hirotaka Ishida
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia; (S.A.); (T.C.); (S.M.K.G.); (M.S.I.); (F.B.H.); (H.I.); (I.A.); (N.X.)
| | - Ichiro Abe
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia; (S.A.); (T.C.); (S.M.K.G.); (M.S.I.); (F.B.H.); (H.I.); (I.A.); (N.X.)
| | - Nan Xie
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia; (S.A.); (T.C.); (S.M.K.G.); (M.S.I.); (F.B.H.); (H.I.); (I.A.); (N.X.)
| | - Vinod Gopalan
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia; (S.A.); (T.C.); (S.M.K.G.); (M.S.I.); (F.B.H.); (H.I.); (I.A.); (N.X.)
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia;
| | - Alfred K. Lam
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia; (S.A.); (T.C.); (S.M.K.G.); (M.S.I.); (F.B.H.); (H.I.); (I.A.); (N.X.)
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia;
- Pathology Queensland, Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, QLD 4215, Australia
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21
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Zheng Z, Su J, Bao X, Wang H, Bian C, Zhao Q, Jiang X. Mechanisms and applications of radiation-induced oxidative stress in regulating cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1247268. [PMID: 37600785 PMCID: PMC10436604 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1247268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) is an effective treatment option for cancer patients, which induces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and causes oxidative stress (OS), leading to the death of tumor cells. OS not only causes apoptosis, autophagy and ferroptosis, but also affects tumor immune response. The combination of RT and immunotherapy has revolutionized the management of various cancers. In this process, OS caused by ROS plays a critical role. Specifically, RT-induced ROS can promote the release of tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), regulate the infiltration and differentiation of immune cells, manipulate the expression of immune checkpoints, and change the tumor immune microenvironment (TME). In this review, we briefly summarize several ways in which IR induces tumor cell death and discuss the interrelationship between RT-induced OS and antitumor immunity, with a focus on the interaction of ferroptosis with immunogenic death. We also summarize the potential mechanisms by which ROS regulates immune checkpoint expression, immune cells activity, and differentiation. In addition, we conclude the therapeutic opportunity improving radiotherapy in combination with immunotherapy by regulating OS, which may be beneficial for clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuangzhuang Zheng
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jing Su
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xueying Bao
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Huanhuan Wang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chenbin Bian
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qin Zhao
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xin Jiang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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22
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Effect of BIM expression on the prognostic value of PD-L1 in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with EGFR-TKIs. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3943. [PMID: 36894581 PMCID: PMC9998621 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30565-4] [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: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in predicting epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKIs) efficacy remains controversial. Recent studies have highlighted that tumor-intrinsic PD-L1 signaling can be modulated by STAT3, AKT, MET oncogenic pathway, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, or BIM expression. This study aimed to investigate whether these underlying mechanisms affect the prognostic role of PD-L1. We retrospectively enrolled patients with EGFR mutant advanced stage NSCLC who received first-line EGFR-TKI between January 2017 and June 2019, the treatment efficacy of EGFR-TKI was assessed. Kaplan-Meier analysis of progression-free survival (PFS) revealed that patients with high BIM expression had shorter PFS, regardless of PD-L1 expression. This result was also supported by the COX proportional hazard regression analysis. In vitro, we further proved that the knockdown of BIM, instead of PDL1, induced more cell apoptosis following gefitinib treatment. Our data suggest that among the pathways affecting tumor-intrinsic PD-L1 signaling, BIM is potentially the underlying mechanism that affects the role of PD-L1 expression in predicting response to EGFR TKI and mediates cell apoptosis under treatment with gefitinib in EGFR-mutant NSCLC. Further prospective studies are required to validate these results.
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Gene Expression Analysis of Immune Regulatory Genes in Circulating Tumour Cells and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Patients with Colorectal Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24055051. [PMID: 36902476 PMCID: PMC10003441 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24055051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Information regarding genetic alterations of driver cancer genes in circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and their surrounding immune microenvironment nowadays can be employed as a real-time monitoring platform for translational applications such as patient response to therapeutic targets, including immunotherapy. This study aimed to investigate the expression profiling of these genes along with immunotherapeutic target molecules in CTCs and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in patients with colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Expression of p53, APC, KRAS, c-Myc, and immunotherapeutic target molecules PD-L1, CTLA-4, and CD47 in CTCs and PBMCs were analysed by qPCR. Their expression in high versus low CTC-positive patients with CRC was compared and clinicopathological correlations between these patient groups were analysed. CTCs were detected in 61% (38 of 62) of patients with CRC. The presence of higher numbers of CTCs was significantly correlated with advanced cancer stages (p = 0.045) and the subtypes of adenocarcinoma (conventional vs. mucinous, p = 0.019), while being weakly correlated with tumour size (p = 0.051). Patients with lower numbers of CTCs had higher expression of KRAS. Higher KRAS expression in CTCs was negatively correlated with tumour perforation (p = 0.029), lymph node status (p = 0.037), distant metastasis (p = 0.046) and overall staging (p = 0.004). CTLA-4 was highly expressed in both CTCs and PBMCs. In addition, CTLA-4 expression was positively correlated with KRAS (r = 0.6878, p = 0.002) in the enriched CTC fraction. Dysregulation of KRAS in CTCs might evade the immune system by altering the expression of CTLA-4, providing new insights into the selection of therapeutic targets at the onset of the disease. Monitoring CTCs counts, as well as gene expression profiling of PBMCs, can be helpful in predicting tumour progression, patient outcome and treatment.
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Yang Y, Zhang H, Huang S, Chu Q. KRAS Mutations in Solid Tumors: Characteristics, Current Therapeutic Strategy, and Potential Treatment Exploration. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12020709. [PMID: 36675641 PMCID: PMC9861148 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Kristen rat sarcoma (KRAS) gene is one of the most common mutated oncogenes in solid tumors. Yet, KRAS inhibitors did not follow suit with the development of targeted therapy, for the structure of KRAS has been considered as being implausible to target for decades. Chemotherapy was the initial recommended therapy for KRAS-mutant cancer patients, which was then replaced by or combined with immunotherapy. KRAS G12C inhibitors became the most recent breakthrough in targeted therapy, with Sotorasib being approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) based on its significant efficacy in multiple clinical studies. However, the subtypes of the KRAS mutations are complex, and the development of inhibitors targeting non-G12C subtypes is still at a relatively early stage. In addition, the monotherapy of KRAS inhibitors has accumulated possible resistance, acquiring the exploration of combination therapies or next-generation KRAS inhibitors. Thus, other non-target, conventional therapies have also been considered as being promising. Here in this review, we went through the characteristics of KRAS mutations in cancer patients, and the prognostic effect that it poses on different therapies and advanced therapeutic strategy, as well as cutting-edge research on the mechanisms of drug resistance, tumor development, and the immune microenvironment.
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Hargadon KM. Genetic dysregulation of immunologic and oncogenic signaling pathways associated with tumor-intrinsic immune resistance: a molecular basis for combination targeted therapy-immunotherapy for cancer. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:40. [PMID: 36629955 PMCID: PMC11072992 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04689-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Since the turn of the century, advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy have revolutionized the treatment of cancer. Although these approaches have far outperformed traditional therapies in various clinical settings, both remain plagued by mechanisms of innate and acquired resistance that limit therapeutic efficacy in many patients. With a focus on tumor-intrinsic resistance to immunotherapy, this review highlights our current understanding of the immunologic and oncogenic pathways whose genetic dysregulation in cancer cells enables immune escape. Emphasis is placed on genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic aberrations that influence the activity of these pathways in the context of immune resistance. Specifically, the role of pathways that govern interferon signaling, antigen processing and presentation, and immunologic cell death as determinants of tumor immune susceptibility are discussed. Likewise, mechanisms of tumor immune resistance mediated by dysregulated RAS-MAPK, WNT, PI3K-AKT-mTOR, and cell cycle pathways are described. Finally, this review highlights the ways in which recent insight into genetic dysregulation of these immunologic and oncogenic signaling pathways is informing the design of combination targeted therapy-immunotherapy regimens that aim to restore immune susceptibility of cancer cells by overcoming resistance mechanisms that often limit the success of monotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian M Hargadon
- Hargadon Laboratory, Department of Biology, Hampden-Sydney College, Hampden-Sydney, VA, 23943, USA.
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Lin J, Yang H, Zhang Y, Zou F, He H, Xie W, Zou Z, Liu R, Xu Q, Zhang J, Zhong G, Li Y, Tang Z, Deng Y, Cai S, Wang L, Huang Y, Zhuo Y, Jiang X, Zhong W. Ferrocene-Based Polymeric Nanoparticles Carrying Doxorubicin for Oncotherapeutic Combination of Chemotherapy and Ferroptosis. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2205024. [PMID: 36398604 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202205024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Mono-chemotherapy has significant side effects and unsatisfactory efficacy, limiting its clinical application. Therefore, a combination of multiple treatments is becoming more common in oncotherapy. Chemotherapy combined with the induction of ferroptosis is a potential new oncotherapy. Furthermore, polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) can improve the antitumor efficacy and decrease the toxicity of drugs. Herein, a polymeric NP, mPEG-b-PPLGFc@Dox, is synthesized to decrease the toxicity of doxorubicin (Dox) and enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy by combining it with the induction of ferroptosis. First, mPEG-b-PPLGFc@Dox is oxidized by endogenous H2 O2 and releases Dox, which leads to an increase of H2 O2 by breaking the redox balance. The Fe(II) group of ferrocene converts H2 O2 into ·OH, inducing subsequent ferroptosis. Furthermore, glutathione peroxidase 4, a biomarker of ferroptosis, is suppressed and the lipid peroxidation level is elevated in cells incubated with mPEG-b-PPLGFc@Dox compared to those treated with Dox alone, indicating ferroptosis induction by mPEG-b-PPLGFc@Dox. In vivo, the antitumor efficacy of mPEG-b-PPLGFc@Dox is higher than that of free Dox. Moreover, the loss of body weight in mice treated mPEG-b-PPLGFc@Dox is lower than in those treated with free Dox, indicating that mPEG-b-PPLGFc@Dox is less toxic than free Dox. In conclusion, mPEG-b-PPLGFc@Dox not only has higher antitumor efficacy but it reduces the damage to normal tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jundong Lin
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, China
| | - Huikang Yang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, China
| | - Yixun Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, China
| | - Fen Zou
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, China
| | - Huichan He
- Urology Key Laboratory of Guangdong Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510230, China
| | - Wenjie Xie
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, China
| | - Zhihao Zou
- Urology Key Laboratory of Guangdong Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510230, China
| | - Ren Liu
- Urology Key Laboratory of Guangdong Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510230, China
| | - Qianfeng Xu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Guowei Zhong
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, China
| | - Yuejiao Li
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, China
| | - ZhenFeng Tang
- Urology Key Laboratory of Guangdong Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510230, China
| | - Yulin Deng
- Urology Key Laboratory of Guangdong Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510230, China
| | - Shanghua Cai
- Urology Key Laboratory of Guangdong Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510230, China
| | - Linyao Wang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, China
| | - Yugang Huang
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, The NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510180, China
| | - Yangjia Zhuo
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, China
| | - Xinqing Jiang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, China
| | - Weide Zhong
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510180, China
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Hu Y, Li R, Jin J, Wang Y, Ma R. Quercetin improves pancreatic cancer chemo-sensitivity by regulating oxidative-inflammatory networks. J Food Biochem 2022; 46:e14453. [PMID: 36181395 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.14453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy is the main method for controlling pancreatic cancer metastasis but the prevalent chemotherapy resistance limits its utilization. The response of oxidation and inflammation often promotes pancreatic cancer progression and chemo-resistance. It is critical to explore the potential natural products with few side effects to control inflammatory responses and understand the related mechanisms. Quercetin is a flavonoid widely found in numerous vegetables, fruits, and foods and is thought to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may be associated with improvement of chemotherapy sensitivity during pancreatic cancer treatment. Quercetin may sensitize pancreatic cancer cells to the chemotherapeutic agents, including bromodomain and extraterminal domain inhibitors (BETI), daunorubicin, gemcitabine, sulforaphane, doxorubicin, and tumor necrosis factor-related signaling apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). Meanwhile, during the chemo-resistance therapy, many signaling molecules are involved with toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated oxidative and inflammatory pathway. The effects of quercetin on other oxidative and inflammatory pathways were also explored. Quercetin may exert antitumor activity during the prevention of pancreatic cancer progression by regulating oxidative and inflammatory networks, which can promote immune escape of cancer cells by inducing immunosuppressive cytokines. Studying these patterns will help us to better understand the functional role of quercetin in the improvement of pancreatic cancer chemo-sensitivity. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Chemotherapy is the major way for treating pancreatic cancer metastasis but the prevalent chemotherapy resistance caused by oxidative and inflammatory responses limits its utilization. It is necessary to explore the potential natural products with few side effects to prevent the oxidative and inflammatory responses. Quercetin is a flavonoid widely found in numerous vegetables, fruits, and foods and is thought to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may be associated with improvement of chemotherapy sensitivity of pancreatic cancer treatment by sensitizing pancreatic cancer cells to various chemotherapeutic agents via the regulation of oxidative and inflammatory networks. Studying these patterns will help us to better understand the functional role of quercetin in the improvement of pancreatic cancer chemo-sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoyuan Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Junyi Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yihui Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Rui Ma
- Department of Cardiology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Li C, Xue Y, Ba X, Wang R. The Role of 8-oxoG Repair Systems in Tumorigenesis and Cancer Therapy. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233798. [PMID: 36497058 PMCID: PMC9735852 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumorigenesis is highly correlated with the accumulation of mutations. The abundant and extensive DNA oxidation product, 8-Oxoguanine (8-oxoG), can cause mutations if it is not repaired by 8-oxoG repair systems. Therefore, the accumulation of 8-oxoG plays an essential role in tumorigenesis. To avoid the accumulation of 8-oxoG in the genome, base excision repair (BER), initiated by 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase1 (OGG1), is responsible for the removal of genomic 8-oxoG. It has been proven that 8-oxoG levels are significantly elevated in cancer cells compared with cells of normal tissues, and the induction of DNA damage by some antitumor drugs involves direct or indirect interference with BER, especially through inducing the production and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can lead to tumor cell death. In addition, the absence of the core components of BER can result in embryonic or early post-natal lethality in mice. Therefore, targeting 8-oxoG repair systems with inhibitors is a promising avenue for tumor therapy. In this study, we summarize the impact of 8-oxoG accumulation on tumorigenesis and the current status of cancer therapy approaches exploiting 8-oxoG repair enzyme targeting, as well as possible synergistic lethality strategies involving exogenous ROS-inducing agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunshuang Li
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Education, School of Life Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Yaoyao Xue
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Education, School of Life Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Xueqing Ba
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of Education, School of Life Science, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
- Correspondence: (X.B.); (R.W.)
| | - Ruoxi Wang
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology of Shandong Province, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
- Correspondence: (X.B.); (R.W.)
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Fancelli S, Caliman E, Mazzoni F, Paglialunga L, Gatta Michelet MR, Lavacchi D, Berardi R, Mentrasti G, Metro G, Birocchi I, Delmonte A, Priano I, Comin CE, Castiglione F, Bartoli C, Voltolini L, Pillozzi S, Antonuzzo L. KRAS G12 isoforms exert influence over up-front treatments: A retrospective, multicenter, Italian analysis of the impact of first-line immune checkpoint inhibitors in an NSCLC real-life population. Front Oncol 2022; 12:968064. [PMID: 36452502 PMCID: PMC9702560 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.968064] [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] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND KRAS is commonly mutated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, the prognostic and predictive impact of each G12 substitution has not been fully elucidated. The approval of specific G12C inhibitors has modified the idea of KRAS "undruggability", and although the first-line standard consists of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) with or without chemotherapy, as suggested at ASCO 2022, the outcome in KRAS-mutated population is still controversial. METHODS We retrospectively described the clinical and pathological characteristics of a homogeneous G12 mutated cohort of 219 patients treated in four Italian oncologic units. We evaluated the outcome (PFS at 18 months and OS at 30 months) of those who underwent standard first-line treatment according to PD-L1 status, focusing on differences across single mutations. RESULTS In the study population, 47.9% of patients harbor the KRAS G12C mutation; 20.5%, G12V; 17.4%, G12D; and 8.2%, G12A. Smoking was a common behavior of patients harboring transversions and transition mutations. PD-L1 expression does not show particular distribution in the case series, although we recorded a prevalence of PD-L1 <1% in G12V (51.4%) compared to G12A (26.7%). ICIs alone was the clinician's choice in 32.7% of patients, and the chemo-immune combination in 17.3% of patients. We described the independent prognostic role of young age (p = 0.007), female gender (p = 0.016), and an ICI-based regimen (p = 0.034) regardless of mutations. Overall, our data confirm the worst prognostic value of G12V mutation apart from treatment choice unlike the other major mutations (C, D, and A) that showed a favorable trend in PFS. CONCLUSIONS KRAS G12 mutations are confirmed to have different characteristics, and the outcome is influenced by ICI first-line regimen. This study provides valuable information for further analysis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Fancelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Clinical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Enrico Caliman
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Clinical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Luca Paglialunga
- Clinical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Daniele Lavacchi
- Clinical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Rossana Berardi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (AOU) Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giulia Mentrasti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (AOU) Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giulio Metro
- Medical Oncology Unit, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Ilaria Birocchi
- Medical Oncology Unit, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Angelo Delmonte
- Scientific Institute of Romagna for the Study and Treatment of Tumors (IRST) Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Meldola, Italy
| | - Ilaria Priano
- Scientific Institute of Romagna for the Study and Treatment of Tumors (IRST) Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Meldola, Italy
| | - Camilla Eva Comin
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Surgery, Histopathology and Molecular Pathology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Castiglione
- Pathological Histology and Molecular Diagnostics Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Caterina Bartoli
- Pathological Histology and Molecular Diagnostics Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Luca Voltolini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Serena Pillozzi
- Medical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Antonuzzo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Clinical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
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30
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Zhou R, Peng N, Li W. Constructing a novel gene signature derived from oxidative stress specific subtypes for predicting survival in stomach adenocarcinoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:964919. [PMID: 36059494 PMCID: PMC9436409 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.964919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS) response is crucial in oncogenesis and progression of tumor. But the potential prognostic importance of OS-related genes (OSRGs) in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) lacked comprehensive study. STAD clinical information and transcriptome data were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases. The prognostic OSRGs were filtered via the univariate Cox analysis and OSRG-based molecular subtypes of STAD were developed using consensus clustering. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was subsequently conducted to filter molecular subtype-associated gene modules. The prognosis-related genes were screened via univariate and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression analysis were used to construct a prognostic risk signature. Finally, a decision tree model and nomogram were developed by integrating risk signature and clinicopathological characteristics to analyze individual STAD patient’s survival. Four OSRG-based molecular subtypes with significant diversity were developed based on 36 prognostic OSRGs for STAD, and an OSRGs-based subtype-specific risk signature with eight genes for prognostic prediction of STAD was built. Survival analysis revealed a strong prognostic performance of the risk signature exhibited in predicting STAD survival. There were significant differences in mutation patterns, chemotherapy sensitivity, clinicopathological characteristics, response to immunotherapy, biological functions, immune microenvironment, immune cell infiltration among different molecular subtypes and risk groups. The risk score and age were verified as independent risk factors for STAD, and a nomogram integrating risk score and age was established, which showed superior predictive performance for STAD prognosis. We developed an OSRG-based molecular subtype and identified a novel risk signature for prognosis prediction, providing a useful tool to facilitate individual treatment for patients with STAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renlong Zhou
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Naixiong Peng
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Li,
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31
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Zhao X, Bao Y, Meng B, Xu Z, Li S, Wang X, Hou R, Ma W, Liu D, Zheng J, Shi M. From rough to precise: PD-L1 evaluation for predicting the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockades. Front Immunol 2022; 13:920021. [PMID: 35990664 PMCID: PMC9382880 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.920021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Developing biomarkers for accurately predicting the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapies is conducive to avoiding unwanted side effects and economic burden. At the moment, the quantification of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in tumor tissues is clinically used as one of the combined diagnostic assays of response to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy. However, the current assays for evaluating PD-L1 remain imperfect. Recent studies are promoting the methodologies of PD-L1 evaluation from rough to precise. Standardization of PD-L1 immunohistochemistry tests is being promoted by using optimized reagents, platforms, and cutoff values. Combining novel in vivo probes with PET or SPECT will probably be of benefit to map the spatio-temporal heterogeneity of PD-L1 expression. The dynamic change of PD-L1 in the circulatory system can also be realized by liquid biopsy. Consider PD-L1 expressed on non-tumor (immune and non-immune) cells, and optimized combination detection indexes are further improving the accuracy of PD-L1 in predicting the efficacy of ICIs. The combinations of artificial intelligence with novel technologies are conducive to the intelligence of PD-L1 as a predictive biomarker. In this review, we will provide an overview of the recent progress in this rapidly growing area and discuss the clinical and technical challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhao
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yulin Bao
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Bi Meng
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zijian Xu
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Sijin Li
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Rui Hou
- College of Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Wen Ma
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Dan Liu, ; Junnian Zheng, ; Ming Shi,
| | - Junnian Zheng
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Dan Liu, ; Junnian Zheng, ; Ming Shi,
| | - Ming Shi
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Dan Liu, ; Junnian Zheng, ; Ming Shi,
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Lu M, Wang K, Ji W, Yu Y, Li Z, Xia W, Lu S. FGFR1 promotes tumor immune evasion via YAP-mediated PD-L1 expression upregulation in lung squamous cell carcinoma. Cell Immunol 2022; 379:104577. [PMID: 35870429 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2022.104577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Variations in FGFR1 are common driver mutations of LSQCC. And immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-1 and PD-L1 are powerful anticancer weapons. Activation of FGFR1 leads to tumorigenesis through multiple downstream molecules, including YAP, but whether and how FGFR1 regulates tumor immune evasion remain largely unclear. METHODS LSQCC cells were modified to increase or decrease the expression of FGFR1, YAP and PD-L1, as assessed by molecular assays. After FGFR1 knockdown, cancer cells were assessed after cocultured with Jurkat T cells in vitro, and the tumor microenvironment were analyzed in C57BL/6 mice. The effect of the combination of FGFR1 knockdown and PD-1 blockade was also explored. RESULTS In human LSQCC, activation of FGFR1 was positively correlated with transcription of PD-L1. In H520 and HCC95 cells, FGFR1 upregulated PD-L1 expression via YAP, and YAP initiated the transcription of PD-L1 after binding to its promoter region. FGFR1 knockdown decreased tumor growth, reduced immune escape and induced reactivation of CD8+ T cells. The combination of FGFR1 knockdown and PD-1 blockade synergistically exerted antitumor effects. CONCLUSIONS The FGFR1/YAP/PD-L1 regulatory axis mediates tumor-associated immune suppression in lung squamous cell carcinoma, and FGFR1 knockdown reactivates T cells in the tumor microenvironment. Synergistic inhibition of both FGFR1 and PD-1/PD-L1 pathways may be a possible treatment for lung cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Lu
- Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, West Huaihai Road 241, Shanghai 200030, China; School of Biomedical Engineering and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Huashan Road 1954, Shanghai 200024, China.
| | - Kaixuan Wang
- Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, West Huaihai Road 241, Shanghai 200030, China.
| | - Wenxiang Ji
- Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, West Huaihai Road 241, Shanghai 200030, China.
| | - Yongfeng Yu
- Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, West Huaihai Road 241, Shanghai 200030, China.
| | - Ziming Li
- Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, West Huaihai Road 241, Shanghai 200030, China.
| | - Weiliang Xia
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Huashan Road 1954, Shanghai 200024, China.
| | - Shun Lu
- Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, West Huaihai Road 241, Shanghai 200030, China.
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Antioxidant Properties and Aldehyde Reactivity of PD-L1 Targeted Aryl-Pyrazolone Anticancer Agents. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27103316. [PMID: 35630791 PMCID: PMC9143004 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27103316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Small molecules targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint are actively searched to complement the anticancer arsenal. Different molecular scaffolds have been reported, including phenyl-pyrazolone derivatives which potently inhibit binding of PD-L1 to PD-1. These molecules are structurally close to antioxidant drug edaravone (EDA) used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. For this reason, we investigated the capacity of five PD-L1-binding phenyl-pyrazolone compounds (1–5) to scavenge the formation of oxygen free radicals using electron spin resonance spectroscopy with DPPH/DMPO probes. In addition, the reactivity of the compounds toward the oxidized base 5-formyluracil (5fU) was assessed using chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and photodiode array detectors. The data revealed that the phenyl-pyrazolone derivatives display antioxidant properties and exhibit a variable reactivity toward 5fU. Compound 2 with a N-dichlorophenyl-pyrazolone moiety cumulates the three properties, being a potent PD-L1 binder, a robust antioxidant and an aldehyde-reactive compound. On the opposite, the adamantane derivative 5 is a potent PD-L1 binding with a reduced antioxidant potential and no aldehyde reactivity. The nature of the substituent on the phenyl-pyrazolone core modulates the antioxidant capacity and reactivity toward aromatic aldehydes. The molecular signature of the compound can be adapted at will, to confer additional properties to these PD-L1 binders.
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Zeng P, Lu W, Tian J, Qiao S, Li J, Glorieux C, Wen S, Zhang H, Li Y, Huang P. Reductive TCA cycle catalyzed by wild-type IDH2 promotes acute myeloid leukemia and is a metabolic vulnerability for potential targeted therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:30. [PMID: 35313945 PMCID: PMC8935709 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01245-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 (IDH2) is a mitochondrial enzyme that catalyzes the metabolic conversion between isocitrate and alpha-ketoglutarate (α-KG) in the TCA cycle. IDH2 mutation is an oncogenic event in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) due to the generation of 2-hydroxyglutarate. However, the role of wild-type IDH2 in AML remains unknown, despite patients with it suffer worse clinical outcome than those harboring mutant type.
Methods IDH2 expression in AML cell lines and patient samples was evaluated by RT-qPCR, western blotting and database analyses. The role of wild-type IDH2 in AML cell survival and proliferation was tested using genetic knockdown and pharmacological inhibition in AML cells and animal models. LC–MS, GC–MS, isotope metabolic tracing, and molecular analyses were performed to reveal the underlying mechanisms. Results We found that wild-type IDH2 was overexpressed in AML and played a major role in promoting leukemia cell survival and proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Metabolomic analyses revealed an active IDH2-mediated reductive TCA cycle that promoted the conversion of α-KG to isocitrate/citrate to facilitate glutamine utilization for lipid synthesis in AML cells. Suppression of wild-type IDH2 by shRNA resulted in elevated α-KG and decreased isocitrate/citrate, leading to reduced lipid synthesis, a significant decrease in c-Myc downregulated by α-KG, and an inhibition of AML viability and proliferation. Importantly, pharmacological inhibition of IDH2 showed significant therapeutic effect in mice inoculated with AML cells with wt-IDH2 and induced a downregulation of C-MYC in vivo. Conclusions Wt-IDH2 is an essential molecule for AML cell survival and proliferation by promoting conversion of α-KG to isocitrate for lipid synthesis and by upregulating c-Myc expression and could be a potential therapeutic target in AML. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13045-022-01245-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiting Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Wenhua Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Jingyu Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.,Metabolic Innovation Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Shuang Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Jiangjiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Christophe Glorieux
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Shijun Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Metabolic Innovation Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yiqing Li
- Department of Hematology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
| | - Peng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China. .,Metabolic Innovation Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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Gao Z, Chen JF, Li XG, Shi YH, Tang Z, Liu WR, Zhang X, Huang A, Luo XM, Gao Q, Shi GM, Ke AW, Zhou J, Fan J, Fu XT, Ding ZB. KRAS acting through ERK signaling stabilizes PD-L1 via inhibiting autophagy pathway in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:128. [PMID: 35305624 PMCID: PMC8933925 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02550-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background While the correlation between PD-L1 expression and KRAS mutation has been previously reported in other solid tumors such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), whether PD-L1 can be modulated by ERK signaling downstream of KRAS in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) and the underlying molecular regulatory mechanism remain unclear. Methods The expression of ERK, p-ERK, PD-L1 and autophagy markers following KRAS knockdown or Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling inhibitors treatment was examined in two human iCCA cell lines (HuCCT1 and RBE) using western blotting and immunofluorescence. Both pharmacological autophagy inhibitors and short-interfering RNA against ATG7 were applied to inhibit autophagy. The apoptosis rates of iCCA cell lines were detected by flow cytometry and CCK-8 after co-culturing with CD3/CD28-activated human CD8+ T lymphocytes. Immunohistochemistry was applied to detect the correlation of ERK, p-ERK and PD-L1 in 92 iCCA tissues. Results The present study demonstrated that the PD-L1 expression level was distinctly reduced in KRAS-mutated iCCA cell lines when ERK signaling was inhibited and ERK phosphorylation levels were lowered. The positive association between p-ERK and PD-L1 was also verified in 92 iCCA tissue samples. Moreover, ERK inhibition induced autophagy activation. Both inhibiting autophagy via autophagy inhibitors and genetically silencing the ATG7 expression partially reversed the reduced PD-L1 expression caused by ERK inhibition. In addition, ERK-mediated down-regulation of PD-L1 via autophagy pathways induced the apoptosis of iCCA cells when co-cultured with CD3/CD28-activated human CD8+ T lymphocytes in vitro. Conclusions Our results suggest that ERK signaling inhibition contributes to the reduction of PD-L1 expression through the autophagy pathway in iCCA. As a supplement to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy, ERK-targeted therapy may serve as a potentially novel treatment strategy for human KRAS-mutated iCCA.
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Wu M, Huang Q, Xie Y, Wu X, Ma H, Zhang Y, Xia Y. Improvement of the anticancer efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade via combination therapy and PD-L1 regulation. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:24. [PMID: 35279217 PMCID: PMC8917703 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01242-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 87.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint molecules are promising anticancer targets, among which therapeutic antibodies targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway have been widely applied to cancer treatment in clinical practice and have great potential. However, this treatment is greatly limited by its low response rates in certain cancers, lack of known biomarkers, immune-related toxicity, innate and acquired drug resistance, etc. Overcoming these limitations would significantly expand the anticancer applications of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade and improve the response rate and survival time of cancer patients. In the present review, we first illustrate the biological mechanisms of the PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoints and their role in the healthy immune system as well as in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The PD-1/PD-L1 pathway inhibits the anticancer effect of T cells in the TME, which in turn regulates the expression levels of PD-1 and PD-L1 through multiple mechanisms. Several strategies have been proposed to solve the limitations of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment, including combination therapy with other standard treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, anti-angiogenic therapy, other immunotherapies and even diet control. Downregulation of PD-L1 expression in the TME via pharmacological or gene regulation methods improves the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment. Surprisingly, recent preclinical studies have shown that upregulation of PD-L1 in the TME also improves the response and efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade. Immunotherapy is a promising anticancer strategy that provides novel insight into clinical applications. This review aims to guide the development of more effective and less toxic anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengling Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qianrui Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yao Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China.,Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Xuyi Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province/Rehabilitation Medicine Research Institute, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hongbo Ma
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yiwen Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Yong Xia
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China. .,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province/Rehabilitation Medicine Research Institute, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Liu S, Qiu Y, Xiang R, Huang P. Characterization of H2O2-Induced Alterations in Global Transcription of mRNA and lncRNA. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11030495. [PMID: 35326145 PMCID: PMC8944526 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11030495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an important reactive oxygen species that plays a major role in redox signaling. Although H2O2 is known to regulate gene expression and affect multiple cellular processes, the characteristics and mechanisms of such transcriptional regulation remain to be defined. In this study, we utilized transcriptome sequencing to determine the global changes of mRNA and lncRNA transcripts induced by H2O2 in human pancreatic normal epithelial (HPNE) and pancreatic cancer (PANC-1) cells. Promoter analysis using PROMO and TRRUST revealed that mRNAs and lncRNAs largely shared the same sets of transcription factors in response to ROS stress. Interestingly, promoters of the upregulated genes were similar to those of the downregulated transcripts, suggesting that the H2O2-responding promoters are conserved but they alone do not determine the levels of transcriptional outputs. We also found that H2O2 induced significant changes in molecules involved in the pathways of RNA metabolism, processing, and transport. Detailed analyses further revealed a significant difference between pancreatic cancer and noncancer cells in their response to H2O2 stress, especially in the transcription of genes involved in cell-cycle regulation and DNA repair. Our study provides new insights into RNA transcriptional regulation upon ROS stress in cancer and normal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; (S.L.); (Y.Q.); (R.X.)
| | - Ya Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; (S.L.); (Y.Q.); (R.X.)
| | - Rong Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; (S.L.); (Y.Q.); (R.X.)
| | - Peng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; (S.L.); (Y.Q.); (R.X.)
- Center for Cancer Metabolism and Intervention Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
- Correspondence:
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Gong J, Ji Y, Liu X, Zheng Y, Zhen Y. Mithramycin suppresses tumor growth by regulating CD47 and PD-L1 expression. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 197:114894. [PMID: 34968486 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Mithramycin A (MIT) has reacquired extensive research attention due to its anti-solid tumor activity and improved pharmacological production. Mechanismly, MIT was broadly used as a c-Myc inhibitor, and c-Myc regulated CD47 and PD-L1 expression which has been demonstrated. However, how MIT affects immune check-point molecules remains unknown. In this study, we found CD47 expression was higher in melanoma of pan-tissue array. MIT inhibited CD47 expression both in mRNA and protein level in melanoma cells (SK-MEL-28 and B16). MIT inhibited c-Myc, Sp-1 and CD47 expression in a concentration-dependent way. MIT inhibited the surface CD47 expression and promoted the phagocytosis of SK-MEL-28 cells by THP-1 cells. We found MIT inhibited tumor growth in melanoma allograft mice and CD47 expression in tumor mass. We also found MIT upregulated PD-L1 expression in cancer cells possibly via inhibiting PD-L1 ubiquitination, increasing ROS and IFN-γ. Combination of MIT and anti-PD-1 antibody showed enhanced antitumor activity compared to MIT and anti-PD-1 antibody alone in MC38 allograft mice. Using immune checkpoint array we found MIT inhibited expression of FasL and Galectin3. These results suggest that MIT inhibits CD47 expression, while improves PD-L1 expression. Furthermore, the combination of MIT and anti-PD-1 antibody exerts potent antitumor effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua Gong
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 1# Tiantan Xili, Beijing 100050, China; College of Life Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, 21 Bohai Road, Caofeidian Xincheng, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China.
| | - Yuying Ji
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 1# Tiantan Xili, Beijing 100050, China; College of Life Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, 21 Bohai Road, Caofeidian Xincheng, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Xiujun Liu
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 1# Tiantan Xili, Beijing 100050, China; College of Life Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, 21 Bohai Road, Caofeidian Xincheng, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Yanbo Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 1# Tiantan Xili, Beijing 100050, China; College of Life Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, 21 Bohai Road, Caofeidian Xincheng, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China.
| | - Yongsu Zhen
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 1# Tiantan Xili, Beijing 100050, China; College of Life Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, 21 Bohai Road, Caofeidian Xincheng, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
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Wang T, Xu H. Multi-faced roles of reactive oxygen species in anti-tumor T cell immune responses and combination immunotherapy. EXPLORATION OF MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.37349/emed.2022.00076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
T cells play a central role in anti-tumor immunity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) lie at the crossroad on the anti-tumor T cell responses. To activate efficient T cell immunity, a moderate level of ROS is needed, however, excessive ROS would cause toxicity to the T cells, because the improper level leads to the formation and maintenance of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Up to date, strategies that modulate ROS, either increasing or decreasing, have been widely investigated. Some of them are utilized in anti-tumor therapies, showing inevitable impacts on the anti-tumor T cell immunity with both obverse and reverse sides. Herein, the impacts of ROS-increasing and ROS-decreasing treatments on the T cell responses in the tumor microenvironment are reviewed and discussed. At the same time, outcomes of combination immunotherapies are introduced to put forward inspirations to unleash the potential of immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Haiyan Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
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Yamaguchi H, Hsu JM, Yang WH, Hung MC. Mechanisms regulating PD-L1 expression in cancers and associated opportunities for novel small-molecule therapeutics. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2022; 19:287-305. [DOI: 10.1038/s41571-022-00601-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Liu J, Peng X, Yang S, Li X, Huang M, Wei S, Zhang S, He G, Zheng H, Fan Q, Yang L, Li H. Extracellular vesicle PD-L1 in reshaping tumor immune microenvironment: biological function and potential therapy strategies. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:14. [PMID: 35090497 PMCID: PMC8796536 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-021-00816-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) is the ligand for programmed death protein-1 (PD-1), is associated with immunosuppression. Signaling via PD-1/PD-L1 will transmits negative regulatory signals to T cells, inducing T-cell inhibition, reducing CD8+ T-cell proliferation, or promoting T-cell apoptosis, which effectively reduces the immune response and leads to large-scale tumor growth. Accordingly, many antibody preparations targeting PD-1 or PD-L1 have been designed to block the binding of these two proteins and restore T-cell proliferation and cytotoxicity of T cells. However, these drugs are ineffective in clinical practice. Recently, numerous of studies have shown that, in addition to the surface of tumor cells, PD-L1 is also found on the surface of extracellular vesicles secreted by these cells. Extracellular vesicle PD-L1 can also interact with PD-1 on the surface of T cells, leading to immunosuppression, and has been proposed as a potential mechanism underlying PD-1/PD-L1-targeted drug resistance. Therefore, it is important to explore the production, regulation and tumor immunosuppression of PD-L1 on the surface of tumor cells and extracellular vesicles, as well as the potential clinical application of extracellular vesicle PD-L1 as tumor biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Video Abstract
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Current Immunotherapeutic Strategies Targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 Axis in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with Oncogenic Driver Mutations. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010245. [PMID: 35008669 PMCID: PMC8745513 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment strategies targeting programed cell death 1 (PD-1) or its ligand, PD-L1, have been developed as immunotherapy against tumor progression for various cancer types including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The recent pivotal clinical trials of immune-checkpoint inhibiters (ICIs) combined with cytotoxic chemotherapy have reshaped therapeutic strategies and established various first-line standard treatments. The therapeutic effects of ICIs in these clinical trials were analyzed according to PD-L1 tumor proportion scores or tumor mutational burden; however, these indicators are insufficient to predict the clinical outcome. Consequently, molecular biological approaches, including multi-omics analyses, have addressed other mechanisms of cancer immune escape and have revealed an association of NSCLC containing specific driver mutations with distinct immune phenotypes. NSCLC has been characterized by driver mutation-defined molecular subsets and the effect of driver mutations on the regulatory mechanism of PD-L1 expression on the tumor itself. In this review, we summarize the results of recent clinical trials of ICIs in advanced NSCLC and the association between driver alterations and distinct immune phenotypes. We further discuss the current clinical issues with a future perspective for the role of precision medicine in NSCLC.
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Glorieux C, Xia X, You X, Wang Z, Han Y, Yang J, Noppe G, Meester CD, Ling J, Robert A, Zhang H, Li SP, Wang H, Chiao PJ, Zhang L, Li X, Huang P. Cisplatin and gemcitabine exert opposite effects on immunotherapy with PD-1 antibody in K-ras-driven cancer. J Adv Res 2021; 40:109-124. [PMID: 36100320 PMCID: PMC9481954 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2021.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Two common chemotherapeutic drugs, cisplatin and gemcitabine, exert opposite effect on the efficacy of PD-1 antibody in K-ras-driven cancers. Gemcitabine antagonizes PD-1Ab due to its inhibition on T cell infiltration in tumor tissues. Combination PD-1Ab and cisplatin leads to complete tumor eradication in vivo due to activation of the cGAS-mediated immune response. The impact of drugs on T cell functions should be considered as a critical factor in selecting drugs for immunochemotherapy to achieve optimal therapeutic outcome.
Introduction Immunochemotherapy using PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies in combination with chemotherapeutic agents has become a mainstream treatment for cancer patients, but it remains unclear which drug combinations would produce best therapeutic outcome. Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate two common chemotherapeutic drugs, gemcitabine and cisplatin, for their impacts on the therapeutic efficacy of PD-1 antibody in K-ras-driven cancers known to overexpress PD-L1. Methods Both in vitro assays and syngeneic mouse tumor models were used in this study. Biochemical and molecular assays were used to determine the effects of drugs on T cell functions in cell culture models and in mouse/human tumor tissues. Allograft tumor models with K-ras mutation were used to investigate the combination effect of gemcitabine or cisplatin with immunotherapy. Data of lung cancer patients with K-ras mutation treated with cisplatin and toripalimab were analyzed to evaluate the clinical relevance of the lab findings. Results Cisplatin and gemcitabine unexpectedly exert opposite effect on the therapeutic activity of PD-1 antibody in vivo. Gemcitabine antagonizes the therapeutic effect of PD-1 antibody due to its significant inhibition on CD8+ T cell infiltration, which was observed both in mouse tumor allografts and in human pancreatic cancer tissues. In contrast, cisplatin shows synergistic activity with PD-1 antibody by activation of CD8+ T cells through the DNA damage-mediated cGAS-STING sensing mechanism, leading to increase of T cell infiltration and secretion of antitumor cytokines. Clinical data show that a combination of cisplatin with PD-1 antibody toripalimab could be effective in advanced lung cancer patients with K-ras mutation who failed prior therapies. Conclusions Our study shows that a key factor in selecting chemotherapeutic agents for immunochemotherapy is the drug’s impact on T cell functions, and that cisplatin-based chemotherapy is an excellent choice for combination with immune checkpoint antibody to achieve favorable clinical outcome.
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Huang L, Guo Z, Wang F, Fu L. KRAS mutation: from undruggable to druggable in cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:386. [PMID: 34776511 PMCID: PMC8591115 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00780-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 310] [Impact Index Per Article: 103.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, and its treatment and outcomes have been dramatically revolutionised by targeted therapies. As the most frequently mutated oncogene, Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homologue (KRAS) has attracted substantial attention. The understanding of KRAS is constantly being updated by numerous studies on KRAS in the initiation and progression of cancer diseases. However, KRAS has been deemed a challenging therapeutic target, even "undruggable", after drug-targeting efforts over the past four decades. Recently, there have been surprising advances in directly targeted drugs for KRAS, especially in KRAS (G12C) inhibitors, such as AMG510 (sotorasib) and MRTX849 (adagrasib), which have obtained encouraging results in clinical trials. Excitingly, AMG510 was the first drug-targeting KRAS (G12C) to be approved for clinical use this year. This review summarises the most recent understanding of fundamental aspects of KRAS, the relationship between the KRAS mutations and tumour immune evasion, and new progress in targeting KRAS, particularly KRAS (G12C). Moreover, the possible mechanisms of resistance to KRAS (G12C) inhibitors and possible combination therapies are summarised, with a view to providing the best regimen for individualised treatment with KRAS (G12C) inhibitors and achieving truly precise treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamei Huang
- grid.488530.20000 0004 1803 6191State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine; Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060 P. R. China
| | - Zhixing Guo
- grid.488530.20000 0004 1803 6191State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine; Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060 P. R. China
| | - Fang Wang
- grid.488530.20000 0004 1803 6191State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine; Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060 P. R. China
| | - Liwu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine; Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.
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The Role of Oncogenes and Redox Signaling in the Regulation of PD-L1 in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13174426. [PMID: 34503236 PMCID: PMC8431622 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells can evade the immune system via multiple mechanisms, including the dysregulation of the immune checkpoint signaling. These signaling molecules are important factors that can either stimulate or inhibit tumor immune response. Under normal physiological conditions, the interaction between programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and its receptor, programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), negatively regulates T cell function. In cancer cells, high expression of PD-L1 plays a key role in cancer evasion of the immune surveillance and seems to be correlated with clinical response to immunotherapy. As such, it is important to understand various mechanisms by which PD-L1 is regulated. In this review article, we provide an up-to-date review of the different mechanisms that regulate PD-L1 expression in cancer. We will focus on the roles of oncogenic signals (c-Myc, EML4-ALK, K-ras and p53 mutants), growth factor receptors (EGFR and FGFR), and redox signaling in the regulation of PD-L1 expression and discuss their clinical relevance and therapeutic implications. These oncogenic signalings have common and distinct regulatory mechanisms and can also cooperatively control tumor PD-L1 expression. Finally, strategies to target PD-L1 expression in tumor microenvironment including combination therapies will be also discussed.
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Sun TX, Li MY, Zhang ZH, Wang JY, Xing Y, Ri M, Jin CH, Xu GH, Piao LX, Jin HL, Zuo HX, Ma J, Jin X. Usnic acid suppresses cervical cancer cell proliferation by inhibiting PD-L1 expression and enhancing T-lymphocyte tumor-killing activity. Phytother Res 2021; 35:3916-3935. [PMID: 33970512 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway is abnormally expressed in cervical cancer cells. Moreover, PD-1/PD-L1 blockade reduces the apoptosis and exhaustion of T cells and inhibits the development of malignant tumors. Usnic acid is a dibenzofuran compound originating from Usnea diffracta Vain and has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and anticancer activities. However, the molecular mechanism of its antitumor effects has not been fully elucidated. In this work, we first observed that usnic acid decreased the expression of PD-L1 in HeLa cells and enhanced the cytotoxicity of co-cultured T cells toward tumor cells. Usnic acid inhibited PD-L1 protein synthesis by reducing STAT3 and RAS pathways cooperatively. It was subsequently shown that usnic acid induced MiT/TFE nuclear translocation through the suppression of mTOR signaling pathways, and promoted the biogenesis of lysosomes and the translocation of PD-L1 to the lysosomes for proteolysis. Furthermore, usnic acid inhibited cell proliferation, angiogenesis, migration, and invasion, respectively, by downregulating PD-L1, thereby inhibiting tumor growth. Taken together, our results show that usnic acid is an effective inhibitor of PD-L1 and our study provide novel insights into the mechanism of its anticancer targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Xin Sun
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Ming Yue Li
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Zhi Hong Zhang
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Jing Ying Wang
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Yue Xing
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - MyongHak Ri
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Cheng Hua Jin
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Guang Hua Xu
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Lian Xun Piao
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Hong Lan Jin
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Hong Xiang Zuo
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Juan Ma
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Xuejun Jin
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
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Wang JY, Xiu J, Baca Y, Arai H, Battaglin F, Kawanishi N, Soni S, Zhang W, Millstein J, Shields AF, Grothey A, Weinberg BA, Marshall JL, Lou E, Khushman M, Sohal DPS, Hall MJ, Oberley M, Spetzler D, Shen L, Korn WM, Lenz HJ. Distinct genomic landscapes of gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma depending on PD-L1 expression identify mutations in RAS-MAPK pathway and TP53 as potential predictors of immunotherapy efficacy. Ann Oncol 2021; 32:906-916. [PMID: 33798656 DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2021.03.203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of molecular alterations on programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) combined positive score (CPS) is not well studied in gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas (GEAs). We aimed to characterize genomic features of tumors with different CPSs in GEAs. PATIENTS AND METHODS Genomic alterations of 2518 GEAs were compared in three groups (PD-L1 CPS ≥ 10, high; CPS = 1-9, intermediate; CPS < 1, low) using next-generation sequencing. We assessed the impact of gene mutations on the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and tumor immune environment based on the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases. RESULTS High, intermediate, and low CPSs were seen in 18%, 54% and 28% of GEAs, respectively. PD-L1 positivity was less prevalent in women and in tissues derived from metastatic sites. PD-L1 CPS was positively associated with mismatch repair deficiency/microsatellite instability-high, but independent of tumor mutation burden distribution. Tumors with mutations in KRAS, TP53, and RAS-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway were associated with higher PD-L1 CPSs in the mismatch repair proficiency and microsatellite stability (pMMR&MSS) subgroup. Patients with RAS-MAPK pathway alterations had longer overall survival (OS) from ICIs compared to wildtype (WT) patients [27 versus 13 months, hazard ratio (HR) = 0.36, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.19-0.7, P = 0.016] and a similar trend was observed in the MSS subgroup (P = 0.11). In contrast, patients with TP53 mutations had worse OS from ICIs compared to TP53-WT patients in the MSS subgroup (5 versus 21 months, HR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.24-4.61, P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS This is the largest study to investigate the distinct genomic landscapes of GEAs with different PD-L1 CPSs. Our data may provide novel insights for patient selection using mutations in TP53 and RAS-MAPK pathway and for the development of rational combination immunotherapies in GEAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Y Wang
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China; Division of Medical Oncology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - J Xiu
- Caris Life Sciences, Phoenix, USA
| | - Y Baca
- Caris Life Sciences, Phoenix, USA
| | - H Arai
- Division of Medical Oncology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - F Battaglin
- Division of Medical Oncology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - N Kawanishi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - S Soni
- Division of Medical Oncology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - W Zhang
- Division of Medical Oncology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - J Millstein
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - A F Shields
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, USA
| | - A Grothey
- GI Cancer Research, West Cancer Center and Research Institute, Germantown, USA
| | - B A Weinberg
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Ruesch Center for the Cure of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, USA
| | - J L Marshall
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Ruesch Center for the Cure of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, USA
| | - E Lou
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - M Khushman
- Department of Interdisciplinary Clinical Oncology, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, USA
| | - D P S Sohal
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, USA
| | - M J Hall
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, USA
| | | | | | - L Shen
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - W M Korn
- Caris Life Sciences, Phoenix, USA
| | - H J Lenz
- Division of Medical Oncology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA.
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