1
|
Singh S, Singh AP, Mitra R. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Major Co-Conspirators in Tumor Development. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:211. [PMID: 38201638 PMCID: PMC10778099 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a critical determinant of tumor progression, metastasis, and therapeutic outcomes [...].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shubhangi Singh
- Department of International Studies (Global Health), College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
- Cancer Biology Program, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36604, USA
| | - Ajay P. Singh
- Cancer Biology Program, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36604, USA
- Department of Pathology, Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36617, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
| | - Ranjana Mitra
- Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Roseman University of Health Sciences, Las Vegas, NV 89135, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang SW, Wang H, Ding XH, Xiao YL, Shao ZM, You C, Gu YJ, Jiang YZ. Bidirectional crosstalk between therapeutic cancer vaccines and the tumor microenvironment: Beyond tumor antigens. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 3:1005-1024. [PMID: 38933006 PMCID: PMC11197801 DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2022.03.009] [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: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has rejuvenated cancer therapy, especially after anti-PD-(L)1 came onto the scene. Among the many therapeutic options, therapeutic cancer vaccines are one of the most essential players. Although great progress has been made in research on tumor antigen vaccines, few phase III trials have shown clinical benefits. One of the reasons lies in obstruction from the tumor microenvironment (TME). Meanwhile, the therapeutic cancer vaccine reshapes the TME in an ambivalent way, leading to immune stimulation or immune escape. In this review, we summarize recent progress on the interaction between therapeutic cancer vaccines and the TME. With respect to vaccine resistance, innate immunosuppressive TME components and acquired resistance caused by vaccination are both involved. Understanding the underlying mechanism of this crosstalk provides insight into the treatment of cancer by directly targeting the TME or synergizing with other therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Si-Wei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Han Wang
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Ding
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yu-Ling Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Shao
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Chao You
- Department of Radiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'an Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ya-Jia Gu
- Department of Radiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'an Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yi-Zhou Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Khawar MB, Ge F, Afzal A, Sun H. From barriers to novel strategies: smarter CAR T therapy hits hard to tumors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1203230. [PMID: 37520522 PMCID: PMC10375020 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1203230] [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: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy for solid tumors shows promise, but several hurdles remain. Strategies to overcome barriers such as CAR T therapy-related toxicities (CTT), immunosuppression, and immune checkpoints through research and technology are needed to put the last nail to the coffin and offer hope for previously incurable malignancies. Herein we review current literature and infer novel strategies for the mitigation of CTT while impeding immune suppression, stromal barriers, tumor heterogeneity, on-target/off-tumor toxicities, and better transfection strategies with an emphasis on clinical research and prospects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Babar Khawar
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-Coding RNA Research Yangzhou, Yangzhou, China
- Applied Molecular Biology and Biomedicine Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Narowal, Narowal, Pakistan
| | - Fei Ge
- Haian Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ali Afzal
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-Coding RNA Research Yangzhou, Yangzhou, China
| | - Haibo Sun
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-Coding RNA Research Yangzhou, Yangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jiang XT, Liu Q. mRNA vaccination in breast cancer: current progress and future direction. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023:10.1007/s00432-023-04805-z. [PMID: 37100972 PMCID: PMC10132791 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04805-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccination has proven to be highly successful in combating Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and has recently sparked tremendous interest. This technology has been a popular topic of research over the past decade and is viewed as a promising treatment strategy for cancer immunotherapy. However, despite being the most prevalent malignant disease for women worldwide, breast cancer patients have limited access to immunotherapy benefits. mRNA vaccination has the potential to convert cold breast cancer into hot and expand the responders. Effective mRNA vaccine design for in vivo function requires consideration of vaccine targets, mRNA structures, transport vectors, and injection routes. This review provides an overview of pre-clinical and clinical data on various mRNA vaccination platforms used for breast cancer treatment and discusses potential approaches to combine appropriate vaccination platforms or other immunotherapies to improve mRNA vaccine therapy efficacy for breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ting Jiang
- Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 107 Yanjiang West Road, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 107 Yanjiang West Road, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Geng F, Dong L, Bao X, Guo Q, Guo J, Zhou Y, Yu B, Wu H, Wu J, Zhang H, Yu X, Kong W. CAFs/tumor cells co-targeting DNA vaccine in combination with low-dose gemcitabine for the treatment of Panc02 murine pancreatic cancer. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2022; 26:304-313. [PMID: 36090474 PMCID: PMC9420428 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2022.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigate the synergistic effect of gemcitabine (Gem) and a novel DNA vaccine in the treatment of pancreatic cancer in mice and explore the anti-tumor mechanism of this combination therapy. Fibroblast activation protein α-expressing cancer-associated fibroblasts (FAPα+ CAFs), a dominant component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), have been shown to modulate the extracellular matrix (ECM) to promote the growth, invasion, and metastasis of pancreatic cancer (PC). Therefore, FAPα+ CAFs may be an ideal target for the treatment of PC. However, treatments that solely target FAPα+ CAFs do not directly affect tumor cells. We recently constructed a novel chimeric DNA vaccine (OsFS) against human FAPα and survivin, which simultaneously targets FAPα+ CAFs and tumor cells. In Panc02 tumor-bearing mice, OsFS vaccination not only reduced the proportion of immunosuppressive cells but also promoted the recruitment of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, which remodeled the TME to support anti-tumor immune responses. Furthermore, after depletion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) by metronomic low-dose Gem therapy, the anti-tumor effects of OsFS were enhanced. Taken together, our results indicate that the combination of the FAPα/survivin co-targeting DNA vaccine and low-dose Gem may be an effective therapy for PC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Geng
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
| | - Ling Dong
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
| | - Xin Bao
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
| | - Qianqian Guo
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
| | - Jie Guo
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
| | - Yi Zhou
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
| | - Bin Yu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
| | - Hui Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
| | - Jiaxin Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
| | - Haihong Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
- Corresponding author Hai-Hong Zhang, PhD, National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun 130012, P.R. China.
| | - Xianghui Yu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
- Corresponding author Xianghui Yu, PhD, National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun 130012, P.R. China.
| | - Wei Kong
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, No. 2699, Street Qianjin, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Recent Advances and Challenges in Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14163972. [PMID: 36010965 PMCID: PMC9406446 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14163972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immunotherapy helps a person’s immune system to target tumor cells. Recent advances in cancer immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint inhibition, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy and cancer vaccination, have changed the landscape of cancer treatment. These approaches have had profound success in certain cancer types but still fail in the majority of cases. This review will cover both successes and current challenges in cancer immunotherapy, as well as recent advances in the field of basic tumor immunology that will allow us to overcome resistance to existing treatments. Abstract Cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized the field of oncology in recent years. Harnessing the immune system to treat cancer has led to a large growth in the number of novel immunotherapeutic strategies, including immune checkpoint inhibition, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy and cancer vaccination. In this review, we will discuss the current landscape of immuno-oncology research, with a focus on elements that influence immunotherapeutic outcomes. We will also highlight recent advances in basic aspects of tumor immunology, in particular, the role of the immunosuppressive cells within the tumor microenvironment in regulating antitumor immunity. Lastly, we will discuss how the understanding of basic tumor immunology can lead to the development of new immunotherapeutic strategies.
Collapse
|
7
|
Peptide-Based Vaccines in Clinical Phases and New Potential Therapeutic Targets as a New Approach for Breast Cancer: A Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10081249. [PMID: 36016136 PMCID: PMC9416350 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10081249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women from 20 to 59 years old. The conventional treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and immunotherapy. This immunotherapy is based on administering monoclonal therapeutic antibodies (passive) or vaccines (active) with therapeutic purposes. Several types of vaccines could be used as potential treatments for cancer, including whole-cell, DNA, RNA, and peptide-based vaccines. Peptides used to develop vaccines are derived from tumor-associated antigens or tumor-specific antigens, such as HER-2, MUC1, ErbB2, CEA, FRα, MAGE A1, A3, and A10, NY-ESO-1, among others. Peptide-based vaccines provide some advantages, such as low cost, purity of the antigen, and the induction of humoral and cellular immune response. In this review, we explore the different types of vaccines against breast cancer with a specific focus on the description of peptide-based vaccines, their composition, immune response induction, and the description of new potential therapeutic targets.
Collapse
|
8
|
A Therapeutic Whole-Tumor-Cell Vaccine Covalently Conjugated with a TLR7 Agonist. Cells 2022; 11:cells11131986. [PMID: 35805071 PMCID: PMC9266217 DOI: 10.3390/cells11131986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A single-protein or -peptide vaccine is not sufficient to arouse immune responses in cancer therapy. A whole-tumor-cell vaccine with complete cancer cell antigens and all conformations elicits robust immune responses and is a promising method for the treatment of advanced malignant tumors. In this study, we used 5-azacitidine to stimulate B16-F10 melanoma cells to express toll-like receptor (TLR) 3 on the cell surface and then chemically linked SZU-106, a small-molecule TLR7 agonist, to the cell surface with a pegylated linker to produce a novel whole-tumor-cell vaccine, abbreviated as Aza-BFcell-106. The vaccine stimulated mouse splenic lymphocytes and bone marrow-derived dendritic cells to secrete cytokines, promoted the maturation of dendritic cells and enhanced the capability of dendritic cells to present antigens. In a mouse model of melanoma, the vaccine effectively inhibited tumor growth, decreased tumor volume and prolonged survival. Further combination of the vaccine with a chemokine inhibitor, reparixin, significantly increased the infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells into the tumor environment, while the antitumor effect was significantly enhanced. The whole-tumor-cell vaccine Aza-BFcell-106 induced immune-activating responses in both in vitro and in vivo experiments, indicating that this vaccine has great potential to treat advanced malignant tumors.
Collapse
|
9
|
Guiren Fritah H, Rovelli R, Lai-Lai Chiang C, Kandalaft LE. The current clinical landscape of personalized cancer vaccines. Cancer Treat Rev 2022; 106:102383. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2022.102383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
10
|
Liu C, Cong X, Wang Y, Guo Q, Xie Y, Geng F, Guo J, Dong L, Zhou Y, Wu H, Yu B, Wu J, Zhang H, Yu X, Kong W. Fast DNA Vaccination Strategy Elicits a Stronger Immune Response Dependent on CD8 +CD11c + Cell Accumulation. Front Oncol 2021; 11:752444. [PMID: 34950581 PMCID: PMC8691261 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.752444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional DNA vaccine strategies usually employ a regimen of immunizations at 2-week or longer intervals to induce effective memory cell-dependent immune responses. Clinical cancer treatment requires a faster immunization strategy to contend with tumor progression. In this study, a novel fast immunization strategy was established, wherein a DNA vaccine was intramuscularly administered on days 0, 2, and 5 in a murine lung cancer model. Effector cells peaked 7 to 10 days after the last vaccination. Compared with traditional 2-week-interval immunization strategies, antigen-specific cytolysis and INF-γ secretion were significantly enhanced under the fast vaccination approach. As a result, the rapidly administered DNA vaccine elicited stronger and more prompt antitumor effects. The probable underlying mechanism of fast immunization was the accumulation of CD8+CD11c+ antigen-presenting cells at the injection site, which enhanced subsequent antigen presentation. In conclusion, the fast DNA vaccination strategy shortened vaccination time to 5 days and elicited a stronger antitumor immune response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenlu Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Biobank, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xianling Cong
- Biobank, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuqian Wang
- Biobank, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qianqian Guo
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yu Xie
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Fei Geng
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jie Guo
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ling Dong
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hui Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Bin Yu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiaxin Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Haihong Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xianghui Yu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Kong
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Engineered exosome-like nanovesicles suppress tumor growth by reprogramming tumor microenvironment and promoting tumor ferroptosis. Acta Biomater 2021; 135:567-581. [PMID: 34506976 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Tumor vaccines that induce effective and sustained antitumor immunity are highly promising for cancer therapy. However, the antitumor potential of these vaccines is weakened due to the immunosuppressive characteristics of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the most abundant stromal cells within the TME; they play an important role in tumor growth, metastasis, immunosuppression, and drug resistance. Fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP) is overexpressed in CAFs in more than 90% of human tumor tissues. Further, FAP+CAFs are an ideal interstitial target for the immunotherapy of solid tumors. Exosomes derived from tumor cells contain many tumor antigens, which can be used as the basis of tumor vaccines that elicit strong antitumor immunity. Almost all exosome-based cancer vaccines have been designed and developed for tumor parenchymal cells. Moreover, the exosome production is very low and the purification is very difficult, limiting their clinical application as tumor vaccines. In this study, we developed FAP gene-engineered tumor cell-derived exosome-like nanovesicles (eNVs-FAP) as a tumor vaccine that can be prepared easily and in large quantities. The eNVs-FAP vaccine inhibited tumor growth by inducing strong and specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) immune responses against tumor cells and FAP+CAFs and reprogramming the immunosuppressive TME in the colon, melanoma, lung, and breast cancer models. Moreover, eNVs-FAP vaccine-activated cellular immune responses could promote tumor ferroptosis by releasing interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) from CTLs and depleting FAP+CAFs. Thus, eNVs-FAP is a candidate tumor vaccine targeting both the tumor parenchyma and the stroma. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Nanovaccines can activate immune cells and promote an antitumor immune response. In this study, we developed the fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP) gene-engineered tumor cell-derived exosome-like vesicle vaccines (eNVs-FAP). A large number of eNVs-FAP were obtained by continuously squeezing FAP gene-engineered tumor cells. eNVs-FAP showed excellent antitumor effects in a variety of tumor-bearing mouse models. The mechanistic analysis showed that eNVs-FAP promoted the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs), increased the infiltration of effector T cells into target tumor cells and FAP-positive cancer-associated fibroblasts (FAP+CAFs), and reduced the proportion of immunosuppressive cells, including M2-like tumor-associated macrophages (M2-TAMs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and regulatory T cells (Tregs), in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Moreover, the clearance of FAP+CAFs helped enhance interferon-gamma-induced tumor cell ferroptosis.
Collapse
|
12
|
Terceiro LEL, Edechi CA, Ikeogu NM, Nickel BE, Hombach-Klonisch S, Sharif T, Leygue E, Myal Y. The Breast Tumor Microenvironment: A Key Player in Metastatic Spread. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4798. [PMID: 34638283 PMCID: PMC8507966 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment plays a pivotal role in the tumorigenesis, progression, and metastatic spread of many cancers including breast. There is now increasing evidence to support the observations that a bidirectional interplay between breast cancer cells and stromal cells exists within the tumor and the tumor microenvironment both at the primary tumor site and at the metastatic site. This interaction occurs through direct cell to cell contact, or by the release of autocrine or paracrine factors which can activate pro-tumor signaling pathways and modulate tumor behavior. In this review, we will highlight recent advances in our current knowledge about the multiple interactions between breast cancer cells and neighboring cells (fibroblasts, endothelial cells, adipocytes, innate and adaptive immune cells) in the tumor microenvironment that coordinate to regulate metastasis. We also highlight the role of exosomes and circulating tumor cells in facilitating breast cancer metastasis. We discuss some key markers associated with stromal cells in the breast tumor environment and their potential to predict patient survival and guide treatment. Finally, we will provide some brief perspectives on how current technologies may lead to the development of more effective therapies for the clinical management of breast cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas E. L. Terceiro
- Department of Pathology, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada; (L.E.L.T.); (C.A.E.); (T.S.)
| | - Chidalu A. Edechi
- Department of Pathology, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada; (L.E.L.T.); (C.A.E.); (T.S.)
| | - Nnamdi M. Ikeogu
- Department of Immunology, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T5, Canada;
| | - Barbara E. Nickel
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada;
| | - Sabine Hombach-Klonisch
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada;
| | - Tanveer Sharif
- Department of Pathology, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada; (L.E.L.T.); (C.A.E.); (T.S.)
| | - Etienne Leygue
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T5, Canada;
| | - Yvonne Myal
- Department of Pathology, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada; (L.E.L.T.); (C.A.E.); (T.S.)
- Senior Scientist, CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Jin J, Lin J, Xu A, Lou J, Qian C, Li X, Wang Y, Yu W, Tao H. CCL2: An Important Mediator Between Tumor Cells and Host Cells in Tumor Microenvironment. Front Oncol 2021; 11:722916. [PMID: 34386431 PMCID: PMC8354025 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.722916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment (TME) formation is a major cause of immunosuppression. The TME consists of a considerable number of macrophages and stromal cells that have been identified in multiple tumor types. CCL2 is the strongest chemoattractant involved in macrophage recruitment and a powerful initiator of inflammation. Evidence indicates that CCL2 can attract other host cells in the TME and direct their differentiation in cooperation with other cytokines. Overall, CCL2 has an unfavorable effect on prognosis in tumor patients because of the accumulation of immunosuppressive cell subtypes. However, there is also evidence demonstrating that CCL2 enhances the anti-tumor capability of specific cell types such as inflammatory monocytes and neutrophils. The inflammation state of the tumor seems to have a bi-lateral role in tumor progression. Here, we review works focusing on the interactions between cancer cells and host cells, and on the biological role of CCL2 in these processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiakang Jin
- Department of Orthopedics, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinti Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ankai Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianan Lou
- Department of Orthopedics, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chao Qian
- Department of Orthopedics, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiumao Li
- Department of Orthopedics, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yitian Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huimin Tao
- Department of Orthopedics, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wan PKT, Ryan AJ, Seymour LW. Beyond cancer cells: Targeting the tumor microenvironment with gene therapy and armed oncolytic virus. Mol Ther 2021; 29:1668-1682. [PMID: 33845199 PMCID: PMC8116634 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer gene therapies are usually designed either to express wild-type copies of tumor suppressor genes or to exploit tumor-associated phenotypic changes to endow selective cytotoxicity. However, these approaches become less relevant to cancers that contain many independent mutations, and the situation is made more complex by our increased understanding of clonal evolution of tumors, meaning that different metastases and even regions of the same tumor mass have distinct mutational and phenotypic profiles. In contrast, the relatively genetically stable tumor microenvironment (TME) therefore provides an appealing therapeutic target, particularly since it plays an essential role in promoting cancer growth, immune tolerance, and acquired resistance to many therapies. Recently, a variety of different TME-targeted gene therapy and armed oncolytic strategies have been explored, with particular success observed in strategies targeting the cancer stroma, reducing tumor vasculature, and repolarizing the immunosuppressive microenvironment. Herein, we review the progress of these TME-targeting approaches and try to highlight those showing the greatest promise.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anderson J Ryan
- Department Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Joshi RS, Kanugula SS, Sudhir S, Pereira MP, Jain S, Aghi MK. The Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Tumor Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061399. [PMID: 33808627 PMCID: PMC8003545 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In the era of genomic medicine, cancer treatment has become more personalized as novel therapeutic targets and pathways are identified. Research over the past decade has shown the increasing importance of how the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is a major structural component of the TME, regulate oncogenic functions including tumor progression, metastasis, angiogenesis, therapy resistance, and immune cell modulation, amongst others. Within the TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have been identified in several systemic cancers as critical regulators of the malignant cancer phenotype. This review of the literature comprehensively profiles the roles of CAFs implicated in gastrointestinal, endocrine, head and neck, skin, genitourinary, lung, and breast cancers. The ubiquitous presence of CAFs highlights their significance as modulators of cancer progression and has led to the subsequent characterization of potential therapeutic targets, which may help advance the cancer treatment paradigm to determine the next generation of cancer therapy. The aim of this review is to provide a detailed overview of the key roles that CAFs play in the scope of systemic disease, the mechanisms by which they enhance protumoral effects, and the primary CAF-related markers that may offer potential targets for novel therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rushikesh S. Joshi
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92092, USA;
| | | | - Sweta Sudhir
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
| | - Matheus P. Pereira
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA;
| | - Saket Jain
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA;
| | - Manish K. Aghi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-415-514-9820
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Shi Y, Riese DJ, Shen J. The Role of the CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 Chemokine Axis in Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:574667. [PMID: 33363463 PMCID: PMC7753359 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.574667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemokines are a family of small, secreted cytokines which regulate a variety of cell functions. The C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) binds to C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) and C-X-C chemokine receptor type 7 (CXCR7). The interaction of CXCL12 and its receptors subsequently induces downstream signaling pathways with broad effects on chemotaxis, cell proliferation, migration, and gene expression. Accumulating evidence suggests that the CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 axis plays a pivotal role in tumor development, survival, angiogenesis, metastasis, and tumor microenvironment. In addition, this chemokine axis promotes chemoresistance in cancer therapy via complex crosstalk with other pathways. Multiple small molecules targeting CXCR4/CXCR7 have been developed and used for preclinical and clinical cancer treatment. In this review, we describe the roles of the CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 axis in cancer progression and summarize strategies to develop novel targeted cancer therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jianzhong Shen
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Chemotherapy resistance and stromal targets in breast cancer treatment: a review. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:8169-8177. [PMID: 33006013 PMCID: PMC7588379 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05853-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Therapy resistance is a known problem in breast cancer and is associated with a variety of mechanisms. The role of the tumor microenvironment in cancer development and resistance mechanisms is becoming increasingly understood. Tumor–stroma is the main component of the tumor microenvironment. Stromal cells like cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are believed to contribute to chemotherapy resistance via the production of several secreted factors like cytokines and chemokines. CAFs are found to influence disease progression; patients with primary tumors with a high amount of tumor–stroma have a significantly worse outcome. Therefore the role of CAFs resistance mechanisms makes them a promising target in anti-cancer therapy. An overview of recent advances in strategies to target breast cancer stroma is given and the current literature regarding these stromal targets is discussed. CAF-specific proteins as well as secreted molecules involved in tumor–stroma interactions provide possibilities for stroma-specific therapy. The development of stroma-specific therapy is still in its infancy and the available literature is limited. Within the scope of personalized treatment, biomarkers based on the tumor–stroma have future potential for the improvement of treatment via image-guided surgery (IGS) and PET scanning.
Collapse
|
18
|
Gordon B, Gadi VK. The Role of the Tumor Microenvironment in Developing Successful Therapeutic and Secondary Prophylactic Breast Cancer Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8030529. [PMID: 32937885 PMCID: PMC7565925 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer affects roughly one in eight women over their lifetime and is a leading cause of cancer-related death in women. While outcomes have improved in recent years, prognosis remains poor for patients who present with either disseminated disease or aggressive molecular subtypes. Cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of several cancers, with therapeutic vaccines aiming to direct the cytotoxic immune program against tumor cells showing particular promise. However, these results have yet to translate to breast cancer, which remains largely refractory from such approaches. Recent evidence suggests that the breast tumor microenvironment (TME) is an important and long understudied barrier to the efficacy of therapeutic vaccines. Through an improved understanding of the complex and biologically diverse breast TME, it may be possible to advance new combination strategies to render breast carcinomas sensitive to the effects of therapeutic vaccines. Here, we discuss past and present efforts to advance therapeutic vaccines in the treatment of breast cancer, the molecular mechanisms through which the TME contributes to the failure of such approaches, as well as the potential means through which these can be overcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Gordon
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Vijayakrishna K. Gadi
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Illinois Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zhou L, Hou B, Wang D, Sun F, Song R, Shao Q, Wang H, Yu H, Li Y. Engineering Polymeric Prodrug Nanoplatform for Vaccination Immunotherapy of Cancer. NANO LETTERS 2020; 20:4393-4402. [PMID: 32459969 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.0c01140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Neoantigen-based cancer vaccines are promising for boosting cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses. However, the therapeutic effect of cancer vaccines is severely blunted by functional suppression of the dendritic cells (DCs). Herein, we demonstrated an acid-responsive polymeric nanovaccine for activating the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway and improving cancer immunotherapy. The nanovaccines were fabricated by integrating an acid-activatable polymeric conjugate of the STING agonist and neoantigen into one single nanoplatform. The nanovaccines efficiently accumulated at the lymph nodes for promoting DC uptake and facilitating cytosol release of the neoantigens. Meanwhile, the STING agonist activated the STING pathway in the DCs to elicit interferon-β secretion and to boost T-cell priming with the neoantigen. The nanovaccine dramatically inhibited tumor growth and occurrence of B16-OVA melanoma and 4T1 breast tumors in immunocompetent mouse models. Combination immunotherapy with the nanovaccines and anti-PD-L1 antibody demonstrated further improved antitumor efficacy in a 4T1 breast tumor model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Bo Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Dangge Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Fang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Rundi Song
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qian Shao
- Shandong Institute of Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China
| | - Hao Wang
- China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Haijun Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine & Advanced Preparations, Yantai Institute of Materia Medica, Yantai, Shandong 264000, China
| | - Yaping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Center of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine & Advanced Preparations, Yantai Institute of Materia Medica, Yantai, Shandong 264000, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Geng F, Bao X, Dong L, Guo QQ, Guo J, Xie Y, Zhou Y, Yu B, Wu H, Wu JX, Zhang HH, Yu XH, Kong W. Doxorubicin pretreatment enhances FAPα/survivin co-targeting DNA vaccine anti-tumor activity primarily through decreasing peripheral MDSCs in the 4T1 murine breast cancer model. Oncoimmunology 2020; 9:1747350. [PMID: 32363118 PMCID: PMC7185204 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2020.1747350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) provides necessary nutrition for tumor growth and recruits immunosuppressive factors including regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) to inhibit the anti-tumor immune response induced by immunotherapy. As a main TME component, cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) can restrain T cell infiltration and activity through extracellular matrix remodeling. Vaccines targeting fibroblast-activating protein α (FAPα), which is mainly expressed on the CAF surface, can eliminate CAFs in tumors and regulate the TME, enhancing the potency of T cell-mediated anti-tumor effects. However, the anti-tumor effects were not fully realized as the tumor induces a large number of peripheral MDSCs during its growth, rendering the body of mice in an immunosuppressive state and preventing the vaccine from inducing effective anti-tumor immune responses. Here, we developed a dual-targeted DNA vaccine OsFS, targeting tumor matrix antigen FAPα and tumor cell antigen survivin simultaneously, exhibited enhanced antineoplastic effects in an established breast cancer model. Moreover, doxorubicin (Dox) pretreatment to remove the peripheral MDSCs induced to regulate the peripheral immune environment could further facilitate the anti-tumor activity of the vaccine. These results indicated that combination treatment of the tumor cells and the TME dual-targeting vaccine plus Dox could effectively realize the anti-tumor activity of the vaccine by decreasing immunosuppressive factors and inducing more tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, which may offer important guidance for clinical research regarding the combination of the DNA vaccine with low-dose Dox.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Geng
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Xin Bao
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Ling Dong
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Qian-Qian Guo
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Jie Guo
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Yu Xie
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Yi Zhou
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Bin Yu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Hui Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Jia-Xin Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Hai-Hong Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Xiang-Hui Yu
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Wei Kong
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Salimifard S, Masjedi A, Hojjat-Farsangi M, Ghalamfarsa G, Irandoust M, Azizi G, Mohammadi H, Keramati MR, Jadidi-Niaragh F. Cancer associated fibroblasts as novel promising therapeutic targets in breast cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2020; 216:152915. [PMID: 32146002 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2020.152915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most important women-related malignancies, which is incurable (particularly in advanced stages) and tumor microenvironment is a number one accused part in the inefficiency of current anti-breast cancer therapeutic strategies. The tumor microenvironment is composed of various cellular and acellular components, which provide an optimum condition for freely expanding cancer cells in various cancer types, particularly breast cancer. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the main cell types in the breast tumor region, which can promote various tumor-promoting processes such as expansion, angiogenesis, metastasis and drug resistance. CAFs directly (by cell-to-cell communication) and indirectly (through secreting soluble factors) can exert their tumorigenic functions. We try to elucidate the immunobiology of CAFs, their origin, function, and heterogeneity in association with their role in various cancer-promoting processes in breast cancer. Based on current knowledge, we believe that the origin of CAFs, their subsets, and their specific expressed biomarkers determine their pro- or anti-tumor functions. Therefore, targeting CAF without considering their specific functions may lead to a deleterious outcome. We propose to find and characterize each subtype of CAFs in association with its specific function in different stages of breast cancer to develop novel promising therapeutic approaches against the right CAF subtype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sevda Salimifard
- Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, School of Allied Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Masjedi
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hojjat-Farsangi
- Bioclinicum, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Medicine Research Center, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Ghasem Ghalamfarsa
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - Mahzad Irandoust
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Azizi
- Non-communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Hamed Mohammadi
- Non-communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Keramati
- Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, School of Allied Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Farhad Jadidi-Niaragh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|