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Afshari AR, Sanati M, Ahmadi SS, Kesharwani P, Sahebkar A. Harnessing the capacity of phytochemicals to enhance immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy of cancers: A focus on brain malignancies. Cancer Lett 2024; 593:216955. [PMID: 38750720 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216955] [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: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Brain cancers, particularly glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), are challenging health issues with frequent unmet aspects. Today, discovering safe and effective therapeutic modalities for brain tumors is among the top research interests. Immunotherapy is an emerging area of investigation in cancer treatment. Since immune checkpoints play fundamental roles in repressing anti-cancer immunity, diverse immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been developed, and some monoclonal antibodies have been approved clinically for particular cancers; nevertheless, there are significant concerns regarding their efficacy and safety in brain tumors. Among the various tools to modify the immune checkpoints, phytochemicals show good effectiveness and excellent safety, making them suitable candidates for developing better ICIs. Phytochemicals regulate multiple immunological checkpoint-related signaling pathways in cancer biology; however, their efficacy for clinical cancer immunotherapy remains to be established. Here, we discussed the involvement of immune checkpoints in cancer pathology and summarized recent advancements in applying phytochemicals in modulating immune checkpoints in brain tumors to highlight the state-of-the-art and give constructive prospects for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir R Afshari
- Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Mehdi Sanati
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran; Experimental and Animal Study Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Seyed Sajad Ahmadi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Khatam-Ol-Anbia Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Prashant Kesharwani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India.
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India; Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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2
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Pitts SC, Schlom J, Donahue RN. Soluble immune checkpoints: implications for cancer prognosis and response to immune checkpoint therapy and conventional therapies. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:155. [PMID: 38822401 PMCID: PMC11141022 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03074-z] [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: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Longitudinal sampling of tumor tissue from patients with solid cancers, aside from melanoma and a few other cases, is often unfeasible, and thus may not capture the plasticity of interactions between the tumor and immune system under selective pressure of a given therapy. Peripheral blood analyses provide salient information about the human peripheral immunome while offering technical and practical advantages over traditional tumor biopsies, and should be utilized where possible alongside interrogation of the tumor. Some common blood-based biomarkers used to study the immune response include immune cell subsets, circulating tumor DNA, and protein analytes such as cytokines. With the recent explosion of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) as a modality of treatment in multiple cancer types, soluble immune checkpoints have become a relevant area of investigation for peripheral immune-based biomarkers. However, the exact functions of soluble immune checkpoints and their roles in cancer for the most part remain unclear. This review discusses current literature on the production, function, and expression of nine soluble immune checkpoints - sPD-L1, sPD-1, sCTLA4, sCD80, sTIM3, sLAG3, sB7-H3, sBTLA, and sHVEM - in patients with solid tumors, and explores their role as biomarkers of response to ICI as well as to conventional therapies (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and surgery) in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C Pitts
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Renee N Donahue
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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3
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Zhang J, Wei X, Zhang Q, Jiao X, Li K, Geng M, Cao Y, Wang D, Cheng J, Yang J. Fish Uses CTLA-4 Immune Checkpoint to Suppress mTORC1-Controlled T-Cell Glycolysis and Immunity. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:1113-1128. [PMID: 38363204 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
As an immune checkpoint, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) suppresses the activation, proliferation, and effector function of T cells, thus preventing an overexuberant response and maintaining immune homeostasis. However, whether and how this immune checkpoint functions in early vertebrates remains unknown. In the current study, using a Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) model, we investigated the suppression of T cell response by CTLA-4 in bony fish. Tilapia CTLA-4 is constitutively expressed in lymphoid tissues, and its mRNA and protein expression in lymphocytes are upregulated following PHA stimulation or Edwardsiella piscicida infection. Blockade of CTLA-4 signaling enhanced T cell activation and proliferation but inhibited activation-induced T cell apoptosis, indicating that CTLA-4 negatively regulated T cell activation. In addition, blocking CTLA-4 signaling in vivo increased the differentiation potential and cytotoxicity of T cells, resulting in an enhanced T cell response during E. piscicida infection. Tilapia CTLA-4 competitively bound the B7.2/CD86 molecule with CD28, thus antagonizing the CD28-mediated costimulatory signal of T cell activation. Furthermore, inhibition of mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling, c-Myc, or glycolysis markedly impaired the CTLA-4 blockade-enhanced T cell response, suggesting that CTLA-4 suppressed the T cell response of tilapia by inhibiting mTORC1/c-Myc axis-controlled glycolysis. Overall, the findings indicate a detailed mechanism by which CTLA-4 suppresses T cell immunity in tilapia; therefore, we propose that early vertebrates have evolved sophisticated mechanisms coupling immune checkpoints and metabolic reprogramming to avoid an overexuberant T cell response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiansong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiumei Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinying Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ding Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jialong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
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4
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De Sousa Linhares A, Sharma S, Steinberger P, Leitner J. Transcriptional reprogramming via signaling domains of CD2, CD28, and 4-1BB. iScience 2024; 27:109267. [PMID: 38455974 PMCID: PMC10918215 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109267] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Costimulatory signals provided to T cells during antigen encounter have a decisive role in the outcome of immune responses. Here, we used chimeric receptors harboring the extracellular domain of mouse inducible T cell costimulator (mICOS) to study transcriptional activation mediated by cytoplasmic sequences of the major T cell costimulatory receptors CD28, 4-1BB, and CD2. The chimeric receptors were introduced in a T cell reporter platform that allows to simultaneously evaluate nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), NFAT, and AP-1 activation. Engagement of the chimeric receptors induced distinct transcriptional profiles. CD28 signaling activated all three transcription factors, whereas 4-1BB strongly promoted NF-κB and AP-1 but downregulated NFAT activity. CD2 signals resulted in the strongest upregulation of NFAT. Transcriptome analysis revealed pronounced and distinct gene expression signatures upon CD2 and 4-1BB signaling. Using the intracellular sequence of CD28, we exemplify that distinct signaling motifs endow chimeric receptors with different costimulatory capacities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika De Sousa Linhares
- Division of Immune Receptors and T Cell Activation, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Loop lab Bio GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sumana Sharma
- MRC Translational Immune Discovery Unit John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Peter Steinberger
- Division of Immune Receptors and T Cell Activation, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Judith Leitner
- Division of Immune Receptors and T Cell Activation, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Burke KP, Chaudhri A, Freeman GJ, Sharpe AH. The B7:CD28 family and friends: Unraveling coinhibitory interactions. Immunity 2024; 57:223-244. [PMID: 38354702 PMCID: PMC10889489 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Immune responses must be tightly regulated to ensure both optimal protective immunity and tolerance. Costimulatory pathways within the B7:CD28 family provide essential signals for optimal T cell activation and clonal expansion. They provide crucial inhibitory signals that maintain immune homeostasis, control resolution of inflammation, regulate host defense, and promote tolerance to prevent autoimmunity. Tumors and chronic pathogens can exploit these pathways to evade eradication by the immune system. Advances in understanding B7:CD28 pathways have ushered in a new era of immunotherapy with effective drugs to treat cancer, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and transplant rejection. Here, we discuss current understanding of the mechanisms underlying the coinhibitory functions of CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L1:B7-1 and PD-L2:RGMb interactions and less studied B7 family members, including HHLA2, VISTA, BTNL2, and BTN3A1, as well as their overlapping and unique roles in regulating immune responses, and the therapeutic potential of these insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly P Burke
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Apoorvi Chaudhri
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Gordon J Freeman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Arlene H Sharpe
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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6
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Quiniou SMA, Bengtén E, Boudinot P. Costimulatory receptors in the channel catfish: CD28 family members and their ligands. Immunogenetics 2024; 76:51-67. [PMID: 38197898 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-023-01327-3] [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: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
The CD28-B7 interaction is required to deliver a second signal necessary for T-cell activation. Additional membrane receptors of the CD28 and B7 families are also involved in immune checkpoints that positively or negatively regulate leukocyte activation, in particular T lymphocytes. BTLA is an inhibitory receptor that belongs to a third receptor family. Fish orthologs exist only for some of these genes, and the potential interactions between the corresponding ligands remain mostly unclear. In this work, we focused on the channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), a long-standing model for fish immunology, to analyze these co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory receptors. We identified one copy of cd28, ctla4, cd80/86, b7h1/dc, b7h3, b7h4, b7h5, two btla, and four b7h7 genes. Catfish CD28 contains the highly conserved mammalian cytoplasmic motif for PI3K and GRB2 recruitment, however this motif is absent in cyprinids. Fish CTLA4 share a C-terminal putative GRB2-binding site but lacks the mammalian PI3K/GRB2-binding motif. While critical V-domain residues for human CD80 or CD86 binding to CD28/CTLA4 show low conservation in fish CD80/86, C-domain residues are highly conserved, underscoring their significance. Catfish B7H1/DC had a long intracytoplasmic domain with a P-loop-NTPase domain that is absent in mammalian sequences, while the lack of NLS motif in fish B7H4 suggests this protein may not regulate cell growth when expressed intracellularly. Finally, there is a notable expansion of fish B7H7s, which likely play diverse roles in leukocyte regulation. Overall, our work contributes to a better understanding of fish leukocyte co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva Bengtén
- Center for Immunology and Microbial Research, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 39216, Jackson, MS, USA
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 39216, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Pierre Boudinot
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, UVSQ, VIM, Jouy-en-Josas, 78350, France.
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7
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Khantakova JN, Sennikov SV. T-helper cells flexibility: the possibility of reprogramming T cells fate. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1284178. [PMID: 38022605 PMCID: PMC10646684 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1284178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Various disciplines cooperate to find novel approaches to cure impaired body functions by repairing, replacing, or regenerating cells, tissues, or organs. The possibility that a stable differentiated cell can reprogram itself opens the door to new therapeutic strategies against a multitude of diseases caused by the loss or dysfunction of essential, irreparable, and specific cells. One approach to cell therapy is to induce reprogramming of adult cells into other functionally active cells. Understanding the factors that cause or contribute to T cell plasticity is not only of clinical importance but also expands the knowledge of the factors that induce cells to differentiate and improves the understanding of normal developmental biology. The present review focuses on the advances in the conversion of peripheral CD4+ T cells, the conditions of their reprogramming, and the methods proposed to control such cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia N. Khantakova
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology” (RIFCI), Novosibirsk, Russia
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8
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Rezayi M, Hosseini A. Structure of PD1 and its mechanism in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Cell Biochem Funct 2023; 41:726-737. [PMID: 37475518 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
PD-1 and CTLA-4 can play an important role in addressing the issue of autoimmune diseases. PD-1 is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed on T, B, and Dentric cells. This molecule functions as a checkpoint in T cell proliferation. Ligation of PD-1 with its ligands inhibits the production of IL-2, IL-7, IL-10, and IL-12 as well as other cytokines by macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, and T cells, which can suppress cell proliferation and inflammation. Today, scientists attempt to protect against autoimmune diseases by PD-1 inhibitory signals. In this review, we discuss the structure, expression, and signaling pathway of PD-1. In addition, we discuss the importance of PD-1 in regulating several autoimmune diseases, reflecting how manipulating this molecule can be an effective method in the immunotherapy of some autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Rezayi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Marand Baranch, Islamic Azad University, Marand, Iran
| | - Arezoo Hosseini
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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9
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Nikoo M, Rabiee F, Mohebbi H, Eghbalifard N, Rajabi H, Yazdani Y, Sakhaei D, Khosravifarsani M, Akhavan-Sigari R. Nivolumab plus ipilimumab combination therapy in cancer: Current evidence to date. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 117:109881. [PMID: 37012882 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer immunotherapy, yielding significant antitumor responses across multiple cancer types. Combination ICI therapy with anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 antibodies outperforms either antibody alone in terms of clinical efficacy. As a consequence, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved ipilimumab (anti-CTLA-4) plus nivolumab (anti-PD-1) as the first-ever approved therapies for combined ICI in patients with metastatic melanoma. Despite the success of ICIs, treatment with checkpoint inhibitor combinations poses significant clinical challenges, such as increased rates of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and drug resistance. Thus, identifying optimal prognostic biomarkers could help to monitor the safety and efficacy of ICIs and identify patients who may benefit the most from these treatments. In this review, we will first go over the fundamentals of the CTLA-4 and PD-1 pathways, as well as the mechanisms of ICI resistance. The results of clinical findings that evaluated the combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab are then summarized to support future research in the field of combination therapy. Finally, the irAEs associated with combined ICI therapy, as well as the underlying biomarkers involved in their management, are discussed.
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10
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Awad RM, Breckpot K. Novel technologies for applying immune checkpoint blockers. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 382:1-101. [PMID: 38225100 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells develop several ways to subdue the immune system among others via upregulation of inhibitory immune checkpoint (ICP) proteins. These ICPs paralyze immune effector cells and thereby enable unfettered tumor growth. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that block ICPs can prevent immune exhaustion. Due to their outstanding effects, mAbs revolutionized the field of cancer immunotherapy. However, current ICP therapy regimens suffer from issues related to systemic administration of mAbs, including the onset of immune related adverse events, poor pharmacokinetics, limited tumor accessibility and immunogenicity. These drawbacks and new insights on spatiality prompted the exploration of novel administration routes for mAbs for instance peritumoral delivery. Moreover, novel ICP drug classes that are adept to novel delivery technologies were developed to circumvent the drawbacks of mAbs. We therefore review the state-of-the-art and novel delivery strategies of ICP drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Maximilian Awad
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
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11
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Pavic K, Gupta N, Omella JD, Derua R, Aakula A, Huhtaniemi R, Määttä JA, Höfflin N, Okkeri J, Wang Z, Kauko O, Varjus R, Honkanen H, Abankwa D, Köhn M, Hytönen VP, Xu W, Nilsson J, Page R, Janssens V, Leitner A, Westermarck J. Structural mechanism for inhibition of PP2A-B56α and oncogenicity by CIP2A. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1143. [PMID: 36854761 PMCID: PMC9974998 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36693-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) heterotrimer PP2A-B56α is a human tumour suppressor. However, the molecular mechanisms inhibiting PP2A-B56α in cancer are poorly understood. Here, we report molecular level details and structural mechanisms of PP2A-B56α inhibition by an oncoprotein CIP2A. Upon direct binding to PP2A-B56α trimer, CIP2A displaces the PP2A-A subunit and thereby hijacks both the B56α, and the catalytic PP2Ac subunit to form a CIP2A-B56α-PP2Ac pseudotrimer. Further, CIP2A competes with B56α substrate binding by blocking the LxxIxE-motif substrate binding pocket on B56α. Relevant to oncogenic activity of CIP2A across human cancers, the N-terminal head domain-mediated interaction with B56α stabilizes CIP2A protein. Functionally, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated single amino acid mutagenesis of the head domain blunted MYC expression and MEK phosphorylation, and abrogated triple-negative breast cancer in vivo tumour growth. Collectively, we discover a unique multi-step hijack and mute protein complex regulation mechanism resulting in tumour suppressor PP2A-B56α inhibition. Further, the results unfold a structural determinant for the oncogenic activity of CIP2A, potentially facilitating therapeutic modulation of CIP2A in cancer and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Pavic
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520, Turku, Finland
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Nikhil Gupta
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Judit Domènech Omella
- Laboratory of Protein Phosphorylation & Proteomics, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rita Derua
- Laboratory of Protein Phosphorylation & Proteomics, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
- SyBioMa, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anna Aakula
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Riikka Huhtaniemi
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Juha A Määttä
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33520 Tampere, Finland and Fimlab Laboratories, 33520, Tampere, Finland
| | - Nico Höfflin
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biology III, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Juha Okkeri
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Zhizhi Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Otto Kauko
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Roosa Varjus
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Henrik Honkanen
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Daniel Abankwa
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Maja Köhn
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biology III, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Vesa P Hytönen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33520 Tampere, Finland and Fimlab Laboratories, 33520, Tampere, Finland
| | - Wenqing Xu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jakob Nilsson
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rebecca Page
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Veerle Janssens
- Laboratory of Protein Phosphorylation & Proteomics, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alexander Leitner
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jukka Westermarck
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520, Turku, Finland.
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, 20520, Turku, Finland.
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12
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Zhou X, Li C, Chen T, Li W, Wang X, Yang Q. Targeting RNA N6-methyladenosine to synergize with immune checkpoint therapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:36. [PMID: 36810108 PMCID: PMC9942356 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01746-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy, especially immune checkpoint therapy, has revolutionized therapeutic options by reactivating the host immune system. However, the efficacy varies, and only a small portion of patients develop sustained antitumor responses. Hence, illustrating novel strategies that improve the clinical outcome of immune checkpoint therapy is urgently needed. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has been proved to be an efficient and dynamic posttranscriptional modification process. It is involved in numerous RNA processing, such as splicing, trafficking, translation and degradation. Compelling evidence emphasizes the paramount role of m6A modification in the regulation of immune response. These findings may provide a foundation for the rational combination of targeting m6A modification and immune checkpoints in cancer treatment. In the present review, we summarize the current landscape of m6A modification in RNA biology, and highlight the latest findings on the complex mechanisms by which m6A modification governs immune checkpoint molecules. Furthermore, given the critical role of m6A modification in antitumor immunity, we discuss the clinical significance of targeting m6A modification to improve the efficacy of immune checkpoint therapy for cancer control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianyong Zhou
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Wenhua Xi Road No. 107, Jinan, Shandong China ,grid.476866.dDepartment of Breast Surgery, Binzhou People’s Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong China
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Wenhua Xi Road No. 107, Jinan, Shandong China
| | - Tong Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Wenhua Xi Road No. 107, Jinan, Shandong China
| | - Wenhao Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Wenhua Xi Road No. 107, Jinan, Shandong China
| | - Xiaolong Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Wenhua Xi Road No. 107, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Qifeng Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Wenhua Xi Road No. 107, Jinan, Shandong, China. .,Department of Pathology Tissue Bank, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Xi Road No. 107, Shandong, Jinan, China. .,Research Institute of Breast Cancer, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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13
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Abdeladhim M, Karnell JL, Rieder SA. In or out of control: Modulating regulatory T cell homeostasis and function with immune checkpoint pathways. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1033705. [PMID: 36591244 PMCID: PMC9799097 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1033705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are the master regulators of immunity and they have been implicated in different disease states such as infection, autoimmunity and cancer. Since their discovery, many studies have focused on understanding Treg development, differentiation, and function. While there are many players in the generation and function of truly suppressive Tregs, the role of checkpoint pathways in these processes have been studied extensively. In this paper, we systematically review the role of different checkpoint pathways in Treg homeostasis and function. We describe how co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory pathways modulate Treg homeostasis and function and highlight data from mouse and human studies. Multiple checkpoint pathways are being targeted in cancer and autoimmunity; therefore, we share insights from the clinic and discuss the effect of experimental and approved therapeutics on Treg biology.
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14
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Gaikwad S, Agrawal MY, Kaushik I, Ramachandran S, Srivastava SK. Immune checkpoint proteins: Signaling mechanisms and molecular interactions in cancer immunotherapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:137-150. [PMID: 35341913 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint proteins (ICP) are currently one of the most novel and promising areas of immune-oncology research. This novel way of targeting tumor cells has shown favorable success over the past few years with some FDA approvals such as Ipilimumab, Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab etc. Currently, more than 3000 clinical trials of immunotherapeutic agents are ongoing with majority being ICPs. However, as the number of trials increase so do the challenges. Some challenges such as adverse side effects, non-specific binding on healthy tissues and absence of response in some subset populations are critical obstacles. For a safe and effective further therapeutic development of molecules targeting ICPs, understanding their mechanism at molecular level is crucial. Since ICPs are mostly membrane bound receptors, a number of downstream signaling pathways divaricate following ligand-receptor binding. Most ICPs are expressed on more than one type of immune cell populations. Further, the expression varies within a cell type. This naturally varied expression pattern adds to the difficulty of targeting specific effector immune cell types against cancer. Hence, understanding the expression pattern and cellular mechanism helps lay out the possible effect of any immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss the signaling mechanism, expression pattern among various immune cells and molecular interactions derived using interaction database analysis (BioGRID).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreyas Gaikwad
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, and Center for Tumor Immunology and Targeted Cancer Therapy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX 79601, USA
| | - Manas Yogendra Agrawal
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, and Center for Tumor Immunology and Targeted Cancer Therapy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX 79601, USA
| | - Itishree Kaushik
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, and Center for Tumor Immunology and Targeted Cancer Therapy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX 79601, USA
| | - Sharavan Ramachandran
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, and Center for Tumor Immunology and Targeted Cancer Therapy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX 79601, USA
| | - Sanjay K Srivastava
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, and Center for Tumor Immunology and Targeted Cancer Therapy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX 79601, USA.
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15
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Jiménez-Alejandre R, Ruiz-Fernández I, Martín P. Pathophysiology of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Myocarditis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14184494. [PMID: 36139654 PMCID: PMC9497311 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Myocarditis is an infrequent but highly hazardous complication of the cancer therapy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The study of the pathophysiology of this disease is an active field of research and a clearer comprehension of the mechanisms is crucial to provide an accurate diagnosis, appropriate therapy, and to prevent cardiac adverse toxicities occurring during ICI treatment that compromise the continuation of the cancer treatment. This review provides an update of the currently approved ICIs and their relationship with myocarditis induction through boosting the immune system. It also discusses preclinical models of ICI-associated myocarditis and their contribution to the state of the art and presents recent advances in the pathogenesis of the disease. Abstract Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have recently emerged as strong therapies for a broad spectrum of cancers being the first-line treatment for many of them, even improving the prognosis of malignancies that were considered untreatable. This therapy is based on the administration of monoclonal antibodies targeting inhibitory T-cell receptors, which boost the immune system and prevent immune evasion. However, non-specific T-cell de-repression can result in a wide variety of immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including gastrointestinal, endocrine, and dermatologic, with a smaller proportion of these having the potential for fatal outcomes such as neurotoxicity, pulmonary toxicity, and cardiotoxicity. In recent years, alarm has been raised about cardiotoxicity as it has the highest mortality rate when myocarditis develops. However, due to the difficulty in diagnosing this cardiac condition and the lack of clinical guidelines for the management of cardiovascular disease in patients on therapy with ICIs, early detection of myocarditis has become a challenge in these patients. In this review we outline the mechanisms of tolerance by which this fatal cardiomyopathy may develop in selected cancer patients treated with ICIs, summarize preclinical models of the disease that will allow the development of more accurate strategies for its detection and treatment, and discuss the challenges in the future to decrease the risks of its development with better decision making in susceptible patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pilar Martín
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBER-CV), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-91-453-1200
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16
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Kim GR, Choi JM. Current Understanding of Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Antigen-4 (CTLA-4) Signaling in T-Cell Biology and Disease Therapy. Mol Cells 2022; 45:513-521. [PMID: 35950451 PMCID: PMC9385567 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2022.2056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) is an immune checkpoint molecule that is mainly expressed on activated T cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells that inhibits T-cell activation and regulates immune homeostasis. Due to the crucial functions of CTLA-4 in T-cell biology, CTLA-4-targeted immunotherapies have been developed for autoimmune disease as well as cancers. CTLA-4 is known to compete with CD28 to interact with B7, but some studies have revealed that its downstream signaling is independent of its ligand interaction. As a signaling domain of CTLA-4, the tyrosine motif plays a role in inhibiting T-cell activation. Recently, the lysine motif has been shown to be required for the function of Treg cells, emphasizing the importance of CTLA-4 signaling. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of CTLA-4 biology and molecular signaling events and discuss strategies to target CTLA-4 signaling for immune modulation and disease therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gil-Ran Kim
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
- Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Je-Min Choi
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
- Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
- Research Institute for Convergence of Basic Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
- Institute for Rheumatology Research, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
- Hanyang Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
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17
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Molon B, Liboni C, Viola A. CD28 and chemokine receptors: Signalling amplifiers at the immunological synapse. Front Immunol 2022; 13:938004. [PMID: 35983040 PMCID: PMC9379342 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.938004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
T cells are master regulators of the immune response tuning, among others, B cells, macrophages and NK cells. To exert their functions requiring high sensibility and specificity, T cells need to integrate different stimuli from the surrounding microenvironment. A finely tuned signalling compartmentalization orchestrated in dynamic platforms is an essential requirement for the proper and efficient response of these cells to distinct triggers. During years, several studies have depicted the pivotal role of the cytoskeleton and lipid microdomains in controlling signalling compartmentalization during T cell activation and functions. Here, we discuss mechanisms responsible for signalling amplification and compartmentalization in T cell activation, focusing on the role of CD28, chemokine receptors and the actin cytoskeleton. We also take into account the detrimental effect of mutations carried by distinct signalling proteins giving rise to syndromes characterized by defects in T cell functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Molon
- Pediatric Research Institute “Città della Speranza”, Corso Stati Uniti, Padova, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Barbara Molon,
| | - Cristina Liboni
- Pediatric Research Institute “Città della Speranza”, Corso Stati Uniti, Padova, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Antonella Viola
- Pediatric Research Institute “Città della Speranza”, Corso Stati Uniti, Padova, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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18
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Duhen T, Gough MJ, Leidner RS, Stanton SE. Development and therapeutic manipulation of the head and neck cancer tumor environment to improve clinical outcomes. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2022; 3:902160. [PMID: 35937775 PMCID: PMC9354490 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2022.902160] [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: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical response to cancer therapies involves the complex interplay between the systemic, tumoral, and stromal immune response as well as the direct impact of treatments on cancer cells. Each individual's immunological and cancer histories are different, and their carcinogen exposures may differ. This means that even though two patients with oral tumors may carry an identical mutation in TP53, they are likely to have different pre-existing immune responses to their tumors. These differences may arise due to their distinct accessory mutations, genetic backgrounds, and may relate to clinical factors including previous chemotherapy exposure and concurrent medical comorbidities. In isolation, their cancer cells may respond similarly to cancer therapy, but due to their baseline variability in pre-existing immune responses, patients can have different responses to identical therapies. In this review we discuss how the immune environment of tumors develops, the critical immune cell populations in advanced cancers, and how immune interventions can manipulate the immune environment of patients with pre-malignancies or advanced cancers to improve therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael J. Gough
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, United States
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19
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Gupta M, Chandan K, Sarwat M. Natural Products and their Derivatives as Immune Check Point Inhibitors: Targeting Cytokine/Chemokine Signalling in Cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:214-232. [PMID: 35772610 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is the new generation and widely accepted form of tumour treatment. It is, however, associated with exclusive challenges which include organ-specific inflammation, and single-target strategies. Therefore, approaches that can enhance the efficiency of existing immunotherapies and expand their indications are required for the further development of immunotherapy. Natural products and medicines are stated to have this desired effect on cancer immunotherapy (adoptive immune-cells therapy, cancer vaccines, and immune-check point inhibitors). They refurbish the immunosuppressed tumour microenvironment, which is the primary location of interaction of tumour cells with the host immune system. Various immune cell subsets, via interaction with cytokine/chemokine receptors, are recruited into this microenvironment, and these subsets have roles in tumour progression and treatment responsiveness. This review summarises cytokine/chemokine signalling, types of cancer immunotherapy and the herbal medicine-derived natural products targeting cytokine/chemokines and immune checkpoints. These natural compounds possess immunomodulatory activities and exert their anti-tumour effect by either blocking the interaction or modulating the expression of the proteins linked with immune checkpoint signaling pathways. Some compounds also show a synergistic effect in combination with existing monoclonal antibody drugs to reverse the tumour microenvironment. Additionally, we have also reported some studies about the derivatives and formulations used to overcome the limitations of natural forms. This review can provide important insights for directing future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Gupta
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Noida-201313, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Kumari Chandan
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Noida-201313, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Maryam Sarwat
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Noida-201313, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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20
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Greisen SR, Aspari M, Deleuran B. Co-Inhibitory Molecules – Their Role in Health and Autoimmunity; Highlighted by Immune Related Adverse Events. Front Immunol 2022; 13:883733. [PMID: 35784333 PMCID: PMC9243421 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.883733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint receptors are key players in regulating the immune response. They are responsible for both generating an immune response sufficient to kill invading pathogens, balancing the same response, and protecting against tissue destruction or the development of autoimmune events. The central role of the co-inhibitory receptors also referred to as inhibitory immune checkpoints, including PD-1 and CTLA-4 has become especially evident with the cancer treatments targeting these receptors. Blocking these pathways enhances the immune activity, resulting in both an increased chance of cancer clearance, at the same time induction of immune-related adverse events (irAE). Some of these irAE progress into actual autoimmune diseases with autoantibodies and symptoms, undistinguished from the naturally occurring diseases. This review will take advantage of the lessons learned from immune checkpoint blockade and relate this knowledge to our understanding of the same pathways in naturally occurring autoimmune diseases, mainly focusing on rheumatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stinne R. Greisen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- *Correspondence: Stinne R. Greisen,
| | - Maithri Aspari
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Bent Deleuran
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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21
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Ronen D, Bsoul A, Lotem M, Abedat S, Yarkoni M, Amir O, Asleh R. Exploring the Mechanisms Underlying the Cardiotoxic Effects of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapies. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10040540. [PMID: 35455289 PMCID: PMC9031363 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10040540] [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: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Adaptive immune response modulation has taken a central position in cancer therapy in recent decades. Treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is now indicated in many cancer types with exceptional results. The two major inhibitory pathways involved are cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA4) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1). Unfortunately, immune activation is not tumor-specific, and as a result, most patients will experience some form of adverse reaction. Most immune-related adverse events (IRAEs) involve the skin and gastrointestinal (GI) tract; however, any organ can be involved. Cardiotoxicity ranges from arrhythmias to life-threatening myocarditis with very high mortality rates. To date, most treatments of ICI cardiotoxicity include immune suppression, which is also not cardiac-specific and may result in hampering of tumor clearance. Understanding the mechanisms behind immune activation in the heart is crucial for the development of specific treatments. Histological data and other models have shown mainly CD4 and CD8 infiltration during ICI-induced cardiotoxicity. Inhibition of CTLA4 seems to result in the proliferation of more diverse T0cell populations, some of which with autoantigen recognition. Inhibition of PD-1 interaction with PD ligand 1/2 (PD-L1/PD-L2) results in release from inhibition of exhausted self-recognizing T cells. However, CTLA4, PD-1, and their ligands are expressed on a wide range of cells, indicating a much more intricate mechanism. This is further complicated by the identification of multiple co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory signals, as well as the association of myocarditis with antibody-driven myasthenia gravis and myositis IRAEs. In this review, we focus on the recent advances in unraveling the complexity of the mechanisms driving ICI cardiotoxicity and discuss novel therapeutic strategies for directly targeting specific underlying mechanisms to reduce IRAEs and improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ronen
- Department of Internal Medicine D, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel;
| | - Aseel Bsoul
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Heart Institute, Hadassah University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel; (A.B.); (S.A.); (O.A.)
| | - Michal Lotem
- Department of Oncology, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel;
| | - Suzan Abedat
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Heart Institute, Hadassah University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel; (A.B.); (S.A.); (O.A.)
| | - Merav Yarkoni
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Institute, Hadassah University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel;
| | - Offer Amir
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Heart Institute, Hadassah University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel; (A.B.); (S.A.); (O.A.)
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Institute, Hadassah University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel;
| | - Rabea Asleh
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Heart Institute, Hadassah University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel; (A.B.); (S.A.); (O.A.)
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Institute, Hadassah University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-2-6776564; Fax: +972-2-6411028
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22
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Immune Checkpoint Receptors Signaling in T Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073529. [PMID: 35408889 PMCID: PMC8999077 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The characterization of the receptors negatively modulating lymphocyte function is rapidly advancing, driven by success in tumor immunotherapy. As a result, the number of immune checkpoint receptors characterized from a functional perspective and targeted by innovative drugs continues to expand. This review focuses on the less explored area of the signaling mechanisms of these receptors, of those expressed in T cells. Studies conducted mainly on PD-1, CTLA-4, and BTLA have evidenced that the extracellular parts of some of the receptors act as decoy receptors for activating ligands, but in all instances, the tyrosine phosphorylation of their cytoplasmatic tail drives a crucial inhibitory signal. This negative signal is mediated by a few key signal transducers, such as tyrosine phosphatase, inositol phosphatase, and diacylglycerol kinase, which allows them to counteract TCR-mediated activation. The characterization of these signaling pathways is of great interest in the development of therapies for counteracting tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte exhaustion/anergy independently from the receptors involved.
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23
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Yan Q, Zhang B, Ling X, Zhu B, Mei S, Yang H, Zhang D, Huo J, Zhao Z. CTLA-4 Facilitates DNA Damage–Induced Apoptosis by Interacting With PP2A. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:728771. [PMID: 35281086 PMCID: PMC8907142 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.728771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) plays a pivotal role in regulating immune responses. It accumulates in intracellular compartments, translocates to the cell surface, and is rapidly internalized. However, the cytoplasmic function of CTLA-4 remains largely unknown. Here, we describe the role of CTLA-4 as an immunomodulator in the DNA damage response to genotoxic stress. Using isogenic models of murine T cells with either sufficient or deficient CTLA-4 expression and performing a variety of assays, including cell apoptosis, cell cycle, comet, western blotting, co-immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence staining analyses, we show that CTLA-4 activates ataxia–telangiectasia mutated (ATM) by binding to the ATM inhibitor protein phosphatase 2A into the cytoplasm of T cells following transient treatment with zeocin, exacerbating the DNA damage response and inducing apoptosis. These findings provide new insights into how T cells maintain their immune function under high-stress conditions, which is clinically important for patients with tumors undergoing immunotherapy combined with chemoradiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiongyu Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Ling
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shenghui Mei
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Dongjie Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiping Huo
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhigang Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Zhigang Zhao,
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24
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Hao Y, Cook MC. Inborn Errors of Immunity and Their Phenocopies: CTLA4 and PD-1. Front Immunol 2022; 12:806043. [PMID: 35154081 PMCID: PMC8832511 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.806043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Elucidating links between genotype and phenotype in patients with rare inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) provides insights into mechanisms of immune regulation. In many autosomal dominant IEIs, however, variation in expressivity and penetrance result in complex genotype-phenotype relations, while some autosomal recessive IEIs are so rare that it is difficult to draw firm conclusions. Phenocopies arise when an environmental or non-genetic factor replicates a phenotype conferred by a specific genotype. Phenocopies can result from therapeutic antibodies or autoantibodies that target a protein to replicate aspects of the phenotype conferred by mutations in the gene encoding the same protein. Here, we consider IEIs arising from rare genetic variants in CTLA4 and PDCD1 and compare clinical and laboratory manifestations arising as drug-induced phenocopies (immune related adverse events, IRAEs) in cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and identify outstanding questions regarding mechanism of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Hao
- Centre for Personalised Immunology and Department of Immunity and Infectious Diseases, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Matthew C Cook
- Centre for Personalised Immunology and Department of Immunity and Infectious Diseases, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia.,Department of Immunology, Canberra Hospital, Woden, ACT, Australia
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25
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Mason NJ, Chester N, Xiong A, Rotolo A, Wu Y, Yoshimoto S, Glassman P, Gulendran G, Siegel DL. Development of a fully canine anti-canine CTLA4 monoclonal antibody for comparative translational research in dogs with spontaneous tumors. MAbs 2021; 13:2004638. [PMID: 34856888 PMCID: PMC8726733 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2021.2004638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) ipilimumab has revolutionized the treatment of patients with different cancer histologies, including melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, and non-small cell lung carcinoma. However, only a subset of patients shows dramatic clinical responses to treatment. Despite intense biomarker discovery efforts linked to clinical trials using CTLA4 checkpoint blockade, no single prognostic correlate has emerged as a valid predictor of outcome. Client-owned, immune competent, pet dogs develop spontaneous tumors that exhibit similar features to human cancers, including shared chromosome aberrations, molecular subtypes, immune signatures, tumor heterogeneity, metastatic behavior, and response to chemotherapy. As such, they represent a valuable parallel patient population in which to investigate novel predictive biomarkers and rational therapeutic ICI combinations. However, the lack of validated, non-immunogenic, canine ICIs for preclinical use hinders this comparative approach. To address this, fully canine single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) that bind canine CTLA4 were isolated from a comprehensive canine scFv phage display library. A lead candidate for clinical development was selected based on its subnanomolar binding affinity to canine CTLA4 and its ability to prevent CTLA4 binding to CD80/CD86 and promote T cell proliferation and effector function. In vivo mouse studies revealed pharmacokinetics similar to isotype control IgG with no evidence of short-term adverse effects. This work paves the way for in vivo analysis of the first fully canine, anti-canine CTLA4 antibody to promote anti-tumor immunity in dogs with immune-responsive cancers and provide an important comparative tool to investigate correlative biomarkers of response and mechanisms of resistance to CTLA4 checkpoint inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola J Mason
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Center for Cellular Immunotherapy, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Ailian Xiong
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Antonia Rotolo
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ying Wu
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sho Yoshimoto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Laboratory of Small Animal Surgery, Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Patrick Glassman
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gayathri Gulendran
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Don L Siegel
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapy, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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26
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Regulation of TLR4 signaling through the TRAF6/sNASP axis by reversible phosphorylation mediated by CK2 and PP4. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2107044118. [PMID: 34789577 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2107044118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recognition of invading pathogens by Toll-like receptors (TLRs) activates innate immunity through signaling pathways that involved multiple protein kinases and phosphatases. We previously demonstrated that somatic nuclear autoantigenic sperm protein (sNASP) binds to TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) in the resting state. Upon TLR4 activation, a signaling complex consisting of TRAF6, sNASP, interleukin (IL)-1 receptor-associated kinase 4, and casein kinase 2 (CK2) is formed. CK2 then phosphorylates sNASP to release phospho-sNASP (p-sNASP) from TRAF6, initiating downstream signaling pathways. Here, we showed that protein phosphatase 4 (PP4) is the specific sNASP phosphatase that negatively regulates TLR4-induced TRAF6 activation and its downstream signaling pathway. Mechanistically, PP4 is directly recruited by phosphorylated sNASP to dephosphorylate p-sNASP to terminate TRAF6 activation. Ectopic expression of PP4 specifically inhibited sNASP-dependent proinflammatory cytokine production and downstream signaling following bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment, whereas silencing PP4 had the opposite effect. Primary macrophages and mice infected with recombinant adenovirus carrying a gene encoding PP4 (Ad-PP4) showed significant reduction in IL-6 and TNF-α production. Survival of Ad-PP4-infected mice was markedly increased due to a better ability to clear bacteria in a sepsis model. These results indicate that the serine/threonine phosphatase PP4 functions as a negative regulator of innate immunity by regulating the binding of sNASP to TRAF6.
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27
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Watari K, Konnai S, Okagawa T, Maekawa N, Sajiki Y, Kato Y, Suzuki Y, Murata S, Ohashi K. Enhancement of interleukin-2 production by bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells treated with the combination of anti-programmed death-ligand 1 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 chimeric monoclonal antibodies. J Vet Med Sci 2021; 84:6-15. [PMID: 34789592 PMCID: PMC8810316 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.21-0552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous studies demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy against bovine diseases of an anti-bovine programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) chimeric antibody. In humans, PD-1 and PD-L1 antibodies are more effective when combined with an antibody targeting cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and these combination therapies are therefore clinically used. Here we generated an anti-bovine CTLA-4 chimeric antibody (chAb) to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of the PD-L1 antibody. We further analyzed the effects of dual blockade of CTLA-4 and PD-1 pathways on T-cell responses. The established anti-bovine CTLA-4 chAb showed comparable blocking activity on the binding of bovine CTLA-4 to CD80 and CD86 as the anti-bovine CTLA-4 mouse monoclonal antibody. Anti-bovine CTLA-4 chAb also significantly increased IL-2 production from bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Further, the combination of anti-CTLA-4 chAb with anti-PD-L1 chAb significantly upregulated IL-2 production by PBMCs. These results suggest that the combination of antibodies have higher potential to enhance immune responses against pathogens compared with single administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Watari
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University
| | - Satoru Konnai
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University.,Department of Advanced Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University
| | - Tomohiro Okagawa
- Department of Advanced Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University
| | - Naoya Maekawa
- Department of Advanced Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University
| | - Yamato Sajiki
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University
| | - Yukinari Kato
- Department of Antibody Drug Development, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine.,Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Yasuhiko Suzuki
- Department of Advanced Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University.,Division of Bioresources, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University.,Global Station for Zoonosis Control, Global Institution for Collaborative Research and Education (GI-CoRE), Hokkaido University
| | - Shiro Murata
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University.,Department of Advanced Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University
| | - Kazuhiko Ohashi
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University.,Department of Advanced Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University
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Anderson EM, Thomassian S, Gong J, Hendifar A, Osipov A. Advances in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5510. [PMID: 34771675 PMCID: PMC8583016 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest malignancies among all cancers. Despite curative intent, surgery and the use of standard cytotoxic chemotherapy and radiation therapy, PDAC remains treatment-resistant. In recent years, more contemporary treatment modalities such as immunotherapy via checkpoint inhibition have shown some promise in many other malignancies, yet PDAC still eludes an effective curative treatment. In investigating these phenomena, research has suggested that the significant desmoplastic and adaptive tumor microenvironment (TME) of PDAC promote the proliferation of immunosuppressive cells and act as major obstacles to treatment efficacy. In this review, we explore challenges associated with the treatment of PDAC, including its unique immunosuppressive TME. This review examines the role of surgery in PDAC, recent advances in surgical approaches and surgical optimization. We further focus on advances in immunotherapeutic approaches, including checkpoint inhibition, CD40 agonists, and discuss promising immune-based future strategies, such as therapeutic neoantigen cancer vaccines as means of overcoming the resistance mechanisms which underly the dense stroma and immune milieu of PDAC. We also explore unique signaling, TME and stromal targeting via novel small molecule inhibitors, which target KRAS, FAK, CCR2/CCR5, CXCR4, PARP and cancer-associated fibroblasts. This review also explores the most promising strategy for advancement in treatment of pancreatic cancer by reviewing contemporary combinatorial approaches in efforts to overcome the treatment refractory nature of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric M. Anderson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Shant Thomassian
- Department of Medicine, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (S.T.); (J.G.); (A.H.)
| | - Jun Gong
- Department of Medicine, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (S.T.); (J.G.); (A.H.)
| | - Andrew Hendifar
- Department of Medicine, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (S.T.); (J.G.); (A.H.)
| | - Arsen Osipov
- Department of Medicine, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (S.T.); (J.G.); (A.H.)
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29
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Song X, Fan J, Zhu L, Wang Z, He Y, Zhou C. The efficacy and safety of immunotherapy in thymic epithelial tumors: more effective, more risky: a systematic review. J Thorac Dis 2021; 13:5093-5103. [PMID: 34527346 PMCID: PMC8411126 DOI: 10.21037/jtd-21-290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are rare malignant neoplasms originating from thymic epithelial cells. The current treatment for localized TETs is surgical removal. However, 20-30% of thymomas and 70-80% of thymic carcinomas are unresectable, recurrent, or metastatic at the time of detection. The standard therapy for these patients is chemotherapy, but the effect is limited. With a deeper understanding of tumor immunity, immunotherapy for various cancers has rapidly developed. Antibodies against cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4, programmed death-1, and programmed death-ligand 1 have been approved for the treatment of many solid tumors. Compared with traditional treatments, these immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have better efficacy and lower toxicity. Recently, ICIs have been used more enthusiastically in the treatment of TETs. However, due to the unique biological characteristics of the thymus, immunotherapy usually causes severe immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Most previous studies on immunotherapy in TETs had small sample sizes and reported diverse conclusions. Methods We collected relevant studies in PubMed during the last five years and analyzed the available data to discuss the efficacy and safety of ICIs in TETs. Results According to 14 previous studies in the past five years, all TETs showed expression of programmed death-ligand 1, while thymic carcinomas showed 100% expression. The best median progression-free survival (mPFS) among the five studies was 6.5 months, and the best median overall survival (mOS) was 24.9 months. In addition, the most common irAEs were myasthenic symptoms, liver enzyme elevation, and elevated creatine phosphokinase levels. Conclusions ICIs can be used in TET treatment, especially for thymic carcinomas, in the absence of standard second-line treatment. However, more attention should be paid to irAEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Song
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiang Fan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai First People's Hospital, First People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhehai Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Yayi He
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Caicun Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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30
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Kanda Y, Okazaki T, Katakai T. Motility Dynamics of T Cells in Tumor-Draining Lymph Nodes: A Rational Indicator of Antitumor Response and Immune Checkpoint Blockade. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4616. [PMID: 34572844 PMCID: PMC8465463 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The migration status of T cells within the densely packed tissue environment of lymph nodes reflects the ongoing activation state of adaptive immune responses. Upon encountering antigen-presenting dendritic cells, actively migrating T cells that are specific to cognate antigens slow down and are eventually arrested on dendritic cells to form immunological synapses. This dynamic transition of T cell motility is a fundamental strategy for the efficient scanning of antigens, followed by obtaining the adequate activation signals. After receiving antigenic stimuli, T cells begin to proliferate, and the expression of immunoregulatory receptors (such as CTLA-4 and PD-1) is induced on their surface. Recent findings have revealed that these 'immune checkpoint' molecules control the activation as well as motility of T cells in various situations. Therefore, the outcome of tumor immunotherapy using checkpoint inhibitors is assumed to be closely related to the alteration of T cell motility, particularly in tumor-draining lymph nodes (TDLNs). In this review, we discuss the migration dynamics of T cells during their activation in TDLNs, and the roles of checkpoint molecules in T cell motility, to provide some insight into the effect of tumor immunotherapy via checkpoint blockade, in terms of T cell dynamics and the importance of TDLNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Kanda
- Department of Immunology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 950-8510, Japan;
| | - Taku Okazaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan;
| | - Tomoya Katakai
- Department of Immunology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 950-8510, Japan;
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31
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Kim G, Kim W, Lim S, Lee H, Koo J, Nam K, Kim S, Park S, Choi J. In Vivo Induction of Regulatory T Cells Via CTLA-4 Signaling Peptide to Control Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis and Prevent Disease Relapse. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2004973. [PMID: 34306974 PMCID: PMC8292875 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202004973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells play a key role in immune tolerance to self-antigens, thereby preventing autoimmune diseases. However, no drugs targeting Treg cells have been approved for clinical trials yet. Here, a chimeric peptide is generated by conjugation of the cytoplasmic domain of CTLA-4 (ctCTLA-4) with dNP2 for intracellular delivery, dNP2-ctCTLA-4, and evaluated Foxp3 expression during Th0, Th1, Treg, and Th17 differentiation dependent on TGF-β. The lysine motif of ctCTLA-4, not tyrosine motif, is required for Foxp3 expression for Treg induction and amelioration of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Transcriptome analysis reveals that dNP2-ctCTLA-4-treated T cells express Treg transcriptomic patterns with properties of suppressive functions. In addition, the molecular interaction between the lysine motif of ctCTLA-4 and PKC-η is critical for Foxp3 expression. Although both CTLA-4-Ig and dNP2-ctCTLA-4 treatment in vivo ameliorated EAE progression, only dNP2-ctCTLA-4 requires Treg cells for inhibition of disease progression and prevention of relapse. Furthermore, the CTLA-4 signaling peptide is able to induce human Tregs in vitro and in vivo as well as from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of multiple sclerosis patients. These results collectively suggest that the chimeric CTLA-4 signaling peptide can be used for successful induction of regulatory T cells in vivo to control autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gil‐Ran Kim
- Department of Life ScienceCollege of Natural SciencesHanyang UniversityResearch institute for Natural SciencesHanyang UniversitySeoul04763Republic of Korea
| | - Won‐Ju Kim
- Department of Life ScienceCollege of Natural SciencesHanyang UniversityResearch institute for Natural SciencesHanyang UniversitySeoul04763Republic of Korea
| | - Sangho Lim
- Hubrecht Institute for Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research‐KNAW, University Medical Centre UtrechtUtrecht3584 CTNetherland
| | - Hong‐Gyun Lee
- Department of Life ScienceCollege of Natural SciencesHanyang UniversityResearch institute for Natural SciencesHanyang UniversitySeoul04763Republic of Korea
| | - Ja‐Hyun Koo
- Department of Life ScienceCollege of Natural SciencesHanyang UniversityResearch institute for Natural SciencesHanyang UniversitySeoul04763Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung‐Ho Nam
- Department of Life ScienceCollege of Natural SciencesHanyang UniversityResearch institute for Natural SciencesHanyang UniversitySeoul04763Republic of Korea
| | - Sung‐Min Kim
- Department of NeurologyCollege of MedicineSeoul National UniversitySeoul National University HospitalSeoul03080Republic of Korea
| | - Sung‐Dong Park
- Department of Life ScienceCollege of Natural SciencesHanyang UniversityResearch institute for Natural SciencesHanyang UniversitySeoul04763Republic of Korea
| | - Je‐Min Choi
- Department of Life ScienceCollege of Natural SciencesHanyang UniversityResearch institute for Natural SciencesResearch Institute for Convergence of Basic SciencesHanyang UniversitySeoul04763Republic of Korea
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32
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Shibru B, Fey K, Fricke S, Blaudszun AR, Fürst F, Weise M, Seiffert S, Weyh MK, Köhl U, Sack U, Boldt A. Detection of Immune Checkpoint Receptors - A Current Challenge in Clinical Flow Cytometry. Front Immunol 2021; 12:694055. [PMID: 34276685 PMCID: PMC8281132 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.694055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunological therapy principles are increasingly determining modern medicine. They are used to treat diseases of the immune system, for tumors, but also for infections, neurological diseases, and many others. Most of these therapies base on antibodies, but small molecules, soluble receptors or cells and modified cells are also used. The development of immune checkpoint inhibitors is amazingly fast. T-cell directed antibody therapies against PD-1 or CTLA-4 are already firmly established in the clinic. Further targets are constantly being added and it is becoming increasingly clear that their expression is not only relevant on T cells. Furthermore, we do not yet have any experience with the long-term systemic effects of the treatment. Flow cytometry can be used for diagnosis, monitoring, and detection of side effects. In this review, we focus on checkpoint molecules as target molecules and functional markers of cells of the innate and acquired immune system. However, for most of the interesting and potentially relevant parameters, there are still no test kits suitable for routine use. Here we give an overview of the detection of checkpoint molecules on immune cells in the peripheral blood and show examples of a possible design of antibody panels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Shibru
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katharina Fey
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stephan Fricke
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Friederike Fürst
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Max Weise
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sabine Seiffert
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Maria Katharina Weyh
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ulrike Köhl
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
- Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ulrich Sack
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andreas Boldt
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Wabnitz GH, Honus S, Habicht J, Orlik C, Kirchgessner H, Samstag Y. LFA-1 cluster formation in T-cells depends on L-plastin phosphorylation regulated by P90 RSK and PP2A. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:3543-3564. [PMID: 33449151 PMCID: PMC11072591 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03744-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The integrin LFA-1 is crucial for T-cell/ APC interactions and sensitive recognition of antigens. Precise nanoscale organization and valency regulation of LFA-1 are mandatory for an appropriate function of the immune system. While the inside-out signals regulating the LFA-1 affinity are well described, the molecular mechanisms controlling LFA-1 avidity are still not fully understood. Here, we show that activation of the actin-bundling protein L-plastin (LPL) through phosphorylation at serine-5 enables the formation of clusters containing LFA-1 in high-affinity conformation. Phosphorylation of LPL is induced by an nPKC-MEK-p90RSK pathway and counter-regulated by the serine-threonine phosphatase PP2A. Interestingly, recruitment of LFA-1 into the T-cell/APC contact zone is not affected by LPL phosphorylation. Instead, for this process, activation of the actin-remodeling protein cofilin through dephosphorylation is essential. Together, this study reveals a dichotomic spatial regulation of LFA-1 clustering and microscale movement in T-cells by two different actin-binding proteins, LPL and cofilin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido H Wabnitz
- Institute of Immunology, Section Molecular Immunology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 305, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Sibylle Honus
- Institute of Immunology, Section Molecular Immunology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 305, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jüri Habicht
- Institute of Immunology, Section Molecular Immunology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 305, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian Orlik
- Institute of Immunology, Section Molecular Immunology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 305, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Henning Kirchgessner
- Institute of Immunology, Section Molecular Immunology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 305, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yvonne Samstag
- Institute of Immunology, Section Molecular Immunology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 305, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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34
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Goleva E, Lyubchenko T, Kraehenbuehl L, Lacouture ME, Leung DYM, Kern JA. Our current understanding of checkpoint inhibitor therapy in cancer immunotherapy. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2021; 126:630-638. [PMID: 33716146 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2021.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Treatments with Food and Drug Administration-approved blocking antibodies targeting inhibitory cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4), programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) receptor, or programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), collectively named checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs), have been successful in producing long-lasting remissions, even in patients with advanced-stage cancers. However, these treatments are often accompanied by undesirable autoimmune and inflammatory side effects, sometimes bringing severe consequences for the patient. Rapid expansion of clinical applications necessitates a more nuanced understanding of CPI function in health and disease to develop new strategies for minimizing the negative side effects, while preserving the immunotherapeutic benefit. DATA SOURCES This review summarizes a new paradigm-shifting approach to cancer immunotherapy with the focus on the mechanism of action of immune checkpoints (CTLA4, PD-1, and its ligands). STUDY SELECTIONS We performed a literature search and identified relevant recent clinical reports, experimental research, and review articles. RESULTS This review highlights our understanding of the CPI mechanism of action on cellular and molecular levels. The authors also discuss how reactivation of T cell responses through the inhibition of CTLA4, PD-1, and PD-L1 is used for tumor inhibition in cancer immunotherapy. CONCLUSION Mechanisms of PD-1 and CTLA4 blockade and normal biological functions of these molecules are highly complex and require additional studies that will be critical for developing new approaches to dissociate the benefits of checkpoint blockade from off-target effects of the immune reactivation that leads to immune-related adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Goleva
- Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado.
| | - Taras Lyubchenko
- Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado
| | - Lukas Kraehenbuehl
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy and Swim Across America/Ludwig Collaborative Laboratory, Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Mario E Lacouture
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Donald Y M Leung
- Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado
| | - Jeffrey A Kern
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado
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35
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Köhler N, Ruess DA, Kesselring R, Zeiser R. The Role of Immune Checkpoint Molecules for Relapse After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:634435. [PMID: 33746972 PMCID: PMC7973115 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.634435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint molecules represent physiological brakes of the immune system that are essential for the maintenance of immune homeostasis and prevention of autoimmunity. By inhibiting these negative regulators of the immune response, immune checkpoint blockade can increase anti-tumor immunity, but has been primarily successful in solid cancer therapy and Hodgkin lymphoma so far. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is a well-established cellular immunotherapy option with the potential to cure hematological cancers, but relapse remains a major obstacle. Relapse after allo-HCT is mainly thought to be attributable to loss of the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect and hence escape of tumor cells from the allogeneic immune response. One potential mechanism of immune escape from the GVL effect is the inhibition of allogeneic T cells via engagement of inhibitory receptors on their surface including PD-1, CTLA-4, TIM3, and others. This review provides an overview of current evidence for a role of immune checkpoint molecules for relapse and its treatment after allo-HCT, as well as discussion of the immune mediated side effect graft-vs.-host disease. We discuss the expression of different immune checkpoint molecules on leukemia cells and T cells in patients undergoing allo-HCT. Furthermore, we review mechanistic insights gained from preclinical studies and summarize clinical trials assessing immune checkpoint blockade for relapse after allo-HCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Köhler
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Albert Ludwigs University (ALU), Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dietrich Alexander Ruess
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Center of Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, ALU, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rebecca Kesselring
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Center of Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, ALU, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert Zeiser
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Albert Ludwigs University (ALU), Freiburg, Germany
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36
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McBride MA, Patil TK, Bohannon JK, Hernandez A, Sherwood ER, Patil NK. Immune Checkpoints: Novel Therapeutic Targets to Attenuate Sepsis-Induced Immunosuppression. Front Immunol 2021; 11:624272. [PMID: 33613563 PMCID: PMC7886986 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.624272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is a leading cause of death in intensive care units and survivors develop prolonged immunosuppression and a high incidence of recurrent infections. No definitive therapy exists to treat sepsis and physicians rely on supportive care including antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and vasopressors. With the rising incidence of antibiotic resistant microbes, it is becoming increasingly critical to discover novel therapeutics. Sepsis-induced leukocyte dysfunction and immunosuppression is recognized as an important contributor towards increased morbidity and mortality. Pre-clinical and clinical studies show that specific cell surface inhibitory immune checkpoint receptors and ligands including PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA4, BTLA, TIM3, OX40, and 2B4 play important roles in the pathophysiology of sepsis by mediating a fine balance between host immune competency and immunosuppression. Pre-clinical studies targeting the inhibitory effects of these immune checkpoints have demonstrated reversal of leukocyte dysfunction and improved host resistance of infection. Measurement of immune checkpoint expression on peripheral blood leukocytes may serve as a means of stratifying patients to direct individualized therapy. This review focuses on advances in our understanding of the role of immune checkpoints in the host response to infections, and the potential clinical application of therapeutics targeting the inhibitory immune checkpoint pathways for the management of septic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret A. McBride
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Tazeen K. Patil
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Julia K. Bohannon
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Antonio Hernandez
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Edward R. Sherwood
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Naeem K. Patil
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
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Kreileder M, Barrett I, Bendtsen C, Brennan D, Kolch W. Signaling Dynamics Regulating Crosstalks between T-Cell Activation and Immune Checkpoints. Trends Cell Biol 2020; 31:224-235. [PMID: 33388215 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2020.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein-4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) have been hailed as major advances in cancer therapeutics; however, in many cancers response rates remain low. Extensive research efforts are underway to improve the efficacy of ICIs. The signaling pathways regulated by immune checkpoints (ICs) may be an important lever as they interfere with T-cell activation when activated by ICIs. Here, we review the current understanding of T-cell receptor signaling and their intersection with IC signaling pathways. As these signaling processes are highly dynamic and controlled by intricate spatiotemporal mechanisms, we focus on aspects of kinetic regulation that are modulated by ICs. Recent advances in computational modeling and experimental methods that can resolve spatiotemporal dynamics provide insights that reveal molecular mechanisms and new potential approaches for improving the design and application of ICIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Kreileder
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Ian Barrett
- Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0WG, UK
| | - Claus Bendtsen
- Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0WG, UK
| | - Donal Brennan
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; Ireland East Gynaecological Oncology Group, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin 7, Ireland; St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Walter Kolch
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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Olaoba OT, Ligali FC, Alabi ZO, Akinyemi AO, Ayinde KS. Of immune checkpoint maladies and remedies: The throwing of jabs in the oncogenic ring of PDAC. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1875:188483. [PMID: 33232723 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The upregulation of co-inhibitory checkpoint receptors/ligands that inactivate antitumor T-cells, the enhancement of Tregs-mediated trogocytosis that contribute delayed maturation of antigen presenting cell (APC), and the high Tregs/CD+8 ratio that maintained low threshold of CD+8 cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME); all represent the nuances in the immune evasive strategies of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). PDAC is the most aggressive type of pancreatic cancers characterized by poor prognosis and extremely low survivability. Over the years, fraternity of scientists have developed therapeutic agents that can bolster the capacity of the antitumor immunity, usually via the inhibition of immune checkpoints. While this immune checkpoint inhibition therapy represents one major jab from immunity to PDAC, this cancer remains highly resistant due to the acme of desmoplasia in its TME. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of various checkpoint receptors/ligands axes that are relevant to the fitness of PDAC in its oncogenic ring. These checkpoints include PD-1, CTLA-4, ICOS, TIM-3, TIGIT, BTLA, BTN3A, and VISTA. In addition, we provided evidences that are relevant to the understanding of immune checkpoint inhibition, with extensive outline of immune checkpoint inhibitors that are critical to the treatment of PDAC. Finally, we discuss recently known intricacies of PDAC-mediated immunosuppression, and current advances in treatment options. Having realized that the overall scenario between PDAC and antitumor immunity is like the throwing of jabs in a ring, we therefore discuss future directions and prospect that can knock out PDAC in favor of immunity and humanity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olamide T Olaoba
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biochemistry, Federal University Sao Carlos, Sao Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Funmilayo C Ligali
- Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Nigeria Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Zaccheaus O Alabi
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Biochemistry of Microorganisms, Federal University Sao Carlos, Sao Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Amos O Akinyemi
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Federal University Sao Carlos, Sao Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Kehinde S Ayinde
- Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
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39
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Bagchi S, Yuan R, Engleman EG. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for the Treatment of Cancer: Clinical Impact and Mechanisms of Response and Resistance. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY-MECHANISMS OF DISEASE 2020; 16:223-249. [PMID: 33197221 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathol-042020-042741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 906] [Impact Index Per Article: 226.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have made an indelible mark in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Starting with the approval of anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (anti-CTLA-4) for advanced-stage melanoma in 2011, ICIs-which now also include antibodies against programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1)-quickly gained US Food and Drug Administration approval for the treatment of a wide array of cancer types, demonstrating unprecedented extension of patient survival. However, despite the success of ICIs, resistance to these agents restricts the number of patients able to achieve durable responses, and immune-related adverse events complicate treatment. Thus, a better understanding of the requirements for an effective and safe antitumor immune response following ICI therapy is needed. Studies of both tumoral and systemic changes in the immune system following ICI therapy have yielded insight into the basis for both efficacy and resistance. Ultimately, by building on these insights, researchers should be able to combine ICIs with other agents, or design new immunotherapies, to achieve broader and more durable efficacy as well as greater safety. Here, we review the history and clinical utility of ICIs, the mechanisms of resistance to therapy, and local and systemic immune cell changes associated with outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreya Bagchi
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94304, USA; ,
| | - Robert Yuan
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94304, USA; ,
| | - Edgar G Engleman
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94304, USA; ,
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Iacono A, Pompa A, De Marchis F, Panfili E, Greco FA, Coletti A, Orabona C, Volpi C, Belladonna ML, Mondanelli G, Albini E, Vacca C, Gargaro M, Fallarino F, Bianchi R, De Marcos Lousa C, Mazza EM, Bicciato S, Proietti E, Milano F, Martelli MP, Iamandii IM, Graupera Garcia-Mila M, Llena Sopena J, Hawkins P, Suire S, Okkenhaug K, Stark AK, Grassi F, Bellucci M, Puccetti P, Santambrogio L, Macchiarulo A, Grohmann U, Pallotta MT. Class IA PI3Ks regulate subcellular and functional dynamics of IDO1. EMBO Rep 2020; 21:e49756. [PMID: 33159421 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201949756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of a protein's spatial dynamics at the subcellular level is key to understanding its function(s), interactions, and associated intracellular events. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) is a cytosolic enzyme that controls immune responses via tryptophan metabolism, mainly through its enzymic activity. When phosphorylated, however, IDO1 acts as a signaling molecule in plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), thus activating genomic effects, ultimately leading to long-lasting immunosuppression. Whether the two activities-namely, the catalytic and signaling functions-are spatially segregated has been unclear. We found that, under conditions favoring signaling rather than catabolic events, IDO1 shifts from the cytosol to early endosomes. The event requires interaction with class IA phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks), which become activated, resulting in full expression of the immunoregulatory phenotype in vivo in pDCs as resulting from IDO1-dependent signaling events. Thus, IDO1's spatial dynamics meet the needs for short-acting as well as durable mechanisms of immune suppression, both under acute and chronic inflammatory conditions. These data expand the theoretical basis for an IDO1-centered therapy in inflammation and autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberta Iacono
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Andrea Pompa
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy.,Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, National Research Council of Italy, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesca De Marchis
- Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, National Research Council of Italy, Perugia, Italy
| | - Eleonora Panfili
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesco A Greco
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alice Coletti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Ciriana Orabona
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Claudia Volpi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria L Belladonna
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Elisa Albini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Carmine Vacca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Marco Gargaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Bianchi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Carine De Marcos Lousa
- Centre for Biomedical Sciences, School of Clinical and Applied Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK.,Center for Plant Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Silvio Bicciato
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Elisa Proietti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | | | - Ioana M Iamandii
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Judith Llena Sopena
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | | | | | - Klaus Okkenhaug
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Fabio Grassi
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Michele Bellucci
- Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, National Research Council of Italy, Perugia, Italy
| | - Paolo Puccetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Laura Santambrogio
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Antonio Macchiarulo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Ursula Grohmann
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.,Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Maria T Pallotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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41
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Eggenhuizen PJ, Ng BH, Ooi JD. Treg Enhancing Therapies to Treat Autoimmune Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197015. [PMID: 32977677 PMCID: PMC7582931 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a small yet critical subset of CD4+ T cells, which have the role of maintaining immune homeostasis by, for example, regulating self-tolerance, tumor immunity, anti-microbial resistance, allergy and transplantation rejection. The suppressive mechanisms by which Tregs function are varied and pleiotropic. The ability of Tregs to maintain self-tolerance means they are critical for the control and prevention of autoimmune diseases. Irregularities in Treg function and number can result in loss of tolerance and autoimmune disease. Restoring immune homeostasis and tolerance through the promotion, activation or delivery of Tregs has emerged as a focus for therapies aimed at curing or controlling autoimmune diseases. Such therapies have focused on the Treg cell subset by using drugs to suppress T effector cells and promote Tregs. Other approaches have trialed inducing tolerance by administering the autoantigen via direct administration, by transient expression using a DNA vector, or by antigen-specific nanoparticles. More recently, cell-based therapies have been developed as an approach to directly or indirectly enhance Treg cell specificity, function and number. This can be achieved indirectly by transfer of tolerogenic dendritic cells, which have the potential to expand antigen-specific Treg cells. Treg cells can be directly administered to treat autoimmune disease by way of polyclonal Tregs or Tregs transduced with a receptor with high affinity for the target autoantigen, such as a high affinity T cell receptor (TCR) or a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). This review will discuss the strategies being developed to redirect autoimmune responses to a state of immune tolerance, with the aim of the prevention or amelioration of autoimmune disease.
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42
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Immune Checkpoints in Viral Infections. Viruses 2020; 12:v12091051. [PMID: 32967229 PMCID: PMC7551039 DOI: 10.3390/v12091051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As evidence has mounted that virus-infected cells, such as cancer cells, negatively regulate the function of T-cells via immune checkpoints, it has become increasingly clear that viral infections similarly exploit immune checkpoints as an immune system escape mechanism. Although immune checkpoint therapy has been successfully used in cancer treatment, numerous studies have suggested that such therapy may also be highly relevant for treating viral infection, especially chronic viral infections. However, it has not yet been applied in this manner. Here, we reviewed recent findings regarding immune checkpoints in viral infections, including COVID-19, and discussed the role of immune checkpoints in different viral infections, as well as the potential for applying immune checkpoint blockades as antiviral therapy.
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Hossain MA, Liu G, Dai B, Si Y, Yang Q, Wazir J, Birnbaumer L, Yang Y. Reinvigorating exhausted CD8 + cytotoxic T lymphocytes in the tumor microenvironment and current strategies in cancer immunotherapy. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:156-201. [PMID: 32844499 DOI: 10.1002/med.21727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of cancer in recent years and achieved overall success and long-term clinical benefit in patients with a wide variety of cancer types. However, there is still a large proportion of patients exhibiting limited or no responses to immunotherapeutic strategy, some of which were even observed with hyperprogressive disease. One major obstacle restricting the efficacy is that tumor-reactive CD8+ T cells, which are central for tumor control, undergo exhaustion, and lose their ability to eliminate cancer cells after infiltrating into the strongly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Thus, as a potential therapeutic rationale in the development of cancer immunotherapy, targeting or reinvigorating exhausted CD8+ T cells has been attracting much interest. Hitherto, both intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms that govern CD8+ T-cell exhaustion have been explored. Specifically, the transcriptional and epigenetic landscapes have been depicted utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing or mass cytometry (CyTOF). In addition, cellular metabolism dictating the tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T-cell fate is currently under investigation. A series of clinical trials are being carried out to further establish the current strategies targeting CD8+ T-cell exhaustion. Taken together, despite the proven benefit of immunotherapy in cancer patients, additional efforts are still needed to fully circumvent limitations of exhausted T cells in the treatment. In this review, we will focus on the current cellular and molecular understanding of metabolic changes, epigenetic remodeling, and transcriptional regulation in CD8+ T-cell exhaustion and describe hypothetical treatment approaches based on immunotherapy aiming at reinvigorating exhausted CD8+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Amir Hossain
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guilai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Beiying Dai
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yaxuan Si
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qitao Yang
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junaid Wazir
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lutz Birnbaumer
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Institute of Biomedical Research (BIOMED), Catholic University of Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Yong Yang
- Center for New Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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44
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Chen H, Moussa M, Catalfamo M. The Role of Immunomodulatory Receptors in the Pathogenesis of HIV Infection: A Therapeutic Opportunity for HIV Cure? Front Immunol 2020; 11:1223. [PMID: 32714317 PMCID: PMC7343933 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune activation is the hallmark of HIV infection and plays a role in the pathogenesis of the disease. In the context of suppressed HIV RNA replication by combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), there remains immune activation which is associated to the HIV reservoirs. Persistent virus contributes to a sustained inflammatory environment promoting accumulation of "activated/exhausted" T cells with diminished effector function. These T cells show increased expression of immunomodulatory receptors including Programmed cell death protein (PD1), Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Associated Protein 4 (CTLA4), Lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG3), T cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT), T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain containing 3 (TIM3) among others. More importantly, recent reports had demonstrated that, HIV infected T cells express checkpoint receptors, contributing to their survival and promoting maintenance of the viral reservoir. Therapeutic strategies are focused on viral reservoir elimination and/or those to achieve sustained cART-free virologic remission. In this review, we will discuss the immunological basis and the latest advances of the use of checkpoint inhibitors to treat HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States
- CMRS/Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Maha Moussa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Marta Catalfamo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States
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Tumor-induced neurogenesis and immune evasion as targets of innovative anti-cancer therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:99. [PMID: 32555170 PMCID: PMC7303203 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-0205-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal cells are hijacked by cancer cells forming together heterogeneous tumor masses immersed in aberrant communication circuits that facilitate tumor growth and dissemination. Besides the well characterized angiogenic effect of some tumor-derived factors; others, such as BDNF, recruit peripheral nerves and leukocytes. The neurogenic switch, activated by tumor-derived neurotrophins and extracellular vesicles, attracts adjacent peripheral fibers (autonomic/sensorial) and neural progenitor cells. Strikingly, tumor-associated nerve fibers can guide cancer cell dissemination. Moreover, IL-1β, CCL2, PGE2, among other chemotactic factors, attract natural immunosuppressive cells, including T regulatory (Tregs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and M2 macrophages, to the tumor microenvironment. These leukocytes further exacerbate the aberrant communication circuit releasing factors with neurogenic effect. Furthermore, cancer cells directly evade immune surveillance and the antitumoral actions of natural killer cells by activating immunosuppressive mechanisms elicited by heterophilic complexes, joining cancer and immune cells, formed by PD-L1/PD1 and CD80/CTLA-4 plasma membrane proteins. Altogether, nervous and immune cells, together with fibroblasts, endothelial, and bone-marrow-derived cells, promote tumor growth and enhance the metastatic properties of cancer cells. Inspired by the demonstrated, but restricted, power of anti-angiogenic and immune cell-based therapies, preclinical studies are focusing on strategies aimed to inhibit tumor-induced neurogenesis. Here we discuss the potential of anti-neurogenesis and, considering the interplay between nervous and immune systems, we also focus on anti-immunosuppression-based therapies. Small molecules, antibodies and immune cells are being considered as therapeutic agents, aimed to prevent cancer cell communication with neurons and leukocytes, targeting chemotactic and neurotransmitter signaling pathways linked to perineural invasion and metastasis.
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Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade therapy has become a major weapon in fighting cancer. Antibody drugs, such as anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1, demonstrate obvious advantages such as broad applicability across cancer types and durable clinical response when treatment is effective. However, the overall response rates are still unsatisfying, especially for cancers with low mutational burden. Moreover, adverse effects, such as autoimmune symptoms and tumor hyperprogression, present a significant downside in some clinical applications. These challenges reflect the urgent need to fully understand the basic biology of immune checkpoints. In this review, we discuss regulation of immune checkpoint signaling at multiple levels to provide an overview of our current understanding of checkpoint biology. Topics include the regulation of surface expression levels for known immune checkpoint proteins via surface delivery, internalization, recycling, and degradation. Upon reaching the surface, checkpoints engage in both conventional trans and also cis interactions with ligands to induce signaling and regulate immune responses. Novel therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways in addition to classical checkpoint blockade have recently emerged and been tested in preclinical models, providing new avenues for developing next-generation immunotherapies.
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47
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Modulation of regulatory T cell function and stability by co-inhibitory receptors. Nat Rev Immunol 2020; 20:680-693. [PMID: 32269380 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-020-0296-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells constitute a dynamic population that is essential for controlling immune responses in health and disease. Defects in Treg cell function and decreases in Treg cell numbers have been observed in patients with autoimmunity and the opposite effects on Treg cells occur in cancer settings. Current research on new therapies for these diseases is focused on modulating Treg cell function to increase or decrease suppressive activity in autoimmunity and cancer, respectively. In this regard, several co-inhibitory receptors that are preferentially expressed by Treg cells under homeostatic conditions have recently been shown to control Treg cell function and stability in different disease settings. These receptors could be amenable to therapeutic targeting aimed at modulating Treg cell function and plasticity. This Review summarizes recent data regarding the role of co-inhibitory molecules in the control of Treg cell function and stability, with a focus on their roles and potential therapeutic use in autoimmunity and cancer.
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48
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Khan M, Arooj S, Wang H. NK Cell-Based Immune Checkpoint Inhibition. Front Immunol 2020; 11:167. [PMID: 32117298 PMCID: PMC7031489 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy, with an increasing number of therapeutic dimensions, is becoming an important mode of treatment for cancer patients. The inhibition of immune checkpoints, which are the source of immune escape for various cancers, is one such immunotherapeutic dimension. It has mainly been aimed at T cells in the past, but NK cells are a newly emerging target. Simultaneously, the number of checkpoints identified has been increasing in recent times. In addition to the classical NK cell receptors KIRs, LIRs, and NKG2A, several other immune checkpoints have also been shown to cause dysfunction of NK cells in various cancers and chronic infections. These checkpoints include the revolutionized CTLA-4, PD-1, and recently identified B7-H3, as well as LAG-3, TIGIT & CD96, TIM-3, and the most recently acknowledged checkpoint-members of the Siglecs family (Siglec-7/9), CD200 and CD47. An interesting dimension of immune checkpoints is their candidacy for dual-checkpoint inhibition, resulting in therapeutic synergism. Furthermore, the combination of immune checkpoint inhibition with other NK cell cytotoxicity restoration strategies could also strengthen its efficacy as an antitumor therapy. Here, we have undertaken a comprehensive review of the literature to date regarding NK cell-based immune checkpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Khan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Sumbal Arooj
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Sialkot, Sialkot, Pakistan
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Hosseini A, Gharibi T, Marofi F, Babaloo Z, Baradaran B. CTLA-4: From mechanism to autoimmune therapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 80:106221. [PMID: 32007707 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
CD28 and CTLA-4 are both important stimulatory receptors for the regulation of T cell activation. Because receptors share common ligands, B7.1 and B7.2, the expression and biological function of CTLA-4 is important for the negative regulation of T cell responses. Therefore, elimination of CTLA-4 can result in the breakdown of immune tolerance and the development of several diseases such as autoimmunity. Inhibitory signals of CTLA-4 suppress T cell responses and protect against autoimmune diseases in many ways. In this review, we summarize the structure, expression and signaling pathway of CTLA-4. We also highlight how CTLA-4 defends against potentially self-reactive T cells. Finally, we discuss how the CTLA-4 regulates a number of autoimmune diseases that indicate manipulation of this inhibitory molecule is a promise as a strategy for the immunotherapy of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arezoo Hosseini
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Tohid Gharibi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Faroogh Marofi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zohreh Babaloo
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Wang Y, Wang P, Xu J. Phosphorylation: A Fast Switch For Checkpoint Signaling. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1248:347-398. [PMID: 32185718 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-3266-5_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Checkpoint signaling involves a variety of upstream and downstream factors that participate in the regulation of checkpoint expression, activation, and degradation. During the process, phosphorylation plays a critical role. Phosphorylation is one of the most well-documented post-translational modifications of proteins. Of note, the importance of phosphorylation has been emphasized in aspects of cell activities, including proliferation, metabolism, and differentiation. Here we summarize how phosphorylation of specific molecules affects the immune activities with preference in tumor immunity. Of course, immune checkpoints are given extra attention in this book. There are many common pathways that are involved in signaling of different checkpoints. Some of them are integrated and presented as common activities in the early part of this chapter, especially those associated with PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4, because investigations concerning them are particularly abundant and variant. Their distinct regulation is supplementarily discussed in their respective section. As for checkpoints that are so far not well explored, their related phosphorylation modulations are listed separately in the later part. We hope to provide a clear and systematic view of the phosphorylation-modulated immune signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiting Wang
- School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University Cancer Center, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jie Xu
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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