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Sheyi R, de la Torre BG, Albericio F. Linkers: An Assurance for Controlled Delivery of Antibody-Drug Conjugate. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14020396. [PMID: 35214128 PMCID: PMC8874516 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
As one of the major therapeutic options for cancer treatment, chemotherapy has limited selectivity against cancer cells. Consequently, this therapeutic strategy offers a small therapeutic window with potentially high toxicity and thus limited efficacy of doses that can be tolerated by patients. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are an emerging class of anti-cancer therapeutic drugs that can deliver highly cytotoxic molecules directly to cancer cells. To date, twelve ADCs have received market approval, with several others in clinical stages. ADCs have become a powerful class of therapeutic agents in oncology and hematology. ADCs consist of recombinant monoclonal antibodies that are covalently bound to cytotoxic chemicals via synthetic linkers. The linker has a key role in ADC outcomes because its characteristics substantially impact the therapeutic index efficacy and pharmacokinetics of these drugs. Stable linkers and ADCs can maintain antibody concentration in blood circulation, and they do not release the cytotoxic drug before it reaches its target, thus resulting in minimum off-target effects. The linkers used in ADC development can be classified as cleavable and non-cleavable. The former, in turn, can be grouped into three types: hydrazone, disulfide, or peptide linkers. In this review, we highlight the various linkers used in ADC development and their design strategy, release mechanisms, and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rotimi Sheyi
- School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa;
| | - Beatriz G. de la Torre
- Kwazulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
- Correspondence: (B.G.d.l.T.); (F.A.); Tel.: +27-614-047-528 (B.G.d.l.T.); +27-6140-09144 (F.A.)
| | - Fernando Albericio
- School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa;
- Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Networking Centre on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (B.G.d.l.T.); (F.A.); Tel.: +27-614-047-528 (B.G.d.l.T.); +27-6140-09144 (F.A.)
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Abstract
Most patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) were diagnosed in advanced stage and the prognosis is poor. Therefore, early detection and prevention of CRC are very important. As with other cancers, there is also the tertiary prevention for CRC. The primary prevention is etiological prevention, which is mainly the treatment of adenoma or inflammation for preventing the development into cancer. The secondary prevention is the early diagnosis and early treatment for avoiding progressing to advanced cancer. The tertiary prevention belongs to the broad category of prevention, mainly for advanced CRC, through surgical treatment and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy for preventing tumor recurrence or metastasis. This consensus is based on the recent domestic and international consensus guidelines and the latest progress of international researches in the past five years. This consensus opinion seminar was hosted by the Chinese Society of Gastroenterology and Cancer Collaboration Group of Chinese Society of Gastroenterology, and was organized by the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology & Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The consensus opinion contains 60 statement clauses, the standard and basis of the evidence-based medicine grade and voting grade of the statement strictly complied with the relevant international regulations and practice.
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Linye H, Zijing X, Wei P, Chao H, Chuan L, Tianfu W. Thymosin alpha-1 therapy improves postoperative survival after curative resection for solitary hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma: A propensity score matching analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e25749. [PMID: 34011034 PMCID: PMC8137107 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000025749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymosin alpha-1 (Tα1) is an immunomodulatory and antiviral agent with potential effects on chronic hepatitis B and liver cancer. Its impact on solitary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains controversial, so we aimed to investigate the efficacy of Tα1 in solitary HBV-related HCC patients after curative resection.Between May 2010 and April 2016, 468 patients with solitary HBV-related HCC after curative resection were analyzed. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to minimize confounding variables. Risk factors were identified by the Cox proportional hazards model. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates, overall survival (OS) rates, immunological, and virologic response were compared.The median follow up was 60.0 months. Immunological response improved in the Tα1 group compared with the control group (P < .001) but the virologic response was similar between 2 groups after 24 months. Patients with Tα1 therapy had better RFS and OS before (P = .018 and P < .001) and after (P = .006 and P < .001) propensity matching. Multivariate analysis revealed that Tα1 therapy was an independent prognostic factor for both OS (P < .001, HR = 0.308, 95% CI: 0.175-0.541) and RFS (P < .001, HR = 0.381, 95% CI: 0.229-0.633).Tα1 as an adjuvant therapy improves the prognosis of solitary HBV-related HCC patients after curative liver resection.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/mortality
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/virology
- Chemotherapy, Adjuvant/methods
- Disease-Free Survival
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Hepatectomy
- Hepatitis B virus/isolation & purification
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/mortality
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/pathology
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/therapy
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/virology
- Humans
- Liver/pathology
- Liver/surgery
- Liver/virology
- Liver Neoplasms/mortality
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/virology
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/epidemiology
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/prevention & control
- Prognosis
- Propensity Score
- Retrospective Studies
- Risk Factors
- Survival Rate
- Thymalfasin/therapeutic use
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Affiliation(s)
- He Linye
- Department of Thyroid & Parathyroid Surgery
| | - Xia Zijing
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology
| | - Peng Wei
- Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - He Chao
- Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Li Chuan
- Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Wen Tianfu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
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Martins C, Chauhan VM, Selo AA, Al-Natour M, Aylott JW, Sarmento B. Modelling protein therapeutic co-formulation and co-delivery with PLGA nanoparticles continuously manufactured by microfluidics. REACT CHEM ENG 2020. [DOI: 10.1039/c9re00395a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Formulating protein therapeutics into nanoparticles (NPs) of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) provides key features such as protection against clearance, sustained release and less side effects by possible attachment of targeting ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudia Martins
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde
- Universidade do Porto
- 4200-393 Porto
- Portugal
- INEB – Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica
| | - Veeren M. Chauhan
- School of Pharmacy
- Boots Science Building
- University of Nottingham
- NG7 2RD Nottingham
- UK
| | - Amjad A. Selo
- School of Pharmacy
- Boots Science Building
- University of Nottingham
- NG7 2RD Nottingham
- UK
| | - Mohammad Al-Natour
- School of Pharmacy
- Boots Science Building
- University of Nottingham
- NG7 2RD Nottingham
- UK
| | - Jonathan W. Aylott
- School of Pharmacy
- Boots Science Building
- University of Nottingham
- NG7 2RD Nottingham
- UK
| | - Bruno Sarmento
- i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde
- Universidade do Porto
- 4200-393 Porto
- Portugal
- INEB – Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica
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Development of a Highly Efficient Hybrid Peptide That Increases Immunomodulatory Activity Via the TLR4-Mediated Nuclear Factor-κB Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20246161. [PMID: 31817671 PMCID: PMC6940896 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20246161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunity is a defensive response that fights disease by identifying and destroying harmful substances or microbiological toxins. Several factors, including work-related stress, pollution, and immunosuppressive agents, contribute to low immunity and poor health. Native peptides, a new class of immunoregulatory agents, have the potential for treating immunodeficiencies, malignancies, and infections. However, the potential cytotoxicity and low immunoregulatory activity and stability of native peptides have prevented their development. Therefore, we designed three hybrid peptides (LTAa, LTAb, and LTAc) by combining a characteristic fragment of LL-37 with an active Tα1 center that included Tα1 (17-24), Tα1 (20-25), and Tα1 (20-27). The best hybrid peptide (LTAa), according to molecule docking and in vitro experiments, had improved immunoregulatory activity and stability with minimal cytotoxicity. We investigated the immunoregulatory effects and mechanisms of LTAa using a cyclophosphamide-immunosuppressed murine model. LTAa effectively reversed immunosuppression by enhancing immune organ development, activating peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis, regulating T lymphocyte subsets, and increasing cytokine (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β) and immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG, and IgM) contents. The immunomodulatory effects of LTAa may be associated with binding to the TLR4/MD-2 complex and activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Therefore, LTAa could be an effective therapeutic agent for improving immune function.
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Sokolova TM, Poloskov VV, Shuvalov AN, Burova OS, Sokolova ZA. Signaling TLR/RLR-mechanisms of immunomodulating action of ingavirin and thymogen preparations. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.17650/1726-9784-2019-18-1-60-66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective: to study drugs ingavirin and thymogen as activators of signal TLR and RLR reactions in a sensitive cell model of THP-1 monocytes and blood cells of donors.Materials and methods . Investigated drugs ingavirin (imidazolylethanamide pentanedioic acid – 6-[2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)ethylami- no]-5-oxohexanoic acid; Valenta Pharmaceutics, Russia) and thymogen (alpha-glutamyl-tryptophan; Cytomed, Russia), registered in Russia as medicines. The expression of TLR/RLR receptor genes was determined under the action of ingavirin 50–300 μg/ml and thymogen 0.1–5 μg/ml (24 h, 37 °C) using quantitative RT-PCR. The level of fluid cytokines was determined using ELISA kits (Vec- tor-Best, Russia) in the culture fluid. Transfection of small inhibitory RNA (siRNA) MAVS was performed using the reagent Lipofect- amine 2000 (Invitrogen). The immunophenotype of the THP-1 cell line was determined by flow cytometry with labeled monoclonal antibodies FITC CD14 and PE CD34 (BD Biosciences) on a FACSCanto II instrument (Becton Dickinson).Results . For the first time, it has been shown that ingavirin (imidazolylethanamide) and thymogen (dipeptide Glu-Trp) preparations are activators of the immune TLR/RLR receptors and their signaling factors genes in the cultures of monocytic leukemia THP-1 and blood of healthy donors. In these cellular systems, ingavirin and thymogen preparations elicited similar immune responses and stimulated the expression of genes: endosomal TLR3/7/8/9 receptors, RIG1/MDA5 cytoplasmic sensors and NFκB1 and MAVS signaling factors. Induced cells secrete inflammatory cytokines of TNF-α and IL1-β. Ingavirin in THP-1 cell culture monocytes caused a decrease in CD34+ blast cells. Activation the genes of MAVS and co-receptor B2M of the main histocompatibility complex (MHCII) by ingavirin were interrelated. Transfection of siRNA MAVS reduced the level of homologous mRNA MAVS and heterologous mRNA B2M. Conclusion . The results obtained suggest that the antiviral and immunomodulating properties of the drugs ingavirin and thymogen are associated with the activation of a group of TLR/RLR signaling pathways of the innate and adaptive immunity and the differentiation of hematopoietic cell precursors.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. M. Sokolova
- N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
| | - V. V. Poloskov
- N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
| | - A. N. Shuvalov
- N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
| | - O. S. Burova
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
| | - Z. A. Sokolova
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
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7
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Matteucci C, Argaw-Denboba A, Balestrieri E, Giovinazzo A, Miele M, D'Agostini C, Pica F, Grelli S, Paci M, Mastino A, Sinibaldi Vallebona P, Garaci E, Tomino C. Deciphering cellular biological processes to clinical application: a new perspective for Tα1 treatment targeting multiple diseases. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2019; 18:23-31. [PMID: 30063863 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1474198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1) is a well-recognized immune response modulator in a wide range of disorders, particularly infections and cancer. The bioinformatic analysis of public databases allows drug repositioning, predicting a new potential area of clinical intervention. We aimed to decipher the cellular network induced by Tα1 treatment to confirm present use and identify new potential clinical applications. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We used the transcriptional profile of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells treated in vitro with Tα1 to perform the enrichment network analysis by the Metascape online tools and the disease enrichment analysis by the DAVID online tool. RESULTS Networked cellular responses reflected Tα1 regulated biological processes including immune and metabolic responses, response to compounds and oxidative stress, ion homeostasis, peroxisome biogenesis and drug metabolic process. Beyond cancer and infections, the analysis evidenced the association with disorders such as kidney chronic failure, diabetes, cardiovascular, chronic respiratory, neuropsychiatric, neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases. CONCLUSIONS In addition to the known ability to promote immune response pathways, the network enrichment analysis demonstrated that Tα1 regulates cellular metabolic processes and oxidative stress response. Notable, the analysis highlighted the association with several diseases, suggesting new translational implication of Tα1 treatment in pathological conditions unexpected until now.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Matteucci
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Ayele Argaw-Denboba
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Emanuela Balestrieri
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Alessandro Giovinazzo
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Martino Miele
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Cartesio D'Agostini
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Francesca Pica
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Sandro Grelli
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Maurizio Paci
- b Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Antonio Mastino
- c Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences , University of Messina , Messina , Italy.,d National Research Council , Institute of Translational Pharmacology , Rome , Italy
| | - Paola Sinibaldi Vallebona
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy.,d National Research Council , Institute of Translational Pharmacology , Rome , Italy
| | | | - Carlo Tomino
- e Università San Raffaele Pisana , Roma , Italy.,f IRCSS San Raffaele Pisana , Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care , Roma , Italy
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8
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Naylor PH, Naylor CW. Overlapping molecular signaling of IRX-2 and Ta1 resulting in synergistic biological activity. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2018; 18:85-88. [DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1481206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul H Naylor
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Division, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Cartha W Naylor
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Division, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
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9
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Giacomini E, Rizzo F, Etna MP, Cruciani M, Mechelli R, Buscarinu MC, Pica F, D’Agostini C, Salvetti M, Coccia EM, Severa M. Thymosin-α1 expands deficient IL-10-producing regulatory B cell subsets in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis patients. Mult Scler 2017; 24:127-139. [DOI: 10.1177/1352458517695892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: B cells are key pathogenic effectors in multiple sclerosis (MS) and several therapies have been designed to restrain B cell abnormalities by directly targeting this lymphocyte population. Objectives: Moving from our data showing a Toll-like receptor (TLR)7-driven dysregulation of B cell response in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and having found a low serum level of Thymosin-α1 (Tα1) in patients, we investigated whether the addition of this molecule to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) would influence the expansion of regulatory B cell subsets, known to dampen autoimmune inflammation. Methods: Serum Tα1 level was measured by enzyme immunoassay. Cytokine expression was evaluated by Cytometric Bead Array (CBA), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). B cell subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry. Results: Tα1 pre-treatment induces an anti-inflammatory status in TLR7-stimulated RRMS PBMC cultures, reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-1β while significantly increasing the regulatory IL-10 and IL-35. Indeed, Tα1 treatment enhanced expansion of CD19+CD24+CD38hi transitional-immature and CD24low/negCD38hi plasmablast-like regulatory B cell subsets, which likely inhibit both interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-17 production. Conclusion:: Our study reveals a deficient ability of B cells from MS patients to differentiate into regulatory subsets and unveils a novel anti-inflammatory and repurposing potential for Tα1 in MS targeting B cell response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Giacomini
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiana Rizzo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Marilena P Etna
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Melania Cruciani
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosella Mechelli
- Centre for Experimental Neurological Therapies (CENTERS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Buscarinu
- Centre for Experimental Neurological Therapies (CENTERS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Pica
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Cartesio D’Agostini
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy/Clinical Microbiology Laboratories, Tor Vergata Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Salvetti
- Centre for Experimental Neurological Therapies (CENTERS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eliana M Coccia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Severa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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Matteucci C, Grelli S, Balestrieri E, Minutolo A, Argaw-Denboba A, Macchi B, Sinibaldi-Vallebona P, Perno CF, Mastino A, Garaci E. Thymosin alpha 1 and HIV-1: recent advances and future perspectives. Future Microbiol 2017; 12:141-155. [PMID: 28106477 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2016-0125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In spite of the consistent benefits for HIV-1 infected patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy, a complete immune reconstitution is usually not achieved. Actually, antiretroviral therapy may be frequently accompanied by immunological unresponsiveness, persistent inflammatory conditions and inefficient cytotoxic T-cell response. Thymosin alpha 1 is a thymic peptide that demonstrates a peculiar ability to restore immune system homeostasis in different physiological and pathological conditions (i.e., infections, cancer, immunodeficiency, vaccination and aging) acting as multitasking protein depending on the host state of inflammation or immune dysfunction. This review reports the present knowledge on the in vitro and in vivo studies concerning the use of thymosin alpha 1 in HIV-1 infection. Recent findings and future perspectives of therapeutic intervention are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Matteucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Sandro Grelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Emanuela Balestrieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Antonella Minutolo
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Ayele Argaw-Denboba
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Beatrice Macchi
- Department of System Medicine, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Paola Sinibaldi-Vallebona
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy.,Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, Via Fosso del Cavaliere, 100, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Carlo Federico Perno
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Antonio Mastino
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, Via Fosso del Cavaliere, 100, Rome 00133, Italy.,Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical & Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Via F. Stagno d'Alcontres 31, Messina 98166, Italy
| | - Enrico Garaci
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy.,IRCSS San Raffaele Pisana, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization & Health Care, Via di Val Cannuta, 247, Roma 00166, Italy
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11
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Lao X, Li B, Liu M, Shen C, Yu T, Gao X, Zheng H. A modified thymosin alpha 1 inhibits the growth of breast cancer both in vitro and in vivo: suppressment of cell proliferation, inducible cell apoptosis and enhancement of targeted anticancer effects. Apoptosis 2016; 20:1307-20. [PMID: 26283169 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-015-1151-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1) is commonly used for treating several diseases; however its usage has been limited because of poor penetration of the target tissue, such as tumor cells. In the present study, Tα1-iRGD, a peptide by conjugating Tα1 with the iRGD fragment, was evaluated its performance in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. Compared with the wild-type peptide, Tα1-iRGD was more selective in binding tumor cells in the cell attachment assay. Furthermore, the MTT assay confirmed that Tα1-iRGD proved more effective in significantly inhibiting the growth of MCF-7 cells in contrast to the general inhibition displayed by Tα1. Further, conjugation of Tα1 with iRGD preserved the immunomodulatory activity of the drug by increasing the proliferation of mouse spleen lymphocytes. Further, compared with Tα1 treatment, Tα1-iRGD treatment of MCF-7 cells considerably increased the number of cells undergoing apoptosis, resulting in a dose-dependent inhibition of cancer cell growth, which was associated with a much better effect on up-regulation of the expression of BCL2-associated X protein (Bax), caspase 9, etc. More importantly, treatment with Ta1-iRGD was more efficacious than treatment with Ta1 in vivo. This study highlights the importance of iRGD on enhancement of cell penetration and tumor accumulation. In summary, our findings demonstrate that the novel modified Tα1 developed in this study has the potential to be used for treating breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingzhen Lao
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China,
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12
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Wang X, Zeng X, Yang B, Zhao S, Chen W, Guo X. Efficacy of thymosin α1 and interferon α for the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis in a rat model. Mol Med Rep 2015; 12:6775-81. [PMID: 26330363 PMCID: PMC4626153 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.4277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the effects of treatment with thymosin α1 (TA1) or interferon α (IFNα) following the establishment of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) in rats. A total of 144 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups. The rats in all four groups were celiotomized, and the rats in the control group were administered with an intravenous injection of saline. The three other groups were administered with 5% 1 ml/kg sodium taurocholate via the cholangiopancreatic duct. SAP group rats were administered with an intravenous injection of saline; TA1 group rats received 26.7 µg/kg TA1; and interferon α (INFα) group rats received 4.0×105 U/kg IFNα. The rats were anesthetized and blood samples were collected from the animals 3, 12 and 24 h after surgery. The levels of T cell subsets, serum enzyme indicators, cytokines and procalcitonin (PCT) were measured. The general conditions of the rats were observed until sacrifice, and pancreatic and lung tissue samples were sampled for hematoxylin and eosin staining and histological scoring. The expression levels of aspartate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, α-amylase (AMY), P-type-amylase, lipase, PCT, tumor-necrosis factor α, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-18 in the TA1 and IFNα-treated rats were significantly lower, compared with those of the SAP rats within the first 24 h of model establishment (P<0.05). The TA1 and IFNα-treated rats exhibited significantly increased levels of CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and an increased ratio of CD4+/CD8+ cells, compared with SAP rats. Histological analysis revealed that the TA1 and IFNα-treated rats exhibited significantly ameliorated pancreas and lung damage, and mortality rates were reduced from 50.0% (6/12) to 25.0% (3/12) and 33.3% (4/12), respectively. The immunomodulatory agents TA1 and IFNα reduced acute inflammation, decreasing cell damage and enhancing immune function and survival rates in the SAP rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyan Zeng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Shan Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Xuan Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
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Garaci E, Pica F, Matteucci C, Gaziano R, D’Agostini C, Miele MT, Camerini R, Palamara AT, Favalli C, Mastino A, Serafino A, Sinibaldi Vallebona P. Historical review on thymosin α1 in oncology: preclinical and clinical experiences. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2015; 15 Suppl 1:S31-9. [DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2015.1017466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Matteucci C, Minutolo A, Pollicita M, Balestrieri E, Grelli S, D’Ettorre G, Vullo V, Bucci I, Luchini A, Aquaro S, Sinibaldi-Vallebona P, Macchi B, Perno CF, Mastino A, Garaci E. Thymosin α 1 potentiates the release by CD8+cells of soluble factors able to inhibit HIV-1 and human T lymphotropic virus 1 infectionin vitro. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2015; 15 Suppl 1:S83-100. [DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2015.1021677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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15
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Giacomini E, Severa M, Cruciani M, Etna MP, Rizzo F, Pardini M, Scagnolari C, Garaci E, Coccia EM. Dual effect of Thymosin α 1 on human monocyte-derived dendritic cell in vitro stimulated with viral and bacterial toll-like receptor agonists. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2015; 15 Suppl 1:S59-70. [PMID: 26096650 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2015.1019460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Thymosin α 1 (Tα1) recently gained interest as immune adjuvant for vaccines because of its ability to modulate the T-cell/dendritic cell (DC) axis and to improve antibody production. The objective of this study was to determine whether Tα1 would address in vitro the response of human primary monocyte-derived DC, crucial regulators of vaccine-induced immunity, upon exposure to different toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists or infection with viruses or bacteria. METHODS DC maturation and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines were analyzed. RESULTS Our data revealed a dual effect of Tα1 on DC biology upon viral or bacterial stimulation. Interestingly, Tα1 enhanced human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-I and II surface expression and secretion of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-8 when DCs were treated with viral TLR3 and TLR7/8 agonists. Similarly, in pandemic H1N1 influenza A-infected DCs, Tα1 raised the expression of maturation markers and type I and III Interferon (IFN). In contrast, following bacterial TLR2 and 4 stimulation, as well as upon Bacillus Calmette-Guerin infection, the presence of Tα1 in DC cultures drastically lowered the analyzed cellular parameters. CONCLUSION The knowledge that Tα1 pleiotropic effect might ameliorate anti-viral immune responses and, at the same time, dampen inflammation caused by bacterial infections could lay the groundwork for a more appropriate therapeutic application of this molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Giacomini
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità of Infectious, Parasitic and Immune-mediated Diseases, Viale Regina Elena, Rome, 00151 , Italy +39 06 49903638 ; +39 06 49903638 ;
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Li J, Cheng Y, Zhang X, Zheng L, Han Z, Li P, Xiao Y, Zhang Q, Wang F. The in vivo immunomodulatory and synergistic anti-tumor activity of thymosin α1-thymopentin fusion peptide and its binding to TLR2. Cancer Lett 2013; 337:237-47. [PMID: 23684552 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2013.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2013] [Revised: 05/01/2013] [Accepted: 05/04/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, the immunomodulatory and synergistic anti-tumor activity of thymosin α1-thymopentin fusion peptide (Tα1-TP5) was investigated in vivo. In addition, the potential receptor of Tα1-TP5 was investigated by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) binding studies. It was found that Tα1-TP5 (305 μg/kg) alleviated immunosuppression induced by hydrocortisone (HC). Tα1-TP5 (305 μg/kg) combined with cyclophosphamide (CY) had a better tumor growth inhibitory effect than CY alone. Furthermore, Tα1-TP5 had a higher affinity (KD=6.84 μmol/L) to toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) than Tα1 (K(D)=35.4 μmol/L), but its affinity was not significantly different from that of TP5. The results of our present work indicate that Tα1-TP5 can possibly be developed as a new immunomodulatory agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Li
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Natural Products, Ministry of Education, Institute of Biochemical and Biotechnological Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
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Li W, Song L, Wu S, Xue X, Zhang L, He L, Han W, Wang Q, Ling R, Zhang W, Yan Z, Zhang Y. Expression, purification and characterization of a novel soluble human thymosin alpha1 concatemer exhibited a stronger stimulation on mice lymphocytes proliferation and higher anti-tumor activity. Int J Biol Sci 2011; 7:618-28. [PMID: 21647330 PMCID: PMC3107470 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.7.618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2010] [Accepted: 05/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1) has immunomodulatory and anti-tumor effects in patients and has been commercialized in worldwide. An innovative technique is therefore impending to achieve high-yield expression and purification of Tα1 to meet the increasing requirements for clinical applications. Tα1 can enhance T cells, dendritic cells and antibody responses, and also augment an anti-tumor immune response. In the current study, we developed a novel technique to produce Tα1 concatemer and investigated its capability in anti-tumor immunotherapy. We expressed the recombinant 2×Tα1 concatemer protein (Tα1② protein) in Escherichia coli. The purity of Tα1② was higher than 95% as assessed by HPLC analysis. In vitro, Tα1② could stimulate the proliferation of mouse splenic lymphocyte, and increase the apoptosis of tumor cell lines. In vivo, Tα1② significantly inhibited the tumor growth in B16 tumor-bearing mice. Compared with Tα1, the Tα1② is of more effective bioactivity than Tα1. The purified Tα1② is a promising substitute for synthetic Tα1 because of its potent anti-tumor effects. We concluded that the expression system for Tα1 concatemer was constructed successfully, which could serves as a highly efficient tool for the production of large quantities of the highly active protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weina Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biopharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, 710032 Xi'an, China
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Yu R, Sun Y, Cai Q, Li Y, Zhu G. [Effects of thymosin alpha-1 on radiation-induced pneumonitis]. ZHONGGUO FEI AI ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF LUNG CANCER 2011; 14:187-93. [PMID: 21426658 PMCID: PMC5999649 DOI: 10.3779/j.issn.1009-3419.2011.03.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Radiation-induced lung injure is one of the major factors of limitation in radiotherapy for lung cancer. Whether the use of thymosin and radiotherapy simultaneously would increase the radiation-induced lung injure is unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of thymosin alpha-1 on radiation induced pneumonitis in mice. METHODS Three groups of mice, control (C), radiation alone (RT), thymosin alpha-1 plus radiation (T+RT), were entered into the study. The weight and mortality of mice, pleural effusion, quantity of protein and cell count in the bronchoalvealar lavage (BAL) and pulmonary fibrosis score were evaluated as the outcome measures. RESULTS The mortality ratio of the T+RT and RT groups were 3/14, 2/10, respectively. The time of death were all in the 23-24 weeks after radiotherapy. There was no pleural effusion in the T+RT group other than 2/2 occurred in RT group. The quantity of protein, cell number and neutrophil number in the BAL and lung coefficient in mice of T+RT group were remarkably lower than that of RT group, but the BALF macrophages number was remarkably higher than that in RT group in the 8 weeks. The quantity of protein, cell number, neutrophil number and macrophages number in the BAL, lung coefficient, the scores of lung fibrosis in mice of T+RT group were significantly lower than that of RT group in the 24 weeks. All test data were lowest in mice of C group. And there was no obvious pulmonary fibrosis in the mice of C group. CONCLUSIONS Thymosin alpha-1 could relieve radiation-induced acute and late pulmonary injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University School of Oncology, Beijing Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
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Jiang YF, Ma ZH, Zhao PW, Pan Y, Liu YY, Feng JY, Niu JQ. Effect of Thymosin-α1 on T-helper 1 Cell and T-helper 2 Cell Cytokine Synthesis in Patients with Hepatitis B Virus e Antigen-positive Chronic Hepatitis B. J Int Med Res 2010; 38:2053-62. [PMID: 21227010 DOI: 10.1177/147323001003800620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymosin-α1 (TA1) has been shown to be effective treatment for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. This study investigated the immune response after TA1 monotherapy in 25 HBV e antigen (HBeAg)-positive patients randomized to receive either 1.6 mg active TA1 (group A), 1.6 mg recombinant TA1 (group B) or 3.2 mg recombinant TA1 (group C) monotherapy for 52 weeks. The percentages of T-helper 1 (Th1) cytokine-producing T-cells (interleukin-2 [IL-2], interferon-γ [IFN-γ], tumour necrosis factor-α) and Th2 cytokine-producing T-cells (IL-4) were analysed using flow cytometry. In all patients treated with TA1, cytokine levels and the proportion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells producing these cytokines were significantly increased, compared with baseline and healthy controls. The proportions of each cytokine-producing cell increased gradually over time and were restored to normal levels, and proportions of IFN-γ and IL-4-producing cells reached higher levels than in normal (healthy) controls. The results showed that treatment with TA1 increased cytokine production, especially IFN-γ, and higher-dose TA1 exhibited better efficacy against HBV, compared with other treatments studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y-F Jiang
- Department of Hepatology, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Z-H Ma
- Department of Hepatology, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - P-W Zhao
- Department of Hepatology, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Y Pan
- Department of Hepatology, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Y-Y Liu
- Department of the Digestive System, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - J-Y Feng
- Department of Hepatology, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - J-Q Niu
- Department of Hepatology, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Li J, Liu CH, Wang FS. Thymosin alpha 1: biological activities, applications and genetic engineering production. Peptides 2010; 31:2151-8. [PMID: 20699109 PMCID: PMC7115394 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2010.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2010] [Revised: 07/27/2010] [Accepted: 07/27/2010] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1), a 28-amino acid peptide, was first described and characterized from calf thymuses in 1977. This peptide can enhance T-cell, dendritic cell (DC) and antibody responses, modulate cytokines and chemokines production and block steroid-induced apoptosis of thymocytes. Due to its pleiotropic biological activities, Tα1 has gained increasing interest in recent years and has been used for the treatment of various diseases in clinic. Accordingly, there is an increasing need for the production of this peptide. So far, Tα1 used in clinic is synthesized using solid phase peptide synthesis. Here, we summarize the genetic engineering methods to produce Tα1 using prokaryotic or eukaryotic expression systems. The effectiveness of these biological products in increasing the secretion of cytokines and in promoting lymphocyte proliferation were investigated in vitro studies. This opens the possibility for biotechnological production of Tα1 for the research and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Li
- Institute of Biochemical and Biotechnological Drug, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Chun Hui Liu
- Institute of Biochemical and Biotechnological Drug, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Feng Shan Wang
- Institute of Biochemical and Biotechnological Drug, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Corresponding author at: Institute of Biochemical and Biotechnological Drug, National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China. Tel.: +86 531 88382589; fax: +86 531 88382548.
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Chen JH, Zhang XG, Jiang YT, Yan LY, Tang L, Yin YW, Cheng DS, Chen J, Wang M. Bioactivity and pharmacokinetics of two human serum albumin-thymosin alpha1-fusion proteins, rHSA-Talpha1 and rHSA-L-Talpha1, expressed in recombinant Pichia pastoris. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2010; 59:1335-45. [PMID: 20473755 PMCID: PMC11030058 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-010-0862-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2010] [Accepted: 04/26/2010] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin-alpha1 (Talpha1) is indicated for the treatment of certain viral infections, including hepatitis B and C, and cancers, such as melanoma. In this paper, the fusion genes encoding human serum albumin (HSA) and Talpha1 with (rHSA-L-Talpha1) and without a linker peptide (rHSA-Talpha1) were constructed and overexpressed in P. pastoris. Through the process of ion interaction chromatography (Q-Sepharose F.F), hydrophobic interaction chromatography (Phenyl Sepharose HP) and affinity chromatography (Blue Sepharose F.F), the purity of fusion proteins was greater than 97%. In contrast to the reactivity of normal spleen cells to Con A, the data of in vitro murine spleen lymphocytes proliferation experiment suggested that spleen cells achieved a higher degree of T cell maturation after rHSA-L-Talpha1, rHSA-Talpha1 and Talpha1 treatments, respectively. Moreover, rHSA-L-Talpha1, rHSA-Talpha1 and Talpha1 can also antagonize dexamethasone-induced apoptosis of thymocyte sub-populations. In hydrocortisone-induced immunosuppression mice (in vivo experiments), after subcutaneous injections with two fusion proteins and Talpha1 for seven consecutive days, the net increment of body weight, the spleen index and the thymus index were significantly improved. Simultaneously, the increase in SOD level and the decrease in MDA level in plasma were observed. The pharmacokinetic data of rHSA-L-Talpha1 and rHSA-Talpha1 administered in rats showed an improved pharmacokinetic profile with a conspicuous prolonged half life. The analysis of bioactivity and pharmacokinetics suggested that fusion proteins rHSA-L-Talpha1 and rHSA-Talpha1 were new drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Hua Chen
- College of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.
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Liu Q, Zhang H, Zhou G, Xie S, Zou H, Yu Y, Li G, Sun D, Zhang G, Lu Y, Zhong Y. In vitro and in vivo study of thymosin alpha1 biodegradable in situ forming poly(lactide-co-glycolide) implants. Int J Pharm 2010; 397:122-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2010.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2010] [Accepted: 07/13/2010] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Matteucci C, Minutolo A, Sinibaldi-Vallebona P, Palamara AT, Rasi G, Mastino A, Garaci E. Transcription profile of human lymphocytes following in vitro treatment with thymosin alpha-1. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2010; 1194:6-19. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05484.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Naylor PH, Hadden JW. Preclinical studies with IRX-2 and thymosin α1 in combination therapy. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2010; 1194:162-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05475.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Goldstein AL, Goldstein AL. From lab to bedside: emerging clinical applications of thymosin α1. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2009; 9:593-608. [DOI: 10.1517/14712590902911412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Allan L Goldstein
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, 2300 I St., N.W., Room 438, Washington, DC, USA ;
| | - Adam L Goldstein
- Medical School for International Health at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er-Sheva, Israel
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Naylor PH, Quadrini K, Garaci E, Rasi G, Hadden JW. Immunopharmacology of thymosin alpha1 and cytokine synergy. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2007; 1112:235-44. [PMID: 17567942 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1415.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin alpha1 (Talpha1) is a 28 amino acid biologically active protein cleaved from positions 2-29 of a precursor protein, prothymosin alpha. Since its discovery, Talpha1 has been administered to animals and humans in a wide variety of settings and its pharmacologic effects are to enhance cellular immunity. Talpha1 administration is highly effective in settings where irradiation, chemotherapy, tumor burden, or immune senescence have caused a reduction of T cell number and/or function. Recent in vitro studies, including the one reported here, suggest that Talpha1 may act via pathways commonly used by various cytokines. This raises the possibility that Talpha1 and cytokines may have synergistic activity through potentiation of cytokine activity by Talpha1. Improved control of tumor growth when tumor-bearing mice were treated with Talpha1 and high doses of IL-2 has been previously reported. We extended those studies with the Lewis lung carcinoma mouse model using IRX-2, a natural well-defined biologic containing multiple cytokines, in combination with Talpha1 (IRX-3). Although IRX-2 was effective alone (using doses that contain significantly less IL-2 than in most typical studies), adding Talpha1 led to significant improvement in survival of the tumor-bearing mice. Based on these observations, the immunopharmacology of Talpha1 predicts an important clinical role for Talpha1 in the restoration of cellular immune activity when used in combination with cytokines. Patients who experience immune suppression due to the presence of tumor, irradiation, and/or chemotherapy or aging of the host would most benefit from this treatment combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul H Naylor
- IRX Therapeutics Inc., 1 BioScience Park Drive, Farmingdale, NY 11735, USA.
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Thymosin-alpha1 modulates dendritic cell differentiation and functional maturation from human peripheral blood CD14+ monocytes. Immunol Lett 2007; 110:110-20. [PMID: 17532057 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2007.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2006] [Revised: 04/09/2007] [Accepted: 04/12/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Although thymosins have been demonstrated to have immunomodulatory effects, it is still not clear whether they could affect dendritic cells (DCs), the most professional antigen-presenting cells. The objective of this study was to determine the effect and potential mechanisms of thymosin-alpha1 (Talpha1) on DC differentiation and functional maturation. Human peripheral blood CD14(+) monocytes were purified by using a magnetic separation column and cultured with GM-CSF and IL-4 to differentiate into immature DCs (iDCs). In the presence of Talpha1, iDC surface markers CD40, CD80, MHC class I and class II molecules were significantly upregulated as measured by flow cytemotry analysis. However, Tbeta4 or Tbeta10 did not show these effects on iDCs. There was an approximately 30% reduction in antigen (FITC-conjugated dextran)-uptake by Talpha1-treated iDCs as compared with non-Talpha1-treated iDCs. In addition, Talpha1-treated matured DCs (mDCs) showed an increased stimulation of allogeneic CD3(+) T-cell proliferation as measured by a mixed-lymphocyte reaction assay. Talpha1-treated mDCs also increased the production of several Th1- and Th2-type cytokines as measured by a Bio-Plex cytokine assay. Furthermore, rapid activation of p38 MAPK and NFkappaB was seen in Talpha1-treated iDCs as measured by a Bio-Plex phosphoprotein assay. Thus, Talpha1 significantly enhances DC differentiation, activation, and functions from human peripheral blood CD14(+) monocytes possibly through a mechanism of the activation of p38 MAPK and NFkappaB pathways. This study provides a basis to further evaluate Talpha1 as a possible adjuvant for a DC-directed vaccine or therapy.
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Garaci E, Favalli C, Pica F, Sinibaldi Vallebona P, Palamara AT, Matteucci C, Pierimarchi P, Serafino A, Mastino A, Bistoni F, Romani L, Rasi G. Thymosin Alpha 1: From Bench to Bedside. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2007; 1112:225-34. [PMID: 17600290 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1415.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
After the initial dramatic effects, observed in a Lewis lung carcinoma animal model, using a combination of thymosin alpha 1 (Talpha1) and interferon (IFN) after cyclophosphamide, a number of other preclinical models in mice (Friend erythroleukemia and B16 melanoma) and in rats (DHD/K12 colorectal cancer liver metastasis) have confirmed the efficacy of the combination therapy with Talpha1 and either IFN or IL-2 plus chemotherapy. These results provided the scientific foundation for the first clinical trials using Talpha1 in combination with BRMs and/or chemotherapy. Pivotal trials in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and melanoma with Talpha1 and IFN-alpha low doses after cis-platinum or dacarbazine produced the first evidence of the high potentiality of this approach in the treatment of human cancer. The combination of Talpha1 and IFN-alpha was also used in patients affected by chronic B and C hepatitis including IFN-nonresponders and infected by precore mutants or genotype 1b. Further studies demonstrated additional biological activities clarifying the mechanism of action of Talpha1, partially explaining the synergism with IFN. It has been shown the capacity of activating infected dendritic cells through Toll-like receptor signaling, thus influencing the inflammation balance, and of increasing the expression of tumor, viral, and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) I antigens. Dose-response studies suggested the possibility of improving the efficacy of this molecule reducing the overall toxic. Based on these information two clinical trials are ongoing: a large phase II on advanced melanoma patients treated with Talpha1 at different doses after dacarbazine and a phase III one, on IFN-resistant hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients treated with a triple combination (IFN, ribavirin, and Talpha1).
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Chen PF, Fu GF, Zhang HY, Xu GX, Hou YY. Liposomal plasmid DNA encoding human thymosin alpha and interferon omega potently inhibits liver tumor growth in ICR mice. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2006; 21:1538-43. [PMID: 16928214 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2006.04536.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the potential therapeutic effect of liposomal gene delivery, genes encoding for human thymosin alpha1 (Talpha1) and interferon omega1 were injected via the tail vein into mice bearing a Hep-A-22 liver tumor. METHODS The cDNA of human Talpha1 and interferon omega1 were obtained by synthesis or reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. Eukaryotic expressing vectors pIRES2, encoding Talpha1 and/or interferon omega1, were constructed and injected with liposome via the tail vein into ICR mice bearing a Hep-A-22 tumor. The potency of tumor inhibition was evaluated when three treated groups were compared with the group receiving the empty vector. Apoptosis of tumor cells was investigated by analyzing DNA fragmentation. RESULTS Only the group treated with dual-gene plasmid reached an eligible level of tumor inhibition (43%). The difference in tumor weight was statistically significant between the Talpha1 gene or the interferon omega1 gene treated groups and the control (P<0.05), and highly significant between the dual-gene treated group and the control (P<0.01). DNA ladder was observed in the tumor cells from the purpose gene treated groups but not from the control. CONCLUSION The dual-gene plasmid-liposome complex showed more potent inhibition than the single gene constructs on the growth of Hep-A-22 tumor cells in mice, which may be attributed to indirect and additive induction of apoptosis in tumor cells by increased expression of Talpha1 and interferon omega1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Fu Chen
- Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
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Chen C, Li M, Yang H, Chai H, Fisher W, Yao Q. Roles of thymosins in cancers and other organ systems. World J Surg 2005; 29:264-70. [PMID: 15706436 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-004-7817-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Thymosins are small peptides, originally identified from the thymus, but now known to be more widely distributed in many tissues and cells. Thymosins are divided into three main groups, alpha-, beta-, : and gamma-thymosins, based on their isoelectric points. alpha-thymosins (ProTalpha, Talphal) have nuclear localization and are involved in transcription and/or DNA replications; whereas beta-thymosins (Tbeta4, Tbeta10, Tbetal5) have cytoplasmic localization and show high affinity to G-actin for cell mobility. Furthermore, it is well known that both alpha- and beta-thymosins play important roles in modulating immune response, vascular biology, and cancer pathogenesis. More importantly, thymosins may have significant clinical applications. They may serve as molecular markers for the diagnosis and prognosis of certain diseases. In addition, they could be molecular targets of certain diseases or be used as therapeutic agents to treat certain diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms of action of thymosins are largely unknown. This review not only presents recent advances of basic science research of thymosins and their clinical applications but provides thoughtful views for future directions of investigation on thymosins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changyi Chen
- Molecular Surgeon Research Center, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA,
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CHEN PF, ZHANG HY, FU GF, XU GX, HOU YY. Overexpression of Soluble Human Thymosin Alpha 1 in Escherichia coli. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2005. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-7270.2005.00014.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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McKechnie A, Robins RA, Eremin O. Immunological aspects of head and neck cancer: biology, pathophysiology and therapeutic mechanisms. Surgeon 2005; 2:187-207. [PMID: 15570827 DOI: 10.1016/s1479-666x(04)80001-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Advanced cancer and head and neck cancer, in particular, remains a major clinical challenge with its associated morbidity and inevitable mortality. Local control of early disease is achievable in many solid tumours with current surgical and radiotherapeutic techniques but metastatic disease is associated with poor outcome and prognosis. It is known that, by the time of presentation, many patients will already have occult microscopic metastatic disease, and surgery and radiotherapy will not result in long-term survival. What little effect modern chemotherapeutic agents have on microscopic disease is, however, limited by systemic toxicity and multi-drug resistance. Immune surveillance is postulated to be operative in man. There is evidence, however, that patients with progressive tumour growth have failure of host defences both locally and systemically. Various possible defects and tumour escape mechanisms are discussed in the review. Immunotherapy and, in particular adoptive T cell therapy and DC therapy, show promise as putative tumour-specific therapy with clinical benefits. These techniques are undergoing development and evaluation in phase 1 clinical trials. Preliminary data suggest that the treatments are well tolerated. Unfortunately, there is limited evidence of significant and prolonged improvements in clinical outcome. Further developments of beneficial protocols (adjuvants, mode and frequency of vaccination etc) and multicentre studies of the use of immunotherapy in cancer are now required.
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Affiliation(s)
- A McKechnie
- Department of Surgery, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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