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Sun H, Li S, Wang Q, Luo C, Zhong L, Wan G, Li Z, Zhao G, Bu X, Zeng M, Feng G. Formyl peptide enhances cancer immunotherapy by activating antitumoral neutrophils, and T cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116670. [PMID: 38692065 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116670] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils are heterogeneous and plastic, with the ability to polarize from antitumour to protumour phenotype and modulate tumour microenvironment components. While some advances have been made, the neutrophil-targeting therapy remains underexplored. Activation of formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) by formylated peptides is needed for local control of infection through the recruitment of activated neutrophils while the potential contribution of antitumour activity remains underexplored. Here, we demonstrate that neutrophils can be harnessed to suppress tumour growth through the action of the formyl peptide (FP) on the formyl peptide receptor (FPR). Mechanistically, FP efficiently recruits neutrophils to produce reactive oxygen species production (ROS), resulting in the direct killing of tumours. Antitumour functions disappeared when neutrophils were depleted by anti-Ly6G antibodies. Interestingly, extensive T-cell activation was observed in mouse tumours treated with FP, showing the potential to alter the immune suppressed tumour microenvironment (TME) and further sensitize mice to anti-PD1 therapy. Transcriptomic and flow cytometry analyses revealed the mechanisms of FP-sensitized anti-PD1 therapy, mainly including stimulated neutrophils and an altered immune-suppressed tumour microenvironment. Collectively, these data establish FP as an effective combination partner for sensitizing anti-PD1 therapy by stimulating tumour-infiltrated neutrophils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Department of Experimental Research, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou,Guangdong 510060, China; Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province 518112, China
| | - Shuxin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Department of Experimental Research, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou,Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Qiaoli Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Department of Experimental Research, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou,Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Chunxiang Luo
- Guangxi Hospital Division of The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Nanning 530022, China
| | - Lanyi Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Department of Experimental Research, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou,Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Guohui Wan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ziqian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Department of Experimental Research, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou,Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Gexin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Department of Experimental Research, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou,Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Xianzhang Bu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Musheng Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Department of Experimental Research, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou,Guangdong 510060, China
| | - Guokai Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Department of Experimental Research, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou,Guangdong 510060, China.
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Wang X, Wang Y, Cao A, Luo Q, Chen D, Zhao W, Xu J, Li Q, Bu X, Quan J. Development of cyclopeptide inhibitors of cGAS targeting protein-DNA interaction and phase separation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6132. [PMID: 37783727 PMCID: PMC10545747 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41892-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is an essential sensor of aberrant cytosolic DNA for initiating innate immunity upon invading pathogens and cellular stress, which is considered as a potential drug target for autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases. Here, we report the discovery of a class of cyclopeptide inhibitors of cGAS identified by an in vitro screening assay from a focused library of cyclic peptides. These cyclopeptides specifically bind to the DNA binding site of cGAS and block the binding of dsDNA with cGAS, subsequently inhibit dsDNA-induced liquid phase condensation and activation of cGAS. The specificity and potency of one optimal lead XQ2B were characterized in cellular assays. Concordantly, XQ2B inhibited herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1)-induced antiviral immune responses and enhanced HSV-1 infection in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, XQ2B significantly suppressed the elevated levels of type I interferon and proinflammatory cytokines in primary macrophages from Trex1-/- mice and systemic inflammation in Trex1-/- mice. XQ2B represents the specific cGAS inhibitor targeting protein-DNA interaction and phase separation and serves as a scaffold for the development of therapies in the treatment of cGAS-dependent inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoquan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Youqiao Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, SunYat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Anqi Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Qinhong Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital (Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine), The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Daoyuan Chen
- School of Bioengineering, ZhuHai Campus of Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, 519041, China
| | - Weiqi Zhao
- Genetics and Metabolism Department, The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310052, China
| | - Jun Xu
- Genetics and Metabolism Department, The Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310052, China
| | - Qinkai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Xianzhang Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, SunYat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Junmin Quan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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Yue X, Liu T, Wang X, Wu W, Wen G, Yi Y, Wu J, Wang Z, Zhan W, Wu R, Meng Y, Cao Z, Le L, Qiu W, Zhang X, Li Z, Chen Y, Wan G, Bu X, Peng Z, Liu RY. Pharmacological inhibition of BAP1 recruits HERC2 to competitively dissociate BRCA1-BARD1, suppresses DNA repair and sensitizes CRC to radiotherapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:3382-3399. [PMID: 37655321 PMCID: PMC10466008 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy is widely used in the management of advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the clinical efficacy is limited by the safe irradiated dose. Sensitizing tumor cells to radiotherapy via interrupting DNA repair is a promising approach to conquering the limitation. The BRCA1-BARD1 complex has been demonstrated to play a critical role in homologous recombination (HR) DSB repair, and its functions may be affected by HERC2 or BAP1. Accumulated evidence illustrates that the ubiquitination-deubiquitination balance is involved in these processes; however, the precise mechanism for the cross-talk among these proteins in HR repair following radiation hasn't been defined. Through activity-based profiling, we identified PT33 as an active entity for HR repair suppression. Subsequently, we revealed that BAP1 serves as a novel molecular target of PT33 via a CRISPR-based deubiquitinase screen. Mechanistically, pharmacological covalent inhibition of BAP1 with PT33 recruits HERC2 to compete with BARD1 for BRCA1 interaction, interrupting HR repair. Consequently, PT33 treatment can substantially enhance the sensitivity of CRC cells to radiotherapy in vitro and in vivo. Overall, these findings provide a mechanistic basis for PT33-induced HR suppression and may guide an effective strategy to improve therapeutic gain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Tingyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xuecen Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Weijian Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Gesi Wen
- Department of Clinical Research, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Yang Yi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jiaxin Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ziyang Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Weixiang Zhan
- Department of Oncology, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Ruirui Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yuan Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Zhirui Cao
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Liyuan Le
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Wenyan Qiu
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xiaoyue Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zhenyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Guohui Wan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xianzhang Bu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zhenwei Peng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Ran-yi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
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Natural Blockers of PD-1/PD-L1 Interaction for the Immunotherapy of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer-Brain Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246258. [PMID: 36551742 PMCID: PMC9777321 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The limited treatment options for triple-negative breast cancer with brain metastasis (TNBC-BM) have left the door of further drug development for these patients wide open. Although immunotherapy via monoclonal antibodies has shown some promising results in several cancers including TNBC, it cannot be considered the most effective treatment for brain metastasis. This is due to the protective role of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) which limits the entrance of most drugs, especially the bulky ones such as antibodies, to the brain. For a drug to traverse the BBB via passive diffusion, various physicochemical properties should be considered. Since natural medicine has been a key inspiration for the development of the majority of current medicines, in this paper, we review several naturally-derived molecules which have the potential for immunotherapy via blocking the interaction of programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and its ligand, PD-L1. The mechanism of action, physicochemical properties and pharmacokinetics of these molecules and their theoretical potential to be used for the treatment of TNBC-BM are discussed.
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Yu Z, Wang H, Chen Z, Dong X, Zhao W, Shi Y, Zhu Q. Discovery of an Amino Acid-Modified Near-Infrared Aza-BODIPY Photosensitizer as an Immune Initiator for Potent Photodynamic Therapy in Melanoma. J Med Chem 2022; 65:3616-3631. [PMID: 35152702 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c02154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiliang Yu
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, P. R. China
| | - Hong Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, P. R. China
| | - Zhongjian Chen
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, P. R. China
| | - Xiaochun Dong
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Weili Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Special Functional Materials of the Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, P. R. China
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
| | - Yuling Shi
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, P. R. China
| | - Quangang Zhu
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200443, P. R. China
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Wang Y, Tan H, Yu T, Chen X, Jing F, Shi H. Potential Immune Biomarker Candidates and Immune Subtypes of Lung Adenocarcinoma for Developing mRNA Vaccines. Front Immunol 2021; 12:755401. [PMID: 34917077 PMCID: PMC8670181 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.755401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
mRNA vaccines against cancer have advantages in safety, improved therapeutic efficacy, and large-scale production. Therefore, our purpose is to identify immune biomarkers and to analyze immune status for developing mRNA vaccines and selecting appropriate patients for vaccination. We downloaded clinical information and RNA-seq data of 494 LUAD patients from TCGA. LUAD mutational information was hierarchically clustered by NMF package (Version 0.23.0). DeconstructSigs package (Version 1.8.0) and NMF consistency clustering were used to identify mutation signatures. Maftools package (Version 2.6.05) was used to select LUAD-related immune biomarkers. TIMER was used to discuss the correlation between genetic mutations and cellular components. Unsupervised clustering Pam method was used to identify LUAD immune subtypes. Log-rank test and univariate/multivariate cox regression were used to predict the prognosis of immune subtypes. Dimensionality reduction analysis was dedicated to the description of LUAD immune landscape. LUAD patients are classified into four signatures: T >C, APOBEC mutation, age, and tobacco. Then, GPRIN1, MYRF, PLXNB2, SLC9A4, TRIM29, UBA6, and XDH are potential LUAD-related immune biomarker candidates to activate the immune response. Next, we clustered five LUAD-related immune subtypes (IS1–IS5) by prognostic prediction. IS3 showed prolonged survival. The reliability of our five immune subtypes was validated by Thorsson’s results. IS2 and IS4 patients had high tumor mutation burden and large number of somatic mutations. Besides, we identified that immune subtypes of cold immunity (patients with IS2 and IS4) are ideal mRNA vaccination recipients. Finally, LUAD immune landscape revealed immune cells and prognostic conditions, which provides important information to select patients for vaccination. GPRIN1, MYRF, PLXNB2, SLC9A4, TRIM29, UBA6, and XDH are potential LUAD-related immune biomarker candidates to activate the immune response. Patients with IS2 and IS4 might potentially be immunization-sensitive patients for vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huaicheng Tan
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ting Yu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fangqi Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huashan Shi
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Huashan Shi,
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Miao Q, Zhang W, Zhang K, Li H, Zhu J, Jiang S. Rational design of a potent macrocyclic peptide inhibitor targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 protein-protein interaction. RSC Adv 2021; 11:23270-23279. [PMID: 35479790 PMCID: PMC9036676 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra03118j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We report optimization by rational design of JMPDP-027, a potent cyclic peptide that interferes with the PD-1/PD-L1 protein-protein interaction. JMPDP-027 shows a potent restoring ability towards T-cells with an EC50 of 5.9 nM that is comparable to that of the anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody pembrolizumab. In addition, JMPDP-027 shows not only high resistance to enzymatic hydrolysis in human serum but also no observable toxicity and potent in vivo anticancer activity comparable to that of the mouse PD-L1 antibody in a colon carcinoma (CT26) model. Cyclic peptide antagonists of this sort may provide novel drug candidates for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Pharmacy, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 China
| | - Wanheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Pharmacy, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 China
| | - Kuojun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Pharmacy, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 China
| | - He Li
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai China
| | - Jidong Zhu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai China
| | - Sheng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Pharmacy, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 China
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Liu C, Seeram NP, Ma H. Small molecule inhibitors against PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoints and current methodologies for their development: a review. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:239. [PMID: 33906641 PMCID: PMC8077906 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01946-4] [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: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed death-1/programmed death ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) based immunotherapy is a revolutionary cancer therapy with great clinical success. The majority of clinically used PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors are monoclonal antibodies but their applications are limited due to their poor oral bioavailability and immune-related adverse effects (irAEs). In contrast, several small molecule inhibitors against PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoints show promising blockage effects on PD-1/PD-L1 interactions without irAEs. However, proper analytical methods and bioassays are required to effectively screen small molecule derived PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Herein, we summarize the biophysical and biochemical assays currently employed for the measurements of binding capacities, molecular interactions, and blocking effects of small molecule inhibitors on PD-1/PD-L1. In addition, the discovery of natural products based PD-1/PD-L1 antagonists utilizing these screening assays are reviewed. Potential pitfalls for obtaining false leading compounds as PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors by using certain binding bioassays are also discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Bioactive Botanical Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Avedisian Hall Lab 440, 7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA.
| | - Navindra P Seeram
- Bioactive Botanical Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Avedisian Hall Lab 440, 7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA
| | - Hang Ma
- Bioactive Botanical Research Laboratory, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Avedisian Hall Lab 440, 7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA.
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