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Miao Y, Wang S, Zhang J, Liu H, Zhang C, Jin S, Bai D. Strategic advancement of E3 ubiquitin ligase in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma. Med Oncol 2024; 41:178. [PMID: 38888684 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02411-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents a significant global health challenge due to its high incidence, poor prognosis, and limited treatment options. As a pivotal regulator of protein stability, E3 ubiquitin ligase plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis and development. This review provides an overview of the latest research on the involvement of E3 ubiquitin ligase in hepatocellular carcinoma and elucidates its significance in hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation, invasion, and evasion from immune surveillance. Special attention is given to the functions of RING, HECT, and RBR E3 ubiquitin ligases and their association with hepatocellular carcinoma progression. By dissecting the molecular mechanisms and regulatory networks governed by E3 ubiquitin ligase, several potential therapeutic strategies are proposed: including the development of specific inhibitors targeting E3 ligases; augmentation of their tumor suppressor activity through drug or gene therapy; utilization of E3 ubiquitin ligase to modulate immune checkpoint proteins for improved efficacy of immunotherapy; combination strategies integrating traditional therapies with E3 ubiquitin ligase inhibitors; as well as biomarker development based on E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. Furthermore, this review discusses the prospect of overcoming drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma treatment through these novel approaches. Overall, this review establishes a theoretical foundation and offers fresh insights into harnessing the potential of E3 ubiquitin ligase for treating hepatocellular carcinoma while highlighting future research directions that pave the way for clinical translation studies and new drug discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Miao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, 98 West Nantong Rd, Yangzhou, 225000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shunyi Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, 98 West Nantong Rd, Yangzhou, 225000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiahao Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, 98 West Nantong Rd, Yangzhou, 225000, Jiangsu, China
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116000, China
| | - Huanxiang Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, 98 West Nantong Rd, Yangzhou, 225000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, 98 West Nantong Rd, Yangzhou, 225000, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Shengjie Jin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, 98 West Nantong Rd, Yangzhou, 225000, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Dousheng Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, 98 West Nantong Rd, Yangzhou, 225000, Jiangsu, China.
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2
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Liang J, Lambrecht MJ, Arenzana TL, Aubert-Nicol S, Bao L, Broccatelli F, Cai J, Eidenschenk C, Everett C, Garner T, Gruber F, Haghshenas P, Huestis MP, Hsu PL, Kou P, Jakalian A, Larouche-Gauthier R, Leclerc JP, Leung DH, Martin A, Murray J, Prangley M, Rutz S, Kakiuchi-Kiyota S, Satz AL, Skelton NJ, Steffek M, Stoffler D, Sudhamsu J, Tan S, Wang J, Wang S, Wang Q, Wendorff TJ, Wichert M, Yadav A, Yu C, Wang X. Optimization of a Novel DEL Hit That Binds in the Cbl-b SH2 Domain and Blocks Substrate Binding. ACS Med Chem Lett 2024; 15:864-872. [PMID: 38894924 PMCID: PMC11181488 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.4c00068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
We were attracted to the therapeutic potential of inhibiting Casitas B-lineage lymphoma proto-oncogene-b (Cbl-b), a RING E3 ligase that plays a critical role in regulating the activation of T cells. However, given that only protein-protein interactions were involved, it was unclear whether inhibition by a small molecule would be a viable approach. After screening an ∼6 billion member DNA-encoded library (DEL) using activated Cbl-b, we identified compound 1 as a hit for which the cis-isomer (2) was confirmed by biochemical and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assays. Our hit optimization effort was greatly accelerated when we obtained a cocrystal structure of 2 with Cbl-b, which demonstrated induced binding at the substrate binding site, namely, the Src homology-2 (SH2) domain. This was quite noteworthy given that there are few reports of small molecule inhibitors that bind to SH2 domains and block protein-protein interactions. Structure- and property-guided optimization led to compound 27, which demonstrated measurable cell activity, albeit only at high concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liang
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Michael J. Lambrecht
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Teresita L. Arenzana
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | | | - Linda Bao
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Fabio Broccatelli
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Jianping Cai
- Roche
Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center
Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Celine Eidenschenk
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Christine Everett
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Thomas Garner
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Felix Gruber
- Roche
Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center
Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pouyan Haghshenas
- Paraza
Pharma, 2525 Avenue Marie-Curie, Montreal, Quebec H4S 2E1, Canada
| | - Malcolm P. Huestis
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Peter L. Hsu
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Ponien Kou
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Araz Jakalian
- Paraza
Pharma, 2525 Avenue Marie-Curie, Montreal, Quebec H4S 2E1, Canada
| | | | | | - Dennis H. Leung
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Aaron Martin
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Jeremy Murray
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Madeleine Prangley
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Sascha Rutz
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | | | - Alexander Lee Satz
- Roche
Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center
Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicholas J. Skelton
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Micah Steffek
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Daniel Stoffler
- Roche
Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center
Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jawahar Sudhamsu
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Sophia Tan
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Jian Wang
- WuXi
AppTec Co., Ltd. 288
Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 200131, P. R. China
| | - Shouliang Wang
- WuXi
AppTec Co., Ltd. 288
Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 200131, P. R. China
| | - Qiuyue Wang
- WuXi
AppTec Co., Ltd. 288
Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 200131, P. R. China
| | - Timothy J. Wendorff
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Moreno Wichert
- Roche
Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center
Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Arun Yadav
- Paraza
Pharma, 2525 Avenue Marie-Curie, Montreal, Quebec H4S 2E1, Canada
| | - Christine Yu
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Xiaojing Wang
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
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3
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Chitre AS, Wu P, Walters BT, Wang X, Bouyssou A, Du X, Lehoux I, Fong R, Arata A, Chan J, Wang D, Franke Y, Grogan JL, Mellman I, Comps-Agrar L, Wang W. HPK1 citron homology domain regulates phosphorylation of SLP76 and modulates kinase domain interaction dynamics. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3725. [PMID: 38697971 PMCID: PMC11066036 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48014-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 (HPK1) is a negative regulator of T-cell receptor signaling and as such is an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy. Although the role of the HPK1 kinase domain (KD) has been extensively characterized, the function of its citron homology domain (CHD) remains elusive. Through a combination of structural, biochemical, and mechanistic studies, we characterize the structure-function of CHD in relationship to KD. Crystallography and hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry reveal that CHD adopts a seven-bladed β-propellor fold that binds to KD. Mutagenesis associated with binding and functional studies show a direct correlation between domain-domain interaction and negative regulation of kinase activity. We further demonstrate that the CHD provides stability to HPK1 protein in cells as well as contributes to the docking of its substrate SLP76. Altogether, this study highlights the importance of the CHD in the direct and indirect regulation of HPK1 function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ping Wu
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | | | - Xiangdan Wang
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | | | - Xiangnan Du
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Isabelle Lehoux
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., 333 Lakeside Drive, Foster City, CA, 94404, USA
| | - Rina Fong
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Alisa Arata
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Joyce Chan
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Die Wang
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Yvonne Franke
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Jane L Grogan
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
- GraphiteBio, Incl., 1400 Sierra Point Parkway, Brisbane, CA, 94005, USA
| | - Ira Mellman
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA.
| | | | - Weiru Wang
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA.
- Frontier Medicines, 151 Oyster Point Boulevard, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA.
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4
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Liu L, Xiang Y, Shao L, Yuan C, Song X, Sun M, Liu Y, Zhang X, Du S, Hou M, Peng J, Shi Y. E3 ubiquitin ligase casitas B-lineage lymphoma-b modulates T-cell anergic resistance via phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling in patients with immune thrombocytopenia. J Thromb Haemost 2024; 22:1202-1214. [PMID: 38184203 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtha.2023.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The E3 ubiquitin ligase casitas B-lineage lymphoma-b (CBLB) is a newly identified component of the ubiquitin-dependent protein degradation system and is considered an important negative regulator of immune cells. CBLB is essential for establishing a threshold of T-cell activation and regulating peripheral T-cell tolerance through various mechanisms. However, the involvement of CBLB in the pathogenesis of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is unknown. OBJECTIVES We aimed to investigate the expression and role of CBLB in CD4+ T cells obtained from patients with ITP through quantitative proteomics analyses. METHODS CD4+ T cells were transfected with adenoviral vectors overexpressing CBLB to clarify the effect of CBLB on anergic induction of T cells in patients with ITP. DNA methylation levels of the CBLB promoter and 5' untranslated region (UTR) in patient-derived CD4+ T cells were detected via MassARRAY EpiTYPER assay (Agena Bioscience). RESULTS CD4+ T cells from patients with ITP showed resistance to anergic induction, highly activated phosphoinositide 3-kinase-protein kinase B (AKT) signaling, decreased CBLB expression, and 5' UTR hypermethylation of CBLB. CBLB overexpression in T cells effectively attenuated the elevated phosphorylated protein kinase B level and resistance to anergy. Low-dose decitabine treatment led to significantly elevated levels of CBLB expression in CD4+ T cells from 7 patients showing a partial or complete response. CONCLUSION These results indicate that the 5' UTR hypermethylation of CBLB in CD4+ T cells induces resistance to T-cell anergy in ITP. Thus, the upregulation of CBLB expression by low-dose decitabine treatment may represent a potential therapeutic approach to ITP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Liu
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao) of Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yujiao Xiang
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Experimental Asthma and Allergy Research Unit, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Linlin Shao
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chenglu Yuan
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao) of Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaofeng Song
- Department of Hand and Foot Surgery, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao) of Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Meng Sun
- Jinan Vocational College of Nursing, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yanfeng Liu
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xianlei Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shenghong Du
- Department of Hematology, Taian Central Hospital, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Ming Hou
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Immunohematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center in Hematological Diseases, Jinan, Shandong, China; Leading Research Group of Scientific Innovation, Department of Science and Technology of Shandong Province, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jun Peng
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Immunohematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yan Shi
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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5
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Yu H, Yang W, Cao M, Lei Q, Yuan R, Xu H, Cui Y, Chen X, Su X, Zhuo H, Lin L. Mechanism study of ubiquitination in T cell development and autoimmune disease. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1359933. [PMID: 38562929 PMCID: PMC10982411 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1359933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
T cells play critical role in multiple immune processes including antigen response, tumor immunity, inflammation, self-tolerance maintenance and autoimmune diseases et. Fetal liver or bone marrow-derived thymus-seeding progenitors (TSPs) settle in thymus and undergo T cell-lineage commitment, proliferation, T cell receptor (TCR) rearrangement, and thymic selections driven by microenvironment composed of thymic epithelial cells (TEC), dendritic cells (DC), macrophage and B cells, thus generating T cells with diverse TCR repertoire immunocompetent but not self-reactive. Additionally, some self-reactive thymocytes give rise to Treg with the help of TEC and DC, serving for immune tolerance. The sequential proliferation, cell fate decision, and selection during T cell development and self-tolerance establishment are tightly regulated to ensure the proper immune response without autoimmune reaction. There are remarkable progresses in understanding of the regulatory mechanisms regarding ubiquitination in T cell development and the establishment of self-tolerance in the past few years, which holds great potential for further therapeutic interventions in immune-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yu
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenyong Yang
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - Min Cao
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qingqiang Lei
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - Renbin Yuan
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - He Xu
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuqian Cui
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuerui Chen
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xu Su
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
- College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hui Zhuo
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liangbin Lin
- Department of Urology, Medical Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, The Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Second Chengdu Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University, Chengdu, China
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6
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Hu X, Li E, Zhou Y, You Q, Jiang Z. Casitas b cell lymphoma‑B (Cbl-b): A new therapeutic avenue for small-molecule immunotherapy. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 102:117677. [PMID: 38457911 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.117677] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized the area of cancer treatment. Although most immunotherapies now are antibodies targeting membrane checkpoint molecules, there is an increasing demand for small-molecule drugs that address intracellular pathways. The E3 ubiquitin ligase Casitas B cell lymphoma‑b (Cbl-b) has been regarded as a promising intracellular immunotherapy target. Cbl-b regulates the downstream proteins of multiple membrane receptors and co-receptors, restricting the activation of the innate and adaptive immune system. Recently, Cbl-b inhibitors have been reported with promising effects on immune surveillance activation and anti-tumor efficacy. Several molecules have entered phase Ⅰ clinical trials. In this review, the biological rationale of Cbl-b as a promising target for cancer immunotherapy and the latest research progress of Cbl-b are summarized, with special emphasis on the allosteric small-molecule inhibitors of Cbl-b.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuqi Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Erdong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yangguo Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qidong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Zhengyu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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7
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Vos WG, van Os BW, den Toom M, Beckers L, van Roomen CP, van Tiel CM, Mohapatra BC, Band H, Nitz K, Weber C, Atzler D, de Winther MP, Bosmans LA, Lutgens E, Seijkens TT. T cell specific deletion of Casitas B lineage lymphoma-b reduces atherosclerosis, but increases plaque T cell infiltration and systemic T cell activation. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1297893. [PMID: 38504977 PMCID: PMC10949527 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1297893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Atherosclerosis is a lipid-driven inflammatory disease of the arterial wall, and the underlying cause of the majority of cardiovascular diseases. Recent advances in high-parametric immunophenotyping of immune cells indicate that T cells constitute the major leukocyte population in the atherosclerotic plaque. The E3 ubiquitin ligase Casitas B-lymphoma proto-oncogene-B (CBL-B) is a critical intracellular regulator that sets the threshold for T cell activation, making CBL-B a potential therapeutic target to modulate inflammation in atherosclerosis. We previously demonstrated that complete knock-out of CBL-B aggravated atherosclerosis in Apoe-/- mice, which was attributed to increased macrophage recruitment and increased CD8+ T cell activation in the plaque. Methods To further study the T cell specific role of CBL-B in atherosclerosis, Apoe-/- CD4cre Cblb fl/fl (Cbl-bcKO) mice and Apoe-/-CD4WTCblbfl/fl littermates (Cbl-bfl/fl) were fed a high cholesterol diet for ten weeks. Results Cbl-bcKO mice had smaller atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic arch and root compared to Cbl-bfl/fl, and a substantial increase in CD3+ T cells in the plaque. Collagen content in the plaque was decreased, while other plaque characteristics including plaque necrotic core, macrophage content, and smooth muscle cell content, remained unchanged. Mice lacking T cell CBL-B had a 1.4-fold increase in CD8+ T cells and a 1.8-fold increase in regulatory T cells in the spleen. Splenic CD4+ and CD8+ T cells had increased expression of C-X-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 3 (CXCR3) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), indicating a T helper 1 (Th1)-like/effector CD8+ T cell-like phenotype. Conclusion In conclusion, Cbl-bcKO mice have reduced atherosclerosis but show increased T cell accumulation in the plaque accompanied by systemic T cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winnie G. Vos
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC) Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Atherosclerosis & Ischemic Syndromes, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Immunity and Infection, Inflammatory Diseases, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Bram W. van Os
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC) Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Atherosclerosis & Ischemic Syndromes, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Immunity and Infection, Inflammatory Diseases, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Myrthe den Toom
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC) Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Linda Beckers
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC) Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Cindy P.A.A. van Roomen
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC) Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Claudia M. van Tiel
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC) Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Bhopal C. Mohapatra
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Hamid Band
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Katrin Nitz
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine and Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Christian Weber
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Dorothee Atzler
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
- Walther Straub Institute of Parmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Menno P.J. de Winther
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC) Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Atherosclerosis & Ischemic Syndromes, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Immunity and Infection, Inflammatory Diseases, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Laura A. Bosmans
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC) Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Atherosclerosis & Ischemic Syndromes, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Immunity and Infection, Inflammatory Diseases, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Esther Lutgens
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine and Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Tom T.P. Seijkens
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC) Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Atherosclerosis & Ischemic Syndromes, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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8
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Eggert J, Zinzow-Kramer WM, Hu Y, Kolawole EM, Tsai YL, Weiss A, Evavold BD, Salaita K, Scharer CD, Au-Yeung BB. Cbl-b mitigates the responsiveness of naive CD8 + T cells that experience extensive tonic T cell receptor signaling. Sci Signal 2024; 17:eadh0439. [PMID: 38319998 PMCID: PMC10897907 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.adh0439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Naive T cells experience tonic T cell receptor (TCR) signaling in response to self-antigens presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in secondary lymphoid organs. We investigated how relatively weak or strong tonic TCR signals influence naive CD8+ T cell responses to stimulation with foreign antigens. The heterogeneous expression of Nur77-GFP, a transgenic reporter of tonic TCR signaling, in naive CD8+ T cells suggests variable intensities or durations of tonic TCR signaling. Although the expression of genes associated with acutely stimulated T cells was increased in Nur77-GFPHI cells, these cells were hyporesponsive to agonist TCR stimulation compared with Nur77-GFPLO cells. This hyporesponsiveness manifested as diminished activation marker expression and decreased secretion of IFN-γ and IL-2. The protein abundance of the ubiquitin ligase Cbl-b, a negative regulator of TCR signaling, was greater in Nur77-GFPHI cells than in Nur77-GFPLO cells, and Cbl-b deficiency partially restored the responsiveness of Nur77-GFPHI cells. Our data suggest that the cumulative effects of previously experienced tonic TCR signaling recalibrate naive CD8+ T cell responsiveness. These changes include gene expression changes and negative regulation partially dependent on Cbl-b. This cell-intrinsic negative feedback loop may enable the immune system to restrain naive CD8+ T cells with higher self-reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Eggert
- Division of Immunology, Lowance Center for Human Immunology, Department of Medicine, Emory University; Atlanta, 30322, USA
| | - Wendy M. Zinzow-Kramer
- Division of Immunology, Lowance Center for Human Immunology, Department of Medicine, Emory University; Atlanta, 30322, USA
| | - Yuesong Hu
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University; Atlanta, 30322, USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Kolawole
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, 84112, USA
| | - Yuan-Li Tsai
- Rosalind Russell and Ephraim P. Engleman Rheumatology Research Center, Departments of Medicine and of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, 94143, USA
| | - Arthur Weiss
- Rosalind Russell and Ephraim P. Engleman Rheumatology Research Center, Departments of Medicine and of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco; San Francisco, 94143, USA
| | - Brian D. Evavold
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, 84112, USA
| | - Khalid Salaita
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University; Atlanta, 30322, USA
| | | | - Byron B. Au-Yeung
- Division of Immunology, Lowance Center for Human Immunology, Department of Medicine, Emory University; Atlanta, 30322, USA
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9
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Mfuh AM, Boerth JA, Bommakanti G, Chan C, Chinn AJ, Code E, Fricke PJ, Giblin KA, Gohlke A, Hansel C, Hariparsad N, Hughes SJ, Jin M, Kantae V, Kavanagh SL, Lamb ML, Lane J, Moore R, Puri T, Quinn TR, Reddy I, Robb GR, Robbins KJ, Gancedo Rodrigo M, Schimpl M, Singh B, Singh M, Tang H, Thomson C, Walsh JJ, Ware J, Watson IDG, Ye MW, Wrigley GL, Zhang AX, Zhang Y, Grimster NP. Discovery, Optimization, and Biological Evaluation of Arylpyridones as Cbl-b Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2024; 67:1500-1512. [PMID: 38227216 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Casitas B-lymphoma proto-oncogene-b (Cbl-b), a member of the Cbl family of RING finger E3 ubiquitin ligases, has been demonstrated to play a central role in regulating effector T-cell function. Multiple studies using gene-targeting approaches have provided direct evidence that Cbl-b negatively regulates T, B, and NK cell activation via a ubiquitin-mediated protein modulation. Thus, inhibition of Cbl-b ligase activity can lead to immune activation and has therapeutic potential in immuno-oncology. Herein, we describe the discovery and optimization of an arylpyridone series as Cbl-b inhibitors by structure-based drug discovery to afford compound 31. This compound binds to Cbl-b with an IC50 value of 30 nM and induces IL-2 production in T-cells with an EC50 value of 230 nM. Compound 31 also shows robust intracellular target engagement demonstrated through inhibition of Cbl-b autoubiquitination, inhibition of ubiquitin transfer to ZAP70, and the cellular modulation of phosphorylation of a downstream signal within the TCR axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelphe M Mfuh
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Jeffrey A Boerth
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Gayathri Bommakanti
- Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | | | - Alex J Chinn
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Erin Code
- Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Patrick J Fricke
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | | | - Andrea Gohlke
- Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | | | - Niresh Hariparsad
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | | | - Meizhong Jin
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Vasudev Kantae
- Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | | | - Michelle L Lamb
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Jordan Lane
- Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Rachel Moore
- Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Taranee Puri
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Taylor R Quinn
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Iswarya Reddy
- Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | | | - Kevin J Robbins
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Miguel Gancedo Rodrigo
- Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
- Isomorphic Laboratories, 280 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 4RB, U.K
| | | | - Baljinder Singh
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Meha Singh
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Haoran Tang
- Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | | | - Jarrod J Walsh
- Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Jamie Ware
- Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Iain D G Watson
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Min-Wei Ye
- Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | | | - Andrew X Zhang
- Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Yun Zhang
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Neil P Grimster
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
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10
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Zhou L, Yang J, Zhang K, Wang T, Jiang S, Zhang X. Rising Star in Immunotherapy: Development and Therapeutic Potential of Small-Molecule Inhibitors Targeting Casitas B Cell Lymphoma-b (Cbl-b). J Med Chem 2024; 67:816-837. [PMID: 38181380 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Casitas B cell lymphoma-b (Cbl-b) is a vital negative regulator of TCR and BCR signaling pathways, playing a significant role in setting an appropriate threshold for the activation of T cells and controlling the tolerance of peripheral T cells via a variety of mechanisms. Overexpression of Cbl-b leads to immune hyporesponsiveness of T cells. Conversely, the deficiency of Cbl-b in T cells results in markedly increased production of IL-2, even in the lack of CD28 costimulation in vitro. And Cbl-b-/- mice spontaneously reject multifarious cancers. Therefore, Cbl-b may be associated with immune-mediated diseases, and blocking Cbl-b could be considered as a new antitumor immunotherapy strategy. In this review, the possible regulatory mechanisms and biological potential of Cbl-b for antitumor immunotherapy are summarized. Besides, the potential roles of Cbl-b in immune-mediated diseases are comprehensively discussed, with emphasis on Cbl-b immune-oncology agents in the preclinical stage and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixin Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jiamei Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Kuojun Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Tianyu Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Sheng Jiang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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11
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Boerth JA, Chinn AJ, Schimpl M, Bommakanti G, Chan C, Code EL, Giblin KA, Gohlke A, Hansel CS, Jin M, Kavanagh SL, Lamb ML, Lane JS, Larner CJB, Mfuh AM, Moore RK, Puri T, Quinn TR, Ye M, Robbins KJ, Gancedo-Rodrigo M, Tang H, Walsh J, Ware J, Wrigley GL, Reddy IK, Zhang Y, Grimster NP. Discovery of a Novel Benzodiazepine Series of Cbl-b Inhibitors for the Enhancement of Antitumor Immunity. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:1848-1856. [PMID: 38116444 PMCID: PMC10726479 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Casitas B-lineage lymphoma proto-oncogene-b (Cbl-b) is a RING finger E3 ligase that is responsible for repressing T-cell, natural killer (NK) cell, and B-cell activation. The robust antitumor activity observed in Cbl-b deficient mice arising from elevated T-cell and NK-cell activity justified our discovery effort toward Cbl-b inhibitors that might show therapeutic promise in immuno-oncology, where activation of the immune system can drive the recognition and killing of cancer cells. We undertook a high-throughput screening campaign followed by structure-enabled optimization to develop a novel benzodiazepine series of potent Cbl-b inhibitors. This series displayed nanomolar levels of biochemical potency, as well as potent T-cell activation. The functional activity of this class of Cbl-b inhibitors was further corroborated with ubiquitin-based cellular assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A. Boerth
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Alex J. Chinn
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Marianne Schimpl
- Discovery
Sciences, R&D, The Discovery Centre, AstraZeneca, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, 1 Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0AA, United Kingdom
| | - Gayathri Bommakanti
- Bioscience,
Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Christina Chan
- DMPK,
Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, 1 Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0AA, United Kingdom
| | - Erin L. Code
- Discovery
Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Kathryn A. Giblin
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge
Biomedical Campus, 1 Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0AA, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Gohlke
- Discovery
Sciences, R&D, The Discovery Centre, AstraZeneca, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, 1 Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0AA, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine S. Hansel
- Discovery
Sciences, R&D, The Discovery Centre, AstraZeneca, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, 1 Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0AA, United Kingdom
| | - Meizhong Jin
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Stefan L. Kavanagh
- Clinical
Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle L. Lamb
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Jordan S. Lane
- Discovery
Sciences, R&D, The Discovery Centre, AstraZeneca, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, 1 Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0AA, United Kingdom
| | - Carrie J. B. Larner
- Clinical
Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, United Kingdom
| | - Adelphe M. Mfuh
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Rachel K. Moore
- High
Throughput Screening, Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D BioPharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, Macclesfield SK10 4TG, United Kingdom
| | - Taranee Puri
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Taylor R. Quinn
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Minwei Ye
- Bioscience,
Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Kevin J. Robbins
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Miguel Gancedo-Rodrigo
- Discovery
Sciences, R&D, The Discovery Centre, AstraZeneca, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, 1 Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0AA, United Kingdom
| | - Haoran Tang
- Discovery
Sciences, R&D, The Discovery Centre, AstraZeneca, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, 1 Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0AA, United Kingdom
| | - Jarrod Walsh
- High
Throughput Screening, Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D BioPharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, Macclesfield SK10 4TG, United Kingdom
| | - Jamie Ware
- Discovery
Sciences, R&D, The Discovery Centre, AstraZeneca, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, 1 Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0AA, United Kingdom
| | - Gail L. Wrigley
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge
Biomedical Campus, 1 Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0AA, United Kingdom
| | - Iswarya Karapa Reddy
- Bioscience,
Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Yun Zhang
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Neil P. Grimster
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
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12
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Tsai YL, Arias-Badia M, Kadlecek TA, Lwin YM, Srinath A, Shah NH, Wang ZE, Barber D, Kuriyan J, Fong L, Weiss A. TCR signaling promotes formation of an STS1-Cbl-b complex with pH-sensitive phosphatase activity that suppresses T cell function in acidic environments. Immunity 2023; 56:2682-2698.e9. [PMID: 38091950 PMCID: PMC10785950 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2023.11.010] [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: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
T cell responses are inhibited by acidic environments. T cell receptor (TCR)-induced protein phosphorylation is negatively regulated by dephosphorylation and/or ubiquitination, but the mechanisms underlying sensitivity to acidic environments are not fully understood. Here, we found that TCR stimulation induced a molecular complex of Cbl-b, an E3-ubiquitin ligase, with STS1, a pH-sensitive unconventional phosphatase. The induced interaction depended upon a proline motif in Cbl-b interacting with the STS1 SH3 domain. STS1 dephosphorylated Cbl-b interacting phosphoproteins. The deficiency of STS1 or Cbl-b diminished the sensitivity of T cell responses to the inhibitory effects of acid in an autocrine or paracrine manner in vitro or in vivo. Moreover, the deficiency of STS1 or Cbl-b promoted T cell proliferative and differentiation activities in vivo and inhibited tumor growth, prolonged survival, and improved T cell fitness in tumor models. Thus, a TCR-induced STS1-Cbl-b complex senses intra- or extra-cellular acidity and regulates T cell responses, presenting a potential therapeutic target for improving anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Li Tsai
- Rosalind Russell and Ephraim P. Engleman Rheumatology Research Center, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Marcel Arias-Badia
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Theresa A Kadlecek
- Rosalind Russell and Ephraim P. Engleman Rheumatology Research Center, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Yee May Lwin
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Aahir Srinath
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Neel H Shah
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Zhi-En Wang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Diane Barber
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - John Kuriyan
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Lawrence Fong
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Arthur Weiss
- Rosalind Russell and Ephraim P. Engleman Rheumatology Research Center, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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13
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Schlicher L, Green LG, Romagnani A, Renner F. Small molecule inhibitors for cancer immunotherapy and associated biomarkers - the current status. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1297175. [PMID: 38022587 PMCID: PMC10644399 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1297175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Following the success of cancer immunotherapy using large molecules against immune checkpoint inhibitors, the concept of using small molecules to interfere with intracellular negative regulators of anti-tumor immune responses has emerged in recent years. The main targets for small molecule drugs currently include enzymes of negative feedback loops in signaling pathways of immune cells and proteins that promote immunosuppressive signals within the tumor microenvironment. In the adaptive immune system, negative regulators of T cell receptor signaling (MAP4K1, DGKα/ζ, CBL-B, PTPN2, PTPN22, SHP1), co-receptor signaling (CBL-B) and cytokine signaling (PTPN2) have been preclinically validated as promising targets and initial clinical trials with small molecule inhibitors are underway. To enhance innate anti-tumor immune responses, inhibitory immunomodulation of cGAS/STING has been in the focus, and inhibitors of ENPP1 and TREX1 have reached the clinic. In addition, immunosuppressive signals via adenosine can be counteracted by CD39 and CD73 inhibition, while suppression via intratumoral immunosuppressive prostaglandin E can be targeted by EP2/EP4 antagonists. Here, we present the status of the most promising small molecule drug candidates for cancer immunotherapy, all residing relatively early in development, and the potential of relevant biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Schlicher
- Cancer Cell Targeted Therapy, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Luke G. Green
- Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Romagnani
- Cancer Cell Targeted Therapy, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Florian Renner
- Cancer Cell Targeted Therapy, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
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14
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Vogt M, Unnikrishnan MK, Heinig N, Schumann U, Schmidt MHH, Barth K. c-Cbl Regulates Murine Subventricular Zone-Derived Neural Progenitor Cells in Dependence of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor. Cells 2023; 12:2400. [PMID: 37830613 PMCID: PMC10572332 DOI: 10.3390/cells12192400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The localization, expression, and physiological role of regulatory proteins in the neurogenic niches of the brain is fundamental to our understanding of adult neurogenesis. This study explores the expression and role of the E3-ubiquitin ligase, c-Cbl, in neurogenesis within the subventricular zone (SVZ) of mice. In vitro neurosphere assays and in vivo analyses were performed in specific c-Cbl knock-out lines to unravel c-Cbl's role in receptor tyrosine kinase signaling, including the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway. Our findings suggest that c-Cbl is significantly expressed within EGFR-expressing cells, playing a pivotal role in neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation. However, c-Cbl's function extends beyond EGFR signaling, as its loss upon knock-out stimulated progenitor cell proliferation in neurosphere cultures. Yet, this effect was not detected in hippocampal progenitor cells, reflecting the lack of the EGFR in the hippocampus. In vivo, c-Cbl exerted only a minor proneurogenic influence with no measurable impact on the formation of adult-born neurons. In conclusion, c-Cbl regulates neural stem cells in the subventricular zone via the EGFR pathway but, likely, its loss is compensated by other signaling modules in vivo.
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15
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Ostini A, Mourtada-Maarabouni M. Investigation into the Role of Long-Non-Coding RNA MIAT in Leukemia. Noncoding RNA 2023; 9:47. [PMID: 37624039 PMCID: PMC10459085 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna9040047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocardial Infarction Associated Transcript (MIAT) is a nuclear long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) with four different splicing variants. MIAT dysregulation is associated with carcinogenesis, mainly acting as an oncogene regulating cellular growth, invasion, and metastasis. The aim of the current study is to investigate the role of MIAT in the regulation of T and chronic myeloid leukemic cell survival. To this end, MIAT was silenced using MIAT-specific siRNAs in leukemic cell lines, and functional assays were performed thereafter. This investigation also aims to investigate the effects of MIAT silencing on the expression of core genes involved in cancer. Functional studies and gene expression determination confirm that MIAT knockdown not only affects short- and long-term survival and the apoptosis of leukemic cells but also plays a pivotal role in the alteration of key genes involved in cancer, including c-MYC and HIF-1A. Our observations suggest that MIAT could act as an oncogene and it has the potential to be used not only as a reliable biomarker for leukemia, but also be employed for prognostic and therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mirna Mourtada-Maarabouni
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Keele University, Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 5BG, UK;
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16
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Shao S, Zhou D, Feng J, Liu Y, Baturuhu, Yin H, Zhan D. Regulation of inflammation and immunity in sepsis by E3 ligases. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1124334. [PMID: 37465127 PMCID: PMC10351979 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1124334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by an abnormal infection-induced immune response. Despite significant advances in supportive care, sepsis remains a considerable therapeutic challenge and is the leading cause of death in the intensive care unit (ICU). Sepsis is characterized by initial hyper-inflammation and late immunosuppression. Therefore, immune-modulatory therapies have great potential for novel sepsis therapies. Ubiquitination is an essential post-translational protein modification, which has been known to be intimately involved in innate and adaptive immune responses. Several E3 ubiquitin ligases have been implicated in innate immune signaling and T-cell activation and differentiation. In this article, we review the current literature and discuss the role of E3 ligases in the regulation of immune response and their effects on the course of sepsis to provide insights into the prevention and therapy for sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Shao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Daixing Zhou
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Feng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanyan Liu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Baturuhu
- Department of Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit (ICU), People’s Hospital of Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Bole, China
| | - Huimei Yin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, People’s Hospital of Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Bole, China
| | - Daqian Zhan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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17
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Zutshi N, Mohapatra BC, Mondal P, An W, Goetz BT, Wang S, Li S, Storck MD, Mercer DF, Black AR, Thayer SP, Black JD, Lin C, Band V, Band H. Cbl and Cbl-b Ubiquitin Ligases are Essential for Intestinal Epithelial Stem Cell Maintenance. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.17.541154. [PMID: 37292716 PMCID: PMC10245689 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.17.541154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Among the signaling pathways that control the stem cell self-renewal and maintenance vs. acquisition of differentiated cell fates, those mediated by receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) activation are well established as key players. CBL family ubiquitin ligases are negative regulators of RTKs but their physiological roles in regulating stem cell behaviors are unclear. While hematopoietic Cbl/Cblb knockout (KO) leads to a myeloproliferative disease due to expansion and reduced quiescence of hematopoietic stem cells, mammary epithelial KO led to stunted mammary gland development due to mammary stem cell depletion. Here, we examined the impact of inducible Cbl/Cblb double-KO (iDKO) selectively in the Lgr5-defined intestinal stem cell (ISC) compartment. Cbl/Cblb iDKO led to rapid loss of the Lgr5 Hi ISC pool with a concomitant transient expansion of the Lgr5 Lo transit amplifying population. LacZ reporter-based lineage tracing showed increased ISC commitment to differentiation, with propensity towards enterocyte and goblet cell fate at the expense of Paneth cells. Functionally, Cbl/Cblb iDKO impaired the recovery from radiation-induced intestinal epithelial injury. In vitro , Cbl/Cblb iDKO led to inability to maintain intestinal organoids. Single cell RNAseq analysis of organoids revealed Akt-mTOR pathway hyperactivation in iDKO ISCs and progeny cells, and pharmacological inhibition of the Akt-mTOR axis rescued the organoid maintenance and propagation defects. Our results demonstrate a requirement for Cbl/Cblb in the maintenance of ISCs by fine tuning the Akt-mTOR axis to balance stem cell maintenance vs. commitment to differentiation.
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18
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Laletin V, Bernard PL, Costa da Silva C, Guittard G, Nunes JA. Negative intracellular regulators of T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling as potential antitumor immunotherapy targets. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2022-005845. [PMID: 37217244 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy strategies aim to mobilize immune defenses against tumor cells by targeting mainly T cells. Co-inhibitory receptors or immune checkpoints (ICPs) (such as PD-1 and CTLA4) can limit T cell receptor (TCR) signal propagation in T cells. Antibody-based blocking of immune checkpoints (immune checkpoint inhibitors, ICIs) enable escape from ICP inhibition of TCR signaling. ICI therapies have significantly impacted the prognosis and survival of patients with cancer. However, many patients remain refractory to these treatments. Thus, alternative approaches for cancer immunotherapy are needed. In addition to membrane-associated inhibitory molecules, a growing number of intracellular molecules may also serve to downregulate signaling cascades triggered by TCR engagement. These molecules are known as intracellular immune checkpoints (iICPs). Blocking the expression or the activity of these intracellular negative signaling molecules is a novel field of action to boost T cell-mediated antitumor responses. This area is rapidly expanding. Indeed, more than 30 different potential iICPs have been identified. Over the past 5 years, several phase I/II clinical trials targeting iICPs in T cells have been registered. In this study, we summarize recent preclinical and clinical data demonstrating that immunotherapies targeting T cell iICPs can mediate regression of solid tumors including (membrane associated) immune-checkpoint inhibitor refractory cancers. Finally, we discuss how these iICPs are targeted and controlled. Thereby, iICP inhibition is a promising strategy opening new avenues for future cancer immunotherapy treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Laletin
- Immunity and Cancer, Cancer Research Centre Marseille, Marseille, France
- Onco-hematology and immuno-oncology (OHIO), Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre-Louis Bernard
- Immunity and Cancer, Cancer Research Centre Marseille, Marseille, France
- Onco-hematology and immuno-oncology (OHIO), Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Cathy Costa da Silva
- Immunity and Cancer, Cancer Research Centre Marseille, Marseille, France
- Onco-hematology and immuno-oncology (OHIO), Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Geoffrey Guittard
- Immunity and Cancer, Cancer Research Centre Marseille, Marseille, France
- Onco-hematology and immuno-oncology (OHIO), Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Jacques A Nunes
- Immunity and Cancer, Cancer Research Centre Marseille, Marseille, France
- Onco-hematology and immuno-oncology (OHIO), Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Marseille, France
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19
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Immunological Aspects of Richter Syndrome: From Immune Dysfunction to Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041015. [PMID: 36831361 PMCID: PMC9954516 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Richter Syndrome (RS) is defined as the development of an aggressive lymphoma in patients with a previous or simultaneous diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Two pathological variants of RS are recognized: diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)-type and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)-type RS. Different molecular mechanisms may explain the pathogenesis of DLBCL-type RS, including genetic lesions, modifications of immune regulators, and B cell receptor (BCR) pathway hyperactivation. Limited data are available for HL-type RS, and its development has been reported to be similar to de novo HL. In this review, we focus on the immune-related pathogenesis and immune system dysfunction of RS, which are linked to BCR over-reactivity, altered function of the immune system due to the underlying CLL, and specific features of the RS tumor microenvironment. The standard of care of this disease consists in chemoimmunotherapy, eventually followed by stem cell transplantation, but limited possibilities are offered to chemo-resistant patients, who represent the majority of RS cases. In order to address this unmet clinical need, several immunotherapeutic approaches have been developed, namely T cell engagement obtained with bispecific antibodies, PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade by the use of monoclonal antibodies, selective drug delivery with antibody-drug conjugates, and targeting malignant cells with anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor-T cells.
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20
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Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy with immune-checkpoint blockade has improved the outcomes of patients with various malignancies, yet a majority do not benefit or develop resistance. To address this unmet need, efforts across the field are targeting additional coinhibitory receptors, costimulatory proteins, and intracellular mediators that could prevent or bypass anti-PD1 resistance mechanisms. The CD28 costimulatory pathway is necessary for antigen-specific T cell activation, though prior CD28 agonists did not translate successfully to clinic due to toxicity. Casitas B lymphoma-b (Cbl-b) is a downstream, master regulator of both CD28 and CTLA-4 signaling. This E3 ubiquitin ligase regulates both innate and adaptive immune cells, ultimately promoting an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) in the absence of CD28 costimulation. Recent advances in pharmaceutical screening and computational biology have enabled the development of novel platforms to target this once 'undruggable' protein. These platforms include DNA encoded library screening, allosteric drug targeting, small-interfering RNA inhibition, CRISPR genome editing, and adoptive cell therapy. Both genetic knock-out models and Cbl-b inhibitors have been shown to reverse immunosuppression in the TME, stimulate cytotoxic T cell activity, and promote tumor regression, findings augmented with PD1 blockade in experimental models. In translating Cbl-b inhibitors to clinic, we propose specific gene expression profiles that may identify patient populations most likely to benefit. Overall, novel Cbl-b inhibitors provide antigen-specific immune stimulation and are a promising therapeutic tool in the field of immuno-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan C Augustin
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Riyue Bao
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jason J Luke
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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21
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Wu M, Gao X, Tang Y, Wu W, Zhou J, Shao Y, Hao C, Yang Y, Zhang J. Cbl-b inhibited CD4 + T cell activation by regulating the expression of miR-99a/miR-125b. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 115:109677. [PMID: 36634415 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The molecular regulation of T cell activation has always been a hot topic in immunology. It has been reported that Cbl-b inhibits T cell activation, but the specific molecular mechanism especially for transcriptional regulation has not been very clear so far. Our present study showed that ablation of Cbl-b resulted in the increased expression of miR-99a and miR-125b, and the antagonism of miR-99a or miR-125b could inhibit the Cbl-b-/- T cell over-activation partly. Further study demonstrated that Cbl-b could bind and ubiquitinate SHP-2 in the activated T cells. The activation of SHP-2 deficient T cells was significantly inhibited. Western blot showed that SHP-2 could dephosphorylate HOXA10, and HOXA10 could enter the nucleus under the stimulation of anti-CD3 antibody alone in Cbl-b deficient T cells. Luciferase reporter assay and CUT&Tag qPCR showed that HOXA10 could regulate the expression of miR-99a/miR-125b. Real-time PCR and western blot further indicated that miR-99a/miR-125b functioned on PI3K/AKT pathway to regulate T cell activation. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that Cbl-b ubiquitinated SHP-2 to arrest HOXA10-mediated CD4+ T cell activation by regulating the expression of miR-99a/miR-125b and their function on PI3K/AKT pathway, which might providing a new explanation for the regulation of T cell activation and potential new idea for autoimmune diseases and tumor immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyun Wu
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiu Gao
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxu Tang
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenyan Wu
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ji Zhou
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Shao
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuangli Hao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yi Yang
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jinping Zhang
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China.
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22
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Eggert J, Zinzow-Kramer WM, Hu Y, Tsai YL, Weiss A, Salaita K, Scharer CD, Au-Yeung BB. Accumulation of TCR signaling from self-antigens in naive CD8 T cells mitigates early responsiveness. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.27.525946. [PMID: 36747815 PMCID: PMC9900884 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.27.525946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The cumulative effects of T cell receptor (TCR) signal transduction over extended periods of time influences T cell biology, such as the positive selection of immature thymocytes or the proliferative responses of naive T cells. Naive T cells experience recurrent TCR signaling in response to self-antigens in the steady state. However, how these signals influence the responsiveness of naive CD8+ T cells to subsequent agonist TCR stimulation remains incompletely understood. We investigated how naive CD8+ T cells that experienced relatively low or high levels of TCR signaling in response to self-antigens respond to stimulation with foreign antigens. A transcriptional reporter of Nr4a1 (Nur77-GFP) revealed substantial heterogeneity of the amount of TCR signaling naive CD8+ T cells accumulate in the steady state. Nur77-GFPHI cells exhibited diminished T cell activation and secretion of IFNγ and IL-2 relative to Nur77-GFPLO cells in response to agonist TCR stimulation. Differential gene expression analyses revealed upregulation of genes associated with acutely stimulated T cells in Nur77-GFPHI cells but also increased expression of negative regulators such as the phosphatase Sts1. Responsiveness of Nur77-GFPHI cells to TCR stimulation was partially restored at the level of IFNγ secretion by deficiency of Sts1 or the ubiquitin ligase Cbl-b. Our data suggest that extensive accumulation of TCR signaling during steady state conditions induces a recalibration of the responsiveness of naive CD8+ T cells through gene expression changes and negative regulation, at least in part, dependent on Sts1 and Cbl-b. This cell-intrinsic negative feedback loop may allow the immune system to limit the autoreactive potential of highly self-reactive naive CD8+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Eggert
- Division of Immunology, Lowance Center for Human Immunology, Department of Medicine, Emory University
| | - Wendy M. Zinzow-Kramer
- Division of Immunology, Lowance Center for Human Immunology, Department of Medicine, Emory University
| | - Yuesong Hu
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University
| | - Yuan-Li Tsai
- Rosalind Russell and Ephraim P. Engleman Rheumatology Research Center, Departments of Medicine and of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Arthur Weiss
- Rosalind Russell and Ephraim P. Engleman Rheumatology Research Center, Departments of Medicine and of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco
| | | | | | - Byron B. Au-Yeung
- Division of Immunology, Lowance Center for Human Immunology, Department of Medicine, Emory University
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23
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Dölz M, Hasiuk M, Gagnon JD, Kornete M, Marone R, Bantug G, Kageyama R, Hess C, Ansel KM, Seyres D, Roux J, Jeker LT. Forced expression of the non-coding RNA miR-17∼92 restores activation and function in CD28-deficient CD4 + T cells. iScience 2022; 25:105372. [PMID: 36388982 PMCID: PMC9646923 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
CD28 provides the prototypical costimulatory signal required for productive T-cell activation. Known molecular consequences of CD28 costimulation are mostly based on studies of protein signaling molecules. The microRNA cluster miR-17∼92 is induced by T cell receptor stimulation and further enhanced by combined CD28 costimulation. We demonstrate that transgenic miR-17∼92 cell-intrinsically largely overcomes defects caused by CD28 deficiency. Combining genetics, transcriptomics, bioinformatics, and biochemical miRNA:mRNA interaction maps we empirically validate miR-17∼92 target genes that include several negative regulators of T cell activation. CD28-deficient T cells exhibit derepressed miR-17∼92 target genes during activation. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated ablation of the miR-17∼92 targets Pten and Nrbp1 in naive CD28-/- CD4+ T cells differentially increases proliferation and expression of the activation markers CD25 and CD44, respectively. Thus, we propose that miR-17∼92 constitutes a central mediator for T cell activation, integrating signals by the TCR and CD28 costimulation by dampening multiple brakes that prevent T cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Dölz
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology & Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Petersgraben 4, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marko Hasiuk
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology & Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Petersgraben 4, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - John D. Gagnon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Sandler Asthma Basic Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Mara Kornete
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Romina Marone
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology & Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Petersgraben 4, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Glenn Bantug
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Robin Kageyama
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Sandler Asthma Basic Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Christoph Hess
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine – CITIID, University of Cambridge, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - K. Mark Ansel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Sandler Asthma Basic Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Denis Seyres
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology & Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Petersgraben 4, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Julien Roux
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lukas T. Jeker
- Department of Biomedicine, Basel University Hospital and University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Transplantation Immunology & Nephrology, Basel University Hospital, Petersgraben 4, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
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24
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Systemic CD4 Immunity and PD-L1/PD-1 Blockade Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113241. [PMID: 36362027 PMCID: PMC9655397 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
PD-L1/PD-1 blockade immunotherapy has changed the therapeutic approaches for the treatment of many cancers. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying its efficacy or treatment failure are still unclear. Proficient systemic immunity seems to be a prerequisite for efficacy, as recently shown in patients and in mouse models. It is widely accepted that expansion of anti-tumor CD8 T cell populations is principally responsible for anti-tumor responses. In contrast, the role of CD4 T cells has been less studied. Here we review and discuss the evidence supporting the contribution of CD4 T cells to anti-tumor immunity, especially recent advances linking CD4 T cell subsets to efficacious PD-L1/PD-1 blockade immunotherapy. We also discuss the role of CD4 T cell memory subsets present in peripheral blood before the start of immunotherapies, and their utility as predictors of response.
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25
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Song J, Anderson W, Hu A, Obata-Ninomiya K, Ziegler SF, Rawlings DJ, Buckner JH. CBLBDeficiency in Human CD4 +T Cells Results in Resistance to T Regulatory Suppression through Multiple Mechanisms. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 209:1260-1271. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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26
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Kasmani MY, Ciecko AE, Brown AK, Petrova G, Gorski J, Chen YG, Cui W. Autoreactive CD8 T cells in NOD mice exhibit phenotypic heterogeneity but restricted TCR gene usage. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 5:5/10/e202201503. [PMID: 35667687 PMCID: PMC9170949 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Paired scRNA-seq and scTCR-seq reveals that diabetogenic CD8 T cells in the islets and spleens of NOD mice exhibit phenotypic and clonal heterogeneity despite restricted TCR gene usage. Expression of certain TCR genes correlates with clonal proliferation and effector phenotype. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disorder defined by CD8 T cell–mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells. We have previously shown that diabetogenic CD8 T cells in the islets of non-obese diabetic mice are phenotypically heterogeneous, but clonal heterogeneity remains relatively unexplored. Here, we use paired single-cell RNA and T-cell receptor sequencing (scRNA-seq and scTCR-seq) to characterize autoreactive CD8 T cells from the islets and spleens of non-obese diabetic mice. scTCR-seq demonstrates that CD8 T cells targeting the immunodominant β-cell epitope IGRP206-214 exhibit restricted TCR gene usage. scRNA-seq identifies six clusters of autoreactive CD8 T cells in the islets and six in the spleen, including memory and exhausted cells. Clonal overlap between IGRP206-214–reactive CD8 T cells in the islets and spleen suggests these cells may circulate between the islets and periphery. Finally, we identify correlations between TCR genes and T-cell clonal expansion and effector fate. Collectively, our work demonstrates that IGRP206-214–specific CD8 T cells are phenotypically heterogeneous but clonally restricted, raising the possibility of selectively targeting these TCR structures for therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moujtaba Y Kasmani
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.,Blood Research Institute, Versiti Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Ashley E Ciecko
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.,Max McGee National Research Center for Juvenile Diabetes, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Ashley K Brown
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.,Blood Research Institute, Versiti Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Galina Petrova
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Jack Gorski
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.,Blood Research Institute, Versiti Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Yi-Guang Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA .,Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.,Max McGee National Research Center for Juvenile Diabetes, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Weiguo Cui
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA .,Blood Research Institute, Versiti Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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27
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Ma S, Caligiuri MA, Yu J. Harnessing IL-15 signaling to potentiate NK cell-mediated cancer immunotherapy. Trends Immunol 2022; 43:833-847. [PMID: 36058806 PMCID: PMC9612852 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, a crucial component of the innate immune system, have long been of clinical interest for their antitumor properties. Almost every aspect of NK cell immunity is regulated by interleukin-15 (IL-15), a cytokine in the common γ-chain family. Several current clinical trials are using IL-15 or its analogs to treat various cancers. Moreover, NK cells are being genetically modified to produce membrane-bound or secretory IL-15. Here, we discuss the key role of IL-15 signaling in NK cell immunity and provide an up-to-date overview of IL-15 in NK cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoubao Ma
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA; Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA
| | - Michael A Caligiuri
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA; Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA; Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA.
| | - Jianhua Yu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA; Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA; Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA; Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA.
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28
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Cbl-b restrains priming of pathogenic Th17 cells via the inhibition of IL-6 production by macrophages. iScience 2022; 25:105151. [PMID: 36185364 PMCID: PMC9523381 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
E3 ubiquitin ligase Cbl-b is involved in the maintenance of a balance between immunity and tolerance. Mice lacking Cbl-b are highly susceptible to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a Th17-mediated autoimmune disease. However, how Cbl-b regulates Th17 cell responses remains unclear. In this study, utilizing adoptive transfer and cell type-specific Cblb knockout strains, we show that Cbl-b expression in macrophages, but not T cells or dendritic cells (DCs), restrains the generation of pathogenic Th17 cells and the development of EAE. Cbl-b inhibits IL-6 production by macrophages that is induced by signaling from CARD9-dependent C-type lectin receptor (CLR) pathways, which directs T cells to generate pathogenic Th17 cells. Therefore, our data unveil a previously unappreciated function for Cbl-b in the regulation of pathogenic Th17 responses. E3 ubiquitin ligase Cbl-b inhibits EAE disease progression Cbl-b dampens pathogenic Th17 response via inhibiting macrophage-derived IL-6 Cbl-b controls macrophage-derived IL-6 via a CARD9-dependent manner
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Baccelli F, Leardini D, Muratore E, Messelodi D, Bertuccio SN, Chiriaco M, Cancrini C, Conti F, Castagnetti F, Pedace L, Pession A, Yoshimi A, Niemeyer C, Tartaglia M, Locatelli F, Masetti R. Immune dysregulation associated with co-occurring germline CBL and SH2B3 variants. Hum Genomics 2022; 16:40. [PMID: 36123612 PMCID: PMC9484243 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-022-00414-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background CBL syndrome is a RASopathy caused by heterozygous germline mutations of the Casitas B-lineage lymphoma (CBL) gene. It is characterized by heterogeneous clinical phenotype, including developmental delay, facial dysmorphisms, cardiovascular malformations and an increased risk of cancer development, particularly juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML). Although the clinical phenotype has been progressively defined in recent years, immunological manifestations have not been well elucidated to date.
Methods We studied the genetic, immunological, coagulative, and clinical profile of a family with CBL syndrome that came to our observation after the diagnosis of JMML, with homozygous CBL mutation, in one of the members. Results Variant analysis revealed the co-occurrence of CBL heterozygous mutation (c.1141 T > C) and SH2B3 mutation (c.1697G > A) in two other members. Patients carrying both mutations showed an ALPS-like phenotype characterized by lymphoproliferation, cytopenia, increased double-negative T-cells, impaired Fas-mediated lymphocyte apoptosis, altered cell death in PBMC and low TRECs expression. A coagulative work-up was also performed and showed the presence of subclinical coagulative alterations in patients carrying both mutations. Conclusion In the reported family, we described immune dysregulation, as part of the clinical spectrum of CBL mutation with the co-occurrence of SH2B3. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40246-022-00414-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Baccelli
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology "Lalla Seràgnoli", IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Leardini
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology "Lalla Seràgnoli", IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Edoardo Muratore
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology "Lalla Seràgnoli", IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Daria Messelodi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Maria Chiriaco
- Chair of Pediatrics, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Cancrini
- Chair of Pediatrics, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.,Immune and Infectious Diseases Division, Research Unit of Primary Immunodeficiencies, Academic Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Conti
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fausto Castagnetti
- Hematology "Lorenzo E Ariosto Seràgnoli", IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucia Pedace
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Pession
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy.,Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ayami Yoshimi
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79085, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Charlotte Niemeyer
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79085, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marco Tartaglia
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Masetti
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology "Lalla Seràgnoli", IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
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30
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The RING finger protein family in health and disease. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:300. [PMID: 36042206 PMCID: PMC9424811 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01152-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitination is a highly conserved and fundamental posttranslational modification (PTM) in all eukaryotes regulating thousands of proteins. The RING (really interesting new gene) finger (RNF) protein, containing the RING domain, exerts E3 ubiquitin ligase that mediates the covalent attachment of ubiquitin (Ub) to target proteins. Multiple reviews have summarized the critical roles of the tripartite-motif (TRIM) protein family, a subgroup of RNF proteins, in various diseases, including cancer, inflammatory, infectious, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Except for TRIMs, since numerous studies over the past decades have delineated that other RNF proteins also exert widespread involvement in several diseases, their importance should not be underestimated. This review summarizes the potential contribution of dysregulated RNF proteins, except for TRIMs, to the pathogenesis of some diseases, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and neurodegenerative disorder. Since viral infection is broadly involved in the induction and development of those diseases, this manuscript also highlights the regulatory roles of RNF proteins, excluding TRIMs, in the antiviral immune responses. In addition, we further discuss the potential intervention strategies targeting other RNF proteins for the prevention and therapeutics of those human diseases.
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31
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Monticone G, Huang Z, Csibi F, Leit S, Ciccone D, Champhekar AS, Austin JE, Ucar DA, Hossain F, Ibba SV, Boulares AH, Carpino N, Xu K, Majumder S, Osborne BA, Loh C, Miele L. Targeting the Cbl-b-Notch1 axis as a novel immunotherapeutic strategy to boost CD8+ T-cell responses. Front Immunol 2022; 13:987298. [PMID: 36090975 PMCID: PMC9459147 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.987298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
A critical feature of cancer is the ability to induce immunosuppression and evade immune responses. Tumor-induced immunosuppression diminishes the effectiveness of endogenous immune responses and decreases the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. In this study, we describe a new immunosuppressive pathway in which adenosine promotes Casitas B-lineage lymphoma b (Cbl-b)-mediated Notch1 degradation, causing suppression of CD8+ T-cells effector functions. Genetic knockout and pharmacological inhibition of Cbl-b prevents Notch1 degradation in response to adenosine and reactivates its signaling. Reactivation of Notch1 results in enhanced CD8+ T-cell effector functions, anti-cancer response and resistance to immunosuppression. Our work provides evidence that targeting the Cbl-b-Notch1 axis is a novel promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Monticone
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Zhi Huang
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Fred Csibi
- Nimbus Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Silvana Leit
- Nimbus Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | | | - Ameya S. Champhekar
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jermaine E. Austin
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Deniz A. Ucar
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Fokhrul Hossain
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Salome V. Ibba
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - A. Hamid Boulares
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Nicholas Carpino
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Keli Xu
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Samarpan Majumder
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Barbara A. Osborne
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
| | | | - Lucio Miele
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
- *Correspondence: Lucio Miele,
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32
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Offringa R, Kötzner L, Huck B, Urbahns K. The expanding role for small molecules in immuno-oncology. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2022; 21:821-840. [PMID: 35982333 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00538-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The advent of immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) using antibodies against PD1 and its ligand PDL1 has prompted substantial efforts to develop complementary drugs. Although many of these are antibodies directed against additional checkpoint proteins, there is an increasing interest in small-molecule immuno-oncology drugs that address intracellular pathways, some of which have recently entered clinical trials. In parallel, small molecules that target pro-tumorigenic pathways in cancer cells and the tumour microenvironment have been found to have immunostimulatory effects that synergize with the action of ICI antibodies, leading to the approval of an increasing number of regimens that combine such drugs. Combinations with small molecules targeting cancer metabolism, cytokine/chemokine and innate immune pathways, and T cell checkpoints are now under investigation. This Review discusses the recent milestones and hurdles encountered in this area of drug development, as well as our views on the best path forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rienk Offringa
- Department of Molecular Oncology of Gastrointestinal Tumors, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany. .,DKFZ-Bayer Immunotherapeutics Laboratory, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany. .,Department of Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Lisa Kötzner
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Healthcare R&D, Discovery and Development Technologies, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Bayard Huck
- EMD Serono, Healthcare R&D, Discovery and Development Technologies, Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Klaus Urbahns
- EMD Serono, Healthcare R&D, Discovery and Development Technologies, Billerica, MA, USA.
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33
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Molon B, Liboni C, Viola A. CD28 and chemokine receptors: Signalling amplifiers at the immunological synapse. Front Immunol 2022; 13:938004. [PMID: 35983040 PMCID: PMC9379342 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.938004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
T cells are master regulators of the immune response tuning, among others, B cells, macrophages and NK cells. To exert their functions requiring high sensibility and specificity, T cells need to integrate different stimuli from the surrounding microenvironment. A finely tuned signalling compartmentalization orchestrated in dynamic platforms is an essential requirement for the proper and efficient response of these cells to distinct triggers. During years, several studies have depicted the pivotal role of the cytoskeleton and lipid microdomains in controlling signalling compartmentalization during T cell activation and functions. Here, we discuss mechanisms responsible for signalling amplification and compartmentalization in T cell activation, focusing on the role of CD28, chemokine receptors and the actin cytoskeleton. We also take into account the detrimental effect of mutations carried by distinct signalling proteins giving rise to syndromes characterized by defects in T cell functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Molon
- Pediatric Research Institute “Città della Speranza”, Corso Stati Uniti, Padova, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Barbara Molon,
| | - Cristina Liboni
- Pediatric Research Institute “Città della Speranza”, Corso Stati Uniti, Padova, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Antonella Viola
- Pediatric Research Institute “Città della Speranza”, Corso Stati Uniti, Padova, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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34
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Policheni AN, Teh CE, Robbins A, Tuzlak S, Strasser A, Gray DHD. PD-1 cooperates with AIRE-mediated tolerance to prevent lethal autoimmune disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2120149119. [PMID: 35394861 PMCID: PMC9169857 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2120149119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunological tolerance is established and maintained by a diverse array of safeguards that work together to protect against autoimmunity. Despite the identification of numerous tolerogenic processes, the basis for cooperation among them remains poorly understood. We sought to identify synergy among several well-defined tolerance mediators that alone provide protection only from mild autoimmune symptoms in C57BL/6 mice: BIM, AIRE, CBL-B, and PD-1. Survey of a range of compound mutant mice revealed that the combined loss of the autoimmune regulator, AIRE, with PD-1 unleashed a spontaneous, lethal autoimmune disease. Pdcd1−/−Aire−/− mice succumbed to cachexia before adulthood, with near-complete destruction of the exocrine pancreas. Such fatal autoimmunity was not observed in Pdcd1−/−Bim−/−, Bim−/−Aire−/−, or Cblb−/−Bim−/− mice, suggesting that the cooperation between AIRE-mediated and PD-1–mediated tolerance was particularly potent. Immune profiling revealed largely normal development of FOXP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells in Pdcd1−/−Aire−/− mice, yet excessive, early activation of effector T cells. Adoptive transfer experiments demonstrated that autoimmune exocrine pancreatitis was driven by conventional CD4+ T cells and could not be prevented by the cotransfer of Treg cells from wild-type mice. The development of autoimmunity in mixed bone marrow chimeras supported these observations, indicating that failure of recessive tolerance was responsible for disease. These findings reveal a potent tolerogenic axis between AIRE and PD-1 that has implications for our understanding of how immune checkpoint blockade might synergize with subclinical defects in central tolerance to elicit autoimmune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia N. Policheni
- Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Charis E. Teh
- Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Alissa Robbins
- Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Selma Tuzlak
- Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Institute for Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich CH-8057, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Strasser
- Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Daniel H. D. Gray
- Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
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35
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Han S, Liu ZQ, Chung DC, Paul MS, Garcia-Batres CR, Sayad A, Elford AR, Gold MJ, Grimshaw N, Ohashi PS. Overproduction of IFNγ by Cbl-b-Deficient CD8+ T Cells Provides Resistance against Regulatory T Cells and Induces Potent Antitumor Immunity. Cancer Immunol Res 2022; 10:437-452. [PMID: 35181779 PMCID: PMC9662906 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-20-0973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Treg) are an integral component of the adaptive immune system that negatively affect antitumor immunity. Here, we investigated the role of the E3 ubiquitin ligase casitas B-lineage lymphoma-b (Cbl-b) in establishing CD8+ T-cell resistance to Treg-mediated suppression to enhance antitumor immunity. Transcriptomic analyses suggested that Cbl-b regulates pathways associated with cytokine signaling and cellular proliferation. We showed that the hypersecretion of IFNγ by Cbl-b-deficient CD8+ T cells selectively attenuated CD8+ T-cell suppression by Tregs. Although IFNγ production by Cbl-b-deficient T cells contributed to phenotypic alterations in Tregs, the cytokine did not attenuate the suppressive function of Tregs. Instead, IFNγ had a profound effect on CD8+ T cells by directly upregulating interferon-stimulated genes and modulating T-cell activation. In murine models of adoptive T-cell therapy, Cbl-b-deficient T cells elicited superior antitumor immune response. Furthermore, Cbl-b-deficient CD8+ T cells were less susceptible to suppression by Tregs in the tumor through the effects of IFNγ. Collectively, this study demonstrates that the hypersecretion of IFNγ serves as a key mechanism by which Cbl-b-deficient CD8+ T cells are rendered resistant to Tregs. See related Spotlight by Wolf and Baier, p. 370.
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Affiliation(s)
- SeongJun Han
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zhe Qi Liu
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Douglas C. Chung
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael St. Paul
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Azin Sayad
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alisha R. Elford
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthew J. Gold
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Natasha Grimshaw
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pamela S. Ohashi
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Corresponding Author: Pamela S. Ohashi, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, 610 University Avenue, 9-406, Toronto ON M5G 2M9, Canada. Phone: 416-946-4501 ×3689; E-mail:
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36
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Van Hoeck J, Braeckmans K, De Smedt SC, Raemdonck K. Non-viral siRNA delivery to T cells: Challenges and opportunities in cancer immunotherapy. Biomaterials 2022; 286:121510. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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37
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Cammann C, Israel N, Slevogt H, Seifert U. Recycling and Reshaping-E3 Ligases and DUBs in the Initiation of T Cell Receptor-Mediated Signaling and Response. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073424. [PMID: 35408787 PMCID: PMC8998186 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell activation plays a central role in supporting and shaping the immune response. The induction of a functional adaptive immune response requires the control of signaling processes downstream of the T cell receptor (TCR). In this regard, protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation have been extensively studied. In the past decades, further checkpoints of activation have been identified. These are E3 ligases catalyzing the transfer of ubiquitin or ubiquitin-like proteins to protein substrates, as well as specific peptidases to counteract this reaction, such as deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs). These posttranslational modifications can critically influence protein interactions by targeting proteins for degradation by proteasomes or mediating the complex formation required for active TCR signaling. Thus, the basic aspects of T cell development and differentiation are controlled by defining, e.g., the threshold of activation in positive and negative selection in the thymus. Furthermore, an emerging role of ubiquitination in peripheral T cell tolerance has been described. Changes in the function and abundance of certain E3 ligases or DUBs involved in T cell homeostasis are associated with the development of autoimmune diseases. This review summarizes the current knowledge of E3 enzymes and their target proteins regulating T cell signaling processes and discusses new approaches for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Cammann
- Friedrich Loeffler-Institute of Medical Microbiology-Virology, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany;
- Correspondence: (C.C.); (U.S.); Tel.: +49-3834-86-5568 (C.C.); +49-3834-86-5587 (U.S.)
| | - Nicole Israel
- Friedrich Loeffler-Institute of Medical Microbiology-Virology, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany;
| | - Hortense Slevogt
- Host Septomics Group, Centre for Innovation Competence (ZIK) Septomics, University Hospital Jena, 07745 Jena, Germany;
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Ulrike Seifert
- Friedrich Loeffler-Institute of Medical Microbiology-Virology, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany;
- Correspondence: (C.C.); (U.S.); Tel.: +49-3834-86-5568 (C.C.); +49-3834-86-5587 (U.S.)
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38
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Gumber D, Wang LD. Improving CAR-T immunotherapy: Overcoming the challenges of T cell exhaustion. EBioMedicine 2022; 77:103941. [PMID: 35301179 PMCID: PMC8927848 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.103941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has emerged as a cancer treatment with enormous potential, demonstrating impressive antitumor activity in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, CAR T cell exhaustion is a major limitation to their efficacy, particularly in the application of CAR T cells to solid tumors. CAR T cell exhaustion is thought to be due to persistent antigen stimulation, as well as an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and mitigating exhaustion to maintain CAR T cell effector function and persistence and achieve clinical potency remains a central challenge. Here, we review the underlying mechanisms of exhaustion and discuss emerging strategies to prevent or reverse exhaustion through modifications of the CAR receptor or CAR independent pathways. Additionally, we discuss the potential of these strategies for improving clinical outcomes of CAR T cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Gumber
- Irell and Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, City of Hope National Medical Center, Beckman Research Institute, Duarte CA, United States; Department of Immunooncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Leo D Wang
- Irell and Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, City of Hope National Medical Center, Beckman Research Institute, Duarte CA, United States; Department of Immunooncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, United States; Department of Pediatrics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States.
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39
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Tong H, Li X, Zhang J, Gong L, Sun W, Calderon V, Zhang X, Li Y, Gadzinski A, Langdon WY, Reizis B, Zou Y, Gu H. Ubiquitin Ligases CBL and CBL-B Maintain the Homeostasis and Immune Quiescence of Dendritic Cells. Front Immunol 2021; 12:757231. [PMID: 34630435 PMCID: PMC8494778 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.757231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are composed of multiple lineages of hematopoietic cells and orchestrate immune responses upon detecting the danger and inflammatory signals associated with pathogen and damaged tissues. Under steady-state, DCs are maintained at limited numbers and the functionally quiescent status. While it is known that a fine balance in the DC homeostasis and activation status is also important to prevent autoimmune diseases and hyperinflammation, mechanisms that control DC development and activation under stead-state remain not fully understood. Here we show that DC-specific ablation of CBL and CBL-B (CBL-/-CBL-B-/-) leads to spontaneous liver inflammation and fibrosis and early death of the mice. The mutant mice have a marked expansion of classic CD8α+/CD103+ DCs (cDC1s) in peripheral lymphoid organs and the liver. These DCs exhibit atypical activation phenotypes characterized by an increased production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines but not the cell surface MHC-II and costimulatory ligands. While the mutant mice also have massive T cell activation, lymphocytes are not required for the disease development. The CBL-/-CBL-B-/- mutation enhances FLT3-mTOR signaling, due to defective FLT3 ubiquitination and degradation. Blockade of FLT3-mTOR signaling normalizes the homeostasis of cDC1s and attenuates liver inflammation. Our result thus reveals a critical role of CBLs in the maintenance of DC homeostasis and immune quiescence. This regulation could be relevant to liver inflammatory diseases and fibrosis in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijun Tong
- Molecular Immunology Research Unit, Montreal Clinic Research Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Xin Li
- Molecular Immunology Research Unit, Montreal Clinic Research Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jinping Zhang
- Institute of Biology and Medical Science, SooChow University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liying Gong
- Molecular Immunology Research Unit, Montreal Clinic Research Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Weili Sun
- Molecular Immunology Research Unit, Montreal Clinic Research Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Virginie Calderon
- Molecular Immunology Research Unit, Montreal Clinic Research Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Xiaochen Zhang
- Molecular Immunology Research Unit, Montreal Clinic Research Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Yue Li
- Molecular Immunology Research Unit, Montreal Clinic Research Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Adeline Gadzinski
- Molecular Immunology Research Unit, Montreal Clinic Research Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Wallace Y Langdon
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Boris Reizis
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yongrui Zou
- The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, NY, United States
| | - Hua Gu
- Molecular Immunology Research Unit, Montreal Clinic Research Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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40
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Gavali S, Liu J, Li X, Paolino M. Ubiquitination in T-Cell Activation and Checkpoint Inhibition: New Avenues for Targeted Cancer Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10800. [PMID: 34639141 PMCID: PMC8509743 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The advent of T-cell-based immunotherapy has remarkably transformed cancer patient treatment. Despite their success, the currently approved immunotherapeutic protocols still encounter limitations, cause toxicity, and give disparate patient outcomes. Thus, a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of T-cell activation and inhibition is much needed to rationally expand targets and possibilities to improve immunotherapies. Protein ubiquitination downstream of immune signaling pathways is essential to fine-tune virtually all immune responses, in particular, the positive and negative regulation of T-cell activation. Numerous studies have demonstrated that deregulation of ubiquitin-dependent pathways can significantly alter T-cell activation and enhance antitumor responses. Consequently, researchers in academia and industry are actively developing technologies to selectively exploit ubiquitin-related enzymes for cancer therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the molecular and functional roles of ubiquitination in key T-cell activation and checkpoint inhibitory pathways to highlight the vast possibilities that targeting ubiquitination offers for advancing T-cell-based immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Magdalena Paolino
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, 17176 Solna, Sweden; (S.G.); (J.L.); (X.L.)
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Identification of mutations that cooperate with defects in B cell transcription factors to initiate leukemia. Oncogene 2021; 40:6166-6179. [PMID: 34535769 PMCID: PMC8556320 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02012-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factors PAX5, IKZF1, and EBF1 are frequently mutated in B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). We demonstrate that compound heterozygous loss of multiple genes critical for B and T cell development drives transformation, including Pax5+/-xEbf1+/-, Pax5+/-xIkzf1+/-, and Ebf1+/-xIkzf1+/- mice for B-ALL, or Tcf7+/-xIkzf1+/- mice for T-ALL. To identify genetic defects that cooperate with Pax5 and Ebf1 compound heterozygosity to initiate leukemia, we performed a Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon screen that identified cooperating partners including gain-of-function mutations in Stat5b (~65%) and Jak1 (~68%), or loss-of-function mutations in Cblb (61%) and Myb (32%). These findings underscore the role of JAK/STAT5B signaling in B cell transformation and demonstrate roles for loss-of-function mutations in Cblb and Myb in transformation. RNA-Seq studies demonstrated upregulation of a PDK1>SGK3>MYC pathway; treatment of Pax5+/-xEbf1+/- leukemia cells with PDK1 inhibitors blocked proliferation in vitro. In addition, we identified a conserved transcriptional gene signature between human and murine leukemias characterized by upregulation of myeloid genes, most notably involving the GM-CSF pathway, that resemble a B cell/myeloid mixed-lineage leukemia. Thus, our findings identify multiple mechanisms that cooperate with defects in B cell transcription factors to generate either progenitor B cell or mixed B/myeloid-like leukemias.
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Schanz O, Cornez I, Yajnanarayana SP, David FS, Peer S, Gruber T, Krawitz P, Brossart P, Heine A, Landsberg J, Baier G, Wolf D. Tumor rejection in Cblb -/- mice depends on IL-9 and Th9 cells. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-002889. [PMID: 34272310 PMCID: PMC8287598 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Casitas B lymphoma-b (Cbl-b) is a central negative regulator of cytotoxic T and natural killer (NK) cells and functions as an intracellular checkpoint in cancer. In particular, Th9 cells support mast cell activation, promote dendritic cell recruitment, enhance the cytolytic function of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and NK cells, and directly kill tumor cells, thereby contributing to tumor immunity. However, the role of Cbl-b in the differentiation and antitumor function of Th9 cells is not sufficiently resolved. METHODS Using Cblb -/- mice, we investigated the effect of knocking out Cblb on the differentiation process and function of different T helper cell subsets, focusing on regulatory T cell (Treg) and Th9 cells. We applied single-cell RNA (scRNA) sequencing of in vitro differentiated Th9 cells to understand how Cbl-b shapes the transcriptome and regulates the differentiation and function of Th9 cells. We transferred tumor-model antigen-specific Cblb -/- Th9 cells into melanoma-bearing mice and assessed tumor control in vivo. In addition, we blocked interleukin (IL)-9 in melanoma cell-exposed Cblb -/- mice to investigate the role of IL-9 in tumor immunity. RESULTS Here, we provide experimental evidence that Cbl-b acts as a rheostat favoring Tregs at the expense of Th9 cell differentiation. Cblb -/- Th9 cells exert superior antitumor activity leading to improved melanoma control in vivo. Accordingly, blocking IL-9 in melanoma cell-exposed Cblb -/- mice reversed their tumor rejection phenotype. Furthermore, scRNA sequencing of in vitro differentiated Th9 cells from naïve T cells isolated from wildtype and Cblb -/- animals revealed a transcriptomic basis for increased Th9 cell differentiation. CONCLUSION We established IL-9 and Th9 cells as key antitumor executers in Cblb -/- animals. This knowledge may be helpful for the future improvement of adoptive T cell therapies in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Schanz
- Oncology, Hematology, Immunoncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Isabelle Cornez
- Oncology, Hematology, Immunoncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Friederike Sophie David
- Institute for Genomic Statistics and Bioinformatics, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sebastian Peer
- Institute of Translational Cell Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Thomas Gruber
- Institute of Translational Cell Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Peter Krawitz
- Institute for Genomic Statistics and Bioinformatics, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Peter Brossart
- Oncology, Hematology, Immunoncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Annkristin Heine
- Oncology, Hematology, Immunoncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Gottfried Baier
- Institute of Translational Cell Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dominik Wolf
- Oncology, Hematology, Immunoncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany .,Department of Internal Medicine V, Hematology and Oncology, and Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute (TKFI), Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Jiang W, Wang D, Wilson BAP, Kang U, Bokesch HR, Smith EA, Wamiru A, Goncharova EI, Voeller D, Lipkowitz S, O’Keefe BR, Gustafson KR. Agelasine Diterpenoids and Cbl-b Inhibitory Ageliferins from the Coralline Demosponge Astrosclera willeyana. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:361. [PMID: 34202500 PMCID: PMC8307156 DOI: 10.3390/md19070361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
An extract of the coralline demosponge Astrosclera willeyana inhibited the ubiquitin ligase activity of the immunomodulatory protein Cbl-b. The bioassay-guided separation of the extract provided ten active compounds, including three new N-methyladenine-containing diterpenoids, agelasines W-Y (1-3), a new bromopyrrole alkaloid, N(1)-methylisoageliferin (4), and six known ageliferin derivatives (5-10). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated from their spectroscopic and spectrometric data, including IR, HRESIMS, and NMR, and by comparison with spectroscopic data in the literature. While all of the isolated compounds showed Cbl-b inhibitory activities, ageliferins (4-10) were the most potent metabolites, with IC50 values that ranged from 18 to 35 μM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Jiang
- Marine Science & Technology Institute, College of Environmental Science & Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China;
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, USA; (D.W.); (B.A.P.W.); (U.K.); (H.R.B.); (E.A.S.); (A.W.); (E.I.G.); (B.R.O.)
| | - Dongdong Wang
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, USA; (D.W.); (B.A.P.W.); (U.K.); (H.R.B.); (E.A.S.); (A.W.); (E.I.G.); (B.R.O.)
| | - Brice A. P. Wilson
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, USA; (D.W.); (B.A.P.W.); (U.K.); (H.R.B.); (E.A.S.); (A.W.); (E.I.G.); (B.R.O.)
| | - Unwoo Kang
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, USA; (D.W.); (B.A.P.W.); (U.K.); (H.R.B.); (E.A.S.); (A.W.); (E.I.G.); (B.R.O.)
| | - Heidi R. Bokesch
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, USA; (D.W.); (B.A.P.W.); (U.K.); (H.R.B.); (E.A.S.); (A.W.); (E.I.G.); (B.R.O.)
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, USA
| | - Emily A. Smith
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, USA; (D.W.); (B.A.P.W.); (U.K.); (H.R.B.); (E.A.S.); (A.W.); (E.I.G.); (B.R.O.)
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, USA
| | - Antony Wamiru
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, USA; (D.W.); (B.A.P.W.); (U.K.); (H.R.B.); (E.A.S.); (A.W.); (E.I.G.); (B.R.O.)
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, USA
| | - Ekaterina I. Goncharova
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, USA; (D.W.); (B.A.P.W.); (U.K.); (H.R.B.); (E.A.S.); (A.W.); (E.I.G.); (B.R.O.)
- Advanced Biomedical Computational Science, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, USA
| | - Donna Voeller
- Women’s Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1578, USA; (D.V.); (S.L.)
| | - Stanley Lipkowitz
- Women’s Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1578, USA; (D.V.); (S.L.)
| | - Barry R. O’Keefe
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, USA; (D.W.); (B.A.P.W.); (U.K.); (H.R.B.); (E.A.S.); (A.W.); (E.I.G.); (B.R.O.)
- Natural Products Branch, Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, USA
| | - Kirk R. Gustafson
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, USA; (D.W.); (B.A.P.W.); (U.K.); (H.R.B.); (E.A.S.); (A.W.); (E.I.G.); (B.R.O.)
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Pharmacogenetic Predictors of Response to Interferon Beta Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:4716-4726. [PMID: 34169444 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02454-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
First-line therapy with interferon beta (IFN-β), involved in gene expression modulation in immune response, is widely used for multiple sclerosis. However, 30-50% of patients do not respond optimally. Variants in CBLB, CTSS, GRIA3, OAS1 and TNFRSF10A genes have been proposed to contribute to the variation in the individual response. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of gene polymorphisms on the IFN-β response in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients. CBLB (rs12487066), GRIA3 (rs12557782), CTSS (rs1136774), OAS1 (rs10774671) and TNFRSF10A (rs20576) polymorphisms were analysed by Taqman in 137 RRMS patients. Response to IFN-β and change in the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) after 24 months were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Carriers of at least one copy of the C allele of CTSS-rs1136774 had a better response to IFN-β (p = 0.0423; OR = 2.94; CI95% = 1.03, 8.40). Carriers of TT genotype of TNFRSF10A-rs20576 had a higher probability of maintaining their EDSS stable after 24 months of IFN-β treatment (p = 0.0251; OR = 5.71; CI95% = 1.39, 31.75). No influence of CBLB (rs12487066), OAS1 (rs10774671) and GRIA3 (rs12557782) gene polymorphisms in the variation of the individual response to IFN-β was shown. Our results suggest that the TNFRSF10A-rs20576 and CTSS-rs1136774 gene polymorphisms influence the response to IFN-β after 24 months, while the CBLB (rs12487066), OAS1 (rs10774671) or GRIA3 (rs12557782) gene polymorphisms had no effect on the variation of the individual response to IFN-β.
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45
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Shi Q, Yao H. Signature RNAS and related regulatory roles in type 1 diabetes mellitus based on competing endogenous RNA regulatory network analysis. BMC Med Genomics 2021; 14:133. [PMID: 34006268 PMCID: PMC8130321 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-021-00931-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our study aimed to investigate signature RNAs and their potential roles in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) using a competing endogenous RNA regulatory network analysis. METHODS Expression profiles of GSE55100, deposited from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 12 T1DM patients and 10 normal controls, were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus to uncover differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), mRNAs, and microRNAs (miRNAs). The ceRNA regulatory network was constructed, then functional and pathway enrichment analysis was conducted. AT1DM-related ceRNA regulatory network was established based on the Human microRNA Disease Database to carry out pathway enrichment analysis. Meanwhile, the T1DM-related pathways were retrieved from the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD). RESULTS In total, 847 mRNAs, 41 lncRNAs, and 38 miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed. The ceRNA regulatory network consisted of 12 lncRNAs, 10 miRNAs, and 24 mRNAs. Two miRNAs (hsa-miR-181a and hsa-miR-1275) were screened as T1DM-related miRNAs to build the T1DM-related ceRNA regulatory network, in which genes were considerably enriched in seven pathways. Moreover, three overlapping pathways, including the phosphatidylinositol signaling system (involving PIP4K2A, INPP4A, PIP4K2C, and CALM1); dopaminergic synapse (involving CALM1 and PPP2R5C); and the insulin signaling pathway (involving CBLB and CALM1) were revealed by comparing with T1DM-related pathways in the CTD, which involved four lncRNAs (LINC01278, TRG-AS1, MIAT, and GAS5-AS1). CONCLUSION The identified signature RNAs may serve as important regulators in the pathogenesis of T1DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghong Shi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Third Hospital of Jilin University, No. 126, Xiantai Street, Changchun, 130033, Jilin, China
| | - Hanxin Yao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Hospital of Jilin University, No. 1, Xinmin Street, Chaoyang District, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China.
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Nguyen TTT, Wang ZE, Shen L, Schroeder A, Eckalbar W, Weiss A. Cbl-b deficiency prevents functional but not phenotypic T cell anergy. J Exp Med 2021; 218:212089. [PMID: 33974042 PMCID: PMC8117209 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20202477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell anergy is an important peripheral tolerance mechanism. We studied how T cell anergy is established using an anergy model in which the Zap70 hypermorphic mutant W131A is coexpressed with the OTII TCR transgene (W131AOTII). Anergy was established in the periphery, not in the thymus. Contrary to enriched tolerance gene signatures and impaired TCR signaling in mature peripheral CD4 T cells, CD4SP thymocytes exhibited normal TCR signaling in W131AOTII mice. Importantly, the maintenance of T cell anergy in W131AOTII mice required antigen presentation via MHC-II. We investigated the functional importance of the inhibitory receptor PD-1 and the E3 ubiquitin ligases Cbl-b and Grail in this model. Deletion of each did not affect expression of phenotypic markers of anergic T cells or T reg numbers. However, deletion of Cbl-b, but not Grail or PD-1, in W131AOTII mice restored T cell responsiveness and signaling. Thus, Cbl-b plays an essential role in the establishment and/or maintenance of unresponsiveness in T cell anergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trang T T Nguyen
- Russell/Engleman Rheumatology Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Zhi-En Wang
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Lin Shen
- Russell/Engleman Rheumatology Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Andrew Schroeder
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Walter Eckalbar
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Arthur Weiss
- Russell/Engleman Rheumatology Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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Braun M, Aguilera AR, Sundarrajan A, Corvino D, Stannard K, Krumeich S, Das I, Lima LG, Meza Guzman LG, Li K, Li R, Salim N, Jorge MV, Ham S, Kelly G, Vari F, Lepletier A, Raghavendra A, Pearson S, Madore J, Jacquelin S, Effern M, Quine B, Koufariotis LT, Casey M, Nakamura K, Seo EY, Hölzel M, Geyer M, Kristiansen G, Taheri T, Ahern E, Hughes BGM, Wilmott JS, Long GV, Scolyer RA, Batstone MD, Landsberg J, Dietrich D, Pop OT, Flatz L, Dougall WC, Veillette A, Nicholson SE, Möller A, Johnston RJ, Martinet L, Smyth MJ, Bald T. CD155 on Tumor Cells Drives Resistance to Immunotherapy by Inducing the Degradation of the Activating Receptor CD226 in CD8 + T Cells. Immunity 2021; 53:805-823.e15. [PMID: 33053330 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2020.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The activating receptor CD226 is expressed on lymphocytes, monocytes, and platelets and promotes anti-tumor immunity in pre-clinical models. Here, we examined the role of CD226 in the function of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and resistance to immunotherapy. In murine tumors, a large proportion of CD8+ TILs had decreased surface expression of CD226 and exhibited features of dysfunction, whereas CD226hi TILs were highly functional. This correlation was seen also in TILs isolated from HNSCC patients. Mutation of CD226 at tyrosine 319 (Y319) led to increased CD226 surface expression, enhanced anti-tumor immunity and improved efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Mechanistically, tumor-derived CD155, the ligand for CD226, initiated phosphorylation of Y319 by Src kinases, thereby enabling ubiquitination of CD226 by CBL-B, internalization, and proteasomal degradation. In pre-treatment samples from melanoma patients, CD226+CD8+ T cells correlated with improved progression-free survival following ICB. Our findings argue for the development of therapies aimed at maintaining the expression of CD226.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Braun
- Immunology in Cancer and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia; Oncology and Cellular Immunology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Amelia Roman Aguilera
- Immunology in Cancer and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Ashmitha Sundarrajan
- Oncology and Cellular Immunology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Dillon Corvino
- Oncology and Cellular Immunology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Kimberley Stannard
- Immunology in Cancer and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia; Oncology and Cellular Immunology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Sophie Krumeich
- Oncology and Cellular Immunology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Indrajit Das
- Immunology in Cancer and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Luize G Lima
- Tumor Microenvironment Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Lizeth G Meza Guzman
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kunlun Li
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Rui Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Nazhifah Salim
- Oncology and Cellular Immunology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Maria Villancanas Jorge
- Oncology and Cellular Immunology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Sunyoung Ham
- Tumor Microenvironment Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Gabrielle Kelly
- Immunology in Cancer and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Frank Vari
- Immunology in Cancer and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Ailin Lepletier
- Immunology in Cancer and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Ashwini Raghavendra
- Immunology in Cancer and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Sally Pearson
- Immunology in Cancer and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Jason Madore
- Immunology in Cancer and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Sebastien Jacquelin
- Gordon and Jessie Gilmour Leukemia Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Maike Effern
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Department of Microbiology & Immunology, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection & Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Brodie Quine
- Immunology in Cancer and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia; Oncology and Cellular Immunology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Lambros T Koufariotis
- Medical Genomics Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Mika Casey
- Immunology in Cancer and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Kyohei Nakamura
- Immunology in Cancer and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Eun Y Seo
- Immuno-Oncology Discovery, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - Michael Hölzel
- Institute of Experimental Oncology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Matthias Geyer
- Institute of Structural Biology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Glen Kristiansen
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Touraj Taheri
- Pathology Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, University of Queensland Herston, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Ahern
- Immunology in Cancer and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia; Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, University of Queensland Herston, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Brett G M Hughes
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, University of Queensland Herston, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - James S Wilmott
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; The University of Sydney, Central Clinical School, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Georgina V Long
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; The University of Sydney, Central Clinical School, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Mater Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard A Scolyer
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Martin D Batstone
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, University of Queensland Herston, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Jennifer Landsberg
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dimo Dietrich
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Oltin T Pop
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Flatz
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland; Department of Dermatology, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - William C Dougall
- Immunology in Cancer and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - André Veillette
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sandra E Nicholson
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Andreas Möller
- Tumor Microenvironment Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Robert J Johnston
- Immuno-Oncology Discovery, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - Ludovic Martinet
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) UMR 1037, Cancer Research Center of Toulouse (CRCT), Toulouse F-31000, France
| | - Mark J Smyth
- Immunology in Cancer and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia.
| | - Tobias Bald
- Oncology and Cellular Immunology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia.
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Dong Y, Pan F. Ubiquitin-Dependent Regulation of Treg Function and Plasticity. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1278:63-80. [PMID: 33523443 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-6407-9_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
As an indispensable part of peripheral tolerance, regulatory T (Treg) cells play an important role in immune homeostasis by suppressing other immune cells. Behind this function is a complex network of transcription factors and signaling cascades that regulates the function and plasticity of regulatory T cells. Among these, Forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) is considered as the master transcription factor, and its stability will influence the function and viability of Treg cells. Because of this, understanding the mechanisms that regulate Foxp3 and its co-regulators will provide more understanding to Treg cells and uncover more targets to manipulate Treg cells in treating autoimmune diseases, organ transplantation, and tumor. Interestingly, several recent studies show that ubiquitin-dependent pathways are important regulators of Foxp3, which suggest both great scientific and therapeutic values. In this chapter, we cover emerging evidence of ubiquitin-dependent, posttranslational regulation of Treg function and plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Dong
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Fan Pan
- Center for Cancer Immunology Research, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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Lu T, Chen L, Mansour AG, Yu MJ, Brooks N, Teng KY, Li Z, Zhang J, Barr T, Yu J, Caligiuri MA. Cbl-b Is Upregulated and Plays a Negative Role in Activated Human NK Cells. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2021; 206:677-685. [PMID: 33419766 PMCID: PMC8184061 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The E3 ubiquitin ligase Cbl-b has been characterized as an intracellular checkpoint in T cells; however, the function of Cbl-b in primary human NK cells, an innate immune anti-tumor effector cell, is not well defined. In this study, we show that the expression of Cbl-b is significantly upregulated in primary human NK cells activated by IL-15, IL-2, and the human NK cell-sensitive tumor cell line K562 that lacks MHC class I expression. Pretreatment with JAK or AKT inhibitors prior to IL-15 stimulation reversed Cbl-b upregulation. Downregulation of Cbl-b resulted in significant increases in granzyme B and perforin expression, IFN-γ production, and cytotoxic activity against tumor cells. Collectively, we demonstrate upregulation of Cbl-b and its inhibitory effects in IL-15/IL-2/K562-activated human NK cells, suggesting that Cbl-b plays a negative feedback role in human NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Lu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010
| | - Anthony G Mansour
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010
| | - Melissa J Yu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010
| | - Noah Brooks
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010
| | - Kun-Yu Teng
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010
| | - Zhenlong Li
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010
| | - Jianying Zhang
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010
| | - Tasha Barr
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010
| | - Jianhua Yu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010
- Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Duarte, CA 91010; and
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010
| | - Michael A Caligiuri
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010;
- Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Duarte, CA 91010; and
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010
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50
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Zhou X, Sun SC. Targeting ubiquitin signaling for cancer immunotherapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:16. [PMID: 33436547 PMCID: PMC7804490 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00421-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has become an attractive approach of cancer treatment with tremendous success in treating various advanced malignancies. The development and clinical application of immune checkpoint inhibitors represent one of the most extraordinary accomplishments in cancer immunotherapy. In addition, considerable progress is being made in understanding the mechanism of antitumor immunity and characterizing novel targets for developing additional therapeutic approaches. One active area of investigation is protein ubiquitination, a post-translational mechanism of protein modification that regulates the function of diverse immune cells in antitumor immunity. Accumulating studies suggest that E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases form a family of potential targets to be exploited for enhancing antitumor immunity in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Zhou
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 7455 Fannin Street, Box 902, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Shao-Cong Sun
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 7455 Fannin Street, Box 902, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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