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Ryba-Stanisławowska M. Unraveling Th subsets: insights into their role in immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024:10.1007/s13402-024-00992-0. [PMID: 39325360 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-024-00992-0] [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: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024] Open
Abstract
T helper (Th) cell subsets play pivotal roles in regulating immune responses within the tumor microenvironment, influencing both tumor progression and anti-tumor immunity. Among these subsets, Th1 cells promote cytotoxic responses through the production of IFN-γ, while Th2 cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs) exert immunosuppressive effects that support tumor growth. Th9 and Th17 cells have context-dependent roles, contributing to both pro-inflammatory and regulatory processes in tumor immunity. Tumor antigen-specific T cells within the tumor microenvironment often exhibit a dysfunctional phenotype due to increased expression of inhibitory receptors such as CTLA-4 and PD-1, leading to reduced antitumor activity. Monoclonal antibodies that block these inhibitory signals-collectively known as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)-can reactivate these T cells, enhancing their ability to target and destroy cancer cells. Recent advancements have highlighted the critical role of T helper subsets in modulating responses to ICIs, with their interactions remaining a focus of ongoing research. Both positive and negative effects of ICIs have been reported in relation to Th cell subsets, with some effects depending on the type of tumor microenvironment. This review summarizes the crucial roles of different T helper cell subsets in tumor immunity and their complex relationship with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Ryba-Stanisławowska
- Department of Medical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 1, Gdańsk, 80-211, Poland.
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Yao Z, Wang J, Jiang Y, Zhang Y, Liu J, Dai L, Shen S, Zhou X, Liu Q, Zheng L, Qian M, Li J. Pembrolizumab plus cetuximab with neoadjuvant chemotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Head Neck 2024. [PMID: 39138647 DOI: 10.1002/hed.27915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Head and neck cancer cells commonly express programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), both of which play pivotal roles in the antitumor cellular immune response. Pembrolizumab, a PD-1 inhibitor, and cetuximab, an EGFR inhibitor, are typically effective agents combined with neoadjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy for the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy in patients with HNSCC. METHODS Patients with HNSCC underwent radical surgery and complete cervical lymph node dissection following neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy at RenJi Hospital from January 2021 to June 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. The primary endpoint was major pathological response (MPR). We further explored the relationship between the efficacy and immune estimators. FINDINGS Twenty-one patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. The MPR was 66.7%, including 11 patients who achieved a pathological complete response (pCR). The overall response rate (ORR) was 90.5%, and the complete response (CR) rate was 28.6%. The oropharynx, as the primary site, was the sensitive tumor type to neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy. The most common adverse event (AEs) was anemia (61.9%). No grade 4 AE or delayed surgery was reported. Laryngeal preservation rates were 90.9% (10/11), and pathological findings confirmed negative surgical margins for all patients. Moreover, pre-treatment peripheral lymphocyte count, monocyte count, and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) displayed a significant correlation with the treatment response. CONCLUSION Pembrolizumab plus cetuximab with chemotherapy for patients with HNSCC is a feasible and safe clinical protocol fulfilling organ preservation and life quality improvement. Pre-treatment peripheral immune estimators could help to screen patients who may respond to the neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuowei Yao
- Department of Otolaryngology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingshuo Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongquan Jiang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Dai
- Department of Otolaryngology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Silin Shen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Department of Pathology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Luying Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Minfei Qian
- Department of Otolaryngology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiping Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Wang Q, Yin X, Wang S, Lu H. Inflammatory markers as prognostic markers in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1429559. [PMID: 39132507 PMCID: PMC11310145 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1429559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Various inflammatory markers, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR), have been linked to the effectiveness of immunotherapy in multiple types of malignancies. We investigated how these inflammatory markers affect the prognosis of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) receiving immunotherapy. Methods The databases PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane were systematically searched up until March 26, 2024, to identify relevant literature. Hazard ratios (HR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were extracted from the eligible studies. Data analysis was conducted using Review Manager and STATA 17.0 software to assess the impact of each indicator on prognosis. Subgroup analysis was performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity in the data. Results The analysis included sixteen studies with 1316 patients. A higher baseline NLR was significantly associated with poorer overall survival (OS) (pooled HR: 1.55, 95%CI: 1.14-2.11, P=0.006) and progression-free survival (PFS) (pooled HR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.21-2.10, P<0.05). Furthermore, a high NLR after immunotherapy was strongly correlated with poor OS (pooled HR: 5.43, 95% CI: 3.63-8.12, P<0.01). Additionally, higher baseline C-reactive CAR was significantly associated with worse OS (pooled HR: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.96-3.40, P<0.01). Conclusion The inflammatory markers NLR and CAR serve as effective prognostic biomarkers for immunotherapy in patients with HNSCC. However, the practical application of clinical detection requires further validation through large-scale prospective studies to confirm these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiangzhi Yin
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shengxia Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Traditional Chinese Medicine, Laizhou People’s Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Haijun Lu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Xiong F, Zhou YW, Hao YT, Wei GX, Chen XR, Qiu M. Combining Anti-epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Therapy with Immunotherapy in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC). Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 18:185-192. [PMID: 37705376 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2023.2232718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Monoclonal antibodies binding the EGFR, such as cetuximab and panitumumab, have been extensively used as targeted therapy for the treatment of mCRC. However, in clinical practice, it has been found that these treatment options have some limitations and fail to fully exploit their immunoregulatory activities. Meanwhile, because of the limited effects of current treatments, immunotherapy is being widely studied for patients with mCRC. However, previous immunotherapy trials in mCRC patients have had unsatisfactory outcomes as monotherapy. Thus, combinatorial treatment strategies are being researched. AREAS COVERED The authors retrieved relevant documents of combination therapy for mCRC from PubMed and Medline. This review elaborates on the knowledge of immunomodulatory effects of anti-EGFR therapy alone and in combination with immunotherapy for mCRC. EXPERT OPINION Although current treatment options have improved median overall survival (OS) for advanced disease to 30 months, the prognosis remains challenging for those with metastatic disease. More recently, the combination of anti-EGFR therapy with immunotherapy has been shown activity with complementary mechanisms. Hence, anti-EGFR therapy in combination with immunotherapy may hold the key to improving the therapeutic effect of refractory mCRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Xiong
- Department of Colorectal Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu-Wen Zhou
- Department of Colorectal Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ya-Ting Hao
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Gui-Xia Wei
- Department of Colorectal Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao-Rong Chen
- Department of Colorectal Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Meng Qiu
- Department of Colorectal Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Ma M, Li L, Yang SH, Huang C, Zhuang W, Huang S, Xia X, Tang Y, Li Z, Zhao ZB, Chen Q, Qiao G, Lian ZX. Lymphatic endothelial cell-mediated accumulation of CD177 +Treg cells suppresses antitumor immunity in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Oncoimmunology 2024; 13:2327692. [PMID: 38516269 PMCID: PMC10956621 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2024.2327692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells are critical in shaping an immunosuppressive microenvironment to favor tumor progression and resistance to therapies. However, the heterogeneity and function of Treg cells in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain underexplored. We identified CD177 as a tumor-infiltrating Treg cell marker in ESCC. Interestingly, expression levels of CD177 and PD-1 were mutually exclusive in tumor Treg cells. CD177+ Treg cells expressed high levels of IL35, in association with CD8+ T cell exhaustion, whereas PD-1+ Treg cells expressed high levels of IL10. Pan-cancer analysis revealed that CD177+ Treg cells display increased clonal expansion compared to PD-1+ and double-negative (DN) Treg cells, and CD177+ and PD-1+ Treg cells develop from the same DN Treg cell origin. Importantly, we found CD177+ Treg cell infiltration to be associated with poor overall survival and poor response to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy plus chemotherapy in ESCC patients. Finally, we found that lymphatic endothelial cells are associated with CD177+ Treg cell accumulation in ESCC tumors, which are also decreased after anti-PD-1 immunotherapy plus chemotherapy. Our work identifies CD177+ Treg cell as a tumor-specific Treg cell subset and highlights their potential value as a prognostic marker of survival and response to immunotherapy and a therapeutic target in ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Ma
- Chronic Disease Laboratory, School of Medicine South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang Li
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shu-Han Yang
- Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuan Huang
- Chronic Disease Laboratory, School of Medicine South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weitao Zhuang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shujie Huang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Xia
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Tang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zijun Li
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Geriatrics, Concord Medical Center, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Bin Zhao
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingyun Chen
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guibin Qiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhe-Xiong Lian
- Chronic Disease Laboratory, School of Medicine South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Lee M, Im SK, Baek S, Ji M, Kim M, Lee EJ, Ji ST, Ferrando-Martinez S, Wolfarth A, Lee JY, Kim D, Choi D. rhIL-7-hyFc and hIL-2/TCB2c combination promotes an immune-stimulatory tumor microenvironment that improves antitumor efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e008001. [PMID: 38471713 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-008001] [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: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recombinant human interleukin (rhIL)-7-hyFc (efineptakin alfa; NT-I7) is a potent T-cell amplifier, with two IL-7 molecules fused to IgD/IgG4 elements. rhIL-7-hyFc promotes extensive infiltration of CD8+ T cells into the tumor, concurrently increasing the numbers of intratumoral PD-1+CD8+ T cells. The hIL-2/TCB2 complex (SLC-3010) inhibits tumor growth by preferential activation of CD122 (IL-2Rβ)high CD8+ T cells and natural killer cells, over regulatory T cells (Tregs). We investigated the underlying mechanisms of rhIL-7-hyFc and hIL-2/TCB2c antitumor activity and the potential synergistic efficacy, specifically focusing on tumor-specific CD8+ cells within the tumor and the tumor-draining lymph nodes (tdLN). METHODS MC38 and CT26 tumor-bearing mice were administered with 10 mg/kg rhIL-7-hyFc intramuscularly and 0.9 mg/kg hIL-2/TCB2c intravenously. Anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody was administered intraperitoneally three times at 3-day intervals at a dose of 5 mg/kg. Tumor volume was measured to assess efficacy. To compare the composition of immune cells between each monotherapy and the combination therapy, we analyzed tumors and tdLNs by flow cytometry. RESULTS Our data demonstrate that the combination of rhIL-7-hyFc and hIL-2/TCB2c increases efficacy and generates an immune-stimulatory tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME is characterized by an increased infiltration of tumor-specific CD8+ T cells, and a decreased frequency of CD39highTIM-3+ Treg cells. Most importantly, rhIL-7-hyFc increases infiltration of a CD62L+Ly108+ early progenitor population of exhausted CD8+ T cells (TPEX), which may retain long-term proliferation capacity and replenish functional effector CD8+ T cells. hIL-2/TCB2c induces differentiation of CD62L+Ly108+ TPEX rapidly into CD101+ terminally differentiated subsets (terminally exhausted T cell (TEX term)). Our study also demonstrates that rhIL-7-hyFc significantly enhances the proliferation rate of TPEX in the tdLNs, positively correlating with their abundance within the tumor. Moreover, rhIL-7-hyFc and hIL-2/TCB2c can overcome the limited therapeutic effectiveness of PD-1 blockade, culminating in the complete regression of tumors. CONCLUSIONS rhIL-7-hyFc can expand and maintain the progenitor pool of exhausted CD8+ T cells, whereas hIL-2/TCB2c promotes their differentiation into TEX term. Together, this induces an immune-stimulatory TME that improves the efficacy of checkpoint blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minji Lee
- Research Institute of NeoImmuneTech, Co., Ltd, Pohang, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Sun-Kyoung Im
- Research Institute of NeoImmuneTech, Co., Ltd, Pohang, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Seungtae Baek
- Research Institute of NeoImmuneTech, Co., Ltd, Pohang, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Mankyu Ji
- Research Institute of NeoImmuneTech, Co., Ltd, Pohang, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Miyoung Kim
- Research Institute of NeoImmuneTech, Co., Ltd, Pohang, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Eun Ju Lee
- Research Institute of NeoImmuneTech, Co., Ltd, Pohang, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Seung Taek Ji
- Research Institute of NeoImmuneTech, Co., Ltd, Pohang, Korea (the Republic of)
| | | | | | | | - Daeun Kim
- Selecxine, Pohang, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Donghoon Choi
- Research Institute of NeoImmuneTech, Co., Ltd, Pohang, Korea (the Republic of)
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Wang CW, Biswas PK, Islam A, Chen MK, Chueh PJ. The Use of Immune Regulation in Treating Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC). Cells 2024; 13:413. [PMID: 38474377 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising new treatment modality for head and neck cancer, offering the potential for targeted and effective cancer management. Squamous cell carcinomas pose significant challenges due to their aggressive nature and limited treatment options. Conventional therapies such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy often have limited success rates and can have significant side effects. Immunotherapy harnesses the power of the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells, and thus represents a novel approach with the potential to improve patient outcomes. In the management of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), important contributions are made by immunotherapies, including adaptive cell therapy (ACT) and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. In this review, we are focusing on the latter. Immune checkpoint inhibitors target proteins such as programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) to enhance the immune response against cancer cells. The CTLA-4 inhibitors, such as ipilimumab and tremelimumab, have been approved for early-stage clinical trials and have shown promising outcomes in terms of tumor regression and durable responses in patients with advanced HNSCC. Thus, immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy holds promise in overcoming the limitations of conventional therapies. However, further research is needed to optimize treatment regimens, identify predictive biomarkers, and overcome potential resistance mechanisms. With ongoing advancements in immunotherapy, the future holds great potential for transforming the landscape of oral tumor treatment and providing new hope for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che-Wei Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 50006, Taiwan
| | - Pulak Kumar Biswas
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Atikul Islam
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan
| | - Mu-Kuan Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 50006, Taiwan
| | - Pin Ju Chueh
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan
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Mestiri S, El-Ella DMA, Fernandes Q, Bedhiafi T, Almoghrabi S, Akbar S, Inchakalody V, Assami L, Anwar S, Uddin S, Gul ARZ, Al-Muftah M, Merhi M, Raza A, Dermime S. The dynamic role of immune checkpoint molecules in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of head and neck cancers. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116095. [PMID: 38183744 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116095] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the sixth most common cancer type, accounting for approximately 277,597 deaths worldwide. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) agents targeting programmed death-1 (PD-1) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) as a treatment regimen for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Studies have reported the role of immune checkpoint inhibitors as targeted therapeutic regimens that unleash the immune response against HNSCC tumors. However, the overall response rates to immunotherapy vary between 14-32% in recurrent or metastatic HNSCC, with clinical response and treatment success being unpredictable. Keeping this perspective in mind, it is imperative to understand the role of T cells, natural killer cells, and antigen-presenting cells in modulating the immune response to immunotherapy. In lieu of this, these immune molecules could serve as prognostic and predictive biomarkers to facilitate longitudinal monitoring and understanding of treatment dynamics. These immune biomarkers could pave the path for personalized monitoring and management of HNSCC. In this review, we aim to provide updated immunological insight on the mechanism of action, expression, and the clinical application of immune cells' stimulatory and inhibitory molecules as prognostic and predictive biomarkers in HNC. The review is focused mainly on CD27 and CD137 (members of the TNF-receptor superfamily), natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D), tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 4 (TNFRSF4 or OX40), S100 proteins, PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2, T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM-3), cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4), lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3), indoleamine-pyrrole 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA). It also highlights the importance of T, natural killer, and antigen-presenting cells as robust biomarker tools for understanding immune checkpoint inhibitor-based treatment dynamics. Though a comprehensive review, all aspects of the immune molecules could not be covered as they were beyond the scope of the review; Further review articles can cover other aspects to bridge the knowledge gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarra Mestiri
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Dina Moustafa Abo El-Ella
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Queenie Fernandes
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Takwa Bedhiafi
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Salam Almoghrabi
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shayista Akbar
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Varghese Inchakalody
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Laila Assami
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shaheena Anwar
- Department of Biosciences, Salim Habib University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute and Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Abdul Rehman Zar Gul
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mariam Al-Muftah
- Translational Cancer and Immunity Centre, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar; College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Maysaloun Merhi
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Afsheen Raza
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Science, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Said Dermime
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
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Santosh Nirmala S, Kayani K, Gliwiński M, Hu Y, Iwaszkiewicz-Grześ D, Piotrowska-Mieczkowska M, Sakowska J, Tomaszewicz M, Marín Morales JM, Lakshmi K, Marek-Trzonkowska NM, Trzonkowski P, Oo YH, Fuchs A. Beyond FOXP3: a 20-year journey unravelling human regulatory T-cell heterogeneity. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1321228. [PMID: 38283365 PMCID: PMC10811018 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1321228] [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: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The initial idea of a distinct group of T-cells responsible for suppressing immune responses was first postulated half a century ago. However, it is only in the last three decades that we have identified what we now term regulatory T-cells (Tregs), and subsequently elucidated and crystallized our understanding of them. Human Tregs have emerged as essential to immune tolerance and the prevention of autoimmune diseases and are typically contemporaneously characterized by their CD3+CD4+CD25high CD127lowFOXP3+ phenotype. It is important to note that FOXP3+ Tregs exhibit substantial diversity in their origin, phenotypic characteristics, and function. Identifying reliable markers is crucial to the accurate identification, quantification, and assessment of Tregs in health and disease, as well as the enrichment and expansion of viable cells for adoptive cell therapy. In our comprehensive review, we address the contributions of various markers identified in the last two decades since the master transcriptional factor FOXP3 was identified in establishing and enriching purity, lineage stability, tissue homing and suppressive proficiency in CD4+ Tregs. Additionally, our review delves into recent breakthroughs in innovative Treg-based therapies, underscoring the significance of distinct markers in their therapeutic utilization. Understanding Treg subsets holds the key to effectively harnessing human Tregs for immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kayani Kayani
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Academic Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Renal Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Mateusz Gliwiński
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Yueyuan Hu
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | | | - Justyna Sakowska
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Martyna Tomaszewicz
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | - Kavitha Lakshmi
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Piotr Trzonkowski
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Ye Htun Oo
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Birmingham Advanced Cellular Therapy Facility, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Rare Diseases, European Reference Network - Rare Liver Centre, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Anke Fuchs
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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10
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Kostecki KL, Iida M, Crossman BE, Salgia R, Harari PM, Bruce JY, Wheeler DL. Immune Escape Strategies in Head and Neck Cancer: Evade, Resist, Inhibit, Recruit. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:312. [PMID: 38254801 PMCID: PMC10814769 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancers (HNCs) arise from the mucosal lining of the aerodigestive tract and are often associated with alcohol use, tobacco use, and/or human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Over 600,000 new cases of HNC are diagnosed each year, making it the sixth most common cancer worldwide. Historically, treatments have included surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, and while these treatments are still the backbone of current therapy, several immunotherapies have recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in HNC. The role of the immune system in tumorigenesis and cancer progression has been explored since the early 20th century, eventually coalescing into the current three-phase model of cancer immunoediting. During each of the three phases-elimination, equilibrium, and escape-cancer cells develop and utilize multiple strategies to either reach or remain in the final phase, escape, at which point the tumor is able to grow and metastasize with little to no detrimental interference from the immune system. In this review, we summarize the many strategies used by HNC to escape the immune system, which include ways to evade immune detection, resist immune cell attacks, inhibit immune cell functions, and recruit pro-tumor immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kourtney L. Kostecki
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA; (K.L.K.); (M.I.); (B.E.C.)
| | - Mari Iida
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA; (K.L.K.); (M.I.); (B.E.C.)
| | - Bridget E. Crossman
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA; (K.L.K.); (M.I.); (B.E.C.)
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - Paul M. Harari
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA; (K.L.K.); (M.I.); (B.E.C.)
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
| | - Justine Y. Bruce
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Deric L. Wheeler
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA; (K.L.K.); (M.I.); (B.E.C.)
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
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11
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Lim J, Kurzrock R, Nishizaki D, Miyashita H, Adashek JJ, Lee S, Pabla S, Nesline M, Conroy JM, DePietro P, Lippman SM, Kato S. Pan-cancer analysis of TIM-3 transcriptomic expression reveals high levels in pancreatic cancer and interpatient heterogeneity. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e6844. [PMID: 38132831 PMCID: PMC10807558 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6844] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM-3), an immune checkpoint receptor, dampens immune function. TIM-3 antagonists have entered the clinic. METHODS We analyzed TIM-3 transcriptomic expression in 514 diverse cancers. Transcript abundance was normalized to internal housekeeping genes and ranked (0-100 percentile) to a reference population (735 tumors; 35 histologies [high≥75 percentile rank]). Ninety tumors (17.5%) demonstrated high TIM-3 expression. RESULTS TIM-3 expression varied between and within tumor types. However, high TIM-3 expression was more common in pancreatic cancer (20/55 tumors, 36.4%; odds ratio, 95% confidence interval (pancreatic vs. other tumors) = 3.176 (1.733-5.818; p < 0.001, multivariate]). High TIM-3 also significantly and independently correlated with high PD-L1 (p = 0.014) and high CTLA-4 (p < 0.001) transcriptomic expression (multivariate). CONCLUSIONS These observations indicate that TIM-3 RNA expression is heterogeneous, but more common in pancreatic cancer and in tumors exploiting PD-L1 and CTLA-4 checkpoints. Clinical trials with patient selection for matched immune-targeted combinations may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Razelle Kurzrock
- MCW Cancer CenterMilwaukeeWisconsinUSA
- WIN ConsortiumParisFrance
- University of NebraskaOmahaNebraskaUSA
| | - Daisuke Nishizaki
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, UC San Diego Moores Cancer CenterLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Hirotaka Miyashita
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Hematology and Medical OncologyLebanonNew HampshireUSA
| | - Jacob J. Adashek
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer CenterThe Johns Hopkins HospitalBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Suzanna Lee
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, UC San Diego Moores Cancer CenterLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | | | | | | | | | - Scott M. Lippman
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, UC San Diego Moores Cancer CenterLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Shumei Kato
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, UC San Diego Moores Cancer CenterLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
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12
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Spasevska I, Sharma A, Steen CB, Josefsson SE, Blaker YN, Kolstad A, Rustad EH, Meyer S, Isaksen K, Chellappa S, Kushekhar K, Beiske K, Førsund MS, Spetalen S, Holte H, Østenstad B, Brodtkorb M, Kimby E, Olweus J, Taskén K, Newman AM, Lorenz S, Smeland EB, Alizadeh AA, Huse K, Myklebust JH. Diversity of intratumoral regulatory T cells in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Blood Adv 2023; 7:7216-7230. [PMID: 37695745 PMCID: PMC10698546 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023010158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cells (Tregs) contribute to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Despite extensive studies, the prognostic impact of tumor-infiltrating Tregs in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (B-NHLs) remains unclear. Emerging studies suggest substantial heterogeneity in the phenotypes and suppressive capacities of Tregs, emphasizing the importance of understanding Treg diversity and the need for additional markers to identify highly suppressive Tregs. Here, we applied single-cell RNA sequencing and T-cell receptor sequencing combined with high-dimensional cytometry to decipher the heterogeneity of intratumoral Tregs in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma (FL), compared with that in nonmalignant tonsillar tissue. We identified 3 distinct transcriptional states of Tregs: resting, activated, and unconventional LAG3+FOXP3- Tregs. Activated Tregs were enriched in B-NHL tumors, coexpressed several checkpoint receptors, and had stronger immunosuppressive activity compared with resting Tregs. In FL, activated Tregs were found in closer proximity to CD4+ and CD8+ T cells than other cell types. Furthermore, we used a computational approach to develop unique gene signature matrices, which were used to enumerate each Treg subset in cohorts with bulk gene expression data. In 2 independent FL cohorts, activated Tregs was the major subset, and high abundance was associated with adverse outcome. This study demonstrates that Tregs infiltrating B-NHL tumors are transcriptionally and functionally diverse. Highly immunosuppressive activated Tregs were enriched in tumor tissue but absent in the peripheral blood. Our data suggest that a deeper understanding of Treg heterogeneity in B-NHL could open new paths for rational drug design, facilitating selective targeting to improve antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Spasevska
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen Centre for B-cell malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ankush Sharma
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen Centre for B-cell malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Chloé B. Steen
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen Centre for B-cell malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Sarah E. Josefsson
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen Centre for B-cell malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Yngvild N. Blaker
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen Centre for B-cell malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Arne Kolstad
- KG Jebsen Centre for B-cell malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
- Department of Oncology, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Lillehammer, Norway
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Even H. Rustad
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Saskia Meyer
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kathrine Isaksen
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen Centre for B-cell malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stalin Chellappa
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kushi Kushekhar
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen Centre for B-cell malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Klaus Beiske
- KG Jebsen Centre for B-cell malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mette S. Førsund
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Signe Spetalen
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Harald Holte
- KG Jebsen Centre for B-cell malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjørn Østenstad
- KG Jebsen Centre for B-cell malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marianne Brodtkorb
- KG Jebsen Centre for B-cell malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
- Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eva Kimby
- Department of Hematology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johanna Olweus
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Kjetil Taskén
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen Centre for B-cell malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Aaron M. Newman
- Division of Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
- Divisions of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Susanne Lorenz
- Department of Core Facilities, Geonomics Core Facility, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Erlend B. Smeland
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen Centre for B-cell malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ash A. Alizadeh
- Division of Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
- Divisions of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Kanutte Huse
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen Centre for B-cell malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - June H. Myklebust
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen Centre for B-cell malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Hu S, Duan H, Lu Y, Huang S. The genes regulating sensitivity of tumor cells to T cell-mediated killing: could they be potential personalized immunotherapeutic targets in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma? Discov Oncol 2023; 14:199. [PMID: 37926766 PMCID: PMC10625926 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00806-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the pivotal genes, specifically the STTK genes, that govern the sensitivity of tumor cells to T cell-mediated killing in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSC). METHODS The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in HNSC and STTK genes were overlapped to obtain the DE-STTK genes. Univariate and LASSO regression analyses were conducted to identify the pivotal DE-STTK genes that serve as hubs in HNSC (i.e., hub DE-STTK genes). The risk model was established to divide HNSC tumor samples into high- and low-risk groups based on the hub DE-STTK genes. Further investigations were carried out by examing the expression level, prognostic values, diagnostic values, enriched signaling pathways, correlation with tumor mutation burden (TMB), and association with tumor immune infiltration cells (TIICs). RESULTS A total of 71 genes were found to be overlapped between DEGs in HNSC and STTK genes. Lasso regression analysis identified 9 hub genes which were MYF6, AATF, AURKA, CXCL9, DPM2, MYO1B, NCBP2, TNFRSF12A, and TRAF1. The network analysis of hub DE-STTK genes-pathway reveals that these 9 hub genes exhibit enrichment in multiple signaling pathways, including toll-like receptor signaling, TNF signaling, NF-kappa B signaling, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, spliceosome, mRNA surveillance pathway, nucleocytoplasmic transport, GPI-anchor biosynthesis, as well as N-Glycan biosynthesis. The Pearson correlation analysis showed that the majority of correlations between 9 hub DE-STTK genes and immune cells were positive. CONCLUSION The 9 identified hub DE-STTK genes (MYF6, AATF, AURKA, CXCL9, DPM2, MYO1B, NCBP2, TNFRSF12A, and TRAF1) are presumptively implicated in the modulation of tumor immunity in HNSC. These genes, along with their enriched pathways, hold promise as potential personalized immunotherapeutic targets for the treatment of HNSC, thereby offering novel avenues for therapeutic intervention in this malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaonan Hu
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, 366 Jiangnan South Avenue, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Heng Duan
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, 366 Jiangnan South Avenue, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Yongtao Lu
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, 366 Jiangnan South Avenue, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China.
| | - Shaohong Huang
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, 366 Jiangnan South Avenue, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China.
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14
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Wei JH, Qiao YL, Xu S, Zou Y, Ni HF, Wu LZ, Tao ZZ, Jiao WE, Chen SM. Specific knockout of Notch2 in Treg cells significantly inhibits the growth and proliferation of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 123:110705. [PMID: 37523971 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of Notch2 gene knockout in Treg cells on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in mice. METHODS A mouse model of HNSCC was constructed. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence were used to examine the numbers of related immune cells and programmed cell death in tumor cells in the spleen and tumor microenvironment of mice. Western blotting was used to measure the expression of related proteins in tumor tissues. RESULTS The tumor volume of regulatory T (Treg) cell-specific Notch2-knockout mice (experimental group) was significantly smaller than that of control mice (control group) (P < 0.05). Compared with those in the control group, the number of Treg cells and the expression of Ki67 in Treg cells in the spleen and tumor tissue were significantly decreased in the experimental group, while the numbers of CD45+ hematopoietic cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, T helper 1 (Th1) cells, CD11b+ cells (macrophages), and CD11b+CD11c+ cells (dendritic cells) and the expression of Ki67 in CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells were significantly increased (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the number of Th2 cells between the two groups (P > 0.05). Immunofluorescence analysis showed that the numbers of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells in the tumor tissue in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with that in the control group, programmed cell death in the experimental group was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Moreover, the expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD in the tumor tissues of the experimental group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.01), while the expression levels of BCL2, Bax, ATG5, LC3 and p62 were not significantly different (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Specific knockout of the Notch2 gene in Treg cells significantly decreases the function of Treg cells, inhibits the growth of HNSCC and improves the immune microenvironment in mice, thus effectively treating HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Hua Wei
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jie-Fang Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, PR China
| | - Yue-Long Qiao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jie-Fang Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, PR China
| | - Shan Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jie-Fang Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, PR China
| | - You Zou
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jie-Fang Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, PR China
| | - Hai-Feng Ni
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, PR China
| | - Li-Zhi Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jie-Fang Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, PR China
| | - Ze-Zhang Tao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jie-Fang Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, PR China; Institute of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jie-Fang Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, PR China
| | - Wo-Er Jiao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jie-Fang Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, PR China.
| | - Shi-Ming Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jie-Fang Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, PR China; Institute of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jie-Fang Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, PR China.
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15
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Bloomer CH, Gavrila E, Burcher KM, Kalada JM, Chang MJ, Gebeyehu RR, Asare E, Khoury LM, Kinney R, Frizzell B, Sullivan CA, Bunch PM, Porosnicu M. Exceptional response to cetuximab monotherapy after failure of immunotherapy with a checkpoint inhibitor in a patient with metastatic head and neck squamous cell cancer: case report and review of the literature. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2023; 15:17588359231193722. [PMID: 37667781 PMCID: PMC10475238 DOI: 10.1177/17588359231193722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy with PD-1 inhibitors monotherapy or combined with chemotherapy comprises the first-line palliative treatment for patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell cancers (R/M HNSCC). The established survival advantage among responders is overshadowed by the high percentage of patients failing the standard PD-1 inhibitor-based treatments. Salvage therapies are direly needed. However, no current standards are available. We present the case of a 65-year-old patient with heavily pretreated laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma who had an exceptional response to cetuximab monotherapy following the failure of immunotherapy with the PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab. We reviewed the literature for other cases of exceptional response to cetuximab, clinical studies investigating the combined or sequential administration of cetuximab and PD-1 inhibitors, and the mechanistic rationale for consideration of cetuximab as a potential salvage treatment after immunotherapy with PD-1 inhibitors. In addition to the specific epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitory effect, cetuximab, as an immunoglobulin G1 isotype, binds NK cells and elicits antibody-dependent cellular toxicity, triggering a domino of immunostimulatory, and immunoinhibitory effects that actually might decrease the cetuximab anticancer efficacy. However, in a tumor microenvironment exposed to previous treatment with a PD-1 inhibitor, the effects of the PD-1 inhibitor followed by cetuximab on innate and adaptative immune response appear to synergize. Specifically, persistent immune checkpoint inhibitors' consequences may negate downstream immunosuppressive effects of cetuximab caused through PD-1/PD-L1 upregulation, making it a more potent treatment option. Besides the potential synergistic effect on antitumor immune response with previous immune checkpoint inhibitors therapy, cetuximab is the only targeted agent approved for treating R/M HNSCC, making it a most advantageous candidate for further treatment validation studies as salvage treatment post-immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chance H. Bloomer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Elena Gavrila
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Kimberly M. Burcher
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - John M. Kalada
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Mark J. Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Rediet R. Gebeyehu
- Section on Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Elsabeth Asare
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jefferson Methodist Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lara M. Khoury
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Rebecca Kinney
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Bart Frizzell
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Christopher A. Sullivan
- Department of Otolaryngology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Paul M. Bunch
- Department of Radiology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Mercedes Porosnicu
- Section on Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
- Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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16
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Muthupalani S, Annamalai D, Feng Y, Ganesan SM, Ge Z, Whary MT, Nakagawa H, Rustgi AK, Wang TC, Fox JG. IL-1β transgenic mouse model of inflammation driven esophageal and oral squamous cell carcinoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12732. [PMID: 37543673 PMCID: PMC10404242 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39907-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is integral to the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), although the latter has not been associated with reflux esophagitis. The L2-IL-1β transgenic mice, expressing human interleukin (IL)-1β in the oral, esophageal and forestomach squamous epithelia feature chronic inflammation and a stepwise development of Barrett's esophagus-like metaplasia, dysplasia and adenocarcinoma at the squamo-columnar junction. However, the functional consequences of IL-1β-mediated chronic inflammation in the oral and esophageal squamous epithelia remain elusive. We report for the first time that in addition to the previously described Barrett's esophagus-like metaplasia, the L2-IL-1β mice also develop squamous epithelial dysplasia with progression to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the esophagus and the tongue. L2-IL-1β showed age-dependent progression of squamous dysplasia to SCC with approximately 40% (n = 49) and 23.5% (n = 17) incidence rates for esophageal and tongue invasive SCC respectively, by 12-15 months of age. Interestingly, SCC development and progression in L2-IL-1β was similar in both Germ Free (GF) and Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) conditions. Immunohistochemistry revealed a T cell predominant inflammatory profile with enhanced expression of Ki67, Sox2 and the DNA double-strand break marker, γ-H2AX, in the dysplastic squamous epithelia of L2-IL-1β mice. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, immunomodulatory players, chemoattractants for inflammatory cells (T cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, and macrophages) and oxidative damage marker, iNOS, were significantly increased in the esophageal and tongue tissues of L2-IL-1β mice. Our recent findings have expanded the translational utility of the IL-1β mouse model to aid in further characterization of the key pathways of inflammation driven BE and EAC as well as ESCC and Oral SCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sureshkumar Muthupalani
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, 16-825C, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
- StageBio, 5930 Main St, Mount Jackson, VA, 22842, USA.
| | - Damodaran Annamalai
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, 16-825C, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Yan Feng
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, 16-825C, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Suresh M Ganesan
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, 16-825C, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Zhongming Ge
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, 16-825C, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Mark T Whary
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, 16-825C, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Hiroshi Nakagawa
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases and Herbert Irving Cancer Research Center, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Anil K Rustgi
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases and Herbert Irving Cancer Research Center, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Timothy C Wang
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases and Herbert Irving Cancer Research Center, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - James G Fox
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, 16-825C, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
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Liu L, Xie Y, Yang H, Lin A, Dong M, Wang H, Zhang C, Liu Z, Cheng Q, Zhang J, Yuan S, Luo P. HPVTIMER: A shiny web application for tumor immune estimation in human papillomavirus-associated cancers. IMETA 2023; 2:e130. [PMID: 38867938 PMCID: PMC10989930 DOI: 10.1002/imt2.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is closely associated with tumor formation, particularly linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV), and regulates tumor initiation, proliferation, infiltration, and metastasis. With the rise of immunotherapy, an increasing amount of sample data used for TIME exploration is available in databases. However, no currently available web tool enables a comprehensive exploration of the TIME of HPV-associated cancers by leveraging these data. We have developed a web tool called HPV-associated Tumor Immune MicroEnvironment ExploreR (HPVTIMER), which provides a comprehensive analysis platform that integrates over 10,000 genes and 2290 tumor samples from 65 transcriptome data sets across 8 cancer types sourced from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The tool features four built-in analysis modules, namely, the differential expression analysis module, correlation analysis module, immune infiltration analysis module, and pathway analysis module. These modules enable users to perform systematic and vertical analyses. We used several analytical modules in HPVTIMER to briefly explore the role of CDKN2A in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. We expect that HPVTIMER will help users explore the immune microenvironment of HPV-associated cancers and uncover potential immune regulatory mechanisms and immunotherapeutic targets. HPVTIMER is available at http://www.hpvtimer.com/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liying Liu
- Department of OncologyZhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- The First Clinical Medical SchoolSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Yanan Xie
- Department of OncologyZhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
- The Second Clinical Medicine SchoolSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Hong Yang
- Department of OncologyZhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Anqi Lin
- Department of OncologyZhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Minjun Dong
- Department of Surgical OncologySir Run Run Shaw Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang University, School of MedicineHang ZhouChina
| | - Haitao Wang
- Thoracic Surgery BranchCenter for Cancer Research, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Cangang Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and ImmunologyXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional RadiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of NeurosurgeryXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityHunanChina
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of OncologyZhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Shuofeng Yuan
- Department of Infectious Disease and MicrobiologyThe University of Hong Kong‐Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenChina
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Department of MicrobiologySchool of Clinical Medicine, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of OncologyZhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
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18
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Vallianou NG, Evangelopoulos A, Kounatidis D, Panagopoulos F, Geladari E, Karampela I, Stratigou T, Dalamaga M. Immunotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer: Where Do We Stand? Curr Oncol Rep 2023; 25:897-912. [PMID: 37213060 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-023-01425-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSEOF REVIEW Head and neck cancer (HNC) comprises a group of malignancies, amongst which squamous cell carcinoma accounts for more than 90% of the cases. HNC has been related to tobacco use, alcohol consumption, human papillomavirus, Epstein-Barr virus, air pollution, and previous local radiotherapy. HNC has been associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. This review aims to summarize the recent findings regarding immunotherapy in HNC. RECENT FINDINGS The recent introduction of immunotherapy, with the use of programmed death 1 (PD-1) inhibitors pembrolizumab and nivolumab, which have been FDA approved for the treatment of metastatic or recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, has changed the field in metastatic or recurrent disease. There are many ongoing trials regarding the use of novel immunotherapeutic agents, such as durvalumab, atezolizumab, avelumab, tremelimumab, and monalizumab. In this review, we focus on the therapeutic potential of novel immunotherapy treatment modalities, such as combinations of newer immune-checkpoint inhibitors; the use of tumor vaccines such as human papillomavirus-targeted vaccines; the potential use of oncolytic viruses; as well as the latest advances regarding adoptive cellular immunotherapy. As novel treatment options are still emerging, a more personalized approach to metastatic or recurrent HNC therapy should be followed. Moreover, the role of the microbiome in immunotherapy, the limitations of immunotherapy, and the various diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers based on genetics and the tumor microenvironment are synopsized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia G Vallianou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Evangelismos General Hospital, 45-47 Ipsilantou Str, 10676, Athens, Greece.
| | - Angelos Evangelopoulos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Evangelismos General Hospital, 45-47 Ipsilantou Str, 10676, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Kounatidis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Evangelismos General Hospital, 45-47 Ipsilantou Str, 10676, Athens, Greece
| | - Fotis Panagopoulos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Evangelismos General Hospital, 45-47 Ipsilantou Str, 10676, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Geladari
- Department of Internal Medicine, Evangelismos General Hospital, 45-47 Ipsilantou Str, 10676, Athens, Greece
| | - Irene Karampela
- 2Nd Department of Critical Care, Medical School, University of Athens, Attikon General University Hospital, 1 Rimini Street, 12462, Athens, Chaidari, Greece
| | - Theodora Stratigou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Evangelismos General Hospital, 45-47 Ipsilantou Str, 10676, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Dalamaga
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Str, 11527, Athens, Greece
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19
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Li X, Li D, Li J, Chen Y, Cai Z, Tan F. A Prognostic Model of Head and Neck Cancer Based on Amino Acid Metabolism-Related Signature and Its Implication for Immunosuppressive Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11753. [PMID: 37511510 PMCID: PMC10380987 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Amino acid metabolism has been implicated in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Alterations in intracellular and extracellular metabolites associated with metabolic reprogramming in cancer have profound effects on gene expression, cell differentiation, and tumor immune microenvironment. However, the prognostic significance of amino acid metabolism in head and neck cancer remains to be further investigated. In this study, we identified 98 differentially expressed genes related to amino acid metabolism in head and neck cancer in The Cancer Genome Atlas. Using batch univariate Cox regression and Lasso regression, we extracted nine amino acid metabolism-related genes. Based on that, we developed the amino acid metabolism index. The prognostic value of this index was validated in two Gene Expression Omnibus cohorts. The results show that this model can help predict tumor recurrence and prognosis. The infiltration of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment was analyzed, and it was discovered that the high index is associated with an immunosuppressive microenvironment. In addition, this study demonstrated the impact of the amino acid metabolism index on clinical indicators, survival of patients with head and neck cancer, and the prediction of treatment response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. We conducted several cell experiments and demonstrated that epigenetic drugs could affect the index and enhance tumor immunity. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that the index not only has important prognostic value in head and neck cancer patients but also facilitates patient stratification for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuran Li
- Department of ORL-HNS, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China
| | - Danni Li
- Department of ORL-HNS, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China
| | - Jiaojiao Li
- Department of ORL-HNS, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China
| | - Yiliang Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China
| | - Zhenyu Cai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China
| | - Fei Tan
- Department of ORL-HNS, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China
- The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland
- The Royal College of Surgeons of England, London WC2A 3PE, UK
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20
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Ibrahim R, Saleh K, Chahine C, Khoury R, Khalife N, Cesne AL. LAG-3 Inhibitors: Novel Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Changing the Landscape of Immunotherapy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1878. [PMID: 37509517 PMCID: PMC10377063 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most important steps forward in the management of cancer was the discovery of immunotherapy. It has become an essential pillar in the treatment paradigm of cancer patients. Unfortunately, despite the various options presented with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), the benefit is still limited to select patients and the vast majority of these patients gain either minimal benefit or eventually progress, leaving an unmet need for the development of novel therapeutic agents and strategies. Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), an immune checkpoint receptor protein, is a molecule found on the surface of activated T-cells. It plays a major role in negatively regulating T-cell function thereby providing tumors with an immune escape in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Given its importance in regulating the immune system, LAG-3 has been considered as a promising target in oncology and precision medicine. To date, two LAG-3-directed agents (eftilagimod alpha and relatlimab) have been approved in combination with programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors in the setting of advanced solid tumors. In this review, we discuss the structure of LAG-3, its mechanism of action, and its interaction with its ligands. We also shed light on the emerging treatments targeting LAG-3 for the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Ibrahim
- International Department, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Khalil Saleh
- International Department, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Claude Chahine
- International Department, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Rita Khoury
- International Department, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Nadine Khalife
- Department of head and neck Oncology, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Axel Le Cesne
- International Department, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, 94800 Villejuif, France
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21
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Dayao MT, Trevino A, Kim H, Ruffalo M, D’Angio HB, Preska R, Duvvuri U, Mayer AT, Bar-Joseph Z. Deriving spatial features from in situ proteomics imaging to enhance cancer survival analysis. Bioinformatics 2023; 39:i140-i148. [PMID: 37387167 PMCID: PMC10311350 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btad245] [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] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Spatial proteomics data have been used to map cell states and improve our understanding of tissue organization. More recently, these methods have been extended to study the impact of such organization on disease progression and patient survival. However, to date, the majority of supervised learning methods utilizing these data types did not take full advantage of the spatial information, impacting their performance and utilization. RESULTS Taking inspiration from ecology and epidemiology, we developed novel spatial feature extraction methods for use with spatial proteomics data. We used these features to learn prediction models for cancer patient survival. As we show, using the spatial features led to consistent improvement over prior methods that used the spatial proteomics data for the same task. In addition, feature importance analysis revealed new insights about the cell interactions that contribute to patient survival. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION The code for this work can be found at gitlab.com/enable-medicine-public/spatsurv.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica T Dayao
- Joint Carnegie Mellon University—University of Pittsburgh Ph.D. Program in Computational Biology, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
- Computational Biology Department, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | | | - Honesty Kim
- Enable Medicine, Menlo Park, CA 94025, United States
| | - Matthew Ruffalo
- Computational Biology Department, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | | | - Ryan Preska
- Enable Medicine, Menlo Park, CA 94025, United States
| | - Umamaheswar Duvvuri
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Aaron T Mayer
- Enable Medicine, Menlo Park, CA 94025, United States
| | - Ziv Bar-Joseph
- Computational Biology Department, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
- Machine Learning Department, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
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22
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Gulati S, Crist M, Riaz MK, Takiar V, Lehn M, Monroe I, Palackdharry S, Kurtzweil N, Jandarov R, Harun N, Wise-Draper TM. Durvalumab plus Cetuximab in Patients with Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Open-label, Nonrandomized, Phase II Clinical Trial. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:1906-1915. [PMID: 36802410 PMCID: PMC10192200 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-3886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The efficacy of cetuximab is poor in metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Cetuximab initiates natural killer (NK) cell-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, with resultant recruitment of immune cells and suppression of antitumor immunity. We hypothesized that adding an immune-checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) could overcome this and lead to an enhanced antitumor response. PATIENTS AND METHODS A phase II study of cetuximab and durvalumab in metastatic HNSCC was conducted. Eligible patients had measurable disease. Patients who had received both cetuximab and an ICI were excluded. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) by RECIST 1.1 at 6 months. RESULTS As of April 2022, 35 patients enrolled, of whom 33 received at least 1 dose of durvalumab and were included in the response analysis. Eleven patients (33%) had received prior platinum-based chemotherapy, 10 an ICI (30%), and 1 patient (3%) cetuximab. ORR was 39% (13/33) with a median duration of response of 8.6 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 6.5-16.8]. Median progression-free and overall survivals were 5.8 months (95% CI: 3.7-14.1) and 9.6 months (95% CI: 4.8-16.3), respectively. There were 16 grade 3 treatment-related adverse events (TRAE) and one grade 4 TRAE, with no treatment-related deaths. Overall and progression-free survival did not correlate with PD-L1 status. NK cell cytotoxic activity was increased by cetuximab and further increased with the addition of durvalumab in responders. CONCLUSIONS The combination of cetuximab and durvalumab demonstrated durable activity with a tolerable safety profile in metastatic HNSCC and warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuchi Gulati
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA
| | - McKenzie Crist
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Muhammed Kashif Riaz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Vinita Takiar
- Division of Radiation Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, OH
- Cincinnati VA Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Maria Lehn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Ilaina Monroe
- University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Sarah Palackdharry
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
| | | | - Roman Jandarov
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Nusrat Harun
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Trisha M Wise-Draper
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
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23
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Pan L, Han J, Lin M. Targeting breast cancer stem cells directly to treat refractory breast cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:981247. [PMID: 37251931 PMCID: PMC10213424 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.981247] [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: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
For patients with refractory breast cancer (BC), integrative immunotherapies are emerging as a critical component of treatment. However, many patients remain unresponsive to treatment or relapse after a period. Different cells and mediators in the tumor microenvironment (TME) play important roles in the progression of BC, and cancer stem cells (CSCs) are deemed the main cause of relapse. Their characteristics depend on their interactions with their microenvironment as well as on the inducing factors and elements in this environment. Strategies to modulate the immune system in the TME of BC that are aimed at reversing the suppressive networks within it and eradicating residual CSCs are, thus, essential for improving the current therapeutic efficacy of BC. This review focuses on the development of immunoresistance in BCs and discusses the strategies that can modulate the immune system and target breast CSCs directly to treat BC including immunotherapy with immune checkpoint blockades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Pan
- Wuhan Center for Clinical Laboratory, Wuhan, China
| | - Juan Han
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ming Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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24
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Zheng S, Feng Y, Li C, Zhang J, Xie K. Induction Therapy for Locally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Oncol Ther 2023:10.1007/s40487-023-00226-7. [PMID: 36943658 DOI: 10.1007/s40487-023-00226-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The optimal approach to locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LAHNSCC) treatment remains controversial. For non-resectable LAHNSCC, the clinical interest of induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) or radiotherapy has been questioned. With the approval of immunotherapy and targeted therapy for this disease, treatment options have become more complex. Although new trial data have appeared every year, the results are still inconclusive. In this review, we provide readers with information on new strategies for LAHNSCC induction therapy, which will facilitate evidence-based decision making in LAHNSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuwen Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, 32 West 2nd Section, First Ring Road, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yumei Feng
- Department of Oncology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, 32 West 2nd Section, First Ring Road, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Chan Li
- Department of Oncology, Peoples Hospital of Xinjin, Chengdu, 611430, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, 32 West 2nd Section, First Ring Road, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ke Xie
- Department of Oncology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, 32 West 2nd Section, First Ring Road, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China.
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25
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Summers SE, Salih V, Foey AD. ErbB- and MUC1-targetted CAR-T cell immunotherapy of oral squamous cell carcinoma. FRONTIERS IN DENTAL MEDICINE 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fdmed.2023.1116402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy has shown great success in treating B cell malignancies however, there are many challenges which limit their therapeutic efficacy in solid tumours. Immunotherapy of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and in particular, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), presents a unique set of challenges including lack of consistently expressed tumour associated antigens (TAAs) and the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment (TME). Currently, there are few clinical trials investigating the use of CAR-T cells in HNSCC/OSCC however results from trials investigating similar solid tumours, such as breast cancer, can be adopted to help evaluate the use of CAR-T in this cancer. In this review, the process of CAR-T cell engineering, and different generations of these cells will be summarised, highlighting their potential use in treating HNSCC through targeting ErbB and MUC1; TAAs highly expressed by this solid tumour. Potential strategies including combination therapy, utilising both TAA-targeting CAR-Ts and immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as PD-L1, has been discussed, in an attempt to develop synergistic anti-tumour responses. In addition to this, the use of dual-targeting CAR-T cells, synthetic NOTCH (synNOTCH) receptors and alternative non-tumour targets of the TME have been reviewed. Such combination therapies have been shown to help limit solid tumour progression and enhance both the safety and efficacy of CAR-T cell immunotherapy, which may be adopted for the treatment and management of OSCC.
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26
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Chi H, Yang J, Peng G, Zhang J, Song G, Xie X, Xia Z, Liu J, Tian G. Circadian rhythm-related genes index: A predictor for HNSCC prognosis, immunotherapy efficacy, and chemosensitivity. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1091218. [PMID: 36969232 PMCID: PMC10036372 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1091218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundHead and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common head and neck cancer and is highly aggressive and heterogeneous, leading to variable prognosis and immunotherapy outcomes. Circadian rhythm alterations in tumourigenesis are of equal importance to genetic factors and several biologic clock genes are considered to be prognostic biomarkers for various cancers. The aim of this study was to establish reliable markers based on biologic clock genes, thus providing a new perspective for assessing immunotherapy response and prognosis in patients with HNSCC.MethodsWe used 502 HNSCC samples and 44 normal samples from the TCGA-HNSCC dataset as the training set. 97 samples from GSE41613 were used as an external validation set. Prognostic characteristics of circadian rhythm-related genes (CRRGs) were established by Lasso, random forest and stepwise multifactorial Cox. Multivariate analysis revealed that CRRGs characteristics were independent predictors of HNSCC, with patients in the high-risk group having a worse prognosis than those in the low-risk group. The relevance of CRRGs to the immune microenvironment and immunotherapy was assessed by an integrated algorithm.Results6-CRRGs were considered to be strongly associated with HNSCC prognosis and a good predictor of HNSCC. The riskscore established by the 6-CRRG was found to be an independent prognostic factor for HNSCC in multifactorial analysis, with patients in the low-risk group having a higher overall survival (OS) than the high-risk group. Nomogram prediction maps constructed from clinical characteristics and riskscore had good prognostic power. Patients in the low-risk group had higher levels of immune infiltration and immune checkpoint expression and were more likely to benefit from immunotherapy.Conclusion6-CRRGs play a key predictive role for the prognosis of HNSCC patients and can guide physicians in selecting potential responders to prioritise immunotherapy, which could facilitate further research in precision immuno-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chi
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jinyan Yang
- School of Stomatology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Gaoge Peng
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jinhao Zhang
- School of Stomatology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Guobin Song
- School of Stomatology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xixi Xie
- School of Stomatology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Zhijia Xia
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
- *Correspondence: Zhijia Xia, ; Jinhui Liu, ; Gang Tian,
| | - Jinhui Liu
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Zhijia Xia, ; Jinhui Liu, ; Gang Tian,
| | - Gang Tian
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zhijia Xia, ; Jinhui Liu, ; Gang Tian,
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27
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Ruffin AT, Li H, Vujanovic L, Zandberg DP, Ferris RL, Bruno TC. Improving head and neck cancer therapies by immunomodulation of the tumour microenvironment. Nat Rev Cancer 2023; 23:173-188. [PMID: 36456755 PMCID: PMC9992112 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-022-00531-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Targeted immunotherapy has improved patient survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), but less than 20% of patients produce a durable response to these treatments. Thus, new immunotherapies that consider all key players of the complex HNSCC tumour microenvironment (TME) are necessary to further enhance tumour-specific T cell responses in patients. HNSCC is an ideal tumour type in which to evaluate immune and non-immune cell differences because of two distinct TME aetiologies (human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and HPV-negative disease), multiple anatomic sites for tumour growth, and clear distinctions between patients with locally advanced disease and those with recurrent and/or metastatic disease. Recent technological and scientific advancements have provided a more complete picture of all cellular constituents within this complex TME and have evaluated the interplay of both immune and non-immune cells within HNSCC. Here, we include a comprehensive analysis of the complete ecosystem of the HNSCC TME, performed utilizing data-rich resources such as The Cancer Genome Atlas, and cutting-edge techniques, such as single-cell RNA sequencing, high-dimensional flow cytometry and spatial multispectral imaging, to generate improved treatment strategies for this diverse disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayana T Ruffin
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Graduate Program of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Housaiyin Li
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology (MGDB) Graduate Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lazar Vujanovic
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Dan P Zandberg
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Robert L Ferris
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Tullia C Bruno
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Tumor immunology. Clin Immunol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-818006-8.00003-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Khadela A, Shah Y, Mistry P, Mansuri M, Sureja D, Bodiwala K. A review of efficacy and safety of cetuximab and bevacizumab-based monoclonal antibodies in head and neck cancer. MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (NORTHWOOD, LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 40:66. [PMID: 36583766 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01939-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
A combination of monoclonal antibodies prescribed along with the conventional standard of care has a potential to provide significant improvement in patients suffering from head and neck cancer. This combination has also shown a significant decrease in toxicities and improved overall quality of life. Cetuximab acts by inhibiting the human epidermal growth factors as its overexpression in head and neck tumours that are responsible for treatment failure, resistance, and metastasis. Whereas, bevacizumab acts by inhibiting the vascular endothelial growth factor since its overexpression leads to induction of tumour angiogenesis. Current research has not shown any remarkable beneficial effect in disease outcomes. Thus, the addition of these monoclonal antibodies to the standard regimen for head and neck cancer can be considered a prospect that might be beneficial. Cetuximab has already been included as an option under special recommendations in recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer by NCCN in a platinum-based regimen as well as in combination with radiation therapy. This review outlines the applicability of cetuximab and bevacizumab in the treatment of head and neck cancer as well as the clinical trials performed that give an idea about the efficacy and safety of these monoclonal antibodies. Based upon the literature reviewed, it can be deduced that immunotherapy is to be adopted and different targets are to be explored in it in order to combat head and neck cancer. Currently, immunotherapeutic drugs of two major targets have been discussed. These agents are even effective in combination with other therapeutic modalities that are not being able to achieve desirable outcomes due to issues such as resistance and toxicities. Thus, newer targets as well as newer agents acting on established targets are to be explored in order to improve disease outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash Khadela
- Department of Pharmacology, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India.
| | - Yesha Shah
- Pharm.D Section, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India
| | - Priya Mistry
- Pharm.D Section, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India
| | - Mustakim Mansuri
- Department of Pharmacology, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India
| | - Dipen Sureja
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India
| | - Kunjan Bodiwala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Quality Assurance, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India
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Damasio MPS, Nascimento CS, Andrade LM, de Oliveira VL, Calzavara-Silva CE. The role of T-cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: From immunity to immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1021609. [PMID: 36338731 PMCID: PMC9632296 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1021609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) encompass a group of complex entities of tumours affecting the aerodigestive upper tract. The main risk factors are strongly related to tobacco and alcohol consumption, but also HPV infection is often associated. Surgery, radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy are the standard treatments, though the 5-year overall survival is less than 50%. The advances in genomics, molecular medicine, immunology, and nanotechnology have shed a light on tumour biology which helps clinical researchers to obtain more efficacious and less toxic therapies. Head and neck tumours possess different immune escape mechanisms including diminishing the immune response through modulating immune checkpoints, in addition to the recruitment and differentiation of suppressive immune cells. The insights into the HNSCC biology and its strong interaction with the tumour microenvironment highlights the role of immunomodulating agents. Recently, the knowledge of the immunological features of these tumours has paved the way for the discovery of effective biomarkers that allow a better selection of patients with odds of improving overall survival through immunotherapy. Specially biomarkers regarding immune checkpoint inhibitors antibodies, such as anti-PD-1/PD-L1 and anti-CTLA-4 in combination with standard therapy or as monotherapy. New immunotherapies to treat head and neck cancer carcinomas, such as CAR T cells and nanoparticles have been the center of attention and in this review, we discuss the necessity of finding targets for the T cell in the cancer cells to generate CAR T cells, but also the relevance of evaluating specificity and safety of those therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Paulo S. Damasio
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Camila Sales Nascimento
- Grupo de pesquisa em Imunologia Celular e Molecular, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Rene Rachou, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Lidia M. Andrade
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Departamento de Física, Nanobiomedical Research Group, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Vivian L. de Oliveira
- Universidade Federal do ABC, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratório de Imunologia, LIM19, Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo Calzavara-Silva
- Grupo de pesquisa em Imunologia Celular e Molecular, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Rene Rachou, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Jumaniyazova E, Lokhonina A, Dzhalilova D, Kosyreva A, Fatkhudinov T. Immune Cells in Head-and-Neck Tumor Microenvironments. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12091521. [PMID: 36143308 PMCID: PMC9506052 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12091521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Head-and-neck cancers constitute a heterogeneous group of aggressive tumors with high incidence and low survival rates, collectively being the sixth most prevalent cancer type globally. About 90% of head-and-neck cancers are classified as squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). The innate and adaptive immune systems, indispensable for anti-cancer immune surveillance, largely define the rates of HNSCC emergence and progression. HNSCC microenvironments harbor multiple cell types that infiltrate the tumors and interact both with tumor cells and among themselves. Gradually, tumor cells learn to manipulate the immune system, either by adapting their own immunogenicity or through the release of immunosuppressive molecules. These interactions continuously evolve and shape the tumor microenvironment, both structurally and functionally, facilitating angiogenesis, proliferation and metastasis. Our understanding of this evolution is directly related to success in the development of advanced therapies. This review focuses on the key mechanisms that rule HNSCC infiltration, featuring particular immune cell types and their roles in the pathogenesis. A close focus on the tumor-immunity interactions will help identify new immunotherapeutic targets in patients with HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enar Jumaniyazova
- Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-9254258360
| | - Anastasiya Lokhonina
- Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 4 Oparina Street, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dzhuliia Dzhalilova
- Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 3 Tsyurupy Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Kosyreva
- Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 3 Tsyurupy Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
| | - Timur Fatkhudinov
- Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 3 Tsyurupy Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
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Liu Z, Liu X, Shen H, Xu X, Zhao X, Fu R. Adenosinergic axis and immune checkpoint combination therapy in tumor: A new perspective for immunotherapy strategy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:978377. [PMID: 36159861 PMCID: PMC9493240 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.978377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
There are two figures and one table in this review, the review consists of 5823 words, without the description of figures and table, but including references. Tumor cells escape anti-tumor immune responses in various ways, including functionally shaping the microenvironment through the secretion of various chemokines and, cytokines. Adenosine is a powerful immunosuppressive metabolite, that is frequently elevated in the extracellular tumor microenvironment (TME). Thus, it has recently been proposed as a novel antitumor immunoassay for targeting adenosine- generating enzymes, such as CD39, CD73, and adenosine receptors. In recent years, the discovery of the immune checkpoints, such as programmed cell death 1(PD-1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4), has also greatly changed treatment methods and ideas for malignant tumors. Malignant tumor immunotherapy has been developed from point-to-point therapy targeting immune checkpoints, combining different points of different pathways to create a therapy based on the macroscopic immune regulatory system network. This article reviews the theoretical basis of the adenosine energy axis and immune checkpoint combined therapy for malignant tumors and the latest advances in malignant tumors.
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Sauer N, Szlasa W, Jonderko L, Oślizło M, Kunachowicz D, Kulbacka J, Karłowicz-Bodalska K. LAG-3 as a Potent Target for Novel Anticancer Therapies of a Wide Range of Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:9958. [PMID: 36077354 PMCID: PMC9456311 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
LAG-3 (Lymphocyte activation gene 3) protein is a checkpoint receptor that interacts with LSEC-tin, Galectin-3 and FGL1. This interaction leads to reduced production of IL-2 and IFN-γ. LAG-3 is widely expressed in different tumor types and modulates the tumor microenvironment through immunosuppressive effects. Differential expression in various tumor types influences patient prognosis, which is often associated with coexpression with immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as TIM-3, PD-1 and CTLA-4. Here, we discuss expression profiles in different tumor types. To date, many clinical trials have been conducted using LAG-3 inhibitors, which can be divided into anti-LAG-3 monoclonal antibodies, anti-LAG-3 bispecifics and soluble LAG-3-Ig fusion proteins. LAG-3 inhibitors supress T-cell proliferation and activation by disallowing for the interaction between LAG-3 to MHC-II. The process enhances anti-tumor immune response. In this paper, we will review the current state of knowledge on the structure, function and expression of LAG-3 in various types of cancer, as well as its correlation with overall prognosis, involvement in cell-based therapies and experimental medicine. We will consider the role of compounds targeting LAG-3 in clinical trials both as monotherapy and in combination, which will provide data relating to the efficacy and safety of proposed drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Sauer
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Szlasa
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Laura Jonderko
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Julita Kulbacka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
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Yu C, Li Q, Zhang Y, Wen ZF, Dong H, Mou Y. Current status and perspective of tumor immunotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:941750. [PMID: 36092724 PMCID: PMC9458968 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.941750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have a high incidence and mortality rate, and investigating the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic strategies of HNSCC is required for further progress. Immunotherapy is a considerable therapeutic strategy for HNSCC due to its potential to produce a broad and long-lasting antitumor response. However, immune escape, which involves mechanisms including dyregulation of cytokines, perturbation of immune checkpoints, and recruitment of inhibitory cell populations, limit the efficacy of immunotherapy. Currently, multiple immunotherapy strategies for HNSCC have been exploited, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, costimulatory agonists, antigenic vaccines, oncolytic virus therapy, adoptive T cell transfer (ACT), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapy. Each of these strategies has unique advantages, and the appropriate application of these immunotherapies in HNSCC treatment has significant value for patients. Therefore, this review comprehensively summarizes the mechanisms of immune escape and the characteristics of different immunotherapy strategies in HNSCC to provide a foundation and consideration for the clinical treatment of HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenhang Yu
- Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhi-Fa Wen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Heng Dong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yongbin Mou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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The Regulatory-T-Cell Memory Phenotype: What We Know. Cells 2022; 11:cells11101687. [PMID: 35626725 PMCID: PMC9139615 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In immunology, the discovery of regulatory T (Treg) cells was a major breakthrough. Treg cells play a key role in pregnancy maintenance, in the prevention of autoimmune responses, and in the control of all immune responses, including responses to self cells, cancer, infection, and a transplant. It is currently unclear whether Treg cells are capable of long-term memory of an encounter with an antigen. Although the term “immunological memory” usually means an enhanced ability to protect the body from reinfection, the memory of the suppressive activity of Treg cells helps to avoid the state of generalized immunosuppression that may result from the second activation of the immune system. In this review, we would like to discuss the concept of regulatory memory and in which tissues memory Treg cells can perform their functions.
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Callejas-Valera JL, Vermeer DW, Lucido CT, Williamson C, Killian M, Vermeer PD, Spanos WC, Powell SF. Characterization of the Immune Response to PD-1 Blockade during Chemoradiotherapy for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2499. [PMID: 35626103 PMCID: PMC9139476 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102499] [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: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemoradiotherapy is a standard treatment for HNSCC. Blockade of the PD-1/L1-2 interaction may represent a target to overcome immune escape during this treatment. METHODS Utilizing a HNSCC mEERL C57BL/6 mouse model, we evaluated a PD-1 blockade alone or in combination with cisplatin-based chemoradiotherapy. Next, we evaluated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with relative PD-1, TIM-3, and LAG-3 expression, and myeloid-derived suppressor-like (MDSC-like) populations from a clinical trial evaluating PD-1 blockade with chemoradiotherapy in HNSCC. Finally, we analyzed the effect of therapy on human T-cell clonality through T-cell Receptor (TCR) sequencing. RESULTS Anti-PD-1 monotherapy induced no response in the mEERL model; however, combination with chemoradiotherapy improved tumor clearance and survival. PBMCs from patients treated with this combination therapy demonstrate a decline in circulating T-cell populations with knockdown of PD-1 expressing CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ T cells during treatment. However, TIM-3, LAG-3 expressing T-cell and MDSC-like populations concordantly rose. During treatment, the TCR repertoire demonstrates overall clonal expansion, with both unique and previously reported T-cell clones. CONCLUSIONS Our murine HNSCC model demonstrates efficacy of PD-1 blockade during chemoradiotherapy. However, while PD-1-expressing T cells decreased with this therapy, human PBMC findings also identified an increase in populations contributing to immune exhaustion. These findings further characterize PD-1 blockade during chemoradiotherapy for HNSCC and highlight potential competing mechanisms of immune evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan L. Callejas-Valera
- Sanford Research, 2301 East 60th Street North, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA; (J.L.C.-V.); (D.W.V.); (C.W.); (M.K.); (P.D.V.); (W.C.S.)
| | - Daniel W. Vermeer
- Sanford Research, 2301 East 60th Street North, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA; (J.L.C.-V.); (D.W.V.); (C.W.); (M.K.); (P.D.V.); (W.C.S.)
| | - Christopher T. Lucido
- Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, 1400 W 22nd Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57105, USA;
| | - Caitlin Williamson
- Sanford Research, 2301 East 60th Street North, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA; (J.L.C.-V.); (D.W.V.); (C.W.); (M.K.); (P.D.V.); (W.C.S.)
| | - Marisela Killian
- Sanford Research, 2301 East 60th Street North, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA; (J.L.C.-V.); (D.W.V.); (C.W.); (M.K.); (P.D.V.); (W.C.S.)
| | - Paola D. Vermeer
- Sanford Research, 2301 East 60th Street North, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA; (J.L.C.-V.); (D.W.V.); (C.W.); (M.K.); (P.D.V.); (W.C.S.)
| | - William C. Spanos
- Sanford Research, 2301 East 60th Street North, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA; (J.L.C.-V.); (D.W.V.); (C.W.); (M.K.); (P.D.V.); (W.C.S.)
- Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, 1400 W 22nd Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57105, USA;
| | - Steven F. Powell
- Sanford Research, 2301 East 60th Street North, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA; (J.L.C.-V.); (D.W.V.); (C.W.); (M.K.); (P.D.V.); (W.C.S.)
- Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, 1400 W 22nd Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57105, USA;
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Núñez-Ruiz A, Sánchez-Brena F, López-Pacheco C, Acevedo-Domínguez NA, Soldevila G. Obesity modulates the immune macroenvironment associated with breast cancer development. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266827. [PMID: 35472214 PMCID: PMC9041840 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266827] [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: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence demonstrates a strong correlation between obesity and an increased risk of breast cancer, although the mechanisms involved have not been completely elucidated. Some reports have described a crosstalk between adipocytes, cancer cells, and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment, however, it is currently unknown whether obesity can promote tumor growth by inducing systemic alterations of the immune cell homeostasis in peripheral lymphoid organs and adipose tissue. Here, we used the E0771 breast cancer cell line in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity to analyze the immune subpopulations present in the tumors, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and spleen of lean and obese mice. Our results showed a significant reduction in the frequency of infiltrating CD8+ T cells and a decreased M1/M2 macrophage ratio, indicative of the compromised anti-tumoral immune response reported in obesity. Despite not finding differences in the percentage or numbers of intratumoral Tregs, phenotypic analysis showed that they were enriched in CD39+, PD-1+ and CCR8+ cells, compared to the draining lymph nodes, confirming the highly immunosuppressive profile of infiltrating Tregs reported in established tumors. Analysis of peripheral T lymphocytes showed that tumor development in obese mice was associated to a significant increase in the percentage of peripheral Tregs, which supports the systemic immunosuppressive effect caused by the tumor. Interestingly, evaluation of immune subpopulations in the VAT showed that the characteristic increase in the M1/M2 macrophage ratio reported in obesity, was completely reversed in tumor-bearing mice, resembling the M2-polarized profile found in the microenvironment of the growing tumor. Importantly, VAT Tregs, which are commonly decreased in obese mice, were significantly increased in the presence of breast tumors and displayed significantly higher levels of Foxp3, indicating a regulatory feedback mechanism triggered by tumor growth. Altogether, our results identify a complex reciprocal relationship between adipocytes, immune cells, and the tumor, which may modulate the immune macroenvironment that promotes breast cancer development in obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleida Núñez-Ruiz
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, México City, México
| | - Flor Sánchez-Brena
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, México City, México
| | - Cynthia López-Pacheco
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, México City, México
- Laboratorio Nacional de Citometría de Flujo, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, México City, México
| | | | - Gloria Soldevila
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, México City, México
- * E-mail:
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Le Naour J, Sztupinszki Z, Carbonnier V, Casiraghi O, Marty V, Galluzzi L, Szallasi Z, Kroemer G, Vacchelli E. A loss-of-function polymorphism in ATG16L1 compromises therapeutic outcome in head and neck carcinoma patients. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2059878. [PMID: 35481288 PMCID: PMC9037530 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2059878] [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] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The anticancer immune response is shaped by immunogenic cell stress and death pathways. Thus, cancer cells can release danger-associated molecular patterns that act on pattern recognition receptors expressed by dendritic cells and their precursors to elicit an antitumor immune response. Here, we investigated the impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes affecting this cancer-immunity dialogue in the context of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We observed that homozygosity for a loss-of-function SNP (rs2241880, leading to the substitution of a threonine residue in position 300 by an alanine) affecting autophagy related 16 like 1 (ATG16L1) is coupled to poor progression-free survival in platinum-treated HNSCC patients. This result was obtained on a cohort of patients enrolled at the Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus and was validated on an independent cohort of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Homozygosity in rs2241880 is well known to predispose to Crohn’s disease, and epidemiological associations between Crohn’s disease and HNSCC have been reported at the levels of cancer incidence and prognosis. We speculate that rs2241880 might be partially responsible for this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Le Naour
- Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, INSERM U1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
- Université Paris Sud, Paris Saclay, Faculty of Medicine Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Zsofia Sztupinszki
- Computational Health Informatics Program (CHIP), Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Vincent Carbonnier
- Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, INSERM U1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
- Université Paris Sud, Paris Saclay, Faculty of Medicine Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Odile Casiraghi
- Department of Head and Neck Surgical and Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Paris-Saclay University, Villejuif, France
| | - Virginie Marty
- Experimental and Translational Pathology Platform (PETRA), AMMICa Inserm US23/UMS CNRS3655, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
| | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zoltan Szallasi
- Computational Health Informatics Program (CHIP), Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, INSERM U1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
- Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEMAP-HP, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Pôle de Biologie, Paris, France
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
| | - Erika Vacchelli
- Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, INSERM U1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
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Ferris RL, Moskovitz J, Kunning S, Ruffin AT, Reeder C, Ohr J, Gooding WE, Kim S, Karlovits BJ, Vignali DAA, Duvvuri U, Johnson JT, Petro D, Heron DE, Clump DA, Bruno TC, Bauman JE. Phase I Trial of Cetuximab, Radiotherapy, and Ipilimumab in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:1335-1344. [PMID: 35091445 PMCID: PMC9164766 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-0426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Concurrent radiotherapy with cetuximab, an anti-EGFR mAb, is a standard treatment for locally advanced head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSCC). Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4-positive (CTLA-4+) regulatory T cells (Treg) dampen cellular immunity and correlate negatively with clinical outcomes. This phase I study added ipilimumab, an anti-CTLA-4 mAb, to cetuximab-radiotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS A (3 + 3) design was used to establish the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of ipilimumab, added at week 5 for four, every-3-week doses to fixed, standard cetuximab-radiotherapy. Eligible subjects had stage III to IVb, high-risk [human papillomavirus-negative (HPV-)] or intermediate-risk HPV-positive (HPV+)] HNSCC. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was defined as any grade 4 adverse event (AE) except in-field radiation dermatitis or immune-related (ir) AE requiring ≥2 weeks of systemic steroids. Baseline tumor and serial blood specimens were collected for immune correlatives. RESULTS From July 2013 to May 2016, 18 patients enrolled. Two of 6 in cohort 1 (ipilimumab 3 mg/kg) experienced grade 3 dermatologic DLTs, triggering deescalation of ipilimumab to 1 mg/kg. Dose level -1 was expanded to N = 12 without DLT. irAE included: grade 1, 2, and 3 dermatitis (2, 1, and 3 cases), grade 4 colitis (1), and grade 1 hyperthyroidism (1). Three-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival were 72% [90% confidence interval (CI), 57-92] and 72% (90% CI, 56-92). High expression of coinhibitory receptors PD1/LAG3/CD39 on baseline tumor-infiltrating Treg was associated with worse DFS (HR = 5.6; 95% CI, 0.83-37.8; P = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS The RP2D for ipilimumab plus standard cetuximab-radiotherapy is 1 mg/kg in weeks 5, 8, 11, and 14. The regimen is tolerable and yields acceptable survival without cytotoxic chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L. Ferris
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jessica Moskovitz
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sheryl Kunning
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ayana T. Ruffin
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - James Ohr
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Seungwon Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Dario A. A. Vignali
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Umamaheswar Duvvuri
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jonas T. Johnson
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Dwight E. Heron
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Bons Secours Mercy Health, Dept of Radiation Oncology, Youngstown, OH
| | - David A. Clump
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tullia C. Bruno
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Julie E. Bauman
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Hong MMY, Maleki Vareki S. Addressing the Elephant in the Immunotherapy Room: Effector T-Cell Priming versus Depletion of Regulatory T-Cells by Anti-CTLA-4 Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:1580. [PMID: 35326731 PMCID: PMC8946681 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte Associated Protein 4 (CTLA-4) is an immune checkpoint molecule highly expressed on regulatory T-cells (Tregs) that can inhibit the activation of effector T-cells. Anti-CTLA-4 therapy can confer long-lasting clinical benefits in cancer patients as a single agent or in combination with other immunotherapy agents. However, patient response rates to anti-CTLA-4 are relatively low, and a high percentage of patients experience severe immune-related adverse events. Clinical use of anti-CTLA-4 has regained interest in recent years; however, the mechanism(s) of anti-CTLA-4 is not well understood. Although activating T-cells is regarded as the primary anti-tumor mechanism of anti-CTLA-4 therapies, mounting evidence in the literature suggests targeting intra-tumoral Tregs as the primary mechanism of action of these agents. Tregs in the tumor microenvironment can suppress the host anti-tumor immune responses through several cell contact-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Anti-CTLA-4 therapy can enhance the priming of T-cells by blockading CD80/86-CTLA-4 interactions or depleting Tregs through antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and phagocytosis. This review will discuss proposed fundamental mechanisms of anti-CTLA-4 therapy, novel uses of anti-CTLA-4 in cancer treatment and approaches to improve the therapeutic efficacy of anti-CTLA-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan M Y Hong
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada;
| | - Saman Maleki Vareki
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada;
- London Regional Cancer Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
- Department of Oncology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
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Hair J, Robinson MJ, Wilkinson RW, Dovedi SJ. Deep phenotyping of surface stimulatory and inhibitory co-receptors on cancer-resident T and NK cells reveals cell subsets within the tumor-reactive CTL population that are uniquely defined by NKG2A expression. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2022; 27:95-106. [PMID: 35058180 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2021.12.001] [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: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The field of Immuno-Oncology (IO) is evolving to utilise novel antibody backbones that can co-target multiple cell-surface stimulatory and inhibitory co-receptors (SICR). This approach necessitates a better understanding of SICR co-expression at the single-cell level on IO-relevant tumor-infiltrating leukocyte (TIL) cell types such as T and natural killer (NK) cells. Using high-dimensional flow cytometry we established a comprehensive SICR profile for tumor-resident T and NK cells across a range of human solid tumors where there is a clear need for improved immunotherapeutic intervention. Leveraging the power of our large flow panel, we performed deep-phenotyping of the critical CD8+CD39+ Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte (CTL) population that is enriched for tumor-reactive cytotoxic cells, revealing subsets that are differentiated by their SICR profile, including three that are uniquely defined by NKG2A expression. This study establishes a comprehensive SICR phenotype for human TIL T and NK cells, providing insights to guide the design and application of the next generation of IO molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Hair
- Early Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Granta Park, Cambridge, UK.
| | | | | | - Simon J Dovedi
- Early Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Granta Park, Cambridge, UK
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42
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Li Y, Zhou T, Cheng X, Li D, Zhao M, Zheng WV. microRNA-378a-3p regulates the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating PD-L1 and STAT3. Bioengineered 2022; 13:4730-4743. [PMID: 35184646 PMCID: PMC8973785 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2031408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) plays an essential role in the development or progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules that regulate gene expression during normal and pathophysiological events. Here, we explored the functions and detailed mechanisms of miR-378a-3p and PD-L1 in HCC progression. First, miR-378a-3p was selected by analyzing miRNA levels in two HCC Gene Expression Omnibus datasets. We found that miR-378a-3p levels exhibited a downward trend in HCC and were negatively correlated with PD-L1 levels. Additionally, a dual luciferase assay predicted that miR-378a-3p directly targets PD-L1. Moreover, the transfection of miR-378a-3p mimics into Li-7 and HuH-7 cells effectively decreased the PD-L1 mRNA and protein expression levels, and inhibited Treg differentiation in co-culture models by modulating the expression levels of certain cytokines. Furthermore, the overexpression of miR-378a-3p hindered cell proliferation and migration but facilitated apoptosis by repressing STAT3 signaling in HCC cells. In conclusion, miR-378a-3p appears to inhibit HCC tumorigenesis by regulating PD-L1 and STAT3 levels. Thus, miR-378a-3p may be a potential target for HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqin Li
- Department of Infectious Disease, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Tao Zhou
- Intervention and Cell Therapy Center, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Xianyi Cheng
- Intervention and Cell Therapy Center, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Dezhi Li
- Intervention and Cell Therapy Center, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Meng Zhao
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei V. Zheng
- Intervention and Cell Therapy Center, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China
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43
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Archilla-Ortega A, Domuro C, Martin-Liberal J, Muñoz P. Blockade of novel immune checkpoints and new therapeutic combinations to boost antitumor immunity. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2022; 41:62. [PMID: 35164813 PMCID: PMC8842574 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02264-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising strategy for boosting antitumoral immunity. Blockade of immune checkpoints (ICs), which regulate the activity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells has proven clinical benefits. Antibodies targeting CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1 are IC-blockade drugs approved for the treatment of various solid and hematological malignancies. However, a large subset of patients does not respond to current anti-IC immunotherapy. An integrative understanding of tumor-immune infiltrate, and IC expression and function in immune cell populations is fundamental to the design of effective therapies. The simultaneous blockade of newly identified ICs, as well as of previously described ICs, could improve antitumor response. We review the potential for novel combinatory blockade strategies as antitumoral therapy, and their effects on immune cells expressing the targeted ICs. Preclinical evidence and clinical trials involving the blockade of the various ICs are reported. We finally discuss the rationale of IC co-blockade strategy with respect to its downstream signaling in order to improve effective antitumoral immunity and prevent an increased risk of immune-related adverse events (irAEs).
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44
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Kürten CHL, Kulkarni A, Cillo AR, Santos PM, Roble AK, Onkar S, Reeder C, Lang S, Chen X, Duvvuri U, Kim S, Liu A, Tabib T, Lafyatis R, Feng J, Gao SJ, Bruno TC, Vignali DAA, Lu X, Bao R, Vujanovic L, Ferris RL. Investigating immune and non-immune cell interactions in head and neck tumors by single-cell RNA sequencing. Nat Commun 2021; 12:7338. [PMID: 34921143 PMCID: PMC8683505 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27619-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is characterized by complex relations between stromal, epithelial, and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). To enable the development of more efficacious therapies, we aim to study the heterogeneity, signatures of unique cell populations, and cell-cell interactions of non-immune and immune cell populations in 6 human papillomavirus (HPV)+ and 12 HPV- HNSCC patient tumor and matched peripheral blood specimens using single-cell RNA sequencing. Using this dataset of 134,606 cells, we show cell type-specific signatures associated with inflammation and HPV status, describe the negative prognostic value of fibroblasts with elastic differentiation specifically in the HPV+ TME, predict therapeutically targetable checkpoint receptor-ligand interactions, and show that tumor-associated macrophages are dominant contributors of PD-L1 and other immune checkpoint ligands in the TME. We present a comprehensive single-cell view of cell-intrinsic mechanisms and cell-cell communication shaping the HNSCC microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelius H L Kürten
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Aditi Kulkarni
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Anthony R Cillo
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Patricia M Santos
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Anna K Roble
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sayali Onkar
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Graduate Program of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Carly Reeder
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Stephan Lang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Xueer Chen
- Deparment of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Seungwon Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Angen Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tracy Tabib
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Robert Lafyatis
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jian Feng
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Shou-Jiang Gao
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tullia C Bruno
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Dario A A Vignali
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Xinghua Lu
- Deparment of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Riyue Bao
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lazar Vujanovic
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Robert L Ferris
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Mason NJ, Chester N, Xiong A, Rotolo A, Wu Y, Yoshimoto S, Glassman P, Gulendran G, Siegel DL. Development of a fully canine anti-canine CTLA4 monoclonal antibody for comparative translational research in dogs with spontaneous tumors. MAbs 2021; 13:2004638. [PMID: 34856888 PMCID: PMC8726733 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2021.2004638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) ipilimumab has revolutionized the treatment of patients with different cancer histologies, including melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, and non-small cell lung carcinoma. However, only a subset of patients shows dramatic clinical responses to treatment. Despite intense biomarker discovery efforts linked to clinical trials using CTLA4 checkpoint blockade, no single prognostic correlate has emerged as a valid predictor of outcome. Client-owned, immune competent, pet dogs develop spontaneous tumors that exhibit similar features to human cancers, including shared chromosome aberrations, molecular subtypes, immune signatures, tumor heterogeneity, metastatic behavior, and response to chemotherapy. As such, they represent a valuable parallel patient population in which to investigate novel predictive biomarkers and rational therapeutic ICI combinations. However, the lack of validated, non-immunogenic, canine ICIs for preclinical use hinders this comparative approach. To address this, fully canine single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) that bind canine CTLA4 were isolated from a comprehensive canine scFv phage display library. A lead candidate for clinical development was selected based on its subnanomolar binding affinity to canine CTLA4 and its ability to prevent CTLA4 binding to CD80/CD86 and promote T cell proliferation and effector function. In vivo mouse studies revealed pharmacokinetics similar to isotype control IgG with no evidence of short-term adverse effects. This work paves the way for in vivo analysis of the first fully canine, anti-canine CTLA4 antibody to promote anti-tumor immunity in dogs with immune-responsive cancers and provide an important comparative tool to investigate correlative biomarkers of response and mechanisms of resistance to CTLA4 checkpoint inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola J Mason
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Center for Cellular Immunotherapy, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Ailian Xiong
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Antonia Rotolo
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ying Wu
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sho Yoshimoto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Laboratory of Small Animal Surgery, Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Patrick Glassman
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gayathri Gulendran
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Don L Siegel
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapy, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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46
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He Y, Liu T, Dai S, Xu Z, Wang L, Luo F. Tumor-Associated Extracellular Matrix: How to Be a Potential Aide to Anti-tumor Immunotherapy? Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:739161. [PMID: 34733848 PMCID: PMC8558531 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.739161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of cancer immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint blockade therapy, has made major breakthroughs in the therapy of cancers. However, less than one-third of the cancer patients obtain significant and long-lasting therapeutic effects by cancer immunotherapy. Over the past few decades, cancer-related inflammations have been gradually more familiar to us. It’s known that chronic inflammation in tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a predominant role in tumor immunosuppression. Tumor-associated extracellular matrix (ECM), as a core member of TME, has been a research hotspot recently. A growing number of studies indicate that tumor-associated ECM is one of the major obstacles to realizing more successful cases of cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we discussed the potential application of tumor-associated ECM in the cancer immunity and its aide potentialities to anti-tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying He
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Oncology Department, People's Hospital of Deyang City, Deyang, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuang Dai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zihan Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Feng Luo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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47
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Tian T, Li Z. Targeting Tim-3 in Cancer With Resistance to PD-1/PD-L1 Blockade. Front Oncol 2021; 11:731175. [PMID: 34631560 PMCID: PMC8492972 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.731175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) or programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) blocking therapy has completely changed the treatment pattern of malignant tumors. It has been tested in a wide range of malignant tumors and achieved clinical success. It might be a promising cancer treatment strategy. However, one of the important disadvantages of PD-1/PD-L1 blocking therapy is that only a few patients have a positive response to it. In addition, primary or acquired drug resistance can also lead to cancer recurrence in patients with clinical response. Therefore, it is very important to overcome the resistance of PD-1/PD-L1 blocking therapy and improve the overall response rate of patients to the immunotherapy. T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain molecule 3 (Tim-3) belongs to the co-inhibitory receptor family involved in immune checkpoint function. Due to adaptive resistance, the expression of Tim-3 is up-regulated in PD-1/PD-L1 blocking therapy resistant tumors. Therefore, blocking the immune checkpoint Tim-3 might antagonize the resistance of PD-1/PD-L1 blocking therapy. This review systematically introduces the preclinical and clinical data of combined blockade of Tim-3 and PD-1/PD-L1 in cancer immunotherapy, and discusses the prospect of overcoming the drug resistance of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy through blockade of Tim-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Tian
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhaoming Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Kanda Y, Okazaki T, Katakai T. Motility Dynamics of T Cells in Tumor-Draining Lymph Nodes: A Rational Indicator of Antitumor Response and Immune Checkpoint Blockade. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4616. [PMID: 34572844 PMCID: PMC8465463 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The migration status of T cells within the densely packed tissue environment of lymph nodes reflects the ongoing activation state of adaptive immune responses. Upon encountering antigen-presenting dendritic cells, actively migrating T cells that are specific to cognate antigens slow down and are eventually arrested on dendritic cells to form immunological synapses. This dynamic transition of T cell motility is a fundamental strategy for the efficient scanning of antigens, followed by obtaining the adequate activation signals. After receiving antigenic stimuli, T cells begin to proliferate, and the expression of immunoregulatory receptors (such as CTLA-4 and PD-1) is induced on their surface. Recent findings have revealed that these 'immune checkpoint' molecules control the activation as well as motility of T cells in various situations. Therefore, the outcome of tumor immunotherapy using checkpoint inhibitors is assumed to be closely related to the alteration of T cell motility, particularly in tumor-draining lymph nodes (TDLNs). In this review, we discuss the migration dynamics of T cells during their activation in TDLNs, and the roles of checkpoint molecules in T cell motility, to provide some insight into the effect of tumor immunotherapy via checkpoint blockade, in terms of T cell dynamics and the importance of TDLNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Kanda
- Department of Immunology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 950-8510, Japan;
| | - Taku Okazaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan;
| | - Tomoya Katakai
- Department of Immunology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 950-8510, Japan;
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Expression of Tim-3 drives phenotypic and functional changes in Treg cells in secondary lymphoid organs and the tumor microenvironment. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109699. [PMID: 34525351 PMCID: PMC8482289 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) are critical mediators of self-tolerance, but they can also limit effective anti-tumor immunity. Although under homeostasis a small fraction of Treg cells in lymphoid organs express the putative checkpoint molecule Tim-3, this protein is expressed by a much larger proportion of tumor-infiltrating Treg cells. Using a mouse model that drives cell-type-specific inducible Tim-3 expression, we show that expression of Tim-3 by Treg cells is sufficient to drive Treg cells to a more effector-like phenotype, resulting in increases in suppressive activity, effector T cell exhaustion, and tumor growth. We also show that T-reg-cell-specific inducible deletion of Tim-3 enhances anti-tumor immunity. Enhancement of Treg cell function by Tim-3 is strongly correlated with increased expression of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and a shift to a more glycolytic metabolic phenotype. Our data demonstrate that Tim-3+ Treg cells may be a relevant therapeutic target cell type for the treatment of cancer. Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) limit the immune response to tumors, and tumor-infiltrating Treg cells are especially suppressive. However, the mechanisms underlying enhanced Treg cell function are poorly understood. Banerjee et al. show that Tim-3 expression is linked to increased Treg cell suppressive activity, possibly through the cytokine IL-10, in mouse models and people with cancer.
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50
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Srivastava RM, Purohit TA, Chan TA. Diverse Neoantigens and the Development of Cancer Therapies. Semin Radiat Oncol 2021; 30:113-128. [PMID: 32381291 DOI: 10.1016/j.semradonc.2019.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is the manifestation of uncontrolled cellular growth and immune escape mechanisms. Unrestrained tumor growth can be associated with incidental errors in the genome during replication and genotoxic agents can alter the structure and sequence of our DNA. Among all genetic aberrations in cancer, only limited number of mutations can produce immunogenic antigens which have the potential to bind human leukocyte antigen class I or human leukocyte antigen class II, and help activate the adaptive immune system. These neoantigens can be recognized by CD8+ and CD4+ neoantigen-specific T lymphocytes. Recently, several immune checkpoint targeting drugs have been approved for clinical use. Primarily, these drugs expand and facilitate the cytotoxic activity of neoantigen-specific T cells to eradicate tumors. Differential drug response across cancers could be attributed, at least in part, to differences in the 'tumor antigen landscape' and 'antigen presentation pathway' in patients. Although tumor mutational burden correlates with response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in many cancer types and has evolved as a broad biomarker, a comprehensive understanding of the neoantigen landscape and the function of cognate T cell responses is lacking and is needed for improved patient selection criteria and neoantigen vaccine design. Here, we review cancer neoantigens, their implications for antitumor responses, the dynamics of neoantigen-specific T cells, and the advancement of neoantigen-based therapy in proposed clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raghvendra M Srivastava
- Immunogenomics and Precision Oncology Platform, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Tanaya A Purohit
- Immunogenomics and Precision Oncology Platform, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Timothy A Chan
- Immunogenomics and Precision Oncology Platform, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY; Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY; Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY.
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