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Koh YW, Hwang Y, Lee SK, Han JH, Haam S, Lee HW. The impact of CDCA5 expression on the immune microenvironment and its potential utility as a biomarker for PD-L1/PD-1 inhibitors in lung adenocarcinoma. Transl Oncol 2024; 46:102024. [PMID: 38838437 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.102024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have highlighted the important role of cell division cycle associated 5 (CDCA5) in tumor-associated immune dysfunction. We studied immune dysfunction based on CDCA5 expression in lung adenocarcinoma and investigated its potential as a biomarker for patients undergoing anti-programmed death protein-1/ programmed death ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitor therapy. METHODS We used the CIBERSORTx algorithm to investigate the immune cell distribution based on CDCA5 and explored its potential as a biomarker for PD-1/PD-L1 therapy using Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion in three lung adenocarcinoma datasets. Thus, we validated the role of CDCA5 as a biomarker in patients treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. We also investigated the pathways through which CDCA5 regulates PD-L1 expression in a cell line. RESULTS The high CDCA5 expression group showed elevated interferon gamma signature, CD274 expression, CD8+ T cell levels, tumor mutation burden, and microsatellite instability. Higher CDCA5 expression was associated with poorer prognosis in patients not treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. However, in patients treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, higher CDCA5 expression correlated with better response rates and prognosis. CDCA5 expression positively correlated with inhibitory immune checkpoint molecules. CDCA5 regulated the expression of PD-L1 through the ANXA/AKT pathway, and combined suppression of CDCA5 and PD-L1 synergistically inhibited cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS CDCA5 served as a promising biomarker for patients undergoing PD-L1/PD-1 inhibitor treatment, and co-inhibition of CDCA5 and PD-L1 could serve as an effective therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Wha Koh
- Department of Pathology, Ajou University School of Medicine, 16499 Suwon-si, South Korea.
| | - Yoonjung Hwang
- Department of Pathology, Ajou University School of Medicine, 16499 Suwon-si, South Korea
| | - Seul-Ki Lee
- Department of Pathology, Ajou University School of Medicine, 16499 Suwon-si, South Korea
| | - Jae-Ho Han
- Department of Pathology, Ajou University School of Medicine, 16499 Suwon-si, South Korea
| | - Seokjin Haam
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, 16499 Suwon-si, South Korea
| | - Hyun Woo Lee
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Ajou University School of Medicine, 16499 Suwon-si, South Korea
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2
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Jabeen Y, Yousaf N, Sarjadi MS, Gansau JA, Goh LPW. Bioactive compounds derived from marine source: a potential immunotherapy treatment. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:5657-5668. [PMID: 37387587 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2227717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy using checkpoint inhibitors blocks the checkpoint proteins (programmed cell death receptor-1; PD-1) from binding with their corresponding ligands (programmed cell death receptor ligand-1; PD-L1) to regulate cell signaling pathways. The marine environment holds a huge source of small molecules that are understudied which can be developed as an inhibitor. Hence, this study investigated the inhibitory effect of 19 algae-derived small molecules against PD-L1 by using molecular docking, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination (ADME) properties and molecular dynamics simulations (MDS). The molecular docking revealed that the binding energy of the six best compounds ranges from -11.1 to -9.1 kcal/mol. Fucoxanthinol, in particular, has the strongest binding energy at -11.1 kcal/mol with three hydrogen bonds (ASN:63A, GLN:66A, and ASP:122A). Meanwhile, the MDS demonstrated that the ligands were strongly bound to the protein, indicating the stability of the complexes. In summary, the identified compounds are potential PD-L1 inhibitors in immunotherapy.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaruq Jabeen
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Numan Yousaf
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Mohd Sani Sarjadi
- Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Jualang Azlan Gansau
- Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Lucky Poh Wah Goh
- Faculty of Science and Natural Resources, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
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3
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Hong G, Wu Y, Huang S, Hu Y, Zhang Y, Guo C, Shi H, Xu S. miR-4429 inhibits ccRCC proliferation, migration, and invasion by directly targeting CD274. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:190. [PMID: 38802631 PMCID: PMC11130097 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01055-4] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is one of the most aggressive urological malignancies and a highly immunogenic cancer. Yet, its pathogenesis is still not fully understood. This study analyzed the role of the miR-320 family in ccRCC using bioinformatics algorithms and a series of in vitro experiments. miR-4429 was found to be significantly down-regulated in ccRCC tissues and cell lines, while overexpression of miR-4429 significantly inhibited renal cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. In addition, the UALCAN database, immunohistochemistry, and protein blotting results showed that CD274 expression was up-regulated in ccRCC tissues and correlated with higher histologic grading. Dual luciferase assay indicated that CD274 was a direct target of miR-4429. Overexpression of miR-4429 in 786-O, Caki-2 cells significantly inhibited CD274 expression. KEGG results indicated that the potential target function of miR-4429 was associated with the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and protein blotting verified the results. In summary, this data shows that miR-4429 targets CD274 and inhibits ccRCC proliferation, migration, and invasion by regulating PI3K/AKT signaling, thus potentially providing a promising therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker for renal cell carcinoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- GuangYi Hong
- Guizhou University Medicine College, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - YiKun Wu
- Guizhou University Medicine College, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - ShiYu Huang
- Department of Urology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, No. 83, East Zhongshan Road, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yang Hu
- Department of Urology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, No. 83, East Zhongshan Road, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Urology, Tongren City People's Hospital, Tongren, Guizhou, China
| | - CiCi Guo
- Department of Urology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, No. 83, East Zhongshan Road, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Hua Shi
- Department of Urology, Tongren City People's Hospital, Tongren, Guizhou, China.
- Department of Urology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, No. 83, East Zhongshan Road, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
| | - ShuXiong Xu
- Department of Urology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, No. 83, East Zhongshan Road, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
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4
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He Y, Zhu M, Lai X, Zhang H, Jiang W. The roles of PD-L1 in the various stages of tumor metastasis. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024:10.1007/s10555-024-10189-4. [PMID: 38733457 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10189-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
The interaction between tumor programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and T-cell programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) has long been acknowledged as a mechanism for evading immune surveillance. Recent studies, however, have unveiled a more nuanced role of tumor-intrinsic PD-L1 in reprograming tumoral phenotypes. Preclinical models emphasize the synchronized effects of both intracellular and extracellular PD-L1 in promoting metastasis, with intricate interactions with the immune system. This review aims to summarize recent findings to elucidate the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of PD-L1 expression and the pro-metastatic roles of PD-L1 in the entire process of tumor metastasis. For example, PD-L1 regulates the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, facilitates the survival of circulating tumor cells, and induces the formation of immunosuppressive environments at pre-metastatic niches and metastatic sites. And the complexed and dynamic regulation process of PD-L1 for tumor metastasis is related to the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of PD-L1 expression and functions from tumor primary sites to various metastatic sites. This review extends the current understandings for the roles of PD-L1 in mediating tumor metastasis and provides new insights into therapeutic decisions in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinjun He
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University Medical School, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang University Medical School, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Ming Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang University Medical School, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xuan Lai
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang University Medical School, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Honghe Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang University Medical School, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Weiqin Jiang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University Medical School, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang University Medical School, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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5
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Jeong H, Koh J, Kim S, Song SG, Lee SH, Jeon Y, Lee CH, Keam B, Lee SH, Chung DH, Jeon YK. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition induced by tumor cell-intrinsic PD-L1 signaling predicts a poor response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in PD-L1-high lung cancer. Br J Cancer 2024:10.1038/s41416-024-02698-4. [PMID: 38729997 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02698-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated the role of tumor cell-intrinsic PD-L1 signaling in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the role of EMT as a predictive biomarker for immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. METHODS PD-L1-overexpressing or PD-L1-knockdown NSCLC cells underwent RNA-seq and EMT phenotype assessment. Mouse lung cancer LLC cells were injected into nude mice. Two cohorts of patients with NSCLC undergoing ICI therapy were analyzed. RESULTS RNA-seq showed that EMT pathways were enriched in PD-L1-high NSCLC cells. EMT was enhanced by PD-L1 in NSCLC cells, which was mediated by transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ). PD-L1 promoted the activation of p38-MAPK by binding to and inhibiting the protein phosphatase PPM1B, thereby increasing the TGFβ production. Tumor growth and metastasis increased in nude mice injected with PD-L1-overexpressing LLC cells. In the ICI cohort, EMT signature was higher in patients with progressive disease than in those with responses, and EMT was significantly associated with poor survival in PD-L1-high NSCLC. In PD-L1-high NSCLC, EMT was associated with increased M2-macrophage and regulatory T-cell infiltrations and decreased cytotoxic T-cell infiltration. CONCLUSIONS Tumor cell-intrinsic PD-L1 function contributes to NSCLC progression by promoting EMT. EMT may predict an unfavorable outcome after ICI therapy in PD-L1-high NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyein Jeong
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Interdiscipilinary Program of Cancer Biology, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaemoon Koh
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sehui Kim
- Department of Pathology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Geun Song
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Hyun Lee
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pharmacology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- BK21 FOUR Biomedical Science Project, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngjoo Jeon
- Interdiscipilinary Program of Cancer Biology, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul-Hwan Lee
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pharmacology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- BK21 FOUR Biomedical Science Project, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bhumsuk Keam
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Hoon Lee
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute of Health Sciences and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Doo Hyun Chung
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- BK21 FOUR Biomedical Science Project, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Kyung Jeon
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Interdiscipilinary Program of Cancer Biology, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Elfoly M, Mirza JY, Alaiya A, Al-Hazzani AA, Tulbah A, Al-Alwan M, Ghebeh H. PD-L1 intrinsically promotes the proliferation of breast cancer cells through the SKP2-p27/p21 axis. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:161. [PMID: 38725021 PMCID: PMC11084005 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03354-w] [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: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND PD-L1 intrinsically promotes tumor progression through multiple mechanisms, which potentially leads to resistance to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies. The intrinsic effect of PD-L1 on breast cancer (BC) cell proliferation has not been fully elucidated. METHODS we used proteomics, gene expression knockdown (KD), quantitative immunofluorescence (qIF), western blots, functional assays including colony-forming assay (CFA) and real-time cell analyzer (RTCA), and in vivo data using immunohistochemistry in breast cancer patients. RESULTS PD-L1 promoted BC cell proliferation by accelerating cell cycle entry at the G1-to-S phase transition. Global proteomic analysis of the differentially expressed nuclear proteins indicated the involvement of several proliferation-related molecules, including p21CIP1/WAF1. Western blotting and qIF demonstrated the higher expression of SKP2 and the lower expression of p21CIP1/WAF1 and p27Kip1 in PD-L1 expressing (PD-L1pos) cells as compared to PD-L1 KD (PD-L1KD) cells. Xenograft-derived cells and the TCGA BC dataset confirmed this relationship in vivo. Functionally, CFA and RTCA demonstrated the central role of SKP2 in promoting PD-L1-mediated proliferation. Finally, immunohistochemistry in 74 breast cancer patients confirmed PD-L1 and SKP-p21/p27 axis relationship, as it showed a highly statistically significant correlation between SKP2 and PD-L1 expression (p < 0.001), and both correlated significantly with the proliferation marker Ki-67 (p < 0.001). On the other hand, there was a statistically significant inverse relationship between PD-L1 and p21CIP1/WAF1 expression (p = 0.005). Importantly, double negativity for p21CIP1/WAF1 and p27Kip1 correlated significantly with PD-L1 (p < 0.001), SKP2 (p = 0.002), and Ki-67 (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS we have demonstrated the role of the SKP2-p27/p21 axis in intrinsic PD-L1-enhanced cell cycle progression. Inhibitors of SKP2 expression can alleviate resistance to ICPIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Elfoly
- Cell Therapy and Immunobiology Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, 11211, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jumanah Y Mirza
- Cell Therapy and Immunobiology Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, 11211, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayodele Alaiya
- Cell Therapy and Immunobiology Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, 11211, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Amal A Al-Hazzani
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asma Tulbah
- Department of Pathology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Monther Al-Alwan
- Cell Therapy and Immunobiology Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, 11211, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Al-Faisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hazem Ghebeh
- Cell Therapy and Immunobiology Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, 11211, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- College of Medicine, Al-Faisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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7
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Hu L, Liu D, Zheng D, Lu J, Yuan X, Li Y, Shi F, Shi X, He QY, Li Q, Zhang CZ. Pan-Cancer Proteomics Analysis Reveals Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein as a Potential Regulator of Programmed Death-Ligand 1. J Proteome Res 2024. [PMID: 38661673 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.4c00124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a key mediator of immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. The expression of PD-L1 in cancer cells is useful for the clinical determination of an immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). However, the regulatory mechanism of the PD-L1 abundance remains incompletely understood. Here, we integrated the proteomics of 52 patients with solid tumors and examined immune cell infiltration to reveal PD-L1-related regulatory modules. Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) was identified as a potential regulator of PD-L1 transcription. In two independent cohorts containing 164 cancer patients, WASP expression was significantly associated with PD-L1. High WASP expression contributed to immunosuppressive cell composition, including cells positive for immune checkpoints (PD1, CTLA4, TIGIT, and TIM3), FoxP3+ Treg cells, and CD163+ tumor-associated macrophages. Overexpression of WASP increased, whereas knockdown of WASP decreased the protein level of PD-L1 in cancer cells without alteration of PD-L1 protein stability. The WASP-mediated cell migration and invasion were markedly attenuated by the silence of PD-L1. Collectively, our data suggest that WASP is a potential regulator of PD-L1 and the WASP/PD-L1 axis is responsible for cell migration and an immunosuppressive microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liling Hu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Danya Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Dandan Zheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jiangli Lu
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xiaoyi Yuan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yuying Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Fujin Shi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xinyu Shi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Qing-Yu He
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Qiuli Li
- Department of Head and Neck, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Chris Zhiyi Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
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Schad F, Thronicke A, Hofheinz RD, Matthes H, Grah C. Patients with Advanced or Metastasised Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer with Viscum album L. Therapy in Addition to PD-1/PD-L1 Blockade: A Real-World Data Study. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1609. [PMID: 38672690 PMCID: PMC11049173 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081609] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors has significantly improved the survival rates of patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Results of a real-world data study investigating add-on VA (Viscum album L.) to chemotherapy have shown an association with the improved overall survival of patients with NSCLC. We sought to investigate whether the addition of VA to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in patients with advanced or metastasised NSCLC would have an additional survival benefit. In the present real-world data study, we enrolled patients from the accredited national registry, Network Oncology, with advanced or metastasised NSCLC. The reporting of data was performed in accordance with the ESMO-GROW criteria for the optimal reporting of oncological real-world evidence (RWE) studies. Overall survival was compared between patients receiving PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor therapy (control, CTRL group) versus the combination of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy and VA (combination, COMB group). An adjusted multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis was performed to investigate variables associated with survival. From 31 July 2015 to 9 May 2023, 415 patients with a median age of 68 years and a male/female ratio of 1.2 were treated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy with or without add-on VA. Survival analyses included 222 (53.5%) patients within the CRTL group and 193 (46.5%) in the COMB group. Patients in the COMB group revealed a median survival of 13.8 months and patients in the CRTL group a median survival of 6.8 months (adjusted hazard ratio, aHR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.43-0.85, p = 0.004) after adjustment for age, gender, tumour stage, BMI, ECOG status, oncological treatment, and PD-L1 tumour proportion score. A reduction in the adjusted hazard of death by 56% was seen with the addition of VA (aHR 0.44, 95% CI: 0.26-0.74, p = 0.002) in patients with PD-L1-positive tumours (tumour proportion score > 1%) treated with first-line anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy. Our findings suggest that add-on VA correlates with improved survival in patients with advanced or metastasised NSCLC who were treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors irrespective of age, gender, tumour stage, or oncological treatment. The underlying mechanisms may include the synergistic modulation of the immune response. A limitation of this study is the observational non-randomised study design, which only allows limited conclusions to be drawn and prospective randomised trials are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friedemann Schad
- Research Institute Havelhöhe, Network Oncology Registry, Kladower Damm 221, 14089 Berlin, Germany
- Hospital Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe, Interdisciplinary Oncological Centre, Kladower Damm 221, 14089 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja Thronicke
- Research Institute Havelhöhe, Network Oncology Registry, Kladower Damm 221, 14089 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf-Dieter Hofheinz
- Mannheim University Hospital, Mannheim Cancer Center, Theodor-Kutzer Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Harald Matthes
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Gastroenterology, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin, Germany
- Hospital Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe, Daycare Clinic, Kladower Damm 221, 14089 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Grah
- Hospital Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe, Lung Cancer Center, Kladower Damm 221, 14089 Berlin, Germany;
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Chai F, Li P, Liu X, Zhou Z, Ren H. Targeting the PD-L1 cytoplasmic domain and its regulatory pathways to enhance cancer immunotherapy. J Mol Cell Biol 2024; 15:mjad070. [PMID: 37993416 PMCID: PMC11193063 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjad070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
As a significant member of the immune checkpoint, programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) plays a critical role in cancer immune escape and has become an important target for cancer immunotherapy. Clinically approved drugs mainly target the extracellular domain of PD-L1. Recently, the small cytoplasmic domain of PD-L1 has been reported to regulate PD-L1 stability and function through multiple pathways. Therefore, the intracellular domain of PD-L1 and its regulatory pathways could be promising targets for cancer therapy, expanding available strategies for combined immunotherapy. Here, we summarize the emerging roles of the PD-L1 cytoplasmic domain and its regulatory pathways. The conserved motifs, homodimerization, and posttranslational modifications of the PD-L1 cytoplasmic domain have been reported to regulate the membrane anchoring, degradation, nuclear translocation, and glycosylation of PD-L1. This summary provides a comprehensive understanding of the functions of the PD-L1 cytoplasmic domain and evaluates the broad prospects for targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangni Chai
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Pan Li
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhihui Zhou
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Haiyan Ren
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
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10
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Shi G, Synowiec J, Singh J, Heller R. Modification of the tumor microenvironment enhances immunity with plasmid gene therapy. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:641-648. [PMID: 38337037 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-024-00728-0] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Local intratumor delivery with electroporation of low levels of plasmids encoding molecules, induces an antitumor effect without causing systemic toxicity. However, previous studies have predominately focused on the function of the delivered molecule encoded within the plasmid, and ignored the plasmid vector. In this study, we found vectors pUMVC3 and pVax1 induced upregulation of MHC class I (MHC-I) and PD-L1 on tumor cell surface. These molecules participate in a considerable number of immunoregulatory functions through their interactions with and activating inhibitory immune cell receptors. MHC molecules are well-known for their role in antigen (cross-) presentation, thereby functioning as key players in the communication between immune cells and tumor cells. Increased PD-L1 expression on tumor cells is an important monitor of tumor growth and the effectiveness of immune inhibitor therapy. Results from flow cytometry confirmed increased expression of MHC-I and PDL-1 on B16F10, 4T1, and KPC tumor cell lines. Preliminary animal data from tumor-bearing models, B16F10 melanoma, 4T1 breast cancer and KPC pancreatic cancer mouse models showed that tumor growth was attenuated after pUMVC3 intratumoral electroporation. Our data also documented that pSTAT1 signaling pathway might not be associated with plasmid vectors' function of upregulating MHC-I, PD-L1 on tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilan Shi
- Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Jody Synowiec
- Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Julie Singh
- Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Richard Heller
- Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
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11
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Han S, Zhang Y, Yuan J, Wu Y, Zhou Y, Zhou Y, Li X, Zhou S. sPD-L1 and sPD-L2 in plasma of patients with lung cancer and their clinical significance. Cytokine 2024; 176:156532. [PMID: 38330638 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2024.156532] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. We aim here to determine the soluble programmed death ligand-1 (sPD-L1) and soluble programmed death ligand-2 (sPD-L2) levels in the plasma of patients with lung cancer and evaluate the clinical significance. METHODS Plasma samples from 95 lung cancer patients and 55 healthy donors were collected, and the sPD-L1 and sPD-L2 levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The correlations of the plasma sPD-L1 and sPD-L2 levels with clinicopathological status and survival of the patients were analyzed. RESULTS The sPD-L1 and sPD-L2 levels in plasma of lung cancer patients were 713.8 (240.6-3815) pg/ mL and 3233(1122-13955) pg/ mL, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of the health donors 618.6 (189.1-1149) pg/ mL and 2182 (1133-3471) pg/ mL, and the plasma levels of sPD-L1 are correlated with sPD-L2. ROC results showed that both sPD-L1 and sPD-L2 were potential biomarker for lung cancer, and with a higher accuracy level when combined with CEA. Patients with Higher plasma sPD-L1 level (>713.75 pg/ mL) are associated with poor overall survival in advanced lung cancer patients (197 days vs 643 days). CONCLUSIONS The combination of sPD-L1 and sPD-L2 could be used as adjunctive diagnostic, High level of plasma sPD-L1 rather than sPD-L2 is associated with poor prognosis in lung cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyang Han
- The Aoyang Cancer Institute, The Affilated Aoyang Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhangjiagang, 215600 Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- The Aoyang Cancer Institute, The Affilated Aoyang Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhangjiagang, 215600 Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingzhi Yuan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affilated Aoyang Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhangjiagang, 215600 Jiangsu, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Affilated Aoyang Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhangjiagang, 215600 Jiangsu, China
| | - Yun Zhou
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Affilated Aoyang Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhangjiagang, 215600 Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Oncology, The Affilated Aoyang Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhangjiagang, 215600 Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaowei Li
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Jiangsu Shengze Hospital, Suzhou, 215200, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Shuru Zhou
- The Aoyang Cancer Institute, The Affilated Aoyang Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhangjiagang, 215600 Jiangsu, China.
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12
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Cordani M, Strippoli R, Trionfetti F, Barzegar Behrooz A, Rumio C, Velasco G, Ghavami S, Marcucci F. Immune checkpoints between epithelial-mesenchymal transition and autophagy: A conflicting triangle. Cancer Lett 2024; 585:216661. [PMID: 38309613 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216661] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Inhibitory immune checkpoint (ICP) molecules are pivotal in inhibiting innate and acquired antitumor immune responses, a mechanism frequently exploited by cancer cells to evade host immunity. These evasion strategies contribute to the complexity of cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. For this reason, ICP molecules have become targets for antitumor drugs, particularly monoclonal antibodies, collectively referred to as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), that counteract such cancer-associated immune suppression and restore antitumor immune responses. Over the last decade, however, it has become clear that tumor cell-associated ICPs can also induce tumor cell-intrinsic effects, in particular epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and macroautophagy (hereafter autophagy). Both of these processes have profound implications for cancer metastasis and drug responsiveness. This article reviews the positive or negative cross-talk that tumor cell-associated ICPs undergo with autophagy and EMT. We discuss that tumor cell-associated ICPs are upregulated in response to the same stimuli that induce EMT. Moreover, ICPs themselves, when overexpressed, become an EMT-inducing stimulus. As regards the cross-talk with autophagy, ICPs have been shown to either stimulate or inhibit autophagy, while autophagy itself can either up- or downregulate the expression of ICPs. This dynamic equilibrium also extends to the autophagy-apoptosis axis, further emphasizing the complexities of cellular responses. Eventually, we delve into the intricate balance between autophagy and apoptosis, elucidating its role in the broader interplay of cellular dynamics influenced by ICPs. In the final part of this article, we speculate about the driving forces underlying the contradictory outcomes of the reciprocal, inhibitory, or stimulatory effects between ICPs, EMT, and autophagy. A conclusive identification of these driving forces may allow to achieve improved antitumor effects when using combinations of ICIs and compounds acting on EMT and/or autophagy. Prospectively, this may translate into increased and/or broadened therapeutic efficacy compared to what is currently achieved with ICI-based clinical protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Cordani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Raffaele Strippoli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy; Department of Epidemiology, Preclinical Research and Advanced Diagnostics, National Institute for Infectious Diseases L., Spallanzani, IRCCS, Via Portuense, 292, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Trionfetti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy; Department of Epidemiology, Preclinical Research and Advanced Diagnostics, National Institute for Infectious Diseases L., Spallanzani, IRCCS, Via Portuense, 292, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Amir Barzegar Behrooz
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Cristiano Rumio
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Trentacoste 2, 20134 Milan, Italy
| | - Guillermo Velasco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Saeid Ghavami
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada; Faculty of Medicine in Zabrze, University of Technology in Katowice, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland; Research Institute of Oncology and Hematology, Cancer Care Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - Fabrizio Marcucci
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Trentacoste 2, 20134 Milan, Italy.
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13
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Kang Y, Lee SE, Kim CH, Lee YJ. Revisiting the impact of clinicopathologic characteristics in PD-L1 profile in a large cohort of non-small cell lung cancer. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2024; 13:475-490. [PMID: 38601456 PMCID: PMC11002508 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-23-812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Background Immunotherapies using anti-programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) agents have recently shown remarkable outcomes in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, there was a poor correlation between PD-L1 expression and treatment response. Many researchers have focused on the clinicopathological factors associated with prognosis, but the results are conflicting. In the present study, we investigated the clinicopathological significance of PD-L1 overexpression in NSCLC cells. Methods In total, 344 NSCLC cases with PD-L1 assays were retrospectively analyzed. PD-L1 expression was evaluated via immunohistochemical staining using antibodies against SP263 and SP142. The correlation between clinicopathological factors and PD-L1 expression was analyzed for various clinicopathological features. Results PD-L1 expression significantly correlated with several poor clinicopathological factors, including the solid component of adenocarcinoma, lymphatic invasion, and recurrence. Squamous cell carcinoma, older age, and male sex were also associated with PD-L1 expression. However, we could not observe correlation between PD-L1 expression and disease-free survival (DFS). A novel finding was that lower metastasis was associated with high PD-L1 expression of SP142 in tumor-infiltrating immune cells (ICs). Conclusions PD-L1 expression in NSCLC is associated with adverse clinicopathological features and recurrence; therefore, it could be utilized to predict poor prognosis. Furthermore, the high PD-L1 expression of SP142 in tumor-infiltrating ICs could be a potential marker for low metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngjin Kang
- Department of Pathology, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Eun Lee
- Collage of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul Hwan Kim
- Department of Pathology, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo Jin Lee
- Department of Pathology, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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14
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Gao F, You X, Yang L, Zou X, Sui B. Boosting immune responses in lung tumor immune microenvironment: A comprehensive review of strategies and adjuvants. Int Rev Immunol 2024:1-29. [PMID: 38525925 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2024.2333275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The immune system has a substantial impact on the growth and expansion of lung malignancies. Immune cells are encompassed by a stroma comprising an extracellular matrix (ECM) and different cells like stromal cells, which are known as the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). TME is marked by the presence of immunosuppressive factors, which inhibit the function of immune cells and expand tumor growth. In recent years, numerous strategies and adjuvants have been developed to extend immune responses in the TIME, to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy. In this comprehensive review, we outline the present knowledge of immune evasion mechanisms in lung TIME, explain the biology of immune cells and diverse effectors on these components, and discuss various approaches for overcoming suppressive barriers. We highlight the potential of novel adjuvants, including toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, cytokines, phytochemicals, nanocarriers, and oncolytic viruses, for enhancing immune responses in the TME. Ultimately, we provide a summary of ongoing clinical trials investigating these strategies and adjuvants in lung cancer patients. This review also provides a broad overview of the current state-of-the-art in boosting immune responses in the TIME and highlights the potential of these approaches for improving outcomes in lung cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Gao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xiaoqing You
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Oncology, Da Qing Long Nan Hospital, Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xiangni Zou
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Bowen Sui
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
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15
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Somatilaka BN, Madana L, Sadek A, Chen Z, Chandrasekaran S, McKay RM, Le LQ. STING activation reprograms the microenvironment to sensitize NF1-related malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors for immunotherapy. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e176748. [PMID: 38502231 PMCID: PMC11093615 DOI: 10.1172/jci176748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is caused by mutations in the NF1 gene that encodes neurofibromin, a RAS GTPase-activating protein. Inactivating NF1 mutations cause hyperactivation of RAS-mediated signaling, resulting in the development of multiple neoplasms, including malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). MPNSTs are an aggressive tumor and the main cause of mortality in patients with NF1. MPNSTs are difficult to resect and refractory to chemo- and radiotherapy, and no molecular therapies currently exist. Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is an approach to treat inoperable, undruggable cancers like MPNST, but successful outcomes require an immune cell-rich tumor microenvironment. While MPNSTs are noninflamed "cold" tumors, here, we converted MPNSTs into T cell-inflamed "hot" tumors by activating stimulator of IFN genes (STING) signaling. Mouse genetic and human xenograft MPNST models treated with a STING agonist plus ICB exhibited growth delay via increased apoptotic cell death. This strategy offers a potential treatment regimen for MPNSTs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sanjay Chandrasekaran
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology
| | | | - Lu Q. Le
- Department of Dermatology
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center
- University of Texas Southwestern Comprehensive Neurofibromatosis Clinic
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, and
- O’Donnell Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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16
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Kent MR, Jay AN, Kendall GC. New Dual Inducible Cellular Model to Investigate Temporal Control of Oncogenic Cooperating Genes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.23.581802. [PMID: 38464002 PMCID: PMC10925205 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.23.581802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
The study of cooperating genes in cancer can lead to mechanistic understanding and identifying potential therapeutic targets. To facilitate these types of studies, we developed a new dual-inducible system utilizing the tetracycline- and cumate-inducible systems driving HES3 and the PAX3::FOXO1 fusion-oncogene, respectively, as cooperating genes from fusion-positive rhabdomyosarcoma. With this new model, we can independently induce expression of either HES3 or PAX3::FOXO1, as well as simultaneously induce expression of both genes. This new model will allow us to further investigate the cooperation between HES3 and PAX3::FOXO1 including the temporal requirements for genetic cooperation. This dual-inducible model can be adapted for any cooperating genes, allowing for independent, simultaneous, or temporally controlled gene expression.
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17
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Lee JH, Lee JD, Paulson K, Voillet V, Berndt A, Church C, Lachance K, Park SY, Yamamoto NK, Cromwell EA, Gottardo R, Chapuis AG, Nghiem P. Enhancing immunogenic responses through CDK4/6 and HIF2α inhibition in Merkel cell carcinoma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23521. [PMID: 38173534 PMCID: PMC10761584 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23521] [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: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Approximately 50% of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) patients facing this highly aggressive skin cancer initially respond positively to PD-1-based immunotherapy. Nevertheless, the recurrence of MCC post-immunotherapy emphasizes the pressing need for more effective treatments. Recent research has highlighted Cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) as pivotal cell cycle regulators gaining prominence in cancer studies. This study reveals that the CDK4/6 inhibitor, palbociclib can enhance PD-L1 gene transcription and surface expression in MCC cells by activating HIF2α. Inhibiting HIF2α with TC-S7009 effectively counteracts palbociclib-induced PD-L1 transcription and significantly intensifies cell death in MCC. Simultaneously, co-targeting CDK4/6 and HIF2α boosts ROS levels while suppressing SLC7A11, a key regulator of cellular redox balance, promoting ferroptosis- a form of immunogenic cell death linked to iron. Considering the rising importance of immunogenic cell death in immunotherapy, this strategy holds promise for improving future MCC treatments, markedly increasing immunogenic cell death various across various MCC cell lines, thus advancing cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Hyun Lee
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Justin Daho Lee
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kelly Paulson
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Valentin Voillet
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Andre Berndt
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Candice Church
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kristina Lachance
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Song Y. Park
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Naomi K. Yamamoto
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Raphael Gottardo
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Aude G. Chapuis
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, WA, USA
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Paul Nghiem
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, WA, USA
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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18
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Zhang Q, Wang R, Xu L. Clinical advances in EGFR-TKI combination therapy for EGFR-mutated NSCLC: a narrative review. Transl Cancer Res 2023; 12:3764-3778. [PMID: 38192990 PMCID: PMC10774042 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objective Mutations located in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase domains have been described as the 'Achilles heel' of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and can be targeted by epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). However, the clinical benefits of EGFR-TKIs are limited, and drug resistance inevitably occurs in NSCLC patients after long-term exposure to certain drugs. EGFR-TKI combination therapies, including combined targeted therapy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, have shown promise in addressing this issue. This literature review analyzed the rationale and controversies of clinical research related to various EGFR-TKI combination therapies. Methods The PubMed database was searched to retrieve articles published from January 1, 2001 to April 15, 2023 using the following Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms: "EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer" and "clinical trial". Google Scholar was also reviewed to retrieve additional articles. The search was limited to articles published in English. Key Content and Findings In this review, we summarized EGFR-TKI combination therapies, including combined targeted therapy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, most of which have shown efficacy and safety in patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC. A number of clinical studies with large sample sizes have analyzed the activity and toxicity of combined therapies and explored potential and well-tolerated treatment options. Conclusions EGFR mutations have been detected in many NSCLC patients and can be targeted by EGFR-TKIs. However, drug resistance after long-term exposure remains a significant challenge for this type of treatment. Most clinical trials have shown that the combination of EGFR-TKIs and targeted therapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or immunotherapy is efficacious and safe in the treatment of EGFR-mutated NSCLC. It should be noted that in some instances, serious adverse events have led to the termination of trials. However, EGFR-TKI combination therapy is indeed an effective approach for the treatment of patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC and deserves further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianru Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruo Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Xu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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19
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Yang SH, Son HY, Park M, Rho HW, Lee H, Huh YM. Inhibition of PD-L1 and tumor growth in triple-negative breast cancer using a magnetic nanovector with microRNA34a. Cancer Nanotechnol 2023. [DOI: 10.1186/s12645-023-00171-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Clinical applications of RNA interference for cancer treatment and immune therapy require the development of simultaneous therapy and imaging systems for microRNA. This research was performed to fabricate the miRNA34a-loaded magnetic nanoparticles and investigate its anticancer effects against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in mice model.
Results
Using two types of polymers to improve their water dispersibility and gene delivery, iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles were prepared for delivery of miRNA34a. The iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles were delivered to TNBC cells, and their efficacy was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Delivery of miRNA34a reduced TNBC cell migration and decreased the expression of PD-L1 at the mRNA and protein levels. In animal experiments, delivery of miRNA34a reduced tumor growth, and immunostaining and algorithmic analysis confirmed the decrease in PD-L1 expression.
Conclusion
This study is the first to modulate PD-L1 by delivering miRNA34a with magnetic nanoparticles, and the results suggest that miRNA34a can be delivered effectively using magnetic nanoparticles and has potential as a molecular imaging contrast agent.
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20
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Wei L, Huang K, Han H, Liu RY. Human Papillomavirus Infection in Penile Cancer: Multidimensional Mechanisms and Vaccine Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16808. [PMID: 38069131 PMCID: PMC10706305 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316808] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Penile cancer (PC) is a rare male malignant tumor, with early lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis. Human papillomavirus (HPV) plays a key role in the carcinogenesis of PC. This review aims to summarize the association between HPV infection and PC in terms of virus-host genome integration patterns (the disrupted regions in the HPV and PC genome), genetic alterations, and epigenetic regulation (methylation and microRNA modification) occurring in HPV and PC DNA, as well as tumor immune microenvironment reprogramming. In addition, the potential of HPV vaccination strategies for PC prevention and treatment is discussed. Understanding of the HPV-related multidimensional mechanisms and the application of HPV vaccines will promote rational and novel management of PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lichao Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; (L.W.); (K.H.)
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Kangbo Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; (L.W.); (K.H.)
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Hui Han
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; (L.W.); (K.H.)
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Ran-yi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; (L.W.); (K.H.)
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21
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Kang DY, Park S, Song KS, Bae SW, Lee JS, Jang KJ, Park YM. Anticancer Effects of 6-Gingerol through Downregulating Iron Transport and PD-L1 Expression in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells. Cells 2023; 12:2628. [PMID: 37998363 PMCID: PMC10670414 DOI: 10.3390/cells12222628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron homeostasis is considered a key factor in human metabolism, and abrogation in the system could create adverse effects, including cancer. Moreover, 6-gingerol is a widely used bioactive phenolic compound with anticancer activity, and studies on its exact mechanisms on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells are still undergoing. This study aimed to find the mechanism of cell death induction by 6-gingerol in NSCLC cells. Western blotting, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and flow cytometry were used for molecular signaling studies, and invasion and tumorsphere formation assay were also used with comet assay for cellular processes. Our results show that 6-gingerol inhibited cancer cell proliferation and induced DNA damage response, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis in NSCLC cells, and cell death induction was found to be the mitochondrial-dependent intrinsic apoptosis pathway. The role of iron homeostasis in the cell death induction of 6-gingerol was also investigated, and iron metabolism played a vital role in the anticancer ability of 6-gingerol by downregulating EGFR/JAK2/STAT5b signaling or upregulating p53 and downregulating PD-L1 expression. Also, 6-gingerol induced miR-34a and miR-200c expression, which may indicate regulation of PD-L1 expression by 6-gingerol. These results suggest that 6-gingerol could be a candidate drug against NSCLC cells and that 6-gingerol could play a vital role in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Young Kang
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghyeon Park
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung Seob Song
- Department of Medical Science, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan 49267, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Won Bae
- Department of Chemistry and Cosmetics, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Sang Lee
- Department of Functional Foods and Biotechnology, College of Medical Sciences, Jeonju University, Jeonju 55069, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Jin Jang
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeong-Min Park
- Department of Integrative Biological Sciences and Industry, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
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22
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Xiang J, Liu K, Xu H, Zhao Z, Piao Y, Shao S, Tang J, Shen Y, Zhou Z. Dual Synergistic Tumor-Specific Polymeric Nanoparticles for Efficient Chemo-Immunotherapy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2301216. [PMID: 37551065 PMCID: PMC10582463 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202301216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Chemo-immunotherapy has made significant progress in cancer treatment. However, the cancer cell self-defense mechanisms, including cell cycle checkpoint and programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) upregulation, have greatly hindered the therapeutic efficacy. Herein, norcantharidin (NCTD)-platinum (Pt) codelivery nanoparticles (NC-NP) with tumor-sensitive release profiles are designed to overcome the self-defense mechanisms via synergistic chemo-immunotherapy. NC-NP remains stable under normal physiological conditions but quickly releases 1,2-diaminocyclohexane-platinum(II) (DACHPt, a parent drug of oxaliplatin) and NCTD in response to the tumor acidity. NCTD inhibits protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) activity to relieve cell cycle arrest and downregulates the tumor PD-L1 expression to disrupt the programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 interaction, synergistically enhancing Pt-based chemotherapy and immunogenic cell death-induced immunotherapy. As a result, NC-NP exhibits potent synergistic cytotoxicity and promotes T cell recruitment to generate robust antitumor immune responses. The dual synergism exhibits potent antitumor activity against orthotopic 4T1 tumors, providing a promising chemo-immunotherapy paradigm for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Xiang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of EducationCollege of Chemical and Biological EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
- ZJU‐Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation CenterZhejiang UniversityHangzhou311215China
| | - Kexin Liu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of EducationCollege of Chemical and Biological EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
| | - Hongxia Xu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of EducationCollege of Chemical and Biological EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
| | - Zhihao Zhao
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of EducationCollege of Chemical and Biological EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
| | - Ying Piao
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of EducationCollege of Chemical and Biological EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
| | - Shiqun Shao
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of EducationCollege of Chemical and Biological EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
- ZJU‐Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation CenterZhejiang UniversityHangzhou311215China
| | - Jianbin Tang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of EducationCollege of Chemical and Biological EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
- ZJU‐Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation CenterZhejiang UniversityHangzhou311215China
| | - Youqing Shen
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of EducationCollege of Chemical and Biological EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
| | - Zhuxian Zhou
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of EducationCollege of Chemical and Biological EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310027China
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23
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Zhao H, Wei Y, Zhang J, Zhang K, Tian L, Liu Y, Zhang S, Zhou Y, Wang Z, Shi S, Fu Z, Fu J, Zhao J, Li X, Zhang L, Zhao L, Liu K. HPV16 infection promotes the malignant transformation of the esophagus and progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29132. [PMID: 37792307 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29132] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) may be correlated with HPV infection, and the mechanism underlying the ESCC formation induced by HPV16 infection remains elusive. Here, we overexpressed HPV16 E6 and E7 and coordinated the overexpression of these two genes in EPC2 and ESCC cells. We found that E7 and coordinated expression of E6 and E7 promoted the proliferation of EPC2 cells, and upregulation of shh was responsible for cell proliferation since the use of vismodegib led to the failure of organoid formation. Meanwhile, overexpression of E6 and E7 in ESCC cells promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. Importantly, E6 and E7 coordinately increased the capability of tumor growth in nude mice, while vismodegib slowed the growth of tumors in NCG mice. Moreover, a series of genes and proteins changed in cell lines after overexpression of the E6 and E7 genes, the potential biological processes and pathways were systematically analyzed using a bioinformatics assay. Together, these findings suggest that the activation of the hedgehog pathway induced by HPV16 infection may initially transform basal cells in the esophagus and promote following malignant processes in ESCC cells. The application of hedgehog inhibitors may represent a therapeutic avenue for ESCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongzhou Zhao
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxuan Wei
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaying Zhang
- School of Life Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Fuzhou, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Liming Tian
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongpan Liu
- School of Life Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Shihui Zhang
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Yijian Zhou
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuo Wang
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Songlin Shi
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhichao Fu
- Department of Radiotherapy, 900 Hospital of the Joint Logistics Team (Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University), Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianqian Fu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Fifth Hospital of Xiamen, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinxin Li
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijia Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Liran Zhao
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Kuancan Liu
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
- School of Life Science, Nanchang Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
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24
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Tsai CC, Yang YCSH, Chen YF, Huang LY, Yang YN, Lee SY, Wang WL, Lee HL, Whang-Peng J, Lin HY, Wang K. Integrins and Actions of Androgen in Breast Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:2126. [PMID: 37681860 PMCID: PMC10486718 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172126] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Androgen has been shown to regulate male physiological activities and cancer proliferation. It is used to antagonize estrogen-induced proliferative effects in breast cancer cells. However, evidence indicates that androgen can stimulate cancer cell growth in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and ER-negative breast cancer cells via different types of receptors and different mechanisms. Androgen-induced cancer growth and metastasis link with different types of integrins. Integrin αvβ3 is predominantly expressed and activated in cancer cells and rapidly dividing endothelial cells. Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) also plays a vital role in cancer growth. The part of integrins in action with androgen in cancer cells is not fully mechanically understood. To clarify the interactions between androgen and integrin αvβ3, we carried out molecular modeling to explain the potential interactions of androgen with integrin αvβ3. The androgen-regulated mechanisms on PD-L1 and its effects were also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Che Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (C.-C.T.); (Y.-F.C.)
- Graduate Institute of Nanomedicine and Medical Engineering, College of Medical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen S. H. Yang
- Joint Biobank, Office of Human Research, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
| | - Yi-Fong Chen
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (C.-C.T.); (Y.-F.C.)
| | - Lin-Yi Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, E-DA Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan; (L.-Y.H.); (Y.-N.Y.)
| | - Yung-Ning Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, E-DA Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan; (L.-Y.H.); (Y.-N.Y.)
- School of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Yang Lee
- Dentistry, Wan-Fang Medical Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
- School of Dentistry, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Long Wang
- Department of Life Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan;
| | - Hsin-Lun Lee
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- The Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | | | - Hung-Yun Lin
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (C.-C.T.); (Y.-F.C.)
- Cancer Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Traditional Herbal Medicine Research Center of Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Kuan Wang
- Graduate Institute of Nanomedicine and Medical Engineering, College of Medical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
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25
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Zhang YC, Zhang YT, Wang Y, Zhao Y, He LJ. What role does PDL1 play in EMT changes in tumors and fibrosis? Front Immunol 2023; 14:1226038. [PMID: 37649487 PMCID: PMC10463740 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1226038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) plays a pivotal role in embryonic development, tissue fibrosis, repair, and tumor invasiveness. Emerging studies have highlighted the close association between EMT and immune checkpoint molecules, particularly programmed cell death ligand 1 (PDL1). PDL1 exerts its influence on EMT through bidirectional regulation. EMT-associated factors, such as YB1, enhance PDL1 expression by directly binding to its promoter. Conversely, PDL1 signaling triggers downstream pathways like PI3K/AKT and MAPK, promoting EMT and facilitating cancer cell migration and invasion. Targeting PDL1 holds promise as a therapeutic strategy for EMT-related diseases, including cancer and fibrosis. Indeed, PDL1 inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab, have shown promising results in clinical trials for various cancers. Recent research has also indicated their potential benefit in fibrosis treatment in reducing fibroblast activation and extracellular matrix deposition, thereby addressing fibrosis. In this review, we examine the multifaceted role of PDL1 in immunomodulation, growth, and fibrosis promotion. We discuss the challenges, mechanisms, and clinical observations related to PDL1, including the limitations of the PD1/PDL1 axis in treatment and PD1-independent intrinsic PDL1 signaling. Our study highlights the dynamic changes in PDL1 expression during the EMT process across various tumor types. Through interplay between PDL1 and EMT, we uncover co-directional alterations, regulatory pathways, and diverse changes resulting from PDL1 intervention in oncology. Additionally, our findings emphasize the dual role of PDL1 in promoting fibrosis and modulating immune responses across multiple diseases, with potential implications for therapeutic approaches. We particularly investigate the therapeutic potential of targeting PDL1 in type II EMT fibrosis: strike balance between fibrosis modulation and immune response regulation. This analysis provides valuable insights into the multifaceted functions of PDL1 and contributes to our understanding of its complex mechanisms and therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Chao Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Xi Jing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yu-Ting Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Xi Jing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Xi Jing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ya Zhao
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Li-Jie He
- Department of Nephrology, Xi Jing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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26
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Ocaña-Guzmán R, Osorio-Pérez D, Chavez-Galan L. Opportunistic Infections and Immune-Related Adverse Events Associated with Administering Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Narrative Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1119. [PMID: 37631034 PMCID: PMC10458516 DOI: 10.3390/ph16081119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Manipulating the immune system by blocking the immune checkpoint receptors is the basis of immunotherapy, a relevant tool in current clinical oncology. The strategy of blocking the immune checkpoints (Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, ICI) consists of using monoclonal antibodies to inhibit the interaction between ligand and inhibitory receptors from triggering a complete activation of helper and cytotoxic T cells to fight against tumour cells. Immunotherapy has benefited patients with diverse cancers such as stomach, lung, melanoma, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, among others. Unfortunately, a growing number of reports have indicated that the ICI treatment also can show a dark side under specific conditions; some of the adverse effects induced by ICI are immunosuppression, opportunistic infections, and organ-specific alterations. This review discusses some immunologic aspects related to these unwanted effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranferi Ocaña-Guzmán
- Laboratory of Integrative Immunology, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosio Villegas, Mexico City 14080, Mexico;
| | - Diego Osorio-Pérez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital de la Mujer, Mexico City 11340, Mexico;
| | - Leslie Chavez-Galan
- Laboratory of Integrative Immunology, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosio Villegas, Mexico City 14080, Mexico;
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27
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Davern M, Donlon NE. The future of combination immunotherapy in oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1217132. [PMID: 37520544 PMCID: PMC10375285 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1217132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Davern
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Noel E. Donlon
- Department of Surgery, Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St. James’s Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Upper GI Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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28
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Chen Z, Lin C, Pei H, Yuan X, Xu J, Zou M, Zhang X, Fossier A, Liu M, Goo S, Lei L, Yang J, Novick C, Xu J, Ying G, Zhou Z, Wu J, Tang C, Zhang W, Wang Z, Wang Z, Zhang H, Guo W, Hu Q, Ji H, Chen R. Antibody-based binding domain fused to TCRγ chain facilitates T cell cytotoxicity for potent anti-tumor response. Oncogenesis 2023; 12:33. [PMID: 37349298 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-023-00480-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has demonstrated potent clinical efficacy in the treatment of hematopoietic malignancies. However, the application of CAR-T in solid tumors has been limited due in part to the expression of inhibitory molecules in the tumor microenvironment, leading to T-cell exhaustion. To overcome this limitation, we have developed a synthetic T-cell receptor (TCR) that targets programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), a molecule that is widely expressed in various solid tumors and plays a pivotal role in T-cell exhaustion. Our novel TCR platform is based on antibody-based binding domain, which is typically a single-chain variable fragment (scFv), fused to the γδ TCRs (TCRγδ). We have utilized the T-cell receptor alpha constant (TRAC) locus editing approach to express cell surface scFv of anti-PD-L1, which is fused to the constant region of the TCRγ or TCRδ chain in activated T cells derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Our results indicate that these reconfigured receptors, both γ-TCRγδ and δ-TCRγδ, have the capability to transduce signals, produce inflammatory cytokines, degranulate and exert tumor killing activity upon engagement with PD-L1 antigen in vitro. Additionally, we have also shown that γ-TCRγδ exerted superior efficacy than δ-TCRγδ in in vivo xenograft model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Chen
- Sorrento Therapeutics Inc, 4955 Directors Place, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Changyou Lin
- Sorrento Therapeutics Inc, 4955 Directors Place, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Hong Pei
- Sorrento Therapeutics Inc, 4955 Directors Place, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Xiaomei Yuan
- Sorrento Therapeutics Inc, 4955 Directors Place, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jia Xu
- Sorrento Therapeutics Inc, 4955 Directors Place, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Mingwei Zou
- Sorrento Therapeutics Inc, 4955 Directors Place, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Xinyuan Zhang
- Sorrento Therapeutics Inc, 4955 Directors Place, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Amber Fossier
- Sorrento Therapeutics Inc, 4955 Directors Place, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Meizhu Liu
- Sorrento Therapeutics Inc, 4955 Directors Place, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Seungah Goo
- Sorrento Therapeutics Inc, 4955 Directors Place, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Lei Lei
- Sorrento Therapeutics Inc, 4955 Directors Place, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jia Yang
- Sorrento Therapeutics Inc, 4955 Directors Place, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Catherine Novick
- Sorrento Therapeutics Inc, 4955 Directors Place, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jiqing Xu
- Sorrento Therapeutics Inc, 4955 Directors Place, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ge Ying
- Sorrento Therapeutics Inc, 4955 Directors Place, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Zhihong Zhou
- Sorrento Therapeutics Inc, 4955 Directors Place, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jianbo Wu
- Sorrento Therapeutics Inc, 4955 Directors Place, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Chunyi Tang
- Sorrento Therapeutics Inc, 4955 Directors Place, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Wenying Zhang
- Sorrento Therapeutics Inc, 4955 Directors Place, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Zhenping Wang
- Sorrento Therapeutics Inc, 4955 Directors Place, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Zhihao Wang
- Sorrento Therapeutics Inc, 4955 Directors Place, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Huitang Zhang
- Sorrento Therapeutics Inc, 4955 Directors Place, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Wenzhong Guo
- Sorrento Therapeutics Inc, 4955 Directors Place, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Qidong Hu
- Sorrento Therapeutics Inc, 4955 Directors Place, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Henry Ji
- Sorrento Therapeutics Inc, 4955 Directors Place, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Runqiang Chen
- Sorrento Therapeutics Inc, 4955 Directors Place, San Diego, CA, USA.
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29
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BABAHAN C, ABDI ABGARMI S, SONUGÜR FG, ÖÇAL M, AKBULUT H. The effects of anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody on the expression of angiogenesis and invasion-related genes. Turk J Biol 2023; 47:262-275. [PMID: 38152616 PMCID: PMC10751090 DOI: 10.55730/1300-0152.2661] [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: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/aim The role of PD-L1 in regulating the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment via its binding on PD-1 receptors is extensively studied. The PD-1/PD-L1 axis is a significant way of cancer immune escape, and PD-L1 expression on tumor cells is suggested as a predictive marker for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs). However, the tumor-intrinsic role of PD-L1 is not known well. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of anti-PD-L1 antibodies on the expression of angiogenesis and metastasis-related genes in tumor cells. Materials and methods The experiments were done with prostate cancer and melanoma cells with low PD-L1 expression (<5%) and prostate and breast cancer cells with high PD-L1 expression (>50%). The gene and protein expressions of VEGFA, E-cadherin, TGFβ1, EGFR, and bFGF in tumor cells were assayed at the 3 different doses of the anti-PD-L1 antibody. Results We found that VEGFA, E-cadherin and TGFβ1 expressions increased in PD-L1 high cells but decreased in PD-L1 low cells after anti-PD-L1 treatment. EGFR expression levels were variable in PD-L1 high cells, while decreased in PD-L1 low cells upon treatment. Also, the anti-PD-L1 antibody was found to increase bFGF expression in the prostate cancer cell line with high PD-L1 expression. Conclusion Our results suggest that the binding of PD-L1 on tumor cells by an anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody may affect tumor-intrinsic mechanisms. The activation of angiogenesis and metastasis-related pathways by anti-PD-L1 treatment in PD-L1 high tumors might be a tumor-promoting mechanism. The decrease of VEGFA, TGFβ1 and EGFR upon anti-PD-L1 treatment in PD-L1 low tumor cells provides a rationale for the use of those antibodies in PD-L1 low tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cansu BABAHAN
- Ankara University Cancer Research Institute, Ankara,
Turkiye
| | | | | | - Müge ÖÇAL
- Ankara University Cancer Research Institute, Ankara,
Turkiye
| | - Hakan AKBULUT
- Ankara University Cancer Research Institute, Ankara,
Turkiye
- Department of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara,
Turkiye
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30
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Tang WF, Fan XJ, Bao H, Fu R, Liang Y, Wu M, Zhang C, Su J, Wu YL, Zhong WZ. Acquired DNA damage repairs deficiency-driven immune evolution and involved immune factors of local versus distant metastases in non-small cell lung cancer. Oncoimmunology 2023; 12:2215112. [PMID: 37261085 PMCID: PMC10228401 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2215112] [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: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolution of immune profile from primary tumors to distant and local metastases in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as well as the impact of the immune background of primary tumors on metastatic potential, remains unclear. To address this, we performed whole-exome sequencing and immunohistochemistry for 73 paired primary and metastatic tumor samples from 41 NSCLC patients, and analyzed the change of immune profile from primary tumors to metastases and involved genetic factors. We found that distant metastases tended to have a decreased CD8+ T cell level along with an increased chromosomal instability (CIN) compared with primary tumors, which was partially ascribed to acquired DNA damage repair (DDR) deficiency. Distant metastases were characterized by immunosuppression (low CD8+ T cell level) and immune evasion (high PD-L1 level) whereas local metastases (pleura) were immune-competent with high CD8+ T cell, low CD4+ T cell and low PD-L1 level. Primary tumors with high levels of CD4+ T cells were associated with distant metastases rather than local metastases. Analysis of TCGA data and a single-cell RNA-sequencing dataset revealed a decreasing trend of major immune cells, such as CD8+ T cells, and an increasing trend of CD4 T helper cells (Th2 and Th1) in primary tumors with metastases from local to distant sites. Our study indicates that there are differences in the immune evolution between distant and local metastases, and that acquired DDR deficiency contributes to the immunosuppression in distant metastases of NSCLC. Moreover, the immune background of primary tumors may affect their metastatic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Fang Tang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Zhongshan City People’s Hospital, Zhongshan, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Jun Fan
- Geneseeq Research Institute, Nanjing Geneseeq Technology Inc, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Hua Bao
- Geneseeq Research Institute, Nanjing Geneseeq Technology Inc, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Rui Fu
- Guangdong Lung Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yi Liang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Zhongshan City People’s Hospital, Zhongshan, P. R. China
| | - Min Wu
- Geneseeq Research Institute, Nanjing Geneseeq Technology Inc, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Guangdong Lung Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Su
- Guangdong Lung Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Long Wu
- Guangdong Lung Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Zhao Zhong
- Guangdong Lung Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, P. R. China
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31
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Sadaf H, Ambroziak M, Binkowski R, Kluebsoongnoen J, Paszkiewicz-Kozik E, Steciuk J, Markowicz S, Walewski J, Sarnowska E, Sarnowski TJ, Konopinski R. New molecular targets in Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1155468. [PMID: 37266436 PMCID: PMC10230546 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1155468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent discoveries shed light on molecular mechanisms responsible for classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) development and progression, along with features of Hodgkin - Reed and Sternberg cells (HRS). Here, we summarize current knowledge on characteristic molecular alterations in HL, as well as existing targeted therapies and potential novel treatments for this disease. We discuss the importance of cluster of differentiation molecule 30 (CD30) and the programmed cell death-1 protein (PD-1) and ligands (PD-L1/2), and other molecules involved in immune modulation in HL. We highlight emerging evidence indicating that the altered function of SWI/SNF-type chromatin remodeling complexes, PRC2, and other epigenetic modifiers, contribute to variations in chromatin status, which are typical for HL. We postulate that despite of the existence of plentiful molecular data, the understanding of HL development remains incomplete. We therefore propose research directions involving analysis of reverse signaling in the PD-1/PD-L1 mechanism, chromatin remodeling, and epigenetics-related alterations, in order to identify HL features at the molecular level. Such attempts may lead to the identification of new molecular targets, and thus will likely substantially contribute to the future development of more effective targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hummaira Sadaf
- Department of Experimental Immunotherapy, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Biotechnology, Sardar Bahadur Khan Womens’ University, Balochistan, Pakistan
| | - Maciej Ambroziak
- Department of Experimental Immunotherapy, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Robert Binkowski
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Ewa Paszkiewicz-Kozik
- Department of Lymphoid Malignancies, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jaroslaw Steciuk
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sergiusz Markowicz
- Department of Experimental Immunotherapy, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jan Walewski
- Department of Lymphoid Malignancies, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Sarnowska
- Department of Experimental Immunotherapy, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Ryszard Konopinski
- Department of Experimental Immunotherapy, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
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32
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Lucà S, Franco R, Napolitano A, Soria V, Ronchi A, Zito Marino F, Della Corte CM, Morgillo F, Fiorelli A, Luciano A, Palma G, Arra C, Battista S, Cerchia L, Fedele M. PATZ1 in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A New Biomarker That Negatively Correlates with PD-L1 Expression and Suppresses the Malignant Phenotype. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072190. [PMID: 37046851 PMCID: PMC10093756 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, is still an unmet medical problem due to the lack of both effective therapies against advanced stages and markers to allow a diagnosis of the disease at early stages before its progression. Immunotherapy targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint is promising for many cancers, including NSCLC, but its success depends on the tumor expression of PD-L1. PATZ1 is an emerging cancer-related transcriptional regulator and diagnostic/prognostic biomarker in different malignant tumors, but its role in lung cancer is still obscure. Here we investigated expression and role of PATZ1 in NSCLC, in correlation with NSCLC subtypes and PD-L1 expression. A cohort of 104 NSCLCs, including lung squamous cell carcinomas (LUSCs) and adenocarcinomas (LUADs), was retrospectively analyzed by immunohistochemistry for the expression of PATZ1 and PD-L1. The results were correlated with each other and with the clinical characteristics, showing on the one hand a positive correlation between the high expression of PATZ1 and the LUSC subtype and, on the other hand, a negative correlation between PATZ1 and PD-L1, validated at the mRNA level in independent NSCLC datasets. Consistently, two NSCLC cell lines transfected with a PATZ1-overexpressing plasmid showed PD-L1 downregulation, suggesting a role for PATZ1 in the negative regulation of PD-L1. We also showed that PATZ1 overexpression inhibits NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and that Patz1-knockout mice develop LUAD. Overall, this suggests that PATZ1 may act as a tumor suppressor in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Lucà
- Pathology Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Renato Franco
- Pathology Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Napolitano
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Soria
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Ronchi
- Pathology Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Zito Marino
- Pathology Unit, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Carminia Maria Della Corte
- Department of Precision Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Floriana Morgillo
- Department of Precision Medicine, Medical Oncology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Alfonso Fiorelli
- Translational Medical and Surgical Science, Thoracic Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Luciano
- S.S.D. Sperimentazione Animale, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Palma
- S.S.D. Sperimentazione Animale, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Arra
- S.S.D. Sperimentazione Animale, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Sabrina Battista
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Cerchia
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Monica Fedele
- Institute for Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy
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Alkaabi D, Arafat K, Sulaiman S, Al-Azawi AM, Attoub S. PD-1 Independent Role of PD-L1 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076420. [PMID: 37047395 PMCID: PMC10094894 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a type of breast malignancy characterized by a high proliferative rate and metastatic potential leading to treatment failure, relapse, and poor prognosis. Therefore, efforts are continuously being devoted to understanding its biology and identifying new potential targets. Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is an immunosuppressive protein that inactivates T cells by binding to the inhibitory receptor programmed death-1 (PD-1). PD-L1 overexpression in cancer cells contributes to immune evasion and, subsequently, poor survival and prognosis in several cancers, including breast cancer. Apart from its inhibitory impact on T cells, this ligand is believed to have an intrinsic role in cancer cells. This study was performed to clarify the PD-1 independent role of PD-L1 in TNBC MDA-MB-231 cells by knocking out the PD-L1 using three designs of CRISPR-Cas9 lentiviral particles. Our study revealed that PD-L1 knockout significantly inhibited MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation and colony formation in vitro and tumor growth in the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model in vivo. PD-L1 knockout also decreased the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro. We have shown that PD-L1 knockout MDA-MB-231 cells have low levels of p-Akt and p-ERK in addition to some of their downstream proteins, c-Fos, c-Myc, p21, survivin, and COX-2. Furthermore, PD-L1 knockout significantly decreased the expression of Snail and RhoA. This study shows the intrinsic role of PD-L1 in TNBC independently of its binding to PD-1 receptors on T cells. It may pave the way for developing novel therapeutic strategies using PD-L1 inhibitors alone and in combination to treat TNBC more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duaa Alkaabi
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Kholoud Arafat
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shahrazad Sulaiman
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Aya Mudhafar Al-Azawi
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Samir Attoub
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), 75013 Paris, France
- Correspondence:
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34
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Letian A, Lemma EY, Cavaliere P, Dephoure N, Altorki NK, McGraw TE. Proximity proteome mapping reveals PD-L1-dependent pathways disrupted by anti-PD-L1 antibody specifically in EGFR-mutant lung cancer cells. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:58. [PMID: 36915197 PMCID: PMC10010028 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01084-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND PD-L1, a transmembrane ligand for immune checkpoint receptor PD1, has been successfully targeted to activate an anti-tumor immune response in a variety of solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Despite the success of targeting PD-L1, only about 20% of patients achieve a durable response. The reasons for the heterogeneity in response are not understood, although some molecular subtypes (e.g., mutant EGF receptor tumors) are generally poor responders. Although PD-L1 is best characterized as a transmembrane PD1 ligand, the emerging view is that PD-L1 has functions independent of activating PD1 signaling. It is not known whether these cell-intrinsic functions of PD-L1 are shared among non-transformed and transformed cells, if they vary among cancer molecular subtypes, or if they are impacted by anti-PD-L1 therapy. METHODS Here we use quantitative microscopy techniques and APEX2 proximity mapping to describe the behavior of PD-L1 and to identify PD-L1's proximal proteome in human lung epithelial cells. RESULTS Our data reveal growth factor control of PD-L1 recycling as a mechanism for acute and reversible regulation of PD-L1 density on the plasma membrane. In addition, we describe novel PD-L1 biology restricted to mutant EGFR cells. Anti-PD-L1 antibody treatment of mutant EGFR cells perturbs cell intrinsic PD-L1 functions, leading to reduced cell migration, increased half-life of EGFR and increased extracellular vesicle biogenesis, whereas anti-PD-L1 antibody does not induce these changes in wild type EGFR cells. CONCLUSIONS Growth factor acute regulation of PD-L1 trafficking, by contributing to the control of plasma membrane density, might contribute to the regulation of PD-L1's immune checkpoint activity, whereas the specific effects of anti-PD-L1 on mutant EGFR cells might contribute to the poor anti-PD-L1 response of mutant EGFR tumors. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anudari Letian
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave, New York, NY 10065 USA
- Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave, New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Eyoel Yemanaberhan Lemma
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave, New York, NY 10065 USA
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine and NY Presbyterian Hospital, 1300 York Ave, New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Paola Cavaliere
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave, New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Noah Dephoure
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave, New York, NY 10065 USA
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine and NY Presbyterian Hospital, 1300 York Ave, New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Nasser K. Altorki
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine and NY Presbyterian Hospital, 1300 York Ave, New York, NY 10065 USA
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine and NY Presbyterian Hospital, 1300 York Ave, New York, NY 10065 USA
- Neuberger Berman Foundation Lung Cancer Research Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave, New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Timothy E. McGraw
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave, New York, NY 10065 USA
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine and NY Presbyterian Hospital, 1300 York Ave, New York, NY 10065 USA
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine and NY Presbyterian Hospital, 1300 York Ave, New York, NY 10065 USA
- Neuberger Berman Foundation Lung Cancer Research Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave, New York, NY 10065 USA
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35
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Yang RH, Qin J, Cao JL, Zhang MZ, Li YY, Wang MQ, Fang D, Xie SQ. Dickkopf-1 drives tumor immune evasion by inducing PD-L1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 208:115378. [PMID: 36513141 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms regulating PD-L1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is important to improve the response rate to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy. Here, we show that DKK1 expression is positively associated with PD-L1 expression and inversely correlated with CD8+ T cell infiltration in human HCC tumor specimens. In a subcutaneous xenograft tumor model, overexpression of DKK1 significantly promotes tumor growth, tumoral PD-L1 expression, but reduces tumoral CD8+ T cell infiltration; whereas knockdown of DKK1 has opposite effects. Moreover, enforced expression of DKK1 dramatically promotes PD-L1 expression, Akt activation, β-catenin phosphorylation and total protein expression in HCC cells. By contrast, knockdown of DKK1 inhibits all, relative to controls. In addition, CKAP4 depletion, Akt inhibition, or β-catenin depletion remarkably abrogates DKK1 overexpression-induced transcriptional expression of PD-L1 in HCC cells. Reconstituted expression of the active Akt1 largely increased PD-L1 transcriptional expression in HCC cells. Similarly, expression of WT β-catenin, but not the phosphorylation-defective β-catenin S552A mutant, significantly promotes PD-L1 expression. Correlation analysis of human HCC tumor specimens further revealed that DKK1 and PD-L1 expression were positively correlated with p-β-catenin expression. Together, our findings revealed that DKK1 promotes PD-L1 expression through the activation of Akt/β-catenin signaling, providing a potential strategy to enhance the clinical efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruo-Han Yang
- Institute of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng 475004, China; The Academy for Advanced Interdisplinary Studies, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Jia Qin
- Institute of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Jin-Lan Cao
- Institute of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Ming-Zhu Zhang
- Institute of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Ying-Ying Li
- Institute of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Meng-Qing Wang
- Institute of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Dong Fang
- Institute of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng 475004, China; The Academy for Advanced Interdisplinary Studies, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng 475004, China; Henan Province Engineering Research Center of High Value Utilization to Natural Medical Resource in Yellow River Basin, Kaifeng 475004, China.
| | - Song-Qiang Xie
- Institute of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng 475004, China; The Academy for Advanced Interdisplinary Studies, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave, Kaifeng 475004, China.
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36
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Hajibabaei S, Sotoodehnejadnematalahi F, Nafissi N, Zeinali S, Azizi M. Aberrant promoter hypermethylation of miR-335 and miR-145 is involved in breast cancer PD-L1 overexpression. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1003. [PMID: 36653507 PMCID: PMC9849328 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-27415-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
PD-L1 is one of the most important immune checkpoint molecules in breast cancer that plays an important role in suppressing the immune system when confronted with tumor cells and is regulated by various microRNAs. Among them, microRNA-335-3p and microRNA-145-5p, regulated by DNA methylation, have tumor suppressor activities. We studied the role of miR-335 and -145 on PD-L1 suppression in breast cancer. The expression of miR-355 and miR-145 was significantly downregulated in BC tissues and cell lines compared to their controls, and their downregulation was negatively correlated with PD-L1 overexpression. In-silico and luciferase reporter systems confirmed that miR-335 and -145 target PD-L1. In BC tissues and cell lines, cancer-specific methylation was found in CpG-rich areas upstream of miR-335 and-145, and up-regulation of PD-L1 expression was connected with hypermethylation (r = 0.4089, P = 0.0147, and r = 0.3373, P = 0.0475, respectively). The higher levels of miR-355 and -145 in BC cells induced apoptosis, arrested the cell cycle, and reduced proliferation significantly. In summary, we found that miR-335 and -145 are novel tumor suppressors inactivated in BC, and these miRs may serve as potential therapeutic targets for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Hajibabaei
- Department of Biology, School of Basic Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Nahid Nafissi
- Breast Surgery Department, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sirous Zeinali
- Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, 69th Pasteur Street, Kargar Avenue, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Azizi
- Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, 69th Pasteur Street, Kargar Avenue, Tehran, Iran.
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37
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Xiao L, Guan X, Xiang M, Wang Q, Long Q, Yue C, Chen L, Liu J, Liao C. B7 family protein glycosylation: Promising novel targets in tumor treatment. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1088560. [PMID: 36561746 PMCID: PMC9763287 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1088560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy, including the inhibition of immune checkpoints, improves the tumor immune microenvironment and is an effective tool for cancer therapy. More effective and alternative inhibitory targets are critical for successful immune checkpoint blockade therapy. The interaction of the immunomodulatory ligand B7 family with corresponding receptors induces or inhibits T cell responses by sending co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory signals respectively. Blocking the glycosylation of the B7 family members PD-L1, PD-L2, B7-H3, and B7-H4 inhibited the self-stability and receptor binding of these immune checkpoint proteins, leading to immunosuppression and rapid tumor progression. Therefore, regulation of glycosylation may be the "golden key" to relieve tumor immunosuppression. The exploration of a more precise glycosylation regulation mechanism and glycan structure of B7 family proteins is conducive to the discovery and clinical application of antibodies and small molecule inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Xiao
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China,Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Xiaoyan Guan
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China,Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Mingli Xiang
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China,Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Qian Long
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China,Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Chaoyi Yue
- School of Medicine and Technology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Lulu Chen
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China,Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Jianguo Liu
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China,*Correspondence: Chengcheng Liao, ; Jianguo Liu,
| | - Chengcheng Liao
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China,Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China,*Correspondence: Chengcheng Liao, ; Jianguo Liu,
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38
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Jiang A, Liu N, Wang J, Zheng X, Ren M, Zhang W, Yao Y. The role of PD-1/PD-L1 axis in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Friend or foe? Front Immunol 2022; 13:1022228. [PMID: 36544757 PMCID: PMC9760949 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1022228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating interstitial lung disease with a bleak prognosis. Mounting evidence suggests that IPF shares bio-molecular similarities with lung cancer. Given the deep understanding of the programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway in cancer immunity and the successful application of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in lung cancer, recent studies have noticed the role of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in IPF. However, the conclusions are ambiguous, and the latent mechanisms remain unclear. In this review, we will summarize the role of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in IPF based on current murine models and clinical studies. We found that the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway plays a more predominant profibrotic role than its immunomodulatory role in IPF by interacting with multiple cell types and pathways. Most preclinical studies also indicated that blockade of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway could attenuate the severity of pulmonary fibrosis in mice models. This review will bring significant insights into understanding the role of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in IPF and identifying new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimin Jiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Zheng
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China,Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Mengdi Ren
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Military Physical Education Teaching and Research Section of Air Force Medical Service Training Base, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China,*Correspondence: Yu Yao, ; Wei Zhang,
| | - Yu Yao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China,*Correspondence: Yu Yao, ; Wei Zhang,
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39
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Koh YW, Han JH, Haam S, Lee HW. Prognostic and predictive value of YTHDF1 and YTHDF2 and their correlation with tumor-infiltrating immune cells in non-small cell carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:996634. [PMID: 36479088 PMCID: PMC9720116 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.996634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND YTH domain-containing family protein 1 (YTHDF1) or YTHDF2 play crucial roles in cancer immunotherapy. We examine the expression of YTHDF1, YTHDF2, CD8, CD4, and FOXP3 to identify their prognostic or predictive role for PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS Immunohistochemical expression of YTHDF1, YTHDF2, CD8, CD4, and FOXP3 was investigated in 266 patients not receiving PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and in 59 patients receiving PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Immunohistochemical results were verified using mRNA dataset obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. RESULTS Immunohistochemical expression of YTHDF1 or YTHDF2 was negatively associated with CD8- and CD4-positive T cells; however, the same expression was positively associated with FOXP3-positive T cells. YTHDF1 or YTHDF2 mRNA expression was also negatively associated with CD8- and CD4-positive T cells. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that low YTHDF1 was related to immune hot tumor gene sets. Expression of YTHDF1 or YTHDF2 was negatively associated with expression of most immune checkpoints. YTHDF1 and YTHDF2 were predictive markers of response to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. YTHDF1 or YTHDF2 expression was associated with better prognosis. YTHDF1 has an immune hot profile in both cell types, whereas YTHDF2 is only seen in adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSION Low YTHDF1 or YTHDF2 reflects an immune hot tumor signature and may serve as a predictor or prognostic marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Wha Koh
- Department of Pathology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Jae-Ho Han
- Department of Pathology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Seokjin Haam
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Hyun Woo Lee
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
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Metformin as a Potential Antitumor Agent. SERBIAN JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/sjecr-2022-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Some recent findings suggest that metformin, an oral antidiabetic drug, may have antitumor properties. Studies have shown that metformin can alter cell metabolism, both tumor and immune cells, which can greatly influence disease outcome. In this review, we discuss the potential mechanisms in which metformin can directly induce apoptosis of tumor cells as well as mechanisms in which metformin can elicit or enhance antitumor immune response.
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Zhang Y, Wang X, Shi M, Song Y, Yu J, Han S. Programmed death ligand 1 and tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T lymphocytes are associated with the clinical features in meningioma. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:1171. [DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10249-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
To investigate the expression of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) and the levels of CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in meningioma as well as determine the association between their levels and the clinical outcomes.
Methods
We performed a retrospective case-control study on 93 patients with meningioma. The patients showed tumor recurrence and were matched with the control patients without recurrence in their age, gender, admission time, tumor sites, tumor volume, peritumoral brain edema (PTBE), Simpson grade resection, WHO grade, postoperative radiotherapy, and the follow-up duration. We reviewed the clinical data of patients and performed immunohistochemistry analysis to investigate the PD-L1 expression and the levels of CD8+ TILs. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to analyze the association between clinical features and immune markers. The conditional logistic regression models were used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed to analyze tumor recurrence.
Results
Tumor volume was correlated with the PD-L1 expression (P = 0.003, HR = 5.288, 95%CI, 1.786–15.651). PTBE served as an independent predictor of CD8+ TIL levels (P = 0.001, HR = 0.176, 95%CI 0.065–0.477). The levels of CD8+ TILs were associated with tumor recurrence (P = 0.020, OR = 0.325, 95%CI, 0.125–0.840).
Conclusion
Tumor volume was associated with PD-L1 expression, and PTBE was an independent predictor of CD8+ TIL levels in meningioma. CD8+ TIL levels correlated with tumor recurrence in meningioma.
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Elevation of spermine remodels immunosuppressive microenvironment through driving the modification of PD-L1 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:175. [DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00981-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Spermine is frequently elevated in tumor tissues and body fluids of cancer patients and is critical for cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. However, the immune functions of spermine in hepatocellular carcinoma progression remains unknown. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate immunosuppressive role of spermine in hepatocellular carcinoma and to explore the underlying mechanism.
Methods
Whole-blood spermine concentration was measured using HPLC. Human primary HCC tissues were collected to examine the expression of CaSR, p-Akt, β-catenin, STT3A, PD-L1, and CD8. Mouse model of tumorigenesis and lung metastasis were established to evaluate the effects of spermine on hepatocellular carcinoma. Western blotting, immunofluorescence, real time PCR, digital Ca2+ imaging, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay were used to investigate the underlying mechanisms by which spermine regulates PD-L1 expression and glycosylation in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
Results
Blood spermine concentration in the HCC patient group was significantly higher than that in the normal population group. Spermine could facilitate tumor progression through inducing PD-L1 expression and decreasing the CD8+ T cell infiltration in HCC. Mechanistically, spermine activates calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) to trigger Ca2+ entry and thereby promote Akt-dependent β-catenin stabilization and nuclear translocation. Nuclear β-catenin induced by spermine then activates transcriptional expression of PD-L1 and N-glycosyltransferase STT3A, while STT3A in turn increases the stability of PD-L1 through inducing PD-L1 protein N-glycosylation in HCC cells.
Conclusions
This study reveals the crucial function of spermine in establishing immune privilege by increasing the expression and N-glycosylation of PD-L1, providing a potential strategy for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Burger GA, Nesenberend DN, Lems CM, Hille SC, Beltman JB. Bidirectional crosstalk between epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity and IFN γ-induced PD-L1 expression promotes tumour progression. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:220186. [PMID: 36397970 PMCID: PMC9626257 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.220186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and immunoevasion through upregulation of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) are important drivers of cancer progression. While EMT has been proposed to facilitate PD-L1-mediated immunosuppression, molecular mechanisms of their interaction remain obscure. Here, we provide insight into these mechanisms by proposing a mathematical model that describes the crosstalk between EMT and interferon gamma (IFNγ)-induced PD-L1 expression. Our model shows that via interaction with microRNA-200 (miR-200), the multi-stability of the EMT regulatory circuit is mirrored in PD-L1 levels, which are further amplified by IFNγ stimulation. This IFNγ-mediated effect is most prominent for cells in a fully mesenchymal state and less strong for those in an epithelial or partially mesenchymal state. In addition, bidirectional crosstalk between miR-200 and PD-L1 implies that IFNγ stimulation allows cells to undergo EMT for lower amounts of inducing signal, and the presence of IFNγ accelerates EMT and decelerates mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET). Overall, our model agrees with published findings and provides insight into possible mechanisms behind EMT-mediated immune evasion, and primary, adaptive, or acquired resistance to immunotherapy. Our model can be used as a starting point to explore additional crosstalk mechanisms, as an improved understanding of these mechanisms is indispensable for developing better diagnostic and therapeutic options for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard A. Burger
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Daphne N. Nesenberend
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Mathematical Institute, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Carlijn M. Lems
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sander C. Hille
- Mathematical Institute, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Joost B. Beltman
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Shadbad MA, Ghorbaninezhad F, Hassanian H, Ahangar NK, Hosseinkhani N, Derakhshani A, Shekari N, Brunetti O, Silvestris N, Baradaran B. A scoping review on the significance of programmed death-ligand 1-inhibiting microRNAs in non-small cell lung treatment: A single-cell RNA sequencing-based study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1027758. [DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1027758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)/PD-1 axis is one of the well-established inhibitory axes in regulating immune responses. Besides the significance of tumor-intrinsic PD-L1 expression in immune evasion, its oncogenic role has been implicated in various malignancies, like non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). As small non-coding RNAs, microRNAs (miRs) have pivotal roles in cancer biology. The current study aimed to systematically review the current knowledge about the significance of PD-L1-inhibiting miRs in NSCLC inhibition and their underlying mechanisms.Materials and methodsWe conducted the current scoping review based on the PRISMA-ScR statement. We systematically searched Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Ovid, EBSCO, ProQuest, Cochrane Library, African Index Medicus, and Pascal-Francis up to 4 April 2021. We also performed in silico tumor bulk RNA sequencing and single-cell RNA sequencing to further the current knowledge of the non-coding RNA-mediated tumor-intrinsic PD-L1 regulation and the PD-L1/PD-1 axis in NSCLC.ResultsThe ectopic expression of hsa-miR-194-5p, hsa-miR-326, hsa-miR-526b-3p, hsa-miR-34a-5p, hsa-miR-34c-5p, hsa-miR-138-5p, hsa-miR-377-3p, hsa-let-7c-5p, hsa-miR-200a-3p, hsa-miR-200b-3p, hsa-miR-200c-3p, and hsa-miR-197-3p, as PD-L1-inhibiting miR, inhibits NSCLC development. These PD-L1-inhibiting miRs can substantially regulate the cell cycle, migration, clonogenicity, invasion, apoptosis, tumor chemosensitivity, and host anti-tumoral immune responses. Based on single-cell RNA sequencing results, PD-L1 inhibition might liberate the tumor-infiltrated CD8+ T-cells and dendritic cells (DCs)-mediated anti-tumoral immune responses via disrupting the PD-L1/PD-1 axis.ConclusionGiven the promising preclinical results of these PD-L1-inhibiting miRs in inhibiting NSCLC development, their ectopic expression might improve NSCLC patients’ prognosis; however, further studies are needed to translate this approach into clinical practice.
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Cabezón-Gutiérrez L, Sereno M, Cervera-Calero R, Mielgo-Rubio X, Higuera O. High tumor burden in non-small-cell lung cancer: A review of the literature. J Clin Transl Res 2022; 8:403-413. [PMID: 36518549 PMCID: PMC9741935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide and the majority of the patients have advanced/metastatic disease on presentation. In clinical practice, several biomarkers and clinical factors are taken into account when choosing the best treatment option in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). One potential marker may be tumor burden (TB). However, this concept is not specifically defined in NSCLC, and usually, it is used as a synonymous for aggressive disease. METHODS A non-systematic literature review was conducted. We searched for eligible randomized controlled trials from PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials with a cutoff at February 2021. The keywords included non-small-cell lung cancer, tumor burden, aggressive disease, prognosis biomarker, predictive biomarker, and immunotherapy. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS This review addresses the definition of TB in advanced NSCLC, the pathophysiology of high TB lesions, and the role of TB as a prognosis biomarker. RELEVANCE FOR PATIENTS The concept of aggressive disease, as high tumor burden definition, remains poorly defined and rarely considered in clinical research or clinical practice in oncology. The identification of this subgroup of patients could be interesting for defining and optimizing a more aggressive treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Cabezón-Gutiérrez
- Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario de Torrejón. Universidad Francisco Vitoria. Madrid, Spain
| | - María Sereno
- Medical Oncology, Sofía University Hospital; European University of Madrid. Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Xabier Mielgo-Rubio
- Medical Oncology. Hospital Universitario Fundación de Alcorcón. Alcorcón. Spain
| | - Oliver Higuera
- Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario La Paz. Madrid, Spain
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Quan Z, Yang Y, Zheng H, Zhan Y, Luo J, Ning Y, Fan S. Clinical implications of the interaction between PD-1/PD-L1 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in progression and treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. J Cancer 2022; 13:3434-3443. [PMID: 36313041 PMCID: PMC9608206 DOI: 10.7150/jca.77619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of immune checkpoints has been well known to provide novel clues for cancer treatments. Immunotherapy against the programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) /programmed death-ligand-1 (PD-L1), one of the most popular auxiliary treatments in recent years, has been applied in various tumor treatments, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, inevitable issues such as side effects and drug resistance emerge following the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway may participate in the regulation of PD-L1 expression. Abnormal PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activation results in increased PD-L1 protein translation, whereas PD-L1 overexpression can activate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inversely. Via downstream proteins, including 4E-BP1, STAT3, NF-κB, c-MYC, and AMPK in aberrant energy status, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway can regulate PD-L1 post-transcription and translation. Besides, the regulation of the PI3K pathway by the PD-1/PD-L1 axis involves both tumor cells and the tumor immune microenvironment. Inhibitors targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 have been successfully applied in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer and breast cancer. Meanwhile, drug resistance from alternative pathway activation also evidently affects clinical progress. To achieve a better therapeutic effect and quality of survival, the combination of multiple treatment modalities presents great research value. Here we reviewed the interaction between PD-1/PD-L1 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in the progression and treatment of NSCLC and summarized its clinical implications. The intracellular interactions between PD-1/PD-L1 and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway indicate that PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors have a wide range of potential applications. And we presented the mechanism for combining therapy with monoclonal antibody PD-1/PD-L1 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors in this review, to broaden the therapies for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Songqing Fan
- ✉ Corresponding author: Songqing Fan, Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China. E-mail address:
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Zhou Z, Liu Y, Jiang X, Zheng C, Luo W, Xiang X, Qi X, Shen J. Metformin modified chitosan as a multi-functional adjuvant to enhance cisplatin-based tumor chemotherapy efficacy. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 224:797-809. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.10.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Tumor-Intrinsic PD-L1 Exerts an Oncogenic Function through the Activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway in Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911031. [PMID: 36232331 PMCID: PMC9569632 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) strongly inhibits T cell activation, thereby aiding tumors in escaping the immune response. PD-L1 inhibitors have proven to be effective in the treatment of different types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Yet, the knowledge regarding the biological function of tumor-intrinsic PD-L1 in lung cancer remains obscure. In our study, we set the goal of determining the function of PD-L1 using overexpression and knockdown strategies. PD-L1 silencing resulted in decreased migratory and invasive ability of tumor cells, together with attenuated colony-forming capacity. Ectopic expression of PD-L1 showed the opposite effects, along with increased activities of MAPK and Wnt/β-catenin pathways, and the upregulation of Wnt/β-catenin target genes. Additionally, overexpression of PD-L1 was associated with dysregulated cellular and exosomal miRNAs involved in tumor progression and metastasis. In primary lung tumors, immunohistochemistry revealed that both PD1 and PD-L1 were highly expressed in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) compared to adenocarcinoma (p = 0.045 and p = 0.036, respectively). In SCC, PD1 expression was significantly associated with tumor grading (p = 0.016). Taken together, our data suggest that PD-L1 may exert an oncogenic function in NSCLC through activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and may act as a potential diagnostic marker for lung SCC.
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Tsai TF, Chang AC, Chen PC, Ho CY, Chen HE, Chou KY, Hwang TIS. Autophagy blockade potentiates cancer-associated immunosuppression through programmed death ligand-1 upregulation in bladder cancer. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:3587-3597. [PMID: 35903922 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
A high basal level of autophagic flux in bladder cancer (BC) cells prevents cell death and weakens chemotherapy efficacy. However, how autophagy influences cancer-associated immunosuppression in BC remains undetermined. In this study, we observed a negative correlation between the autophagy-related markers LC3-II and programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) in BC cells. The autophagy inhibitors chloroquine (CQ) and bafilomycin A1 (Baf-A1) increased PD-L1 expression in BC cells through the ERK-JNK-c-Jun signal-transduction pathway. Moreover, the treatment of BC cells with CQ and Baf-A1 inhibited hsa-microRNA-34a (miR-34a) expression and miR-34a overexpression in BC cells prevented the autophagy blockade-induced PD-L1 expression; a negative correlation between miR-34a and PD-L1 expression was observed during treatment with autophagy inhibitors. Furthermore, miR-34a overexpression induced the cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells against BC cells. Our results provide evidence that autophagy blockade and its regulatory pathway affect cancer-associated immunosuppression through PD-L1 elevation. Thus, the coadministration of autophagy inhibitors and a PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade provides a potential therapeutic approach for treating BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Te-Fu Tsai
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Urology, School of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - An-Chen Chang
- Translational Medicine Center, Research Deparment, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Chun Chen
- Translational Medicine Center, Research Deparment, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Yen Ho
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-En Chen
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Yu Chou
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Urology, School of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Thomas I-Sheng Hwang
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Urology, School of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Urology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Lin J, Qiu Y, Zheng X, Dai Y, Xu T. The miR-199a-5p/PD-L1 axis regulates cell proliferation, migration and invasion in follicular thyroid carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:756. [PMID: 35818041 PMCID: PMC9275143 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09838-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) is the second most common cancer of the thyroid and easily develops into distant metastasis. PD-L1 is known to be associated with the carcinogenesis and progression of thyroid carcinoma. Our study aimed to investigate the biological functions of PD-L1 and to identify miRNAs that were responsible for modulating the activity of PD-L1. Methods A total of 72 patients with FTC at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University were enrolled in this retrospective study. Immunohistochemical (IHC) assay was used to measure PD-L1 expression in FTC. The association between PD-L1 expression and clinicopathologic characteristics was evaluated. Bioinformatics analysis, RT–qPCR and western blotting were used to examine the relationships between miR-199a-5p, PD-L1 and Claudin-1. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were evaluated by using CCK8 and Transwell migration and invasion assays. Target prediction and luciferase reporter assays were performed to verify the binding between miR-199a-5p and PD-L1. Rescue assay was performed to confirm whether PD-L1 downregulation abolished the inhibitory effect of miR-199a-5p. Results Among 72 pairs of tumor and normal specimens, the proportion of PD-L1 positive samples was higher in FTC tissues than in normal tissues. The results of ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT illustrated that there was a positive correlation between PD-L1 expression and immune infiltration, especially regulatory T cells and M1 macrophages. Prediction of immunotherapy revealed that patients with high PD-L1 expression might benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors. Transwell migration and invasion assays showed that PD-L1 downregulation in FTC cells could significantly inhibit cell migration and invasion. The bioinformatics analysis and luciferase activity results indicated that PD-L1 was a potential target of miR-199a-5p. Knockdown of PD-L1 reversed the miR-199a-5p inhibitor mediated promotion effect. In addition, we found that PD-L1 expression was positively correlated with Claudin-1 expression and that miR-199a-5p affected the progression of FTC cells through the negative regulation of PD-L1 and Claudin-1. Conclusions Our study revealed that PD-L1 expression was elevated in FTC and was closely associated with tumor aggressiveness and progression. MiR-199a-5p has a functional role in the progression and metastasis of FTC by regulating PD-L1 and Claudin-1 expression. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09838-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianguang Lin
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian, China
| | - Yanru Qiu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian, China
| | - Xueqin Zheng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian, China
| | - Yijun Dai
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian, China.
| | - Tianwen Xu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian, China.
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