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Li J, Deng Z, Liu Y, Jin J, Xie C, Gan J. Prognostic and immunological significance of metastasis-associated protein 3 in patients with thymic epithelial tumors. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:216. [PMID: 38852126 PMCID: PMC11162987 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01066-1] [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: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown promising anticancer activity and have recently been proposed as a therapy for thymic epithelial tumors (TETs); however, this treatment is only effective for a subgroup of TET patients. Thus, this study aims to identify the potential genes implicated in the regulation of cancer immunity in TETs. METHODS The TETs RNA-seq and clinical data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The clinical significance of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in TETs was evaluated. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify the immune response-related hub genes. The expression of metastasis-associated protein 3 (MTA3) in TETs was investigated in public datasets and a patient cohort. Kaplan‒Meier curves were generated to analyze the prognostic value of various factors. The Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER2.0) was used to estimate the relevance of MTA3 to immune cell infiltration. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and pathway enrichment analysis were applied to explore the MTA3-related pathways. RESULTS The TME was found to be clinically significant in TETs. Moreover, MTA3 was identified as a key gene associated with the immune score, and lower MTA3 expression was linked to poor TME and reduced cytotoxic activity in TETs. Furthermore, MTA3 was found to be deregulated in TETs, predictive of poor prognosis. MTA3 was also significantly associated with the infiltration levels of various immune cell types and highly correlated with their corresponding markers. Notably, MTA3 was positively associated with various immune response pathways. CONCLUSION MTA3 is clinically significant in TETs and correlated with immune cell infiltration. Thus, MTA3 might be a biomarker for predicting the prognosis and immune status of TET patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinping Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Zhenyan Deng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Guilin Hospital of the Second Xiangya Hospital CSU, Guilin, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
- Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Receptor-Targeted Drug Basic Research, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
- Clinical Research Center, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Jiamin Jin
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
- Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Receptor-Targeted Drug Basic Research, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Chichu Xie
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
- Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Receptor-Targeted Drug Basic Research, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Jinfeng Gan
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China.
- Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Receptor-Targeted Drug Basic Research, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China.
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Lu C, Yang Y, Zhang M, Li J, Song H, Zhao H, Mou Y, Li Y, Song X. Establishment of an in situ model to explore the tumor immune microenvironment in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Head Neck 2024; 46:1310-1321. [PMID: 38436502 DOI: 10.1002/hed.27707] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Establish an in situ model for investigating HNSCC, focusing on tumor growth, metastasis, and the immune microenvironment. METHODS Generated a monoclonal SCCVII-ZsGreen cell line through lentiviral transfection. Selected monoclonal lines with growth rates similar to the original SCCVII for in vivo tumorigenesis. Monitored tumor development and metastasis through fluorescence in vivo imaging. Employed immunohistochemistry to assess immune cell distribution in the tumor microenvironment. RESULTS SCCVII-ZsGreen exhibited comparable proliferation and in vivo tumorigenicity to SCCVII. In situ tumor formation on day 10, with cervical metastasis in C57BL/6 mice by day 16. No significant fluorescence signals in organs like liver and lungs, while SCCVII-ZsGreen presence confirmed in cervical lymph node metastases. Immunohistochemistry revealed CD4+ T, CD8+ T, B, and dendritic cells distribution, with minimal macrophages. CONCLUSION Our model is a valuable tool for studying HNSCC occurrence, metastasis, and immune microenvironment. It allows dynamic observation of tumor development, aids preclinical drug experiments, and facilitates exploration of the tumor immune contexture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congxian Lu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Yuteng Yang
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
- The 2nd Medical College of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Mingjun Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Jiaxuan Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Hao Song
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
- The 2nd Medical College of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Hongfei Zhao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Yakui Mou
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Yumei Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Xicheng Song
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
- Yantai Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases, Yantai, Shandong, China
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Zhang YQ, Li J, Qin Z, Li DM, Ye FZ, Bei SH, Zhang XH, Feng L. METTL5 promotes gastric cancer progression via sphingomyelin metabolism. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:1925-1946. [PMID: 38764837 PMCID: PMC11099429 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i5.1925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment of gastric cancer (GC) has caused an enormous social burden worldwide. Accumulating studies have reported that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is closely related to tumor progression. METTL5 is a m6A methyltransferase that plays a pivotal role in maintaining the metabolic stability of cells. However, its aberrant regulation in GC has not been fully elucidated. AIM To excavate the role of METTL5 in the development of GC. METHODS METTL5 expression and clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed via The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset and further verified via immunohistochemistry, western blotting and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in tissue microarrays and clinical samples. The tumor-promoting effect of METTL5 on HGC-27 and AGS cells was explored in vitro by Cell Counting Kit-8 assays, colony formation assays, scratch healing assays, transwell assays and flow cytometry. The tumor-promoting role of METTL5 in vivo was evaluated in a xenograft tumor model. The EpiQuik m6A RNA Methylation Quantification Kit was used for m6A quantification. Next, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to evaluate the association between METTL5 and sphingomyelin metabolism, which was confirmed by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and rescue tests. In addition, we investigated whether METTL5 affects the sensitivity of GC cells to cisplatin via colony formation and transwell experiments. RESULTS Our research revealed substantial upregulation of METTL5, which suggested a poor prognosis of GC patients. Increased METTL5 expression indicated distant lymph node metastasis, advanced cancer stage and pathological grade. An increased level of METTL5 correlated with a high degree of m6A methylation. METTL5 markedly promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells in vitro. METTL5 also promotes the growth of GC in animal models. METTL5 knockdown resulted in significant changes in sphingomyelin metabolism, which implies that METTL5 may impact the development of GC via sphingomyelin metabolism. In addition, high METTL5 expression led to cisplatin resistance. CONCLUSION METTL5 was found to be an oncogenic driver of GC and may be a new target for therapy since it facilitates GC carcinogenesis through sphingomyelin metabolism and cisplatin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Qiong Zhang
- Endoscopy Center, Minhang Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Jian Li
- Endoscopy Center, Minhang Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Zhe Qin
- Endoscopy Center, Minhang Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - De-Ming Li
- Endoscopy Center, Minhang Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Fang-Zhou Ye
- Endoscopy Center, Minhang Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Song-Hua Bei
- Endoscopy Center, Minhang Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Zhang
- Endoscopy Center, Minhang Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Li Feng
- Endoscopy Center, Minhang Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
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Tang G, Huang S, Luo J, Wu Y, Zheng S, Tong R, Zhong L, Shi J. Advances in research on potential inhibitors of multiple myeloma. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 262:115875. [PMID: 37879169 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a common hematological malignancy. Although recent clinical applications of immunomodulatory drugs, proteasome inhibitors and CD38-targeting antibodies have significantly improved the outcome of MM patient with increased survival, the incidence of drug resistance and severe treatment-related complications is gradually on the rise. This review article summarizes the characteristics and clinical investigations of several MM drugs in clinical trials, including their structures, mechanisms of action, structure-activity relationships, and clinical study progress. Furthermore, the application potentials of the drugs that have not yet entered clinical trials are also reviewed. The review also outlines the future directions of MM drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoyuan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Shan Huang
- Cancer Center, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610072, China
| | - Ji Luo
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610072, China
| | - Yingmiao Wu
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610072, China
| | - Shuai Zheng
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610072, China
| | - Rongsheng Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610072, China.
| | - Ling Zhong
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610072, China; Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610044, China.
| | - Jianyou Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610072, China.
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Quan C, Wu Z, Xiong J, Li M, Fu Y, Su J, Wang Y, Ning L, Zhang D, Xie N. Upregulated PARP1 confers breast cancer resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors via YB-1 phosphorylation. Exp Hematol Oncol 2023; 12:100. [PMID: 38037159 PMCID: PMC10687910 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-023-00462-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cyclic-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 kinases, as the critical drivers of the cell cycle, are involved in the tumor progression of various malignancies. Pharmacologic inhibitors of CDK4/6 have shown significant clinical prospects in treating hormone receptor-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor-negative (HR + /HER2-) breast cancer (BC) patients. However, acquired resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i), as a common issue, has developed rapidly. It is of great significance that the identification of novel therapeutic targets facilitates overcoming the CDK4/6i resistance. PARP1, an amplified gene for CDK4/6i-resistant patients, was found to be significantly upregulated during the construction of CDK4/6i-resistant strains. Whether PARP1 drives CDK4/6i resistance in breast cancer is worth further study. METHOD PARP1 and p-YB-1 protein levels in breast cancer cells and tissues were quantified using Western blot (WB) analysis, immunohistochemical staining (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) assays. Bioinformatics analyses of Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) and Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) datasets were applied to explore the relationship between YB-1/PARP1 protein levels and CDK4/6i IC50. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and crystal violet staining assays were performed to evaluate cell proliferation rates and drug killing effects. Flow cytometry assays were conducted to assess apoptosis rates and the G1/S ratio in the cell cycle. An EdU proliferation assay was used to detect the DNA replication ratio after treatment with PARP1 and YB-1 inhibitors. A ChIP assay was performed to assess the interaction of the transcription factor YB-1 and associated DNA regions. A double fluorescein reporter gene assay was designed to assess the influence of WT/S102A/S102E YB-1 on the promoter region of PARP1. Subcutaneous implantation models were applied for in vivo tumor growth evaluations. RESULTS Here, we reported that PARP1 was amplified in breast cancer cells and CDK4/6i-resistant patients, and knockdown or inhibition of PARP1 reversed drug resistance in cell experiments and animal models. In addition, upregulation of transcription factor YB-1 also occurred in CDK4/6i-resistant breast cancer, and YB-1 inhibition can regulate PARP1 expression. p-YB-1 and PARP1 were upregulated when treated with CDK4/6i based on the WB and IF results, and elevated PARP1 and p-YB-1 were almost simultaneously observed during the construction of MCF7AR-resistant strains. Inhibition of YB-1 or PAPR1 can cause decreased DNA replication, G1/S cycle arrest, and increased apoptosis. We initially confirmed that YB-1 can bind to the promoter region of PARP1 through a ChIP assay. Furthermore, we found that YB-1 phosphorylated at S102 was crucial for PARP1 transcription according to the double fluorescein reporter gene assay. The combination therapy of YB-1 inhibitors and CDK4/6i exerted a synergistic antitumor effect in vitro and in vivo. The clinical data suggested that HR + /HER2- patients with low expression of p-YB-1/PARP1 may be sensitive to CDK4/6i in breast cancer. CONCLUSION These findings indicated that a ''YB-1/PARP1'' loop conferred resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors. Furthermore, interrupting the loop can enhance tumor killing in the xenograft tumor model, which provides a promising strategy against drug resistance in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuntao Quan
- Biobank, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Graduate School of Guangzhou Medical University, Shenzhen, 518035, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, National-Regional Key Technology, Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhijie Wu
- Biobank, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Graduate School of Guangzhou Medical University, Shenzhen, 518035, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Xiong
- Biobank, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Graduate School of Guangzhou Medical University, Shenzhen, 518035, People's Republic of China
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, People's Republic of China
| | - Manqing Li
- Public Health School of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510182, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Fu
- Laboratory Department, Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, 518035, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaying Su
- Laboratory Department, Shenzhen Baoan People's Hospital, Second Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518035, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Wang
- Biobank, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Graduate School of Guangzhou Medical University, Shenzhen, 518035, People's Republic of China
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, People's Republic of China
| | - Lvwen Ning
- Biobank, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Graduate School of Guangzhou Medical University, Shenzhen, 518035, People's Republic of China
| | - Deju Zhang
- Biobank, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Graduate School of Guangzhou Medical University, Shenzhen, 518035, People's Republic of China
| | - Ni Xie
- Biobank, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Graduate School of Guangzhou Medical University, Shenzhen, 518035, People's Republic of China.
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Maines LW, Keller SN, Smith CD. Opaganib (ABC294640) Induces Immunogenic Tumor Cell Death and Enhances Checkpoint Antibody Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16901. [PMID: 38069222 PMCID: PMC10706694 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-based cancer drugs that target the checkpoint proteins CTLA-4, PD-1 and PD-L1 provide marked improvement in some patients with deadly diseases such as lung cancer and melanoma. However, most patients are either unresponsive or relapse following an initial response, underscoring the need for further improvement in immunotherapy. Certain drugs induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) in tumor cells in which the dying cells promote immunologic responses in the host that may enhance the in vivo activity of checkpoint antibodies. Sphingolipid metabolism is a key pathway in cancer biology, in which ceramides and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) regulate tumor cell death, proliferation and drug resistance, as well as host inflammation and immunity. In particular, sphingosine kinases are key sites for manipulation of the ceramide/S1P balance that regulates tumor cell proliferation and sensitivity to radiation and chemotherapy. We and others have demonstrated that inhibition of sphingosine kinase-2 by the small-molecule investigational drug opaganib (formerly ABC294640) kills tumor cells and increases their sensitivities to other drugs and radiation. Because sphingolipids have been shown to regulate ICD, opaganib may induce ICD and improve the efficacy of checkpoint antibodies for cancer therapy. This was demonstrated by showing that in vitro treatment with opaganib increases the surface expression of the ICD marker calreticulin on a variety of tumor cell types. In vivo confirmation was achieved using the gold standard immunization assay in which B16 melanoma, Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) or Neuro-2a neuroblastoma cells were treated with opaganib in vitro and then injected subcutaneously into syngeneic mice, followed by implantation of untreated tumor cells 7 days later. In all cases, immunization with opaganib-treated cells strongly suppressed the growth of subsequently injected tumor cells. Interestingly, opaganib treatment induced crossover immunity in that opaganib-treated B16 cells suppressed the growth of both untreated B16 and LLC cells and opaganib-treated LLC cells inhibited the growth of both untreated LLC and B16 cells. Next, the effects of opaganib in combination with a checkpoint antibody on tumor growth in vivo were assessed. Opaganib and anti-PD-1 antibody each slowed the growth of B16 tumors and improved mouse survival, while the combination of opaganib plus anti-PD-1 strongly suppressed tumor growth and improved survival (p < 0.0001). Individually, opaganib and anti-CTLA-4 antibody had modest effects on the growth of LLC tumors and mouse survival, whereas the combination of opaganib with anti-CTLA-4 substantially inhibited tumor growth and increased survival (p < 0.001). Finally, the survival of mice bearing B16 tumors was only marginally improved by opaganib or anti-PD-L1 antibody alone but was nearly doubled by the drugs in combination (p < 0.005). Overall, these studies demonstrate the ability of opaganib to induce ICD in tumor cells, which improves the antitumor activity of checkpoint antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Charles D. Smith
- Apogee Biotechnology Corporation, 1214 Research Blvd, Suite 2015, Hummelstown, PA 17036, USA; (L.W.M.)
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Lee M, Lee SY, Bae YS. Functional roles of sphingolipids in immunity and their implication in disease. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:1110-1130. [PMID: 37258585 PMCID: PMC10318102 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01018-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids, which are components of cellular membranes and organ tissues, can be synthesized or degraded to modulate cellular responses according to environmental cues, and the balance among the different sphingolipids is important for directing immune responses, regardless of whether they originate, as intra- or extracellular immune events. Recent progress in multiomics-based analyses and methodological approaches has revealed that human health and diseases are closely related to the homeostasis of sphingolipid metabolism, and disease-specific alterations in sphingolipids and related enzymes can be prognostic markers of human disease progression. Accumulating human clinical data from genome-wide association studies and preclinical data from disease models provide support for the notion that sphingolipids are the missing pieces that supplement our understanding of immune responses and diseases in which the functions of the involved proteins and nucleotides have been established. In this review, we analyze sphingolipid-related enzymes and reported human diseases to understand the important roles of sphingolipid metabolism. We discuss the defects and alterations in sphingolipid metabolism in human disease, along with functional roles in immune cells. We also introduce several methodological approaches and provide summaries of research on sphingolipid modulators in this review that should be helpful in studying the roles of sphingolipids in preclinical studies for the investigation of experimental and molecular medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyu Lee
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, 06355, Republic of Korea
| | - Suh Yeon Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoe-Sik Bae
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, 06355, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.
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