1
|
Yu VZ, So SS, Lung BCC, Hou GZ, Wong CWY, Chow LKY, Chung MKY, Wong IYH, Wong CLY, Chan DKK, Chan FSY, Law BTT, Xu K, Tan ZZ, Lam KO, Lo AWI, Lam AKY, Kwong DLW, Ko JMY, Dai W, Law S, Lung ML. ΔNp63-restricted viral mimicry response impedes cancer cell viability and remodels tumor microenvironment in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2024; 595:216999. [PMID: 38823762 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Tumor protein p63 isoform ΔNp63 plays roles in the squamous epithelium and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), including esophageal SCC (ESCC). By integrating data from cell lines and our latest patient-derived organoid cultures, derived xenograft models, and clinical sample transcriptomic analyses, we identified a novel and robust oncogenic role of ΔNp63 in ESCC. We showed that ΔNp63 maintains the repression of cancer cell endogenous retrotransposon expression and cellular double-stranded RNA sensing. These subsequently lead to a restricted cancer cell viral mimicry response and suppressed induction of tumor-suppressive type I interferon (IFN-I) signaling through the regulations of Signal transducer and activator of transcription 1, Interferon regulatory factor 1, and cGAS-STING pathway. The cancer cell ΔNp63/IFN-I signaling axis affects both the cancer cell and tumor-infiltrating immune cell (TIIC) compartments. In cancer cells, depletion of ΔNp63 resulted in reduced cell viability. ΔNp63 expression is negatively associated with the anticancer responses to viral mimicry booster treatments targeting cancer cells. In the tumor microenvironment, cancer cell TP63 expression negatively correlates with multiple TIIC signatures in ESCC clinical samples. ΔNp63 depletion leads to increased cancer cell antigen presentation molecule expression and enhanced recruitment and reprogramming of tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells. Similar IFN-I signaling and TIIC signature association with ΔNp63 were also observed in lung SCC. These results support the potential application of ΔNp63 as a therapeutic target and a biomarker to guide candidate anticancer treatments exploring viral mimicry responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valen Zhuoyou Yu
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Shan Shan So
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Bryan Chee-Chad Lung
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - George Zhaozheng Hou
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Carissa Wing-Yan Wong
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Larry Ka-Yue Chow
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Michael King-Yung Chung
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Ian Yu-Hong Wong
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Claudia Lai-Yin Wong
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Desmond Kwan-Kit Chan
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Fion Siu-Yin Chan
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Betty Tsz-Ting Law
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Kaiyan Xu
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Zack Zhen Tan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Ka-On Lam
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Anthony Wing-Ip Lo
- Division of Anatomical Pathology, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Alfred King-Yin Lam
- Divsion of Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Dentistry and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Dora Lai-Wan Kwong
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Josephine Mun-Yee Ko
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Wei Dai
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Simon Law
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Maria Li Lung
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xiang K, Zhang M, Yang B, Liu X, Wang Y, Liu H, Song Y, Yuan Y, Zhang L, Wen T, Zhang GW. TM-Score predicts immunotherapy efficacy and improves the performance of the machine learning prognostic model in gastric cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 134:112224. [PMID: 38723370 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112224] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is becoming increasingly important, but the overall response rate is relatively low in the treatment of gastric cancer (GC). The application of tumor mutational burden (TMB) in predicting immunotherapy efficacy in GC patients is limited and controversial, emphasizing the importance of optimizing TMB-based patient selection. By combining TMB and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) related hub genes, we established a novel TM-Score. This score showed superior performance for immunotherapeutic selection (AUC = 0.808) compared to TMB, MSI status, and EBV status. Additionally, it predicted the prognosis of GC patients. Subsequently, a machine learning model adjusted by the TM-Score further improved the accuracy of survival prediction (AUC > 0.8). Meanwhile, we found that GC patients with low TM-Score had a higher mutation frequency, higher expression of HLA genes and immune checkpoint genes, and higher infiltration of CD8+ T cells, CD4+ helper T cells, and M1 macrophages. This suggests that TM-Score is significantly associated with tumor immunogenicity and tumor immune environment. Notably, based on the RNA-seq and scRNA-seq, it was found that AKAP5, a key component gene of TM-Score, is involved in anti-tumor immunity by promoting the infiltration of CD4+ T cells, NK cells, and myeloid cells. Additionally, siAKAP5 significantly reduced MHC-II mRNA expression in the GC cell line. In addition, our immunohistochemistry assays confirmed a positive correlation between AKAP5 and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) expression. Furthermore, AKAP5 levels were higher in patients with longer survival and those who responded to immunotherapy in GC, indicating its potential value in predicting prognosis and immunotherapy outcomes. In conclusion, TM-Score, as an optimization of TMB, is a more precise biomarker for predicting the immunotherapy efficacy of the GC population. Additionally, AKAP5 shows promise as a therapeutic target for GC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kanghui Xiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Liaoning Province Clinical Research Center for Cancer, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Minghui Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Liaoning Province Clinical Research Center for Cancer, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Bowen Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Liaoning Province Clinical Research Center for Cancer, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Infectious Disease of Geriatrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yusi Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Liaoning Province Clinical Research Center for Cancer, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Hengxin Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Liaoning Province Clinical Research Center for Cancer, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yujia Song
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Liaoning Province Clinical Research Center for Cancer, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yonghui Yuan
- Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Clinical Research Center for Malignant Tumor of Liaoning Province, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lingyun Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Liaoning Province Clinical Research Center for Cancer, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
| | - Ti Wen
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Liaoning Province Clinical Research Center for Cancer, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
| | - Guang-Wei Zhang
- Smart Hospital Management Department, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fan W, Li W, Li L, Qin M, Mao C, Yuan Z, Wang P, Chu B, Jiang Y. Bifunctional HDAC and DNMT inhibitor induces viral mimicry activates the innate immune response in triple-negative breast cancer. Eur J Pharm Sci 2024; 197:106767. [PMID: 38636781 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2024.106767] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a unique breast cancer subtype characterized by a lack of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression. Since TNBC lacks ER, PR, and HER2, there are currently no drugs that specifically target TNBC. Therefore, the development of new drugs or effective treatment strategies to target TNBC has become an urgent clinical need. Research has shown that the application of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors and DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors leads to genomic and epigenomic instability. This, in turn, triggers the activation of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and subsequently activates downstream interferon (IFN) signalling pathways. In this study, the bifunctional HDAC and DNMT inhibitor J208 exhibited antitumour activity in TNBC cell lines. J208 effectively induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, inhibiting cell migration and invasion in TNBC. Moreover, this bifunctional inhibitor induced the expression of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) and elicited a viral mimicry response, which increased the intracellular levels of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to activate the innate immune signalling pathway in TNBC. In summary, we demonstrated that the bifunctional inhibitor J208, which is designed to inhibit HDAC and DNMT, has potent anticancer effects, providing a new research basis for reactivating antitumour immunity by triggering innate immune signalling and offering a promising strategy for TNBC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiwen Fan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Ingredients and Gut Microbiomics, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Wenkai Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Ingredients and Gut Microbiomics, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Lulu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Meirong Qin
- Shenzhen Institute for Drug Control, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Chengzhou Mao
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zigao Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Shenzhen Institute for Drug Control, Shenzhen 518057, China.
| | - Bizhu Chu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Ingredients and Gut Microbiomics, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Yuyang Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Ingredients and Gut Microbiomics, School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518055, China; State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lee AV, Nestler KA, Chiappinelli KB. Therapeutic targeting of DNA methylation alterations in cancer. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 258:108640. [PMID: 38570075 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108640] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
DNA methylation is a critical component of gene regulation and plays an important role in the development of cancer. Hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes and silencing of DNA repair pathways facilitate uncontrolled cell growth and synergize with oncogenic mutations to perpetuate cancer phenotypes. Additionally, aberrant DNA methylation hinders immune responses crucial for antitumor immunity. Thus, inhibiting dysregulated DNA methylation is a promising cancer therapy. Pharmacologic inhibition of DNA methylation reactivates silenced tumor suppressors and bolster immune responses through induction of viral mimicry. Now, with the advent of immunotherapies and discovery of the immune-modulatory effects of DNA methylation inhibitors, there is great interest in understanding how targeting DNA methylation in combination with other therapies can enhance antitumor immunity. Here, we describe the role of aberrant DNA methylation in cancer and mechanisms by which it promotes tumorigenesis and modulates immune responses. Finally, we review the initial discoveries and ongoing efforts to target DNA methylation as a cancer therapeutic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abigail V Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kevin A Nestler
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Katherine B Chiappinelli
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhou L, Yu CW. Epigenetic modulations in triple-negative breast cancer: Therapeutic implications for tumor microenvironment. Pharmacol Res 2024; 204:107205. [PMID: 38719195 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype lacking estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors and lacks HER2 overexpression. This absence of critical molecular targets poses significant challenges for conventional therapies. Immunotherapy, remarkably immune checkpoint blockade, offers promise for TNBC treatment, but its efficacy remains limited. Epigenetic dysregulation, including altered DNA methylation, histone modifications, and imbalances in regulators such as BET proteins, plays a crucial role in TNBC development and resistance to treatment. Hypermethylation of tumor suppressor gene promoters and the imbalance of histone methyltransferases such as EZH2 and histone deacetylases (HDACs) profoundly influence tumor cell proliferation, survival, and metastasis. In addition, epigenetic alterations critically shape the tumor microenvironment (TME), including immune cell composition, cytokine signaling, and immune checkpoint expression, ultimately contributing to immune evasion. Targeting these epigenetic mechanisms with specific inhibitors such as EZH2 and HDAC inhibitors in combination with immunotherapy represents a compelling strategy to remodel the TME, potentially overcoming immune evasion and enhancing therapeutic outcomes in TNBC. This review aims to comprehensively elucidate the current understanding of epigenetic modulation in TNBC, its influence on the TME, and the potential of combining epigenetic therapies with immunotherapy to overcome the challenges posed by this aggressive breast cancer subtype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Zhou
- Institute of Immunotherapy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chen-Wei Yu
- Department of Statistics and Information Science, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang Y, Zhao H, Deng W, Lai J, Sang K, Chen Q. Zebularine potentiates anti-tumor immunity by inducing tumor immunogenicity and improving antigen processing through cGAS-STING pathway. Commun Biol 2024; 7:587. [PMID: 38755254 PMCID: PMC11099016 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06271-w] [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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mechanism involved in the anti-tumor immune response, and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTi) have achieved impressive therapeutic outcomes in patients with certain cancer types. However, it is unclear how inhibition of DNA methylation bridges the innate and adaptive immune responses to inhibit tumor growth. Here, we report that DNMTi zebularine reconstructs tumor immunogenicity, in turn promote dendritic cell maturation, antigen-presenting cell activity, tumor cell phagocytosis by APCs, and efficient T cell priming. Further in vivo and in vitro analyses reveal that zebularine stimulates cGAS-STING-NF-κB/IFNβ signaling to enhance tumor cell immunogenicity and upregulate antigen processing and presentation machinery (AgPPM), which promotes effective CD4+ and CD8+ T cell-mediated killing of tumor cells. These findings support the use of combination regimens that include DNMTi and immunotherapy for cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350117, China
- College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350117, China
| | - Heng Zhao
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350117, China
- College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350117, China
| | - Weili Deng
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350117, China
- College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350117, China
| | - Junzhong Lai
- The Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350117, China
| | - Kai Sang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350117, China
- College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350117, China
| | - Qi Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350117, China.
- College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350117, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Noronha N, Durette C, Cahuzac M, E Silva B, Courtois J, Humeau J, Sauvat A, Hardy MP, Vincent K, Laverdure JP, Lanoix J, Baron F, Thibault P, Perreault C, Ehx G. Autophagy degrades immunogenic endogenous retroelements induced by 5-azacytidine in acute myeloid leukemia. Leukemia 2024; 38:1019-1031. [PMID: 38627586 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-024-02250-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The hypomethylating agent 5-azacytidine (AZA) is the first-line treatment for AML patients unfit for intensive chemotherapy. The effect of AZA results in part from T-cell cytotoxic responses against MHC-I-associated peptides (MAPs) deriving from hypermethylated genomic regions such as cancer-testis antigens (CTAs), or endogenous retroelements (EREs). However, evidence supporting higher ERE MAPs presentation after AZA treatment is lacking. Therefore, using proteogenomics, we examined the impact of AZA on the repertoire of MAPs and their source transcripts. AZA-treated AML upregulated both CTA and ERE transcripts, but only CTA MAPs were presented at greater levels. Upregulated ERE transcripts triggered innate immune responses against double-stranded RNAs but were degraded by autophagy, and not processed into MAPs. Autophagy resulted from the formation of protein aggregates caused by AZA-dependent inhibition of DNMT2. Autophagy inhibition had an additive effect with AZA on AML cell proliferation and survival, increased ERE levels, increased pro-inflammatory responses, and generated immunogenic tumor-specific ERE-derived MAPs. Finally, autophagy was associated with a lower abundance of CD8+ T-cell markers in AML patients expressing high levels of EREs. This work demonstrates that AZA-induced EREs are degraded by autophagy and shows that inhibiting autophagy can improve the immune recognition of AML blasts in treated patients.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/immunology
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Azacitidine/pharmacology
- Autophagy/drug effects
- Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic/pharmacology
- Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic/therapeutic use
- DNA Methylation/drug effects
- Cell Proliferation
- Antigens, Neoplasm/genetics
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bianca E Silva
- GIGA Institute, Laboratory of Hematology, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Justine Courtois
- GIGA Institute, Laboratory of Hematology, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | | | - Allan Sauvat
- Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le Cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Inserm U1138, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | - Joël Lanoix
- IRIC, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Frédéric Baron
- GIGA Institute, Laboratory of Hematology, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | | | | | - Gregory Ehx
- IRIC, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- GIGA Institute, Laboratory of Hematology, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Trnkova L, Buocikova V, Mego M, Cumova A, Burikova M, Bohac M, Miklikova S, Cihova M, Smolkova B. Epigenetic deregulation in breast cancer microenvironment: Implications for tumor progression and therapeutic strategies. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116559. [PMID: 38603889 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116559] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer comprises a substantial proportion of cancer diagnoses in women and is a primary cause of cancer-related mortality. While hormone-responsive cases generally have a favorable prognosis, the aggressive nature of triple-negative breast cancer presents challenges, with intrinsic resistance to established treatments being a persistent issue. The complexity intensifies with the emergence of acquired resistance, further complicating the management of breast cancer. Epigenetic changes, encompassing DNA methylation, histone and RNA modifications, and non-coding RNAs, are acknowledged as crucial contributors to the heterogeneity of breast cancer. The unique epigenetic landscape harbored by each cellular component within the tumor microenvironment (TME) adds great diversity to the intricate regulations which influence therapeutic responses. The TME, a sophisticated ecosystem of cellular and non-cellular elements interacting with tumor cells, establishes an immunosuppressive microenvironment and fuels processes such as tumor growth, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix remodeling. These factors contribute to challenging conditions in cancer treatment by fostering a hypoxic environment, inducing metabolic stress, and creating physical barriers to drug delivery. This article delves into the complex connections between breast cancer treatment response, underlying epigenetic changes, and vital interactions within the TME. To restore sensitivity to treatment, it emphasizes the need for combination therapies considering epigenetic changes specific to individual members of the TME. Recognizing the pivotal role of epigenetics in drug resistance and comprehending the specificities of breast TME is essential for devising more effective therapeutic strategies. The development of reliable biomarkers for patient stratification will facilitate tailored and precise treatment approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Trnkova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Verona Buocikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Michal Mego
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia; 2nd Department of Oncology, Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine & National Cancer Institute, Bratislava 83310, Slovakia
| | - Andrea Cumova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Monika Burikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Martin Bohac
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Comenius University, Faculty of Medicine & National Cancer Institute, Bratislava 83310, Slovakia; Regenmed Ltd., Medena 29, Bratislava 811 01, Slovakia; Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Sasinkova 4, Bratislava 811 08, Slovakia
| | - Svetlana Miklikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Marina Cihova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia
| | - Bozena Smolkova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, Bratislava 845 05, Slovakia.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Guo J, Tang B, Fu J, Zhu X, Xie W, Wang N, Ding Z, Song Z, Yang Y, Xu G, Xiao X. High-plex spatial transcriptomic profiling reveals distinct immune components and the HLA class I/DNMT3A/CD8 modulatory axis in mismatch repair-deficient endometrial cancer. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024; 47:573-585. [PMID: 37847338 PMCID: PMC11090934 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00885-8] [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] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Tumors bearing mismatch repair deficiency (MMRd) are characterized by a high load of neoantigens and are believed to trigger immunogenic reactions upon immune checkpoint blockade treatment such as anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy. However, the mechanisms are still ill-defined, as multiple cancers with MMRd exhibit variable responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). In endometrial cancer (EC), a distinct tumor microenvironment (TME) exists that may correspond to treatment-related efficacies. We aimed to characterize EC patients with aberrant MMR pathways to identify molecular subtypes predisposed to respond to ICI therapies. METHODS We applied digital spatial profiling, a high-plex spatial transcriptomic approach covering over 1,800 genes, to obtain a highly resolved TME landscape in 45 MMRd-EC patients. We cross-validated multiple biomarkers identified using immunohistochemistry and multiplexed immunofluorescence using in-study and independent cohorts totaling 123 MMRd-EC patients and validated our findings using external TCGA data from microsatellite instability endometrial cancer (MSI-EC) patients. RESULTS High-plex spatial profiling identified a 14-gene signature in the MMRd tumor-enriched regions stratifying tumors into "hot", "intermediate" and "cold" groups according to their distinct immune profiles, a finding highly consistent with the corresponding CD8 + T-cell infiltration status. Our validation studies further corroborated an existing coregulatory network involving HLA class I and DNMT3A potentially bridged through dynamic crosstalk incorporating CCL5. CONCLUSION Our study confirmed the heterogeneous TME status within MMRd-ECs and showed that these ECs can be stratified based on potential biomarkers such as HLA class I, DNMT3A and CD8 in pathological settings for improved ICI therapeutic efficacy in this subset of patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Guo
- Department of Pathology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Baijie Tang
- Department of Pathology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Fu
- Department of Pathology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuan Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenlong Xie
- Department of Pathology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Nan Wang
- Mills Institute for Personalized Cancer Care, Jinan, China
| | - Zhiyong Ding
- Mills Institute for Personalized Cancer Care, Jinan, China
| | - Zhentao Song
- Mills Institute for Personalized Cancer Care, Jinan, China
| | - Yue Yang
- Department of Pathology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Gang Xu
- Department of Pathology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xue Xiao
- Department of Pathology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cho H, Kim K. Multi-functional nanomedicines for combinational cancer immunotherapy that transform cold tumors to hot tumors. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2024; 21:627-638. [PMID: 38682272 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2024.2348656] [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: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Currently, cancer immunotherapy is widely used as a groundbreaking method that can completely cure advanced cancers. However, this new immunotherapy has the challenge of low patient response, which is often due to many patients' tumors having an immunosuppressive environment, known as cold tumors. AREAS COVERED This review aims to introduce various nanomedicine-derived combinational cancer immunotherapy that can transform cold tumor into hot tumors. Initially, we discuss new technologies for combinational immunotherapy based on multifunctional nanomedicines that can deliver combinational immunogenic cell death (ICD) inducers, immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs) and immune modulators (IMs) to targeted tumor tissues at the same time. Ultimately, we highlight how multifunctional nanomedicines for combinational cancer immunotherapy can be used to transform cold tumor into hot tumors against advanced cancers. EXPERT OPINION Nanomedicine-derived combinational cancer immunotherapy for delivering multiple ICD inducers, ICBs, and IMs at the same time is recognized as a new potential technology that can activate tumor immunity and simultaneously increase the therapeutic efficacy of immune cells that can transform effectively the cold tumors into hot tumors. Finally, nanomedicine-derived combinational cancer immunotherapy can solve the serious problems of low therapeutic efficacy that occurs when treating single drug or simple combinational drugs in cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanhee Cho
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Woman's University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Singh V, Nandi S, Ghosh A, Adhikary S, Mukherjee S, Roy S, Das C. Epigenetic reprogramming of T cells: unlocking new avenues for cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:175-195. [PMID: 38233727 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10167-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
T cells, a key component of cancer immunotherapy, undergo a variety of histone modifications and DNA methylation changes since their bone marrow progenitor stages before developing into CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. These T cell types can be categorized into distinct subtypes based on their functionality and properties, such as cytotoxic T cells (Tc), helper T cells (Th), and regulatory T cells (Treg) as subtypes for CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. Among these, the CD4+ CD25+ Tregs potentially contribute to cancer development and progression by lowering T effector (Teff) cell activity under the influence of the tumor microenvironment (TME). This contributes to the development of therapeutic resistance in patients with cancer. Subsequently, these individuals become resistant to monoclonal antibody therapy as well as clinically established immunotherapies. In this review, we delineate the different epigenetic mechanisms in cancer immune response and its involvement in therapeutic resistance. Furthermore, the possibility of epi-immunotherapeutic methods based on histone deacetylase inhibitors and histone methyltransferase inhibitors are under investigation. In this review we highlight EZH2 as the principal driver of cancer cell immunoediting and an immune escape regulator. We have addressed in detail how understanding T cell epigenetic regulation might bring unique inventive strategies to overcome drug resistance and increase the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vipin Singh
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, 400094, India
| | - Sandhik Nandi
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, 400094, India
| | - Aritra Ghosh
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata, India
| | - Santanu Adhikary
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India
- Structural Biology & Bio-Informatics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Shravanti Mukherjee
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India
| | - Siddhartha Roy
- Structural Biology & Bio-Informatics Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Chandrima Das
- Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata, 700064, India.
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, 400094, India.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wang J, Lu Q, Chen X, Aifantis I. Targeting MHC-I inhibitory pathways for cancer immunotherapy. Trends Immunol 2024; 45:177-187. [PMID: 38433029 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2024.01.009] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
The MHC-I antigen presentation (AP) pathway is key to shaping mammalian CD8+ T cell immunity, with its aberrant expression closely linked to low tumor immunogenicity and immunotherapy resistance. While significant attention has been given to genetic mutations and downregulation of positive regulators that are essential for MHC-I AP, there is a growing interest in understanding how tumors actively evade MHC-I expression and/or AP through the induction of MHC-I inhibitory pathways. This emerging field of study may offer more viable therapeutic targets for future cancer immunotherapy. Here, we explore potential mechanisms by which cancer cells evade MHC-I AP and function and propose therapeutic strategies that might target these MHC-I inhibitors to restore impaired T cell immunity within the tumor microenvironment (TME).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| | - Qiao Lu
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Xufeng Chen
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Iannis Aifantis
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ahmad O, Ahmad T, Pfister SM. IDH mutation, glioma immunogenicity, and therapeutic challenge of primary mismatch repair deficient IDH-mutant astrocytoma PMMRDIA: a systematic review. Mol Oncol 2024. [PMID: 38339779 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In 2021, Suwala et al. described Primary Mismatch Repair Deficient IDH-mutant Astrocytoma (PMMRDIA) as a distinct group of gliomas. In unsupervised clustering, PMMRDIA forms distinct cluster, separate from other IDH-mutant gliomas, including IDH-mutant gliomas with secondary mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency. In the published cohort, three patients received treatment with an immune checkpoint blocker (ICB), yet none exhibited a response, which aligns with existing knowledge about the decreased immunogenicity of IDH-mutant gliomas in comparison to IDH-wildtype. In the case of PMMRDIA, the inherent resistance to the standard-of-care temozolomide caused by MMR deficiency is an additional challenge. It is known that a gain-of-function mutation of IDH1/2 genes produces the oncometabolite R-2-hydroxyglutarate (R-2-HG), which increases DNA and histone methylation contributing to the characteristic glioma-associated CpG island methylator phenotype (G-CIMP). While other factors could be involved in remodeling the tumor microenvironment (TME) of IDH-mutant gliomas, this systematic review emphasizes the role of R-2-HG and the subsequent G-CIMP in immune suppression. This highlights a potential actionable pathway to enhance the response of ICB, which might be relevant for addressing the unmet therapeutic challenge of PMMRDIA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olfat Ahmad
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC), Amman, Jordan
| | - Tahani Ahmad
- Department of Pediatric Neuroradiology, IWK Health Center, Halifax, Canada
- Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Stefan M Pfister
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tao H, Jin C, Zhou L, Deng Z, Li X, Dang W, Fan S, Li B, Ye F, Lu J, Kong X, Liu C, Luo C, Zhang Y. PRMT1 Inhibition Activates the Interferon Pathway to Potentiate Antitumor Immunity and Enhance Checkpoint Blockade Efficacy in Melanoma. Cancer Res 2024; 84:419-433. [PMID: 37991725 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-1082] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Despite the immense success of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in cancer treatment, many tumors, including melanoma, exhibit innate or adaptive resistance. Tumor-intrinsic T-cell deficiency and T-cell dysfunction have been identified as essential factors in the emergence of ICB resistance. Here, we found that protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) expression was inversely correlated with the number and activity of CD8+ T cells within melanoma specimen. PRMT1 deficiency or inhibition with DCPT1061 significantly restrained refractory melanoma growth and increased intratumoral CD8+ T cells in vivo. Moreover, PRMT1 deletion in melanoma cells facilitated formation of double-stranded RNA derived from endogenous retroviral elements (ERV) and stimulated an intracellular interferon response. Mechanistically, PRMT1 deficiency repressed the expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) by attenuating modification of H4R3me2a and H3K27ac at enhancer regions of Dnmt1, and DNMT1 downregulation consequently activated ERV transcription and the interferon signaling. Importantly, PRMT1 inhibition with DCPT1061 synergized with PD-1 blockade to suppress tumor progression and increase the proportion of CD8+ T cells as well as IFNγ+CD8+ T cells in vivo. Together, these results reveal an unrecognized role and mechanism of PRMT1 in regulating antitumor T-cell immunity, suggesting PRMT1 inhibition as a potent strategy to increase the efficacy of ICB. SIGNIFICANCE Targeting PRMT1 stimulates interferon signaling by increasing expression of endogenous retroviral elements and double-stranded RNA through repression of DNMT1, which induces antitumor immunity and synergizes with immunotherapy to suppress tumor progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongru Tao
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Chen Jin
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Liyuan Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, The Center for Chemical Biology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenzhong Deng
- Department of Oncology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenzhen Dang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shijie Fan
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, China
| | - Bing Li
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, The Center for Chemical Biology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Ye
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junyan Lu
- Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Xiangqian Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuanpeng Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Cheng Luo
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, The Center for Chemical Biology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, The Center for Chemical Biology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Tantawy MN, McIntyre JO, Yull F, Calcutt MW, Koktysh DS, Wilson AJ, Zu Z, Nyman J, Rhoades J, Peterson TE, Colvin D, McCawley LJ, Rook JM, Fingleton B, Crispens MA, Alvarez RD, Gore JC. Tumor therapy by targeting extracellular hydroxyapatite using novel drugs: A paradigm shift. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e6812. [PMID: 38239047 PMCID: PMC11025459 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6812] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been shown that tumor microenvironment (TME) hydroxyapatite (HAP) is typically associated with many malignancies and plays a role in tumor progression and growth. Additionally, acidosis in the TME has been reported to play a key role in selecting for a more aggressive tumor phenotype, drug resistance and desensitization to immunotherapy for many types of cancers. TME-HAP is an attractive target for tumor detection and treatment development since HAP is generally absent from normal soft tissue. We provide strong evidence that dissolution of hydroxyapatite (HAP) within the tumor microenvironment (TME-HAP) using a novel therapeutic can be used to kill cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo with minimal adverse effects. METHODS We developed an injectable cation exchange nano particulate sulfonated polystyrene solution (NSPS) that we engineered to dissolve TME-HAP, inducing localized acute alkalosis and inhibition of tumor growth and glucose metabolism. This was evaluated in cell culture using 4T1, MDA-MB-231 triple negative breast cancer cells, MCF10 normal breast cells, and H292 lung cancer cells, and in vivo using orthotopic mouse models of cancer that contained detectable microenvironment HAP including breast (MMTV-Neu, 4T1, and MDA-MB-231), prostate (PC3) and colon (HCA7) cancer using 18 F-NaF for HAP and 18 F-FDG for glucose metabolism with PET imaging. On the other hand, H292 lung tumor cells that lacked detectable microenvironment HAP and MCF10a normal breast cells that do not produce HAP served as negative controls. Tumor microenvironment pH levels following injection of NSPS were evaluated via Chemical Exchange Saturation (CEST) MRI and via ex vivo methods. RESULTS Within 24 h of adding the small concentration of 1X of NSPS (~7 μM), we observed significant tumor cell death (~ 10%, p < 0.05) in 4T1 and MDA-MB-231 cell cultures that contain HAP but ⟨2% in H292 and MCF10a cells that lack detectable HAP and in controls. Using CEST MRI, we found extracellular pH (pHe) in the 4T1 breast tumors, located in the mammary fat pad, to increase by nearly 10% from baseline before gradually receding back to baseline during the first hour post NSPS administration. in the tumors that contained TME-HAP in mouse models, MMTV-Neu, 4T1, and MDA-MB-231, PC3, and HCA7, there was a significant reduction (p<0.05) in 18 F-Na Fuptake post NSPS treatment as expected; 18 F- uptake in the tumor = 3.8 ± 0.5 %ID/g (percent of the injected dose per gram) at baseline compared to 1.8 ±0.5 %ID/g following one-time treatment with 100 mg/kg NSPS. Of similar importance, is that 18 F-FDG uptake in the tumors was reduced by more than 75% compared to baseline within 24 h of treatment with one-time NSPS which persisted for at least one week. Additionally, tumor growth was significantly slower (p < 0.05) in the mice treated with one-time NSPS. Toxicity showed no evidence of any adverse effects, a finding attributed to the absence of HAP in normal soft tissue and to our therapeutic NSPS having limited penetration to access HAP within skeletal bone. CONCLUSION Dissolution of TME-HAP using our novel NSPS has the potential to provide a new treatment paradigm to enhance the management of cancer patients with poor prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed N. Tantawy
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging ScienceVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
- Departments of Radiology and Radiological SciencesVanderbilt Univerity Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - J. Oliver McIntyre
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging ScienceVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
- Departments of Radiology and Radiological SciencesVanderbilt Univerity Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
- Department of PharmacologyVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Fiona Yull
- Department of PharmacologyVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyVanderbilt Univerity Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - M. Wade Calcutt
- Department of BiochemistryVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
- Mass Spectrometry Research Center of ChemistryVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Dmitry S. Koktysh
- Department of ChemistryVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
- Vanderbilt Institute of Nanoscale Science and EngineeringVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Andrew J. Wilson
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyVanderbilt Univerity Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Zhongliang Zu
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging ScienceVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
- Departments of Radiology and Radiological SciencesVanderbilt Univerity Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Jeff Nyman
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
- Orthopaedic SurgeryVanderbilt Univerity Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Julie Rhoades
- Orthopaedic SurgeryVanderbilt Univerity Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare SystemNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Todd E. Peterson
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging ScienceVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
- Departments of Radiology and Radiological SciencesVanderbilt Univerity Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Daniel Colvin
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging ScienceVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Lisa J. McCawley
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Jerri. M. Rook
- Department of PharmacologyVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Barbara Fingleton
- Department of PharmacologyVanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Marta Ann Crispens
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyVanderbilt Univerity Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
- Division of Gynecologic OncologyVanderbilt Univerity Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Ronald D. Alvarez
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyVanderbilt Univerity Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - John C. Gore
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging ScienceVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
- Departments of Radiology and Radiological SciencesVanderbilt Univerity Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wang K, Shi J, Tong X, Qu N, Kong X, Ni S, Xing J, Li X, Zheng M. TG468: a text graph convolutional network for predicting clinical response to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Brief Bioinform 2024; 25:bbae017. [PMID: 38390990 PMCID: PMC10886443 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbae017] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Enhancing cancer treatment efficacy remains a significant challenge in human health. Immunotherapy has witnessed considerable success in recent years as a treatment for tumors. However, due to the heterogeneity of diseases, only a fraction of patients exhibit a positive response to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. Various single-gene-based biomarkers and tumor mutational burden (TMB) have been proposed for predicting clinical responses to ICI; however, their predictive ability is limited. We propose the utilization of the Text Graph Convolutional Network (GCN) method to comprehensively assess the impact of multiple genes, aiming to improve the predictive capability for ICI response. We developed TG468, a Text GCN model framing drug response prediction as a text classification task. By combining natural language processing (NLP) and graph neural network techniques, TG468 effectively handles sparse and high-dimensional exome sequencing data. As a result, TG468 can distinguish survival time for patients who received ICI therapy and outperforms single gene biomarkers, TMB and some classical machine learning models. Additionally, TG468's prediction results facilitate the identification of immune status differences among specific patient types in the Cancer Genome Atlas dataset, providing a rationale for the model's predictions. Our approach represents a pioneering use of a GCN model to analyze exome data in patients undergoing ICI therapy and offers inspiration for future research using NLP technology to analyze exome sequencing data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kun Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Jiangshan Shi
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica Chinese Academy of Sciences; 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiaochu Tong
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica Chinese Academy of Sciences; 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ning Qu
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica Chinese Academy of Sciences; 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiangtai Kong
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica Chinese Academy of Sciences; 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shengkun Ni
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica Chinese Academy of Sciences; 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jing Xing
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xutong Li
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Mingyue Zheng
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Yin J, Gu T, Chaudhry N, Davidson NE, Huang Y. Epigenetic modulation of antitumor immunity and immunotherapy response in breast cancer: biological mechanisms and clinical implications. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1325615. [PMID: 38268926 PMCID: PMC10806158 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1325615] [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: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common non-skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in American women. The initiation and progression of BC can proceed through the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic changes that allow transformed cells to escape the normal cell cycle checkpoint control. Unlike nucleotide mutations, epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation, histone posttranslational modifications (PTMs), nucleosome remodeling and non-coding RNAs are generally reversible and therefore potentially responsive to pharmacological intervention. Epigenetic dysregulations are critical mechanisms for impaired antitumor immunity, evasion of immune surveillance, and resistance to immunotherapy. Compared to highly immunogenic tumor types, such as melanoma or lung cancer, breast cancer has been viewed as an immunologically quiescent tumor which displays a relatively low population of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), low tumor mutational burden (TMB) and modest response rates to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Emerging evidence suggests that agents targeting aberrant epigenetic modifiers may augment host antitumor immunity in BC via several interrelated mechanisms such as enhancing tumor antigen presentation, activation of cytotoxic T cells, inhibition of immunosuppressive cells, boosting response to ICI, and induction of immunogenic cell death (ICD). These discoveries have established a highly promising basis for using combinatorial approaches of epigenetic drugs with immunotherapy as an innovative paradigm to improve outcomes of BC patients. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of how epigenetic processes regulate immune cell function and antitumor immunogenicity in the context of the breast tumor microenvironment. Moreover, we discuss the therapeutic potential and latest clinical trials of the combination of immune checkpoint blockers with epigenetic agents in breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yin
- The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Hillman Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Tiezheng Gu
- The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Hillman Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Norin Chaudhry
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Nancy E. Davidson
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Yi Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Tetens AR, Martin AM, Arnold A, Novak OV, Idrizi A, Tryggvadottir R, Craig-Schwartz J, Liapodimitri A, Lunsford K, Barbato MI, Eberhart CG, Resnick AC, Raabe EH, Koldobskiy MA. DNA methylation landscapes in DIPG reveal methylome variability that can be modified pharmacologically. Neurooncol Adv 2024; 6:vdae023. [PMID: 38468866 PMCID: PMC10926944 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdae023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a uniformly lethal brainstem tumor of childhood, driven by histone H3 K27M mutation and resultant epigenetic dysregulation. Epigenomic analyses of DIPG have shown global loss of repressive chromatin marks accompanied by DNA hypomethylation. However, studies providing a static view of the epigenome do not adequately capture the regulatory underpinnings of DIPG cellular heterogeneity and plasticity. Methods To address this, we performed whole-genome bisulfite sequencing on a large panel of primary DIPG specimens and applied a novel framework for analysis of DNA methylation variability, permitting the derivation of comprehensive genome-wide DNA methylation potential energy landscapes that capture intrinsic epigenetic variation. Results We show that DIPG has a markedly disordered epigenome with increasingly stochastic DNA methylation at genes regulating pluripotency and developmental identity, potentially enabling cells to sample diverse transcriptional programs and differentiation states. The DIPG epigenetic landscape was responsive to treatment with the hypomethylating agent decitabine, which produced genome-wide demethylation and reduced the stochasticity of DNA methylation at active enhancers and bivalent promoters. Decitabine treatment elicited changes in gene expression, including upregulation of immune signaling such as the interferon response, STING, and MHC class I expression, and sensitized cells to the effects of histone deacetylase inhibition. Conclusions This study provides a resource for understanding the epigenetic instability that underlies DIPG heterogeneity. It suggests the application of epigenetic therapies to constrain the range of epigenetic states available to DIPG cells, as well as the use of decitabine in priming for immune-based therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley R Tetens
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Allison M Martin
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Antje Arnold
- Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Orlandi V Novak
- Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Adrian Idrizi
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rakel Tryggvadottir
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jordyn Craig-Schwartz
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Athanasia Liapodimitri
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kayleigh Lunsford
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael I Barbato
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Charles G Eberhart
- Neuropathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Adam C Resnick
- Center for Data-Driven Discovery in Biomedicine, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Eric H Raabe
- Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Neuropathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael A Koldobskiy
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Liu R, Wang Y, Chai H, Miao P. Ultrasensitive electrochemical detection and inhibition evaluation of DNA methyltransferase based on cascade strand displacement amplification. Analyst 2023; 149:59-62. [PMID: 37997779 DOI: 10.1039/d3an01780j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
An electrochemical sensing approach for ultrasensitive DNA methyltransferase (MTase) activity assay is proposed. After specific cleavage reaction in the presence of a methylated state, strand displacement polymerization (SDP) is initiated in the solution. The product of upstream SDP further triggers downstream SDP, which enriches abundant electrochemical species at the electrode. The whole process is quite convenient with shared enzymes. Due to the cascade signal amplification, ultrahigh sensitivity is promised. Inhibitor screening results are also demonstrated to be good. Besides, target MTase can be accurately determined in human serum samples, confirming excellent practical utility. This work provides a reliable approach for the analysis of MTase activity, which is of vital importance for related biological studies and clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruizhi Liu
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Center of Prenatal Diagnosis, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yuge Wang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Center of Prenatal Diagnosis, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Hua Chai
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China.
- Jinan Guoke Medical Technology Development Co., Ltd., Jinan 250103, China
| | - Peng Miao
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China.
- Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials and Medical Devices in Weihai, Weihai 264200, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Zeng X, Nong WX, Zou XQ, Li F, Ge YY, Zhang QM, Luo B, Huang W, Zou JX, Fan R, Xie XX. Prediction and identification of HLA-A*0201-restricted epitopes from cancer testis antigen CT23. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2293299. [PMID: 38100550 PMCID: PMC10730135 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2293299] [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: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-testis antigen CT23 is a class of tumor-associated antigens (TAA) characterized by restricted expression in male germ cells and a variety of tumor tissues. Numerous studies have shown that CT23 is closely related to tumor cell viability, proliferation, metastasis and invasion. CT23 is immunogenic and can cause specific immune response in tumor patients. Therefore, it is considered to be one of the best target antigens for designing therapeutic tumor vaccines and T-cell-mediated tumor immunotherapy. In this study, we initially obtained seven HLA-A*0201-restricted CT23 epitope candidate peptides through the T cell epitope prediction program. Subsequently, a T2 cell binding assay revealed the potential binding of all candidate peptides with HLA-A2 molecules. Notably, peptide P7 (ALLVLCYSI) exhibited the highest affinity, as evidenced by a fluorescence index (FI) of 2.19. Dendritic cells (DCs) loaded with CT23 candidate peptide can stimulate CD8+T cell activation and proliferation, and compared with other candidate peptides, candidate peptide P7 is superior. The cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) stimulated by the peptide P7 had killing effect on tumor cells (HLA-A*0201+, CT23+), but no killing effect on tumor cells (HLA-A*0201-, CT23+). The CTLs induced by the peptide P7 also had a specific killing effect on T2 cells bearing the peptide P7. In summary, our findings suggest that the CT23 peptide P7 (ALLVLCYSI) can induce immune responses and holds potential for tumor-specific CTL therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xia Zeng
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine Science, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P. R. China
| | - Wei-Xia Nong
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine Science, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Qiong Zou
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine Science, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P. R. China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine Science, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P. R. China
| | - Ying-Ying Ge
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine Science, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P. R. China
| | - Qing-Mei Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine Science, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P. R. China
- Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Regional Diseases (Guangxi Medical University), Nanning, P. R. China
| | - Bin Luo
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine Science, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P. R. China
- Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Regional Diseases (Guangxi Medical University), Nanning, P. R. China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P. R. China
| | - Jian-Xia Zou
- Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P. R. China
| | - Rong Fan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Pre-Clinical Medicine, Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Xun Xie
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine Science, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, P. R. China
- Education Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Key Laboratory of Basic Research on Regional Diseases (Guangxi Medical University), Nanning, P. R. China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment of Regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Nanning, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Wu X, Li T, Jiang R, Yang X, Guo H, Yang R. Targeting MHC-I molecules for cancer: function, mechanism, and therapeutic prospects. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:194. [PMID: 38041084 PMCID: PMC10693139 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01899-4] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecules of Major histocompatibility class I (MHC-I) load peptides and present them on the cell surface, which provided the immune system with the signal to detect and eliminate the infected or cancerous cells. In the context of cancer, owing to the crucial immune-regulatory roles played by MHC-I molecules, the abnormal modulation of MHC-I expression and function could be hijacked by tumor cells to escape the immune surveillance and attack, thereby promoting tumoral progression and impairing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Here we reviewed and discussed the recent studies and discoveries related to the MHC-I molecules and their multidirectional functions in the development of cancer, mainly focusing on the interactions between MHC-I and the multiple participators in the tumor microenvironment and highlighting the significance of targeting MHC-I for optimizing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy and a deeper understanding of the dynamic nature and functioning mechanism of MHC-I in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Wu
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tianhang Li
- Department of Urology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Surgical Research Center, Institute of Urology, Southeast University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Jiang
- The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongqian Guo
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Rong Yang
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Rocha GIY, Gomes JEM, Leite ML, da Cunha NB, Costa FF. Epigenome-Driven Strategies for Personalized Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancer Manag Res 2023; 15:1351-1367. [PMID: 38058537 PMCID: PMC10697012 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s272031] [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: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Fighting cancer remains one of the greatest challenges for science in the 21st century. Advances in immunotherapy against different types of cancer have greatly contributed to the treatment, remission, and cure of patients. In this context, knowledge of epigenetic phenomena, their relationship with tumor cells and how the immune system can be epigenetically modulated represent some of the greatest advances in the development of anticancer therapies. Epigenetics is a rapidly growing field that studies how environmental factors can affect gene expression without altering DNA sequence. Epigenomic changes include DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA regulation, which impact cellular function. Epigenetics has shown promise in developing cancer therapies, such as immunotherapy, which aims to stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells. For example, PD-1 and PD-L1 are biomarkers that regulate the immune response to cancer cells and recent studies have shown that epigenetic modifications can affect their expression, potentially influencing the efficacy of immunotherapy. New therapies targeting epigenetic modifications, such as histone deacetylases and DNA methyltransferases, are being developed for cancer treatment, and some have shown promise in preclinical studies and clinical trials. With growing understanding of epigenetic regulation, we can expect more personalized and effective cancer immunotherapies in the future. This review highlights key advances in the use of epigenetic and epigenomic tools and modern immuno-oncology strategies to treat several types of tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michel Lopes Leite
- Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology Program, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Nicolau B da Cunha
- Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology Program, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine (FAV), Campus Darcy Ribeiro, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasília, DF, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Agronomy, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Fabricio F Costa
- Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology Program, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Genomic Enterprise, San FranciscoCA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
James JL, Taylor BC, Axelrod ML, Sun X, Guerin LN, Gonzalez-Ericsson PI, Wang Y, Sanchez V, Fahey CC, Sanders ME, Xu Y, Hodges E, Johnson DB, Balko JM. Polycomb repressor complex 2 suppresses interferon-responsive MHC-II expression in melanoma cells and is associated with anti-PD-1 resistance. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007736. [PMID: 38315170 PMCID: PMC10660662 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007736] [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] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the remarkable success of immunotherapy in treating melanoma, understanding of the underlying mechanisms of resistance remains limited. Emerging evidence suggests that upregulation of tumor-specific major histocompatibility complex-II (tsMHC-II) serves as a predictive marker for the response to anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) therapy in various cancer types. The genetic and epigenetic pathways modulating tsMHC-II expression remain incompletely characterized. Here, we provide evidence that polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2)/EZH2 signaling and resulting H3K27 hypermethylation suppresses tsMHC-II. METHODS RNA sequencing data from tumor biopsies from patients with cutaneous melanoma treated with or without anti-PD-1, targeted inhibition assays, and assays for transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing were used to observe the relationship between EZH2 inhibition and interferon (IFN)-γ inducibility within the MHC-II pathway. RESULTS We find that increased EZH2 pathway messenger RNA (mRNA) expression correlates with reduced mRNA expression of both presentation and T-cell genes. Notably, targeted inhibition assays revealed that inhibition of EZH2 influences the expression dynamics and inducibility of the MHC-II pathway following IFN-γ stimulation. Additionally, our analysis of patients with metastatic melanoma revealed a significant inverse association between PRC2-related gene expression and response to anti-PD-1 therapy. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our findings demonstrate that EZH2 inhibition leads to enhanced MHC-II expression potentially resulting from improved chromatin accessibility at CIITA, the master regulator of MHC-II. These insights shed light on the molecular mechanisms involved in tsMHC-II suppression and highlight the potential of targeting EZH2 as a therapeutic strategy to improve immunotherapy efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamaal L James
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Brandie C Taylor
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Margaret L Axelrod
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Xiaopeng Sun
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Lindsey N Guerin
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Paula I Gonzalez-Ericsson
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Breast Cancer Research Program, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Violeta Sanchez
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Catherine C Fahey
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Hematology/Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Melinda E Sanders
- Breast Cancer Research Program, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Yaomin Xu
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Emily Hodges
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Douglas B Johnson
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Justin M Balko
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Breast Cancer Research Program, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Wong RSJ, Ong RJM, Lim JSJ. Immune checkpoint inhibitors in breast cancer: development, mechanisms of resistance and potential management strategies. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2023; 6:768-787. [PMID: 38263984 PMCID: PMC10804393 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2023.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has increased exponentially in the past decade, although its progress specifically for breast cancer has been modest. The first U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for ICI in breast cancer came in 2019, eight years after the first-ever approval of an ICI. At present, current indications for ICIs are relevant only to a subset of patients with triple-negative breast cancer, or those displaying high microsatellite instability or deficiency in the mismatch repair protein pathway. With an increasing understanding of the limitations of using ICIs, which stem from breast cancer being innately poorly immunogenic, as well as the presence of various intrinsic and acquired resistance pathways, ongoing trials are evaluating different combination therapies to overcome these barriers. In this review, we aim to describe the development timeline of ICIs and resistance mechanisms limiting their utility, and summarise the available approaches and ongoing trials relevant to overcoming each resistance mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel SJ Wong
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, National University Hospital, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Rebecca JM Ong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Joline SJ Lim
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, National University Hospital, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Malviya M, Aretz Z, Molvi Z, Lee J, Pierre S, Wallisch P, Dao T, Scheinberg DA. Challenges and solutions for therapeutic TCR-based agents. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:58-82. [PMID: 37455333 PMCID: PMC11141734 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13233] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Recent development of methods to discover and engineer therapeutic T-cell receptors (TCRs) or antibody mimics of TCRs, and to understand their immunology and pharmacology, lag two decades behind therapeutic antibodies. Yet we have every expectation that TCR-based agents will be similarly important contributors to the treatment of a variety of medical conditions, especially cancers. TCR engineered cells, soluble TCRs and their derivatives, TCR-mimic antibodies, and TCR-based CAR T cells promise the possibility of highly specific drugs that can expand the scope of immunologic agents to recognize intracellular targets, including mutated proteins and undruggable transcription factors, not accessible by traditional antibodies. Hurdles exist regarding discovery, specificity, pharmacokinetics, and best modality of use that will need to be overcome before the full potential of TCR-based agents is achieved. HLA restriction may limit each agent to patient subpopulations and off-target reactivities remain important barriers to widespread development and use of these new agents. In this review we discuss the unique opportunities for these new classes of drugs, describe their unique antigenic targets, compare them to traditional antibody therapeutics and CAR T cells, and review the various obstacles that must be overcome before full application of these drugs can be realized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manish Malviya
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
| | - Zita Aretz
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Physiology, Biophysics & Systems Biology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| | - Zaki Molvi
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Physiology, Biophysics & Systems Biology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| | - Jayop Lee
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
| | - Stephanie Pierre
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Tri-Institutional Medical Scientist Program, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| | - Patrick Wallisch
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Pharmacology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| | - Tao Dao
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
| | - David A. Scheinberg
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Pharmacology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Susukida T, Sasaki SI, Shirayanagi T, Aoki S, Ito K, Hayakawa Y. Drug-induced altered self-presentation increases tumor immunogenicity. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115241. [PMID: 37523987 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115241] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) drug abacavir (ABC) binds to the specific allele of human leukocyte antigen (HLA-B*57:01) and activates CD8+ T cells by presenting altered abnormal peptides. Here, we examined the effect of ABC-induced altered self-presentation by HLA-B*57:01 on immunogenicity of cancer cells and CD8+ T-cell-dependent anti-tumor immunity. We established human-mouse chimeric HLA-B*57:01-expressing tumor cell lines (B16F10 and 3LL) and tested the anti-tumor effect of ABC in vivo. ABC treatment inhibited the growth of HLA-B*57:01-expressing tumors by a CD8+ T-cell-dependent mechanism. ABC treatment induced CXCR3-dependent infiltration of CD8+ T cells into HLA-B*57:01-expressing tumors, and activated those tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells to proliferate and secrete IFN-γ. The activation of CD8+ T cells using drug-induced altered self-presentation may be a new strategy to increase tumor immunogenicity and improve the efficacy of immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Susukida
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Immunology, Section of Host Defences, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - So-Ichiro Sasaki
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Immunology, Section of Host Defences, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Shirayanagi
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shigeki Aoki
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kousei Ito
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Hayakawa
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Immunology, Section of Host Defences, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Urbanova M, Cihova M, Buocikova V, Slopovsky J, Dubovan P, Pindak D, Tomas M, García-Bermejo L, Rodríguez-Garrote M, Earl J, Kohl Y, Kataki A, Dusinska M, Sainz B, Smolkova B, Gabelova A. Nanomedicine and epigenetics: New alliances to increase the odds in pancreatic cancer survival. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115179. [PMID: 37481927 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115179] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the deadliest cancers worldwide, primarily due to its robust desmoplastic stroma and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), which facilitate tumor progression and metastasis. In addition, fibrous tissue leads to sparse vasculature, high interstitial fluid pressure, and hypoxia, thereby hindering effective systemic drug delivery and immune cell infiltration. Thus, remodeling the TME to enhance tumor perfusion, increase drug retention, and reverse immunosuppression has become a key therapeutic strategy. In recent years, targeting epigenetic pathways has emerged as a promising approach to overcome tumor immunosuppression and cancer progression. Moreover, the progress in nanotechnology has provided new opportunities for enhancing the efficacy of conventional and epigenetic drugs. Nano-based drug delivery systems (NDDSs) offer several advantages, including improved drug pharmacokinetics, enhanced tumor penetration, and reduced systemic toxicity. Smart NDDSs enable precise targeting of stromal components and augment the effectiveness of immunotherapy through multiple drug delivery options. This review offers an overview of the latest nano-based approaches developed to achieve superior therapeutic efficacy and overcome drug resistance. We specifically focus on the TME and epigenetic-targeted therapies in the context of PDAC, discussing the advantages and limitations of current strategies while highlighting promising new developments. By emphasizing the immense potential of NDDSs in improving therapeutic outcomes in PDAC, our review paves the way for future research in this rapidly evolving field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Urbanova
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Marina Cihova
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Verona Buocikova
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jan Slopovsky
- 2nd Department of Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia; Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Spitalska 24, 813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Peter Dubovan
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; Department of Surgical Oncology, National CancerInstitute in Bratislava, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia; Faculty of Medicine, Slovak Medical University in Bratislava, Limbová12, 833 03 Bratislava
| | - Daniel Pindak
- Department of Surgical Oncology, National CancerInstitute in Bratislava, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia; Faculty of Medicine, Slovak Medical University in Bratislava, Limbová12, 833 03 Bratislava
| | - Miroslav Tomas
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia; Department of Surgical Oncology, National CancerInstitute in Bratislava, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia; Faculty of Medicine, Slovak Medical University in Bratislava, Limbová12, 833 03 Bratislava
| | - Laura García-Bermejo
- Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets Group, Area4, Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), Carretera Colmenar Km 9100, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Rodríguez-Garrote
- Molecular Epidemiology and Predictive Tumor Markers Group, Area 3, Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), Carretera Colmenar Km 9100, 28034 Madrid, Spain; CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julie Earl
- Molecular Epidemiology and Predictive Tumor Markers Group, Area 3, Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), Carretera Colmenar Km 9100, 28034 Madrid, Spain; CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yvonne Kohl
- Department Bioprocessing & Bioanalytics, Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT, 66280 Sulzbach, Germany
| | - Agapi Kataki
- 1st Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias 114, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Dusinska
- Health Effects Laboratory, Department of Environmental Chemistry, NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Instituttveien 18, 2002 Kjeller, Norway
| | - Bruno Sainz
- CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas"Alberto Sols" (IIBM), CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Biomarkers and Personalized Approach to Cancer (BIOPAC) Group, Area 3, Ramón y Cajal Health Research Institute (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Bozena Smolkova
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Alena Gabelova
- Department of Nanobiology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska Cesta 9, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia..
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Davies A, Zoubeidi A, Beltran H, Selth LA. The Transcriptional and Epigenetic Landscape of Cancer Cell Lineage Plasticity. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:1771-1788. [PMID: 37470668 PMCID: PMC10527883 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-0225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Lineage plasticity, a process whereby cells change their phenotype to take on a different molecular and/or histologic identity, is a key driver of cancer progression and therapy resistance. Although underlying genetic changes within the tumor can enhance lineage plasticity, it is predominantly a dynamic process controlled by transcriptional and epigenetic dysregulation. This review explores the transcriptional and epigenetic regulators of lineage plasticity and their interplay with other features of malignancy, such as dysregulated metabolism, the tumor microenvironment, and immune evasion. We also discuss strategies for the detection and treatment of highly plastic tumors. SIGNIFICANCE Lineage plasticity is a hallmark of cancer and a critical facilitator of other oncogenic features such as metastasis, therapy resistance, dysregulated metabolism, and immune evasion. It is essential that the molecular mechanisms of lineage plasticity are elucidated to enable the development of strategies to effectively target this phenomenon. In this review, we describe key transcriptional and epigenetic regulators of cancer cell plasticity, in the process highlighting therapeutic approaches that may be harnessed for patient benefit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alastair Davies
- Oncology Research Discovery, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Amina Zoubeidi
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Himisha Beltran
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Luke A. Selth
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute and Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042 Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Sari G, Rock KL. Tumor immune evasion through loss of MHC class-I antigen presentation. Curr Opin Immunol 2023; 83:102329. [PMID: 37130455 PMCID: PMC10524158 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2023.102329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
CD8 T cells recognize cancers when they detect antigenic peptides presented on a tumor's surface MHC-I molecules. Since MHC-I antigen presentation is not essential for cell growth or survival, many cancers inactivate this pathway, and thereby escape control by CD8 T cells. Such immune evasion allows cancers to progress and also become resistant to CD8 T- cell-based immunotherapies, such as checkpoint blockade. Here, we review recent findings about the various different mechanisms that cancers use to impair antigen presentation, the consequence of such changes, and, in some cases, the potential to reverse these defects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gulce Sari
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Department of Pathology, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Kenneth L Rock
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Department of Pathology, Worcester, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Guo R, Li J, Hu J, Fu Q, Yan Y, Xu S, Wang X, Jiao F. Combination of epidrugs with immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer immunotherapy: From theory to therapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 120:110417. [PMID: 37276826 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110417] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized treatment strategies in multiple types of cancer. However, the resistance and relapse as associated with the extreme complexity of cancer-immunity interactions remain a major challenge to be resolved. Owing to the epigenome plasticity of cancer and immune cells, a growing body of evidence has been presented indicating that epigenetic treatments have the potential to overcome current limitations of immunotherapy, thus providing a rationalefor the combination of ICIs with epigenetic agents (epidrugs). In this review, we first make an overview about the epigenetic regulations in tumor biology and immunodevelopment. Subsequently, a diverse array of inhibitory agents under investigations targeted epigenetic modulators (Azacitidine, Decitabine, Vorinostat, Romidepsin, Belinostat, Panobinostat, Tazemetostat, Enasidenib and Ivosidenib, etc.) and immune checkpoints (Atezolizmab, Avelumab, Cemiplimab, Durvalumb, Ipilimumab, Nivolumab and Pembrolizmab, etc.) to increase anticancer responses were described and the potential mechanisms were further discussed. Finally, we summarize the findings of clinical trials and provide a perspective for future clinical studies directed at investigating the combination of epidrugs with ICIs as a treatment for cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruoyu Guo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Jixia Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Jinxia Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Qiang Fu
- School of Pharmacology, Institute of Aging Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Yunfei Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Sen Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory & Health Service Training, 970 Hospital of the PLA Joint Logistic Support Force, Yantai 264002, PR China.
| | - Fei Jiao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Piper M, Kluger H, Ruppin E, Hu-Lieskovan S. Immune Resistance Mechanisms and the Road to Personalized Immunotherapy. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2023; 43:e390290. [PMID: 37459578 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_390290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
What does the future of cancer immunotherapy look like and how do we get there? Find out where we've been and where we're headed in A Report on Resistance: The Road to personalized immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miles Piper
- School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | | | - Eytan Ruppin
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Siwen Hu-Lieskovan
- School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Nakajima S, Kaneta A, Okayama H, Saito K, Kikuchi T, Endo E, Matsumoto T, Fukai S, Sakuma M, Sato T, Mimura K, Saito M, Saze Z, Sakamoto W, Onozawa H, Momma T, Kono K. The Impact of Tumor Cell-Intrinsic Expression of Cyclic GMP-AMP Synthase (cGAS)-Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) on the Infiltration of CD8 + T Cells and Clinical Outcomes in Mismatch Repair Proficient/Microsatellite Stable Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2826. [PMID: 37345163 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102826] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway plays a crucial role in activating immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, thereby contributing to a more favorable response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the impact of the expression of cGAS-STING in tumor cells on the infiltration of CD8+ T cells and clinical outcomes in mismatch repair proficient/microsatellite stable (pMMR/MSS) CRC remains largely unknown. Our findings reveal that 56.8% of all pMMR CRC cases were cGAS-negative/STING-negative expressions (cGAS-/STING-) in tumor cells, whereas only 9.9% of all pMMR CRC showed cGAS-positive/STING-positive expression (cGAS+/STING+) in tumor cells. The frequency of cGAS+/STING+ cases was reduced in the advanced stages of pMMR/MSS CRC, and histone methylation might be involved in the down-regulation of STING expression in tumor cells. Since the expression level of cGAS-STING in tumor cells has been associated with the infiltration of CD8+ and/or CD4+ T cells and the frequency of recurrence in pMMR/MSS CRC, decreased expression of cGAS-STING in tumor cells might lead to poor immune cell infiltration and worse prognosis in most pMMR/MSS CRC patients. Our current findings provide a novel insight for the treatment of patients with pMMR/MSS CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shotaro Nakajima
- Department of Multidisciplinary Treatment of Cancer and Regional Medical Support, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Akinao Kaneta
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Okayama
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Katsuharu Saito
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Kikuchi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Eisei Endo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Takuro Matsumoto
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Satoshi Fukai
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Mei Sakuma
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Takahiro Sato
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Kosaku Mimura
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
- Department of Blood Transfusion and Transplantation Immunology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Motonobu Saito
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Zenichiro Saze
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Wataru Sakamoto
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Hisashi Onozawa
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Momma
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Koji Kono
- Department of Multidisciplinary Treatment of Cancer and Regional Medical Support, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Wu K, Lyu F, Wu SY, Sharma S, Deshpande RP, Tyagi A, Zhao D, Xing F, Singh R, Watabe K. Engineering an active immunotherapy for personalized cancer treatment and prevention of recurrence. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade0625. [PMID: 37126558 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade0625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer has been shown to be resistant to immunotherapies. To overcome this challenge, we developed an active immunotherapy for personalized treatment based on a smart nanovesicle. This is achieved by anchoring membrane-bound bioactive interleukin 2 (IL2) and enriching T cell-promoting costimulatory factors on the surface of the dendritic cell-derived small extracellular vesicles. This nanovesicle also displays major histocompatibility complex-bound antigens inherited from tumor lysate-pulsed dendritic cell. When administrated, the surface-bound IL2 is able to guide the nanovesicle to lymphoid organs and activate the IL2 receptor on lymphocytes. Furthermore, it is able to perform antigen presentation in the replacement of professional antigen-presenting cells. This nanovesicle, named IL2-ep13nsEV, induced a strong immune reaction to rescue 50% of the mice in our humanized patient-derived xenografts, sensitized cancer cells to immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment, and prevented the recurrence of resected tumors. This paradigm presents a feasible strategy for the treatment and prevention of metastatic breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kerui Wu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Feng Lyu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
- Department of Breast Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450003, China
| | - Shih-Ying Wu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Sambad Sharma
- Department of Translation Biology, Auron Therapeutics, Newton, MA 02458, USA
| | - Ravindra Pramod Deshpande
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Abhishek Tyagi
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Dan Zhao
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Fei Xing
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Ravi Singh
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Kounosuke Watabe
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Huang R, Zhao B, Hu S, Zhang Q, Su X, Zhang W. Adoptive neoantigen-reactive T cell therapy: improvement strategies and current clinical researches. Biomark Res 2023; 11:41. [PMID: 37062844 PMCID: PMC10108522 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00478-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neoantigens generated by non-synonymous mutations of tumor genes can induce activation of neoantigen-reactive T (NRT) cells which have the ability to resist the growth of tumors expressing specific neoantigens. Immunotherapy based on NRT cells has made preeminent achievements in melanoma and other solid tumors. The process of manufacturing NRT cells includes identification of neoantigens, preparation of neoantigen expression vectors or peptides, induction and activation of NRT cells, and analysis of functions and phenotypes. Numerous improvement strategies have been proposed to enhance the potency of NRT cells by engineering TCR, promoting infiltration of T cells and overcoming immunosuppressive factors in the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we outline the improvement of the preparation and the function assessment of NRT cells, and discuss the current status of clinical trials related to NRT cell immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruichen Huang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Bi Zhao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi Hu
- Department of Biophysics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Second Military Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Second Military Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoping Su
- School of Basic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Kim DJ, Anandh S, Null JL, Przanowski P, Bhatnagar S, Kumar P, Shelton SE, Grundy EE, Chiappinelli KB, Kamm RD, Barbie DA, Dudley AC. Priming a vascular-selective cytokine response permits CD8 + T-cell entry into tumors. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2122. [PMID: 37055433 PMCID: PMC10101959 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37807-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) has immunomodulatory and anti-neoplastic activity, especially when paired with cancer immunotherapies. Here we explore the immunoregulatory functions of DNMT1 in the tumor vasculature of female mice. Dnmt1 deletion in endothelial cells (ECs) impairs tumor growth while priming expression of cytokine-driven cell adhesion molecules and chemokines important for CD8+ T-cell trafficking across the vasculature; consequently, the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is enhanced. We find that the proangiogenic factor FGF2 promotes ERK-mediated DNMT1 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation to repress transcription of the chemokines Cxcl9/Cxcl10 in ECs. Targeting Dnmt1 in ECs reduces proliferation but augments Th1 chemokine production and extravasation of CD8+ T-cells, suggesting DNMT1 programs immunologically anergic tumor vasculature. Our study is in good accord with preclinical observations that pharmacologically disrupting DNMT1 enhances the activity of ICB but suggests an epigenetic pathway presumed to be targeted in cancer cells is also operative in the tumor vasculature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dae Joong Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Swetha Anandh
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Jamie L Null
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Piotr Przanowski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Sanchita Bhatnagar
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology, The University of California Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Pankaj Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Sarah E Shelton
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Erin E Grundy
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University Cancer Center, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Katherine B Chiappinelli
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University Cancer Center, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - David A Barbie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Andrew C Dudley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA.
- UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Liu S, Sun Q, Ren X. Novel strategies for cancer immunotherapy: counter-immunoediting therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:38. [PMID: 37055849 PMCID: PMC10099030 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01430-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The advent of immunotherapy has made an indelible mark on the field of cancer therapy, especially the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors in clinical practice. Although immunotherapy has proven its efficacy and safety in some tumors, many patients still have innate or acquired resistance to immunotherapy. The emergence of this phenomenon is closely related to the highly heterogeneous immune microenvironment formed by tumor cells after undergoing cancer immunoediting. The process of cancer immunoediting refers to the cooperative interaction between tumor cells and the immune system that involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape. During these phases, conflicting interactions between the immune system and tumor cells result in the formation of a complex immune microenvironment, which contributes to the acquisition of different levels of immunotherapy resistance in tumor cells. In this review, we summarize the characteristics of different phases of cancer immunoediting and the corresponding therapeutic tools, and we propose normalized therapeutic strategies based on immunophenotyping. The process of cancer immunoediting is retrograded through targeted interventions in different phases of cancer immunoediting, making immunotherapy in the context of precision therapy the most promising therapy to cure cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaochuan Liu
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, 300060, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, 300060, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, 300060, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, 300060, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, 300060, Tianjin, China
- Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, 300060, Tianjin, China
| | - Qian Sun
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, 300060, Tianjin, China.
| | - Xiubao Ren
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, 300060, Tianjin, China.
- Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, 300060, Tianjin, China.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Penter L, Liu Y, Wolff JO, Yang L, Taing L, Jhaveri A, Southard J, Patel M, Cullen NM, Pfaff KL, Cieri N, Oliveira G, Kim-Schulze S, Ranasinghe S, Leonard R, Robertson T, Morgan EA, Chen HX, Song MH, Thurin M, Li S, Rodig SJ, Cibulskis C, Gabriel S, Bachireddy P, Ritz J, Streicher H, Neuberg DS, Hodi FS, Davids MS, Gnjatic S, Livak KJ, Altreuter J, Michor F, Soiffer RJ, Garcia JS, Wu CJ. Mechanisms of response and resistance to combined decitabine and ipilimumab for advanced myeloid disease. Blood 2023; 141:1817-1830. [PMID: 36706355 PMCID: PMC10122106 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022018246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The challenge of eradicating leukemia in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) after initial cytoreduction has motivated modern efforts to combine synergistic active modalities including immunotherapy. Recently, the ETCTN/CTEP 10026 study tested the combination of the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor decitabine together with the immune checkpoint inhibitor ipilimumab for AML/myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) either after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or in the HSCT-naïve setting. Integrative transcriptome-based analysis of 304 961 individual marrow-infiltrating cells for 18 of 48 subjects treated on study revealed the strong association of response with a high baseline ratio of T to AML cells. Clinical responses were predominantly driven by decitabine-induced cytoreduction. Evidence of immune activation was only apparent after ipilimumab exposure, which altered CD4+ T-cell gene expression, in line with ongoing T-cell differentiation and increased frequency of marrow-infiltrating regulatory T cells. For post-HSCT samples, relapse could be attributed to insufficient clearing of malignant clones in progenitor cell populations. In contrast to AML/MDS bone marrow, the transcriptomes of leukemia cutis samples from patients with durable remission after ipilimumab monotherapy showed evidence of increased infiltration with antigen-experienced resident memory T cells and higher expression of CTLA-4 and FOXP3. Altogether, activity of combined decitabine and ipilimumab is impacted by cellular expression states within the microenvironmental niche of leukemic cells. The inadequate elimination of leukemic progenitors mandates urgent development of novel approaches for targeting these cell populations to generate long-lasting responses. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02890329.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Livius Penter
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Tumorimmunology, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | | | - Lin Yang
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Len Taing
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Aashna Jhaveri
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Jackson Southard
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Translational Immunogenomics Lab, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Manishkumar Patel
- Human Immune Monitoring Center at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Nicole M. Cullen
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Kathleen L. Pfaff
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Nicoletta Cieri
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Giacomo Oliveira
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Seunghee Kim-Schulze
- Human Immune Monitoring Center at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | | | - Rebecca Leonard
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Taylor Robertson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Elizabeth A. Morgan
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Helen X. Chen
- Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Minkyung H. Song
- Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Magdalena Thurin
- Cancer Diagnosis Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Shuqiang Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
- Translational Immunogenomics Lab, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Scott J. Rodig
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Carrie Cibulskis
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
| | - Stacey Gabriel
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
| | | | - Jerome Ritz
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Howard Streicher
- Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Donna S. Neuberg
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - F. Stephen Hodi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Matthew S. Davids
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Sacha Gnjatic
- Human Immune Monitoring Center at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Kenneth J. Livak
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Translational Immunogenomics Lab, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | | | - Franziska Michor
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Robert J. Soiffer
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Jacqueline S. Garcia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Catherine J. Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Wang MM, Koskela SA, Mehmood A, Langguth M, Maranou E, Figueiredo CR. Epigenetic control of CD1D expression as a mechanism of resistance to immune checkpoint therapy in poorly immunogenic melanomas. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1152228. [PMID: 37077920 PMCID: PMC10106630 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1152228] [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: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune Checkpoint Therapies (ICT) have revolutionized the treatment of metastatic melanoma. However, only a subset of patients reaches complete responses. Deficient β2-microglobulin (β2M) expression impacts antigen presentation to T cells, leading to ICT resistance. Here, we investigate alternative β2M-correlated biomarkers that associate with ICT resistance. We shortlisted immune biomarkers interacting with human β2M using the STRING database. Next, we profiled the transcriptomic expression of these biomarkers in association with clinical and survival outcomes in the melanoma GDC-TCGA-SKCM dataset and a collection of publicly available metastatic melanoma cohorts treated with ICT (anti-PD1). Epigenetic control of identified biomarkers was interrogated using the Illumina Human Methylation 450 dataset from the melanoma GDC-TCGA-SKCM study. We show that β2M associates with CD1d, CD1b, and FCGRT at the protein level. Co-expression and correlation profile of B2M with CD1D, CD1B, and FCGRT dissociates in melanoma patients following B2M expression loss. Lower CD1D expression is typically found in patients with poor survival outcomes from the GDC-TCGA-SKCM dataset, in patients not responding to anti-PD1 immunotherapies, and in a resistant anti-PD1 pre-clinical model. Immune cell abundance study reveals that B2M and CD1D are both enriched in tumor cells and dendritic cells from patients responding to anti-PD1 immunotherapies. These patients also show increased levels of natural killer T (NKT) cell signatures in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Methylation reactions in the TME of melanoma impact the expression of B2M and SPI1, which controls CD1D expression. These findings suggest that epigenetic changes in the TME of melanoma may impact β2M and CD1d-mediated functions, such as antigen presentation for T cells and NKT cells. Our hypothesis is grounded in comprehensive bioinformatic analyses of a large transcriptomic dataset from four clinical cohorts and mouse models. It will benefit from further development using well-established functional immune assays to support understanding the molecular processes leading to epigenetic control of β2M and CD1d. This research line may lead to the rational development of new combinatorial treatments for metastatic melanoma patients that poorly respond to ICT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mona Meng Wang
- Medical Immune Oncology Research Group (MIORG), Institute of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Singapore National Eye Centre and Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Saara A. Koskela
- Medical Immune Oncology Research Group (MIORG), Institute of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Arfa Mehmood
- Medical Immune Oncology Research Group (MIORG), Institute of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Miriam Langguth
- Medical Immune Oncology Research Group (MIORG), Institute of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Eleftheria Maranou
- Medical Immune Oncology Research Group (MIORG), Institute of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Carlos R. Figueiredo
- Medical Immune Oncology Research Group (MIORG), Institute of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- *Correspondence: Carlos R. Figueiredo,
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
An Y, Yu Z, Liu D, Han L, Zhang X, Xin X, Li C. HpaII-assisted and linear amplification-enhanced isothermal exponential amplification fluorescent strategy for rapid and sensitive detection of DNA methyltransferase activity. Anal Bioanal Chem 2023; 415:2271-2280. [PMID: 36961574 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-04647-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
The detection of methyltransferase (MTase) activity is of great significance in methylation-related disease diagnosis and drug screening. Herein, a HpaII-assisted and linear amplification-enhanced exponential amplification strategy is proposed for sensitive and label-free detection of M.SssI MTase activity. The P1 probe contains self-complementary sequence 5'-CTAGCCGGCTAG-3' at 3'-terminal. After denaturation and annealing, P1 probes hybridize with itself to generate P1 duplexes. M.SssI MTase induces methylation of cytosine at 5'-CG-3' in P1 duplexes, and thus, HpaII fails to cleave at 5'-CCGG-3' due to methylation sensitivity, leaving P1 duplex intact. Then, these intact P1 duplexes are extended along 3'-terminal through Vent (exo-) DNA polymerase to generate dsDNA, which is recognized and nicked at the recognition sites by Nt.BstNBI, releasing two copies of primer X. Primer X hybridizes with X' at the amplification template T1 (X'-Y'-X') and then serves as primers to trigger the exponential amplification reaction (EXPAR). The point of inflection (POI) values of real-time fluorescence curves is linearly correlated with the logarithm of M.SssI MTase concentration in the range of 0.125 [Formula: see text] 8 U mL-1 with a low detection limit of 0.034 U mL-1. In the absence of M.SssI, P1 duplexes are cut by HpaII and separated into ssDNA under the executed temperature of EXPAR and thus unable to trigger the amplification. The strategy provides good selectivity against other types of MTases and protein and is able to detect M.SssI activity in human serum. Furthermore, the analytical method has the generality and can be extended to the analysis of other types of DNA MTases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaqian An
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Hebei Province, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of Ministry of Education, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiqi Yu
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Hebei Province, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of Ministry of Education, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, People's Republic of China
| | - Di Liu
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Hebei Province, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of Ministry of Education, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, People's Republic of China
| | - Lirong Han
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Hebei Province, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of Ministry of Education, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, People's Republic of China
| | - Xian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Hebei Province, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of Ministry of Education, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuelian Xin
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Hebei Province, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of Ministry of Education, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, People's Republic of China
| | - Cuiping Li
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Hebei Province, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of Ministry of Education, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Amaro A, Reggiani F, Fenoglio D, Gangemi R, Tosi A, Parodi A, Banelli B, Rigo V, Mastracci L, Grillo F, Cereghetti A, Tastanova A, Ghosh A, Sallustio F, Emionite L, Daga A, Altosole T, Filaci G, Rosato A, Levesque M, Maio M, Pfeffer U, Croce M. Guadecitabine increases response to combined anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 treatment in mouse melanoma in vivo by controlling T-cells, myeloid derived suppressor and NK cells. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:67. [PMID: 36934257 PMCID: PMC10024396 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02628-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The combination of Programmed Cell Death 1 (PD-1) and Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4 (CTLA-4) blockade has dramatically improved the overall survival rate for malignant melanoma. Immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs) limit the tumor's immune escape yet only for approximately a third of all tumors and, in most cases, for a limited amount of time. Several approaches to overcome resistance to ICBs are being investigated among which the addition of epigenetic drugs that are expected to act on both immune and tumor cells. Guadecitabine, a dinucleotide prodrug of a decitabine linked via phosphodiester bond to a guanosine, showed promising results in the phase-1 clinical trial, NIBIT-M4 (NCT02608437). METHODS We used the syngeneic B16F10 murine melanoma model to study the effects of immune checkpoint blocking antibodies against CTLA-4 and PD-1 in combination, with and without the addition of Guadecitabine. We comprehensively characterized the tumor's and the host's responses under different treatments by flow cytometry, multiplex immunofluorescence and methylation analysis. RESULTS In combination with ICBs, Guadecitabine significantly reduced subcutaneous tumor growth as well as metastases formation compared to ICBs and Guadecitabine treatment. In particular, Guadecitabine greatly enhanced the efficacy of combined ICBs by increasing effector memory CD8+ T cells, inducing effector NK cells in the spleen and reducing tumor infiltrating regulatory T cells and myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC), in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Guadecitabine in association with ICBs increased serum levels of IFN-γ and IFN-γ-induced chemokines with anti-angiogenic activity. Guadecitabine led to a general DNA-demethylation, in particular of sites of intermediate methylation levels. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate Guadecitabine as a promising epigenetic drug to be added to ICBs therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Amaro
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi, 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Francesco Reggiani
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi, 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Daniela Fenoglio
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi, 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Rosaria Gangemi
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi, 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Anna Tosi
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology Diagnostics, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - Alessia Parodi
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi, 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Barbara Banelli
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi, 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Valentina Rigo
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi, 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Luca Mastracci
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi, 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Federica Grillo
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi, 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cereghetti
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zurich, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Aizhan Tastanova
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zurich, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Adhideb Ghosh
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fabio Sallustio
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Laura Emionite
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi, 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Antonio Daga
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi, 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Tiziana Altosole
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi, 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | - Gilberto Filaci
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi, 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Antonio Rosato
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology Diagnostics, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IRCCS, Padova, Italy
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Mitchell Levesque
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zurich, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Ulrich Pfeffer
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi, 10, 16132, Genova, Italy.
| | - Michela Croce
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi, 10, 16132, Genova, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Kawashima S, Togashi Y. Resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors and the tumor microenvironment. Exp Dermatol 2023; 32:240-249. [PMID: 36437644 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have contributed significantly to the treatment of various types of cancer, including skin cancer. However, not all patients respond; some patients do not respond at all (primary resistance), while others experience recurrence after the initial response (acquired resistance). Therefore, overcoming ICI resistance is an urgent priority. Numerous ICI resistance mechanisms have been reported. They are seemingly quite complex, varying from patient to patient. However, most involve T-cell activation processes, especially in the tumor microenvironment (TME). ICIs exert their effects in the TME by reactivating suppressed T cells through inhibition of immune checkpoint molecules, such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1). Thus, this review focuses on the resistance mechanisms based on the T-cell activation process. Here, we classify the main mechanisms of ICI resistance into three categories based on (1) antigen recognition, (2) T-cell migration and infiltration, and (3) effector functions of T cells. By identifying and understanding these resistance mechanisms individually, including unknown mechanisms, we seek to contribute to the development of novel treatments to overcome ICI resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shusuke Kawashima
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
- Chiba Cancer Center, Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yosuke Togashi
- Chiba Cancer Center, Research Institute, Chiba, Japan
- Department of Tumor Microenvironment, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Liu Y, Liu X, Huang J, Shi Y, Luo Z, Zhang J, Guo X, Jiang M, Li X, Yin H, Qin B, Guan G, Luo L, Zhou Y, You J. Nonlysosomal Route of mRNA Delivery and Combining with Epigenetic Regulation Optimized Antitumor Immunoprophylactic Efficacy. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2202460. [PMID: 36366890 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Currently, mRNA-based tumor therapies are in full flow because in vitro-transcribed (IVT) mRNA has the potential to express tumor antigens to initiate the adaptive immune responses. However, the efficacy of such therapy relies heavily on the delivery system. Here, a pardaxin-modified liposome loaded with tumor antigen-encoding mRNA and adjuvant (2',3'-cGAMP, (cyclic [G(2',5')pA(3',5')p])), termed P-Lipoplex-CDN is reported. Due to an nonlysosomal delivery route, the transfection efficiency on dendritic cells (DCs) is improved by reducing the lysosome disruption of cargos. The mRNA modified DCs efficiently induce tumor antigen-specific immune responses both in vitro and in vivo. As prophylactic vaccines, mRNA transfected DCs significantly delay the occurrence and development of tumors, and several immunized mice are even completely resistant to tumors. Interestingly, the efficacy depends on the major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) expression level on tumor cells. Furthermore, epigenetic modification (decitabine, DAC) is applied as a combination strategy to deal with malignant tumor progression caused by deficient tumor MHC-I expression. This study highlights the close relationship between mRNA-DCs vaccine efficacy and the expression level of tumor cell MHC-I molecules. Moreover, a feasible strategy for tumor MHC-I expression deficiency is proposed, which may provide clinical guidance for the design and application of mRNA-based tumor therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Xu Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Jiaxin Huang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Yingying Shi
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Zhenyu Luo
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Junlei Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Xuemeng Guo
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Mengshi Jiang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Xiang Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Hang Yin
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Bing Qin
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Guannan Guan
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Lihua Luo
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Yun Zhou
- Zhejiang Center of Drug and Cosmetic Evaluation, No. 39 Yile Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310012, P. R. China
| | - Jian You
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Cao W, Chen G, Wu L, Yu KN, Sun M, Yang M, Jiang Y, Jiang Y, Xu Y, Peng S, Han W. Ionizing Radiation Triggers the Antitumor Immunity by Inducing Gasdermin E-Mediated Pyroptosis in Tumor Cells. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 115:440-452. [PMID: 35918054 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2022.07.1841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To understand pyroptosis induced by ionizing radiation and its implications for radiation therapy, we explored the involved factors, possible mechanisms of radiation-induced pyroptosis and consequent antitumor immunity. METHODS AND MATERIALS The occurrence of pyroptosis was assessed by cell morphology, lactate dehydrogenase release, Annexin V/PI staining and the cleavage of Gasdermin E (GSDME). Cell radiosensitivity was tested with MTT and colony survival assays. Xenograft tumor volume, Ki-67, CD8+ lymphocytes, and ELISA were used to evaluate the effect of GSDME on tumor suppression after irradiation. RESULTS Irradiation induced pyroptosis in GSDME high-expressing tumor cell lines covering lung, liver, breast, and glioma cancers. Cleavage of GSDME occurred in a dose- and time-dependent manner after irradiation, and pyroptosis could be induced by various kinds of irradiation. The combination of chemotherapy drugs for DNA damage (cisplatin or etoposide) or demethylation (decitabine or azacytidine) and irradiation significantly enhanced the occurrence of pyroptosis. Moreover, we revealed that the Caspase 9/Caspase 3/GSDME pathway was involved in irradiation-induced pyroptosis. Notably, enhanced tumor suppression was observed in Balb/c mice bearing GSDME-overexpressing 4T1 tumors compared with those bearing vector tumors for the promotion of antitumor immunity, which was manifested as distinctly elevated levels of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and release of the related cytokines rather than the direct effect of pyroptosis on tumor cell radiosensitivity. CONCLUSIONS As an immunogenic cell death caused by radiation, pyroptosis promotes antitumor immunity after irradiation. Our findings may provide new insights to improve the efficacy of tumor radiation therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, P. R. China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Guodong Chen
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, P. R. China; Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Lijun Wu
- Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University
| | - K N Yu
- Department of Physics, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, P.R. China; State Key Laboratory in Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, P.R. China
| | - Mingyu Sun
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, P. R. China; School of Basic Medical Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, P. R. China
| | - Miaomiao Yang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Yanyi Jiang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Jiang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Xu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, P. R. China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Shengjie Peng
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, P. R. China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Wei Han
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, P. R. China; Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, P. R. China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions and School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Soochow University, Suzhou, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Hargadon KM. Genetic dysregulation of immunologic and oncogenic signaling pathways associated with tumor-intrinsic immune resistance: a molecular basis for combination targeted therapy-immunotherapy for cancer. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:40. [PMID: 36629955 PMCID: PMC11072992 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04689-9] [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: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Since the turn of the century, advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy have revolutionized the treatment of cancer. Although these approaches have far outperformed traditional therapies in various clinical settings, both remain plagued by mechanisms of innate and acquired resistance that limit therapeutic efficacy in many patients. With a focus on tumor-intrinsic resistance to immunotherapy, this review highlights our current understanding of the immunologic and oncogenic pathways whose genetic dysregulation in cancer cells enables immune escape. Emphasis is placed on genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic aberrations that influence the activity of these pathways in the context of immune resistance. Specifically, the role of pathways that govern interferon signaling, antigen processing and presentation, and immunologic cell death as determinants of tumor immune susceptibility are discussed. Likewise, mechanisms of tumor immune resistance mediated by dysregulated RAS-MAPK, WNT, PI3K-AKT-mTOR, and cell cycle pathways are described. Finally, this review highlights the ways in which recent insight into genetic dysregulation of these immunologic and oncogenic signaling pathways is informing the design of combination targeted therapy-immunotherapy regimens that aim to restore immune susceptibility of cancer cells by overcoming resistance mechanisms that often limit the success of monotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristian M Hargadon
- Hargadon Laboratory, Department of Biology, Hampden-Sydney College, Hampden-Sydney, VA, 23943, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Traynor S, Terp MG, Nielsen AY, Guldberg P, Jakobsen M, Pedersen PG, Gammelgaard OL, Pedersen CB, Pedersen MT, Rattenborg S, Ditzel HJ, Gjerstorff MF. DNA methyltransferase inhibition promotes recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells to the tumor microenvironment through induction of tumor cell-intrinsic interleukin-1. Cancer Lett 2023; 552:215982. [PMID: 36309209 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors are used for treatment of certain hematological malignancies and exert anti-cancer activity through diverse mechanisms, including reexpression of tumor suppressor genes and anti-viral responses triggered by expression of endogenous retroviruses. Despite advances in the pharmacokinetic properties of DNMT inhibitors, the efficacy of these drugs in solid cancers remains low. Here, we show in cell lines and clinical and experimental tumors across multiple cancer types that DNMT inhibition induces the expression of interleukin-1 (IL-1), a cytokine with proinflammatory and protumorigenic properties. Specifically, this tumor-intrinsic IL-1 expression modulates the chemokine landscape of tumors and leads to the recruitment of monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells to the tumor microenvironment, processes that can be blocked by IL-1 antagonists. Molecular analysis demonstrates complex patterns of IL-1 and interferon activation and crosstalk in response to DNMT inhibition, which depend on the integrity of IRF- and NF-κB-mediated antiviral pathways and may determine the outcome of DNMT-inhibitor treatment. Together, our results show that DNMT inhibitors may negatively affect the microenvironment of a large subset of tumors and suggest that co-treatment with IL-1 antagonists may be a favorable combination for these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Traynor
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, J. B. Winsløws Vej 25, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Green Terp
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, J. B. Winsløws Vej 25, Odense, Denmark
| | - Aaraby Yoheswaran Nielsen
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, J. B. Winsløws Vej 25, Odense, Denmark
| | - Per Guldberg
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, J. B. Winsløws Vej 25, Odense, Denmark; Molecular Diagnostics Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mie Jakobsen
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, J. B. Winsløws Vej 25, Odense, Denmark
| | - Pernille Gejl Pedersen
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, J. B. Winsløws Vej 25, Odense, Denmark
| | - Odd Lilleng Gammelgaard
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, J. B. Winsløws Vej 25, Odense, Denmark
| | - Christina Bøg Pedersen
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, J. B. Winsløws Vej 25, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mathilde Thybo Pedersen
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, J. B. Winsløws Vej 25, Odense, Denmark
| | - Sofie Rattenborg
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, J. B. Winsløws Vej 25, Odense, Denmark
| | - Henrik Jørn Ditzel
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, J. B. Winsløws Vej 25, Odense, Denmark; Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, J.B. Winsløws Vej 4, Odense, Denmark; Academy of Geriatric Cancer Research (AgeCare), Odense University Hospital, J.B. Winsløws Vej 4, Odense, Denmark
| | - Morten Frier Gjerstorff
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, J. B. Winsløws Vej 25, Odense, Denmark; Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, J.B. Winsløws Vej 4, Odense, Denmark; Academy of Geriatric Cancer Research (AgeCare), Odense University Hospital, J.B. Winsløws Vej 4, Odense, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Jie C, Li R, Cheng Y, Wang Z, Wu Q, Xie C. Prospects and feasibility of synergistic therapy with radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1122352. [PMID: 36875059 PMCID: PMC9981667 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1122352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The morbidity and mortality of lung cancer are increasing, seriously threatening human health and life. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has an insidious onset and is not easy to be diagnosed in its early stage. Distant metastasis often occurs and the prognosis is poor. Radiotherapy (RT) combined with immunotherapy, especially with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has become the focus of research in NSCLC. The efficacy of immunoradiotherapy (iRT) is promising, but further optimization is necessary. DNA methylation has been involved in immune escape and radioresistance, and becomes a game changer in iRT. In this review, we focused on the regulation of DNA methylation on ICIs treatment resistance and radioresistance in NSCLC and elucidated the potential synergistic effects of DNA methyltransferases inhibitors (DNMTis) with iRT. Taken together, we outlined evidence suggesting that a combination of DNMTis, RT, and immunotherapy could be a promising treatment strategy to improve NSCLC outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Jie
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rumeng Li
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yajie Cheng
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhihao Wang
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiuji Wu
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Conghua Xie
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
dos Reis FD, Jerónimo C, Correia MP. Epigenetic modulation and prostate cancer: Paving the way for NK cell anti-tumor immunity. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1152572. [PMID: 37090711 PMCID: PMC10113550 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1152572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunoepigenetics is a growing field, as there is mounting evidence on the key role played by epigenetic mechanisms in the regulation of tumor immune cell recognition and control of immune cell anti-tumor responses. Moreover, it is increasingly acknowledgeable a tie between epigenetic regulation and prostate cancer (PCa) development and progression. PCa is intrinsically a cold tumor, with scarce immune cell infiltration and low inflammatory tumor microenvironment. However, Natural Killer (NK) cells, main anti-tumor effector immune cells, have been frequently linked to improved PCa prognosis. The role that epigenetic-related mechanisms might have in regulating both NK cell recognition of PCa tumor cells and NK cell functions in PCa is still mainly unknown. Epigenetic modulating drugs have been showing boundless therapeutic potential as anti-tumor agents, however their role in immune cell regulation and recognition is scarce. In this review, we focused on studies addressing modulation of epigenetic mechanisms involved in NK cell-mediated responses, including both the epigenetic modulation of tumor cell NK ligand expression and NK cell receptor expression and function in different tumor models, highlighting studies in PCa. The integrated knowledge from diverse epigenetic modulation mechanisms promoting NK cell-mediated immunity in various tumor models might open doors for the development of novel epigenetic-based therapeutic options for PCa management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filipa D. dos Reis
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal
- Master Program in Oncology, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Margareta P. Correia
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center Raquel Seruca (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Margareta P. Correia,
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
5-Azacytidine-Mediated Modulation of the Immune Microenvironment in Murine Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010118. [PMID: 36612115 PMCID: PMC9817798 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010118] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells accumulate epigenetic modifications that allow escape from intrinsic and extrinsic surveillance mechanisms. In the case of acute myeloid leukemias (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes, agents that disrupt chromatin structure, namely hypomethylating agents (HMAs), have shown tremendous promise as an alternate, milder treatment option for older, clinically non-fit patients. HMAs reprogram the epigenetic landscape in tumor cells through the reversal of DNA hypermethylation. Therapeutic effects resulting from these epigenetic changes are incredibly effective, sometimes resulting in complete remissions, but are frequently lost due to primary or acquired resistance. In this study, we describe syngeneic murine leukemias that are responsive to the HMA 5-azacytidine (5-Aza), as determined by augmented expression of a transduced luciferase reporter. We also found that 5-Aza treatment re-established immune-related transcript expression, suppressed leukemic burden and extended survival in leukemia-challenged mice. The effects of 5-Aza treatment were short-lived, and analysis of the immune microenvironment reveals possible mechanisms of resistance, such as simultaneous increase in immune checkpoint protein expression. This represents a model system that is highly responsive to HMAs and recapitulates major therapeutic outcomes observed in human leukemia (relapse) and may serve as a pre-clinical tool for studying acquired resistance and novel treatment combinations.
Collapse
|
49
|
Seyhan AA, Carini C. Insights and Strategies of Melanoma Immunotherapy: Predictive Biomarkers of Response and Resistance and Strategies to Improve Response Rates. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010041. [PMID: 36613491 PMCID: PMC9820306 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the recent successes and durable responses with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), many cancer patients, including those with melanoma, do not derive long-term benefits from ICI therapies. The lack of predictive biomarkers to stratify patients to targeted treatments has been the driver of primary treatment failure and represents an unmet medical need in melanoma and other cancers. Understanding genomic correlations with response and resistance to ICI will enhance cancer patients' benefits. Building on insights into interplay with the complex tumor microenvironment (TME), the ultimate goal should be assessing how the tumor 'instructs' the local immune system to create its privileged niche with a focus on genomic reprogramming within the TME. It is hypothesized that this genomic reprogramming determines the response to ICI. Furthermore, emerging genomic signatures of ICI response, including those related to neoantigens, antigen presentation, DNA repair, and oncogenic pathways, are gaining momentum. In addition, emerging data suggest a role for checkpoint regulators, T cell functionality, chromatin modifiers, and copy-number alterations in mediating the selective response to ICI. As such, efforts to contextualize genomic correlations with response into a more insightful understanding of tumor immune biology will help the development of novel biomarkers and therapeutic strategies to overcome ICI resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Attila A. Seyhan
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Lifespan Health System and Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Legorreta Cancer Center, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Claudio Carini
- School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, New Hunt’s House, Guy’s Campus, King’s College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
- Biomarkers Consortium, Foundation of the National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Tatarova Z, Blumberg DC, Korkola JE, Heiser LM, Muschler JL, Schedin PJ, Ahn SW, Mills GB, Coussens LM, Jonas O, Gray JW. A multiplex implantable microdevice assay identifies synergistic combinations of cancer immunotherapies and conventional drugs. Nat Biotechnol 2022; 40:1823-1833. [PMID: 35788566 PMCID: PMC9750874 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-022-01379-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Systematically identifying synergistic combinations of targeted agents and immunotherapies for cancer treatments remains difficult. In this study, we integrated high-throughput and high-content techniques-an implantable microdevice to administer multiple drugs into different sites in tumors at nanodoses and multiplexed imaging of tumor microenvironmental states-to investigate the tumor cell and immunological response signatures to different treatment regimens. Using a mouse model of breast cancer, we identified effective combinations from among numerous agents within days. In vivo studies in three immunocompetent mammary carcinoma models demonstrated that the predicted combinations synergistically increased therapeutic efficacy. We identified at least five promising treatment strategies, of which the panobinostat, venetoclax and anti-CD40 triple therapy was the most effective in inducing complete tumor remission across models. Successful drug combinations increased spatial association of cancer stem cells with dendritic cells during immunogenic cell death, suggesting this as an important mechanism of action in long-term breast cancer control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Tatarova
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, OHSU Center for Spatial Systems Biomedicine, Portland, OR, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Radiology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dylan C Blumberg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, OHSU Center for Spatial Systems Biomedicine, Portland, OR, USA
| | - James E Korkola
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, OHSU Center for Spatial Systems Biomedicine, Portland, OR, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Laura M Heiser
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, OHSU Center for Spatial Systems Biomedicine, Portland, OR, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - John L Muschler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, OHSU Center for Spatial Systems Biomedicine, Portland, OR, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Pepper J Schedin
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Sebastian W Ahn
- Department of Radiology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gordon B Mills
- Division of Oncologic Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Lisa M Coussens
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Oliver Jonas
- Department of Radiology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Joe W Gray
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, OHSU Center for Spatial Systems Biomedicine, Portland, OR, USA.
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
| |
Collapse
|