1
|
Huang QF, Li YH, Huang ZJ, Wu QX, Mei J, Wang W, Gui P, Cheng F, Wang GH. High-performance self-cascade nanoreactors for combined ferroptosis, photothermal therapy, and starving therapy. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 201:114367. [PMID: 38876360 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Despite the great potential of starving therapy caused by nanoreactor based on glucose oxidase (GOX) in tumor therapy, efficiency and uncontrolled reaction rates in vivo lead to inevitable toxicity to normal tissues, which seriously hindering their clinical conversion. Herein, a cascade nanoreactor (GOX/Mn/MPDA) was constructed by coating mesoporous polydopamine nanoparticles (MPDA) with MnO2 shell and then depositing GOX into honeycomb-shaped manganese oxide nanostructures to achieve a combination of ferroptosis, photothermal therapy and starving therapy. Upon uptake of nanodrugs to cancer cells, the MnO2 shell would deplete glutathione (GSH) and produce Mn2+, while a large amount of H2O2 generated from the catalytic oxidation of glucose by GOX would accelerate the Fenton-like reaction mediated by Mn2+, producing high toxic •OH. More importantly, the cascade reaction between GOX and MnO2 would be further strengthened by localized hyperthermia caused by irradiated by near-infrared laser (NIR), inducing significant anti-tumor effects in vitro and in vivo. Regarding the effectiveness of tumor treatment in vivo, the tumor inhibition rate achieved an impressive 64.33%. This study provided a new strategy for anti-tumor therapeutic by designing a photothermal-enhanced cascade catalytic nanoreactor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qun-Fa Huang
- The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, 523710 Dongguan, China
| | - Yan-Hong Li
- The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, 523710 Dongguan, China
| | - Zeng-Jin Huang
- The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, 523710 Dongguan, China
| | - Quan-Xin Wu
- The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, 523710 Dongguan, China
| | - Jun Mei
- The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, 523710 Dongguan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, 523710 Dongguan, China
| | - Ping Gui
- The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, 523710 Dongguan, China
| | - Fan Cheng
- The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, 523710 Dongguan, China.
| | - Guan-Hai Wang
- The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, 523710 Dongguan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhou Z, Huang S, Fan F, Xu Y, Moore C, Li S, Han C. The multiple faces of cGAS-STING in antitumor immunity: prospects and challenges. MEDICAL REVIEW (2021) 2024; 4:173-191. [PMID: 38919400 PMCID: PMC11195429 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2023-0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
As a key sensor of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) detects cytosolic dsDNA and initiates the synthesis of 2'3' cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) that activates the stimulator of interferon genes (STING). This finally promotes the production of type I interferons (IFN-I) that is crucial for bridging innate and adaptive immunity. Recent evidence show that several antitumor therapies, including radiotherapy (RT), chemotherapy, targeted therapies and immunotherapies, activate the cGAS-STING pathway to provoke the antitumor immunity. In the last decade, the development of STING agonists has been a major focus in both basic research and the pharmaceutical industry. However, up to now, none of STING agonists have been approved for clinical use. Considering the broad expression of STING in whole body and the direct lethal effect of STING agonists on immune cells in the draining lymph node (dLN), research on the optimal way to activate STING in tumor microenvironment (TME) appears to be a promising direction. Moreover, besides enhancing IFN-I signaling, the cGAS-STING pathway also plays roles in senescence, autophagy, apoptosis, mitotic arrest, and DNA repair, contributing to tumor development and metastasis. In this review, we summarize the recent advances on cGAS-STING pathway's response to antitumor therapies and the strategies involving this pathway for tumor treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zheqi Zhou
- Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Sanling Huang
- Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Fangying Fan
- Department of Interventional Ultrasound, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Casey Moore
- Departments of Immunology, Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Sirui Li
- Department of Genetics, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Chuanhui Han
- Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang H, Liu Z, Fang Y, Luo X, Zheng C, Xu Y, Zhou X, Yuan Q, Lv S, Ma L, Lao YH, Tao Y, Li M. Spatiotemporal release of non-nucleotide STING agonist and AKT inhibitor from implantable 3D-printed scaffold for amplified cancer immunotherapy. Biomaterials 2024; 311:122645. [PMID: 38850717 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy through the activation of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway is increasingly recognized for its robust anti-tumor efficacy. However, the effectiveness of STING activation is often compromised by inadequate anti-tumor immunity and a scarcity of primed immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Herein, we design and fabricate a co-axial 3D-printed scaffold integrating a non-nucleotide STING agonist, SR-717, and an AKT inhibitor, MK-2206, in its respective shell and core layers, to synergistically enhance STING activation, thereby suppressing tumor recurrence and growth. SR-717 initiates the STING activation to enhance the phosphorylation of the factors along the STING pathway, while MK-2206 concurrently inhibits the AKT phosphorylation to facilitate the TBK1 phosphorylation of the STING pathway. The sequential and sustained release of SR-717 and MK-2206 from the scaffold results in a synergistic STING activation, demonstrating substantial anti-tumor efficacy across multiple tumor models. Furthermore, the scaffold promotes the recruitment and enrichment of activated dendritic cells and M1 macrophages, subsequently stimulating anti-tumor T cell activity, thereby amplifying the immunotherapeutic effect. This precise and synergistic activation of STING by the scaffold offers promising potential in tumor immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Wang
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Youqiang Fang
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
| | - Xing Luo
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Chunxiong Zheng
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yanteng Xu
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Xiangfu Zhou
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Qing Yuan
- Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Shixian Lv
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Limin Ma
- Medical Research Center, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yeh-Hsing Lao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA
| | - Yu Tao
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
| | - Mingqiang Li
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ma XY, Chen MM, Meng LH. Second messenger 2'3'-cyclic GMP-AMP (2'3'-cGAMP): the cell autonomous and non-autonomous roles in cancer progression. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:890-899. [PMID: 38177693 PMCID: PMC11053103 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-023-01210-7] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytosolic double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) is frequently accumulated in cancer cells due to chromosomal instability or exogenous stimulation. Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) acts as a cytosolic DNA sensor, which is activated upon binding to dsDNA to synthesize the crucial second messenger 2'3'-cyclic GMP-AMP (2'3'-cGAMP) that in turn triggers stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling. The canonical role of cGAS-cGAMP-STING pathway is essential for innate immunity and viral defense. Recent emerging evidence indicates that 2'3'-cGAMP plays an important role in cancer progression via cell autonomous and non-autonomous mechanisms. Beyond its role as an intracellular messenger to activate STING signaling in tumor cells, 2'3'-cGAMP also serves as an immunotransmitter produced by cancer cells to modulate the functions of non-tumor cells especially immune cells in the tumor microenvironment by activating STING signaling. In this review, we summarize the synthesis, transmission, and degradation of 2'3'-cGAMP as well as the dual functions of 2'3'-cGAMP in a STING-dependent manner. Additionally, we discuss the potential therapeutic strategies that harness the cGAMP-mediated antitumor response for cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yu Ma
- Division of Anti-tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Man-Man Chen
- Division of Anti-tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ling-Hua Meng
- Division of Anti-tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hu A, Sun L, Lin H, Liao Y, Yang H, Mao Y. Harnessing innate immune pathways for therapeutic advancement in cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:68. [PMID: 38523155 PMCID: PMC10961329 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01765-9] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The innate immune pathway is receiving increasing attention in cancer therapy. This pathway is ubiquitous across various cell types, not only in innate immune cells but also in adaptive immune cells, tumor cells, and stromal cells. Agonists targeting the innate immune pathway have shown profound changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and improved tumor prognosis in preclinical studies. However, to date, the clinical success of drugs targeting the innate immune pathway remains limited. Interestingly, recent studies have shown that activation of the innate immune pathway can paradoxically promote tumor progression. The uncertainty surrounding the therapeutic effectiveness of targeted drugs for the innate immune pathway is a critical issue that needs immediate investigation. In this review, we observe that the role of the innate immune pathway demonstrates heterogeneity, linked to the tumor development stage, pathway status, and specific cell types. We propose that within the TME, the innate immune pathway exhibits multidimensional diversity. This diversity is fundamentally rooted in cellular heterogeneity and is manifested as a variety of signaling networks. The pro-tumor effect of innate immune pathway activation essentially reflects the suppression of classical pathways and the activation of potential pro-tumor alternative pathways. Refining our understanding of the tumor's innate immune pathway network and employing appropriate targeting strategies can enhance our ability to harness the anti-tumor potential of the innate immune pathway and ultimately bridge the gap from preclinical to clinical application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ankang Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Hao Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yuheng Liao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), and Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine (Ministry of Education), and Molecular and Cell Biology Lab, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
| | - Ying Mao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pham AT, Oliveira AC, Albanna M, Alvarez-Castanon J, Dupee Z, Patel D, Fu C, Mukhsinova L, Nguyen A, Jin L, Bryant AJ. Non-Interferon-Dependent Role of STING Signaling in Pulmonary Hypertension. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:124-142. [PMID: 37942608 PMCID: PMC10872846 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.320121] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with constitutive activation of DNA-sensing pathway through stimulator of IFN (interferon) genes (STING), such as those with STING-associated vasculopathy with onset in infancy, develop pulmonary hypertension (PH). However, the role of STING signaling in general PH patients is heretofore undescribed. Here, we seek to investigate the role of STING in PH development. METHODS STING expression in patient lung samples was examined. PH was induced in global STING-deficient mice and global type I IFN receptor 1-deficient mice using bleomycin or chronic hypoxia exposure. PH development was evaluated by right ventricular systolic pressure and Fulton index, with additional histological and flow cytometric analysis. VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) expression on murine immune cells was quantified and evaluated with multiplex and flow cytometry. Human myeloid-derived cells were differentiated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and treated with either STING agonist or STING antagonist for evaluation of VEGF secretion. RESULTS Global STING deficiency protects mice from PH development, and STING-associated PH seems independent of type I IFN signaling. Furthermore, a role for STING-VEGF signaling pathway in PH development was demonstrated, with altered VEGF secretion in murine pulmonary infiltrated myeloid cells in a STING-dependent manner. In addition, pharmacological manipulation of STING in human myeloid-derived cells supports in vivo findings. Finally, a potential role of STING-VEGF-mediated apoptosis in disease development and progression was illustrated, providing a roadmap toward potential therapeutic applications. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these data provide concrete evidence of STING involvement in PH, establishing biological plausibility for STING-related therapies in PH treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ann T Pham
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville
| | - Aline C Oliveira
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville
| | - Muhammad Albanna
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville
| | | | - Zadia Dupee
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville
| | - Diya Patel
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville
| | - Chunhua Fu
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville
| | - Laylo Mukhsinova
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville
| | - Amy Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville
| | - Lei Jin
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville
| | - Andrew J Bryant
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hu A, Sun L, Lin H, Liao Y, Yang H, Mao Y. Harnessing the innate immune system by revolutionizing macrophage-mediated cancer immunotherapy. J Biosci 2024; 49:63. [PMID: 38864238 PMCID: PMC10961329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a promising and safer alternative to conventional cancer therapies. It involves adaptive T-cell therapy, cancer vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) based therapies. However, most of these modalities encounter restrictions in solid tumours owing to a dense, highly hypoxic and immune-suppressive microenvironment as well as the heterogeneity of tumour antigens. The elevated intra-tumoural pressure and mutational rates within fastgrowing solid tumours present challenges in efficient drug targeting and delivery. The tumour microenvironment is a dynamic niche infiltrated by a variety of immune cells, most of which are macrophages. Since they form a part of the innate immune system, targeting macrophages has become a plausible immunotherapeutic approach. In this review, we discuss several versatile approaches (both at pre-clinical and clinical stages) such as the direct killing of tumour-associated macrophages, reprogramming pro-tumour macrophages to anti-tumour phenotypes, inhibition of macrophage recruitment into the tumour microenvironment, novel CAR macrophages, and genetically engineered macrophages that have been devised thus far. These strategies comprise a strong and adaptable macrophage-toolkit in the ongoing fight against cancer and by understanding their significance, we may unlock the full potential of these immune cells in cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ankang Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Hao Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yuheng Liao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), and Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine (Ministry of Education), and Molecular and Cell Biology Lab, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Ying Mao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yang C, Hardy P. The Multifunctional Nature of the MicroRNA/AKT3 Regulatory Axis in Human Cancers. Cells 2023; 12:2594. [PMID: 37998329 PMCID: PMC10670075 DOI: 10.3390/cells12222594] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Serine/threonine kinase (AKT) signaling regulates diverse cellular processes and is one of the most important aberrant cell survival mechanisms associated with tumorigenesis, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Targeting AKT has become an effective therapeutic strategy for the treatment of many cancers. AKT3 (PKBγ), the least studied isoform of the AKT family, has emerged as a major contributor to malignancy. AKT3 is frequently overexpressed in human cancers, and many regulatory oncogenic or tumor suppressor small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), have recently been identified to be involved in regulating AKT3 expression. Therefore, a better understanding of regulatory miRNA/AKT3 networks may reveal novel biomarkers for the diagnosis of patients with cancer and may provide invaluable information for developing more effective therapeutic strategies. The aim of this review was to summarize current research progress in the isoform-specific functions of AKT3 in human cancers and the roles of dysregulated miRNA/AKT3 in specific types of human cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun Yang
- Research Center of CHU Sainte-Justine, University of Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada;
| | - Pierre Hardy
- Research Center of CHU Sainte-Justine, University of Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada;
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Czapla J, Drzyzga A, Matuszczak S, Cichoń T, Rusin M, Jarosz-Biej M, Pilny E, Smolarczyk R. Antitumor effect of anti-vascular therapy with STING agonist depends on the tumor microenvironment context. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1249524. [PMID: 37655095 PMCID: PMC10465696 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1249524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Targeting tumor vasculature is an efficient weapon to fight against cancer; however, activation of alternative pathways to rebuild the disrupted vasculature leads to rapid tumor regrowth. Immunotherapy that exploits host immune cells to elicit and sustain potent antitumor response has emerged as one of the most promising tools for cancer treatment, yet many treatments fail due to developed resistance mechanisms. Therefore, our aim was to examine whether combination of immunotherapy and anti-vascular treatment will succeed in poorly immunogenic, difficult-to-treat melanoma and triple-negative breast tumor models. Methods Our study was performed on B16-F10 melanoma and 4T1 breast tumor murine models. Mice were treated with the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway agonist (cGAMP) and vascular disrupting agent combretastatin A4 phosphate (CA4P). Tumor growth was monitored. The tumor microenvironment (TME) was comprehensively investigated using multiplex immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. We also examined if such designed therapy sensitizes investigated tumor models to an immune checkpoint inhibitor (anti-PD-1). Results The use of STING agonist cGAMP as monotherapy was insufficient to effectively inhibit tumor growth due to low levels of STING protein in 4T1 tumors. However, when additionally combined with an anti-vascular agent, a significant therapeutic effect was obtained. In this model, the obtained effect was related to the TME polarization and the stimulation of the innate immune response, especially activation of NK cells. Combination therapy was unable to activate CD8+ T cells. Due to the lack of PD-1 upregulation, no improved therapeutic effect was observed when additionally combined with the anti-PD-1 inhibitor. In B16-F10 tumors, highly abundant in STING protein, cGAMP as monotherapy was sufficient to induce potent antitumor response. In this model, the therapeutic effect was due to the infiltration of the TME with activated NK cells. cGAMP also caused the infiltration of CD8+PD-1+ T cells into the TME; hence, additional benefits of using the PD-1 inhibitor were observed. Conclusion The study provides preclinical evidence for a great influence of the TME on the outcome of applied therapy, including immune cell contribution and ICI responsiveness. We pointed the need of careful TME screening prior to antitumor treatments to achieve satisfactory results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Czapla
- Center for Translational Research and Molecular Biology of Cancer, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice, Poland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ryszard Smolarczyk
- Center for Translational Research and Molecular Biology of Cancer, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Alshebremi M, Tomchuck SL, Myers JT, Kingsley DT, Eid S, Abiff M, Bonner M, Saab ST, Choi SH, Huang AYC. Functional tumor cell-intrinsic STING, not host STING, drives local and systemic antitumor immunity and therapy efficacy following cryoablation. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e006608. [PMID: 37553183 PMCID: PMC10414127 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite its potential utility in delivering direct tumor killing and in situ whole-cell tumor vaccination, tumor cryoablation produces highly variable and unpredictable clinical response, limiting its clinical utility. The mechanism(s) driving cryoablation-induced local antitumor immunity and the associated abscopal effect is not well understood. METHODS The aim of this study was to identify and explore a mechanism of action by which cryoablation enhances the therapeutic efficacy in metastatic tumor models. We used the subcutaneous mouse model of the rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) cell lines RMS 76-9STINGwt or RMS 76-9STING-/-, along with other murine tumor models, in C57BL/6 or STING-/- (TMEM173-/- ) mice to evaluate local tumor changes, lung metastasis, abscopal effect on distant tumors, and immune cell dynamics in the tumor microenvironment (TME). RESULTS The results show that cryoablation efficacy is dependent on both adaptive immunity and the STING signaling pathway. Contrary to current literature dictating an essential role of host-derived STING activation as a driver of antitumor immunity in vivo, we show that local tumor control, lung metastasis, and the abscopal effect on distant tumor are all critically dependent on a functioning tumor cell-intrinsic STING signaling pathway, which induces inflammatory chemokine and cytokine responses in the cryoablated TME. This reliance extends beyond cryoablation to include intratumoral STING agonist therapy. Additionally, surveys of gene expression databases and tissue microarrays of clinical tumor samples revealed a wide spectrum of expressions among STING-related signaling components. CONCLUSIONS Tumor cell-intrinsic STING pathway is a critical component underlying the effectiveness of cryoablation and suggests that expression of STING-related signaling components may serve as a potential therapy response biomarker. Our data also highlight an urgent need to further characterize tumor cell-intrinsic STING pathways and the associated downstream inflammatory response evoked by cryoablation and other STING-dependent therapy approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Alshebremi
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suzanne L Tomchuck
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Jay T Myers
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Daniel T Kingsley
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Saada Eid
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Muta Abiff
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Melissa Bonner
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Shahrazad T Saab
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Sung Hee Choi
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Alex Yee-Chen Huang
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Center for Pediatric Immunotherapy, Angie Fowler AYA Cancer Institute, UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Liu Y, Fei Y, Wang X, Yang B, Li M, Luo Z. Biomaterial-enabled therapeutic modulation of cGAS-STING signaling for enhancing antitumor immunity. Mol Ther 2023; 31:1938-1959. [PMID: 37002605 PMCID: PMC10362396 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
cGAS-STING signaling is a central component in the therapeutic action of most existing cancer therapies. The accumulated knowledge of tumor immunoregulatory network in recent years has spurred the development of cGAS-STING agonists for tumor treatment as an effective immunotherapeutic strategy. However, the clinical translation of these agonists is thus far unsatisfactory because of the low immunostimulatory efficacy and unrestricted side effects under clinically relevant conditions. Interestingly, the rational integration of biomaterial technology offers a promising approach to overcome these limitations for more effective and safer cGAS-STING-mediated tumor therapy. Herein, we first outline the cGAS-STING signaling axis and generally discuss its association with tumors. We then symmetrically summarize the recent progress in those biomaterial-based cGAS-STING agonism strategies to generate robust antitumor immunity, categorized by the chemical nature of those cGAS-STING stimulants and carrier substrates. Finally, a perspective is provided to discuss the existing challenges and potential opportunities in cGAS-STING modulation for tumor therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingqi Liu
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China
| | - Yang Fei
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China
| | - Xuan Wang
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China
| | - Bingbing Yang
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China
| | - Menghuan Li
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China.
| | - Zhong Luo
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Li H, Zhou S, Wu M, Qu R, Wang X, Chen W, Jiang Y, Jiang X, Zhen X. Light-Driven Self-Recruitment of Biomimetic Semiconducting Polymer Nanoparticles for Precise Tumor Vascular Disruption. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2210920. [PMID: 36938865 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202210920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Tumor vascular disrupting therapy has offered promising opportunities to treat cancer in clinical practice, whereas the overall therapeutic efficacy is notably limited due to the off-target effects and repeated dose toxicity of vascular disrupting agents (VDAs). To tackle this problem, a VDA-free biomimetic semiconducting polymer nanoparticle (SPNP ) is herein reported for precise tumor vascular disruption through two-stage light manipulation. SPNP consists of a semiconducting polymer nanoparticle as the photothermal agent camouflaged with platelet membranes that specifically target disrupted vasculature. Upon the first photoirradiation, SPNP administered in vivo generates mild hyperthermia to trigger tumor vascular hemorrhage, which activates the coagulation cascade and recruits more SPNP to injured blood vessels. Such enhanced tumor vascular targeting of photothermal agents enables intense hyperthermia to destroy the tumor vasculature during the second photoirradiation, leading to complete tumor eradication and efficient metastasis inhibition. Intriguingly, the mechanism study reveals that this vascular disruption strategy alleviates splenomegaly and reverses the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment by reducing myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Therefore, this study not only illustrates a light-driven self-recruitment strategy to enhance tumor vascular disruption via a single dose of biomimetic therapeutics but also deciphers the immunotherapeutic role of vascular disruption therapy that is conducive to clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haoze Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and Technology and Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Sensen Zhou
- MOE Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and Technology and Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Min Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and Technology and Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Rui Qu
- MOE Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and Technology and Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Xin Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and Technology and Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Weizhi Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and Technology and Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Yuyan Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Xiqun Jiang
- MOE Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and Technology and Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Xu Zhen
- MOE Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and Technology and Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mortezaee K, Majidpoor J, Kharazinejad E. The impact of hypoxia on tumor-mediated bypassing anti-PD-(L)1 therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 162:114646. [PMID: 37011483 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Extending the durability of response is the current focus in cancer immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, factors like non-immunogenic tumor microenvironment (TME) along with aberrant angiogenesis and dysregulated metabolic systems are negative contributors. Hypoxia is a key TME condition and a critical promoter of tumor hallmarks. It acts on immune and non-immune cells within TME in order for promoting immune evasion and therapy resistance. Extreme hypoxia is a major promoter of resistance to the programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor therapy. Hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) acts as a key mediator of hypoxia and a critical promoter of resistance to the anti-PD-(L)1. Targeting hypoxia or HIF-1 can thus be an effective strategy for reinvigoration of cellular immunity against cancer. Among various strategies presented so far, the key focus is over vascular normalization, which is an approach highly effective for reducing the rate of hypoxia, increasing drug delivery into the tumor area, and boosting the efficacy of anti-PD-(L)1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keywan Mortezaee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Islamic Republic of Iran.
| | - Jamal Majidpoor
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Infectious Disease Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Ebrahim Kharazinejad
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Abadan University of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Islamic Republic of Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wang-Bishop L, Kimmel BR, Ngwa VM, Madden MZ, Baljon JJ, Florian DC, Hanna A, Pastora LE, Sheehy TL, Kwiatkowski AJ, Wehbe M, Wen X, Becker KW, Garland KM, Schulman JA, Shae D, Edwards D, Wolf MM, Delapp R, Christov PP, Beckermann KE, Balko JM, Rathmell WK, Rathmell JC, Chen J, Wilson JT. STING-activating nanoparticles normalize the vascular-immune interface to potentiate cancer immunotherapy. Sci Immunol 2023; 8:eadd1153. [PMID: 37146128 PMCID: PMC10226150 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.add1153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The tumor-associated vasculature imposes major structural and biochemical barriers to the infiltration of effector T cells and effective tumor control. Correlations between stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway activation and spontaneous T cell infiltration in human cancers led us to evaluate the effect of STING-activating nanoparticles (STANs), which are a polymersome-based platform for the delivery of a cyclic dinucleotide STING agonist, on the tumor vasculature and attendant effects on T cell infiltration and antitumor function. In multiple mouse tumor models, intravenous administration of STANs promoted vascular normalization, evidenced by improved vascular integrity, reduced tumor hypoxia, and increased endothelial cell expression of T cell adhesion molecules. STAN-mediated vascular reprogramming enhanced the infiltration, proliferation, and function of antitumor T cells and potentiated the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive T cell therapy. We present STANs as a multimodal platform that activates and normalizes the tumor microenvironment to enhance T cell infiltration and function and augments responses to immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lihong Wang-Bishop
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Blaise R. Kimmel
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Verra M. Ngwa
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Matthew Z. Madden
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Jessalyn J. Baljon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - David C. Florian
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Ann Hanna
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Lucinda E. Pastora
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Taylor L. Sheehy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Alexander J. Kwiatkowski
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Mohamed Wehbe
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Xiaona Wen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Kyle W. Becker
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Kyle M. Garland
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Jacob A. Schulman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Daniel Shae
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Deanna Edwards
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Melissa M. Wolf
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Rossane Delapp
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Plamen P. Christov
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Kathryn E. Beckermann
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Justin M. Balko
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
- Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
| | - W. Kimryn Rathmell
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
- Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
| | - Jeffrey C. Rathmell
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
- Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
| | - Jin Chen
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
| | - John T. Wilson
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
- Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sun X, Zhou X, Lei YL, Moon JJ. Unlocking the promise of systemic STING agonist for cancer immunotherapy. J Control Release 2023; 357:417-421. [PMID: 37001564 PMCID: PMC10476228 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.03.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway is the key innate immune pathway involving in cancer immunity. Emerging new molecules and drug delivery systems have made systemic STING agonist immunotherapy possible and demonstrated efficient tumor eradication in preclinical studies. In this perspective, we will discuss the potential mechanisms of STING agonism as a multifaceted anti-cancer therapy and the pharmacological challenges associated with systemic delivery of STING agonists on the level of organs, tissues, cells, and intracellular compartments. We will present and discuss drug delivery strategies to address these challenges. New advances in the field can unlock the promise of systemic STING agonist as effective and safe cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqi Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Xingwu Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Yu Leo Lei
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - James J Moon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Baris A, Fraile-Bethencourt E, Eubanks J, Khou S, Anand S. Thymidine phosphorylase facilitates retinoic acid inducible gene-I induced endothelial dysfunction. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:294. [PMID: 37100811 PMCID: PMC10131517 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05821-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Activation of nucleic acid sensors in endothelial cells (ECs) has been shown to drive inflammation across pathologies including cancer, atherosclerosis and obesity. We previously showed that enhancing cytosolic DNA sensing by inhibiting three prime exonuclease 1 (TREX1) in ECs led to EC dysfunction and impaired angiogenesis. Here we show that activation of a cytosolic RNA sensor, Retinoic acid Induced Gene 1 (RIG-I) diminishes EC survival, angiogenesis and triggers tissue specific gene expression programs. We discovered a RIG-I dependent 7 gene signature that affects angiogenesis, inflammation and coagulation. Among these, we identified the thymidine phosphorylase TYMP as a key mediator of RIG-I induced EC dysfunction via its regulation of a subset of interferon stimulated genes. Our RIG-I induced gene signature was also conserved in the context of human diseases - in lung cancer vasculature and herpesvirus infection of lung endothelial cells. Pharmacological or genetic inhibition of TYMP rescues RIG-I induced EC death, migration arrest and restores sprouting angiogenesis. Interestingly, using RNAseq we identified a gene expression program that was RIG-I induced but TYMP dependent. Analysis of this dataset indicated that IRF1 and IRF8 dependent transcription is diminished in RIG-I activated cells when TYMP is inhibited. Functional RNAi screen of our TYMP dependent EC genes, we found that a group of 5 genes - Flot1, Ccl5, Vars2, Samd9l and Ube2l6 are critical for endothelial cell death mediated by RIG-I activation. Our observations identify mechanisms by which RIG-I drives EC dysfunction and define pathways that can be pharmacologically targeted to ameliorate RIG-I induced vascular inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Baris
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Knight Cancer Institute, 2720 S Moody Avenue, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Eugenia Fraile-Bethencourt
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Knight Cancer Institute, 2720 S Moody Avenue, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Jaiden Eubanks
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Knight Cancer Institute, 2720 S Moody Avenue, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Sokchea Khou
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Knight Cancer Institute, 2720 S Moody Avenue, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Sudarshan Anand
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Knight Cancer Institute, 2720 S Moody Avenue, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA.
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Knight Cancer Institute, 2720 S Moody Avenue, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Chin EN, Sulpizio A, Lairson LL. Targeting STING to promote antitumor immunity. Trends Cell Biol 2023; 33:189-203. [PMID: 35931610 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2022.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Pharmacology-based methods that promote antitumor immunity have the potential to be highly efficacious while avoiding the systemic cytotoxicity associated with traditional chemotherapies. Activation of type I interferon (IFN) signaling in antigen-presenting cell types [e.g., macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs)] is critical, if not essential, for inducing a tumor-specific adaptive immune response, including the activation of cytolytic CD8 T cells. In the context of promoting antitumor immunity, the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase/stimulator of IFN genes (cGAS/STING) pathway has emerged as a principal regulator of essential type I IFN signaling. As such, STING represents a highly attractive target for developing a first-in-class immunotherapy, albeit one with a potential for significant cell type- and downstream pathway-dependent on-target toxicities, as well as conceivable pharmacogenomic liabilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily N Chin
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Ariana Sulpizio
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Luke L Lairson
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Jneid B, Bochnakian A, Hoffmann C, Delisle F, Djacoto E, Sirven P, Denizeau J, Sedlik C, Gerber-Ferder Y, Fiore F, Akyol R, Brousse C, Kramer R, Walters I, Carlioz S, Salmon H, Malissen B, Dalod M, Piaggio E, Manel N. Selective STING stimulation in dendritic cells primes antitumor T cell responses. Sci Immunol 2023; 8:eabn6612. [PMID: 36638189 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abn6612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
T cells that recognize tumor antigens are crucial for mounting antitumor immune responses. Induction of antitumor T cells in immunogenic tumors depends on STING, the intracellular innate immune receptor for cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate (cGAMP) and related cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs). However, the optimal way to leverage STING activation in nonimmunogenic tumors is still unclear. Here, we show that cGAMP delivery by intratumoral injection of virus-like particles (cGAMP-VLP) led to differentiation of circulating tumor-specific T cells, decreased tumor regulatory T cells (Tregs), and antitumoral responses that synergized with PD1 blockade. By contrast, intratumoral injection of the synthetic CDN ADU-S100 led to tumor necrosis and systemic T cell activation but simultaneously depleted immune cells from injected tumors and induced minimal priming of circulating tumor-specific T cells. The antitumor effects of cGAMP-VLP required type 1 conventional dendritic cells (cDC1), whereas ADU-S100 eliminated cDC1 from injected tumors. cGAMP-VLP preferentially targeted STING in dendritic cells at a 1000-fold smaller dose than ADU-S100. Subcutaneous administration of cGAMP-VLP showed synergy when combined with PD1 blockade or a tumor Treg-depleting antibody to elicit systemic tumor-specific T cells and antitumor activity, leading to complete and durable tumor eradication in the case of tumor Treg depletion. These findings show that cell targeting of STING stimulation shapes the antitumor T cell response and identify a therapeutic strategy to enhance T cell-targeted immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bakhos Jneid
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U932, Paris, France
| | - Aurore Bochnakian
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U932, Paris, France.,Stimunity, Paris, France
| | - Caroline Hoffmann
- Institut Curie, INSERM U932 Immunity and Cancer, Department of Surgical Oncology, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Fabien Delisle
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U932, Paris, France
| | - Emeline Djacoto
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U932, Paris, France
| | - Philémon Sirven
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U932, Paris, France
| | - Jordan Denizeau
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U932, Paris, France
| | - Christine Sedlik
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U932, Paris, France
| | | | - Frédéric Fiore
- Centre d'Immunophénomique (CIPHE), Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, CNRS, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Ramazan Akyol
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Turing Center for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | - Carine Brousse
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Turing Center for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | | | | | | | - Hélène Salmon
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U932, Paris, France
| | - Bernard Malissen
- Centre d'Immunophénomique (CIPHE), Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, CNRS, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Marc Dalod
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Turing Center for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | - Eliane Piaggio
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U932, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Manel
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U932, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zhang Z, Zhou H, Ouyang X, Dong Y, Sarapultsev A, Luo S, Hu D. Multifaceted functions of STING in human health and disease: from molecular mechanism to targeted strategy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:394. [PMID: 36550103 PMCID: PMC9780328 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01252-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) as an important pivot for cytosolic DNA sensation and interferon (IFN) induction, intensive efforts have been endeavored to clarify the molecular mechanism of its activation, its physiological function as a ubiquitously expressed protein, and to explore its potential as a therapeutic target in a wide range of immune-related diseases. With its orthodox ligand 2'3'-cyclic GMP-AMP (2'3'-cGAMP) and the upstream sensor 2'3'-cGAMP synthase (cGAS) to be found, STING acquires its central functionality in the best-studied signaling cascade, namely the cGAS-STING-IFN pathway. However, recently updated research through structural research, genetic screening, and biochemical assay greatly extends the current knowledge of STING biology. A second ligand pocket was recently discovered in the transmembrane domain for a synthetic agonist. On its downstream outputs, accumulating studies sketch primordial and multifaceted roles of STING beyond its cytokine-inducing function, such as autophagy, cell death, metabolic modulation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and RNA virus restriction. Furthermore, with the expansion of the STING interactome, the details of STING trafficking also get clearer. After retrospecting the brief history of viral interference and the milestone events since the discovery of STING, we present a vivid panorama of STING biology taking into account the details of the biochemical assay and structural information, especially its versatile outputs and functions beyond IFN induction. We also summarize the roles of STING in the pathogenesis of various diseases and highlight the development of small-molecular compounds targeting STING for disease treatment in combination with the latest research. Finally, we discuss the open questions imperative to answer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zili Zhang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022 Wuhan, China
| | - Haifeng Zhou
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022 Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaohu Ouyang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022 Wuhan, China
| | - Yalan Dong
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022 Wuhan, China
| | - Alexey Sarapultsev
- grid.426536.00000 0004 1760 306XInstitute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 620049 Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Shanshan Luo
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022 China
| | - Desheng Hu
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430022 Wuhan, China ,grid.419897.a0000 0004 0369 313XKey Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, The Ministry of Education, 430022 Wuhan, China ,Clinical Research Center of Cancer Immunotherapy, 430022 Hubei Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Zhang Q, Chen C, Xia B, Xu P. Chemical regulation of the cGAS-STING pathway. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2022; 69:102170. [PMID: 35753220 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.102170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acids represent a major class of pathogen and damage signatures, recognized by a variety of host sensors to initiate signaling cascades and immune responses, such as mechanisms of RLR-MAVS, cGAS-STING, TLR-TRIF, and AIM2 inflammasome. Yet, an outstanding challenge is understanding how nucleic acid sensing initiates immune responses and its tethering in various infectious, cancerous, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases. However, the discovery and application of a plethora of small molecule compounds have substantially facilitated this process. This review provides an overview and recent development of the innate DNA-sensing pathway of cGAS-STING and highlights the multiple agonists and inhibitors in fine-tuning the pathway that can be exploited to improve disease treatment, focusing primarily on crucial pathway components and regulators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Chen Chen
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Bing Xia
- Department of Thoracic Cancer, Affiliated Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Pinglong Xu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis and Protection and Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Bae JH, Yang MJ, Jeong SH, Kim J, Hong SP, Kim JW, Kim YH, Koh GY. Gatekeeping role of Nf2/Merlin in vascular tip EC induction through suppression of VEGFR2 internalization. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn2611. [PMID: 35687678 PMCID: PMC9187237 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn2611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In sprouting angiogenesis, the precise mechanisms underlying how intracellular vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) signaling is higher in one endothelial cell (EC) compared with its neighbor and acquires the tip EC phenotype under a similar external cue are elusive. Here, we show that Merlin, encoded by the neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) gene, suppresses VEGFR2 internalization depending on VE-cadherin density and inhibits tip EC induction. Accordingly, endothelial Nf2 depletion promotes tip EC induction with excessive filopodia by enhancing VEGFR2 internalization in both the growing and matured vessels. Mechanistically, Merlin binds to the VEGFR2-VE-cadherin complex at cell-cell junctions and reduces VEGFR2 internalization-induced downstream signaling during tip EC induction. As a consequence, nonfunctional excessive sprouting occurs during tumor angiogenesis in EC-specific Nf2-deleted mice, leading to delayed tumor growth. Together, Nf2/Merlin is a crucial molecular gatekeeper for tip EC induction, capillary integrity, and proper tumor angiogenesis by suppressing VEGFR2 internalization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jung Hyun Bae
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Center for Vascular Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung Jin Yang
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Center for Vascular Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-hwan Jeong
- Center for Vascular Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - JungMo Kim
- Center for Vascular Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon Pyo Hong
- Center for Vascular Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Woo Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo Hyung Kim
- Center for Vascular Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Gou Young Koh
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Center for Vascular Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Xue C, Li G, Lu J, Li L. Crosstalk between circRNAs and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in cancer progression. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:400. [PMID: 34815385 PMCID: PMC8611092 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00788-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs), covalently closed noncoding RNAs, are widely expressed in eukaryotes and viruses. They can function by regulating target gene expression, linear RNA transcription and protein generation. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway plays key roles in many biological and cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, growth, invasion, migration, and angiogenesis. It also plays a pivotal role in cancer progression. Emerging data suggest that the circRNA/PI3K/AKT axis modulates the expression of cancer-associated genes and thus regulates tumor progression. Aberrant regulation of the expression of circRNAs in the circRNA/PI3K/AKT axis is significantly associated with clinicopathological characteristics and plays an important role in the regulation of biological functions. In this review, we summarized the expression and biological functions of PI3K-AKT-related circRNAs in vitro and in vivo and assessed their associations with clinicopathological characteristics. We also further discussed the important role of circRNAs in the diagnosis, prognostication, and treatment of cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Xue
- grid.452661.20000 0004 1803 6319State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003 China
| | - Ganglei Li
- grid.452661.20000 0004 1803 6319Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003 China
| | - Juan Lu
- grid.452661.20000 0004 1803 6319State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003 China
| | - Lanjuan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
| |
Collapse
|