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Yi M, Li T, Niu M, Zhang H, Wu Y, Wu K, Dai Z. Targeting cytokine and chemokine signaling pathways for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:176. [PMID: 39034318 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01868-3] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytokines are critical in regulating immune responses and cellular behavior, playing dual roles in both normal physiology and the pathology of diseases such as cancer. These molecules, including interleukins, interferons, tumor necrosis factors, chemokines, and growth factors like TGF-β, VEGF, and EGF, can promote or inhibit tumor growth, influence the tumor microenvironment, and impact the efficacy of cancer treatments. Recent advances in targeting these pathways have shown promising therapeutic potential, offering new strategies to modulate the immune system, inhibit tumor progression, and overcome resistance to conventional therapies. In this review, we summarized the current understanding and therapeutic implications of targeting cytokine and chemokine signaling pathways in cancer. By exploring the roles of these molecules in tumor biology and the immune response, we highlighted the development of novel therapeutic agents aimed at modulating these pathways to combat cancer. The review elaborated on the dual nature of cytokines as both promoters and suppressors of tumorigenesis, depending on the context, and discussed the challenges and opportunities this presents for therapeutic intervention. We also examined the latest advancements in targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, receptor inhibitors, fusion proteins, engineered cytokine variants, and their impact on tumor growth, metastasis, and the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, we evaluated the potential of combining these targeted therapies with other treatment modalities to overcome resistance and improve patient outcomes. Besides, we also focused on the ongoing research and clinical trials that are pivotal in advancing our understanding and application of cytokine- and chemokine-targeted therapies for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yi
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianye Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengke Niu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoxiang Zhang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuze Wu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Kongming Wu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhijun Dai
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.
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Azzi L, Celesti F, Chiaravalli AM, Shaik AKB, Shallak M, Gatta A, Battaglia P, La Rosa S, Tagliabue A, Accolla RS, Forlani G. Novel vaccination strategies based on optimal stimulation of CD4 + T helper cells for the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1387835. [PMID: 39035008 PMCID: PMC11257872 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1387835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignant tumor of the oral cavity. Despite recent advances in the field of oral cancer therapy, including the introduction of immunotherapeutic approaches, the 5-year survival rate remains steadily assessed around 50%. Thus, there is an urgent need for new therapeutic strategies. After the characterization of the immune phenotype of three human OSCC cell lines (CAL-27, SCC-25, and SCC-4) and one mouse OSCC cell line (MOC2) showing their similarities to resected patient tumors, we explored for the first time an experimental preclinical model of therapeutic vaccination with mouse OSCC MOC2 cell line stably expressing MHC class II antigens after CIITA gene transfection (MOC2-CIITA). Mice injected with MOC2-CIITA reject or strongly retard tumor growth; more importantly, vaccinated animals that fully reject MOC2-CIITA tumors display anti-tumor immunological memory protective against challenge with parental MOC2 tumor cells. Further experiments of adoptive cell transfer or in vivo cell depletion show that both CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes prove fundamental in tumor rejection. This unprecedented approach for oral cancer opens the way for possible future translation of novel immunotherapeutic strategies to the human setting for the treatment of this tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Azzi
- Department of Medicine and Technological Innovation, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
- Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) dei Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Celesti
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | | | - Mariam Shallak
- Department of Medicine and Technological Innovation, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Andrea Gatta
- Department of Medicine and Technological Innovation, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Paolo Battaglia
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
- Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Lariana, San Fermo della Battaglia, CO, Italy
| | - Stefano La Rosa
- Department of Medicine and Technological Innovation, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
- Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) dei Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy
| | - Angelo Tagliabue
- Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) dei Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Roberto Sergio Accolla
- Department of Medicine and Technological Innovation, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Greta Forlani
- Department of Medicine and Technological Innovation, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
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Yi L, Ning Z, Xu L, Shen Y, Zhu X, Yu W, Xie J, Meng Z. The combination treatment of oncolytic adenovirus H101 with nivolumab for refractory advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: an open-label, single-arm, pilot study. ESMO Open 2024; 9:102239. [PMID: 38325225 PMCID: PMC10937204 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2024.102239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND H101, an innovative oncolytic adenovirus, has shown potential in modifying the tumor microenvironment from immunologically 'cold' to 'hot'. When combined with nivolumab, a programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitor, this synergy may offer substantial therapeutic benefits beyond the capabilities of each agent alone. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this pilot study, we assessed the efficacy and safety of combining H101 with nivolumab in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who failed prior systemic therapy. The participants received initial oncolytic virus (OV) pretreatment with intratumoral H101 injections (5.0 × 1011 vp/0.5 ml/vial, two vials per lesion) on days 1 and 3. Combination therapy started on day 8, with H101 administered every 2 or 4 weeks and nivolumab (240 mg) injections every 2 weeks. Treatment continued up to 12 months or until disease progression, intolerable toxicity, consent withdrawal, or study conclusion. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR). RESULTS Between March 2020 and March 2022, 18 of 21 screened patients were assessable, showing an ORR of 11.1% [two cases of partial response (PR) and five cases of stable disease], with extrahepatic injections often leading to favorable outcomes. The disease control rate stood at 38.9%, with a 6-month survival rate of 88.9%. Median progression-free survival was 2.69 months, and overall survival (OS) was 15.04 months. Common adverse events included low-grade fever (100%) and pain related to centesis (33.3%), and no grade 3/4 events were reported. Significantly, local H101 injection showed potential in reversing immune checkpoint inhibitor resistance, evidenced by over 2.5 years of extended OS in PR cases with low α-fetoprotein. Additionally, decreasing neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio during OV pretreatment may predict positive outcomes. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the potential efficacy of combining H101 with nivolumab in treating refractory advanced HCC, with well-tolerated toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Yi
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Shanghai, China; Department of Minimally Invasive Therapy Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Z Ning
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Shanghai, China; Department of Minimally Invasive Therapy Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - L Xu
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Shanghai, China; Department of Minimally Invasive Therapy Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Y Shen
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Shanghai, China; Department of Minimally Invasive Therapy Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - X Zhu
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Shanghai, China; Department of Minimally Invasive Therapy Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - W Yu
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - J Xie
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Shanghai, China; Department of Minimally Invasive Therapy Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Z Meng
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Shanghai, China; Department of Minimally Invasive Therapy Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Lazar I, Livneh I, Ciechanover A, Fabre B. Tryptophanyl-Transfer RNA Synthetase Is Involved in a Negative Feedback Loop Mitigating Interferon-γ-Induced Gene Expression. Cells 2024; 13:180. [PMID: 38247871 PMCID: PMC10813977 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) are essential enzymes responsible for linking a transfer RNA (tRNA) with its cognate amino acid present in all the kingdoms of life. Besides their aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase activity, it was described that many of these enzymes can carry out non-canonical functions. They were shown to be involved in important biological processes such as metabolism, immunity, development, angiogenesis and tumorigenesis. In the present work, we provide evidence that tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase might be involved in a negative feedback loop mitigating the expression of certain interferon-γ-induced genes. Mining the available TCGA and Gtex data, we found that WARS was highly expressed in cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) compared to other cancers and is of good prognosis for this particular cancer type. WARS expression correlates with genes involved in antigen processing and presentation but also transcription factors involved in IFN-γ signaling such as STAT1. In addition, WARS was found in complex with STAT1 in A375 cells treated with IFN-γ. Finally, we showed that knocking down WARS expression during IFN-γ stimulation further increases the expression of GBP2, APOL1, ISG15, HLA-A and IDO1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikrame Lazar
- The Rappaport Technion Integrated Cancer Center (R-TICC) and the Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3109601, Israel; (I.L.); (I.L.); (A.C.)
- MCD, Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), CNRS, UT3, Université de Toulouse, 31400 Toulouse, France
| | - Ido Livneh
- The Rappaport Technion Integrated Cancer Center (R-TICC) and the Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3109601, Israel; (I.L.); (I.L.); (A.C.)
| | - Aaron Ciechanover
- The Rappaport Technion Integrated Cancer Center (R-TICC) and the Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3109601, Israel; (I.L.); (I.L.); (A.C.)
| | - Bertrand Fabre
- The Rappaport Technion Integrated Cancer Center (R-TICC) and the Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3109601, Israel; (I.L.); (I.L.); (A.C.)
- Laboratoire de Recherche en Sciences Végétales (LRSV), CNRS/UT3/INPT, 31320 Auzeville-Tolosane, France
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