Evaluation of ductal carcinoma in situ grade via triple-modal molecular imaging of B7-H3 expression

A promising target for breast cancer: B7-H3

Breast cancer (BC) is the second-leading factor of mortality for women globally and is brought on by a variety of genetic and environmental causes. The conventional treatments for this disease have limitations, making it difficult to improve the lifespan of breast cancer patients. As a result, extensive research has been conducted over the past decade to find innovative solutions to these challenges. Targeting of the antitumor immune response through the immunomodulatory checkpoint protein B7 family has revolutionized cancer treatment and led to intermittent patient responses. B7-H3 has recently received attention because of its significant demodulation and its immunomodulatory effects in many cancers. Uncontrolled B7-H3 expression and a bad outlook are strongly associated, according to a substantial body of cancer research. Numerous studies have shown that BC has significant B7-H3 expression, and B7-H3 induces an immune evasion phenotype, consequently enhancing the survival, proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance of BC cells. Thus, an innovative target for immunotherapy against BC may be the B7-H3 checkpoint.In this review, we discuss the structure and regulation of B7-H3 and its double costimulatory/coinhibitory function within the framework of cancer and normal physiology. Then we expound the malignant behavior of B7-H3 in BC and its role in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and finally focus on targeted drugs against B7-H3 that have opened new therapeutic opportunities in BC.

Synthesis and Evaluation of Clinically Translatable Targeted Microbubbles Using a Microfluidic Device for In Vivo Ultrasound Molecular Imaging

The main aim of this study is to synthesize contrast microbubbles (MB) functionalized with engineered protein ligands using a microfluidic device to target breast cancer specific vascular B7-H3 receptor in vivo for diagnostic ultrasound imaging. We used a high-affinity affibody (ABY) selected against human/mouse B7-H3 receptor for engineering targeted MBs (TMBs). We introduced a C-terminal cysteine residue to this ABY ligand for facilitating site-specific conjugation to DSPE-PEG-2K-maleimide (M. Wt = 2.9416 kDa) phospholipid for MB formulation. We optimized the reaction conditions of bioconjugations and applied it for microfluidic based synthesis of TMBs using DSPE-PEG-ABY and DPPC liposomes (5:95 mole %). The binding affinity of TMBs to B7-H3 (MBB7-H3) was tested in vitro in MS1 endothelial cells expressing human B7-H3 (MS1B7-H3) by flow chamber assay, and by ex vivo in the mammary tumors of a transgenic mouse model (FVB/N-Tg (MMTV-PyMT)634Mul/J), expressing murine B7-H3 in the vascular endothelial cells by immunostaining analyses. We successfully optimized the conditions needed for generating TMBs using a microfluidic system. The synthesized MBs showed higher affinity to MS1 cells engineered to express higher level of hB7-H3, and in the endothelial cells of mouse tumor tissue upon injecting TMBs in a live animal. The average number (mean ± SD) of MBB7-H3 binding to MS1B7-H3 cells was estimated to be 354.4 ± 52.3 per field of view (FOV) compared to wild-type control cells (MS1WT; 36.2 ± 7.5/FOV). The non-targeted MBs did not show any selective binding affinity to both the cells (37.7 ± 7.8/FOV for MS1B7-H3 and 28.3 ± 6.7/FOV for MS1WT cells). The fluorescently labeled MBB7-H3 upon systemic injection in vivo co-localized to tumor vessels, expressing B7-H3 receptor, as validated by ex vivo immunofluorescence analyses. We have successfully synthesized a novel MBB7-H3 via microfluidic device, which allows us to produce on demand TMBs for clinical applications. This clinically translatable MBB7-H3 showed significant binding affinity to vascular endothelial cells expressing B7-H3 both in vitro and in vivo, which shows its potential for clinical translation as a molecular ultrasound contrast agent for human applications.

Immune checkpoint of B7-H3 in cancer: from immunology to clinical immunotherapy

Immunotherapy for cancer is a rapidly developing treatment that modifies the immune system and enhances the antitumor immune response. B7-H3 (CD276), a member of the B7 family that plays an immunoregulatory role in the T cell response, has been highlighted as a novel potential target for cancer immunotherapy. B7-H3 has been shown to play an inhibitory role in T cell activation and proliferation, participate in tumor immune evasion and influence both the immune response and tumor behavior through different signaling pathways. B7-H3 expression has been found to be aberrantly upregulated in many different cancer types, and an association between B7-H3 expression and poor prognosis has been established. Immunotherapy targeting B7-H3 through different approaches has been developing rapidly, and many ongoing clinical trials are exploring the safety and efficacy profiles of these therapies in cancer. In this review, we summarize the emerging research on the function and underlying pathways of B7-H3, the expression and roles of B7-H3 in different cancer types, and the advances in B7-H3-targeted therapy. Considering different tumor microenvironment characteristics and results from preclinical models to clinical practice, the research indicates that B7-H3 is a promising target for future immunotherapy, which might eventually contribute to an improvement in cancer immunotherapy that will benefit patients.

Looking deep inside tissue with photoacoustic molecular probes: a review

Significance

Deep tissue noninvasive high-resolution imaging with light is challenging due to the high degree of light absorption and scattering in biological tissue. Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) can overcome some of the challenges of pure optical or ultrasound imaging to provide high-resolution deep tissue imaging. However, label-free PAI signals from light absorbing chromophores within the tissue are nonspecific. The use of exogeneous contrast agents (probes) not only enhances the imaging contrast (and imaging depth) but also increases the specificity of PAI by binding only to targeted molecules and often providing signals distinct from the background.

Aim

We aim to review the current development and future progression of photoacoustic molecular probes/contrast agents.

Approach

First, PAI and the need for using contrast agents are briefly introduced. Then, the recent development of contrast agents in terms of materials used to construct them is discussed. Then, various probes are discussed based on targeting mechanisms, in vivo molecular imaging applications, multimodal uses, and use in theranostic applications.

Results

Material combinations are being used to develop highly specific contrast agents. In addition to passive accumulation, probes utilizing activation mechanisms show promise for greater controllability. Several probes also enable concurrent multimodal use with fluorescence, ultrasound, Raman, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography. Finally, targeted probes are also shown to aid localized and molecularly specific photo-induced therapy.

Conclusions

The development of contrast agents provides a promising prospect for increased contrast, higher imaging depth, and molecularly specific information. Of note are agents that allow for controlled activation, explore other optical windows, and enable multimodal use to overcome some of the shortcomings of label-free PAI.

Ultrasound Molecular Imaging for the Guidance of Ultrasound-Triggered Release of Liposomal Doxorubicin and Its Treatment Monitoring in an Orthotopic Prostatic Tumor Model in Rat

Liposome encapsulation of drugs is an interesting approach in cancer therapy to specifically release the encapsulated drug at the desired treatment site. In addition to thermo-, pH-, light-, enzyme- or redox-responsive liposomes, which have had promising results in (pre-) clinical studies, ultrasound-triggered sonosensitive liposomes represent an exciting alternative to locally trigger the release from these cargos. Localized drug release requires precise tumor visualization to produce a targeted and ultrasound stimulus. We used ultrasound molecular imaging (USMI) with BR55, a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2)-targeted ultrasound contrast agent, to guide ultrasound-triggered release of sonosensitive liposomes encapsulating doxorubicin (L-DXR) in an orthotopic prostatic rodent tumor model. Forty-eight hours after L-DXR injection, local release of doxorubicin was triggered with a confocal ultrasound device with two focused transducers, 1.1-MHz center frequency, and peak positive and negative pressures of 20.5 and 13 MPa at focus. Tumor size decreased by 20% in 2 wk with L-DXR alone (n = 9) and by 70% after treatment with L-DXR and confocal ultrasound (n = 7) (p < 0.01). The effect of doxorubicin on perfusion/vascularity and VEGFR2 expression was evaluated by USMI and immunohistochemistry of CD31 and VEGFR2 and did not reveal differences in perfusion or VEGFR2 expression in the absence or after the triggered release of liposomes. USMI can provide precise guidance for ultrasound-triggered release of liposomal doxorubicin mediated by a confocal ultrasound device; moreover, the combination of B-mode imaging and USMI can help to follow the response of the tumor to the therapy.

Recent nanotheranostics applications for cancer therapy and diagnosis: A review

Nanotheranostics has attracted much attention due to its widespread application in molecular imaging and cancer therapy. Molecular imaging using nanoparticles has attracted special attention in the diagnosis of cancer at early stages. With the progress made in nanotheranostics, studying drug release, accumulation in the target tissue, biodistribution, and treatment effectiveness are other important factors. However, according to the studies conducted in this regard, each nanoparticle has some advantages and limitations that should be examined and then used in clinical applications. The main goal of this review is to explore the recent advancements in nanotheranostics for cancer therapy and diagnosis. Then, it is attempted to present recent studies on nanotheranostics used as a contrast agent in various imaging modalities and a platform for cancer therapy.

Docosahexaenoic acid reverses the promoting effects of breast tumor cell-derived exosomes on endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis

AIM

As a natural compound, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) exerts anti-cancer and anti-angiogenesis functions through exosomes; however, little is known about the molecular mechanisms.

MAIN METHODS

Breast cancer (BC) cells were treated with DHA (50 μM) and then tumor cell-derived exosomes (TDEs) were collected and characterized by electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and western blot analyses. By the time the cells were treated with DHA, RT-qPCR was used to investigate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the selected pro- and anti-angiogenic microRNAs (miRNAs). The quantification of secreted VEGF protein was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The effects of TDEs on endothelial cell angiogenesis were explored by transwell cell migration and in vitro vascular tube formation assays.

KEY FINDINGS

DHA treatment caused a significant and time-dependent decrease in the expression and secretion of VEGF in/from BC cells. This also increased expression of anti-angiogenic miRNAs (i.e. miR-34a, miR-125b, miR-221, and miR-222) while decreased levels of pro-angiogenic miRNAs (i.e. miR-9, miR-17-5p, miR-19a, miR-126, miR-130a, miR-132, miR-296, and miR-378) in exosomes derived from DHA-treated BC cells, TDE (DHA+). While treatment with exosomes (100 μg/ml) obtained from untreated BC cells, TDE (DHA-), enhanced the expression of VEGF-A in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), incubation with DHA or TDE (DHA+) led to the significant decrease of VEGF-A transcript level in these cells. We indicated that the incubation with TDE (DHA+) could significantly decrease endothelial cell proliferation and migration and also the length and number of tubes made by HUVECs in comparison with endothelial cells incubated with exosomes obtained from untreated BC cells.

SIGNIFICANCE

DHA alters angiogenesis by shifting the up-regulation of exosomal miRNA contents from pro-angiogenic to anti-angiogenic, resulting in the inhibition of endothelial cell angiogenesis. These data can help to figure out DHA's anti-cancer function, maybe its use in cancer therapy.

Photoacoustic Molecular Imaging for the Identification of Lymph Node Metastasis in Head and Neck Cancer Using an Anti-EGFR Antibody-Dye Conjugate

The presence of lymph node (LN) metastases is an essential prognostic indicator in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This study assessed photoacoustic molecular imaging (PAMI) of the antiepidermal growth factor receptor antibody (panitumumab) conjugated to a near-infrared fluorescent dye, IRDye800CW (panitumumab-IRDye800CW; pan800), for the identification of occult metastatic LNs in patients with HNSCC (n = 7). Methods: After in vitro photoacoustic imaging characterization of pan800, PAMI was performed on excised neck specimens from patients infused with pan800 before surgery. Freshly obtained neck specimens were imaged with 3-dimensional, multiwavelength spectroscopic PAMI (wavelengths of 680, 686, 740, 800, 860, 924, and 958 nm). Harvested LNs were then imaged with a closed-field near-infrared fluorescence imager and histologically examined by the pathologist to determine their metastatic status. Results: In total, 53 LNs with a maximum diameter of 10 mm were analyzed with photoacoustic and fluorescence imaging, of which 4 were determined to be metastatic on the final histopathologic report. Photoacoustic signals in the LNs corresponding to accumulated pan800 were spectrally unmixed using a linear least-square-error classification algorithm. The average thresholded photoacoustic signal intensity corresponding to pan800 was 5-fold higher for metastatic LNs than for benign LNs (2.50 ± 1.09 arbitrary units [a.u.] vs. 0.53 ± 0.32 a.u., P < 0.001). Fluorescence imaging showed that metastatic LNs had a 2-fold increase in fluorescence signal compared with benign LNs ex vivo (P < 0.01, 0.068 ± 0.027 a.u. vs. 0.035 ± 0.018 a.u.). Moreover, the ratio of the average of the highest 10% of the photoacoustic signal intensity over the total average, representative of the degree of heterogeneity in the pan800 signal in LNs, showed a significant difference between metastatic LNs and benign LNs (11.6 ± 13.4 vs. 1.8 ± 0.7, P < 0.01) and an area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve of 0.96 (95% CI, 0.91-1.00). Conclusion: The data indicate that PAMI of IRDye800-labeled tumor-specific antibody may have the potential to identify occult LN metastasis perioperatively in HNSCC patients.