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Chen Y, Che X, Rong Y, Zhu J, Yu Y, Xu H, Sun Y, Chen H, Yan L, Chen L, Xu Y, Zhang J. Immunomodulation in Endometriosis: Investigating the interrelationship between VISTA expression and Escherichia.Shigella-Associated metabolites. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 137:112366. [PMID: 38852526 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112366] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Endometriosis is characterized by an abnormal immune microenvironment. Despite the extensive use of immune therapies, the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors in endometriosis lacks confidence due to the instability of preclinical research data. This study aims to elucidate the regulation of the immune inhibitory checkpoint VISTA and its effects on T cells from the perspective of microbiota and metabolism. MAIN METHODS We divided endometriosis patients into high and low groups based on the expression levels of VISTA in lesion tissues. We collected peritoneal fluid samples from these two groups and performed 16 s RNA sequencing and metabolomics analysis to investigate microbial diversity and differential metabolites. Through combined analysis, we identified microbial-associated metabolites and validated their correlation with VISTA and CD8 + T cells using ELISA and immunofluorescence. In vitro experiments were conducted to confirm the regulatory relationship among these factors. KEY FINDINGS Our findings revealed a distinct correlation between VISTA expression and the microbial colony Escherichia.Shigella. Moreover, we identified the metabolites LTD4-d5 and 2-n-Propylthiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid as being associated with both Escherichia.Shigella and VISTA expression. In vitro experiments confirmed the inhibitory effects of these metabolites on VISTA expression, while they demonstrated a positive regulation of CD8 + T cell infiltration into endometriotic lesions. SIGNIFICANCE This study reveals the connection between microbial diversity, metabolites, and VISTA expression in the immune microenvironment of endometriosis, providing potential targets for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichen Chen
- Women and Children's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Xuan Che
- Jiaxing University Affiliated Women and Children Hospital, Jiaxing, China
| | - Yishen Rong
- Women and Children's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Jue Zhu
- Women and Children's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yayuan Yu
- Jiaxing University Affiliated Women and Children Hospital, Jiaxing, China
| | - Hong Xu
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhui Sun
- Women and Children's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Huan Chen
- Women and Children's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Lifeng Yan
- Women and Children's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Women and Children's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yanan Xu
- Women and Children's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Women and Children's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
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2
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Liu S, Ji F, Ding Y, Ding B, Feng S, Brennick C, Lin H, Zhang T, Shen Y. VISTA: A promising target for overcoming immune evasion in gynecologic cancers. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 138:112655. [PMID: 38986302 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy has revolutionized cancer treatment but has shown limited efficacy in gynecologic cancers. VISTA (V-domain Ig suppressor of T-cell activation), a member of the B7 family, is emerging as another checkpoint that regulates the anti-tumor immune responses within the tumor microenvironment. This paper reviews the structure, expression, and mechanism of action of VISTA. Furthermore, it highlights recent advances in VISTA-blocking therapies and their potential in improving outcomes for patients with gynecologic cancers. By understanding the role of VISTA in mediating the immune evasion of gynecologic tumors, we can develop more effective combinatory treatment strategies that could overcome resistance to current ICB therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sicong Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210003, China
| | - Feng Ji
- Department of Clinical Science and Research, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210003, China
| | - Bo Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210003, China
| | - Songwei Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210003, China
| | - Cory Brennick
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Hao Lin
- Department of Clinical Science and Research, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Tianxiang Zhang
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
| | - Yang Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210003, China.
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3
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Gao Y, He Y, Tang Y, Chen ZS, Qu M. VISTA: A Novel Checkpoint for Cancer Immunotherapy. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:104045. [PMID: 38797321 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.104045] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) is a recently identified member of the B7 family of immunoregulatory proteins. It is pivotal for maintaining T cell quiescence and exerts a significant regulatory influence on the immune response to tumors. Accumulating clinical evidence suggests that the influence of VISTA on tumor immunity is more nuanced than initially postulated. Although these revelations add layers of complexity to our understanding of the function of VISTA, they also offer novel avenues for scientific inquiry and potential therapeutic targets. In this review, we scrutinize the current literature pertaining to the expression of VISTA in various of malignancies, aiming to elucidate its intricate roles within the tumor microenvironment and in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Gao
- Translational Medical Center, Weifang Second People's Hospital, Weifang 261041, Shandong, China
| | - Yanting He
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Pingdu 266700, Shandong, China
| | - Yuanyuan Tang
- Translational Medical Center, Weifang Second People's Hospital, Weifang 261041, Shandong, China
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA.
| | - Meihua Qu
- Translational Medical Center, Weifang Second People's Hospital, Weifang 261041, Shandong, China; School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, Shandon, China.
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4
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Tang D, Zhao L, Yan F, Ren C, Xu K, Zhao K. Expression of VISTA regulated via IFN-γ governs endogenous T-cell function and exhibits correlation with the efficacy of CD19 CAR-T cell treated B-malignant mice. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e008364. [PMID: 38925679 PMCID: PMC11202651 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-008364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite continuous improvements in the new target and construction of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T, relapse remains a significant challenge following CAR-T therapy. Tumor microenvironment (TME) strongly correlates with the efficacy of CAR-T therapy. V-domain Ig suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA), which exerts a multifaceted and controversial role in regulating the TME, acts not only as a ligand on antigen-presenting cells but also functions as a receptor on T cells. However, the characteristics and underlying mechanisms governing endogenous T-cell activation by VISTA, which are pivotal for reshaping the TME, remain incompletely elucidated. METHODS The immunocompetent B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), lymphoma, and melanoma murine models were employed to investigate the characteristics of endogenous T cells within the TME following CD19 and hCAIX CAR-T cell therapy, respectively. Furthermore, we examined the role of VISTA controlled by interferon (IFN)-γ signaling in regulating endogenous T-cell activation and functionality in B-ALL mice. RESULTS We demonstrated that the administration of CD19 CAR-T or hCAIX CAR-T cell therapy elicited augmented immune responses of endogenous T cells within the TME of B-ALL, lymphoma, and melanoma mice, thereby substantiating the efficacy of CAR-T cell efficacy. However, in the TME lacking IFN-γ signaling, VISTA levels remained elevated, resulting in attenuated cytotoxicity of endogenous T cells and reduced B-ALL recipient survival. Mice treated with CD19 CAR-T cells exhibited increased proportions of endogenous memory T cells during prolonged remission, which possessed the tumor-responsive capabilities to protect against B-ALL re-challenge. Compared with wild-type (WT) CAR-T treated mice, the administration of IFN-γ-/- CAR-T to both WT and IFN-γ-/- recipients resulted in a reduction in the numbers of endogenous CD4+ and CD8+ effectors, while exhibiting increased populations of naïve-like CD4+ T and memory CD8+ T cells. VISTA expression consistently remained elevated in resting or memory CD4+ T cells, with distinct localization from programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) expressing T subsets. Blocking the VISTA signal enhanced dendritic cell-induced proliferation and cytokine production by syngeneic T cells. CONCLUSION Our findings confirm that endogenous T-cell activation and functionality are regulated by VISTA, which is associated with the therapeutic efficiency of CAR-T and provides a promising therapeutic strategy for relapse cases in CAR-T therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghai Tang
- Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Zhao
- Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fen Yan
- Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chunxiao Ren
- Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kailin Xu
- Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Vilela T, Valente S, Correia J, Ferreira F. Advances in immunotherapy for breast cancer and feline mammary carcinoma: From molecular basis to novel therapeutic targets. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189144. [PMID: 38914239 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189144] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
The role of inflammation in cancer is a topic that has been investigated for many years. As established, inflammation emerges as a defining characteristic of cancer, presenting itself as a compelling target for therapeutic interventions in the realm of oncology. Controlling the tumor microenvironment (TME) has gained paramount significance, modifying not only the effectiveness of immunotherapy but also modulating the outcomes and prognoses of standard chemotherapy and other anticancer treatments. Immunotherapy has surfaced as a central focus within the domain of tumor treatments, using immune checkpoint inhibitors as cancer therapy. Immune checkpoints and their influence on the tumor microenvironment dynamic are presently under investigation, aiming to ascertain their viability as therapeutic interventions across several cancer types. Cancer presents a significant challenge in humans and cats, where female breast cancer ranks as the most prevalent malignancy and feline mammary carcinoma stands as the third most frequent. This review seeks to summarize the data about the immune checkpoints cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4), lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA), and T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM-3) respective ongoing investigations as prospective targets for therapy for human breast cancer, while also outlining findings from studies reported on feline mammary carcinoma (FMC), strengthening the rationale for employing FMC as a representative model in the exploration of human breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Vilela
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sofia Valente
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jorge Correia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal; CIISA-Center of Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal; Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Fernando Ferreira
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal; CIISA-Center of Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal; Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal.
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6
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Yang M, Cui M, Sun Y, Liu S, Jiang W. Mechanisms, combination therapy, and biomarkers in cancer immunotherapy resistance. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:338. [PMID: 38898505 PMCID: PMC11186190 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01711-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Anti-programmed death 1/programmed death ligand 1 (anti-PD-1/PD-L1) antibodies exert significant antitumor effects by overcoming tumor cell immune evasion and reversing T-cell exhaustion. However, the emergence of drug resistance causes most patients to respond poorly to these immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Studies have shown that insufficient T-cell infiltration, lack of PD-1 expression, deficient interferon signaling, loss of tumor antigen presentation, and abnormal lipid metabolism are all considered to be closely associated with immunotherapy resistance. To address drug resistance in tumor immunotherapy, a lot of research has concentrated on developing combination therapy strategies. Currently, ICIs such as anti-PD-1 /PD-L1 antibody combined with chemotherapy and targeted therapy have been approved for clinical treatment. In this review, we analyze the mechanisms of resistance to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy in terms of the tumor microenvironment, gut microbiota, epigenetic regulation, and co-inhibitory immune checkpoint receptors. We also discuss various promising combination therapeutic strategies to address resistance to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 drugs, including combining these therapies with traditional Chinese medicine, non-coding RNAs, targeted therapy, other ICIs, and personalized cancer vaccines. Moreover, we focus on biomarkers that predict resistance to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy as well as combination therapy efficacy. Finally, we suggest ways to further expand the application of immunotherapy through personalized combination strategies using biomarker systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manshi Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China
| | - Mengying Cui
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Orthopaedic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China
| | - Shui Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China
| | - Weibo Jiang
- Department of Orthopaedic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China.
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7
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Estephan LE, Kumar G, Stewart M, Banoub R, Linnenbach A, Harshyne LA, Martinez-Outschoorn UE, Mahoney MG, Curry JM, Johnson J, South AP, Luginbuhl AJ. Altered extracellular matrix correlates with an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and disease progression in younger adults with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1412212. [PMID: 38957320 PMCID: PMC11217481 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1412212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) occurs most frequently in patients >60 years old with a history of tobacco and alcohol use. Epidemiological studies describe increased incidence of OSCC in younger adults (<45 years). Despite its poor prognosis, knowledge of OSCC tumor microenvironment (TME) characteristics in younger adults is scarce and could help inform possible resistance to emerging treatment options. Methods Patients with OSCC were evaluated using TCGA-HNSC (n=121) and a stage and subsite-matched institutional cohort (n=8) to identify differential gene expression focusing on the extracellular matrix (ECM) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) processes in younger (≤45 years) vs. older adults (≥60 years). NanoString nCounter analysis was performed using isolated total RNA from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor samples. Stained tumor slides from young and old OSCC patients were evaluated for CD8+ T-cell counts using immunohistochemistry. Results Younger OSCC patients demonstrated significantly increased expression of ECM remodeling and EMT process genes, as well as TME immunosuppression. Gene set enrichment analyses demonstrated increased ECM pathways and concurrent decreased immune pathways in young relative to old patients. Transcripts per million of genetic markers involved in ECM remodeling including LAMB3, VCAN, S100A9, COL5A1, and ITGB2 were significantly increased in tumors of younger vs. older patients (adjusted p-value < 0.10). Young patient TMEs demonstrated a 2.5-fold reduction in CD8+ T-cells as compared to older patients (p < 0.05). Conclusion Differential gene expression impacting ECM remodeling and TME immunosuppression may contribute to disease progression in younger adult OSCC and has implications on response to evolving treatment modalities, such as immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard E. Estephan
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Gaurav Kumar
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Matthew Stewart
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Raphael Banoub
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Alban Linnenbach
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Larry A. Harshyne
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ubaldo E. Martinez-Outschoorn
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - My G. Mahoney
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Joseph M. Curry
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jennifer Johnson
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Andrew P. South
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Adam J. Luginbuhl
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Coleman MF, Cotul EK, Pfeil AJ, Devericks EN, Safdar MH, Monteiro M, Chen H, Ho AN, Attaar N, Malian HM, Kiesel VA, Ramos A, Smith M, Panchal H, Mailloux A, Teegarden D, Hursting SD, Wendt MK. Hypoxia-mediated repression of pyruvate carboxylase drives immunosuppression. Breast Cancer Res 2024; 26:96. [PMID: 38849928 PMCID: PMC11161980 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-024-01854-1] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic plasticity mediates breast cancer survival, growth, and immune evasion during metastasis. However, how tumor cell metabolism is influenced by and feeds back to regulate breast cancer progression are not fully understood. We identify hypoxia-mediated suppression of pyruvate carboxylase (PC), and subsequent induction of lactate production, as a metabolic regulator of immunosuppression. METHODS We used qPCR, immunoblot, and reporter assays to characterize repression of PC in hypoxic primary tumors. Steady state metabolomics were used to identify changes in metabolite pools upon PC depletion. In vivo tumor growth and metastasis assays were used to evaluate the impact of PC manipulation and pharmacologic inhibition of lactate transporters. Immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and global gene expression analyzes of tumor tissue were employed to characterize the impact of PC depletion on tumor immunity. RESULTS PC is essential for metastatic colonization of the lungs. In contrast, depletion of PC in tumor cells promotes primary tumor growth. This effect was only observed in immune competent animals, supporting the hypothesis that repression of PC can suppress anti-tumor immunity. Exploring key differences between the pulmonary and mammary environments, we demonstrate that hypoxia potently downregulated PC. In the absence of PC, tumor cells produce more lactate and undergo less oxidative phosphorylation. Inhibition of lactate metabolism was sufficient to restore T cell populations to PC-depleted mammary tumors. CONCLUSIONS We present a dimorphic role for PC in primary mammary tumors vs. pulmonary metastases. These findings highlight a key contextual role for PC-directed lactate production as a metabolic nexus connecting hypoxia and antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F Coleman
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Eylem Kulkoyluoglu Cotul
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Alexander J Pfeil
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Emily N Devericks
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Muhammad H Safdar
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Marvis Monteiro
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Alyssa N Ho
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Numair Attaar
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Hannah M Malian
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Violet A Kiesel
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Alexis Ramos
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Matthew Smith
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Heena Panchal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Adam Mailloux
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Dorothy Teegarden
- Purdue University Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Department of Nutrition Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Stephen D Hursting
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, USA
| | - Michael K Wendt
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
- Purdue University Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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9
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Olbromski M, Mrozowska M, Piotrowska A, Smolarz B, Romanowicz H. The VISTA/VSIG3/PSGL-1 axis: crosstalk between immune effector cells and cancer cells in invasive ductal breast carcinoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:136. [PMID: 38833004 PMCID: PMC11150347 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03701-w] [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: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
A checkpoint protein called the V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) is important for controlling immune responses. Immune cells that interact with VISTA have molecules, or receptors, known as VISTA receptors. Immune system activity can be modified by the interaction between VISTA and its receptors. Since targeting VISTA or its receptors may be beneficial in certain conditions, VISTA has been studied in relation to immunotherapy for cancer and autoimmune illnesses. The purpose of this study was to examine the expression levels and interactions between VISTA and its receptors, VSIG3 and PSGL-1, in breast cancer tissues. IHC analysis revealed higher levels of proteins within the VISTA/VSIG3/PSGL-1 axis in cancer tissues than in the reference samples (mastopathies). VISTA was found in breast cancer cells and intratumoral immune cells, with membranous and cytoplasmic staining patterns. VISTA was also linked with pathological grade and VSIG3 and PSGL-1 levels. Furthermore, we discovered that the knockdown of one axis member boosted the expression of the other partners. This highlights the significance of VISTA/VSIG3/PSGL-1 in tumor stroma and microenvironment remodeling. Our findings indicate the importance of the VISTA/VSIG3/PSGL-1 axis in the molecular biology of cancer cells and the immune microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Olbromski
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Chalubinskiego 6a, 50-368, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Monika Mrozowska
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Chalubinskiego 6a, 50-368, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Piotrowska
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Chalubinskiego 6a, 50-368, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Beata Smolarz
- Department of Pathology, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute, 93-338, Lodz, Poland
| | - Hanna Romanowicz
- Department of Pathology, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute, 93-338, Lodz, Poland
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10
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Yin N, Li X, Zhang X, Xue S, Cao Y, Niedermann G, Lu Y, Xue J. Development of pharmacological immunoregulatory anti-cancer therapeutics: current mechanistic studies and clinical opportunities. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:126. [PMID: 38773064 PMCID: PMC11109181 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01826-z] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy represented by anti-PD-(L)1 and anti-CTLA-4 inhibitors has revolutionized cancer treatment, but challenges related to resistance and toxicity still remain. Due to the advancement of immuno-oncology, an increasing number of novel immunoregulatory targets and mechanisms are being revealed, with relevant therapies promising to improve clinical immunotherapy in the foreseeable future. Therefore, comprehending the larger picture is important. In this review, we analyze and summarize the current landscape of preclinical and translational mechanistic research, drug development, and clinical trials that brought about next-generation pharmacological immunoregulatory anti-cancer agents and drug candidates beyond classical immune checkpoint inhibitors. Along with further clarification of cancer immunobiology and advances in antibody engineering, agents targeting additional inhibitory immune checkpoints, including LAG-3, TIM-3, TIGIT, CD47, and B7 family members are becoming an important part of cancer immunotherapy research and discovery, as are structurally and functionally optimized novel anti-PD-(L)1 and anti-CTLA-4 agents and agonists of co-stimulatory molecules of T cells. Exemplified by bispecific T cell engagers, newly emerging bi-specific and multi-specific antibodies targeting immunoregulatory molecules can provide considerable clinical benefits. Next-generation agents also include immune epigenetic drugs and cytokine-based therapeutics. Cell therapies, cancer vaccines, and oncolytic viruses are not covered in this review. This comprehensive review might aid in further development and the fastest possible clinical adoption of effective immuno-oncology modalities for the benefit of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanhao Yin
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xintong Li
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xuanwei Zhang
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Shaolong Xue
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 20, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yu Cao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Laboratory of Emergency Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
- Institute of Disaster Medicine & Institute of Emergency Medicine, Sichuan University, No. 17, Gaopeng Avenue, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Gabriele Niedermann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site DKTK-Freiburg, Robert-Koch-Strasse 3, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - You Lu
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 2222, Xinchuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Jianxin Xue
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 2222, Xinchuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
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11
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Kisor KP, Ruiz DG, Jacobson MP, Barber DL. A role for pH dynamics regulating transcription factor DNA binding selectivity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.21.595212. [PMID: 38826444 PMCID: PMC11142074 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.21.595212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Intracellular pH (pHi) dynamics regulates diverse cell processes such as proliferation, dysplasia, and differentiation, often mediated by the protonation state of a functionally critical histidine residue in endogenous pH sensing proteins. How pHi dynamics can directly regulate gene expression and whether transcription factors can function as pH sensors has received limited attention. We tested the prediction that transcription factors with a histidine in their DNA binding domain (DBD) that forms hydrogen bonds with nucleotides can have pH-regulated activity, which is relevant to more than 85 transcription factors in distinct families, including FOX, KLF, SOX and MITF/Myc. Focusing on FOX family transcription factors, we used unbiased SELEX-seq to identify pH-dependent DNA binding motif preferences, then confirm pH-regulated binding affinities for FOXC2, FOXM1, and FOXN1 to a canonical FkhP DNA motif that are 2.5 to 7.5 greater at pH 7.0 compared with pH 7.5. For FOXC2, we also find greater activity for an FkhP motif at lower pHi in cells and that pH-regulated binding and activity are dependent on a conserved histidine (His122) in the DBD. RNA-seq with FOXC2 also reveals pH-dependent differences in enriched promoter motifs. Our findings identify pH-regulated transcription factor-DNA binding selectivity with relevance to how pHi dynamics can regulate gene expression for myriad cell behaviours.
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12
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Ta HM, Roy D, Zhang K, Alban T, Juric I, Dong J, Parthasarathy PB, Patnaik S, Delaney E, Gilmour C, Zakeri A, Shukla N, Rupani A, Phoon YP, Liu C, Avril S, Gastman B, Chan T, Wang LL. LRIG1 engages ligand VISTA and impairs tumor-specific CD8 + T cell responses. Sci Immunol 2024; 9:eadi7418. [PMID: 38758807 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.adi7418] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade is a promising approach to activate antitumor immunity and improve the survival of patients with cancer. V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) is an immune checkpoint target; however, the downstream signaling mechanisms are elusive. Here, we identify leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains 1 (LRIG1) as a VISTA binding partner, which acts as an inhibitory receptor by engaging VISTA and suppressing T cell receptor signaling pathways. Mice with T cell-specific LRIG1 deletion developed superior antitumor responses because of expansion of tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) with increased effector function and survival. Sustained tumor control was associated with a reduction of quiescent CTLs (TCF1+ CD62Lhi PD-1low) and a reciprocal increase in progenitor and memory-like CTLs (TCF1+ PD-1+). In patients with melanoma, elevated LRIG1 expression on tumor-infiltrating CD8+ CTLs correlated with resistance to immunotherapies. These results delineate the role of LRIG1 as an inhibitory immune checkpoint receptor and propose a rationale for targeting the VISTA/LRIG1 axis for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hieu Minh Ta
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Dia Roy
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Keman Zhang
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Tyler Alban
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ivan Juric
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Juan Dong
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Prerana B Parthasarathy
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sachin Patnaik
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Elizabeth Delaney
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Cassandra Gilmour
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Amin Zakeri
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Nidhi Shukla
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Amit Rupani
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Yee Peng Phoon
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Caini Liu
- Department of Inflammation and Immunology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Stefanie Avril
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Brian Gastman
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Timothy Chan
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Li Lily Wang
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
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13
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Mitra A, Kumar A, Amdare NP, Pathak R. Current Landscape of Cancer Immunotherapy: Harnessing the Immune Arsenal to Overcome Immune Evasion. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:307. [PMID: 38785789 PMCID: PMC11118874 DOI: 10.3390/biology13050307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immune evasion represents a leading hallmark of cancer, posing a significant obstacle to the development of successful anticancer therapies. However, the landscape of cancer treatment has significantly evolved, transitioning into the era of immunotherapy from conventional methods such as surgical resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted drug therapy. Immunotherapy has emerged as a pivotal component in cancer treatment, harnessing the body's immune system to combat cancer and offering improved prognostic outcomes for numerous patients. The remarkable success of immunotherapy has spurred significant efforts to enhance the clinical efficacy of existing agents and strategies. Several immunotherapeutic approaches have received approval for targeted cancer treatments, while others are currently in preclinical and clinical trials. This review explores recent progress in unraveling the mechanisms of cancer immune evasion and evaluates the clinical effectiveness of diverse immunotherapy strategies, including cancer vaccines, adoptive cell therapy, and antibody-based treatments. It encompasses both established treatments and those currently under investigation, providing a comprehensive overview of efforts to combat cancer through immunological approaches. Additionally, the article emphasizes the current developments, limitations, and challenges in cancer immunotherapy. Furthermore, by integrating analyses of cancer immunotherapy resistance mechanisms and exploring combination strategies and personalized approaches, it offers valuable insights crucial for the development of novel anticancer immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Mitra
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Anoop Kumar
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, National Institute of Biologicals, Noida 201309, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Nitin P. Amdare
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | - Rajiv Pathak
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
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14
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Dang Q, Li B, Jin B, Ye Z, Lou X, Wang T, Wang Y, Pan X, Hu Q, Li Z, Ji S, Zhou C, Yu X, Qin Y, Xu X. Cancer immunometabolism: advent, challenges, and perspective. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:72. [PMID: 38581001 PMCID: PMC10996263 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01981-5] [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: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
For decades, great strides have been made in the field of immunometabolism. A plethora of evidence ranging from basic mechanisms to clinical transformation has gradually embarked on immunometabolism to the center stage of innate and adaptive immunomodulation. Given this, we focus on changes in immunometabolism, a converging series of biochemical events that alters immune cell function, propose the immune roles played by diversified metabolic derivatives and enzymes, emphasize the key metabolism-related checkpoints in distinct immune cell types, and discuss the ongoing and upcoming realities of clinical treatment. It is expected that future research will reduce the current limitations of immunotherapy and provide a positive hand in immune responses to exert a broader therapeutic role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Dang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Borui Li
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Jin
- School of Clinical Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zeng Ye
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Lou
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuan Pan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Yijishan Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Qiangsheng Hu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shunrong Ji
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenjie Zhou
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China.
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yi Qin
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China.
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiaowu Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China.
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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15
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Thisted T, Smith FD, Mukherjee A, Kleschenko Y, Feng F, Jiang ZG, Eitas T, Malhotra K, Biesova Z, Onumajuru A, Finley F, Cifuentes A, Zhang G, Martin GH, Takeuchi Y, Thiam K, Schreiber RD, van der Horst EH. VISTA checkpoint inhibition by pH-selective antibody SNS-101 with optimized safety and pharmacokinetic profiles enhances PD-1 response. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2917. [PMID: 38575562 PMCID: PMC10995192 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47256-x] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
VISTA, an inhibitory myeloid-T-cell checkpoint, holds promise as a target for cancer immunotherapy. However, its effective targeting has been impeded by issues such as rapid clearance and cytokine release syndrome observed with previous VISTA antibodies. Here we demonstrate that SNS-101, a newly developed pH-selective VISTA antibody, addresses these challenges. Structural and biochemical analyses confirmed the pH-selectivity and unique epitope targeted by SNS-101. These properties confer favorable pharmacokinetic and safety profiles on SNS-101. In syngeneic tumor models utilizing human VISTA knock-in mice, SNS-101 shows in vivo efficacy when combined with a PD-1 inhibitor, modulates cytokine and chemokine signaling, and alters the tumor microenvironment. In summary, SNS-101, currently in Phase I clinical trials, emerges as a promising therapeutic biologic for a wide range of patients whose cancer is refractory to current immunotherapy regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Thisted
- Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc., 1405 Research Blvd, Suite 125, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - F Donelson Smith
- Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc., 1405 Research Blvd, Suite 125, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Arnab Mukherjee
- Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc., 1405 Research Blvd, Suite 125, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Yuliya Kleschenko
- Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc., 1405 Research Blvd, Suite 125, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Feng Feng
- Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc., 1405 Research Blvd, Suite 125, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Zhi-Gang Jiang
- Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc., 1405 Research Blvd, Suite 125, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Timothy Eitas
- Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc., 1405 Research Blvd, Suite 125, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Kanam Malhotra
- Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc., 1405 Research Blvd, Suite 125, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Zuzana Biesova
- Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc., 1405 Research Blvd, Suite 125, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Adejumoke Onumajuru
- Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc., 1405 Research Blvd, Suite 125, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Faith Finley
- Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc., 1405 Research Blvd, Suite 125, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Anokhi Cifuentes
- Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc., 1405 Research Blvd, Suite 125, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Guolin Zhang
- Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc., 1405 Research Blvd, Suite 125, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | | | - Yoshiko Takeuchi
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington Univ. School of Medicine, Mailstop 8118, 425 South Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Kader Thiam
- genOway, Technopark Gerland, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Robert D Schreiber
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington Univ. School of Medicine, Mailstop 8118, 425 South Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
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16
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Nishizaki D, Kurzrock R, Miyashita H, Adashek JJ, Lee S, Nikanjam M, Eskander RN, Patel H, Botta GP, Nesline MK, Pabla S, Conroy JM, DePietro P, Sicklick JK, Kato S. Viewing the immune checkpoint VISTA: landscape and outcomes across cancers. ESMO Open 2024; 9:102942. [PMID: 38503143 PMCID: PMC10966162 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2024.102942] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Optimizing immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy may require identification of co-targetable checkpoint pathways via immune profiling. Herein, we analyzed the transcriptomic expression and clinical correlates of V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA), a promising targetable checkpoint. PATIENTS AND METHODS RNA sequencing was carried out on 514 tissues reflecting diverse advanced/metastatic cancers. Expression of eight immune checkpoint markers [lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3), tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily 14 (TNFRSF14), programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), programmed death-ligand 2 (PD-L2), B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA), T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM-3), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4)], in addition to VISTA, was analyzed, along with clinical outcomes. RESULTS High VISTA RNA expression was observed in 32% of tumors (66/514) and was the most common highly expressed checkpoint among the nine assessed. High VISTA expression was independently correlated with high BTLA, TIM-3, and TNFRSF14, and with a diagnosis of pancreatic, small intestine, and stomach cancer. VISTA transcript levels did not correlate with overall survival (OS) from metastatic/advanced disease in the pan-cancer cohort or with immunotherapy outcome (progression-free survival and OS from the start of ICI) in 217 ICI-treated patients. However, in ICI-treated pancreatic cancer patients (n = 16), median OS was significantly shorter (from immunotherapy initiation) for the high- versus not-high-VISTA groups (0.28 versus 1.21 years) (P = 0.047); in contrast, VISTA levels were not correlated with OS in 36 pancreatic cancer patients who did not receive ICI. CONCLUSION High VISTA expression correlates with high BTLA, TIM-3, and TNFRSF14 checkpoint-related molecules and with poorer post-immunotherapy survival in pancreatic cancer, consistent with prior literature indicating that VISTA is prominently expressed on CD68+ macrophages in pancreatic cancers and requiring validation in larger prospective studies. Immunomic analysis may be important for individualized precision immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Nishizaki
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla.
| | - R Kurzrock
- MCW Cancer Center and Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA; WIN Consortium, Paris, France
| | - H Miyashita
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Hematology and Medical Oncology, Lebanon
| | - J J Adashek
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore
| | - S Lee
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla
| | - M Nikanjam
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla
| | - R N Eskander
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla
| | - H Patel
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla
| | - G P Botta
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla
| | | | | | | | | | - J K Sicklick
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - S Kato
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla.
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17
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Gao J, Tan W, Yuan L, Wang H, Wen J, Sun K, Chen X, Wang S, Deng W. Antitumour mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine elicited by regulating tumour-associated macrophages in solid tumour microenvironments. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27220. [PMID: 38463777 PMCID: PMC10923716 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs), particularly M2-TAMs, constitute the largest proportion of immune cells in the solid tumour microenvironment, playing a crucial role in tumour progression and correlating with poor prognosis. TAMs promote the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of tumour cells by remodelling the extracellular matrix, inhibiting immunity, promoting immune escape and tumour angiogenesis, and affecting cell metabolism. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used clinically in China for millennia. Chinese herbs exhibit potent antitumour effects with minimal to no toxicity, substantially contributing to prolonging the lives of patients with cancer and improving their quality of life. TCM has unique advantages in improving the solid tumour microenvironment, particularly in regulating TAMs to further inhibit tumour angiogenesis, reduce drug resistance, reverse immunosuppression, and enhance antitumour immunity. This review highlights the TAM-associated mechanisms within the solid tumour microenvironment, outlines the recent advancements in TCM targeting TAMs for antitumour effects, emphasises the superiority of combining TCM with standard treatments or new nano-drug delivery systems, and evaluates the safety and efficacy of TCM combined with conventional treatments via clinical trials to provide insights and strategies for future research and clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiamin Gao
- Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Weishan Tan
- Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Luyun Yuan
- Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Haoyue Wang
- Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Junkai Wen
- Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Kexiang Sun
- Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Shuyun Wang
- Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Wanli Deng
- Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200135, China
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18
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Sun C, He Y, Wang G, Zhang G, Zhang Y, Shen H, Hu L, Sun Y, Jiang B, Wang X, Yuan K, Min W, Wang L, Sun H, Xiao Y, Yang P. Design, Synthesis, and Antitumor Activity Evaluation of Novel VISTA Small Molecule Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2024; 67:3590-3605. [PMID: 38412237 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
VISTA (V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation) is a novel immune checkpoint protein and represents a promising target for cancer immunotherapy. Here, we report the design, synthesis, and evaluation of a series of methoxy-pyrimidine-based VISTA small molecule inhibitors with potent antitumor activity. By employing molecular docking and microscale thermophoresis (MST) assay, we identified a lead compound A1 that binds to VISTA protein with high affinity and optimized its structure. A4 was then obtained, which exhibited the strongest binding ability to VISTA protein, with a KD value of 0.49 ± 0.20 μM. In vitro, A4 significantly activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) induced the release of cytokines such as IFN-γ and enhanced the cytotoxicity of PBMCs against tumor cells. In vivo, A4 displayed potent antitumor activity and synergized with PD-L1 antibody to enhance the therapeutic effect against cancer. These results suggest that compound A4 is an effective VISTA small molecule inhibitor, providing a basis for the future development of VISTA-targeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengliang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yuling He
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Gefei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Guoyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Hao Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Lingrong Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yanze Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Binjian Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Kai Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Wenjian Min
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Liping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Haopeng Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yibei Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Chongqing Innovation Institute of China Pharmaceutical University, Chongqing 401135, China
| | - Peng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
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19
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Feng Q, Bennett Z, Grichuk A, Pantoja R, Huang T, Faubert B, Huang G, Chen M, DeBerardinis RJ, Sumer BD, Gao J. Severely polarized extracellular acidity around tumour cells. Nat Biomed Eng 2024:10.1038/s41551-024-01178-7. [PMID: 38438799 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-024-01178-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular pH impacts many molecular, cellular and physiological processes, and hence is tightly regulated. Yet, in tumours, dysregulated cancer cell metabolism and poor vascular perfusion cause the tumour microenvironment to become acidic. Here by leveraging fluorescent pH nanoprobes with a transistor-like activation profile at a pH of 5.3, we show that, in cancer cells, hydronium ions are excreted into a small extracellular region. Such severely polarized acidity (pH <5.3) is primarily caused by the directional co-export of protons and lactate, as we show for a diverse panel of cancer cell types via the genetic knockout or inhibition of monocarboxylate transporters, and also via nanoprobe activation in multiple tumour models in mice. We also observed that such spot acidification in ex vivo stained snap-frozen human squamous cell carcinoma tissue correlated with the expression of monocarboxylate transporters and with the exclusion of cytotoxic T cells. Severely spatially polarized tumour acidity could be leveraged for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Feng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Zachary Bennett
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Anthony Grichuk
- Department of Pharmacology, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Raymundo Pantoja
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Tongyi Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Brandon Faubert
- Children's Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Gang Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Mingyi Chen
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ralph J DeBerardinis
- Children's Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Baran D Sumer
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jinming Gao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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20
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Yan R, Zhang P, Shen S, Zeng Y, Wang T, Chen Z, Ma W, Feng J, Suo C, Zhang T, Wei H, Jiang Z, Chen R, Li ST, Zhong X, Jia W, Sun L, Cang C, Zhang H, Gao P. Carnosine regulation of intracellular pH homeostasis promotes lysosome-dependent tumor immunoevasion. Nat Immunol 2024; 25:483-495. [PMID: 38177283 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01719-3] [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: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Tumor cells and surrounding immune cells undergo metabolic reprogramming, leading to an acidic tumor microenvironment. However, it is unclear how tumor cells adapt to this acidic stress during tumor progression. Here we show that carnosine, a mobile buffering metabolite that accumulates under hypoxia in tumor cells, regulates intracellular pH homeostasis and drives lysosome-dependent tumor immune evasion. A previously unrecognized isoform of carnosine synthase, CARNS2, promotes carnosine synthesis under hypoxia. Carnosine maintains intracellular pH (pHi) homeostasis by functioning as a mobile proton carrier to accelerate cytosolic H+ mobility and release, which in turn controls lysosomal subcellular distribution, acidification and activity. Furthermore, by maintaining lysosomal activity, carnosine facilitates nuclear transcription factor X-box binding 1 (NFX1) degradation, triggering galectin-9 and T-cell-mediated immune escape and tumorigenesis. These findings indicate an unconventional mechanism for pHi regulation in cancer cells and demonstrate how lysosome contributes to immune evasion, thus providing a basis for development of combined therapeutic strategies against hepatocellular carcinoma that exploit disrupted pHi homeostasis with immune checkpoint blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronghui Yan
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- The Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Pinggen Zhang
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- The Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Biomedical Aging Research, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Insitute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
| | - Shengqi Shen
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Zeng
- The Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- The Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhaolin Chen
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wenhao Ma
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- The Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Junru Feng
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- The Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Caixia Suo
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haoran Wei
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zetan Jiang
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- The Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shi-Ting Li
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiuying Zhong
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weidong Jia
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Linchong Sun
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunlei Cang
- The Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Huafeng Zhang
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- The Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Biomedical Aging Research, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- Insitute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China.
| | - Ping Gao
- Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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21
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Burke KP, Chaudhri A, Freeman GJ, Sharpe AH. The B7:CD28 family and friends: Unraveling coinhibitory interactions. Immunity 2024; 57:223-244. [PMID: 38354702 PMCID: PMC10889489 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.01.013] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Immune responses must be tightly regulated to ensure both optimal protective immunity and tolerance. Costimulatory pathways within the B7:CD28 family provide essential signals for optimal T cell activation and clonal expansion. They provide crucial inhibitory signals that maintain immune homeostasis, control resolution of inflammation, regulate host defense, and promote tolerance to prevent autoimmunity. Tumors and chronic pathogens can exploit these pathways to evade eradication by the immune system. Advances in understanding B7:CD28 pathways have ushered in a new era of immunotherapy with effective drugs to treat cancer, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and transplant rejection. Here, we discuss current understanding of the mechanisms underlying the coinhibitory functions of CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L1:B7-1 and PD-L2:RGMb interactions and less studied B7 family members, including HHLA2, VISTA, BTNL2, and BTN3A1, as well as their overlapping and unique roles in regulating immune responses, and the therapeutic potential of these insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly P Burke
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Apoorvi Chaudhri
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Gordon J Freeman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Arlene H Sharpe
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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22
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Di JW, Wang YX, Ma RX, Luo ZJ, Chen WT, Liu WM, Yuan DY, Zhang YY, Wu YH, Chen CP, Liu J. Repositioning baloxavir marboxil as VISTA agonist that ameliorates experimental asthma. Cell Biol Toxicol 2024; 40:12. [PMID: 38340268 PMCID: PMC10858940 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-024-09852-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
V-type immunoglobulin domain-containing suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA), a novel negative checkpoint regulator, plays an essential role in allergic pulmonary inflammation in mice. Treatment with a VISTA agonistic antibody could significantly improve asthma symptoms. Thus, for allergic asthma treatment, VISTA targeting may be a compelling approach. In this study, we examined the functional mechanism of VISTA in allergic pulmonary inflammation and screened the FDA-approved drugs for VISTA agonists. By using mass cytometry (CyTOF), we found that VISTA deficiency primarily increased lung macrophage infiltration in the OVA-induced asthma model, accompanied by an increased proportion of M1 macrophages (CD11b+F4/80+CD86+) and a decreased proportion of M2 macrophages (CD11b+F4/80+CD206+). Further in vitro studies showed that VISTA deficiency promoted M1 polarization and inhibited M2 polarization of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). Importantly, we discovered baloxavir marboxil (BXM) as a VISTA agonist by virtual screening of FDA-approved drugs. The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assays revealed that BXM (KD = 1.07 µM) as well as its active form, baloxavir acid (BXA) (KD = 0.21 µM), could directly bind to VISTA with high affinity. Notably, treatment with BXM significantly ameliorated asthma symptoms, including less lung inflammation, mucus secretion, and the generation of Th2 cytokines (IL-5, IL-13, and IL-4), which were dramatically attenuated by anti-VISTA monoclonal antibody treatment. BXM administration also reduced the pulmonary infiltration of M1 macrophages and raised M2 macrophages. Collectively, our study indicates that VISTA regulates pulmonary inflammation in allergic asthma by regulating macrophage polarization and baloxavir marboxil, and an old drug might be a new treatment for allergic asthma through targeting VISTA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Wen Di
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yi-Xin Wang
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Rui-Xue Ma
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zhi-Jie Luo
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Wen-Ting Chen
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Wan-Mei Liu
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Ding-Yi Yuan
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yu-Ying Zhang
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yin-Hao Wu
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Cai-Ping Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
- Chongqing Innovation Institute of China Pharmaceutical University, Chongqing, 401135, China.
| | - Jun Liu
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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23
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Quiniou SMA, Bengtén E, Boudinot P. Costimulatory receptors in the channel catfish: CD28 family members and their ligands. Immunogenetics 2024; 76:51-67. [PMID: 38197898 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-023-01327-3] [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: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
The CD28-B7 interaction is required to deliver a second signal necessary for T-cell activation. Additional membrane receptors of the CD28 and B7 families are also involved in immune checkpoints that positively or negatively regulate leukocyte activation, in particular T lymphocytes. BTLA is an inhibitory receptor that belongs to a third receptor family. Fish orthologs exist only for some of these genes, and the potential interactions between the corresponding ligands remain mostly unclear. In this work, we focused on the channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), a long-standing model for fish immunology, to analyze these co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory receptors. We identified one copy of cd28, ctla4, cd80/86, b7h1/dc, b7h3, b7h4, b7h5, two btla, and four b7h7 genes. Catfish CD28 contains the highly conserved mammalian cytoplasmic motif for PI3K and GRB2 recruitment, however this motif is absent in cyprinids. Fish CTLA4 share a C-terminal putative GRB2-binding site but lacks the mammalian PI3K/GRB2-binding motif. While critical V-domain residues for human CD80 or CD86 binding to CD28/CTLA4 show low conservation in fish CD80/86, C-domain residues are highly conserved, underscoring their significance. Catfish B7H1/DC had a long intracytoplasmic domain with a P-loop-NTPase domain that is absent in mammalian sequences, while the lack of NLS motif in fish B7H4 suggests this protein may not regulate cell growth when expressed intracellularly. Finally, there is a notable expansion of fish B7H7s, which likely play diverse roles in leukocyte regulation. Overall, our work contributes to a better understanding of fish leukocyte co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva Bengtén
- Center for Immunology and Microbial Research, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 39216, Jackson, MS, USA
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 39216, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Pierre Boudinot
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, UVSQ, VIM, Jouy-en-Josas, 78350, France.
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24
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Zhou Y, Yuan J, Xu K, Li S, Liu Y. Nanotechnology Reprogramming Metabolism for Enhanced Tumor Immunotherapy. ACS NANO 2024; 18:1846-1864. [PMID: 38180952 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c11260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Mutation burden, hypoxia, and immunoediting contribute to altered metabolic profiles in tumor cells, resulting in a tumor microenvironment (TME) characterized by accumulation of toxic metabolites and depletion of various nutrients, which significantly hinder the antitumor immunity via multiple mechanisms, hindering the efficacy of tumor immunotherapies. In-depth investigation of the mechanisms underlying these phenomena are vital for developing effective antitumor drugs and therapies, while the therapeutic effects of metabolism-targeting drugs are restricted by off-target toxicity toward effector immune cells and high dosage-mediated side effects. Nanotechnologies, which exhibit versatility and plasticity in targeted delivery and metabolism modulation, have been widely applied to boost tumor immunometabolic therapies via multiple strategies, including targeting of metabolic pathways. In this review, recent advances in understanding the roles of tumor cell metabolism in both immunoevasion and immunosuppression are reviewed, and nanotechnology-based metabolic reprogramming strategies for enhanced tumor immunotherapies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangkai Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jing Yuan
- First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Ke Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shilin Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ying Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, China
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25
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Zhang K, Zakeri A, Alban T, Dong J, Ta HM, Zalavadia AH, Branicky A, Zhao H, Juric I, Husich H, Parthasarathy PB, Rupani A, Drazba JA, Chakraborty AA, Ching-Cheng Huang S, Chan T, Avril S, Wang LL. VISTA promotes the metabolism and differentiation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells by STAT3 and polyamine-dependent mechanisms. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113661. [PMID: 38175754 PMCID: PMC10851928 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) impair antitumor immune responses. Identifying regulatory circuits during MDSC development may bring new opportunities for therapeutic interventions. We report that the V-domain suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) functions as a key enabler of MDSC differentiation. VISTA deficiency reduced STAT3 activation and STAT3-dependent production of polyamines, which causally impaired mitochondrial respiration and MDSC expansion. In both mixed bone marrow (BM) chimera mice and myeloid-specific VISTA conditional knockout mice, VISTA deficiency significantly reduced tumor-associated MDSCs but expanded monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) and enhanced T cell-mediated tumor control. Correlated expression of VISTA and arginase-1 (ARG1), a key enzyme supporting polyamine biosynthesis, was observed in multiple human cancer types. In human endometrial cancer, co-expression of VISTA and ARG1 on tumor-associated myeloid cells is associated with poor survival. Taken together, these findings unveil the VISTA/polyamine axis as a central regulator of MDSC differentiation and warrant therapeutically targeting this axis for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keman Zhang
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Amin Zakeri
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Tyler Alban
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Juan Dong
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Hieu M Ta
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ajay H Zalavadia
- Imaging Core Facility, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Andrelie Branicky
- Imaging Core Facility, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Haoxin Zhao
- Imaging Core Facility, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ivan Juric
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Hanna Husich
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Prerana B Parthasarathy
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Amit Rupani
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Judy A Drazba
- Imaging Core Facility, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Abhishek A Chakraborty
- Department of Cancer Biology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Stanley Ching-Cheng Huang
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Timothy Chan
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Stefanie Avril
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Li Lily Wang
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Cheng H, Zheng Y. Advances in macrophage and T cell metabolic reprogramming and immunotherapy in the tumor microenvironment. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16825. [PMID: 38239299 PMCID: PMC10795528 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16825] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Macrophages and T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) play an important role in tumorigenesis and progression. However, TME is also characterized by metabolic reprogramming, which may affect macrophage and metabolic activity of T cells and promote tumor escape. Immunotherapy is an approach to fight tumors by stimulating the immune system in the host, but requires support and modulation of cellular metabolism. In this process, the metabolic roles of macrophages and T cells become increasingly important, and their metabolic status and interactions play a critical role in the success of immunotherapy. Therefore, understanding the metabolic state of T cells and macrophages in the TME and the impact of metabolic reprogramming on tumor therapy will help optimize subsequent immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Cheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yongbin Zheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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27
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Vesely MD, Kidacki M, Gaule P, Gupta S, Chan NNN, Han X, Yeung JT, Chen L. Immune Inhibitory Molecule PD-1 Homolog (VISTA) Colocalizes with CD11b Myeloid Cells in Melanoma and Is Associated with Poor Outcomes. J Invest Dermatol 2024; 144:106-115.e4. [PMID: 37562584 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Tumors evade immunity through the overexpression of immune inhibitory molecules in the tumor microenvironment such as PD-L1/B7-H1. An immune inhibitory molecule named PD-1 homolog (also known as V-domain Ig-containing suppressor of T cell activation [VISTA]) functions to control both T cells and myeloid cells. Current clinical trials using anti-VISTA-blocking agents for treatment of cancer are ongoing. We sought to determine the extent of VISTA expression in primary cutaneous melanomas (n = 190), identify the critical cell types expressing VISTA, and correlate its expression with PD-L1 expression using multiplexed quantitative immunofluorescence. Within the tumor subcompartments, VISTA is most highly expressed on CD11b myeloid cells, and PD-L1 is most highly expressed on CD68 myeloid cells in our melanoma cohort. There is little correlation between VISTA and PD-L1 expression intensity, suggesting that individual tumors have distinct immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments. High levels of VISTA expression on CD11b myeloid cells but not PD-L1 expression were associated with greater melanoma recurrence and greater all-cause mortality. Our findings suggest that cell-specific VISTA expression may be a negative prognostic biomarker for melanoma and a future potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Vesely
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
| | - Michal Kidacki
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Patricia Gaule
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Swati Gupta
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Nay Nwe Nyein Chan
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Xue Han
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA; Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA; Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jacky T Yeung
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Lieping Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA; Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA; Department of Medicine (Medical Oncology), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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28
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Iadonato S, Ovechkina Y, Lustig K, Cross J, Eyde N, Frazier E, Kabi N, Katz C, Lance R, Peckham D, Sridhar S, Talbaux C, Tihista I, Xu M, Guillaudeux T. A highly potent anti-VISTA antibody KVA12123 - a new immune checkpoint inhibitor and a promising therapy against poorly immunogenic tumors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1311658. [PMID: 38152397 PMCID: PMC10751915 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1311658] [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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Immune checkpoint therapies have led to significant breakthroughs in cancer patient treatment in recent years. However, their efficiency is variable, and resistance to immunotherapies is common. VISTA is an immune-suppressive checkpoint inhibitor of T cell response belonging to the B7 family and a promising novel therapeutic target. VISTA is expressed in the immuno-suppressive tumor microenvironment, primarily by myeloid lineage cells, and its genetic knockout or antibody blockade restores an efficient antitumor immune response. Methods Fully human monoclonal antibodies directed against VISTA were produced after immunizing humanized Trianni mice and single B cell sequencing. Anti-VISTA antibodies were evaluated for specificity, cross-reactivity, monocyte and T cell activation, Fc-effector functions, and antitumor efficacy using in vitro and in vivo models to select the KVA12123 antibody lead candidate. The pharmacokinetics and safety profiles of KVA12123 were evaluated in cynomolgus monkeys. Results Here, we report the development of a clinical candidate anti-VISTA monoclonal antibody, KVA12123. KVA12123 showed high affinity binding to VISTA through a unique epitope distinct from other clinical-stage anti-VISTA monoclonal antibodies. This clinical candidate demonstrated high specificity against VISTA with no cross-reactivity detected against other members of the B7 family. KVA12123 blocked VISTA binding to its binding partners. KVA12123 induced T cell activation and demonstrated NK-mediated monocyte activation. KVA12123 treatment mediated strong single-agent antitumor activity in several syngeneic tumor models and showed enhanced efficacy in combination with anti-PD-1 treatment. This clinical candidate was engineered to improve its pharmacokinetic characteristics and reduce Fc-effector functions. It was well-tolerated in preclinical toxicology studies in cynomolgus monkeys, where hematology, clinical chemistry evaluations, and clinical observations revealed no indicators of toxicity. No cytokines associated with cytokine release syndrome were elevated. Conclusion These results establish that KVA12123 is a promising drug candidate with a distinct but complementary mechanism of action of the first generation of immune checkpoint inhibitors. This antibody is currently evaluated alone and in combination with pembrolizumab in a Phase 1/2 open-label clinical trial in patients with advanced solid tumors.
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Tsai YL, Arias-Badia M, Kadlecek TA, Lwin YM, Srinath A, Shah NH, Wang ZE, Barber D, Kuriyan J, Fong L, Weiss A. TCR signaling promotes formation of an STS1-Cbl-b complex with pH-sensitive phosphatase activity that suppresses T cell function in acidic environments. Immunity 2023; 56:2682-2698.e9. [PMID: 38091950 PMCID: PMC10785950 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2023.11.010] [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: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
T cell responses are inhibited by acidic environments. T cell receptor (TCR)-induced protein phosphorylation is negatively regulated by dephosphorylation and/or ubiquitination, but the mechanisms underlying sensitivity to acidic environments are not fully understood. Here, we found that TCR stimulation induced a molecular complex of Cbl-b, an E3-ubiquitin ligase, with STS1, a pH-sensitive unconventional phosphatase. The induced interaction depended upon a proline motif in Cbl-b interacting with the STS1 SH3 domain. STS1 dephosphorylated Cbl-b interacting phosphoproteins. The deficiency of STS1 or Cbl-b diminished the sensitivity of T cell responses to the inhibitory effects of acid in an autocrine or paracrine manner in vitro or in vivo. Moreover, the deficiency of STS1 or Cbl-b promoted T cell proliferative and differentiation activities in vivo and inhibited tumor growth, prolonged survival, and improved T cell fitness in tumor models. Thus, a TCR-induced STS1-Cbl-b complex senses intra- or extra-cellular acidity and regulates T cell responses, presenting a potential therapeutic target for improving anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Li Tsai
- Rosalind Russell and Ephraim P. Engleman Rheumatology Research Center, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Marcel Arias-Badia
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Theresa A Kadlecek
- Rosalind Russell and Ephraim P. Engleman Rheumatology Research Center, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Yee May Lwin
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Aahir Srinath
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Neel H Shah
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Zhi-En Wang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Diane Barber
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - John Kuriyan
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Lawrence Fong
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Arthur Weiss
- Rosalind Russell and Ephraim P. Engleman Rheumatology Research Center, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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30
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Fan P, Zhang N, Candi E, Agostini M, Piacentini M, Shi Y, Huang Y, Melino G. Alleviating hypoxia to improve cancer immunotherapy. Oncogene 2023; 42:3591-3604. [PMID: 37884747 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02869-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Tumor hypoxia resulting from abnormal and dysfunctional tumor vascular network poses a substantial obstacle to immunotherapy. In fact, hypoxia creates an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) through promoting angiogenesis, metabolic reprogramming, extracellular matrix remodeling, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), p53 inactivation, and immune evasion. Vascular normalization, a strategy aimed at restoring the structure and function of tumor blood vessels, has been shown to improve oxygen delivery and reverse hypoxia-induced signaling pathways, thus alleviates hypoxia and potentiates cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of tumor tissue hypoxia and its impacts on immune cells and cancer immunotherapy, as well as the approaches to induce tumor vascular normalization. We also summarize the evidence supporting the use of vascular normalization in combination with cancer immunotherapy, and highlight the challenges and future directions of this overlooked important field. By targeting the fundamental problem of tumor hypoxia, vascular normalization proposes a promising strategy to enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy and improve clinical outcomes for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Fan
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Cyrus Tang Medical Institute, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Prevention, Soochow University, 215123, Suzhou, China
| | - Naidong Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Cyrus Tang Medical Institute, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Prevention, Soochow University, 215123, Suzhou, China
| | - Eleonora Candi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Agostini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Piacentini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Yufang Shi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, 215123, Suzhou, China.
| | - Yuhui Huang
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Cyrus Tang Medical Institute, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Prevention, Soochow University, 215123, Suzhou, China.
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
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31
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Abstract
Cancers undergo sequential changes to proton (H+) concentration and sensing that are consequences of the disease and facilitate its further progression. The impact of protonation state on protein activity can arise from alterations to amino acids or their titration. Indeed, many cancer-initiating mutations influence pH balance, regulation or sensing in a manner that enables growth and invasion outside normal constraints as part of oncogenic transformation. These cancer-supporting effects become more prominent when tumours develop an acidic microenvironment owing to metabolic reprogramming and disordered perfusion. The ensuing intracellular and extracellular pH disturbances affect multiple aspects of tumour biology, ranging from proliferation to immune surveillance, and can even facilitate further mutagenesis. As a selection pressure, extracellular acidosis accelerates disease progression by favouring acid-resistant cancer cells, which are typically associated with aggressive phenotypes. Although acid-base disturbances in tumours often occur alongside hypoxia and lactate accumulation, there is now ample evidence for a distinct role of H+-operated responses in key events underpinning cancer. The breadth of these actions presents therapeutic opportunities to change the trajectory of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel Swietach
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Ebbe Boedtkjer
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Stine Falsig Pedersen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Science, København, Denmark.
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32
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Xu F, Yu F. Sensing and regulation of plant extracellular pH. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 28:1422-1437. [PMID: 37596188 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2023.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
In plants, pH determines nutrient acquisition and sensing, and triggers responses to osmotic stress, whereas pH homeostasis protects the cellular machinery. Extracellular pH (pHe) controls the chemistry and rheology of the cell wall to adjust its elasticity and regulate cell expansion in space and time. Plasma membrane (PM)-localized proton pumps, cell-wall components, and cell wall-remodeling enzymes jointly maintain pHe homeostasis. To adapt to their environment and modulate growth and development, plant cells must sense subtle changes in pHe caused by the environment or neighboring cells. Accumulating evidence indicates that PM-localized cell-surface peptide-receptor pairs sense pHe. We highlight recent advances in understanding how plants perceive and maintain pHe, and discuss future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, and Hunan Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Feng Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, and Hunan Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Developmental Regulation, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China.
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33
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Shekari N, Shanehbandi D, Kazemi T, Zarredar H, Baradaran B, Jalali SA. VISTA and its ligands: the next generation of promising therapeutic targets in immunotherapy. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:265. [PMID: 37936192 PMCID: PMC10631023 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03116-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) is a novel negative checkpoint receptor (NCR) primarily involved in maintaining immune tolerance. It has a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders and cancer and has shown promising results as a therapeutic target. However, there is still some ambiguity regarding the ligands of VISTA and their interactions with each other. While V-Set and Immunoglobulin domain containing 3 (VSIG-3) and P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1(PSGL-1) have been extensively studied as ligands for VISTA, the others have received less attention. It seems that investigating VISTA ligands, reviewing their functions and roles, as well as outcomes related to their interactions, may allow an understanding of their full functionality and effects within the cell or the microenvironment. It could also help discover alternative approaches to target the VISTA pathway without causing related side effects. In this regard, we summarize current evidence about VISTA, its related ligands, their interactions and effects, as well as their preclinical and clinical targeting agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najibeh Shekari
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Dariush Shanehbandi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Tohid Kazemi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Habib Zarredar
- Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Seyed Amir Jalali
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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34
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Niu X, Wu M, Li G, Zhou X, Cao W, Zhai W, Wu A, Zhou X, Jin S, Chen G, Li Y, Du J, Wu Y, Qiu L, Zhao W, Gao Y. Identification and optimization of peptide inhibitors to block VISTA/PSGL-1 interaction for cancer immunotherapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:4511-4522. [PMID: 37969728 PMCID: PMC10638518 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Developing new therapeutic agents for cancer immunotherapy is highly demanding due to the low response ratio of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in cancer patients. Here, we discovered that the novel immune checkpoint VISTA is highly expressed on a variety of tumor-infiltrating immune cells, especially myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and CD8+ T cells. Then, peptide C1 with binding affinity to VISTA was developed by phage displayed bio-panning technique, and its mutant peptide VS3 was obtained by molecular docking based mutation. Peptide VS3 could bind VISTA with high affinity and block its interaction with ligand PSGL-1 under acidic condition, and elicit anti-tumor activity in vivo. The peptide DVS3-Pal was further designed by d-amino acid substitution and fatty acid modification, which exhibited strong proteolytic stability and significant anti-tumor activity through enhancing CD8+ T cell function and decreasing MDSCs infiltration. This is the first study to develop peptides to block VISTA/PSGL-1 interaction, which could act as promising candidates for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoshuang Niu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Menghan Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Guodong Li
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiuman Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Wenpeng Cao
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Wenjie Zhai
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- International Joint Laboratory for Protein and Peptide Drugs of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Aijun Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiaowen Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Shengzhe Jin
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Guanyu Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Yanying Li
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Jiangfeng Du
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- International Joint Laboratory for Protein and Peptide Drugs of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yahong Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- International Joint Laboratory for Protein and Peptide Drugs of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Lu Qiu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Wenshan Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- International Joint Laboratory for Protein and Peptide Drugs of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yanfeng Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
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35
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Luk SJ, Schoppmeyer R, Ijsselsteijn ME, Somarakis A, Acem I, Remst DFG, Cox DT, van Bergen CAM, Briaire-de Bruijn I, Grönloh MLB, van der Meer WJ, Hawinkels LJAC, Koning RI, Bos E, Bovée JVMG, de Miranda NFCC, Szuhai K, van Buul JD, Falkenburg JHF, Heemskerk MHM. VISTA Expression on Cancer-Associated Endothelium Selectively Prevents T-cell Extravasation. Cancer Immunol Res 2023; 11:1480-1492. [PMID: 37695550 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-22-0759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Cancers evade T-cell immunity by several mechanisms such as secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines, down regulation of antigen presentation machinery, upregulation of immune checkpoint molecules, and exclusion of T cells from tumor tissues. The distribution and function of immune checkpoint molecules on tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating leukocytes is well established, but less is known about their impact on intratumoral endothelial cells. Here, we demonstrated that V-domain Ig suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA), a PD-L1 homolog, was highly expressed on endothelial cells in synovial sarcoma, subsets of different carcinomas, and immune-privileged tissues. We created an ex vivo model of the human vasculature and demonstrated that expression of VISTA on endothelial cells selectively prevented T-cell transmigration over endothelial layers under physiologic flow conditions, whereas it does not affect migration of other immune cell types. Furthermore, endothelial VISTA correlated with reduced infiltration of T cells and poor prognosis in metastatic synovial sarcoma. In endothelial cells, we detected VISTA on the plasma membrane and in recycling endosomes, and its expression was upregulated by cancer cell-secreted factors in a VEGF-A-dependent manner. Our study reveals that endothelial VISTA is upregulated by cancer-secreted factors and that it regulates T-cell accessibility to cancer and healthy tissues. This newly identified mechanism should be considered when using immunotherapeutic approaches aimed at unleashing T cell-mediated cancer immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sietse J Luk
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rouven Schoppmeyer
- Molecular Cell Biology Lab, Department of Molecular Hematology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Leeuwenhoek Centre for Advanced Microscopy, Molecular Cytology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Antonios Somarakis
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ibtissam Acem
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Department of Oncological and Gastrointestinal Surgery, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dennis F G Remst
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Daan T Cox
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Max L B Grönloh
- Molecular Cell Biology Lab, Department of Molecular Hematology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Leeuwenhoek Centre for Advanced Microscopy, Molecular Cytology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Werner J van der Meer
- Molecular Cell Biology Lab, Department of Molecular Hematology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Leeuwenhoek Centre for Advanced Microscopy, Molecular Cytology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lukas J A C Hawinkels
- Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Roman I Koning
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Erik Bos
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Judith V M G Bovée
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Karoly Szuhai
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jaap D van Buul
- Molecular Cell Biology Lab, Department of Molecular Hematology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Leeuwenhoek Centre for Advanced Microscopy, Molecular Cytology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Mirjam H M Heemskerk
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Borgeaud M, Sandoval J, Obeid M, Banna G, Michielin O, Addeo A, Friedlaender A. Novel targets for immune-checkpoint inhibition in cancer. Cancer Treat Rev 2023; 120:102614. [PMID: 37603905 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Immune-checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer therapy, yet many patients either do not derive any benefit from treatment or develop a resistance to checkpoint inhibitors. Intrinsic resistance can result from neoantigen depletion, defective antigen presentation, PD-L1 downregulation, immune-checkpoint ligand upregulation, immunosuppression, and tumor cell phenotypic changes. On the other hand, extrinsic resistance involves acquired upregulation of inhibitory immune-checkpoints, leading to T-cell exhaustion. Current data suggest that PD-1, CTLA-4, and LAG-3 upregulation limits the efficacy of single-agent immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Ongoing clinical trials are investigating novel immune-checkpoint targets to avoid or overcome resistance. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the evolving landscape of potentially targetable immune-checkpoints in cancer. We highlight their biology, emphasizing the current understanding of resistance mechanisms and focusing on promising strategies that are under investigation. We also summarize current results and ongoing clinical trials in this crucial field that could once again revolutionize outcomes for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michel Obeid
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppe Banna
- Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
| | | | | | - Alex Friedlaender
- Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland; Clinique Générale Beaulieu, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Luo Z, Eichinger KM, Zhang A, Li S. Targeting cancer metabolic pathways for improving chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Cancer Lett 2023; 575:216396. [PMID: 37739209 PMCID: PMC10591810 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Recent discoveries in cancer metabolism have revealed promising metabolic targets to modulate cancer progression, drug response, and anti-cancer immunity. Combination therapy, consisting of metabolic inhibitors and chemotherapeutic or immunotherapeutic agents, offers new opportunities for improved cancer therapy. However, it also presents challenges due to the complexity of cancer metabolic pathways and the metabolic interactions between tumor cells and immune cells. Many studies have been published demonstrating potential synergy between novel inhibitors of metabolism and chemo/immunotherapy, yet our understanding of the underlying mechanisms remains limited. Here, we review the current strategies of altering the metabolic pathways of cancer to improve the anti-cancer effects of chemo/immunotherapy. We also note the need to differentiate the effect of metabolic inhibition on cancer cells and immune cells and highlight nanotechnology as an emerging solution. Improving our understanding of the complexity of the metabolic pathways in different cell populations and the anti-cancer effects of chemo/immunotherapy will aid in the discovery of novel strategies that effectively restrict cancer growth and augment the anti-cancer effects of chemo/immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangyi Luo
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Anju Zhang
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Song Li
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Ji ZZ, Chan MKK, Chan ASW, Leung KT, Jiang X, To KF, Wu Y, Tang PMK. Tumour-associated macrophages: versatile players in the tumour microenvironment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1261749. [PMID: 37965573 PMCID: PMC10641386 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1261749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumour-Associated Macrophages (TAMs) are one of the pivotal components of the tumour microenvironment. Their roles in the cancer immunity are complicated, both pro-tumour and anti-cancer activities are reported, including not only angiogenesis, extracellular matrix remodeling, immunosuppression, drug resistance but also phagocytosis and tumour regression. Interestingly, TAMs are highly dynamic and versatile in solid tumours. They show anti-cancer or pro-tumour activities, and interplay between the tumour microenvironment and cancer stem cells and under specific conditions. In addition to the classic M1/M2 phenotypes, a number of novel dedifferentiation phenomena of TAMs are discovered due to the advanced single-cell technology, e.g., macrophage-myofibroblast transition (MMT) and macrophage-neuron transition (MNT). More importantly, emerging information demonstrated the potential of TAMs on cancer immunotherapy, suggesting by the therapeutic efficiency of the checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor engineered cells based on macrophages. Here, we summarized the latest discoveries of TAMs from basic and translational research and discussed their clinical relevance and therapeutic potential for solid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoey Zeyuan Ji
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Max Kam-Kwan Chan
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Alex Siu-Wing Chan
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kam-Tong Leung
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of the Ministry of Education of China, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ka-Fai To
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yi Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Patrick Ming-Kuen Tang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Kauffman K, Manfra D, Nowakowska D, Zafari M, Nguyen PA, Phennicie R, Vollmann EH, O'Nuallain B, Basinski S, Komoroski V, Rooney K, Culyba EK, Wahle J, Ries C, Brehm M, Sazinsky S, Feldman I, Novobrantseva TI. PSGL-1 Blockade Induces Classical Activation of Human Tumor-associated Macrophages. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:2182-2194. [PMID: 37819238 PMCID: PMC10601817 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
The immune suppressive microenvironment is a major culprit for difficult-to-treat solid cancers. Particularly, inhibitory tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) define the resistant nature of the tumor milieu. To define tumor-enabling mechanisms of TAMs, we analyzed molecular clinical datasets correlating cell surface receptors with the TAM infiltrate. Though P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) is found on other immune cells and functions as an adhesion molecule, PSGL-1 is highly expressed on TAMs across multiple tumor types. siRNA-mediated knockdown and antibody-mediated inhibition revealed a role for PSGL-1 in maintaining an immune suppressed macrophage state. PSGL-1 knockdown or inhibition enhanced proinflammatory mediator release across assays and donors in vitro. In several syngeneic mouse models, PSGL-1 blockade alone and in combination with PD-1 blockade reduced tumor growth. Using a humanized tumor model, we observed the proinflammatory TAM switch following treatment with an anti-PSGL-1 antibody. In ex vivo patient-derived tumor cultures, a PSGL-1 blocking antibody increased expression of macrophage-derived proinflammatory cytokines, as well as IFNγ, indicative of T-cell activation. Our data demonstrate that PSGL-1 blockade reprograms TAMs, offering a new therapeutic avenue to patients not responding to T-cell immunotherapies, as well as patients with tumors devoid of T cells. SIGNIFICANCE This work is a significant and actionable advance, as it offers a novel approach to treating patients with cancer who do not respond to T-cell checkpoint inhibitors, as well as to patients with tumors lacking T-cell infiltration. We expect that this mechanism will be applicable in multiple indications characterized by infiltration of TAMs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kate Rooney
- Verseau Therapeutics, Auburndale, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Carola Ries
- Dr. Carola Ries Consulting, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Michael Brehm
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | | | - Igor Feldman
- Verseau Therapeutics, Auburndale, Massachusetts
- Currently employed by Moderna Therapeutics, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Tatiana I. Novobrantseva
- Verseau Therapeutics, Auburndale, Massachusetts
- Currently employed by Moderna Therapeutics, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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Kirchmair A, Nemati N, Lamberti G, Trefny M, Krogsdam A, Siller A, Hörtnagl P, Schumacher P, Sopper S, Sandbichler A, Zippelius A, Ghesquière B, Trajanoski Z. 13C tracer analysis reveals the landscape of metabolic checkpoints in human CD8 + T cell differentiation and exhaustion. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1267816. [PMID: 37928527 PMCID: PMC10620935 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1267816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Naïve T cells remain in an actively maintained state of quiescence until activation by antigenic signals, upon which they start to proliferate and generate effector cells to initiate a functional immune response. Metabolic reprogramming is essential to meet the biosynthetic demands of the differentiation process, and failure to do so can promote the development of hypofunctional exhausted T cells. Methods Here we used 13C metabolomics and transcriptomics to study the metabolism of CD8+ T cells in their complete course of differentiation from naïve over stem-like memory to effector cells and in exhaustion-inducing conditions. Results The quiescence of naïve T cells was evident in a profound suppression of glucose oxidation and a decreased expression of ENO1, downstream of which no glycolytic flux was detectable. Moreover, TCA cycle activity was low in naïve T cells and associated with a downregulation of SDH subunits. Upon stimulation and exit from quiescence, the initiation of cell growth and proliferation was accompanied by differential expression of metabolic enzymes and metabolic reprogramming towards aerobic glycolysis with high rates of nutrient uptake, respiration and lactate production. High flux in anabolic pathways imposed a strain on NADH homeostasis, which coincided with engagement of the proline cycle for mitochondrial redox shuttling. With acquisition of effector functions, cells increasingly relied on glycolysis as opposed to oxidative phosphorylation, which was, however, not linked to changes in mitochondrial abundance. In exhaustion, decreased effector function concurred with a reduction in mitochondrial metabolism, glycolysis and amino acid import, and an upregulation of quiescence-associated genes, TXNIP and KLF2, and the T cell suppressive metabolites succinate and itaconate. Discussion Overall, these results identify multiple metabolic features that regulate quiescence, proliferation and effector function, but also exhaustion of CD8+ T cells during differentiation. Thus, targeting these metabolic checkpoints may be a promising therapeutic strategy for both prevention of exhaustion and promotion of stemness of anti-tumor T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kirchmair
- Institute of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Niloofar Nemati
- Institute of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Giorgia Lamberti
- Institute of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Marcel Trefny
- Department of Biomedicine, Cancer Immunology, University and University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anne Krogsdam
- Institute of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- NGS Core Facility, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Anita Siller
- Central Institute for Blood Transfusion and Immunology, Tirol Kliniken GmbH, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Paul Hörtnagl
- Central Institute for Blood Transfusion and Immunology, Tirol Kliniken GmbH, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Petra Schumacher
- Core Facility FACS Sorting, University Clinic for Internal Medicine V, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sieghart Sopper
- Core Facility FACS Sorting, University Clinic for Internal Medicine V, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Alfred Zippelius
- Department of Biomedicine, Cancer Immunology, University and University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bart Ghesquière
- Laboratory of Applied Mass Spectrometry, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Metabolomics Core Facility Leuven, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Zlatko Trajanoski
- Institute of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Roy D, Gilmour C, Patnaik S, Wang LL. Combinatorial blockade for cancer immunotherapy: targeting emerging immune checkpoint receptors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1264327. [PMID: 37928556 PMCID: PMC10620683 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1264327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The differentiation, survival, and effector function of tumor-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T cells lie at the center of antitumor immunity. Due to the lack of proper costimulation and the abundant immunosuppressive mechanisms, tumor-specific T cells show a lack of persistence and exhausted and dysfunctional phenotypes. Multiple coinhibitory receptors, such as PD-1, CTLA-4, VISTA, TIGIT, TIM-3, and LAG-3, contribute to dysfunctional CTLs and failed antitumor immunity. These coinhibitory receptors are collectively called immune checkpoint receptors (ICRs). Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting these ICRs have become the cornerstone for cancer immunotherapy as they have established new clinical paradigms for an expanding range of previously untreatable cancers. Given the nonredundant yet convergent molecular pathways mediated by various ICRs, combinatorial immunotherapies are being tested to bring synergistic benefits to patients. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms of several emerging ICRs, including VISTA, TIGIT, TIM-3, and LAG-3, and the preclinical and clinical data supporting combinatorial strategies to improve existing ICI therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dia Roy
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Cassandra Gilmour
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Sachin Patnaik
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Li Lily Wang
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Díaz-García E, García-Sánchez A, Alfaro E, López-Fernández C, Mañas E, Cano-Pumarega I, López-Collazo E, García-Río F, Cubillos-Zapata C. PSGL-1: a novel immune checkpoint driving T-cell dysfunction in obstructive sleep apnea. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1277551. [PMID: 37854605 PMCID: PMC10579800 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1277551] [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: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Although higher incidence of cancer represents a major burden for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients, the molecular pathways driving this association are not completely understood. Recently, the adhesion receptor P-selectin glycoprotein-1 (PSGL 1) has been identified as a novel immune checkpoint, which are recognized major hallmarks in several types of cancer and have revolutionized cancer therapy. Methods The expression of PSGL-1 and its ligands VISTA and SIGLEC-5 was assessed in the leucocytes of OSA patients and control subjects exploring the role of intermittent hypoxia (IH) using in vitro models. In addition, PSGL-1 impact on T-cells function was evaluated by ex vivo models. Results Data showed PSGL-1 expression is upregulated in the T-lymphocytes from patients with severe OSA, indicating a relevant role of hypoxemia mediated by intermittent hypoxia. Besides, results suggest an inhibitory role of PSGL-1 on T-cell proliferation capacity. Finally, the expression of SIGLEC-5 but not VISTA was increased in monocytes from OSA patients, suggesting a regulatory role of intermittent hypoxia. Discussion In conclusion, PSGL-1 might constitute an additional immune checkpoint leading to T-cell dysfunction in OSA patients, contributing to the disruption of immune surveillance, which might provide biological plausibility to the higher incidence and aggressiveness of several tumors in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Díaz-García
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
- Respiratory Diseases Group, Respiratory Diseases Department, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research – IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aldara García-Sánchez
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
- Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Enrique Alfaro
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
- Respiratory Diseases Group, Respiratory Diseases Department, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research – IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina López-Fernández
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
- Respiratory Diseases Group, Respiratory Diseases Department, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research – IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Mañas
- Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Eduardo López-Collazo
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
- The Innate Immune Response Group, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research – IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco García-Río
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
- Respiratory Diseases Group, Respiratory Diseases Department, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research – IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Cubillos-Zapata
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre on Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
- Respiratory Diseases Group, Respiratory Diseases Department, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research – IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
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Noelle RJ, Lines JL, Lewis LD, Martell RE, Guillaudeux T, Lee SW, Mahoney KM, Vesely MD, Boyd-Kirkup J, Nambiar DK, Scott AM. Clinical and research updates on the VISTA immune checkpoint: immuno-oncology themes and highlights. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1225081. [PMID: 37795437 PMCID: PMC10547146 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1225081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoints limit the activation of the immune system and serve an important homeostatic function but can also restrict immune responses against tumors. Inhibition of specific immune checkpoint proteins such as the B7:CD28 family members programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) has transformed the treatment of various cancers by promoting the anti-tumor activation of immune cells. In contrast to these effects, the V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA) regulates the steady state of the resting immune system and promotes homeostasis by mechanisms distinct from PD-1 and CTLA-4. The effects of VISTA blockade have been shown to include a decrease in myeloid suppression coupled with proinflammatory changes by mechanisms that are separate and distinct from other immune checkpoint proteins; in some preclinical studies these immune effects appear synergistic. Given the potential benefits of VISTA blockade in the context of cancer therapy, the second Annual VISTA Symposium was convened virtually on September 23, 2022, to review new research from investigators and immuno-oncology experts. Discussions in the meeting extended the knowledge of VISTA biology and the effects of VISTA inhibition, particularly on cells of the myeloid lineage and resting T cells, as three candidate anti-VISTA antibodies are in, or nearing, clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randolph J. Noelle
- ImmuNext Inc., Lebanon, NH, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, United States
| | - J. Louise Lines
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dartmouth Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, United States
| | - Lionel D. Lewis
- Section of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and Dartmouth Cancer Center, Hanover, NH, United States
| | - Robert E. Martell
- Curis, Inc., Lexington, MA, United States
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Sam W. Lee
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Kathleen M. Mahoney
- Department of Medical, Division of Medical Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Matthew D. Vesely
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | - Dhanya K. Nambiar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Andrew M. Scott
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute and School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Austin Health and Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Wang T, Wang K, Zhang Y, Zhang K, Cai S, Jiang S, Xiao Y, Zhang X. Novel Benzimidazoles as Potent Small-Molecule Inhibitors and Degraders of V-Domain Ig Suppressor of T-Cell Activation (VISTA). J Med Chem 2023; 66:11881-11892. [PMID: 37594853 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
The V-domain Ig suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA) is a promising negative immune checkpoint and plays a critical role in the regulation of the quiescence of naïve T lymphocytes. Most patients however do not experience durable disease control from current immune checkpoint inhibitors and discovery of inhibitors targeting novel immune checkpoints is necessary. Herein, we report our discovery and optimization of benzimidazoles as the bifunctional inhibitors of VISTA. Compound 1 is identified as a bifunctional inhibitor targeting VISTA, which shows good binding affinity to VISTA and induces VISTA degradation in HepG2 cells through an autophagic mechanism. Compound 1 rescues VISTA-mediated immunosuppression effectively and enhances antitumor activity of immune cells. 1 activates the antitumor immunity in vivo and suppresses tumor growth in a CT26 mouse model significantly. Our results show that compound 1 is a promising VISTA inhibitor and degrader and offers novel approach for cancer immunotherapy through VISTA degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Wang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Kaizhen Wang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Kuojun Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Shi Cai
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Sheng Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yibei Xiao
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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Kamali AN, Bautista JM, Eisenhut M, Hamedifar H. Immune checkpoints and cancer immunotherapies: insights into newly potential receptors and ligands. Ther Adv Vaccines Immunother 2023; 11:25151355231192043. [PMID: 37662491 PMCID: PMC10469281 DOI: 10.1177/25151355231192043] [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: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Checkpoint markers and immune checkpoint inhibitors have been increasingly identified and developed as potential immunotherapeutic targets in various human cancers. Despite valuable efforts to discover novel immune checkpoints and their ligands, the precise roles of their therapeutic functions, as well as the broad identification of their counterpart receptors, remain to be addressed. In this context, it has been suggested that various putative checkpoint receptors can be induced upon activation. In the tumor microenvironment, T cells, as crucial immune response against malignant diseases as well as other immune central effector cells, such as natural killer cells, are regulated via co-stimulatory or co-inhibitory signals from immune or tumor cells. Studies have shown that exposure of T cells to tumor antigens upregulates the expression of inhibitory checkpoint receptors, leading to T-cell dysfunction or exhaustion. Although targeting immune checkpoint regulators has shown relative clinical efficacy in some tumor types, most trials in the field of cancer immunotherapies have revealed unsatisfactory results due to de novo or adaptive resistance in cancer patients. To overcome these obstacles, combinational therapies with newly discovered inhibitory molecules or combined blockage of several checkpoints provide a rationale for further research. Moreover, precise identification of their receptors counterparts at crucial checkpoints is likely to promise effective therapies. In this review, we examine the prospects for the application of newly emerging checkpoints, such as T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3, lymphocyte activation gene-3, T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT), V-domain Ig suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA), new B7 family proteins, and B- and T-cell lymphocyte attenuator, in association with immunotherapy of malignancies. In addition, their clinical and biological significance is discussed, including their expression in various human cancers, along with their roles in T-cell-mediated immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali N. Kamali
- CinnaGen Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Simin Dasht Industrial Area, Karaj, Iran
- CinnaGen Research and Production Co., Alborz 3165933155, Iran
| | - José M. Bautista
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Michael Eisenhut
- Department of Pediatrics, Luton and Dunstable University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Luton, UK
| | - Haleh Hamedifar
- CinnaGen Medical Biotechnology Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
- CinnaGen Research and Production Co., Alborz, Iran
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Smith FD, Pierce RH, Thisted T, van der Horst EH. Conditionally Active, pH-Sensitive Immunoregulatory Antibodies Targeting VISTA and CTLA-4 Lead an Emerging Class of Cancer Therapeutics. Antibodies (Basel) 2023; 12:55. [PMID: 37753969 PMCID: PMC10525963 DOI: 10.3390/antib12030055] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoints and other immunoregulatory targets can be difficult to precisely target due to expression on non-tumor immune cells critical to maintaining immune homeostasis in healthy tissues. On-target/off-tumor binding of therapeutics results in significant pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic problems. Target-mediated drug disposition (TMDD) significantly limits effective intratumoral drug levels and adversely affects anti-tumor efficacy. Target engagement outside the tumor environment may lead to severe immune-related adverse events (irAEs), resulting in a narrowing of the therapeutic window, sub-optimal dosing, or cessation of drug development altogether. Overcoming these challenges has become tractable through recent advances in antibody engineering and screening approaches. Here, we review the discovery and development of conditionally active antibodies with minimal binding to target at physiologic pH but high-affinity target binding at the low pH of the tumor microenvironment by focusing on the discovery and improved properties of pH-dependent mAbs targeting two T cell checkpoints, VISTA and CTLA-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Donelson Smith
- Sensei Biotherapeutics, Inc., 1405 Research Blvd., Suite 125, Rockville, MD 20850, USA;
| | | | - Thomas Thisted
- Sensei Biotherapeutics, Inc., 1405 Research Blvd., Suite 125, Rockville, MD 20850, USA;
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Goth CK, Mehta AY, McQuillan AM, Baker KJ, Hanes MS, Park SS, Stavenhagen K, Hjortø GM, Heimburg-Molinaro J, Chaikof EL, Rosenkilde MM, Cummings RD. Chemokine binding to PSGL-1 is controlled by O-glycosylation and tyrosine sulfation. Cell Chem Biol 2023; 30:893-905.e7. [PMID: 37463583 PMCID: PMC10530560 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Protein glycosylation influences cellular recognition and regulates protein interactions, but how glycosylation functions alongside other common posttranslational modifications (PTMs), like tyrosine sulfation (sTyr), is unclear. We produced a library of 53 chemoenzymatically synthesized glycosulfopeptides representing N-terminal domains of human and murine P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1), varying in sTyr and O-glycosylation (structure and site). Using these, we identified key roles of PSGL-1 O-glycosylation and sTyr in controlling interactions with specific chemokines. Results demonstrate that sTyr positively affects CCL19 and CCL21 binding to PSGL-1 N terminus, whereas O-glycan branching and sialylation reduced binding. For murine PSGL-1, interference between PTMs is greater, attributed to proximity between the two PTMs. Using fluorescence polarization, we found sTyr is a positive determinant for some chemokines. We showed that synthetic sulfopeptides are potent in decreasing chemotaxis of human dendritic cells toward CCL19 and CCL21. Our results provide new research avenues into the interplay of PTMs regulating leukocyte/chemokine interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoffer K Goth
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, National Center for Functional Glycomics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Laboratory for Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Akul Y Mehta
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, National Center for Functional Glycomics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Alyssa M McQuillan
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, National Center for Functional Glycomics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Kelly J Baker
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, National Center for Functional Glycomics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Melinda S Hanes
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, National Center for Functional Glycomics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Simon S Park
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, National Center for Functional Glycomics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Kathrin Stavenhagen
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, National Center for Functional Glycomics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Gertrud M Hjortø
- Laboratory for Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jamie Heimburg-Molinaro
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, National Center for Functional Glycomics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Elliot L Chaikof
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, National Center for Functional Glycomics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Mette M Rosenkilde
- Laboratory for Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Richard D Cummings
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, National Center for Functional Glycomics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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Zhang Y, Hu J, Ji K, Jiang S, Dong Y, Sun L, Wang J, Hu G, Chen D, Chen K, Tao Z. CD39 inhibition and VISTA blockade may overcome radiotherapy resistance by targeting exhausted CD8+ T cells and immunosuppressive myeloid cells. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101151. [PMID: 37567173 PMCID: PMC10439278 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101151] [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: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Although radiotherapy (RT) has achieved great success in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), local relapses still occur and abscopal effects are rarely seen even when it is combined with immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs). Here, we characterize the dynamic changes of tumor-infiltrating immune cells after RT in a therapy-resistant murine tumor model using single-cell transcriptomes and T cell receptor sequencing. At the early stage, the innate and adaptive immune systems are activated. At the late stage, however, the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) shifts into immunosuppressive properties. Our study reveals that inhibition of CD39 combined with RT preferentially decreases the percentage of exhausted CD8+ T cells. Moreover, we find that the combination of V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) blockade and RT synergistically reduces immunosuppressive myeloid cells. Clinically, high VISTA expression is associated with poor prognosis in patients with NSCLC. Altogether, our data provide deep insight into acquired resistance to RT from an immune perspective and present rational combination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Junyi Hu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Kai Ji
- Department of Pain Relief, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Shengpeng Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Yang Dong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Lin Sun
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, Tianjin Cancer Hospital Airport Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Guangyuan Hu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Dawei Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Ke Chen
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Zhen Tao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, Tianjin Cancer Hospital Airport Hospital, Tianjin, China; Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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49
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Lei X, Wang Y, Broens C, Borst J, Xiao Y. Immune checkpoints targeting dendritic cells for antibody-based modulation in cancer. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 382:145-179. [PMID: 38225102 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DC) are professional antigen-presenting cells which link innate to adaptive immunity. DC play a central role in regulating antitumor T-cell responses in both tumor-draining lymph nodes (TDLN) and the tumor microenvironment (TME). They modulate effector T-cell responses via immune checkpoint proteins (ICPs) that can be either stimulatory or inhibitory. Functions of DC are often impaired by the suppressive TME leading to tumor immune escape. Therefore, better understanding of the mechanisms of action of ICPs expressed by (tumor-infiltrating) DC will lead to potential new treatment strategies. Genetic manipulation and high-dimensional analyses have provided insight in the interactions between DC and T-cells in TDLN and the TME upon ICP targeting. In this review, we discuss (tumor-infiltrating) DC lineage cells and tumor tissue specific "mature" DC states and their gene signatures in relation to anti-tumor immunity. We also review a number of ICPs expressed by DC regarding their functions in phagocytosis, DC activation, or inhibition and outline position in, or promise for clinical trials in cancer immunotherapy. Collectively, we highlight the critical role of DC and their exact status in the TME for the induction and propagation of T-cell immunity to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Lei
- Department of Immunology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Yizhi Wang
- Department of Immunology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Chayenne Broens
- Department of Immunology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jannie Borst
- Department of Immunology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Yanling Xiao
- Department of Immunology and Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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50
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Khalili S, Zeinali F, Moghadam Fard A, Taha SR, Fazlollahpour Naghibi A, Bagheri K, Shariat Zadeh M, Eslami Y, Fattah K, Asadimanesh N, Azarimatin A, Khalesi B, Almasi F, Payandeh Z. Macrophage-Based Therapeutic Strategies in Hematologic Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3722. [PMID: 37509382 PMCID: PMC10378576 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143722] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are types of immune cells, with ambivalent functions in tumor growth, which depend on the specific environment in which they reside. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a diverse population of immunosuppressive myeloid cells that play significant roles in several malignancies. TAM infiltration in malignancies has been linked to a poor prognosis and limited response to treatments, including those using checkpoint inhibitors. Understanding the precise mechanisms through which macrophages contribute to tumor growth is an active area of research as targeting these cells may offer potential therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment. Numerous investigations have focused on anti-TAM-based methods that try to eliminate, rewire, or target the functional mediators released by these cells. Considering the importance of these strategies in the reversion of tumor resistance to conventional therapies and immune modulatory vaccination could be an appealing approach for the immunosuppressive targeting of myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The combination of reprogramming and TAM depletion is a special feature of this approach compared to other clinical strategies. Thus, the present review aims to comprehensively overview the pleiotropic activities of TAMs and their involvement in various stages of cancer development as a potent drug target, with a focus on hematologic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Khalili
- Department of Biology Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran 1678815811, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Zeinali
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz 6135715794, Iran
| | - Atousa Moghadam Fard
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran 4188783417, Iran
| | - Seyed Reza Taha
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Andarz Fazlollahpour Naghibi
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol 4717641367, Iran
| | - Kimia Bagheri
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol 4717641367, Iran
| | - Mahdieh Shariat Zadeh
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Yeghaneh Eslami
- Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari 4815733971, Iran
| | - Khashayar Fattah
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717411, Iran
| | - Naghmeh Asadimanesh
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717411, Iran
| | - Armin Azarimatin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Shabestar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shabestar 5381637181, Iran
| | - Bahman Khalesi
- Department of Research and Production of Poultry Viral Vaccine, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj 3197619751, Iran
| | - Faezeh Almasi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Lab, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, School of Biology and Center of Excellence in Phylogeny of Living Organisms, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran 1416634793, Iran
| | - Zahra Payandeh
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
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