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Strazza M, Song R, Hiner S, Mor A. Changing the location of proteins on the cell surface is a promising strategy for modulating T cell functions. Immunology 2024. [PMID: 38952142 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13828] [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: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeting immune receptors on T cells is a common strategy to treat cancer and autoimmunity. Frequently, this is accomplished through monoclonal antibodies targeting the ligand binding sites of stimulatory or inhibitory co-receptors. Blocking ligand binding prevents downstream signalling and modulates specific T cell functions. Since 1985, the FDA has approved over 100 monoclonal antibodies against immune receptors. This therapeutic approach significantly improved the care of patients with numerous immune-related conditions; however, many patients are unresponsive, and some develop immune-related adverse events. One reason for that is the lack of consideration for the localization of these receptors on the cell surface of the immune cells in the context of the immune synapse. In addition to blocking ligand binding, changing the location of these receptors on the cell surface within the different compartments of the immunological synapse could serve as an alternative, efficient, and safer approach to treating these patients. This review discusses the potential therapeutic advantages of altering proteins' localization within the immune synapse and summarizes published work in this field. It also discusses the novel use of bispecific antibodies to induce the clustering of receptors on the cell surface. It presents the rationale for developing novel antibodies, targeting the organization of signalling receptor complexes on the cell surface. This approach offers an innovative and emerging technology to treat cancer patients resistant to current immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Strazza
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ruijiang Song
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Shannon Hiner
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Adam Mor
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
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Ziblat A, Horton BL, Higgs EF, Hatogai K, Martinez A, Shapiro JW, Kim DEC, Zha Y, Sweis RF, Gajewski TF. Batf3 + DCs and the 4-1BB/4-1BBL axis are required at the effector phase in the tumor microenvironment for PD-1/PD-L1 blockade efficacy. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114141. [PMID: 38656869 PMCID: PMC11229087 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The cellular source of positive signals that reinvigorate T cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) for the therapeutic efficacy of programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) blockade has not been clearly defined. We now show that Batf3-lineage dendritic cells (DCs) are essential in this process. Flow cytometric analysis, gene-targeted mice, and blocking antibody studies revealed that 4-1BBL is a major positive co-stimulatory signal provided by these DCs within the TME that translates to CD8+ T cell functional reinvigoration and tumor regression. Immunofluorescence and spatial transcriptomics on human tumor samples revealed clustering of Batf3+ DCs and CD8+ T cells, which correlates with anti-PD-1 efficacy. In addition, proximity to Batf3+ DCs within the TME is associated with CD8+ T cell transcriptional states linked to anti-PD-1 response. Our results demonstrate that Batf3+ DCs within the TME are critical for PD-1/PD-L1 blockade efficacy and indicate a major role for the 4-1BB/4-1BB ligand (4-1BBL) axis during this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ziblat
- Department of Pathology, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Brendan L Horton
- Department of Pathology, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Emily F Higgs
- Department of Pathology, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Ken Hatogai
- Department of Pathology, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Anna Martinez
- Department of Pathology, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jason W Shapiro
- Center for Research Informatics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Danny E C Kim
- Department of Pathology, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - YuanYuan Zha
- Human Immunological Monitoring Facility, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Randy F Sweis
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Thomas F Gajewski
- Department of Pathology, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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Santos RF, de Sousa Linhares A, Steinberger P, Davis SJ, Oliveira L, Carmo AM. The CD6 interactome orchestrates ligand-independent T cell inhibitory signaling. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:286. [PMID: 38790044 PMCID: PMC11127300 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01658-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND T-cell membrane scaffold proteins are pivotal in T cell function, acting as versatile signaling hubs. While CD6 forms a large intracellular signalosome, it is distinguished from typical scaffolds like LAT or PAG by possessing a substantial ectodomain that binds CD166, a well-characterized ligand expressed on most antigen-presenting cells (APC), through the third domain (d3) of the extracellular region. Although the intact form of CD6 is the most abundant in T cells, an isoform lacking d3 (CD6∆d3) is transiently expressed on activated T cells. Still, the precise character of the signaling transduced by CD6, whether costimulatory or inhibitory, and the influence of its ectodomain on these activities are unclear. METHODS We expressed CD6 variants with extracellular deletions or cytosolic mutations in Jurkat cells containing eGFP reporters for NF-κB and NF-AT transcription factor activation. Cell activation was assessed by eGFP flow cytometry following Jurkat cell engagement with superantigen-presenting Raji cells. Using imaging flow cytometry, we evaluated the impact of the CD6-CD166 pair on cell adhesiveness during the antigen-dependent and -independent priming of T cells. We also examined the role of extracellular or cytosolic sequences on CD6 translocation to the immunological synapse, using immunofluorescence-based imaging. RESULTS Our investigation dissecting the functions of the extracellular and cytosolic regions of CD6 revealed that CD6 was trafficked to the immunological synapse and exerted tonic inhibition wholly dependent on its cytosolic tail. Surprisingly, however, translocation to the synapse occurred independently of the extracellular d3 and of engagement to CD166. On the other hand, CD6 binding to CD166 significantly increased T cell:APC adhesion. However, this activity was most evident in the absence of APC priming with superantigen, and thus, in the absence of TCR engagement. CONCLUSIONS Our study identifies CD6 as a novel 'on/off' scaffold-receptor capable of modulating responsiveness in two ways. Firstly, and independently of ligand binding, it establishes signaling thresholds through tonic inhibition, functioning as a membrane-bound scaffold. Secondly, CD6 has the capacity for alternative splicing-dependent variable ligand engagement, modulating its checkpoint-like activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita F Santos
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Porto, Porto, Portugal
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ESS - IPP School of Health, Polytechnic of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Annika de Sousa Linhares
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Steinberger
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Simon J Davis
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Medical Research Council, Human Immunology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Liliana Oliveira
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Porto, Porto, Portugal
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Alexandre M Carmo
- IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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Hao LY, Lerrer S, Song R, Goeckeritz M, Hu X, Mor A. Exclusion of PD-1 from the immune synapse: a novel strategy to modulate T cell function. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.16.566907. [PMID: 38014028 PMCID: PMC10680742 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.16.566907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Targeting immune checkpoint receptors on T cells is a common cancer treatment strategy. Frequently, this is accomplished through antibodies targeting the ligand of inhibitory co-receptors. Blocking the immune checkpoint PD-1 binding to its ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2 prevents downstream signaling and enhances anti-tumor T cell responses. This approach improved cancer patients' outcome. However, only one-third of the patients respond to these treatments. To better understand the mechanism of anti-PD-1 antibodies, we explored the location of PD-1 within the immune synapse. Surprisingly, we discovered that anti-PD-1 antibodies, besides blocking the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, also removed PD-1 from the synapse. We demonstrated a correlation between removing PD-1 from the synapse by anti-PD-1 antibodies and the extent of T cell activation. Interestingly, a short version of the anti-PD-1 antibody, F(ab') 2 , failed to remove PD-1 from the synapse and activate T cells. Using syngeneic tumor model, we showed a superior anti-tumor effect to anti-PD-1 antibody over the shorter version of the antibody. Our data indicates that anti-PD-1 antibodies activate T cells by removing PD-1 away from the synapse and changing the location of PD-1 or other immune receptors within immune synapse could serve as an alternative, efficient approach to treat cancer.
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Reth M. Discovering immunoreceptor coupling and organization motifs. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1253412. [PMID: 37731510 PMCID: PMC10507400 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1253412] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The recently determined cryo-EM structures of the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) and B cell antigen receptor (BCR) show in molecular details the interactions of the ligand-binding part with the signaling subunits but they do not reveal the signaling mechanism of these antigen receptors. Without knowing the molecular basis of antigen sensing by these receptors, a rational design of optimal vaccines is not possible. The existence of conserved amino acids (AAs) that are not involved in the subunit interaction suggests that antigen receptors form higher complexes and/or have lateral interactors that control their activity. Here, I describe evolutionary conserved leucine zipper (LZ) motifs within the transmembrane domains (TMD) of antigen and coreceptor components that are likely to be involved in the oligomerization and lateral interaction of antigen receptor complexes on T and B cells. These immunoreceptor coupling and organization motifs (ICOMs) are also found within the TMDs of other important receptor types and viral envelope proteins. This discovery suggests that antigen receptors do not function as isolated entities but rather as part of an ICOM-based interactome that controls their nanoscale organization on resting cells and their dynamic remodeling on activated lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Reth
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Biology III, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signaling Research Centers CIBSS and BIOSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Fernández-Aguilar LM, Vico-Barranco I, Arbulo-Echevarria MM, Aguado E. A Story of Kinases and Adaptors: The Role of Lck, ZAP-70 and LAT in Switch Panel Governing T-Cell Development and Activation. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1163. [PMID: 37759563 PMCID: PMC10525366 DOI: 10.3390/biology12091163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Specific antigen recognition is one of the immune system's features that allows it to mount intense yet controlled responses to an infinity of potential threats. T cells play a relevant role in the host defense and the clearance of pathogens by means of the specific recognition of peptide antigens presented by antigen-presenting cells (APCs), and, to do so, they are equipped with a clonally distributed antigen receptor called the T-cell receptor (TCR). Upon the specific engagement of the TCR, multiple intracellular signals are triggered, which lead to the activation, proliferation and differentiation of T lymphocytes into effector cells. In addition, this signaling cascade also operates during T-cell development, allowing for the generation of cells that can be helpful in the defense against threats, as well as preventing the generation of autoreactive cells. Early TCR signals include phosphorylation events in which the tyrosine kinases Lck and ZAP70 are involved. The sequential activation of these kinases leads to the phosphorylation of the transmembrane adaptor LAT, which constitutes a signaling hub for the generation of a signalosome, finally resulting in T-cell activation. These early signals play a relevant role in triggering the development, activation, proliferation and apoptosis of T cells, and the negative regulation of these signals is key to avoid aberrant processes that could generate inappropriate cellular responses and disease. In this review, we will examine and discuss the roles of the tyrosine kinases Lck and ZAP70 and the membrane adaptor LAT in these cellular processes.
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Grants
- PY20_01297 Consejería de Transformación Económica, Industria, Conocimiento y Universidades, Junta de Andalucía, Spain
- PID2020-113943RB-I00 Agencia Estatal de Investigación, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Spain
- PR2022-037 University of Cádiz
- PAIDI2020/DOC_01433 Consejería de Transformación Económica, Industria, Conocimiento y Universidades, Junta de Andalucía, Spain
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis M. Fernández-Aguilar
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Cadiz (INIBICA), 11009 Cadiz, Spain; (L.M.F.-A.); (I.V.-B.); (M.M.A.-E.)
- Department of Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Public Health (Immunology), University of Cadiz, 11002 Cadiz, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Vico-Barranco
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Cadiz (INIBICA), 11009 Cadiz, Spain; (L.M.F.-A.); (I.V.-B.); (M.M.A.-E.)
- Department of Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Public Health (Immunology), University of Cadiz, 11002 Cadiz, Spain
| | - Mikel M. Arbulo-Echevarria
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Cadiz (INIBICA), 11009 Cadiz, Spain; (L.M.F.-A.); (I.V.-B.); (M.M.A.-E.)
- Department of Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Public Health (Immunology), University of Cadiz, 11002 Cadiz, Spain
| | - Enrique Aguado
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Cadiz (INIBICA), 11009 Cadiz, Spain; (L.M.F.-A.); (I.V.-B.); (M.M.A.-E.)
- Department of Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Public Health (Immunology), University of Cadiz, 11002 Cadiz, Spain
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Chen E, Mo Y, Yi J, Liu J, Luo T, Li Z, Lin Z, Hu Y, Zou Z, Liu J. A novel hepatocellular carcinoma-specific mTORC1-related signature for anticipating prognosis and immunotherapy. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:7933-7955. [PMID: 37589508 PMCID: PMC10497017 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204862] [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: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Tumor oncogenesis, cancer metastasis, and immune evasion were substantially impacted by the mammalian target of the rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway. However, in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), no mTORC1 signaling-based gene signature has ever been published. mTORC1 scores were computed employing a single sample gene set enrichment analysis based on databases including the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The PAG1, LHFPL2, and FABP5 expression levels were obtained to construct a mTORC1 pathway-related model. In two databases, the overall survival (OS) rate was shorter for high-mTORC1 score patients compared to those with low scores. The activation of TFs in the group with high risk was enhanced, such as the HIF-1 pathway. Additionally, it was discovered that a high mTORC1 score was linked to an immune exclusion phenotype and enhanced immunosuppressive cell infiltration. Notably, it was discovered that high-mTORC1 scores patients had poorer immunotherapeutic results and might not gain benefit from immunotherapy. When compared to the low HCC metastatic cell lines, the high HCC metastatic cell lines have overexpressed levels of PAG1, LHFPL2, and FABP5 expression. The expression of PAG1, LHFPL2, and FABP5 was inhibited by the MAPK and mTORC1 pathway inhibitors. Our study identified mTORC1 score signature can aid in the development of individualized immunotherapy protocols and predict the HCC patients' prognoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erbao Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuqian Mo
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Yi
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Ting Luo
- Operating Room, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zewei Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yibing Hu
- Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhilin Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jikui Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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Saadi W, Fatmi A, Pallardó FV, García-Giménez JL, Mena-Molla S. Long Non-Coding RNAs as Epigenetic Regulators of Immune Checkpoints in Cancer Immunity. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010184. [PMID: 36612180 PMCID: PMC9819025 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, cancer treatment has undergone significant changes, predominantly in the shift towards immunotherapeutic strategies using immune checkpoint inhibitors. Despite the clinical efficacy of many of these inhibitors, the overall response rate remains modest, and immunotherapies for many cancers have proved ineffective, highlighting the importance of knowing the tumor microenvironment and heterogeneity of each malignancy in patients. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have attracted increasing attention for their ability to control various biological processes by targeting different molecular pathways. Some lncRNAs have a regulatory role in immune checkpoints, suggesting they might be utilized as a target for immune checkpoint treatment. The focus of this review is to describe relevant lncRNAs and their targets and functions to understand key regulatory mechanisms that may contribute in regulating immune checkpoints. We also provide the state of the art on super-enhancers lncRNAs (selncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), which have recently been reported as modulators of immune checkpoint molecules within the framework of human cancer. Other feasible mechanisms of interaction between lncRNAs and immune checkpoints are also reported, along with the use of miRNAs and circRNAs, in generating new tumor immune microenvironments, which can further help avoid tumor evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiam Saadi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Nature, Life and Earth Sciences, University of Djillali Bounaama, Khemis Miliana 44225, Algeria
- Correspondence: (W.S.); (S.M.-M.)
| | - Ahlam Fatmi
- INCLIVA Health Research Institute, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Federico V. Pallardó
- INCLIVA Health Research Institute, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - José Luis García-Giménez
- INCLIVA Health Research Institute, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Salvador Mena-Molla
- INCLIVA Health Research Institute, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence: (W.S.); (S.M.-M.)
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Strazza M, Moore EK, Adam K, Azoulay-Alfaguter I, Mor A. Neutralization of the adaptor protein PAG by monoclonal antibody limits murine tumor growth. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 27:380-390. [PMID: 36419471 PMCID: PMC9664140 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.10.012] [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: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The transmembrane adaptor phosphoprotein associated with glycosphingolipid-enriched microdomains 1 (PAG) is phosphorylated in T cells downstream of PD-1 signaling and contributes to the resulting functional inhibition of multiple cellular processes. Furthermore, PAG expression is negatively correlated with survival in multiple human tumors and is a driver of murine tumor growth and immune evasion. Here we develop an antibody that targets the extracellular domain of human PAG, with cross-reactivity to murine PAG. We demonstrate that this antibody binds to extracellular PAG on intact cells and affects T cell activation. Finally, we show that administration of anti-PAG monoclonal antibody in combination with anti-PD-1 antibody to mice bearing MC38 tumors limited tumor growth and enhanced T cell infiltration to tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Strazza
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Emily K. Moore
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Kieran Adam
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | - Adam Mor
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Moore EK, Strazza M, Mor A. Combination Approaches to Target PD-1 Signaling in Cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:927265. [PMID: 35911672 PMCID: PMC9330480 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.927265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains the second leading cause of death in the US, accounting for 25% of all deaths nationwide. Immunotherapy techniques bolster the immune cells' ability to target malignant cancer cells and have brought immense improvements in the field of cancer treatments. One important inhibitory protein in T cells, programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), has become an invaluable target for cancer immunotherapy. While anti-PD-1 antibody therapy is extremely successful in some patients, in others it fails or even causes further complications, including cancer hyper-progression and immune-related adverse events. Along with countless translational studies of the PD-1 signaling pathway, there are currently close to 5,000 clinical trials for antibodies against PD-1 and its ligand, PD-L1, around 80% of which investigate combinations with other therapies. Nevertheless, more work is needed to better understand the PD-1 signaling pathway and to facilitate new and improved evidence-based combination strategies. In this work, we consolidate recent discoveries of PD-1 signaling mediators and their therapeutic potential in combination with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents. We focus on the phosphatases SHP2 and PTPN2; the kinases ITK, VRK2, GSK-3, and CDK4/6; and the signaling adaptor protein PAG. We discuss their biology both in cancer cells and T cells, with a focus on their role in relation to PD-1 to determine their potential in therapeutic combinations. The literature discussed here was obtained from a search of the published literature and ClinicalTrials.gov with the following key terms: checkpoint inhibition, cancer immunotherapy, PD-1, PD-L1, SHP2, PTPN2, ITK, VRK2, CDK4/6, GSK-3, and PAG. Together, we find that all of these proteins are logical and promising targets for combination therapy, and that with a deeper mechanistic understanding they have potential to improve the response rate and decrease adverse events when thoughtfully used in combination with checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily K. Moore
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Marianne Strazza
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Adam Mor
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
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