1
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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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2
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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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3
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Gray CC, Armstead BE, Chung CS, Chen Y, Ayala A. VISTA nonredundantly regulates proliferation and CD69low γδ T cell accumulation in the intestine in murine sepsis. J Leukoc Biol 2024; 115:1005-1019. [PMID: 38035776 PMCID: PMC11135620 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad149] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is a dysregulated systemic immune response to infection i.e. responsible for ∼35% of in-hospital deaths at a significant fiscal healthcare cost. Our laboratory, among others, has demonstrated the efficacy of targeting negative checkpoint regulators (NCRs) to improve survival in a murine model of sepsis, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). B7-CD28 superfamily member, V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA), is an ideal candidate for strategic targeting in sepsis. VISTA is a 35 to 45 kDa type 1 transmembrane protein with unique biology that sets it apart from all other NCRs. We recently reported that VISTA-/- mice had a significant survival deficit post-CLP, which was rescued upon adoptive transfer of a VISTA-expressing pMSCV-mouse Foxp3-EF1α-GFP-T2A-puro stable Jurkat cell line (Jurkatfoxp3 T cells). Based on our prior study, we investigated the effector cell target of Jurkatfoxp3 T cells in VISTA-/- mice. γδ T cells are a powerful lymphoid subpopulation that require regulatory fine-tuning by regulatory T cells to prevent overt inflammation/pathology. In this study, we hypothesized that Jurkatfoxp3 T cells nonredundantly modulate the γδ T cell population post-CLP. We found that VISTA-/- mice have an increased accumulation of intestinal CD69low γδ T cells, which are not protective in murine sepsis. Adoptive transfer of Jurkatfoxp3 T cells decreased the intestinal γδ T cell population, suppressed proliferation, skewed remaining γδ T cells toward a CD69high phenotype, and increased soluble CD40L in VISTA-/- mice post-CLP. These results support a potential regulatory mechanism by which VISTA skews intestinal γδ T cell lineage representation in murine sepsis.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Sepsis/immunology
- Mice
- Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte/genetics
- Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte/metabolism
- Antigens, CD/metabolism
- Antigens, CD/genetics
- Cell Proliferation
- Humans
- Lectins, C-Type/metabolism
- Lectins, C-Type/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/metabolism
- Mice, Knockout
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Intestines/immunology
- Intestines/pathology
- Jurkat Cells
- Intraepithelial Lymphocytes/immunology
- Intraepithelial Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Membrane Proteins/genetics
- Membrane Proteins/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Chyna C Gray
- Division of Surgical Research, Department of Surgery, Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903, United States
| | - Brandon E Armstead
- Division of Surgical Research, Department of Surgery, Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903, United States
- Pathobiology Graduate Program, Brown University, Box G-B495, Providence, RI 02912, United States
| | - Chun-Shiang Chung
- Division of Surgical Research, Department of Surgery, Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903, United States
| | - Yaping Chen
- Division of Surgical Research, Department of Surgery, Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903, United States
| | - Alfred Ayala
- Division of Surgical Research, Department of Surgery, Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903, United States
- Pathobiology Graduate Program, Brown University, Box G-B495, Providence, RI 02912, United States
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4
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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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5
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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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6
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Kim TK, Han X, Hu Q, Vandsemb EN, Fielder CM, Hong J, Kim KW, Mason EF, Plowman RS, Wang J, Wang Q, Zhang JP, Badri T, Sanmamed MF, Zheng L, Zhang T, Alawa J, Lee SW, Zeidan AM, Halene S, Pillai MM, Chandhok NS, Lu J, Xu ML, Gore SD, Chen L. PD-1H/VISTA mediates immune evasion in acute myeloid leukemia. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e164325. [PMID: 38060328 PMCID: PMC10836799 DOI: 10.1172/jci164325] [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: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) presents a pressing medical need in that it is largely resistant to standard chemotherapy as well as modern therapeutics, such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy, including anti-programmed cell death protein (anti-PD) therapy. We demonstrate that programmed death-1 homolog (PD-1H), an immune coinhibitory molecule, is highly expressed in blasts from the bone marrow of AML patients, while normal myeloid cell subsets and T cells express PD-1H. In studies employing syngeneic and humanized AML mouse models, overexpression of PD-1H promoted the growth of AML cells, mainly by evading T cell-mediated immune responses. Importantly, ablation of AML cell-surface PD-1H by antibody blockade or genetic knockout significantly inhibited AML progression by promoting T cell activity. In addition, the genetic deletion of PD-1H from host normal myeloid cells inhibited AML progression, and the combination of PD-1H blockade with anti-PD therapy conferred a synergistic antileukemia effect. Our findings provide the basis for PD-1H as a potential therapeutic target for treating human AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Kon Kim
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine
- Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology, and
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Section of Medical Oncology
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Xue Han
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, OSUCCC–James Cancer Hospital
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Qianni Hu
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine
| | - Esten N. Vandsemb
- Department of Acute Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Junshik Hong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - Emily F. Mason
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | - R. Skipper Plowman
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Qi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jian-Ping Zhang
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Ti Badri
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Miguel F. Sanmamed
- Division of Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Linghua Zheng
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, OSUCCC–James Cancer Hospital
| | - Tianxiang Zhang
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jude Alawa
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sang Won Lee
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | | | | | - Namrata S. Chandhok
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of Genetics and
| | - Mina L. Xu
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Steven D. Gore
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medicine, and
- National Cancer Institute, Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, Investigational Drug Branch, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Lieping Chen
- Section of Medical Oncology
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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7
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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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8
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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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9
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Yang L, Zhang T, Wang P, Chen W, Liu W, He X, Zhang Y, Jin S, Luo Z, Zhang Z, Wang X, Liu J. Imatinib and M351-0056 enhance the function of VISTA and ameliorate the development of SLE via IFN-I and noncanonical NF-κB pathway. Cell Biol Toxicol 2023; 39:3287-3304. [PMID: 37804401 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-023-09833-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA), an important negative checkpoint protein, participates in immunoregulation. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which patients exhibit high levels of autoantibodies and multi-organ tissue injury, primarily involving the kidney and skin. In wild-type (WT) mice and Vsir-/- mice with pristane-induced lupus-like disease, we found that VISTA deficiency exacerbated the lupus-like disease in mice, possibly through aberrant activation of type I interferon (IFN-I) signaling, CD4+ T cell, and noncanonical nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. Surface plasmon resonance results showed that imatinib, an FDA-approved tyrosine kinase inhibitor, may have a high affinity for human VISTA-ECD with a KD value of 0.2009 μM. The biological activities of imatinib and VISTA agonist M351-0056 were studied in monocytes and T cells and in lupus-like disease murine model of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) and lupus-prone MRL/lpr mice. VISTA small-molecule agonist reduced the cytokine production of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and Jurkat cells and inhibited PBMCs proliferation. Moreover, they attenuated the levels of autoantibodies, renal injury, inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and immune cell expansion in the cGVHD mouse model and MRL/lpr mice. Our findings also demonstrated that VISTA small-molecule agonist ameliorated the development of SLE through improving aberrantly activated IFN-I signaling and noncanonical NF-κB pathway. In conclusion, VISTA has a protective effect on the development and progression of SLE. VISTA agonist M351-0056 and imatinib have been firstly demonstrated to attenuate SLE, suggesting interventions to enhance VISTA function may be effective in treating SLE. VISTA deficiency exacerbates pristane-induced lupus-like disease in mice by promoting activation of the IFN-I and noncanonical NF-κB pathway. Imatinib was screened as a small-molecule VISTA agonist by molecular docking, SPR, and cellular level experiments. VISTA agonists (M351-0056 and imatinib) alleviated lupus-like disease progression in the cGVHD mouse model and MRL/lpr mice by inhibiting activation of IFN-I and noncanonical NF-κB pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yang
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Penglu Wang
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Wenting Chen
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Wanmei Liu
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xiaoyu He
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Shasha Jin
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zhijie Luo
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zunjian Zhang
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Xinzhi Wang
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Jun Liu
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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10
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Torki E, Gharezade A, Doroudchi M, Sheikhi S, Mansury D, Sullman MJM, Fouladseresht H. The kinetics of inhibitory immune checkpoints during and post-COVID-19: the knowns and unknowns. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:3299-3319. [PMID: 37697158 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01188-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: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
The immune system is tightly regulated to prevent immune reactions to self-antigens and to avoid excessive immune responses during and after challenges from non-self-antigens. Inhibitory immune checkpoints (IICPs), as the major regulators of immune system responses, are extremely important for maintaining the homeostasis of cells and tissues. However, the high and sustained co-expression of IICPs in chronic infections, under persistent antigenic stimulations, results in reduced immune cell functioning and more severe and prolonged disease complications. Furthermore, IICPs-mediated interactions can be hijacked by pathogens in order to evade immune induction or effector mechanisms. Therefore, IICPs can be potential targets for the prognosis and treatment of chronic infectious diseases. This is especially the case with regards to the most challenging infectious disease of recent times, coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), whose long-term complications can persist long after recovery. This article reviews the current knowledge about the kinetics and functioning of the IICPs during and post-COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ensiye Torki
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Arezou Gharezade
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mehrnoosh Doroudchi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shima Sheikhi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Davood Mansury
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mark J M Sullman
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Hamed Fouladseresht
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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11
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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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12
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Fu J, Li S, Ma H, Yang J, Pagnotti GM, Brown LM, Weiss SJ, Mapara MY, Lentzsch S. The checkpoint inhibitor PD-1H/VISTA controls osteoclast-mediated multiple myeloma bone disease. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4271. [PMID: 37460553 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39769-8] [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: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma bone disease is characterized by the development of osteolytic bone lesions. Recent work identified matrix metalloproteinase 13 as a myeloma-derived fusogen that induces osteoclast activation independent of its proteolytic activity. We now identify programmed death-1 homolog, PD-1H, as the bona fide MMP-13 receptor on osteoclasts. Silencing PD-1H or using Pd-1h-/- bone marrow cells abrogates the MMP-13-enhanced osteoclast fusion and bone-resorptive activity. Further, PD-1H interacts with the actin cytoskeleton and plays a necessary role in supporting c-Src activation and sealing zone formation. The critical role of PD-1H in myeloma lytic bone lesions was confirmed using a Pd-1h-/- myeloma bone disease mouse model wherein myeloma cells injected into Pd-1h-/-Rag2-/- results in attenuated bone destruction. Our findings identify a role of PD-1H in bone biology independent of its known immunoregulatory functions and suggest that targeting the MMP-13/PD-1H axis may represent a potential approach for the treatment of myeloma associated osteolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Fu
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Department of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shirong Li
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Department of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Huihui Ma
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Department of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jun Yang
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Department of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gabriel M Pagnotti
- Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- University of Texas-MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lewis M Brown
- Quantitative Proteomics and Metabolomics Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephen J Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine, Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Markus Y Mapara
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Department of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, New York, NY, USA
| | - Suzanne Lentzsch
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Department of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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13
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Chmiel P, Gęca K, Michalski A, Kłosińska M, Kaczyńska A, Polkowski WP, Pelc Z, Skórzewska M. Vista of the Future: Novel Immunotherapy Based on the Human V-Set Immunoregulatory Receptor for Digestive System Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9945. [PMID: 37373091 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129945] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
While gastrointestinal tumors remain a multifactorial and prevalent group of malignancies commonly treated surgically in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, advancements regarding immunotherapeutic approaches continue to occur. Entering a new era of immunotherapy focused on overcoming resistance to preceding therapies caused the emergence of new therapeutic strategies. A promising solution surfaces with a V-domain Ig suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA), a negative regulator of a T-cell function expressed in hematopoietic cells. Due to VISTA's ability to act as both a ligand and a receptor, several therapeutic approaches can be potentially developed. A broad expression of VISTA was discovered on various tumor-growth-controlling cells, which proved to increase in specific tumor microenvironment (TME) conditions, thus serving as a rationale behind the development of new VISTA-targeting. Nevertheless, VISTA's ligands and signaling pathways are still not fully understood. The uncertain results of clinical trials suggest the need for future examining inhibitor agents for VISTA and implicating a double immunotherapeutic blockade. However, more research is needed before the breakthrough can be achieved. This review discusses perspectives and novel approaches presented in the current literature. Based on the results of the ongoing studies, VISTA might be considered a potential target in combined therapy, especially for treating gastrointestinal malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Chmiel
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 13 St., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Gęca
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 13 St., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Adam Michalski
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 13 St., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Martyna Kłosińska
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 13 St., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Kaczyńska
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 13 St., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Wojciech P Polkowski
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 13 St., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Pelc
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 13 St., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Magdalena Skórzewska
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 13 St., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
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14
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Yuan D, Zhang Y, Liu W, He X, Chen W, Liu L, Yang L, Wang Y, Wu Y, Liu J. Transcriptome profiling reveals transcriptional regulation of VISTA in T cell activation. Mol Immunol 2023; 157:101-111. [PMID: 37004501 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.03.021] [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: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA) is a novel type of immune checkpoint. This study was performed to explore the potential mechanism by which different domains of VISTA affect T-cell activation and search for potential interacting proteins. METHODS Stably transfected Jurkat cell lines were constructed to overexpress human VISTA (VISTA-FL), cytoplasmic domain deletion mutants (VISTA-ΔECD) and extracellular domain deletion mutants (VISTA- ΔCD). Empty vector (EV) control cell lines were constructed. Four stable cell lines were subjected to transcriptome sequencing after stimulation with PMA and PHA. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analysed to explore the potential pathway by which VISTA inhibits T-cell activation. Proteinprotein interaction (PPI) network analysis was used to search for potential interacting proteins of VISTA. RESULTS In this study, 1256 DEGs were identified in Jurkat-VISTA-FL cells, 740 DEGs in Jurkat-VISTA-ΔCD cells, and 5605 DEGs in Jurkat-VISTA-ΔECD cells compared with Jurkat-EV cells. DEGs were mainly enriched in pathways related to T-cell differentiation, T-cell receptor signalling pathway and T-cell migration in Jurkat-VISTA-ΔECD cells; with cholesterol biosynthesis in Jurkat-VISTA-ΔCD cells; and with the inflammatory response in Jurkat-VISTA-FL cells. HHLA2 and CTH were identified as potential partners that interact directly with VISTA. The results also show an indirect interaction between VISTA and PSGL-1. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed the pathways by which VISTA is involved in T-cell activation and identified the potential binding partners of VISTA through RNA-seq, providing valuable resources for developing in-depth studies of the action mechanisms of VISTA as a potential target for cancer and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingyi Yuan
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Wanmei Liu
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiaoyu He
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Wenting Chen
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Liu Liu
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Lu Yang
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yixin Wang
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yinhao Wu
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jun Liu
- New Drug Screening Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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15
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Mortezaee K, Majidpoor J, Najafi S. VISTA immune regulatory effects in bypassing cancer immunotherapy: Updated. Life Sci 2022; 310:121083. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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16
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Anderson TS, Wooster AL, Piersall SL, Okpalanwaka IF, Lowe DB. Disrupting cancer angiogenesis and immune checkpoint networks for improved tumor immunity. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:981-996. [PMID: 35149179 PMCID: PMC9357867 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have advanced the field of cancer immunotherapy in patients by sustaining effector immune cell activity within the tumor microenvironment. However, the approach in general is still faced with issues related to ICI response duration/resistance, treatment eligibility, and safety, which indicates a need for further refinements. As immune checkpoint upregulation is inextricably linked to cancer-induced angiogenesis, newer clinical efforts have demonstrated the feasibility of disrupting both tumor-promoting networks to mediate enhanced immune-driven protection. This review focuses on such key evidence stipulating the necessity of co-applying ICI and anti-angiogenic strategies in cancer patients, with particular interest in highlighting newer engineered antibody approaches that may provide theoretically superior multi-pronged and safe therapeutic combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor S Anderson
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, 79601, United States
| | - Amanda L Wooster
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, 79601, United States
| | - Savanna L Piersall
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, 79601, United States
| | - Izuchukwu F Okpalanwaka
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, 79601, United States
| | - Devin B Lowe
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, 79601, United States.
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17
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Zheng S, Zhang K, Zhang X, Xiao Y, Wang T, Jiang S. Development of Inhibitors Targeting the V-Domain Ig Suppressor of T Cell Activation Signal Pathway. J Med Chem 2022; 65:11900-11912. [PMID: 36083840 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Blockade of cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death-1/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) has produced considerable therapeutic effect, but only in a fraction of patients, so more targets are being investigated. VISTA (V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation) is a novel immune checkpoint that is broadly expressed within hematopoietic cells and multiple cancers (low expressing frequency on solid tumors), particularly those with a poor immunotherapy response rate. As a result, VISTA has been identified as an appealing target for immunotherapy, and several VISTA inhibitors are currently in clinical and preclinical trials. In this review, the structural features and binding partners of VISTA are summarized, and we describe the latest developments of monoclonal antibodies and small molecules targeting VISTA as well as possible future directions for development of therapies targeting VISTA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Zheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Kuojun Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yibei Xiao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Tianyu Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Sheng Jiang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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18
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Tang XY, Xiong YL, Shi XG, Zhao YB, Shi AP, Zheng KF, Liu YJ, Jiang T, Ma N, Zhao JB. IGSF11 and VISTA: a pair of promising immune checkpoints in tumor immunotherapy. Biomark Res 2022; 10:49. [PMID: 35831836 PMCID: PMC9277907 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-022-00394-0] [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: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has become the major treatment for tumors in clinical practice, but some intractable problems such as the low response rate and high rates of immune-related adverse events still hinder the progress of tumor immunotherapy. Hence, it is essential to explore additional immunotherapy treatment targets. In this review, we focus on the structure, expression and expression-related mechanisms, interactions, biological functions and the progress in preclinical/clinical research of IGSF11 and VISTA in tumors. We cover the progress in recent research with this pair of immune checkpoints in tumor immune regulation, proliferation, immune resistance and predictive prognosis. Both IGSF11 and VISTA are highly expressed in tumors and are modulated by various factors. They co-participate in the functional regulation of immune cells and the inhibition of cytokine production. Besides, in the downregulation of IGSF11 and VISTA, both inhibit the growth of some tumors. Preclinical and clinical trials all emphasize the predictive role of IGSF11 and VISTA in the prognosis of tumors, and that the predictive role of the same gene varies from tumor to tumor. At present, further research is proving the enormous potential of IGSF11 and VISTA in tumors, and especially the role of VISTA in tumor immune resistance. This may prove to be a breakthrough to solve the current clinical immune resistance, and most importantly, since research has focused on VISTA but less on IGSF11, IGSF11 may be the next candidate for tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Yang Tang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yan-Lu Xiong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xian-Gui Shi
- College of Basic Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ya-Bo Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - An-Ping Shi
- Department of Radiology & Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Lab of Shaanxi Province, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University (Air Force Medical University), 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kai-Fu Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yu-Jian Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Nan Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, 710038, Xi'an, China.
| | - Jin-Bo Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China.
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19
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Chen W, Qie C, Hu X, Wang L, Jiang J, Liu W, Liu J. A small molecule inhibitor of VSIG-8 prevents its binding to VISTA. Invest New Drugs 2022; 40:690-699. [DOI: 10.1007/s10637-022-01244-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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20
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Hu L, Chen L, Xiao Z, Zheng X, Chen Y, Xian N, Cho C, Luo L, Huang G, Chen L. Ablation of T cell-associated PD-1H enhances functionality and promotes adoptive immunotherapy. JCI Insight 2021; 7:148247. [PMID: 34905507 PMCID: PMC8855794 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.148247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed death-1 homolog (PD-1H) is a co-inhibitory molecule that negatively regulates T cell-mediated immune responses. In this study, we determined whether ablation of T cell-associated PD-1H could enhance adoptive T cell therapy in experimental tumor models. The expression of PD-1H is up-regulated in activated and tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells. Activated CD8+ T cells from PD-1H deficient (KO) mice exhibited increased cell proliferation, cytokine production and anti-tumor activity in vitro. Adoptive transfer of PD-1H-KO CD8+ T cells resulted in the regression of established syngeneic mouse tumors. Similar results were obtained when PD-1H was ablated in T cells by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene silencing. Furthermore, ablation of PD-1H in CAR-T cells significantly improved their anti-tumor activity against human xenografts in vivo. Our results indicate that T cell-associated PD-1H could suppress immunity in the tumor microenvironment and targeting PD-1H may improve T cell adoptive immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Hu
- Institute of Immunotherapy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ling Chen
- Institute of Immunotherapy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zexiu Xiao
- Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xu Zheng
- Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuangui Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Na Xian
- Institute of Immunotherapy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Christina Cho
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University, New Haven, United States of America
| | - Liqun Luo
- Institute of Immunotherapy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Gangxiong Huang
- Institute of Immunotherapy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lieping Chen
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University, New Haven, United States of America
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21
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Cao Y, Chen C, Tao Y, Lin W, Wang P. Immunotherapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:2003. [PMID: 34959285 PMCID: PMC8705248 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13122003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by extensive tumor heterogeneity at both the pathologic and molecular levels, particularly accelerated aggressiveness, and terrible metastasis. It is responsible for the increased mortality of breast cancer patients. Due to the negative expression of estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, the progress of targeted therapy has been hindered. Higher immune response in TNBCs than for other breast cancer types makes immunotherapy suitable for TNBC therapy. At present, promising treatments in immunotherapy of TNBC include immune checkpoints (ICs) blockade therapy, adoptive T-cell immunotherapy, and tumor vaccine immunotherapy. In addition, nanomedicines exhibit great potential in cancer therapy through the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Immunotherapy-involved combination therapy may exert synergistic effects by combining with other treatments, such as traditional chemotherapy and new treatments, including photodynamic therapy (PTT), photodynamic therapy (PDT), and sonodynamic therapy (SDT). This review focuses on introducing the principles and latest development as well as progress in using nanocarriers as drug-delivery systems for the immunotherapy of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Cao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; (C.C.); (Y.T.)
| | - Chuyang Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; (C.C.); (Y.T.)
| | - Yi Tao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; (C.C.); (Y.T.)
| | - Weifeng Lin
- Department of Molecular Chemistry and Materials Science, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel;
| | - Ping Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; (C.C.); (Y.T.)
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22
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Gameiro A, Nascimento C, Correia J, Ferreira F. VISTA Is a Diagnostic Biomarker and Immunotherapy Target of Aggressive Feline Mammary Carcinoma Subtypes. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215559. [PMID: 34771722 PMCID: PMC8583306 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Mammary tumors are common in cats, showing aggressive behavior and few therapeutic options. Recently, feline mammary carcinomas have become a reliable cancer model for human breast cancer studies, due to the similarities between the two species. Thus, the identification of new tumor biomarkers and therapeutic targets to improve cat’s prognosis is needed. VISTA is an important immune checkpoint protein that has gained importance over the past few years in women’s cancers. In this study, the serum VISTA levels and tumor expression were analyzed in cats with mammary tumors, being correlated with other immune checkpoints. In the diseased animals, VISTA is overexpressed in more aggressive tumor subtypes (HER2-positive and triple-negative), showing a positive correlation with the expression of VISTA in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and is associated with an immunosuppressive status, suggesting that VISTA could be a promising non-invasive prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in cats with mammary carcinomas, as reported in humans. Abstract Feline mammary carcinoma (FMC) is a common neoplasia, showing aggressive clinicopathological features, without viable therapeutic options. The study of tumor microenvironment has gained importance, due to the ability to control tumor progression by regulating the immune response. Considering the lack of knowledge, feline serum VISTA levels from cats with mammary carcinoma were compared with healthy controls, and with serum levels of PD-1/PD-L1, CTLA-4, LAG-3, IL-6, and TNF-α. In parallel, VISTA tumor expression was evaluated in FMC samples. The obtained data revealed that serum VISTA levels were significantly higher in cats presenting HER2-positive (p = 0.0025) or triple-negative subtypes (p = 0.0019), with higher serum levels in luminal A (p = 0.0025) correlated to the presence of metastasis (p = 0.0471). Furthermore, in HER2-positive or triple-negative tumors, correlations were obtained between serum VISTA levels and the serum levels of the above-mentioned molecules. In tumors, VISTA expression revealed a stronger intensity in cancer cells, when compared to TILs (p < 0.0001). Stratifying the samples by subtypes, a higher number of VISTA-positive TILs was observed in the HER2-positive subtype, compared with triple-negative tumors (p = 0.0138). In conclusion, results support the development of therapeutic strategies for HER2-positive and triple-negative FMC subtypes, reinforcing the use of cats as a human oncology model.
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23
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Wu C, Cao X, Zhang X. VISTA inhibitors in cancer immunotherapy: a short perspective on recent progresses. RSC Med Chem 2021; 12:1672-1679. [PMID: 34778768 PMCID: PMC8528208 DOI: 10.1039/d1md00185j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
V-domain immunoglobulin (Ig) suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) is a novel negative checkpoint regulator that mediates T cell proliferation and cytokine production. The VISTA signaling pathway blockade has been proved as a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy. Recent VISTA sequence analysis and crystal structure investigations have revealed its independent and unique function as compared with B7 family members, such as PD-1. This review will discuss VISTA binding partners and compare the structural differences between VISTA and other B7 family members, focusing on VISTA functions in immune activation and maintaining T cell quiescence. Recent progress and the therapeutic potential of biomacromolecules, such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and small molecules targeting VISTA, are also discussed. Among these, a first-in-class small-molecule antagonist, CA-170, is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyang Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, and Department of Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 211198 China
| | - Xin Cao
- Institute of Clinical Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai 200032 China
| | - Xiaojin Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, and Department of Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 211198 China
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24
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Im E, Sim DY, Lee HJ, Park JE, Park WY, Ko S, Kim B, Shim BS, Kim SH. Immune functions as a ligand or a receptor, cancer prognosis potential, clinical implication of VISTA in cancer immunotherapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 86:1066-1075. [PMID: 34428551 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Since cancer immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors of PD/PDL-1 and CTLA-4 limited efficacy to the patients due to resistance during the current decade, novel target is required for customized treatment due to tumor heterogeneity. V-domain Ig-containing suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA), a programmed death protein-1(PD-1) homolog expressed on T cells and on antigen presenting cells(APC), has emerged as a new target in several cancers. Though VISTA inhibitors including CA-170 are considered attractive in cancer immunotherapy to date, the information on VISTA as a potent biomarker of cancer prognosis and its combination therapy is still lacking to date. Thus, in this review, we discussed extracellular domain, ligands, expression, immune functions and clinical implications of VISTA and finally suggested conclusion and perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunji Im
- Cancer Molecular Target Herbal Research Lab, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Deok Yong Sim
- Cancer Molecular Target Herbal Research Lab, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Jung Lee
- Cancer Molecular Target Herbal Research Lab, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Eon Park
- Cancer Molecular Target Herbal Research Lab, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Woon Yi Park
- Cancer Molecular Target Herbal Research Lab, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - SeongGyu Ko
- Cancer Molecular Target Herbal Research Lab, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Bonglee Kim
- Cancer Molecular Target Herbal Research Lab, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Bum Sang Shim
- Cancer Molecular Target Herbal Research Lab, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sung-Hoon Kim
- Cancer Molecular Target Herbal Research Lab, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.
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25
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Hosseinkhani N, Derakhshani A, Shadbad MA, Argentiero A, Racanelli V, Kazemi T, Mokhtarzadeh A, Brunetti O, Silvestris N, Baradaran B. The Role of V-Domain Ig Suppressor of T Cell Activation (VISTA) in Cancer Therapy: Lessons Learned and the Road Ahead. Front Immunol 2021; 12:676181. [PMID: 34093577 PMCID: PMC8172140 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.676181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoints (ICs) have pivotal roles in regulating immune responses. The inhibitory ICs in the tumor microenvironment (TME) have been implicated in the immune evasion of tumoral cells. Therefore, identifying and targeting these inhibitory ICs might be critical for eliminating tumoral cells. V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) is a novel inhibitory IC that is expressed on myeloid cells, lymphoid cells, and tumoral cells; therefore, VISTA can substantially regulate innate and adaptive anti-tumoral immune responses. Besides, growing evidence indicates that VISTA blockade can enhance the sensitivity of tumoral cells to conventional IC-based immunotherapy, e.g., cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) inhibitors. In this regard, the current study aimed to review the current evidence about the structure and expression pattern of VISTA, its role in TME, the clinicopathological significance of VISTA, and its prognostic values in various cancers. Besides, this review intended to collect the lessons from the recent pre-clinical and clinical studies and propose a strategy to overcome tumor immune-resistance states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negar Hosseinkhani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Afshin Derakhshani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II" of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Mahdi Abdoli Shadbad
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Antonella Argentiero
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II" of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Racanelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Tohid Kazemi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ahad Mokhtarzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Oronzo Brunetti
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II" of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Silvestris
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II" of Bari, Bari, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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26
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Yum JEI, Hong YK. Terminating Cancer by Blocking VISTA as a Novel Immunotherapy: Hasta la vista, baby. Front Oncol 2021; 11:658488. [PMID: 33937071 PMCID: PMC8085549 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.658488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
VISTA is an up-and-coming immune checkpoint molecule that can become the target of new cancer immunotherapy treatments. Immune cells in the tumor microenvironment can largely influence the progression of cancer through inhibitory and stimulatory pathways. Indeed, VISTA is expressed on many immune cells, including T cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, tumor-associated macrophages, and dendritic cells. VISTA has predominantly been shown to act in an immune-suppressing manner that enables cancer progression. This review will delve into results from preclinical murine studies of anti-VISTA monoclonal antibody treatments, bring together recent studies that detect VISTA expression on immune cells from patient tumors of various cancers, and discuss ongoing clinical trials involving VISTA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Eun Irene Yum
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Young-Kwon Hong
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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27
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VISTA: A Mediator of Quiescence and a Promising Target in Cancer Immunotherapy. Trends Immunol 2021; 42:209-227. [PMID: 33495077 PMCID: PMC8088836 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2020.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) is a B7 family member that maintains T cell and myeloid quiescence and is a promising target for combination cancer immunotherapy. During inflammatory challenges, VISTA activity reprograms macrophages towards reduced production of proinflammatory cytokines and increased production of interleukin (IL)-10 and other anti-inflammatory mediators. The interaction of VISTA with its ligands is regulated by pH, and the acidic pH ~6.0 in the tumor microenvironment (TME) facilitates VISTA binding to P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (PSGL-1). Targeting intratumoral pH might be a way to reduce the immunoinhibitory activity of the VISTA pathway and enhance antitumor immune responses. We review differences among VISTA therapeutics under development as candidate immunotherapies, focusing on VISTA binding partners and the unique structural features of this interaction.
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28
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Sasikumar PG, Ramachandra M. Peptide and peptide-inspired checkpoint inhibitors: Protein fragments to cancer immunotherapy. MEDICINE IN DRUG DISCOVERY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medidd.2020.100073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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29
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Gabr MT, Gambhir SS. Discovery and Optimization of Small-Molecule Ligands for V-Domain Ig Suppressor of T-Cell Activation (VISTA). J Am Chem Soc 2020; 142:16194-16198. [PMID: 32894020 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.0c07276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
V-domain Ig suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA) is an immune checkpoint that affects the ability of T-cells to attack tumors. A FRET-based high throughput screening identified NSC622608 as the first small-molecule ligand for VISTA. Investigation of the interaction of NSC622608 with VISTA using STD NMR and molecular modeling enabled the identification of a potential binding site in VISTA for NSC622608. Screening NSC622608 against a library of single-point VISTA mutants revealed the key residues in VISTA interacting with NSC622608. Further structural optimization resulted in a lead with submicromolar VISTA binding affinity. The lead compound blocked VISTA signaling in vitro, enhanced T-cell proliferation, and restored T-cell activation in the presence of VISTA-expressing cancer cell lines. This work would enable future development of small molecules targeting VISTA as immunomodulators and imaging probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moustafa T Gabr
- Bio-X Program and Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States.,Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Sanjiv S Gambhir
- Bio-X Program and Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States.,Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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30
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Mohammadzadeh A. Co-inhibitory receptors, transcription factors and tolerance. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 84:106572. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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31
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Cha HR, Lee JH, Ponnazhagan S. Revisiting Immunotherapy: A Focus on Prostate Cancer. Cancer Res 2020; 80:1615-1623. [PMID: 32066566 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-2948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic interventions to harness the immune system against tumor cells have provided mixed results in the past for several solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. However, immunotherapy has advanced considerably over the last decade and is becoming an integral combination for treating patients with advanced solid tumors. In particular, prostate cancer immunotherapy has shown modest efficacy for patients in the past. With several key discoveries on immune mechanisms and advanced molecular diagnostic platforms recently, immunotherapy is re-emerging as a viable option for prostate cancer, especially castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), to stimulate antitumor immunity. Combination of patient-tailored immunotherapy and immune checkpoint blockers with conventional cytotoxic agents and androgen receptor-targeted therapies should move the field forward. With a recent adaptation that the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors has been successful in the treatment of more than a dozen solid tumors, including melanoma, lymphoma, liver, cervical, gastrointestinal, and breast cancers, it is a timely endeavor to harness immunotherapy for prostate cancer. Here, we provide an account on the progression of immunotherapy with new discoveries and precision approaches for tumors, in particular CRPC, from mechanistic standpoint to emerging limitations and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha-Ram Cha
- Department of Pathology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Joo Hyoung Lee
- Department of Pathology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,PharmAbcine Inc., Yuseong-gu Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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