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Saevarsdottir S, Bjarnadottir K, Markusson T, Berglund J, Olafsdottir TA, Halldorsson GH, Rutsdottir G, Gunnarsdottir K, Arnthorsson AO, Lund SH, Stefansdottir L, Gudmundsson J, Johannesson AJ, Sturluson A, Oddsson A, Halldorsson B, Ludviksson BR, Ferkingstad E, Ivarsdottir EV, Sveinbjornsson G, Grondal G, Masson G, Eldjarn GH, Thorisson GA, Kristjansdottir K, Knowlton KU, Moore KHS, Gudjonsson SA, Rognvaldsson S, Knight S, Nadauld LD, Holm H, Magnusson OT, Sulem P, Gudbjartsson DF, Rafnar T, Thorleifsson G, Melsted P, Norddahl GL, Jonsdottir I, Stefansson K. Start codon variant in LAG3 is associated with decreased LAG-3 expression and increased risk of autoimmune thyroid disease. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5748. [PMID: 38982041 PMCID: PMC11233504 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50007-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) is a common autoimmune disease. In a GWAS meta-analysis of 110,945 cases and 1,084,290 controls, 290 sequence variants at 225 loci are associated with AITD. Of these variants, 115 are previously unreported. Multiomics analysis yields 235 candidate genes outside the MHC-region and the findings highlight the importance of genes involved in T-cell regulation. A rare 5'-UTR variant (rs781745126-T, MAF = 0.13% in Iceland) in LAG3 has the largest effect (OR = 3.42, P = 2.2 × 10-16) and generates a novel start codon for an open reading frame upstream of the canonical protein translation initiation site. rs781745126-T reduces mRNA and surface expression of the inhibitory immune checkpoint LAG-3 co-receptor on activated lymphocyte subsets and halves LAG-3 levels in plasma among heterozygotes. All three homozygous carriers of rs781745126-T have AITD, of whom one also has two other T-cell mediated diseases, that is vitiligo and type 1 diabetes. rs781745126-T associates nominally with vitiligo (OR = 5.1, P = 6.5 × 10-3) but not with type 1 diabetes. Thus, the effect of rs781745126-T is akin to drugs that inhibit LAG-3, which unleash immune responses and can have thyroid dysfunction and vitiligo as adverse events. This illustrates how a multiomics approach can reveal potential drug targets and safety concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saedis Saevarsdottir
- deCODE genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland.
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.
- Department of Medicine, Landspitali, the National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.
| | | | - Thorsteinn Markusson
- deCODE genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | - Thorunn A Olafsdottir
- deCODE genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Gisli H Halldorsson
- deCODE genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland
- School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Gudrun Rutsdottir
- deCODE genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland
- School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ari J Johannesson
- Department of Medicine, Landspitali, the National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | | | | | - Björn R Ludviksson
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Department of Immunology, Landspitali, the National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | - Erna V Ivarsdottir
- deCODE genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland
- School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | - Gerdur Grondal
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Department of Medicine, Landspitali, the National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | | | | | | | - Kirk U Knowlton
- Intermountain Medical Center, Intermountain Heart Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | | | | | - Stacey Knight
- Intermountain Medical Center, Intermountain Heart Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Hilma Holm
- deCODE genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | | | - Daniel F Gudbjartsson
- deCODE genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland
- School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | | | - Pall Melsted
- deCODE genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland
- School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | - Ingileif Jonsdottir
- deCODE genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Department of Immunology, Landspitali, the National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Kari Stefansson
- deCODE genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland.
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.
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2
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Yuan L, Wang Y, Shen X, Ma F, Wang J, Yan F. Soluble form of immune checkpoints in autoimmune diseases. J Autoimmun 2024; 147:103278. [PMID: 38943864 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2024.103278] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoints are essential regulators of immune responses, either by activating or suppressing them. Consequently, they are regarded as pivotal elements in the management of infections, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. In recent years, researchers have identified numerous soluble immune checkpoints that are produced through various mechanisms and demonstrated biological activity. These soluble immune checkpoints can be produced and distributed in the bloodstream and various tissues, with their roles in immune response dysregulation and autoimmunity extensively documented. This review aims to provide a thorough overview of the generation of various soluble immune checkpoints, such as sPD-1, sCTLA-4, sTim-3, s4-1BB, sBTLA, sLAG-3, sCD200, and the B7 family, and their importance as indicators for the diagnosis and prediction of autoimmune conditions. Furthermore, the review will investigate the potential pathological mechanisms of soluble immune checkpoints in autoimmune diseases, emphasizing their association with autoimmune diseases development, prognosis, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yuan
- Geriatric Diseases Institute of Chengdu, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yuxia Wang
- Geriatric Intensive Care Unit, Sichuan Geriatric Medical Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xuxia Shen
- Geriatric Diseases Institute of Chengdu, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Fujun Ma
- Department of Training, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.
| | - Fang Yan
- Geriatric Diseases Institute of Chengdu, Department of Geriatrics, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Geriatric Diseases Institute of Chengdu, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China; Center for Medicine Research and Translation, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.
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3
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Paul S, Konig MF, Pardoll DM, Bettegowda C, Papadopoulos N, Wright KM, Gabelli SB, Ho M, van Elsas A, Zhou S. Cancer therapy with antibodies. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:399-426. [PMID: 38740967 PMCID: PMC11180426 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00690-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The greatest challenge in cancer therapy is to eradicate cancer cells with minimal damage to normal cells. Targeted therapy has been developed to meet that challenge, showing a substantially increased therapeutic index compared with conventional cancer therapies. Antibodies are important members of the family of targeted therapeutic agents because of their extraordinarily high specificity to the target antigens. Therapeutic antibodies use a range of mechanisms that directly or indirectly kill the cancer cells. Early antibodies were developed to directly antagonize targets on cancer cells. This was followed by advancements in linker technologies that allowed the production of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) that guide cytotoxic payloads to the cancer cells. Improvement in our understanding of the biology of T cells led to the production of immune checkpoint-inhibiting antibodies that indirectly kill the cancer cells through activation of the T cells. Even more recently, bispecific antibodies were synthetically designed to redirect the T cells of a patient to kill the cancer cells. In this Review, we summarize the different approaches used by therapeutic antibodies to target cancer cells. We discuss their mechanisms of action, the structural basis for target specificity, clinical applications and the ongoing research to improve efficacy and reduce toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Paul
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Maximilian F Konig
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Drew M Pardoll
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chetan Bettegowda
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Katharine M Wright
- Discovery Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratory, Merck and Co, West Point, PA, USA
| | - Sandra B Gabelli
- Discovery Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratory, Merck and Co, West Point, PA, USA.
| | - Mitchell Ho
- Antibody Engineering Program, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | | | - Shibin Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Pitts SC, Schlom J, Donahue RN. Soluble immune checkpoints: implications for cancer prognosis and response to immune checkpoint therapy and conventional therapies. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:155. [PMID: 38822401 PMCID: PMC11141022 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03074-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Longitudinal sampling of tumor tissue from patients with solid cancers, aside from melanoma and a few other cases, is often unfeasible, and thus may not capture the plasticity of interactions between the tumor and immune system under selective pressure of a given therapy. Peripheral blood analyses provide salient information about the human peripheral immunome while offering technical and practical advantages over traditional tumor biopsies, and should be utilized where possible alongside interrogation of the tumor. Some common blood-based biomarkers used to study the immune response include immune cell subsets, circulating tumor DNA, and protein analytes such as cytokines. With the recent explosion of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) as a modality of treatment in multiple cancer types, soluble immune checkpoints have become a relevant area of investigation for peripheral immune-based biomarkers. However, the exact functions of soluble immune checkpoints and their roles in cancer for the most part remain unclear. This review discusses current literature on the production, function, and expression of nine soluble immune checkpoints - sPD-L1, sPD-1, sCTLA4, sCD80, sTIM3, sLAG3, sB7-H3, sBTLA, and sHVEM - in patients with solid tumors, and explores their role as biomarkers of response to ICI as well as to conventional therapies (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and surgery) in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C Pitts
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Renee N Donahue
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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5
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Yin N, Li X, Zhang X, Xue S, Cao Y, Niedermann G, Lu Y, Xue J. Development of pharmacological immunoregulatory anti-cancer therapeutics: current mechanistic studies and clinical opportunities. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:126. [PMID: 38773064 PMCID: PMC11109181 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01826-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy represented by anti-PD-(L)1 and anti-CTLA-4 inhibitors has revolutionized cancer treatment, but challenges related to resistance and toxicity still remain. Due to the advancement of immuno-oncology, an increasing number of novel immunoregulatory targets and mechanisms are being revealed, with relevant therapies promising to improve clinical immunotherapy in the foreseeable future. Therefore, comprehending the larger picture is important. In this review, we analyze and summarize the current landscape of preclinical and translational mechanistic research, drug development, and clinical trials that brought about next-generation pharmacological immunoregulatory anti-cancer agents and drug candidates beyond classical immune checkpoint inhibitors. Along with further clarification of cancer immunobiology and advances in antibody engineering, agents targeting additional inhibitory immune checkpoints, including LAG-3, TIM-3, TIGIT, CD47, and B7 family members are becoming an important part of cancer immunotherapy research and discovery, as are structurally and functionally optimized novel anti-PD-(L)1 and anti-CTLA-4 agents and agonists of co-stimulatory molecules of T cells. Exemplified by bispecific T cell engagers, newly emerging bi-specific and multi-specific antibodies targeting immunoregulatory molecules can provide considerable clinical benefits. Next-generation agents also include immune epigenetic drugs and cytokine-based therapeutics. Cell therapies, cancer vaccines, and oncolytic viruses are not covered in this review. This comprehensive review might aid in further development and the fastest possible clinical adoption of effective immuno-oncology modalities for the benefit of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanhao Yin
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xintong Li
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xuanwei Zhang
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Shaolong Xue
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 20, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yu Cao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Laboratory of Emergency Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
- Institute of Disaster Medicine & Institute of Emergency Medicine, Sichuan University, No. 17, Gaopeng Avenue, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Gabriele Niedermann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site DKTK-Freiburg, Robert-Koch-Strasse 3, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - You Lu
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 2222, Xinchuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Jianxin Xue
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 2222, Xinchuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
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6
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Mariuzza RA, Shahid S, Karade SS. The immune checkpoint receptor LAG3: Structure, function, and target for cancer immunotherapy. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107241. [PMID: 38556085 PMCID: PMC11061240 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107241] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Lymphocyte activation gene 3 protein (LAG3) is an immune checkpoint receptor that is highly upregulated on exhausted T cells in the tumor microenvironment. LAG3 transmits inhibitory signals to T cells upon binding to MHC class II and other ligands, rendering T cells dysfunctional. Consequently, LAG3 is a major target for cancer immunotherapy with many anti-LAG3 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that block LAG3 inhibitory activity in clinical trials. In this review, we examine the molecular basis for LAG3 function in light of recently determined crystal and cryoEM structures of this inhibitory receptor. We review what is known about LAG3 interactions with MHC class II, its canonical ligand, and the newly discovered ligands FGL1 and the T cell receptor (TCR)-CD3 complex, including current controversies over the relative importance of these ligands. We then address the development and mechanisms of action of anti-LAG3 mAbs in clinical trials for cancer immunotherapy. We discuss new strategies to therapeutically target LAG3 using mAbs that not only block the LAG3-MHC class II interaction, but also LAG3 interactions with FGL1 or TCR-CD3, or that disrupt LAG3 dimerization. Finally, we assess the possibility of developing mAbs that enhance, rather than block, LAG3 inhibitory activity as treatments for autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy A Mariuzza
- W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, Maryland, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA.
| | - Salman Shahid
- W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, Maryland, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Sharanbasappa S Karade
- W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, Maryland, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
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7
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Bauer M, Schöbel CM, Wickenhauser C, Seliger B, Jasinski-Bergner S. Deciphering the role of alternative splicing in neoplastic diseases for immune-oncological therapies. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1386993. [PMID: 38736877 PMCID: PMC11082354 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1386993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) is an important molecular biological mechanism regulated by complex mechanisms involving a plethora of cis and trans-acting elements. Furthermore, AS is tissue specific and altered in various pathologies, including infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic diseases. Recently developed immuno-oncological therapies include monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells targeting, among others, immune checkpoint (ICP) molecules. Despite therapeutic successes have been demonstrated, only a limited number of patients showed long-term benefit from these therapies with tumor entity-related differential response rates were observed. Interestingly, splice variants of common immunotherapeutic targets generated by AS are able to completely escape and/or reduce the efficacy of mAb- and/or CAR-based tumor immunotherapies. Therefore, the analyses of splicing patterns of targeted molecules in tumor specimens prior to therapy might help correct stratification, thereby increasing therapy success by antibody panel selection and antibody dosages. In addition, the expression of certain splicing factors has been linked with the patients' outcome, thereby highlighting their putative prognostic potential. Outstanding questions are addressed to translate the findings into clinical application. This review article provides an overview of the role of AS in (tumor) diseases, its molecular mechanisms, clinical relevance, and therapy response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Bauer
- Institute of Pathology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Chiara-Maria Schöbel
- Institute for Translational Immunology, Brandenburg Medical School (MHB), Theodor Fontane, Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany
| | - Claudia Wickenhauser
- Institute of Pathology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute for Translational Immunology, Brandenburg Medical School (MHB), Theodor Fontane, Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany
- Department of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Development & Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP) Design, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Simon Jasinski-Bergner
- Institute for Translational Immunology, Brandenburg Medical School (MHB), Theodor Fontane, Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany
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8
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Chen C, Kumbhar R, Wang H, Yang X, Gadhave K, Rastegar C, Kimura Y, Behensky A, Kotha S, Kuo G, Katakam S, Jeong D, Wang L, Wang A, Chen R, Zhang S, Jin L, Workman CJ, Vignali DAA, Pletinkova O, Jia H, Peng W, Nauen DW, Wong PC, Redding‐Ochoa J, Troncoso JC, Ying M, Dawson VL, Dawson TM, Mao X. Lymphocyte-Activation Gene 3 Facilitates Pathological Tau Neuron-to-Neuron Transmission. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2303775. [PMID: 38327094 PMCID: PMC11040377 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The spread of prion-like protein aggregates is a common driver of pathogenesis in various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related Tauopathies. Tau pathologies exhibit a clear progressive spreading pattern that correlates with disease severity. Clinical observation combined with complementary experimental studies has shown that Tau preformed fibrils (PFF) are prion-like seeds that propagate pathology by entering cells and templating misfolding and aggregation of endogenous Tau. While several cell surface receptors of Tau are known, they are not specific to the fibrillar form of Tau. Moreover, the underlying cellular mechanisms of Tau PFF spreading remain poorly understood. Here, it is shown that the lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (Lag3) is a cell surface receptor that binds to PFF but not the monomer of Tau. Deletion of Lag3 or inhibition of Lag3 in primary cortical neurons significantly reduces the internalization of Tau PFF and subsequent Tau propagation and neuron-to-neuron transmission. Propagation of Tau pathology and behavioral deficits induced by injection of Tau PFF in the hippocampus and overlying cortex are attenuated in mice lacking Lag3 selectively in neurons. These results identify neuronal Lag3 as a receptor of pathologic Tau in the brain,and for AD and related Tauopathies, a therapeutic target.
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Silberstein JL, Du J, Chan KW, Frank JA, Mathews II, Kim YB, You J, Lu Q, Liu J, Philips EA, Liu P, Rao E, Fernandez D, Rodriguez GE, Kong XP, Wang J, Cochran JR. Structural insights reveal interplay between LAG-3 homodimerization, ligand binding, and function. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2310866121. [PMID: 38483996 PMCID: PMC10962948 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2310866121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3) is an inhibitory receptor expressed on activated T cells and an emerging immunotherapy target. Domain 1 (D1) of LAG-3, which has been purported to directly interact with major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) and fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1), has been the major focus for the development of therapeutic antibodies that inhibit LAG-3 receptor-ligand interactions and restore T cell function. Here, we present a high-resolution structure of glycosylated mouse LAG-3 ectodomain, identifying that cis-homodimerization, mediated through a network of hydrophobic residues within domain 2 (D2), is critically required for LAG-3 function. Additionally, we found a previously unidentified key protein-glycan interaction in the dimer interface that affects the spatial orientation of the neighboring D1 domain. Mutation of LAG-3 D2 residues reduced dimer formation, dramatically abolished LAG-3 binding to both MHCII and FGL1 ligands, and consequentially inhibited the role of LAG-3 in suppressing T cell responses. Intriguingly, we showed that antibodies directed against D1, D2, and D3 domains are all capable of blocking LAG-3 dimer formation and MHCII and FGL-1 ligand binding, suggesting a potential allosteric model of LAG-3 function tightly regulated by dimerization. Furthermore, our work reveals unique epitopes, in addition to D1, that can be targeted for immunotherapy of cancer and other human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- John L. Silberstein
- Program in Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Jasper Du
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY10016
| | - Kun-Wei Chan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY10016
| | - Jessica A. Frank
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Irimpan I. Mathews
- SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, Menlo Park, CA94025
| | - Yong Bin Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Jia You
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY10016
| | - Qiao Lu
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY10016
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY10016
| | - Elliot A. Philips
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY10016
| | - Phillip Liu
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
- Program in Biophysics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Eric Rao
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY10016
| | - Daniel Fernandez
- Macromolecular Structure Knowledge Center, Stanford Sarafan ChEM-H Institute, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Grayson E. Rodriguez
- Program in Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Xiang-Peng Kong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY10016
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY10016
- The Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY10016
| | - Jennifer R. Cochran
- Program in Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
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10
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Ebrahimi N, Abdulwahid AHRR, Mansouri A, Karimi N, Bostani RJ, Beiranvand S, Adelian S, Khorram R, Vafadar R, Hamblin MR, Aref AR. Targeting the NF-κB pathway as a potential regulator of immune checkpoints in cancer immunotherapy. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:106. [PMID: 38418707 PMCID: PMC10902086 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05098-8] [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: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Advances in cancer immunotherapy over the last decade have led to the development of several agents that affect immune checkpoints. Inhibitory receptors expressed on T cells that negatively regulate the immune response include cytotoxic T‑lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1), which have been studied more than similar receptors. Inhibition of these proteins and other immune checkpoints can stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells, and prevent the tumor from escaping the immune response. However, the administration of anti-PD1 and anti-CTLA4 antibodies has been associated with adverse inflammatory responses similar to autoimmune diseases. The current review discussed the role of the NF-κB pathway as a tumor promoter, and how it can govern inflammatory responses and affect various immune checkpoints. More precise knowledge about the communication between immune checkpoints and NF-κB pathways could increase the effectiveness of immunotherapy and reduce the adverse effects of checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasim Ebrahimi
- Genetics Division, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Atena Mansouri
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasrin Karimi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Science, Islamic Azad University Damghan Branch, Damghan, Iran
| | | | - Sheida Beiranvand
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Samaneh Adelian
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Roya Khorram
- Bone and Joint Diseases Research Center, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Vafadar
- Department of Orthopeadic Surgery, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Michael R Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, 2028, South Africa.
- Radiation Biology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Xsphera Biosciences, Translational Medicine Group, 6 Tide Street, Boston, MA, 02210, USA.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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11
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Alqurashi YE. Lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3) as a promising immune checkpoint in cancer immunotherapy: From biology to the clinic. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 254:155124. [PMID: 38295462 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, there have been notable advancements in the field of cancer immunotherapy, namely in the area of immune checkpoint inhibition. The Lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3) has garnered attention as a potentially valuable focus of study in this particular field. The present study examines the biological aspects of LAG-3, its clinical consequences, and the potential therapeutic opportunities associated with its modulation. LAG-3, similar to CD4, has a regulatory role in modulating the immune system. The upregulation of this protein inside the neoplastic milieu hampers the immune system's ability to mount an effective response, hence enabling the evasion of cancer cells from immune surveillance. The LAG-3 protein interacts with ligands, inhibiting cytotoxic immune cells such as CD8+ T cells and NK cells. The potential of LAG-3 inhibitors presents intriguing prospects. Integrating these medicines with established treatments like PD-1/PD-L1 or CTLA-4 inhibitors can broaden the range of available therapy choices and address resistance issues. The advent of personalized therapy is imminent, as evidenced by the utilization of predictive biomarkers such as LAG-3 expression to inform individualized therapeutic approaches. Additionally, inhibitors of LAG-3 exhibit promise in addressing immunological depletion and resistance by revitalizing T cells and producing durable immune responses. The realization of LAG-3's promise necessitates global collaboration and equal access. Multinational trials are expected to ascertain the efficacy of the intervention in various patient groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaser E Alqurashi
- Department of Biology, College of Science Al-zulfi, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia.
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12
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Vivier E, Rebuffet L, Narni-Mancinelli E, Cornen S, Igarashi RY, Fantin VR. Natural killer cell therapies. Nature 2024; 626:727-736. [PMID: 38383621 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06945-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes of the innate immune system. A key feature of NK cells is their ability to recognize a wide range of cells in distress, particularly tumour cells and cells infected with viruses. They combine both direct effector functions against their cellular targets and participate in the generation, shaping and maintenance of a multicellular immune response. As our understanding has deepened, several therapeutic strategies focused on NK cells have been conceived and are currently in various stages of development, from preclinical investigations to clinical trials. Here we explore in detail the complexity of NK cell biology in humans and highlight the role of these cells in cancer immunity. We also analyse the harnessing of NK cell immunity through immune checkpoint inhibitors, NK cell engagers, and infusions of preactivated or genetically modified, autologous or allogeneic NK cell products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Vivier
- Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France.
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France.
- APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille-Immunopôle, Marseille, France.
- Paris-Saclay Cancer Cluster, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
| | - Lucas Rebuffet
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Emilie Narni-Mancinelli
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Stéphanie Cornen
- Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France
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13
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Zhang Q, Yang C, Gao X, Dong J, Zhong C. Phytochemicals in regulating PD-1/PD-L1 and immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Phytother Res 2024; 38:776-796. [PMID: 38050789 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Clinical treatment and preclinical studies have highlighted the role of immune checkpoint blockade in cancer treatment. Research has been devoted to developing immune checkpoint inhibitors in combination with other drugs to achieve better efficacy or reduce adverse effects. Phytochemicals sourced from vegetables and fruits have demonstrated antiproliferative, proapoptotic, anti-migratory, and antiangiogenic effects against several cancers. Phytochemicals also modulate the tumor microenvironment such as T cells, regulatory T cells, and cytokines. Recently, several phytochemicals have been reported to modulate immune checkpoint proteins in in vivo or in vitro models. Phytochemicals decreased programmed cell death ligand-1 expression and synergized programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibody to suppress tumor growth. Combined administration of phytochemicals and PD-1 monoclonal antibody enhanced the tumor growth inhibition as well as CD4+ /CD8+ T-cell infiltration. In this review, we discuss immune checkpoint molecules as potential therapeutic targets of cancers. We further assess the impact of phytochemicals including carotenoids, polyphenols, saponins, and organosulfur compounds on cancer PD-1/programmed cell death ligand-1 immune checkpoint molecules and document their combination effects with immune checkpoint inhibitors on various malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Chenying Yang
- Yinzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ningbo, China
| | - Xingsu Gao
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ju Dong
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Caiyun Zhong
- Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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14
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Zheng Z, Liu J, Ma J, Kang R, Liu Z, Yu J. Advances in new targets for immunotherapy of small cell lung cancer. Thorac Cancer 2024; 15:3-14. [PMID: 38093497 PMCID: PMC10761621 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.15178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is one of the highly aggressive malignancies characterized by rapid growth and early metastasis, but treatment options are limited. For SCLC, carboplatin or cisplatin in combination with etoposide chemotherapy has been considered the only standard of care, but the standard first-line treatment only results in 10-month survival. The majority of patients relapse within a few weeks to months after treatment, despite the relatively sensitive response to chemotherapy. Over the past decade, immunotherapy has made significant progress in the treatment of SCLC patients. However, there have been limited improvements in survival rates for SCLC patients with the current immune checkpoint inhibitors PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4. In the face of high recurrence rates, small beneficiary populations, and low survival benefits, the exploration of new targets for key molecules and signals in SCLC and the development of drugs with novel mechanisms may provide fresh hope for immunotherapy in SCLC. Therefore, the aim of this review was to explore four new targets, DLL3, TIGIT, LAG-3, and GD2, which may play a role in the immunotherapy of SCLC to find useful clues and strategies to improve the outcome for SCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zitong Zheng
- Department of OncologyBinzhou Medical University HospitalBinzhouP.R. China
| | - Juanjuan Liu
- Center of Biotherapy, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric MedicineChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP.R. China
| | - Junling Ma
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric MedicineChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP.R. China
| | - Runting Kang
- Center of Biotherapy, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric MedicineChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP.R. China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Department of Graduate Work OfficeBinzhou Medical University HospitalBinzhouP.R. China
| | - Jiangyong Yu
- Center of Biotherapy, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric MedicineChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingP.R. China
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15
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Takizawa F, Hashimoto K, Miyazawa R, Ohta Y, Veríssimo A, Flajnik MF, Parra D, Tokunaga K, Suetake H, Sunyer JO, Dijkstra JM. CD4 and LAG-3 from sharks to humans: related molecules with motifs for opposing functions. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1267743. [PMID: 38187381 PMCID: PMC10768021 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1267743] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
CD4 and LAG-3 are related molecules that are receptors for MHC class II molecules. Their major functional differences are situated in their cytoplasmic tails, in which CD4 has an activation motif and LAG-3 an inhibitory motif. Here, we identify shark LAG-3 and show that a previously identified shark CD4-like gene has a genomic location, expression pattern, and motifs similar to CD4 in other vertebrates. In nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) and cloudy catshark (Scyliorhinus torazame), the highest CD4 expression was consistently found in the thymus whereas such was not the case for LAG-3. Throughout jawed vertebrates, the CD4 cytoplasmic tail possesses a Cx(C/H) motif for binding kinase LCK, and the LAG-3 cytoplasmic tail possesses (F/Y)xxL(D/E) including the previously determined FxxL inhibitory motif resembling an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif (ITIM). On the other hand, the acidic end of the mammalian LAG-3 cytoplasmic tail, which is believed to have an inhibitory function as well, was acquired later in evolution. The present study also identified CD4-1, CD4-2, and LAG-3 in the primitive ray-finned fishes bichirs, sturgeons, and gars, and experimentally determined these sequences for sterlet sturgeon (Acipenser ruthenus). Therefore, with CD4-1 and CD4-2 already known in teleosts (modern ray-finned fish), these two CD4 lineages have now been found within all major clades of ray-finned fish. Although different from each other, the cytoplasmic tails of ray-finned fish CD4-1 and chondrichthyan CD4 not only contain the Cx(C/H) motif but also an additional highly conserved motif which we expect to confer a function. Thus, although restricted to some species and gene copies, in evolution both CD4 and LAG-3 molecules appear to have acquired functional motifs besides their canonical Cx(C/H) and ITIM-like motifs, respectively. The presence of CD4 and LAG-3 molecules with seemingly opposing functions from the level of sharks, the oldest living vertebrates with a human-like adaptive immune system, underlines their importance for the jawed vertebrate immune system. It also emphasizes the general need of the immune system to always find a balance, leading to trade-offs, between activating and inhibiting processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumio Takizawa
- Faculty of Marine Science and Technology, Fukui Prefectural University, Obama, Fukui, Japan
| | - Keiichiro Hashimoto
- Emeritus Professor, Center for Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Ryuichiro Miyazawa
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Yuko Ohta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ana Veríssimo
- CIBIO‐InBIO, Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, University of Porto, Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Martin F. Flajnik
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | | | - Hiroaki Suetake
- Faculty of Marine Science and Technology, Fukui Prefectural University, Obama, Fukui, Japan
| | - J. Oriol Sunyer
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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16
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Manfredi GF, Celsa C, John C, Jones C, Acuti N, Scheiner B, Fulgenzi CAM, Korolewicz J, Pinter M, Gennari A, Mauri FA, Pirisi M, Minisini R, Vincenzi F, Burlone M, Rigamonti C, Donadon M, Cabibbo G, D’Alessio A, Pinato DJ. Mechanisms of Resistance to Immunotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:1955-1971. [PMID: 37941812 PMCID: PMC10629523 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s291553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been revolutionized over the last few years following the approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Despite the promising survival extension seen with ICI combination regimens, responses are not universally seen and the optimal partner for programmed cell death 1 pathway inhibitors remains to be identified. Even fewer encouraging results have been demonstrated with ICI used for monotherapy. Several mechanisms of resistance have been described so far, involving characteristics of cancer cells (intrinsic mechanisms) and of the surrounding tumor microenvironment (extrinsic mechanisms). Factors related to therapy may also contribute to the development of resistance. Increasing research efforts are being dedicated to the discovery of novel approaches and targets to overcome resistance, some of which may be introduced into clinic in the future. Herein we describe a selection of resistance mechanisms that have been involved in impairing response to ICI and propose potential therapeutic approaches to overcome resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Francesca Manfredi
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Ciro Celsa
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences (Di.chir.on.s.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Chloe John
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Charlotte Jones
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Nicole Acuti
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Bernhard Scheiner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Angela Maria Fulgenzi
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - James Korolewicz
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Matthias Pinter
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alessandra Gennari
- Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Francesco A Mauri
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Mario Pirisi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Rosalba Minisini
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Federica Vincenzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Michela Burlone
- Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Cristina Rigamonti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Matteo Donadon
- Department of Health Science, Università Del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Department of Surgery, University Maggiore Hospital della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cabibbo
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio D’Alessio
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - David James Pinato
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
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17
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Yang L, Li S, Chen L, Zhang Y. Emerging roles of plasmacytoid dendritic cell crosstalk in tumor immunity. Cancer Biol Med 2023; 20:j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0241. [PMID: 37817484 PMCID: PMC10618948 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0241] [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: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are a pioneer cell type that produces type I interferon (IFN-I) and promotes antiviral immune responses. However, they are tolerogenic and, when recruited to the tumor microenvironment (TME), play complex roles that have long been a research focus. The interactions between pDCs and other components of the TME, whether direct or indirect, can either promote or hinder tumor development; consequently, pDCs are an intriguing target for therapeutic intervention. This review provides a comprehensive overview of pDC crosstalk in the TME, including crosstalk with various cell types, biochemical factors, and microorganisms. An in-depth understanding of pDC crosstalk in TME should facilitate the development of novel pDC-based therapeutic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Yang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Songya Li
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Liuhui Chen
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
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18
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Mishra AK, Shahid S, Karade SS, Agnihotri P, Kolesnikov A, Hasan SS, Mariuzza RA. CryoEM structure of a therapeutic antibody (favezelimab) bound to human LAG3 determined using a bivalent Fab as fiducial marker. Structure 2023; 31:1149-1157.e3. [PMID: 37619561 PMCID: PMC11197462 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2023.07.013] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Lymphocyte activation gene 3 protein (LAG3) is an inhibitory receptor that is upregulated on exhausted T cells in tumors. LAG3 is a major target for cancer immunotherapy with many anti-LAG3 antibodies in clinical trials. However, there is no structural information on the epitopes recognized by these antibodies. We determined the single-particle cryoEM structure of a therapeutic antibody (favezelimab) bound to LAG3 to 3.5 Å resolution, revealing that favezelimab targets the LAG3-binding site for MHC class II, its canonical ligand. The small size of the complex between the conventional (monovalent) Fab of favezelimab and LAG3 (∼100 kDa) presented a challenge for cryoEM. Accordingly, we engineered a bivalent version of Fab favezelimab that doubled the size of the Fab-LAG3 complex and conferred a highly identifiable shape to the complex that facilitated particle selection and orientation for image processing. This study establishes bivalent Fabs as new fiducial markers for cryoEM analysis of small proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun K Mishra
- W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD 20850, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Salman Shahid
- W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD 20850, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Sharanbasappa S Karade
- W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD 20850, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Pragati Agnihotri
- W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD 20850, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Alexander Kolesnikov
- W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD 20850, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - S Saif Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Roy A Mariuzza
- W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD 20850, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
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19
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Aigner-Radakovics K, De Sousa Linhares A, Salzer B, Lehner M, Izadi S, Castilho A, Pickl WF, Leitner J, Steinberger P. The ligand-dependent suppression of TCR signaling by the immune checkpoint receptor LAG3 depends on the cytoplasmic RRFSALE motif. Sci Signal 2023; 16:eadg2610. [PMID: 37788323 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.adg2610] [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: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG3) is an inhibitory immune checkpoint receptor that restrains autoimmune and antitumor responses, but its evolutionarily conserved cytoplasmic tail lacks classical inhibitory motifs. Major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC class II) is an established LAG3 ligand, and fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1), lymph node sinusoidal endothelial cell C-type lectin (LSECtin), and Galectin-3 have been proposed as alternative binding partners that play important roles in LAG3 function. Here, we used a fluorescent human T cell reporter system to study the function of LAG3. We found that LAG3 reduced the response to T cell receptor stimulation in the presence of MHC class II molecules to a lesser extent compared with the receptor programmed cell death protein 1. Analysis of deletion mutants demonstrated that the RRFSALE motif in the cytoplasmic tail of LAG3 was necessary and sufficient for LAG3-mediated inhibition. In this system, FGL1, but not LSECtin or Galectin-3, acted as a LAG3 ligand that weakly induced inhibition. LAG3-blocking antibodies attenuated LAG3-mediated inhibition in our reporter cells and enhanced reporter cell activation even in the absence of LAG3 ligands, indicating that they could potentially enhance T cell responses independently of their blocking effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Aigner-Radakovics
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Annika De Sousa Linhares
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benjamin Salzer
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Next Generation CAR T Cells, Vienna, Austria
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - Manfred Lehner
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Next Generation CAR T Cells, Vienna, Austria
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - Shiva Izadi
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology (IPBT), Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology (DAGZ), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexandra Castilho
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology (IPBT), Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology (DAGZ), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
| | - Winfried F Pickl
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Vienna, Austria
- Karl Landsteiner University, Krems, Austria
| | - Judith Leitner
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Steinberger
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Vienna, Austria
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20
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Cai L, Li Y, Tan J, Xu L, Li Y. Targeting LAG-3, TIM-3, and TIGIT for cancer immunotherapy. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:101. [PMID: 37670328 PMCID: PMC10478462 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01499-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In one decade, immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs) has become a new pillar of cancer treatment following surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies. However, not all cancer patients benefit from single or combination therapy with anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies. Thus, an increasing number of immune checkpoint proteins (ICPs) have been screened and their effectiveness evaluated in preclinical and clinical trials. Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain-containing-3 (TIM-3), and T cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) domain (TIGIT) constitute the second wave of immunotherapy targets that show great promise for use in the treatment of solid tumors and leukemia. To promote the research and clinical application of ICBs directed at these targets, we summarize their discovery, immunotherapy mechanism, preclinical efficiency, and clinical trial results in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letong Cai
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yuchen Li
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jiaxiong Tan
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Ling Xu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control (Jinan University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Yangqiu Li
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control (Jinan University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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21
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Aggarwal V, Workman CJ, Vignali DAA. LAG-3 as the third checkpoint inhibitor. Nat Immunol 2023; 24:1415-1422. [PMID: 37488429 PMCID: PMC11144386 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01569-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3) is an inhibitory receptor that is highly expressed by exhausted T cells. LAG-3 is a promising immunotherapeutic target, with more than 20 LAG-3-targeting therapeutics in clinical trials and a fixed-dose combination of anti-LAG-3 and anti-PD-1 now approved to treat unresectable or metastatic melanoma. Although LAG-3 is widely recognized as a potent inhibitory receptor, important questions regarding its biology and mechanism of action remain. In this Perspective, we focus on gaps in the understanding of LAG-3 biology and discuss the five biggest topics of current debate and focus regarding LAG-3, including its ligands, signaling and mechanism of action, its cell-specific functions, its importance in different disease settings, and the development of novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaishali Aggarwal
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Creg J Workman
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Dario A A Vignali
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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22
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Yadav R, Hakobyan N, Wang JC. Role of Next Generation Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor (ICI) Therapy in Philadelphia Negative Classic Myeloproliferative Neoplasm (MPN): Review of the Literature. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12502. [PMID: 37569880 PMCID: PMC10420159 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The Philadelphia chromosome-negative (Ph-) myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), which include essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV), and myelofibrosis (MF), are enduring and well-known conditions. These disorders are characterized by the abnormal growth of one or more hematopoietic cell lineages in the body's stem cells, leading to the enlargement of organs and the manifestation of constitutional symptoms. Numerous studies have provided evidence indicating that the pathogenesis of these diseases involves the dysregulation of the immune system and the presence of chronic inflammation, both of which are significant factors. Lately, the treatment of cancer including hematological malignancy has progressed on the agents aiming for the immune system, cytokine environment, immunotherapy agents, and targeted immune therapy. Immune checkpoints are the molecules that regulate T cell function in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The first line of primary immune checkpoints are programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1), and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4). Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy (ICIT) exerts its anti-tumor actions by blocking the inhibitory pathways in T cells and has reformed cancer treatment. Despite the impressive clinical success of ICIT, tumor internal resistance poses a challenge for oncologists leading to a low response rate in solid tumors and hematological malignancies. A Phase II trial on nivolumab for patients with post-essential thrombocythemia myelofibrosis, primary myelofibrosis, or post-polycythemia myelofibrosis was performed (Identifier: NCT02421354). This trial tested the efficacy of a PD-1 blockade agent, namely nivolumab, but was terminated prematurely due to adverse events and lack of efficacy. A multicenter, Phase II, single-arm open-label study was conducted including pembrolizumab in patients with primary thrombocythemia, post-essential thrombocythemia or post-polycythemia vera myelofibrosis that were ineligible for or were previously treated with ruxolitinib. This study showed that pembrolizumab treatment did not have many adverse events, but there were no pertinent clinical responses hence it was terminated after the first stage was completed. To avail the benefits from immunotherapy, the paradigm has shifted to new immune checkpoints in the TME such as lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM-3), T cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT), V-domain immunoglobulin-containing suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA), and human endogenous retrovirus-H long terminal repeat-associating protein 2 (HHLA2) forming the basis of next-generation ICIT. The primary aim of this article is to underscore and elucidate the significance of next-generation ICIT in the context of MPN. Specifically, we aim to explore the potential of monoclonal antibodies as targeted immunotherapy and the development of vaccines targeting specific MPN epitopes, with the intent of augmenting tumor-related immune responses. It is anticipated that these therapeutic modalities rooted in immunotherapy will not only expand but also enhance the existing treatment regimens for patients afflicted with MPN. Preliminary studies from our laboratory showed over-expressed MDSC and over-expressed VISTA in MDSC, and in progenitor and immune cells directing the need for more clinical trials using next-generation ICI in the treatment of MPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruchi Yadav
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11212, USA; (R.Y.); (N.H.)
| | - Narek Hakobyan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11212, USA; (R.Y.); (N.H.)
| | - Jen-Chin Wang
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11212, USA
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23
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Lee H, Yoon SE, Kim SJ, Kim WS, Cho J. A unique expression pattern of LAG3 distinct from that of other immune checkpoints in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Cancer Med 2023; 12:16359-16369. [PMID: 37326144 PMCID: PMC10469648 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although some patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) show a response to immunotherapy, there are still many who do not respond. This suggests that various immune checkpoints are complicatedly intertwined in the composition of the tumor microenvironment of DLBCL. PATIENTS AND METHODS To comprehensively understand the expression of various immune checkpoint genes in DLBCL, we performed NanoString assay in 98 patients to investigate 579 genes. In addition, we performed immunohistochemistry for LAG-3 and PD-L1 to compare the results with expression in NanoString assay. RESULTS As a result of hierarchical clustering of NanoString assay, 98 DLBCLs were classified into three tumor immune microenvironment clusters. Most immune checkpoint genes showed the highest expression in cluster A and the lowest in cluster C. However, the expression of LAG3 was the highest in cluster C and the lowest in cluster A, showing an expression pattern opposite to that of other immune checkpoint genes. In Cluster A, the expression of genes related to T-cell activity such as CD8A and GZMB was increased. In Cluster C, the expression of genes related to major histocompatibility complex molecules was the highest. Immunohistochemical stains showed modest agreement with the NanoString results but did not help clustering. CONCLUSION Our results show that the unique expression pattern of LAG3 in DLBCL contrasts with that of other immune checkpoints. We suggest that the combination of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 and anti-LAG-3 blockades in the immunotherapy of DLBCL patients can have a synergistic effect, improving the immunotherapy efficacy and outcome in DLBCL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunjee Lee
- Department of PathologySamsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of MedicineSeoulSouth Korea
| | - Sang Eun Yoon
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of MedicineSamsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of MedicineSeoulSouth Korea
| | - Seok Jin Kim
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of MedicineSamsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of MedicineSeoulSouth Korea
| | - Won Seog Kim
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of MedicineSamsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of MedicineSeoulSouth Korea
| | - Junhun Cho
- Department of PathologySamsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of MedicineSeoulSouth Korea
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24
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Luo L, Lin C, Wang P, Cao D, Lin Y, Wang W, Zhao Y, Shi Y, Gao Z, Kang X, Zhang Y, Wang S, Wang J, Xu M, Liu H, Liu SL. Combined Use of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Phytochemicals as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy against Cancer. J Cancer 2023; 14:2315-2328. [PMID: 37576404 PMCID: PMC10414047 DOI: 10.7150/jca.85966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has dramatically changed cancer treatment, opening novel opportunities to cure malignant diseases. To date, most prevalently targeted immune checkpoints are programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4), with many others being under extensive investigations. However, according to available data, only a fraction of patients may respond to ICI therapy. Additionally, this therapy may cause severe adverse immune-related side effects, such as diarrhea, headache, muscle weakness, rash, hepatitis and leucopenia, although most of them are not fatal, they can affect the patient's treatment outcome and quality of life. On the other hand, growing evidence has shown that phytochemicals with anticancer effects may combine ICI therapy to augment the safety and effectiveness of the treatment against cancer while reducing the adverse side effects. In this review, we summarize the state of art in the various experiments and clinical application of ICIs plus phytochemicals, with a focus on their combined use as a novel therapeutic strategy to cure cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- LingJie Luo
- Genomics Research Center (Key Laboratory of Gut Microbiota and Pharmacogenomics of Heilongjiang Province, State-Province Key Laboratory of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (NKLFZCD) College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- Harbin Medical University-University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine Centre for Infection and Genomics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Caiji Lin
- Genomics Research Center (Key Laboratory of Gut Microbiota and Pharmacogenomics of Heilongjiang Province, State-Province Key Laboratory of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (NKLFZCD) College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- Harbin Medical University-University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine Centre for Infection and Genomics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Pengfei Wang
- Genomics Research Center (Key Laboratory of Gut Microbiota and Pharmacogenomics of Heilongjiang Province, State-Province Key Laboratory of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (NKLFZCD) College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- Harbin Medical University-University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine Centre for Infection and Genomics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Danli Cao
- Genomics Research Center (Key Laboratory of Gut Microbiota and Pharmacogenomics of Heilongjiang Province, State-Province Key Laboratory of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (NKLFZCD) College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- Harbin Medical University-University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine Centre for Infection and Genomics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yiru Lin
- Genomics Research Center (Key Laboratory of Gut Microbiota and Pharmacogenomics of Heilongjiang Province, State-Province Key Laboratory of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (NKLFZCD) College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- Harbin Medical University-University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine Centre for Infection and Genomics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Wenxue Wang
- Genomics Research Center (Key Laboratory of Gut Microbiota and Pharmacogenomics of Heilongjiang Province, State-Province Key Laboratory of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (NKLFZCD) College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- Harbin Medical University-University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine Centre for Infection and Genomics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yufan Zhao
- Genomics Research Center (Key Laboratory of Gut Microbiota and Pharmacogenomics of Heilongjiang Province, State-Province Key Laboratory of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (NKLFZCD) College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- Harbin Medical University-University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine Centre for Infection and Genomics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yongwei Shi
- Genomics Research Center (Key Laboratory of Gut Microbiota and Pharmacogenomics of Heilongjiang Province, State-Province Key Laboratory of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (NKLFZCD) College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- Harbin Medical University-University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine Centre for Infection and Genomics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Zixiang Gao
- Genomics Research Center (Key Laboratory of Gut Microbiota and Pharmacogenomics of Heilongjiang Province, State-Province Key Laboratory of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (NKLFZCD) College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- Harbin Medical University-University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine Centre for Infection and Genomics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xin Kang
- Genomics Research Center (Key Laboratory of Gut Microbiota and Pharmacogenomics of Heilongjiang Province, State-Province Key Laboratory of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (NKLFZCD) College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- Harbin Medical University-University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine Centre for Infection and Genomics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Genomics Research Center (Key Laboratory of Gut Microbiota and Pharmacogenomics of Heilongjiang Province, State-Province Key Laboratory of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (NKLFZCD) College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- Harbin Medical University-University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine Centre for Infection and Genomics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- Genomics Research Center (Key Laboratory of Gut Microbiota and Pharmacogenomics of Heilongjiang Province, State-Province Key Laboratory of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (NKLFZCD) College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- Harbin Medical University-University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine Centre for Infection and Genomics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Jiaxing Wang
- Genomics Research Center (Key Laboratory of Gut Microbiota and Pharmacogenomics of Heilongjiang Province, State-Province Key Laboratory of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (NKLFZCD) College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- Harbin Medical University-University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine Centre for Infection and Genomics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Mengzhi Xu
- Genomics Research Center (Key Laboratory of Gut Microbiota and Pharmacogenomics of Heilongjiang Province, State-Province Key Laboratory of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (NKLFZCD) College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- Harbin Medical University-University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine Centre for Infection and Genomics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Huidi Liu
- Genomics Research Center (Key Laboratory of Gut Microbiota and Pharmacogenomics of Heilongjiang Province, State-Province Key Laboratory of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (NKLFZCD) College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- Harbin Medical University-University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine Centre for Infection and Genomics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Shu-Lin Liu
- Genomics Research Center (Key Laboratory of Gut Microbiota and Pharmacogenomics of Heilongjiang Province, State-Province Key Laboratory of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases (NKLFZCD) College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- Harbin Medical University-University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine Centre for Infection and Genomics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, T2N 4N1, Canada
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25
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Kalinka E, Wojas-Krawczyk K, Krawczyk P. Double Guard Efficiency and Safety-Overcoming Resistance to Immunotherapy by Blocking or Stimulating Several Immune Checkpoints in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3499. [PMID: 37444609 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is one of the leading systemic therapies in non-small cell cancer (NSCLC) patients, but it is not effective in an important proportion of them due to primary or secondary resistance mechanisms. Clinicians do not have the tools to predict immunotherapy resistance, and thus, many patients still fail initial treatment. One of the scientific concepts to avoid resistance and/or offer the patient effective salvage second-line treatment is the dual immunologic checkpoint blockade. We aimed to review published and available data on combination immunotherapy in terms of mechanisms, efficacy, and safety data on many different dual blockades. We discussed the potential of combined CTLA-4 (Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Antigen 4), PD-1 (Programmed Death 1) or PD-L1, TIGIT, LAG-3, TIM-3, macrophage leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor B2 (LILRB2/ILT4), S15-mediated immune suppression (SIGLEC-15), CD137, ICOS, and OX40 inhibitors in NSCLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Kalinka
- Department of Oncology, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital-Research Institute, 93-338 Łódź, Poland
| | - Kamila Wojas-Krawczyk
- Department of Pneumonology, Oncology and Allergology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Paweł Krawczyk
- Department of Pneumonology, Oncology and Allergology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
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26
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Valentini N, Requejo Cier CJ, Lamarche C. Regulatory T-cell dysfunction and its implication for cell therapy. Clin Exp Immunol 2023; 213:40-49. [PMID: 37158407 PMCID: PMC10324551 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxad051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a subtype of CD4+ T cells that can mediate immune tolerance by a multitude of immunomodulatory mechanisms. Treg-based adoptive immunotherapy is currently being tested in multiple phases I and II clinical trials in transplantation and autoimmune diseases. We have learned from the work done on conventional T cells that distinct mechanistic states can define their dysfunctions, such as exhaustion, senescence, and anergy. All three can negatively impact the therapeutic effectiveness of T-cell-based therapies. However, whether Tregs are susceptible to such dysfunctional states is not well studied, and results are sometimes found to be controversial. In addition, Treg instability and loss of FOXP3 expression is another Treg-specific dysfunction that can decreasein their suppressive potential. A better understanding of Treg biology and pathological states will be needed to compare and interpret the results of the different clinical and preclinical trials. We will review herein Tregs' mechanisms of action, describe different T-cell dysfunction subtypes and how and if they apply to Tregs (exhaustion, senescence, anergy, and instability), and finally how this knowledge should be taken into consideration when designing and interpreting Treg adoptive immunotherapy trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Valentini
- Medicine Department, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology Department, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Christopher J Requejo Cier
- Medicine Department, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology Department, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Caroline Lamarche
- Medicine Department, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Medicine Department, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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27
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Ibrahim R, Saleh K, Chahine C, Khoury R, Khalife N, Cesne AL. LAG-3 Inhibitors: Novel Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Changing the Landscape of Immunotherapy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1878. [PMID: 37509517 PMCID: PMC10377063 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most important steps forward in the management of cancer was the discovery of immunotherapy. It has become an essential pillar in the treatment paradigm of cancer patients. Unfortunately, despite the various options presented with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), the benefit is still limited to select patients and the vast majority of these patients gain either minimal benefit or eventually progress, leaving an unmet need for the development of novel therapeutic agents and strategies. Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), an immune checkpoint receptor protein, is a molecule found on the surface of activated T-cells. It plays a major role in negatively regulating T-cell function thereby providing tumors with an immune escape in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Given its importance in regulating the immune system, LAG-3 has been considered as a promising target in oncology and precision medicine. To date, two LAG-3-directed agents (eftilagimod alpha and relatlimab) have been approved in combination with programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors in the setting of advanced solid tumors. In this review, we discuss the structure of LAG-3, its mechanism of action, and its interaction with its ligands. We also shed light on the emerging treatments targeting LAG-3 for the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Ibrahim
- International Department, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Khalil Saleh
- International Department, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Claude Chahine
- International Department, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Rita Khoury
- International Department, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Nadine Khalife
- Department of head and neck Oncology, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Axel Le Cesne
- International Department, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, 94800 Villejuif, France
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28
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Balasko AL, Kowatsch MM, Graydon C, Lajoie J, Fowke KR. The effect of blocking immune checkpoints LAG-3 and PD-1 on human invariant Natural Killer T cell function. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10082. [PMID: 37344517 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36468-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells undergo immune exhaustion during chronic activation caused by cancer and viral infections, such as HIV. Exhaustion is marked by cell dysfunction and increased expression of immune checkpoint proteins programmed cell-death-1 (PD-1) and lymphocyte-activation-gene-3 (LAG-3). We hypothesize that blockade of PD-1 and/or LAG-3 will enhance iNKT cell function. Utilizing peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors, LAG-3 and PD-1 expression on iNKT cells was assessed using flow cytometry following in vitro stimulation with iNKT-specific stimulant α-galactosylceramide (n = 4). Efficacy of anti-LAG-3 and/or anti-PD-1 antibody blockades in enhancing iNKT cell function was assessed by determining proliferative capacity and IFN-γ production (n = 9). LAG-3 and PD-1 expression on iNKT cells peaked at Day 4 (98.8%; p ≤ 0.0001 and 98.8%; p = 0.005, respectively), followed by steep decrease by Day 10, coinciding with peak iNKT cell proliferation. In a 10-day blocking assay, both the anti-PD-1 alone and dual anti-PD-1 and anti-LAG-3 significantly increased iNKT proliferation (6 and 6.29 log2 fold-change respectively) compared to the no blockade control (ANOVA-p = 0.0005) with the dual blockade system being more effective (t-test-p = 0.013). This provides proof-of-concept for LAG-3 and PD-1 as immunotherapeutic targets to enhance human iNKT cell function, with the long-term goal of addressing immune exhaustion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison L Balasko
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Monika M Kowatsch
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Colin Graydon
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Julie Lajoie
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Keith R Fowke
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
- Partners for Health and Development in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya.
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29
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Damiani D, Tiribelli M. Checkpoint Inhibitors in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1724. [PMID: 37371818 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061724] [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: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains unsatisfactory. Among the reasons for the poor response to therapy and high incidence of relapse, there is tumor cell immune escape, as AML blasts can negatively influence various components of the immune system, mostly weakening T-cells. Since leukemic cells can dysregulate immune checkpoints (ICs), receptor-based signal transductors that lead to the negative regulation of T-cells and, eventually, to immune surveillance escape, the inhibition of ICs is a promising therapeutic strategy and has led to the development of so-called immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). ICIs, in combination with conventional chemotherapy, hypomethylating agents or targeted therapies, are being increasingly tested in cases of AML, but the results reported are often conflicting. Here, we review the main issues concerning the immune system in AML, the main pathways leading to immune escape and the results obtained from clinical trials of ICIs, alone or in combination, in newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Damiani
- Division of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Udine Hospital, 33100 Udine, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Udine University, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Mario Tiribelli
- Division of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Udine Hospital, 33100 Udine, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Udine University, 33100 Udine, Italy
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30
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Zhou X, Gu Y, Wang H, Zhou W, Zou L, Li S, Hua C, Gao S. From bench to bedside: targeting lymphocyte activation gene 3 as a therapeutic strategy for autoimmune diseases. Inflamm Res 2023:10.1007/s00011-023-01742-y. [PMID: 37314518 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-023-01742-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoints negatively regulate immune response, thereby playing an important role in maintaining immune homeostasis. Substantial studies have confirmed that blockade or deficiency of immune checkpoint pathways contributes to the deterioration of autoimmune diseases. In this context, focusing on immune checkpoints might provide alternative strategies for the treatment of autoimmunity. Lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG3), as a member of immune checkpoint, is critical in regulating immune responses as manifested in multiple preclinical studies and clinical trials. Recent success of dual-blockade of LAG3 and programmed death-1 in melanoma also supports the notion that LAG3 is a crucial regulator in immune tolerance. METHODS We wrote this review article by searching the PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases. CONCLUSION In this review, we summarize the molecular structure and the action mechanisms of LAG3. Additionally, we highlight its roles in diverse autoimmune diseases and discuss how the manipulation of the LAG3 pathway can serve as a promising therapeutic strategy as well as its specific mechanism with the aim of filling the gaps from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyin Zhou
- School of the 2nd Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yiming Gu
- School of the 2nd Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Huihong Wang
- School of the 2nd Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- School of the 2nd Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Lei Zou
- School of the 2nd Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shuting Li
- School of the 2nd Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chunyan Hua
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Sheng Gao
- Laboratory Animal Center, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China.
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31
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Lan X, Yang TTC, Wang Y, Qu B, Rong S, Song N. Characterization of 405B8H3(D-E), a newly engineered high affinity chimeric LAG-3 antibody with potent antitumor activity. FEBS Open Bio 2023. [PMID: 37302810 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3) is a type I transmembrane protein with structural similarities to CD4. Overexpression of LAG-3 enables cancer cells to escape immune surveillance, while its blockade reinvigorates exhausted T cells and strengthens anti-infection immunity. Blockade of LAG-3 may have antitumor effects. Here, we generated a novel anti-LAG-3 chimeric antibody, 405B8H3(D-E), through hybridoma technology from monoclonal antibodies produced in mice. The heavy-chain variable region of the selected mouse antibody was grafted onto a human IgG4 scaffold, while a modified light-chain variable region was coupled to the human kappa light-chain constant region. 405B8H3(D-E) could effectively bind LAG-3-expressing HEK293 cells. Moreover, it could bind cynomolgus monkey (cyno) LAG-3 expressed on HEK293 cells with a higher affinity than the reference anti-LAG-3 antibody BMS-986016. Furthermore, 405B8H3(D-E) promoted interleukin-2 secretion and was able to block the interactions of LAG-3 with liver sinusoidal endothelial cell lectin and major histocompatibility complex II molecules. Finally, 405B8H3(D-E) combined with anti-mPD-1-antibody showed effective therapeutic potential in the MC38 tumor mouse model. Therefore, 405B8H3(D-E) is likely to be a promising candidate therapeutic antibody for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxuan Lan
- School of Perfume and Aroma Technology, Shanghai Institute of Technology, China
- Shanghai ChemPartner Co., Ltd., China
| | | | | | - Baoyuan Qu
- Jiangsu Huaiyu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., China
| | - Shaofeng Rong
- School of Perfume and Aroma Technology, Shanghai Institute of Technology, China
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32
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Chen C, Kumbhar R, Wang H, Yang X, Gadhave K, Rastegar C, Kimura Y, Behensky A, Katakam S, Jeong D, Wang L, Wang A, Chen R, Zhang S, Jin L, Workman CJ, Vignali DA, Pletinkova O, Nauen DW, Wong PC, Troncoso JC, Ying M, Dawson VL, Dawson TM, Mao X. Pathological Tau transmission initiated by binding lymphocyte-activation gene 3. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.16.541015. [PMID: 37293032 PMCID: PMC10245704 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.16.541015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The spread of prion-like protein aggregates is believed to be a common driver of pathogenesis in many neurodegenerative diseases. Accumulated tangles of filamentous Tau protein are considered pathogenic lesions of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related Tauopathies, including progressive supranuclear palsy, and corticobasal degeneration. Tau pathologies in these illnesses exhibits a clear progressive and hierarchical spreading pattern that correlates with disease severity1,2. Clinical observation combined with complementary experimental studies3,4 have shown that Tau preformed fibrils (PFF) are prion-like seeds that propagate pathology by entering cells and templating misfolding and aggregation of endogenous Tau. While several receptors of Tau are known, they are not specific to the fibrillar form of Tau. Moreover, the underlying cellular mechanisms of Tau PFF spreading remains poorly understood. Here, we show that the lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (Lag3) is a cell surface receptor that binds to PFF, but not monomer, of Tau. Deletion of Lag3 or inhibition of Lag3 in primary cortical neurons significantly reduces the internalization of Tau PFF and subsequent Tau propagation and neuron-to-neuron transmission. Propagation of Tau pathology and behavioral deficits induced by injection of Tau PFF in the hippocampus and overlying cortex are attenuated in mice lacking Lag3 selectively in neurons. Our results identify neuronal Lag3 as a receptor of pathologic Tau in the brain, and for AD and related Tauopathies a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Chen
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ramhari Kumbhar
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Hu Wang
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Xiuli Yang
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Kundlik Gadhave
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Cyrus Rastegar
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yasuyoshi Kimura
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Adam Behensky
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Sruthi Katakam
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Deok Jeong
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Liang Wang
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Anthony Wang
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Rong Chen
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Shu Zhang
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Lingtao Jin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Creg J. Workman
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Dario A.A. Vignali
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Olga Pletinkova
- Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - David W. Nauen
- Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Philip C. Wong
- Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Juan C. Troncoso
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Mingyao Ying
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, 707 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Valina L. Dawson
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Adrienne Helis Malvin Medical Research Foundation, New Orleans, LA 70130-2685, USA
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ted M. Dawson
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Xiaobo Mao
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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33
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Dulal D, Boring A, Terrero D, Johnson T, Tiwari AK, Raman D. Tackling of Immunorefractory Tumors by Targeting Alternative Immune Checkpoints. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2774. [PMID: 37345111 PMCID: PMC10216651 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Physiologically, well known or traditional immune checkpoints (ICs), such as CTLA-4 and PD-1, are in place to promote tolerance to self-antigens and prevent generation of autoimmunity. In cancer, the ICs are effectively engaged by the tumor cells or stromal ells from the tumor microenvironment through expression of cognate ligands for the ICs present on the cell surface of CD8+ T lymphocytes. The ligation of ICs on CD8+ T lymphocytes triggers inhibitory signaling pathways, leading to quiescence or an exhaustion of CD8+ T lymphocytes. This results in failure of immunotherapy. To overcome this, several FDA-approved therapeutic antibodies are available, but the clinical outcome is quite variable due to the resistance encountered through upregulated expression of alternate ICs such as VISTA, LAG-3, TIGIT and TIM-3. This review focuses on the roles played by the traditional as well as alternate ICs and the contribution of associated signaling pathways in generating such resistance to immunotherapy. Combinatorial targeting of traditional and alternate ICs might be beneficial for immune-refractory tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dharmindra Dulal
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo Health Science Campus, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (D.D.); (A.B.); (A.K.T.)
| | - Andrew Boring
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo Health Science Campus, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (D.D.); (A.B.); (A.K.T.)
| | - David Terrero
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo Main Campus, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Tiffany Johnson
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo Health Science Campus, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (D.D.); (A.B.); (A.K.T.)
| | - Amit K. Tiwari
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo Health Science Campus, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (D.D.); (A.B.); (A.K.T.)
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo Main Campus, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Dayanidhi Raman
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo Health Science Campus, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (D.D.); (A.B.); (A.K.T.)
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Zhang C, Zhang C, Wang H. Immune-checkpoint inhibitor resistance in cancer treatment: Current progress and future directions. Cancer Lett 2023; 562:216182. [PMID: 37076040 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Cancer treatment has been advanced with the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) exemplified by anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) drugs. Patients have reaped substantial benefit from ICIs in many cancer types. However, few patients benefit from ICIs whereas the vast majority undergoing these treatments do not obtain survival benefit. Even for patients with initial responses, they may encounter drug resistance in their subsequent treatments, which limits the efficacy of ICIs. Therefore, a deepening understanding of drug resistance is critically important for the explorations of approaches to reverse drug resistance and to boost ICI efficacy. In the present review, different mechanisms of ICI resistance have been summarized according to the tumor intrinsic, tumor microenvironment (TME) and host classifications. We further elaborated corresponding strategies to battle against such resistance accordingly, which include targeting defects in antigen presentation, dysregulated interferon-γ (IFN-γ) signaling, neoantigen depletion, upregulation of other T cell checkpoints as well as immunosuppression and exclusion mediated by TME. Moreover, regarding the host, several additional approaches that interfere with diet and gut microbiome have also been described in reversing ICI resistance. Additionally, we provide an overall glimpse into the ongoing clinical trials that utilize these mechanisms to overcome ICI resistance. Finally, we summarize the challenges and opportunities that needs to be addressed in the investigation of ICI resistance mechanisms, with the aim to benefit more patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyue Zhang
- Department of Integrated Therapy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenxing Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haiyong Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine-Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China.
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35
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Lasorsa F, di Meo NA, Rutigliano M, Milella M, Ferro M, Pandolfo SD, Crocetto F, Tataru OS, Autorino R, Battaglia M, Ditonno P, Lucarelli G. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Renal Cell Carcinoma: Molecular Basis and Rationale for Their Use in Clinical Practice. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041071. [PMID: 37189689 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the seventh most common cancer in men and the ninth most common cancer in women worldwide. There is plenty of evidence about the role of the immune system in surveillance against tumors. Thanks to a better understanding of immunosurveillance mechanisms, immunotherapy has been introduced as a promising cancer treatment in recent years. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has long been thought chemoresistant but highly immunogenic. Considering that up to 30% of the patients present metastatic disease at diagnosis, and around 20–30% of patients undergoing surgery will suffer recurrence, we need to identify novel therapeutic targets. The introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in the clinical management of RCC has revolutionized the therapeutic approach against this tumor. Several clinical trials have shown that therapy with ICIs in combination or ICIs and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor has a very good response rate. In this review article we summarize the mechanisms of immunity modulation and immune checkpoints in RCC and discuss the potential therapeutic strategies in renal cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Lasorsa
- Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Antonio di Meo
- Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Monica Rutigliano
- Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Martina Milella
- Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Matteo Ferro
- Division of Urology, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Savio Domenico Pandolfo
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Felice Crocetto
- Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Octavian Sabin Tataru
- The Institution Organizing University Doctoral Studies (I.O.S.U.D.), George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology, 540139 Târgu Mureș, Romania
| | - Riccardo Autorino
- Department of Urology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Michele Battaglia
- Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Pasquale Ditonno
- Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lucarelli
- Urology, Andrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
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36
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Awad RM, Breckpot K. Novel technologies for applying immune checkpoint blockers. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 382:1-101. [PMID: 38225100 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells develop several ways to subdue the immune system among others via upregulation of inhibitory immune checkpoint (ICP) proteins. These ICPs paralyze immune effector cells and thereby enable unfettered tumor growth. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that block ICPs can prevent immune exhaustion. Due to their outstanding effects, mAbs revolutionized the field of cancer immunotherapy. However, current ICP therapy regimens suffer from issues related to systemic administration of mAbs, including the onset of immune related adverse events, poor pharmacokinetics, limited tumor accessibility and immunogenicity. These drawbacks and new insights on spatiality prompted the exploration of novel administration routes for mAbs for instance peritumoral delivery. Moreover, novel ICP drug classes that are adept to novel delivery technologies were developed to circumvent the drawbacks of mAbs. We therefore review the state-of-the-art and novel delivery strategies of ICP drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Maximilian Awad
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
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Naggan L, Robinson E, Dinur E, Goldenberg H, Kozela E, Yirmiya R. Suicide in bipolar disorder patients is associated with hippocampal microglia activation and reduction of lymphocytes-activation gene 3 (LAG3) microglial checkpoint expression. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 110:185-194. [PMID: 36863492 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bipolar disorder (BD) is associated with marked functional impairments along with increased rate of suicide. Although there is ample evidence for the involvement of inflammatory processes and microglia activation in the pathophysiology of BD, the mechanisms that regulate these cells in BD patients, and particularly the role of microglia checkpoints, is still unclear. METHODS Immunohistochemical analyses of hippocampal sections from post-mortem brains of 15 BD patients and 12 control subjects were used to assess microglia density, by staining the microglia-specific receptor P2RY12, and microglia activation, by staining the activation marker MHC II. Given recent findings on the involvement of LAG3, which interacts with MHC II and serves as a negative microglia checkpoint, in depression and electroconvulsive therapy, we assessed the levels of LAG3 expression and their correlations with microglia density and activation. RESULTS There were no overall differences between BD patients and controls, but BD patients who committed suicide (N = 9) displayed a significant elevation in the overall microglia density and the density of MHC II-labeled microglia (but not other MHC II-labeled cells), compared with no suicide BD patients (N = 6) and controls. Furthermore, the percent of microglia expressing LAG3 was significantly reduced only in suicidal BD patients, with significant negative correlations between microglial LAG3 expression levels and the density of microglia, in general, and activated microglia, in particular. CONCLUSION Suicidal BD patients exhibit microglia activation, which is possibly mediated by reduced LAG3 checkpoint expression, suggesting that anti-microglial therapeutics, including LAG3 modulators, may be beneficial for this subgroup of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lior Naggan
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Elad Robinson
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Eyal Dinur
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Hagar Goldenberg
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ewa Kozela
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Raz Yirmiya
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Chen Z, Huang J, Kwak-Kim J, Wang W. Immune checkpoint inhibitors and reproductive failures. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 156:103799. [PMID: 36724630 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103799] [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: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The human conceptus is a semi-allograft, which is antigenically foreign to the mother. Hence, the implantation process needs mechanisms to prevent allograft rejection during successful pregnancy. Immune checkpoints are a group of inhibitory pathways expressed on the surface of various immune cells in the form of ligand receptors. Immune cells possess these pathways to regulate the magnitude of immune responses and induce maternal-fetal tolerance. Briefly, 1) CTLA-4 can weaken T cell receptor (TCR) signals and inhibit T cell response; 2) The PD-1/PD-L1 pathway can reduce T cell proliferation, enhance T cell anergy and fatigue, reduce cytokine production, and increase T regulatory cell activity to complete the immunosuppression; 3) TIM3 interacts with T cells by binding Gal-9, weakening Th1 cell-mediated immunity and T cell apoptosis; 4) The LAG-3 binding to MHC II can inhibit T cell activation by interfering with the binding of CD4 to MHC II, and; 5) TIGIT can release inhibitory signals to NK and T cells through the ITIM structure of its cytoplasmic tail. Therefore, dysregulated immune checkpoints or the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors may impair human reproduction. This review intends to deliver a comprehensive overview of immune checkpoints in pregnancy, including CTLA-4, PD-1/PD-L1, TIM-3, LAG-3, TIGIT, and their inhibitors, reviewing their roles in normal and pathological human pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyang Chen
- School of Medicine, Qingdao University, 38 Dengzhou Road, Qingdao 266000, PR China; Reproduction Medical Center, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Jinxia Huang
- Reproduction Medical Center, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, PR China; Department of Gynecology, Weihai Central Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, 3 Mishan East Road, Weihai 264400, PR China
| | - Joanne Kwak-Kim
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Sciences Department, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, IL 60061, USA; Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology and Infection, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA.
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- Reproduction Medical Center, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
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Kim D, Kim G, Yu R, Lee J, Kim S, Qiu K, Montauti E, Fang D, Chandel NS, Choi J, Min B. Lymphocyte activation gene 3 (Lag3) supports Foxp3 + Treg cell function by restraining c-Myc-dependent aerobic glycolysis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.13.528371. [PMID: 36824824 PMCID: PMC9949104 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.13.528371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Lymphocyte activation gene 3 (Lag3) has emerged as the next-generation immune checkpoint molecule due to its ability to inhibit effector T cell activity. Foxp3 + regulatory T (Treg) cells, a master regulator of immunity and tolerance, also highly express Lag3. While Lag3 is thought to be necessary for Treg cell-mediated regulation of immunity, the precise roles and underlying mechanisms remain largely elusive. In this study, we report that Lag3 is indispensable for Treg cells to control autoimmune inflammation. Utilizing a newly generated Treg cell specific Lag3 mutant mouse model, we found that these animals are highly susceptible to autoimmune diseases, suggesting defective Treg cell function. Genome wide transcriptome analysis further uncovered that Lag3 mutant Treg cells upregulated genes involved in metabolic processes. Mechanistically, we found that Lag3 limits Treg cell expression of Myc, a key regulator of aerobic glycolysis. We further found that Lag3-dependent Myc expression determines Treg cells’ metabolic programming as well as the in vivo function to suppress autoimmune inflammation. Taken together, our results uncovered a novel function of Lag3 in supporting Treg cell suppressive function by regulating Myc-dependent metabolic programming.
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Amini L, Kaeda J, Fritsche E, Roemhild A, Kaiser D, Reinke P. Clinical adoptive regulatory T Cell therapy: State of the art, challenges, and prospective. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:1081644. [PMID: 36794233 PMCID: PMC9924129 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1081644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Rejection of solid organ transplant and graft versus host disease (GvHD) continue to be challenging in post transplantation management. The introduction of calcineurin inhibitors dramatically improved recipients' short-term prognosis. However, long-term clinical outlook remains poor, moreover, the lifelong dependency on these toxic drugs leads to chronic deterioration of graft function, in particular the renal function, infections and de-novo malignancies. These observations led investigators to identify alternative therapeutic options to promote long-term graft survival, which could be used concomitantly, but preferably, replace pharmacologic immunosuppression as standard of care. Adoptive T cell (ATC) therapy has evolved as one of the most promising approaches in regenerative medicine in the recent years. A range of cell types with disparate immunoregulatory and regenerative properties are actively being investigated as potential therapeutic agents for specific transplant rejection, autoimmunity or injury-related indications. A significant body of data from preclinical models pointed to efficacy of cellular therapies. Significantly, early clinical trial observations have confirmed safety and tolerability, and yielded promising data in support of efficacy of the cellular therapeutics. The first class of these therapeutic agents commonly referred to as advanced therapy medicinal products have been approved and are now available for clinical use. Specifically, clinical trials have supported the utility of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) to minimize unwanted or overshooting immune responses and reduce the level of pharmacological immunosuppression in transplant recipients. Tregs are recognized as the principal orchestrators of maintaining peripheral tolerance, thereby blocking excessive immune responses and prevent autoimmunity. Here, we summarize rationale for the adoptive Treg therapy, challenges in manufacturing and clinical experiences with this novel living drug and outline future perspectives of its use in transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Amini
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Berlin Institute of Health—Center for Regenerative Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jaspal Kaeda
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Enrico Fritsche
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andy Roemhild
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Kaiser
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Petra Reinke
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Berlin Institute of Health—Center for Regenerative Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany,*Correspondence: Petra Reinke,
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Dutta S, Ganguly A, Chatterjee K, Spada S, Mukherjee S. Targets of Immune Escape Mechanisms in Cancer: Basis for Development and Evolution of Cancer Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020218. [PMID: 36829496 PMCID: PMC9952779 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has emerged as a novel therapeutic tool for cancer therapy in the last decade. Unfortunately, a small number of patients benefit from approved immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Therefore, multiple studies are being conducted to find new ICIs and combination strategies to improve the current ICIs. In this review, we discuss some approved immune checkpoints, such as PD-L1, PD-1, and CTLA-4, and also highlight newer emerging ICIs. For instance, HLA-E, overexpressed by tumor cells, represents an immune-suppressive feature by binding CD94/NKG2A, on NK and T cells. NKG2A blockade recruits CD8+ T cells and activates NK cells to decrease the tumor burden. NKG2D acts as an NK cell activating receptor that can also be a potential ICI. The adenosine A2A and A2B receptors, CD47-SIRPα, TIM-3, LAG-3, TIGIT, and VISTA are targets that also contribute to cancer immunoresistance and have been considered for clinical trials. Their antitumor immunosuppressive functions can be used to develop blocking antibodies. PARPs, mARTs, and B7-H3 are also other potential targets for immunosuppression. Additionally, miRNA, mRNA, and CRISPR-Cas9-mediated immunotherapeutic approaches are being investigated with great interest. Pre-clinical and clinical studies project these targets as potential immunotherapeutic candidates in different cancer types for their robust antitumor modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shovan Dutta
- The Center for Immunotherapy & Precision Immuno-Oncology (CITI), Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Anirban Ganguly
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar 814152, India
| | | | - Sheila Spada
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (S.M.)
| | - Sumit Mukherjee
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (S.M.)
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Yang K, Zhao Y, Sun G, Zhang X, Cao J, Shao M, Liang X, Wang L. Clinical application and prospect of immune checkpoint inhibitors for CAR-NK cell in tumor immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1081546. [PMID: 36741400 PMCID: PMC9892943 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1081546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) engineering of natural killer (NK) cells is an attractive research field in tumor immunotherapy. While CAR is genetically engineered to express certain molecules, it retains the intrinsic ability to recognize tumor cells through its own receptors. Additionally, NK cells do not depend on T cell receptors for cytotoxic killing. CAR-NK cells exhibit some differences to CAR-T cells in terms of more precise killing, numerous cell sources, and increased effectiveness in solid tumors. However, some problems still exist with CAR-NK cell therapy, such as cytotoxicity, low transfection efficiency, and storage issues. Immune checkpoints inhibit immune cells from performing their normal killing function, and the clinical application of immune checkpoint inhibitors for cancer treatment has become a key therapeutic strategy. The application of CAR-T cells and immune checkpoint inhibitors is being evaluated in numerous ongoing basic research and clinical studies. Immune checkpoints may affect the function of CAR-NK cell therapy. In this review, we describe the combination of existing CAR-NK cell technology with immune checkpoint therapy and discuss the research of CAR-NK cell technology and future clinical treatments. We also summarize the progress of clinical trials of CAR-NK cells and immune checkpoint therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangdi Yang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuze Zhao
- School of Basic Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guanqun Sun
- Clinical Cancer Institute, Center for Translational Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinjin Cao
- Clinical Cancer Institute, Center for Translational Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingcong Shao
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xijun Liang
- Clinical Cancer Institute, Center for Translational Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Xijun Liang, ; Lina Wang,
| | - Lina Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Xijun Liang, ; Lina Wang,
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Rodríguez-Guilarte L, Ramírez MA, Andrade CA, Kalergis AM. LAG-3 Contribution to T Cell Downmodulation during Acute Respiratory Viral Infections. Viruses 2023; 15:147. [PMID: 36680187 PMCID: PMC9865459 DOI: 10.3390/v15010147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
LAG-3 is a type I transmembrane protein expressed on immune cells, such as activated T cells, and binds to MHC class II with high affinity. LAG-3 is an inhibitory receptor, and its multiple biological activities on T cell activation and effector functions play a regulatory role in the immune response. Immunotherapies directed at immune checkpoints, including LAG-3, have become a promising strategy for controlling malignant tumors and chronic viral diseases. Several studies have suggested an association between the expression of LAG-3 with an inadequate immune response during respiratory viral infections and the susceptibility to reinfections, which might be a consequence of the inhibition of T cell effector functions. However, important information relative to therapeutic potential during acute viral lower respiratory tract infections and the mechanism of action of the LAG-3 checkpoint remains to be characterized. In this article, we discuss the contribution of LAG-3 to the impairment of T cells during viral respiratory infections. Understanding the host immune response to respiratory infections is crucial for developing effective vaccines and therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linmar Rodríguez-Guilarte
- Millennium Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Mario A. Ramírez
- Millennium Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Catalina A. Andrade
- Millennium Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Alexis M. Kalergis
- Millennium Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
- Departamento de Endocrinología, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
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Cruz D, Rodríguez-Romanos R, González-Bartulos M, García-Cadenas I, de la Cámara R, Heras I, Buño I, Santos N, Lloveras N, Velarde P, Tuset E, Martínez C, González M, Sanz GF, Ferrá C, Sampol A, Coll R, Pérez-Simón JA, López-Jiménez J, Jurado M, Gallardo D. LAG3 genotype of the donor and clinical outcome after allogeneic transplantation from HLA-identical sibling donors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1066393. [PMID: 36742309 PMCID: PMC9897054 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1066393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The association of polymorphisms in molecules involved in the immune response (checkpoint inhibitors) with the clinical outcome after allogeneic transplantation (alloHSCT) has been described. Lymphocyte Activation 3 (LAG3) is a surface protein that plays a regulatory role in immunity as an inhibitory immune checkpoint molecule. Methods To determine its role in the alloHSCT setting, we analyzed 797 patients transplanted from HLA-identical sibling donors. The LAG3 rs870849 C>T polymorphism was genotyped in donors. Results We detected a higher incidence of severe acute GVHD in patients transplanted from donors with TT genotype (p: 0.047, HR 1.64; 95% CI 1.01 - 2.67). Overall survival (OS) was worse for patients transplanted from donors with the rs870849 CT/TT genotype (0.020; HR, 1.44; 95% CI 1.06 - 1.96), as well as disease-free survival (DFS) (p: 0.002; HR 1.58, 95%CI: 1.18 - 2.14) and transplant-related mortality (TRM) (p< 0.001; HR: 1.88, 95% CI 1.29 - 2.74). When combining the LAG3 rs870849 and the PDCD1 rs36084323 genotypes of the donor, three genetic groups were well defined, allowing a good stratification of the risk of acute GVHD, TRM, OS and DFS. Discussion We conclude that the LAG3 genotype of the donor may be considered in donors' selection. As this selection may be limited in the HLA-identical sibling donor scenario, further studies exploring the impact of LAG3 genotype of the donor in unrelated transplantation are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Cruz
- Hematology Department, Institut Català d'Oncologia - Hospital Dr. Josep Trueta, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Girona (IDIBGI), Josep Carreras Research Institute, Girona, Spain
| | - Rocío Rodríguez-Romanos
- Hematology Department, Institut Català d'Oncologia - Hospital Dr. Josep Trueta, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Girona (IDIBGI), Josep Carreras Research Institute, Girona, Spain
| | - Marta González-Bartulos
- Hematology Department, Institut Català d'Oncologia - Hospital Dr. Josep Trueta, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Girona (IDIBGI), Josep Carreras Research Institute, Girona, Spain
| | - Irene García-Cadenas
- Hematology Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Inmaculada Heras
- Hematology Department, Hospital General Universitario Morales Meseguer, Murcia, Spain
| | - Ismael Buño
- Hematology Department and Genomics Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Gregorio Marañón Health Research Institute (IiSGM), Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nazly Santos
- Hematology Department, Institut Català d'Oncologia - Hospital Dr. Josep Trueta, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Girona (IDIBGI), Josep Carreras Research Institute, Girona, Spain
| | - Natàlia Lloveras
- Hematology Department, Institut Català d'Oncologia - Hospital Dr. Josep Trueta, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Girona (IDIBGI), Josep Carreras Research Institute, Girona, Spain.,Department of Medicine, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Pilar Velarde
- Hematology Department, Institut Català d'Oncologia - Hospital Dr. Josep Trueta, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Girona (IDIBGI), Josep Carreras Research Institute, Girona, Spain
| | - Esperanza Tuset
- Hematology Department, Institut Català d'Oncologia - Hospital Dr. Josep Trueta, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Girona (IDIBGI), Josep Carreras Research Institute, Girona, Spain
| | - Carmen Martínez
- Hematology Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marcos González
- Hematology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Guillermo F Sanz
- Hematology Department, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Christelle Ferrá
- Hematology Department, Institut Català d'Oncologia - Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Josep Carreras Research Institute, Badalona, Spain
| | - Antonia Sampol
- Hematology Department, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, IdISBa, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Rosa Coll
- Hematology Department, Institut Català d'Oncologia - Hospital Dr. Josep Trueta, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Girona (IDIBGI), Josep Carreras Research Institute, Girona, Spain.,Department of Medicine, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Jose A Pérez-Simón
- Hematology Department, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | | | - Manuel Jurado
- Hematology Department, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - David Gallardo
- Hematology Department, Institut Català d'Oncologia - Hospital Dr. Josep Trueta, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Girona (IDIBGI), Josep Carreras Research Institute, Girona, Spain.,Department of Medicine, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain
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Catalano M, Shabani S, Venturini J, Ottanelli C, Voltolini L, Roviello G. Lung Cancer Immunotherapy: Beyond Common Immune Checkpoints Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:6145. [PMID: 36551630 PMCID: PMC9777293 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is an ever-expanding field in lung cancer treatment research. Over the past two decades, there has been significant progress in identifying immunotherapy targets and creating specific therapeutic agents, leading to a major paradigm shift in lung cancer treatment. However, despite the great success achieved with programmed death protein 1/ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) monoclonal antibodies and with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 plus anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4), only a minority of lung cancer patients respond to treatment, and of these many subsequently experience disease progression. In addition, immune-related adverse events sometimes can be life-threatening, especially when anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 are used in combination. All of this prompted researchers to identify novel immune checkpoints targets to overcome these limitations. Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), T cell immunoglobulin (Ig) and Immunoreceptor Tyrosine-Based Inhibitory Motif (ITIM) domain (TIGIT), T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM-3) are promising molecules now under investigation. This review aims to outline the current role of immunotherapy in lung cancer and to examine efficacy and future applications of the new immune regulating molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Catalano
- School of Human Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Sonia Shabani
- School of Human Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Jacopo Venturini
- School of Human Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Carlotta Ottanelli
- School of Human Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Luca Voltolini
- Thoraco-Pulmonary Surgery Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Giandomenico Roviello
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
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Andrews LP, Cillo AR, Karapetyan L, Kirkwood JM, Workman CJ, Vignali DA. Molecular Pathways and Mechanisms of LAG3 in Cancer Therapy. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:5030-5039. [PMID: 35579997 PMCID: PMC9669281 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-2390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy targeting coinhibitory receptors has been highly successful in treating a wide variety of malignancies; however, only a subset of patients exhibits durable responses. The first FDA-approved immunotherapeutics targeting coinhibitory receptors PD1 and CTLA4, alone or in combination, significantly improved survival but were also accompanied by substantial toxicity in combination. The third FDA-approved immune checkpoint inhibitor targets LAG3, a coinhibitory receptor expressed on activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, especially in settings of long-term antigenic stimulation, such as chronic viral infection or cancer. Mechanistically, LAG3 expression limits both the expansion of activated T cells and the size of the memory pool, suggesting that LAG3 may be a promising target for immunotherapy. Importantly, the mechanism(s) by which LAG3 contributes to CD8+ T-cell exhaustion may be distinct from those governed by PD1, indicating that the combination of anti-LAG3 and anti-PD1 may synergistically enhance antitumor immunity. Clinical studies evaluating the role of anti-LAG3 in combination with anti-PD1 are underway, and recent phase III trial results in metastatic melanoma demonstrate both the efficacy and safety of this combination. Further ongoing clinical trials are evaluating this combination across multiple tumor types and the adjuvant setting, with accompanying translational and biomarker-focused studies designed to elucidate the molecular pathways that lead to improved antitumor T-cell responses following dual blockade of PD1 and LAG3. Overall, LAG3 plays an important role in limiting T-cell activation and has now become part of the repertoire of combinatorial immunotherapeutics available for the treatment of metastatic melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence P. Andrews
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261.,Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
| | - Anthony R. Cillo
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261.,Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
| | - Lilit Karapetyan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| | - John M. Kirkwood
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261.,Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
| | - Creg J. Workman
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261.,Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
| | - Dario A.A. Vignali
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261.,Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232.,Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
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Kozłowski M, Borzyszkowska D, Cymbaluk-Płoska A. The Role of TIM-3 and LAG-3 in the Microenvironment and Immunotherapy of Ovarian Cancer. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2826. [PMID: 36359346 PMCID: PMC9687228 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate among gynecologic malignancies. The main treatment options are surgical removal of the tumor and chemotherapy. Cancer treatment has been revolutionized by immunotherapy, which has developed explosively over the past two decades. Clinical anticancer strategies used in immunotherapy include therapies based on the inhibition of PD-1, PD-L1 or CTLA-4. Despite encouraging results, a large proportion of cancer patients are resistant to these therapies or eventually develop resistance. It is important to perform research that will focus on immunotherapy based on other immune checkpoint inhibitors. The aim of the review was to analyze studies considering the expression of TIM-3 and LAG-3 in the ovarian cancer microenvironment and considering immunotherapy for ovarian cancer that includes antibodies directed against TIM-3 and LAG-3. As the data showed, the expression of the described immune checkpoints was shown in different ways. Higher TIM-3 expression was associated with a more advanced tumor stage. Both TIM-3 and LAG-3 were co-expressed with PD-1 in a large proportion of studies. The effect of LAG-3 expression on progression-free survival and/or overall survival is inconclusive and certainly requires further study. Co-expression of immune checkpoints prompts combination therapies using anti-LAG-3 or anti-TIM-3. Research on immune checkpoints, especially TIM-3 and LAG-3, should be further developed.
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Anticancer natural products targeting immune checkpoint protein network. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:1008-1032. [PMID: 34838956 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Normal cells express surface proteins that bind to immune checkpoint proteins on immune cells to turn them off, whereby the immune system does not attack normal healthy cells. Cancer cells can also utilize this same protective mechanism by expressing surface proteins that can interact with checkpoint proteins on immune cells to overcome the immune surveillance. Immunotherapy is making the best use of the body's own immune system to reinforce anti-tumor responses. The most generally used immunotherapy is the control of immune checkpoints including the cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated molecule 4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell deathreceptor 1 (PD-1), or programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1). In spite of the clinical effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors, the overall response rate still remains low. Therefore, there have been considerable efforts in searching for alternative immune checkpoint proteins that may work as new therapeutic targets for treatment of cancer. Recent studies have identified several additional novel immune checkpoint targets, including lymphocyte activation gene-3, T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3, T cell immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif domain, V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation, B7 homolog 3 protein, B and T cell lymphocyte attenuator, and inducible T cell COStimulator. Natural compounds, especially those present in medicinal or dietary plants, have been investigated for their anti-tumor effects in various in vitro and in vivo models. Some phytochemicals exert anti-tumor activities based on immunoregulatioby blocking interaction between proteins involved in immune checkpoint signal transduction or regulating their expression/activity. Recently, synergistic anti-cancer effects of diverse phytochemicals with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 or anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody drugs have been continuously reported. Considering an increasing attention to noteworthy therapeutic effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the cancer therapy, this review focuses on regulatory effects of selected phytochemicals on immune checkpoint protein network and their combinational effectiveness with immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting tumor cells.
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Agnihotri P, Mishra AK, Agarwal P, Vignali KM, Workman CJ, Vignali DAA, Mariuzza RA. Epitope Mapping of Therapeutic Antibodies Targeting Human LAG3. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 209:1586-1594. [PMID: 36104110 PMCID: PMC9696730 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Lymphocyte activation gene 3 protein (LAG3; CD223) is an inhibitory receptor that is highly upregulated on exhausted T cells in tumors and chronic viral infection. Consequently, LAG3 is now a major immunotherapeutic target for the treatment of cancer, and many mAbs against human (h) LAG3 (hLAG3) have been generated to block its inhibitory activity. However, little or no information is available on the epitopes they recognize. We selected a panel of seven therapeutic mAbs from the patent literature for detailed characterization. These mAbs were expressed as Fab or single-chain variable fragments and shown to bind hLAG3 with nanomolar affinities, as measured by biolayer interferometry. Using competitive binding assays, we found that the seven mAbs recognize four distinct epitopes on hLAG3. To localize the epitopes, we carried out epitope mapping using chimeras between hLAG3 and mouse LAG3. All seven mAbs are directed against the first Ig-like domain (D1) of hLAG3, despite their different origins. Three mAbs almost exclusively target a unique 30-residue loop of D1 that forms at least part of the putative binding site for MHC class II, whereas four mainly recognize D1 determinants outside this loop. However, because all the mAbs block binding of hLAG3 to MHC class II, each of the epitopes they recognize must at least partially overlap the MHC class II binding site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragati Agnihotri
- W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
| | - Arjun K Mishra
- W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
| | - Priyanka Agarwal
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA; and
| | - Kate M Vignali
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA; and
| | - Creg J Workman
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA; and
| | - Dario A A Vignali
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA; and
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Roy A Mariuzza
- W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD;
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
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Signaling pathways and targeted therapies in lung squamous cell carcinoma: mechanisms and clinical trials. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:353. [PMID: 36198685 PMCID: PMC9535022 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01200-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death across the world. Unlike lung adenocarcinoma, patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) have not benefitted from targeted therapies. Although immunotherapy has significantly improved cancer patients' outcomes, the relatively low response rate and severe adverse events hinder the clinical application of this promising treatment in LSCC. Therefore, it is of vital importance to have a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of LSCC as well as the inner connection among different signaling pathways, which will surely provide opportunities for more effective therapeutic interventions for LSCC. In this review, new insights were given about classical signaling pathways which have been proved in other cancer types but not in LSCC, including PI3K signaling pathway, VEGF/VEGFR signaling, and CDK4/6 pathway. Other signaling pathways which may have therapeutic potentials in LSCC were also discussed, including the FGFR1 pathway, EGFR pathway, and KEAP1/NRF2 pathway. Next, chromosome 3q, which harbors two key squamous differentiation markers SOX2 and TP63 is discussed as well as its related potential therapeutic targets. We also provided some progress of LSCC in epigenetic therapies and immune checkpoints blockade (ICB) therapies. Subsequently, we outlined some combination strategies of ICB therapies and other targeted therapies. Finally, prospects and challenges were given related to the exploration and application of novel therapeutic strategies for LSCC.
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