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Kment J, Newsted D, Young S, Vermeulen MC, Laight BJ, Greer PA, Lan Y, Craig AW. Blockade of TGF-β and PD-L1 by bintrafusp alfa promotes survival in preclinical ovarian cancer models by promoting T effector and NK cell responses. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:2003-2015. [PMID: 38622286 PMCID: PMC11183086 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02677-9] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Failure of immunotherapy in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) may be due to high levels of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in ascites or tumour immune microenvironment (TIME). Here, we test whether coordinated blockade of TGF-β and PD-L1 with bintrafusp alfa (BA) can provoke anti-tumour immune responses in preclinical HGSC models. METHODS BA is a first-in-class bifunctional inhibitor of TGF-β and PD-L1, and was tested for effects on overall survival and altered TIME in syngeneic HGSC models. RESULTS Using a mouse ID8-derived HGSC syngeneic model with IFNγ-inducible PD-L1 expression, BA treatments significantly reduced ascites development and tumour burden. BA treatments depleted TGF-β and VEGF in ascites, and skewed the TIME towards cytotoxicity compared to control. In the BR5 HGSC syngeneic model, BA treatments increased tumour-infiltrating CD8 T cells with effector memory and cytotoxic markers, as well as cytolytic NK cells. Extended BA treatments in the BR5 model produced ∼50% BA-cured mice that were protected from re-challenge. These BA-cured mice had increased peritoneal T-effector memory and NK cells compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS Our preclinical studies of BA in advanced ovarian cancer models support further testing of BA as an improved immunotherapy option for patients with advanced ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Kment
- Cancer Biology & Genetics division, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel Newsted
- Cancer Biology & Genetics division, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Stephanie Young
- Cancer Biology & Genetics division, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Michael C Vermeulen
- Cancer Biology & Genetics division, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Brian J Laight
- Cancer Biology & Genetics division, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Peter A Greer
- Cancer Biology & Genetics division, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Yan Lan
- EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc., Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Andrew W Craig
- Cancer Biology & Genetics division, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Kingston, ON, Canada.
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
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2
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Baranda JC, Robbrecht D, Sullivan R, Doger B, Santoro A, Barve M, Grob J, Bechter O, Vieito M, de Miguel MJ, Schadendorf D, Johnson M, Pouzin C, Cantalloube C, Wang R, Lee J, Chen X, Demers B, Amrate A, Abbadessa G, Hodi FS. Safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and antitumor activity of SAR439459, a TGFβ inhibitor, as monotherapy and in combination with cemiplimab in patients with advanced solid tumors: Findings from a phase 1/1b study. Clin Transl Sci 2024; 17:e13854. [PMID: 38898592 PMCID: PMC11186846 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13854] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
SAR439459 (SAR'459), a "second-generation" human anti-transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) monoclonal antibody, enhances the activity of immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this phase I/Ib study, we evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics, and antitumor activity of SAR'459 ± cemiplimab (intravenous) in patients with advanced solid tumors. Increasing doses of SAR'459 were administered every 2 or 3 weeks (Q2W, Q3W) alone (Part 1A) or with 3 mg/kg cemiplimab Q2W or 350 mg Q3W (Part 1B). In Part 2A (dose expansion), melanoma patients were randomly (1:1) administered 22.5 or 7.5 mg/kg SAR'459. In Part 2B (dose expansion), 22.5 mg/kg SAR'459 and 350 mg cemiplimab Q3W were administered. The primary end points were maximum tolerated dose (MTD) or maximum administered dose (MAD; Part 1), preliminary antitumor activity (Part 2B), and optimal monotherapy dose (Part 2A). Twenty-eight and 24 patients were treated in Parts 1A and 1B, respectively; MTD was not reached, MAD was 15 (Q2W) and 22.5 mg/kg (Q3W) alone and in combination, respectively. Fourteen and 95 patients, including 14 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, were treated in Parts 2A and 2B, respectively. The population PK model yielded satisfactory goodness-of-fit plots and adequately described the observed data by a two-compartment PK model with linear elimination. Objective responses were not observed in Parts 1 and 2A. In Part 2B, objective response rate was 8.4% and 7.1% across tumor types and the HCC cohort, respectively. The most frequent treatment-emergent adverse effects were hemorrhagic events (43.5%), keratoacanthoma (6.8%), and skin neoplasms (6.2%). Fatal bleeding occurred in 21.4% HCC patients despite the implementation of mitigation measures. SAR'459 monotherapy and combination with cemiplimab appeared relatively safe and tolerable in limited number of patients in dose escalation. However, the study was discontinued due to the unclear efficacy of SAR'459 and bleeding risk, particularly in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquina C. Baranda
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Kansas Cancer CenterFairwayKansasUSA
| | | | - Ryan Sullivan
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Bernard Doger
- START Madrid Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez DíazMadridSpain
| | - Armando Santoro
- Department of Biomedical SciencesHumanitas University Via Rita Levi MontalciniPieve Emanuele, MilanItaly
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital‐Humanitas Cancer Center Via ManzoniRozzano, MilanItaly
| | | | | | - Oliver Bechter
- Department of General Medical Oncology Leuven Cancer InstituteUniversity Hospitals Leuven, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Maria Vieito
- Vall d'Hebron University Hospital and Institute of Oncology (VHIO) SpainBarcelonaSpain
| | | | - Dirk Schadendorf
- University of Essen and the German Cancer ConsortiumEssenGermany
| | - Melissa Johnson
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute/Tennessee Oncology, PLCCNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - F. Stephen Hodi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Center for Immuno‐OncologyDana‐Farber Cancer InstituteBostonMassachusettsUSA
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Cheng L, Chen L, Shi Y, Gu W, Ding W, Zheng X, Liu Y, Jiang J, Zheng Z. Efficacy and safety of bispecific antibodies vs. immune checkpoint blockade combination therapy in cancer: a real-world comparison. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:77. [PMID: 38627681 PMCID: PMC11020943 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01956-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Emerging tumor immunotherapy methods encompass bispecific antibodies (BSABs), immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), and adoptive cell immunotherapy. BSABs belong to the antibody family that can specifically recognize two different antigens or epitopes on the same antigen. These antibodies demonstrate superior clinical efficacy than monoclonal antibodies, indicating their role as a promising tumor immunotherapy option. Immune checkpoints are also important in tumor immunotherapy. Programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) is a widely acknowledged immune checkpoint target with effective anti-tumor activity. PD-1 inhibitors have demonstrated notable therapeutic efficacy in treating hematological and solid tumors; however, more than 50% of patients undergoing this treatment exhibit a poor response. However, ICI-based combination therapies (ICI combination therapies) have been demonstrated to synergistically increase anti-tumor effects and immune response rates. In this review, we compare the clinical efficacy and side effects of BSABs and ICI combination therapies in real-world tumor immunotherapy, aiming to provide evidence-based approaches for clinical research and personalized tumor diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linyan Cheng
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lujun Chen
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, China
- Institute for Cell Therapy of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Yuan Shi
- Laboratory of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Weiying Gu
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Weidong Ding
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Zheng
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, China.
- Institute for Cell Therapy of Soochow University, Changzhou, China.
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Jingting Jiang
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, China.
- Institute for Cell Therapy of Soochow University, Changzhou, China.
| | - Zhuojun Zheng
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Cordani M, Strippoli R, Trionfetti F, Barzegar Behrooz A, Rumio C, Velasco G, Ghavami S, Marcucci F. Immune checkpoints between epithelial-mesenchymal transition and autophagy: A conflicting triangle. Cancer Lett 2024; 585:216661. [PMID: 38309613 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Inhibitory immune checkpoint (ICP) molecules are pivotal in inhibiting innate and acquired antitumor immune responses, a mechanism frequently exploited by cancer cells to evade host immunity. These evasion strategies contribute to the complexity of cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. For this reason, ICP molecules have become targets for antitumor drugs, particularly monoclonal antibodies, collectively referred to as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), that counteract such cancer-associated immune suppression and restore antitumor immune responses. Over the last decade, however, it has become clear that tumor cell-associated ICPs can also induce tumor cell-intrinsic effects, in particular epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and macroautophagy (hereafter autophagy). Both of these processes have profound implications for cancer metastasis and drug responsiveness. This article reviews the positive or negative cross-talk that tumor cell-associated ICPs undergo with autophagy and EMT. We discuss that tumor cell-associated ICPs are upregulated in response to the same stimuli that induce EMT. Moreover, ICPs themselves, when overexpressed, become an EMT-inducing stimulus. As regards the cross-talk with autophagy, ICPs have been shown to either stimulate or inhibit autophagy, while autophagy itself can either up- or downregulate the expression of ICPs. This dynamic equilibrium also extends to the autophagy-apoptosis axis, further emphasizing the complexities of cellular responses. Eventually, we delve into the intricate balance between autophagy and apoptosis, elucidating its role in the broader interplay of cellular dynamics influenced by ICPs. In the final part of this article, we speculate about the driving forces underlying the contradictory outcomes of the reciprocal, inhibitory, or stimulatory effects between ICPs, EMT, and autophagy. A conclusive identification of these driving forces may allow to achieve improved antitumor effects when using combinations of ICIs and compounds acting on EMT and/or autophagy. Prospectively, this may translate into increased and/or broadened therapeutic efficacy compared to what is currently achieved with ICI-based clinical protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Cordani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Raffaele Strippoli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy; Department of Epidemiology, Preclinical Research and Advanced Diagnostics, National Institute for Infectious Diseases L., Spallanzani, IRCCS, Via Portuense, 292, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Trionfetti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy; Department of Epidemiology, Preclinical Research and Advanced Diagnostics, National Institute for Infectious Diseases L., Spallanzani, IRCCS, Via Portuense, 292, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Amir Barzegar Behrooz
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Cristiano Rumio
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Trentacoste 2, 20134 Milan, Italy
| | - Guillermo Velasco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Saeid Ghavami
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada; Faculty of Medicine in Zabrze, University of Technology in Katowice, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland; Research Institute of Oncology and Hematology, Cancer Care Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - Fabrizio Marcucci
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Trentacoste 2, 20134 Milan, Italy.
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5
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Fan W, Chen Y, Zhou Z, Duan W, Yang C, Sheng S, Wang Y, Wei X, Liu Y, Huang Y. An innovative antibody fusion protein targeting PD-L1, VEGF and TGF-β with enhanced antitumor efficacies. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 130:111698. [PMID: 38377856 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111698] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Immunosuppressive pathways in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are inextricably linked to tumor progression. Mono-therapeutics of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs, e.g. antibodies against programmed cell death protein-1/programmed cell death ligand-1, PD-1/PD-L1) is prone to immune escape while combination therapeutics tends to cause high toxicity and side effects. Therefore, using multi-functional molecules to target multiple pathways simultaneously is becoming a new strategy for cancer therapies. Here, we developed a trifunctional fusion protein, DR30206, composed of Bevacizumab (an antibody against VEGF), and a variable domain of heavy chain of heavy chain antibody (VHH) against PD-L1 and the extracellular domain (ECD) protein of TGF-β receptor II (TGF-β RII), which are fused to the N- and C-terminus of Bevacizumab, respectively. The original intention of DR30206 design was to enhance the immune responses pairs by targeting PD-L1 while inhibiting VEGF and TGF-β in the TME. Our data demonstrated that DR30206 exhibits high antigen-binding affinities and efficient blocking capabilities, the principal drivers of efficacy in antibody therapy. Furthermore, the capability of eliciting antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) provides a greater possibility to enhance the immune response. Finally, in vivo experiments showed that the antitumor activity of DR30206 was superior to those of monoclonal antibody of PD-L1 or VEGF, PD-L1 and TGF-β bispecific antibody or the combination inhibition of PD-L1 and VEGF. Our findings suggest there is a great potential for DR30206 to become a therapeutic for the treatment of multiple cancer types, especially lung cancer, colon adenocarcinoma and breast carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlu Fan
- Department of Biochemistry, and Department of Cardiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Department of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, Zhejiang Doer Biologics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China
| | - Yonglu Chen
- Department of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, Zhejiang Doer Biologics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhenxing Zhou
- Department of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, Zhejiang Doer Biologics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenwen Duan
- Department of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, Zhejiang Doer Biologics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China
| | - Chengcheng Yang
- Department of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, Zhejiang Doer Biologics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China
| | - Shimei Sheng
- Department of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, Zhejiang Doer Biologics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongwei Wang
- Department of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, Zhejiang Doer Biologics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinru Wei
- Department of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, Zhejiang Doer Biologics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, Zhejiang Doer Biologics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanshan Huang
- Department of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, Zhejiang Doer Biologics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China.
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6
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Li T, Niu M, Zhou J, Wu K, Yi M. The enhanced antitumor activity of bispecific antibody targeting PD-1/PD-L1 signaling. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:179. [PMID: 38475778 PMCID: PMC10935874 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01562-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) signaling pathway, a key player in immune checkpoint regulation, has become a focal point in cancer immunotherapy. In the context of cancer, upregulated PD-L1 on tumor cells can result in T cell exhaustion and immune evasion, fostering tumor progression. The advent of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor has demonstrated clinical success by unleashing T cells from exhaustion. Nevertheless, challenges such as resistance and adverse effects have spurred the exploration of innovative strategies, with bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) emerging as a promising frontier. BsAbs offer a multifaceted approach to cancer immunotherapy by simultaneously targeting PD-L1 and other immune regulatory molecules. We focus on recent advancements in PD-1/PD-L1 therapy with a particular emphasis on the development and potential of BsAbs, especially in the context of solid tumors. Various BsAb products targeting PD-1 signaling are discussed, highlighting their unique mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential. Noteworthy examples include anti-TGFβ × PD-L1, anti-CD47 × PD-L1, anti-VEGF × PD-L1, anti-4-1BB × PD-L1, anti-LAG-3 × PD-L1, and anti-PD-1 × CTLA-4 BsAbs. Besides, we summarize ongoing clinical studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of these innovative BsAb agents. By unraveling the intricacies of the tumor microenvironment and harnessing the synergistic effects of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 BsAbs, there exists the potential to elevate the precision and efficacy of cancer immunotherapy, ultimately enabling the development of personalized treatment strategies tailored to individual patient profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianye Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengke Niu
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianwei Zhou
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kongming Wu
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ming Yi
- Department of Breast Surgery, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.
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7
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Qin Y, Huo M, Liu X, Li SC. Biomarkers and computational models for predicting efficacy to tumor ICI immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1368749. [PMID: 38524135 PMCID: PMC10957591 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1368749] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown that immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) immunotherapy has great potential as a cancer treatment, leading to significant clinical improvements in numerous cases. However, it benefits a minority of patients, underscoring the importance of discovering reliable biomarkers that can be used to screen for potential beneficiaries and ultimately reduce the risk of overtreatment. Our comprehensive review focuses on the latest advancements in predictive biomarkers for ICI therapy, particularly emphasizing those that enhance the efficacy of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) inhibitors immunotherapies. We explore biomarkers derived from various sources, including tumor cells, the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), body fluids, gut microbes, and metabolites. Among them, tumor cells-derived biomarkers include tumor mutational burden (TMB) biomarker, tumor neoantigen burden (TNB) biomarker, microsatellite instability (MSI) biomarker, PD-L1 expression biomarker, mutated gene biomarkers in pathways, and epigenetic biomarkers. TIME-derived biomarkers include immune landscape of TIME biomarkers, inhibitory checkpoints biomarkers, and immune repertoire biomarkers. We also discuss various techniques used to detect and assess these biomarkers, detailing their respective datasets, strengths, weaknesses, and evaluative metrics. Furthermore, we present a comprehensive review of computer models for predicting the response to ICI therapy. The computer models include knowledge-based mechanistic models and data-based machine learning (ML) models. Among the knowledge-based mechanistic models are pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) models, partial differential equation (PDE) models, signal networks-based models, quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) models, and agent-based models (ABMs). ML models include linear regression models, logistic regression models, support vector machine (SVM)/random forest/extra trees/k-nearest neighbors (KNN) models, artificial neural network (ANN) and deep learning models. Additionally, there are hybrid models of systems biology and ML. We summarized the details of these models, outlining the datasets they utilize, their evaluation methods/metrics, and their respective strengths and limitations. By summarizing the major advances in the research on predictive biomarkers and computer models for the therapeutic effect and clinical utility of tumor ICI, we aim to assist researchers in choosing appropriate biomarkers or computer models for research exploration and help clinicians conduct precision medicine by selecting the best biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurong Qin
- Department of Computer Science, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, China
- City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Miaozhe Huo
- Department of Computer Science, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, China
- City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xingwu Liu
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Shuai Cheng Li
- Department of Computer Science, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, China
- City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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8
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Singh D, Siddique HR. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cancer progression: unraveling the immunosuppressive module driving therapy resistance. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:155-173. [PMID: 37775641 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10141-y] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells undergo phenotypic switching (cancer cell plasticity) in response to microenvironmental cues, including exposure to therapy/treatment. Phenotypic plasticity enables the cancer cells to acquire more mesenchymal traits promoting cancer cells' growth, survival, therapy resistance, and disease recurrence. A significant program in cancer cell plasticity is epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), wherein a comprehensive reprogramming of gene expression occurs to facilitate the translational shift from epithelial-to-mesenchymal phenotypes resulting in increased invasiveness and metastasis. In addition, EMT plays a pivotal role in facilitating cancer cells' escape from the body's immune system using several mechanisms, such as the downregulation of major histocompatibility complex-mediated antigen presentation, upregulation of immune checkpoint molecules, and recruitment of immune-suppressive cells. Cancer cells' ability to undergo phenotypic switching and EMT-driven immune escape presents a formidable obstacle in cancer management, highlighting the need to unravel the intricate mechanisms underlying these processes and develop novel therapeutic strategies. This article discusses the role of EMT in promoting immune evasion and therapy resistance. We also discuss the ongoing research on developing therapeutic approaches targeting intrinsic and induced cell plasticity within the immune suppressive microenvironment. We believe this review article will update the current research status and equip researchers, clinicians, and other healthcare professionals with valuable insights enhancing their existing knowledge and shedding light on promising directions for future cancer research. This will facilitate the development of innovative strategies for managing therapy-resistant cancers and improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepti Singh
- Molecular Cancer Genetics & Translational Research Lab, Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, India
| | - Hifzur R Siddique
- Molecular Cancer Genetics & Translational Research Lab, Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, India.
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Zhou Y, Wang F, Li G, Xu J, Zhang J, Gullen E, Yang J, Wang J. From immune checkpoints to therapies: understanding immune checkpoint regulation and the influence of natural products and traditional medicine on immune checkpoint and immunotherapy in lung cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1340307. [PMID: 38426097 PMCID: PMC10902058 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1340307] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is a disease of global concern, and immunotherapy has brought lung cancer therapy to a new era. Besides promising effects in the clinical use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and low response rates are problems unsolved. Natural products and traditional medicine with an immune-modulating nature have the property to influence immune checkpoint expression and can improve immunotherapy's effect with relatively low toxicity. This review summarizes currently approved immunotherapy and the current mechanisms known to regulate immune checkpoint expression in lung cancer. It lists natural products and traditional medicine capable of influencing immune checkpoints or synergizing with immunotherapy in lung cancer, exploring both their effects and underlying mechanisms. Future research on immune checkpoint modulation and immunotherapy combination applying natural products and traditional medicine will be based on a deeper understanding of their mechanisms regulating immune checkpoints. Continued exploration of natural products and traditional medicine holds the potential to enhance the efficacy and reduce the adverse reactions of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibin Zhou
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fenglan Wang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Guangda Li
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Elizabeth Gullen
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale Medical School, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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10
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Zheng J, Hao H. The importance of cancer-associated fibroblasts in targeted therapies and drug resistance in breast cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1333839. [PMID: 38273859 PMCID: PMC10810416 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1333839] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a substantial role in the tumor microenvironment, exhibiting a strong association with the advancement of various types of cancer, including breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancer. CAFs represent the most abundant mesenchymal cell population in breast cancer. Through diverse mechanisms, including the release of cytokines and exosomes, CAFs contribute to the progression of breast cancer by influencing tumor energy metabolism, promoting angiogenesis, impairing immune cell function, and remodeling the extracellular matrix. Moreover, CAFs considerably impact the response to treatment in breast cancer. Consequently, the development of interventions targeting CAFs has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach in the management of breast cancer. This article provides an analysis of the role of CAFs in breast cancer, specifically in relation to diagnosis, treatment, drug resistance, and prognosis. The paper succinctly outlines the diverse mechanisms through which CAFs contribute to the malignant behavior of breast cancer cells, including proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the potential of CAFs as valuable tools for early diagnosis, targeted therapy, treatment resistance, and prognosis assessment in breast cancer, thereby offering novel approaches for targeted therapy and overcoming treatment resistance in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hua Hao
- Department of Pathology, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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11
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Chen Z, Yao MW, Ao X, Gong QJ, Yang Y, Liu JX, Lian QZ, Xu X, Zuo LJ. The expression mechanism of programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 and its role in immunomodulatory ability of mesenchymal stem cells. Chin J Traumatol 2024; 27:1-10. [PMID: 38065706 PMCID: PMC10859298 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjtee.2023.11.003] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) is an important immunosuppressive molecule, which inhibits the function of T cells and other immune cells by binding to the receptor programmed cell death-1. The PD-L1 expression disorder plays an important role in the occurrence, development, and treatment of sepsis or other inflammatory diseases, and has become an important target for the treatment of these diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a kind of pluripotent stem cells with multiple differentiation potential. In recent years, MSCs have been found to have a strong immunosuppressive ability and are used to treat various inflammatory insults caused by hyperimmune diseases. Moreover, PD-L1 is deeply involved in the immunosuppressive events of MSCs and plays an important role in the treatment of various diseases. In this review, we will summarize the main regulatory mechanism of PD-L1 expression, and discuss various biological functions of PD-L1 in the immune regulation of MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Chen
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China; College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Meng-Wei Yao
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Xiang Ao
- Department of Orthopedics, 953 Hospital of PLA, Shigatse Branch of Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Shigatse, 857000, Tibet Autonomous Region, China
| | - Qing-Jia Gong
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Jin-Xia Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chongqing People's Hospital, Chongqing, 401121, China
| | - Qi-Zhou Lian
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiang Xu
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China.
| | - Ling-Jing Zuo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan province, Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650034, China.
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12
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Zhao S, Hu X, Zhou P, Li A, Chen L, Wang D, He J, Jiang Y. Molecular profiles of different PD-L1 expression in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Biol Ther 2023; 24:2256927. [PMID: 38032149 PMCID: PMC10515684 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2023.2256927] [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: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors are approved treatments for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The present investigation aspired to explore the interrelation between molecular phenotype and PD-L1 expression in ESCC. METHODS PD-L1 testing and targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) were performed on tumoral tissues from 139 ESCC patients. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were scrutinized using a tyramide signal amplification system combined with immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Among enrolled patients, 36.7% displayed high PD-L1 expression (combined positive score [CPS] ≥10). BRCA1 and NF1 gene mutations were significantly associated with high PD-L1 expression (p < .05) while TGFβ pathway alterations were linked to low PD-L1 expression (p = .02). High copy number instability (CNI) and copy number alterations (CNA) were correlated with low PD-L1 expression. Patients with CDKN2A deletion exhibited higher PD-L1 expression. Varying types of TILs were observed across different PD-L1 expression groups. The ratio of CD8+PD-L1+ T cells and CD8+PD-1+ T cells to CD8+ T cells remained comparable in both tumoral and stromal regions, but the ratio of CD68+PD-L1+ macrophages to CD68+ macrophages was higher than the ratio of CD68+PD-1+ macrophages to CD68+ macrophages. CPS was significantly correlated with PD-L1+ lymphocytes and CD68+ macrophages in the tumoral region. CD8+ T cell infiltration was positively correlated with PD-1+ cells in both tumoral and stromal regions. CONCLUSION In this study, we presented the prevalence rates of PD-L1 expression in Chinese ESCC patients. The association of genetic profiles with PD-L1 expression levels also provide the clue that genomic phenotype may interact with the immunologic phenotype in ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songchen Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xintong Hu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, Genetic Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Peiwen Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, Genetic Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ang Li
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, Genetic Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Liguo Chen
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, Genetic Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Duo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, Genetic Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiaxue He
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, Genetic Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yanfang Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, Genetic Diagnosis Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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13
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Cho BC, Lee JS, Wu YL, Cicin I, Dols MC, Ahn MJ, Cuppens K, Veillon R, Nadal E, Dias JM, Martin C, Reck M, Garon EB, Felip E, Paz-Ares L, Mornex F, Vokes EE, Adjei AA, Robinson C, Sato M, Vugmeyster Y, Machl A, Audhuy F, Chaudhary S, Barlesi F. Bintrafusp Alfa Versus Pembrolizumab in Patients With Treatment-Naive, Programmed Death-Ligand 1-High Advanced NSCLC: A Randomized, Open-Label, Phase 3 Trial. J Thorac Oncol 2023; 18:1731-1742. [PMID: 37597750 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2023.08.018] [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] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bintrafusp alfa, a first-in-class bifunctional fusion protein composed of the extracellular domain of TGF-βRII (a TGF-β "trap") fused to a human immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody blocking programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), has exhibited clinical activity in a phase 1 expansion cohort of patients with PD-L1-high advanced NSCLC. METHODS This adaptive phase 3 trial (NCT03631706) compared the efficacy and safety of bintrafusp alfa versus pembrolizumab as first-line treatment in patients with PD-L1-high advanced NSCLC. Primary end points were progression-free survival according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 per independent review committee and overall survival. RESULTS Patients (N = 304) were randomized one-to-one to receive either bintrafusp alfa or pembrolizumab (n = 152 each). The median follow-up was 14.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.1-16.0 mo) for bintrafusp alfa and 14.5 months (95% CI: 13.1-15.9 mo) for pembrolizumab. Progression-free survival by independent review committee was not significantly different between bintrafusp alfa and pembrolizumab arms (median = 7.0 mo [95% CI: 4.2 mo-not reached (NR)] versus 11.1 mo [95% CI: 8.1 mo-NR]; hazard ratio = 1.232 [95% CI: 0.885-1.714]). The median overall survival was 21.1 months (95% CI: 21.1 mo-NR) for bintrafusp alfa and 22.1 months (95% CI: 20.4 mo-NR) for pembrolizumab (hazard ratio = 1.201 [95% CI: 0.796-1.811]). Treatment-related adverse events were higher with bintrafusp alfa versus pembrolizumab; grade 3-4 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 42.4% versus 13.2% of patients, respectively. The study was discontinued at an interim analysis as it was unlikely to meet the primary end point. CONCLUSIONS First-line treatment with bintrafusp alfa did not exhibit superior efficacy compared with pembrolizumab in patients with PD-L1-high, advanced NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byoung Chul Cho
- Division of Medical Oncology, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Seok Lee
- Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Yi-Long Wu
- Guangdong Lung Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Irfan Cicin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Manuel Cobo Dols
- Medical Oncology Intercenter Unit, Regional and Virgen de la Victoria University Hospitals, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Myung-Ju Ahn
- Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kristof Cuppens
- Department of Pulmonology and Thoracic Oncology, Jessa Hospital, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Rémi Veillon
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Bordeaux, Service des Maladies Respiratoires, Bordeaux, France
| | - Ernest Nadal
- Catalan Institute of Oncology and Clinical Research in Solid Tumors Group, Oncobell Program, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Martin Reck
- Airway Research Center North, German Center for Lung Research, LungenClinic, Grosshansdorf, Germany
| | - Edward B Garon
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, California
| | - Enriqueta Felip
- Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luis Paz-Ares
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, H12O-CNIO Lung Cancer Unit, Universidad Complutense and CiberOnc, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Everett E Vokes
- University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | | | - Masashi Sato
- Merck Biopharma Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Fabrice Barlesi
- Aix Marseille Université, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, Marseille, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.
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14
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Akhurst RJ. From shape-shifting embryonic cells to oncology: The fascinating history of epithelial mesenchymal transition. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 96:100-114. [PMID: 37852342 PMCID: PMC10883734 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.10.003] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or transformation (EMT) is a cell shape-changing process that is utilized repeatedly throughout embryogenesis and is critical to the attainment of a precise body plan. In the adult, EMT is observed under both normal and pathological conditions, such as during normal wounding healing, during development of certain fibrotic states and vascular anomalies, as well as in some cancers when malignant cells progress to become more aggressive, invasive, and metastatic. Epithelia derived from any of the three embryonic germ layers can undergo EMT, including those derived from mesoderm, such as endothelial cells (sometimes termed Endo-MT) and those derived from endoderm such as fetal liver stroma. At the cellular level, EMT is defined as the transformation of epithelial cells towards a mesenchymal phenotype and is marked by attenuation of expression of epithelial markers and de novo expression of mesenchymal markers. This process is induced by extracellular factors and can be reversible, resulting in mesenchymal-to-epithelial transformation (MET). It is now clear that a cell can simultaneously express properties of both epithelia and mesenchyme, and that such transitional cell-types drive tumor cell heterogeneity, an important aspect of cancer progression, development of a stem-like cell state, and drug resistance. Here we review some of the earliest studies demonstrating the existence of EMT during embryogenesis and discuss the discovery of the extracellular factors and intracellular signaling pathways that contribute to this process, with components of the TGFβ signaling superfamily playing a prominent role. We mention early controversies surrounding in vivo EMT during embryonic development and in adult diseased states, and the maturation of the field to a stage wherein targeting EMT to control disease states is an aspirational goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary J Akhurst
- Department of Anatomy and UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, USA
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15
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Singh S, Gouri V, Samant M. TGF-β in correlation with tumor progression, immunosuppression and targeted therapy in colorectal cancer. Med Oncol 2023; 40:335. [PMID: 37855975 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02204-5] [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: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a complex malignancy responsible for the second-highest cancer deaths worldwide. TGF-β maintains normal cellular homeostasis by inhibiting the cell cycle and inducing apoptosis, but its elevated level is correlated with colorectal cancer progression, as TGF-β is a master regulator of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, a critical step of metastasis. Tumors, including CRC, use elevated TGF-β levels to avoid immune surveillance by modulating immune cell differentiation, proliferation, and effector function. Presently, the treatment of advanced CRC is mainly based on chemotherapy, with multiple adverse effects. Thus, there is a need to develop alternate tactics because CRC continue to be mostly resistant to the present therapeutic regimen. TGF-β blockade has emerged as a promising therapeutic target in cancer therapy. Blocking TGF-β with phytochemicals and other molecules, such as antisense oligonucleotides, monoclonal antibodies, and bifunctional traps, alone or in combination, may be a safer and more effective way to treat CRC. Furthermore, combination immunotherapy comprising TGF-β blockers and immune checkpoint inhibitors is gaining popularity because both molecules work synergistically to suppress the immune system. Here, we summarize the current understanding of TGF-β as a therapeutic target for managing CRC and its context-dependent tumor-promoting or tumor-suppressing nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumeet Singh
- Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Soban Singh Jeena University, Almora, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Vinita Gouri
- Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Soban Singh Jeena University, Almora, Uttarakhand, India
- Department of Zoology, Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Mukesh Samant
- Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Soban Singh Jeena University, Almora, Uttarakhand, India.
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16
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Khosla AA, Jatwani K, Singh R, Reddy A, Jaiyesimi I, Desai A. Bispecific Antibodies in Lung Cancer: A State-of-the-Art Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1461. [PMID: 37895932 PMCID: PMC10609957 DOI: 10.3390/ph16101461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies have emerged as a promising class of therapeutics in the field of oncology, offering an innovative approach to target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. These antibodies are designed to bind two different antigens, enabling them to bridge immune cells with cancer cells, resulting in enhanced tumor cell killing and improved treatment responses. This review article summarizes the current landscape of bispecific antibodies in lung cancer, including their mechanisms of action, clinical development, and potential applications in other solid tumor malignancies. Additionally, the challenges and opportunities associated with their use in the clinic are discussed, along with future directions for research and development in this exciting area of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atulya Aman Khosla
- Division of Internal Medicine, William Beaumont University Hospital, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA;
| | - Karan Jatwani
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Roswell Park Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Rohit Singh
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Aswanth Reddy
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Mercy Clinic, Fort Smith, AR 72903, USA
| | - Ishmael Jaiyesimi
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, William Beaumont University Hospital, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA
| | - Aakash Desai
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
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17
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Kuburich NA, Sabapathy T, Demestichas BR, Maddela JJ, den Hollander P, Mani SA. Proactive and reactive roles of TGF-β in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 95:120-139. [PMID: 37572731 PMCID: PMC10530624 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells adapt to varying stress conditions to survive through plasticity. Stem cells exhibit a high degree of plasticity, allowing them to generate more stem cells or differentiate them into specialized cell types to contribute to tissue development, growth, and repair. Cancer cells can also exhibit plasticity and acquire properties that enhance their survival. TGF-β is an unrivaled growth factor exploited by cancer cells to gain plasticity. TGF-β-mediated signaling enables carcinoma cells to alter their epithelial and mesenchymal properties through epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP). However, TGF-β is a multifunctional cytokine; thus, the signaling by TGF-β can be detrimental or beneficial to cancer cells depending on the cellular context. Those cells that overcome the anti-tumor effect of TGF-β can induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to gain EMP benefits. EMP allows cancer cells to alter their cell properties and the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), facilitating their survival. Due to the significant roles of TGF-β and EMP in carcinoma progression, it is essential to understand how TGF-β enables EMP and how cancer cells exploit this plasticity. This understanding will guide the development of effective TGF-β-targeting therapies that eliminate cancer cell plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick A Kuburich
- Legorreta Cancer Center, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA; Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Thiru Sabapathy
- Legorreta Cancer Center, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA; Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Breanna R Demestichas
- Legorreta Cancer Center, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA; Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Joanna Joyce Maddela
- Legorreta Cancer Center, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA; Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Petra den Hollander
- Legorreta Cancer Center, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA; Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Sendurai A Mani
- Legorreta Cancer Center, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA; Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA.
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18
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Zhang J, Liu S, Chen X, Xu X, Xu F. Non-immune cell components in tumor microenvironment influencing lung cancer Immunotherapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115336. [PMID: 37591126 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with a significant morbidity and mortality rate, endangering human life and health. The introduction of immunotherapies has significantly altered existing cancer treatment strategies and is expected to improve immune responses, objective response rates, and survival rates. However, a better understanding of the complex immunological networks of LC is required to improve immunotherapy efficacy further. Tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) and tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) are significantly expressed by LC cells, which activate dendritic cells, initiate antigen presentation, and activate lymphocytes to exert antitumor activity. However, as tumor cells combat the immune system, an immunosuppressive microenvironment forms, enabling the enactment of a series of immunological escape mechanisms, including the recruitment of immunosuppressive cells and induction of T cell exhaustion to decrease the antitumor immune response. In addition to the direct effect of LC cells on immune cell function, the secreting various cytokines, chemokines, and exosomes, changes in the intratumoral microbiome and the function of cancer-associated fibroblasts and endothelial cells contribute to LC cell immune escape. Accordingly, combining various immunotherapies with other therapies can elicit synergistic effects based on the complex immune network, improving immunotherapy efficacy through multi-target action on the tumor microenvironment (TME). Hence, this review provides guidance for understanding the complex immune network in the TME and designing novel and effective immunotherapy strategies for LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingtao Zhang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Xiubao Chen
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Xiangdong Xu
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China.
| | - Fei Xu
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China; First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China.
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19
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Karami Z, Mortezaee K, Majidpoor J. Dual anti-PD-(L)1/TGF-β inhibitors in cancer immunotherapy - Updated. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 122:110648. [PMID: 37459782 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy suffers from tumor resistance and relapse in majority of patients due to the suppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Advances in the field have brought about development of fusion proteins able to target two signaling simultaneously and to exert maximal anti-cancer immunity. Bispecific inhibitors of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling and programmed death-1 (PD-1) or programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) are developed to reduce the rate of relapse and to achieve durable anti-cancer therapy. TGF-β is well-known for its immunosuppressive activity, and it takes critical roles in promotion of all tumor hallmarks. Bispecific anti-PD-(L)1/TGF-β inhibitors reinvigorate effector activity of CD8+ T and natural killer (NK) cells, hamper regulatory T cell (Treg) expansion, and increase the density of anti-tumor type 1 macrophages (M1). Responses to the bispecific approach are higher compared with solo anti-PD-(L)1 or TGF-β targeted therapy, and are seemingly more pronounced in human papillomavirus (HPV)+ patients. High expression of PD-L1 or immune-excluded phenotype in a tumor can also be markers of better response to the bispecific strategy. Besides, anti-PD-(L)1/TGF-β inhibitor therapy can be used safely with other therapeutic modalities including vaccination, radiation and chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zana Karami
- Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Keywan Mortezaee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | - Jamal Majidpoor
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
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20
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Liu F, Wu Q, Dong Z, Liu K. Integrins in cancer: Emerging mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. Pharmacol Ther 2023:108458. [PMID: 37245545 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Integrins are vital surface adhesion receptors that mediate the interactions between the extracellular matrix (ECM) and cells and are essential for cell migration and the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Aberrant integrin activation promotes initial tumor formation, growth, and metastasis. Recently, many lines of evidence have indicated that integrins are highly expressed in numerous cancer types and have documented many functions of integrins in tumorigenesis. Thus, integrins have emerged as attractive targets for the development of cancer therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms by which integrins contribute to most of the hallmarks of cancer. We focus on recent progress on integrin regulators, binding proteins, and downstream effectors. We highlight the role of integrins in the regulation of tumor metastasis, immune evasion, metabolic reprogramming, and other hallmarks of cancer. In addition, integrin-targeted immunotherapy and other integrin inhibitors that have been used in preclinical and clinical studies are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Liu
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, China; Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Zigang Dong
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, China; Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China; Tianjian Advanced Biomedical Laboratory, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, China; Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China; Tianjian Advanced Biomedical Laboratory, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; Cancer Chemoprevention International Collaboration Laboratory, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China.
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21
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Ramundo V, Palazzo ML, Aldieri E. TGF-β as Predictive Marker and Pharmacological Target in Lung Cancer Approach. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082295. [PMID: 37190223 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082295] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) represents the leading cause of cancer incidence and mortality worldwide. LC onset is strongly related to genetic mutations and environmental interactions, such as tobacco smoking, or pathological conditions, such as chronic inflammation. Despite advancement in knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in LC, this tumor is still characterized by an unfavorable prognosis, and the current therapeutic options are unsatisfactory. TGF-β is a cytokine that regulates different biological processes, particularly at the pulmonary level, and its alteration has been demonstrated to be associated with LC progression. Moreover, TGF-β is involved in promoting invasiveness and metastasis, via epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) induction, where TGF-β is the major driver. Thus, a TGF-β-EMT signature may be considered a potential predictive marker in LC prognosis, and TGF-β-EMT inhibition has been demonstrated to prevent metastasis in various animal models. Concerning a LC therapeutic approach, some TGF-β and TGF-β-EMT inhibitors could be used in combination with chemo- and immunotherapy without major side effects, thereby improving cancer therapy. Overall, targeting TGF-β may be a valid possibility to fight LC, both in improving LC prognosis and cancer therapy, via a novel approach that could open up new effective strategies against this aggressive cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Ramundo
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
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22
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Barlesi F, Isambert N, Felip E, Cho BC, Lee DH, Peguero J, Jerusalem G, Penel N, Saada-Bouzid E, Garrido P, Helwig C, Locke G, Ojalvo LS, Gulley JL. Bintrafusp Alfa, a Bifunctional Fusion Protein Targeting TGF-β and PD-L1, in Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Resistant or Refractory to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Oncologist 2023; 28:258-267. [PMID: 36571770 PMCID: PMC10020814 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyac253] [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: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bintrafusp alfa is a first-in-class bifunctional fusion protein composed of the extracellular domain of transforming growth factor beta receptor II (a TGF-β "trap") fused to a human immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody blocking programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1). We report the efficacy and safety in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that progressed following anti-PD-(L)1 therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this expansion cohort of NCT02517398-a global, open-label, phase I trial-adults with advanced NSCLC that progressed following chemotherapy and was primary refractory or had acquired resistance to anti-PD-(L)1 treatment received intravenous bintrafusp alfa 1200 mg every 2 weeks until confirmed progression, unacceptable toxicity, or trial withdrawal. The primary endpoint was best overall response (by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 adjudicated by independent review committee); secondary endpoints included safety. RESULTS Eighty-three eligible patients (62 [74.7%] treated with ≥3 prior therapies) received bintrafusp alfa. Four patients (3 primary refractory, 1 acquired resistant) had confirmed partial responses (objective response rate, 4.8%; 95% CI, 1.3%-11.9%), and 9 had stable disease. Tumor cell PD-L1 expression was not associated with response. Nineteen patients (22.9%) experienced grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events, most commonly asthenia (3 [3.6%]) and fatigue, eczema, and pruritus (2 each [2.4%]). One patient had grade 4 amylase increased. One patient died during treatment for pneumonia before initiation of bintrafusp alfa. CONCLUSION Although the primary endpoint was not met, bintrafusp alfa showed some clinical activity and a manageable safety profile in patients with heavily pretreated NSCLC, including prior anti-PD-(L)1 therapy. Tumor responses occurred irrespective of whether disease was primary refractory or had acquired resistance to prior anti-PD-(L)1 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrice Barlesi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
| | - Nicolas Isambert
- Service d’oncologie médicale CLCC Georges-François Leclerc, Dijon, France
| | - Enriqueta Felip
- Oncology Department, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital and Institute of Oncology (VHIO), UVic-UCC, IOB-Quiron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Byoung Chul Cho
- Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Ho Lee
- Department of Oncology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Julio Peguero
- Department of Research, Oncology Consultants, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Guy Jerusalem
- Medical Oncology, CHU Sart Tilman Liege and Liege University, Domaine Universitaire, Liege, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Penel
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lille University, Medical School and Centre Oscar Lambret, Lille, France
| | - Esma Saada-Bouzid
- Department of Medical Oncology, Early Phase Trials Unit, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, France
| | - Pilar Garrido
- Lung Cancer Unit, University Hospital Ramón y Cajal (IRYCIS), Medical Oncology Department, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - James L Gulley
- Corresponding author: James L. Gulley, MD, PhD, Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, 13N240, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. Tel: +1 301 480 7164; Fax: +1 301 480 6288;
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23
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PD-L1: expression regulation. BLOOD SCIENCE 2023; 5:77-91. [DOI: 10.1097/bs9.0000000000000149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
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24
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Chan MKK, Chan ELY, Ji ZZ, Chan ASW, Li C, Leung KT, To KF, Tang PMK. Transforming growth factor-β signaling: from tumor microenvironment to anticancer therapy. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2023; 4:316-343. [PMID: 37205317 PMCID: PMC10185444 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2023.00137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling is an important pathway for promoting the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases, including cancer. The roles of TGF-β signaling are heterogeneous and versatile in cancer development and progression, both anticancer and protumoral actions are reported. Interestingly, increasing evidence suggests that TGF-β enhances disease progression and drug resistance via immune-modulatory actions in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of solid tumors. A better understanding of its regulatory mechanisms in the TME at the molecular level can facilitate the development of precision medicine to block the protumoral actions of TGF-β in the TME. Here, the latest information about the regulatory mechanisms and translational research of TGF-β signaling in the TME for therapeutic development had been summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Kam-Kwan Chan
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Emily Lok-Yiu Chan
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Zoey Zeyuan Ji
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Alex Siu-Wing Chan
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Chunjie Li
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Kam-Tong Leung
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Ka-Fai To
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Patrick Ming-Kuen Tang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Correspondence: Patrick Ming-Kuen Tang, Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China.
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25
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Ozcan I, Akkoc S, Alici H, Capanlar S, Sahin O, Tahtaci H. Novel Thioether-Bridged 2,6-Disubstituted and 2,5,6-Trisubstituted Imidazothiadiazole Analogues: Synthesis, Antiproliferative Activity, ADME, and Molecular Docking Studies. Chem Biodivers 2023; 20:e202200884. [PMID: 36445849 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202200884] [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: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
In this study, starting from 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives (3-5), a new series of 2,6-disubstituted (compounds 7-15) and 2,5,6-trisubstituted (compounds 16-33) imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]-thiadiazole derivatives were synthesized using cyclization and Mannich reaction mechanisms, respectively. All synthesized compounds were characterized by 1 H-NMR, 13 C-NMR, FT-IR, elemental analysis, and mass spectroscopy techniques. Also, X-ray diffraction analysis were used for compounds 4, 7, 11, 17, and 19. The cytotoxic effects of the new compounds on the viability of colon cancer cells (DLD-1), lung cancer cells (A549), and liver cancer cells (HepG2) were investigated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method in vitro. Compound 15 was found to be the most potent anticancer drug candidate in this series with an IC50 value of 3.63 μM against HepG2 for 48 h. Moreover, the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) parameters of the synthesized compounds were calculated and thus, their potential to be safe drugs was evaluated. Finally, to support the biological activity experiments, molecular docking studies of these compounds were carried out on three different target cancer protein structures (PDB IDs: 5ETY, 1M17, and 3GCW), and the amino acids that play key roles in the binding of the compounds to these proteins were determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Ozcan
- Karabuk University, Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, 78050, Karabuk, Türkiye
| | - Senem Akkoc
- Süleyman Demirel University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, 32260, Isparta, Türkiye.,Bahcesehir University, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, 34353, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Hakan Alici
- Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, Faculty of Science, Department of Physics, 67100, Zonguldak, Türkiye
| | - Seval Capanlar
- Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, 67100, Zonguldak, Türkiye
| | - Onur Sahin
- Sinop University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Occupational Health & Safety, 57000, Sinop, Türkiye
| | - Hakan Tahtaci
- Karabuk University, Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, 78050, Karabuk, Türkiye
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26
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Zhang J, Hu Z, Horta CA, Yang J. Regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition by tumor microenvironmental signals and its implication in cancer therapeutics. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 88:46-66. [PMID: 36521737 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been implicated in various aspects of tumor development, including tumor invasion and metastasis, cancer stemness, and therapy resistance. Diverse stroma cell types along with biochemical and biophysical factors in the tumor microenvironment impinge on the EMT program to impact tumor progression. Here we provide an in-depth review of various tumor microenvironmental signals that regulate EMT in cancer. We discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of EMT in therapy resistance and highlight new therapeutic approaches targeting the tumor microenvironment to impact EMT and tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Zhimin Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Calista A Horta
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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27
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Franks SE, Fabian KP, Santiago-Sánchez G, Wolfson B, Hodge JW. Immune targeting of three independent suppressive pathways (TIGIT, PD-L1, TGFβ) provides significant antitumor efficacy in immune checkpoint resistant models. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2124666. [PMID: 36211806 PMCID: PMC9542338 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2124666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S. Elizabeth Franks
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kellsye P. Fabian
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ginette Santiago-Sánchez
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Benjamin Wolfson
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - James W. Hodge
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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28
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Metropulos AE, Munshi HG, Principe DR. The difficulty in translating the preclinical success of combined TGFβ and immune checkpoint inhibition to clinical trial. EBioMedicine 2022; 86:104380. [PMID: 36455409 PMCID: PMC9706619 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed the treatment paradigm for solid tumors. However, even in cancers generally considered ICI-sensitive, responses can vary significantly. Thus, there is an ever-increasing interest in identifying novel means of improving therapeutic responses, both for cancers in which ICIs are indicated and those for which they have yet to show significant anti-tumor activity. To this end, Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ) signaling is emerging as an important barrier to the efficacy of ICIs. Accordingly, several preclinical studies now support the use of combined TGFβ and immune checkpoint blockade, with near-uniform positive results across a wide range of tumor types. However, as these approaches have started to emerge in clinical trials, the addition of TGFβ inhibitors has often failed to show a meaningful benefit beyond the current generation of ICIs alone. Here, we summarize landmark clinical studies exploring combined TGFβ and immune checkpoint blockade. These studies not only reinforce the difficulty in translating results from rodents to clinical trials in immune-oncology but also underscore the need to re-evaluate the design of trials exploring this approach, incorporating both mechanism-driven combination strategies and novel, predictive biomarkers to identify the patients most likely to derive clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hidayatullah G Munshi
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
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29
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Lucarini V, Melaiu O, D’Amico S, Pastorino F, Tempora P, Scarsella M, Pezzullo M, De Ninno A, D’Oria V, Cilli M, Emionite L, Infante P, Di Marcotullio L, De Ioris MA, Barillari G, Alaggio R, Businaro L, Ponzoni M, Locatelli F, Fruci D. Combined mitoxantrone and anti-TGFβ treatment with PD-1 blockade enhances antitumor immunity by remodelling the tumor immune landscape in neuroblastoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:326. [PMID: 36397148 PMCID: PMC9670422 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02525-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Poor infiltration of functioning T cells renders tumors unresponsive to checkpoint-blocking immunotherapies. Here, we identified a combinatorial in situ immunomodulation strategy based on the administration of selected immunogenic drugs and immunotherapy to sensitize poorly T-cell-infiltrated neuroblastoma (NB) to the host antitumor immune response. Methods 975A2 and 9464D NB cell lines derived from spontaneous tumors of TH-MYCN transgenic mice were employed to study drug combinations able of enhancing the antitumor immune response using in vivo and ex vivo approaches. Migration of immune cells towards drug-treated murine-derived organotypic tumor spheroids (MDOTS) were assessed by microfluidic devices. Activation status of immune cells co-cultured with drug-treated MDOTS was evaluated by flow cytometry analysis. The effect of drug treatment on the immune content of subcutaneous or orthotopic tumors was comprehensively analyzed by flow-cytometry, immunohistochemistry and multiplex immunofluorescence. The chemokine array assay was used to detect soluble factors released into the tumor microenvironment. Patient-derived organotypic tumor spheroids (PDOTS) were generated from human NB specimens. Migration and activation status of autologous immune cells to drug-treated PDOTS were performed. Results We found that treatment with low-doses of mitoxantrone (MTX) recalled immune cells and promoted CD8+ T and NK cell activation in MDOTS when combined with TGFβ and PD-1 blockade. This combined immunotherapy strategy curbed NB growth resulting in the enrichment of a variety of both lymphoid and myeloid immune cells, especially intratumoral dendritic cells (DC) and IFNγ- and granzyme B-expressing CD8+ T cells and NK cells. A concomitant production of inflammatory chemokines involved in remodelling the tumor immune landscape was also detected. Interestingly, this treatment induced immune cell recruitment against PDOTS and activation of CD8+ T cells and NK cells. Conclusions Combined treatment with low-dose of MTX and anti-TGFβ treatment with PD-1 blockade improves antitumor immunity by remodelling the tumor immune landscape and overcoming the immunosuppressive microenvironment of aggressive NB. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02525-9.
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30
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Yoon HJ, Kim GC, Oh S, Kim H, Kim YK, Lee Y, Kim MS, Kwon G, Ok YS, Kwon HK, Kim HS. WNK3 inhibition elicits antitumor immunity by suppressing PD-L1 expression on tumor cells and activating T-cell function. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:1913-1926. [PMID: 36357569 PMCID: PMC9722663 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00876-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint therapies, such as programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) blockade, have shown remarkable clinical benefit in many cancers by restoring the function of exhausted T cells. Hence, the identification of novel PD-L1 regulators and the development of their inhibition strategies have significant therapeutic advantages. Here, we conducted pooled shRNA screening to identify regulators of membrane PD-L1 levels in lung cancer cells targeting druggable genes and cancer drivers. We identified WNK lysine deficient protein kinase 3 (WNK3) as a novel positive regulator of PD-L1 expression. The kinase-dead WNK3 mutant failed to elevate PD-L1 levels, indicating the involvement of its kinase domain in this function. WNK3 perturbation increased cancer cell death in cancer cell-immune cell coculture conditions and boosted the secretion of cytokines and cytolytic enzymes, promoting antitumor activities in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. WNK463, a pan-WNK inhibitor, enhanced CD8+ T-cell-mediated antitumor activity and suppressed tumor growth as a monotherapy as well as in combination with a low-dose anti-PD-1 antibody in the MC38 syngeneic mouse model. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the c-JUN N-terminal kinase (JNK)/c-JUN pathway underlies WNK3-mediated transcriptional regulation of PD-L1. Our findings highlight that WNK3 inhibition might serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer immunotherapy through its concurrent impact on cancer cells and immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Ju Yoon
- grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea ,grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gi-Cheon Kim
- grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea ,grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Institute for Immunology and Immunological Diseases, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sejin Oh
- grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea ,grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hakhyun Kim
- grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong Keon Kim
- grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea ,grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yunji Lee
- grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea ,grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min Seo Kim
- grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gino Kwon
- grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Graduate Program for Nanomedical Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yeon-Su Ok
- grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea ,grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ho-Keun Kwon
- grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea ,grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea ,grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Institute for Immunology and Immunological Diseases, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun Seok Kim
- grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea ,grid.15444.300000 0004 0470 5454Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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31
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Quach HT, Hou Z, Bellis RY, Saini JK, Amador-Molina A, Adusumilli PS, Xiong Y. Next-generation immunotherapy for solid tumors: combination immunotherapy with crosstalk blockade of TGFβ and PD-1/PD-L1. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:1187-1202. [PMID: 36448335 PMCID: PMC10085570 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2152323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In solid tumor immunotherapy, less than 20% of patients respond to anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) agents. The role of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) in diverse immunity is well-established; however, systemic blockade of TGFβ is associated with toxicity. Accumulating evidence suggests the role of crosstalk between TGFβ and PD-1/PD-L1 pathways. AREAS COVERED We focus on TGFβ and PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway crosstalk and the determinant role of TGFβ in the resistance of immune checkpoint blockade. We provide the rationale for combination anti-TGFβ and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies for solid tumors and discuss the current status of dual blockade therapy in preclinical and clinical studies. EXPERT OPINION The heterogeneity of tumor microenvironment across solid tumors complicates patient selection, treatment regimens, and response and toxicity assessment for investigation of dual blockade agents. However, clinical knowledge from single-agent studies provides infrastructure to translate dual blockade therapies. Dual TGFβ and PD-1/PD-L1 blockade results in enhanced T-cell infiltration into tumors, a primary requisite for successful immunotherapy. A bifunctional fusion protein specifically targets TGFβ in the tumor microenvironment, avoiding systemic toxicity, and prevents interaction of PD-1+ cytotoxic cells with PD-L1+ tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hue Tu Quach
- Thoracic Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Zhaohua Hou
- Thoracic Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Rebecca Y. Bellis
- Thoracic Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Jasmeen K. Saini
- Thoracic Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Alfredo Amador-Molina
- Thoracic Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Prasad S. Adusumilli
- Thoracic Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Director, Mesothelioma Program; Head, Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Yuquan Xiong
- Thoracic Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
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Burger GA, Nesenberend DN, Lems CM, Hille SC, Beltman JB. Bidirectional crosstalk between epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity and IFN γ-induced PD-L1 expression promotes tumour progression. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:220186. [PMID: 36397970 PMCID: PMC9626257 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.220186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and immunoevasion through upregulation of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) are important drivers of cancer progression. While EMT has been proposed to facilitate PD-L1-mediated immunosuppression, molecular mechanisms of their interaction remain obscure. Here, we provide insight into these mechanisms by proposing a mathematical model that describes the crosstalk between EMT and interferon gamma (IFNγ)-induced PD-L1 expression. Our model shows that via interaction with microRNA-200 (miR-200), the multi-stability of the EMT regulatory circuit is mirrored in PD-L1 levels, which are further amplified by IFNγ stimulation. This IFNγ-mediated effect is most prominent for cells in a fully mesenchymal state and less strong for those in an epithelial or partially mesenchymal state. In addition, bidirectional crosstalk between miR-200 and PD-L1 implies that IFNγ stimulation allows cells to undergo EMT for lower amounts of inducing signal, and the presence of IFNγ accelerates EMT and decelerates mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET). Overall, our model agrees with published findings and provides insight into possible mechanisms behind EMT-mediated immune evasion, and primary, adaptive, or acquired resistance to immunotherapy. Our model can be used as a starting point to explore additional crosstalk mechanisms, as an improved understanding of these mechanisms is indispensable for developing better diagnostic and therapeutic options for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard A. Burger
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Daphne N. Nesenberend
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Mathematical Institute, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Carlijn M. Lems
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sander C. Hille
- Mathematical Institute, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Joost B. Beltman
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Ye F, Wu P, Zhu Y, Huang G, Tao Y, Liao Z, Guan Y. Construction of the prognostic signature of alternative splicing revealed the prognostic predictor and immune microenvironment in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Front Genet 2022; 13:989081. [PMID: 36338975 PMCID: PMC9633855 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.989081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) is a prevalent and heterogeneous malignancy with poor prognosis and high mortality rates. There is significant evidence of alternative splicing (AS) contributing to tumor development, suggesting its potential in predicting prognosis and therapeutic efficacy. This study aims to establish an AS-based prognostic signature in HNSC patients. Methods: The expression profiles and clinical information of 486 HNSC patients were downloaded from the TCGA database, and the AS data were downloaded from the TCGA SpliceSeq database. The survival-associated AS events were identified by conducting a Cox regression analysis and utilized to develop a prognostic signature by fitting into a LASSO-regularized Cox regression model. Survival analysis, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed to evaluate the signature and an independent cohort was used for validation. The immune cell function and infiltration were analyzed by CIBERSORT and the ssGSEA algorithm. Results: Univariate Cox regression analysis identified 2726 survival-associated AS events from 1714 genes. The correlation network reported DDX39B, PRPF39, and ARGLU1 as key splicing factors (SF) regulating these AS events. Eight survival-associated AS events were selected and validated by LASSO regression to develop a prognostic signature. It was confirmed that this signature could predict HNSC outcomes independent of other variables via multivariate Cox regression analysis. The risk score AUC was more than 0.75 for 3 years, highlighting the signature’s prediction capability. Immune infiltration analysis reported different immune cell distributions between the two risk groups. The immune cell content was higher in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group. The correlation analysis revealed a significant correlation between risk score, immune cell subsets, and immune checkpoint expression. Conclusion: The prognostic signature developed from survival-associated AS events could predict the prognosis of HNSC patients and their clinical response to immunotherapy. However, this signature requires further research and validation in larger cohort studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Ye
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Pingan Wu
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yaqiong Zhu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Guan Huang
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ying Tao
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhencheng Liao
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yafeng Guan
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Yafeng Guan,
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GAO Z, LING X, SHI C, WANG Y, LIN A. Tumor immune checkpoints and their associated inhibitors. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2022; 23:823-843. [PMID: 36226537 PMCID: PMC9561405 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b2200195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Immunological evasion is one of the defining characteristics of cancers, as the immune modification of an immune checkpoint (IC) confers immune evasion capabilities to tumor cells. Multiple ICs, such as programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4), can bind to their respective receptors and reduce tumor immunity in a variety of ways, including blocking immune cell activation signals. IC blockade (ICB) therapies targeting these checkpoint molecules have demonstrated significant clinical benefits. This is because antibody-based IC inhibitors and a variety of specific small molecule inhibitors can inhibit key oncogenic signaling pathways and induce durable tumor remission in patients with a variety of cancers. Deciphering the roles and regulatory mechanisms of these IC molecules will provide crucial theoretical guidance for clinical treatment. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the functional and regulatory mechanisms of these IC molecules at multiple levels, including epigenetic regulation, transcriptional regulation, and post-translational modifications. In addition, we provide a summary of the medications targeting various nodes in the regulatory pathway, and highlight the potential of newly identified IC molecules, focusing on their potential implications for cancer diagnostics and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zerui GAO
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, China,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, China,Key Laboratory for Cell and Gene Engineering of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou310058, China,Chu Kochen Honors College of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, China
| | - Xingyi LING
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, China,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, China,Key Laboratory for Cell and Gene Engineering of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou310058, China
| | - Chengyu SHI
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, China,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, China,Key Laboratory for Cell and Gene Engineering of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou310058, China
| | - Ying WANG
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, China,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, China,Key Laboratory for Cell and Gene Engineering of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou310058, China
| | - Aifu LIN
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, China,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310058, China,Key Laboratory for Cell and Gene Engineering of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou310058, China,Breast Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou310003, China,International School of Medicine, International Institutes of Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu322000, China,ZJU-QILU Joint Research Institute, Hangzhou310058, China,Aifu LIN,
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Development of the Novel Bifunctional Fusion Protein BR102 That Simultaneously Targets PD-L1 and TGF-β for Anticancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194964. [PMID: 36230887 PMCID: PMC9562016 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies, have revolutionized the therapy landscape of cancer immunotherapy. However, poor clinical response to ICIs and drug resistance are the main challenges for ICIs immunotherapy. TGF-β produced in the TME was found to confer resistance to PD-1/PD-L1-targeted immunotherapy. The independent and complementary immunosuppressive role of PD-L1 and TGF-β in cancer progression provides a rationale for simultaneously targeting TGF-β and PD-L1 to improve anti-PD-L1 therapy. Consequently, we develop and characterize a novel anti-PD-L1/TGF-β bifunctional fusion protein termed BR102. The data suggest that BR102 could simultaneously disrupt TGF-β- and PD-L1-mediated signals and display high antitumor efficacy and safety. The data support further clinical advancement of BR102 as a promising approach to cancer immunotherapy. Abstract Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are remarkable breakthroughs in treating various types of cancer, but many patients still do not derive long-term clinical benefits. Increasing evidence shows that TGF-β can promote cancer progression and confer resistance to ICI therapies. Consequently, dual blocking of TGF-β and immune checkpoint may provide an effective approach to enhance the effectiveness of ICI therapies. Here, we reported the development and preclinical characterization of a novel bifunctional anti-PD-L1/TGF-β fusion protein, BR102. BR102 comprises an anti-PD-L1 antibody fused to the extracellular domain (ECD) of human TGF-βRII. BR102 is capable of simultaneously binding to TGF-β and PD-L1. Incorporating TGF-βRII into BR102 does not alter the PD-L1 blocking activity of BR102. In vitro characterization further demonstrated that BR102 could disrupt TGF-β-induced signaling. Moreover, BR102 significantly inhibits tumor growth in vivo and exerts a superior antitumor effect compared to anti-PD-L1. Administration of BR102 to cynomolgus monkeys is well-tolerated, with only minimal to moderate and reversing red cell changes noted. The data demonstrated the efficacy and safety of the novel anti-PD-L1/TGF-β fusion protein and supported the further clinical development of BR102 for anticancer therapy.
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36
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Characteristics of tumor microenvironment and novel immunotherapeutic strategies for non-small cell lung cancer. JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL CANCER CENTER 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jncc.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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Denize T, Hou Y, Pignon JC, Walton E, West DJ, Freeman GJ, Braun DA, Wu CJ, Gupta S, Motzer RJ, Atkins MB, McDermott D, Choueiri TK, Shukla SA, Signoretti S. Transcriptomic Correlates of Tumor Cell PD-L1 Expression and Response to Nivolumab Monotherapy in Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:4045-4055. [PMID: 35802667 PMCID: PMC9481706 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-0923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE PD-L1 expression on tumor cells (TC) is associated with response to anti-PD-1-based therapies in some tumor types, but its significance in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is uncertain. We leveraged tumor heterogeneity to identify molecular correlates of TC PD-L1 expression in ccRCC and assessed their role in predicting response to anti-PD-1 monotherapy. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN RNA sequencing was performed on paired TC PD-L1 positive and negative areas isolated from eight ccRCC tumors and transcriptomic features associated with PD-L1 status were identified. A cohort of 232 patients with metastatic ccRCC from the randomized CheckMate-025 (CM-025) trial was used to confirm the findings and correlate transcriptomic profiles with clinical outcomes. RESULTS In both the paired samples and the CM-025 cohort, TC PD-L1 expression was associated with combined overexpression of immune- and cell proliferation-related pathways, upregulation of T-cell activation signatures, and increased tumor-infiltrating immune cells. In the CM-025 cohort, TC PD-L1 expression was not associated with clinical outcomes. A molecular RCC subtype characterized by combined overexpression of immune- and cell proliferation-related pathways (previously defined by unsupervised clustering of transcriptomic data) was enriched in TC PD-L1 positive tumors and displayed longer progression-free survival (HR, 0.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.13-0.83) and higher objective response rate (30% vs. 0%, P = 0.04) on nivolumab compared with everolimus. CONCLUSIONS Both TC-extrinsic (immune-related) and TC-intrinsic (cell proliferation-related) mechanisms are likely intertwined in the regulation of TC PD-L1 expression in ccRCC. The quantitation of these transcriptional programs may better predict benefit from anti-PD-1-based therapy compared with TC PD-L1 expression alone in ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Denize
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Yue Hou
- Translational Immunogenomics Laboratory, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Jean-Christophe Pignon
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Emily Walton
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Destiny J. West
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Gordon J. Freeman
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - David A. Braun
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
- Center of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Catherine J. Wu
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
| | | | - Robert J. Motzer
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | | | - David McDermott
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Toni K. Choueiri
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
| | - Sachet A. Shukla
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
- Department of Hematopoietic Biology and Malignancy, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Corresponding authors: Sabina Signoretti, M.D., Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Thorn Building 504A, 75 Francis Street; Boston, MA 02115, +1 617-525-7437, , Sachet A. Shukla, Ph.D. Hematopoietic Biology and Malignancy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA, +1 515-708-1252,
| | - Sabina Signoretti
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
- Department of Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Corresponding authors: Sabina Signoretti, M.D., Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Thorn Building 504A, 75 Francis Street; Boston, MA 02115, +1 617-525-7437, , Sachet A. Shukla, Ph.D. Hematopoietic Biology and Malignancy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA, +1 515-708-1252,
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Santiago-Sánchez GS, Hodge JW, Fabian KP. Tipping the scales: Immunotherapeutic strategies that disrupt immunosuppression and promote immune activation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:993624. [PMID: 36159809 PMCID: PMC9492957 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.993624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as an effective therapeutic approach for several cancer types. However, only a subset of patients exhibits a durable response due in part to immunosuppressive mechanisms that allow tumor cells to evade destruction by immune cells. One of the hallmarks of immune suppression is the paucity of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), characterized by low numbers of effector CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Additionally, the proper activation and function of lymphocytes that successfully infiltrate the tumor are hampered by the lack of co-stimulatory molecules and the increase in inhibitory factors. These contribute to the imbalance of effector functions by natural killer (NK) and T cells and the immunosuppressive functions by myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the TME, resulting in a dysfunctional anti-tumor immune response. Therefore, therapeutic regimens that elicit immune responses and reverse immune dysfunction are required to counter immune suppression in the TME and allow for the re-establishment of proper immune surveillance. Immuno-oncology (IO) agents, such as immune checkpoint blockade and TGF-β trapping molecules, have been developed to decrease or block suppressive factors to enable the activity of effector cells in the TME. Therapeutic agents that target immunosuppressive cells, either by direct lysis or altering their functions, have also been demonstrated to decrease the barrier to effective immune response. Other therapies, such as tumor antigen-specific vaccines and immunocytokines, have been shown to activate and improve the recruitment of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to the tumor, resulting in improved T effector to Treg ratio. The preclinical data on these diverse IO agents have led to the development of ongoing phase I and II clinical trials. This review aims to provide an overview of select therapeutic strategies that tip the balance from immunosuppression to immune activity in the TME.
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Kaptein P, Thommen DS. Keeping track of the T cells that matter. NATURE CANCER 2022; 3:1015-1017. [PMID: 36138133 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-022-00432-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Paulien Kaptein
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniela S Thommen
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Gameiro SR, Strauss J, Gulley JL, Schlom J. Preclinical and clinical studies of bintrafusp alfa, a novel bifunctional anti-PD-L1/TGFβRII agent: Current status. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2022; 247:1124-1134. [PMID: 35473390 PMCID: PMC9335510 DOI: 10.1177/15353702221089910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Bintrafusp alfa (anti-PD-L1/TGFβRII) is a first-in-class bifunctional agent designed to act both as a checkpoint inhibitor and as a "trap" for TGFβ in the tumor microenvironment (TME). This article is designed to review the preclinical studies interrogating the mode of action of bintrafusp alfa and to present a comprehensive overview of recent bintrafusp alfa clinical studies. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that bintrafusp alfa immune-mediating and antitumor activity can be enhanced by combining it with a human papillomavirus (HPV) therapeutic cancer vaccine, a tumor-targeting interleukin 12 (IL-12) immunocytokine and/or an IL-15 superagonist. The importance of TGFβ in HPV-associated malignancies is also reviewed. The clinical studies reviewed span extended phase I cohorts in patients with a spectrum of malignancies, two randomized phase II studies in lung and one in biliary tract cancers in which bintrafusp alfa did not demonstrate superiority over standard-of-care therapies, and provocative results in patients with HPV-associated malignancies, where as a monotherapy, bintrafusp alfa has shown response rates of 35%, compared to overall response rate (ORR) of 12-24% seen with other Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved or standard-of-care agents. This article also reviews preliminary phase II study results of patients with HPV+ malignancies employing bintrafusp alfa in combination with an HPV therapeutic vaccine and a tumor-targeting IL-12 immunocytokine in which the combination therapy outperforms standard-of-care therapies in both checkpoint naïve and checkpoint refractory patients. This review thus provides an example of the importance of conducting clinical studies in an appropriate patient population - in this case, exemplified by the role of TGFβ in HPV-associated malignancies. This review also provides preclinical and preliminary clinical study results of the combined use of multiple immune-modulating agents, each designed to engage different immune components and tumor cells in the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia R Gameiro
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Julius Strauss
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - James L Gulley
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Chen TW, Hung WZ, Chiang SF, Chen WTL, Ke TW, Liang JA, Huang CY, Yang PC, Huang KCY, Chao KSC. Dual inhibition of TGFβ signaling and CSF1/CSF1R reprograms tumor-infiltrating macrophages and improves response to chemotherapy via suppressing PD-L1. Cancer Lett 2022; 543:215795. [PMID: 35718267 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
TGFβ contributes to chemoresistance in advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) via diverse immune-microenvironment mechanisms. Here, we found that cancer cell autonomous TGFβ directly triggered tumor programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) upregulation, resulting in resistance to chemotherapy. Inhibition of tumor PD-L1 expression sensitized cancer cells to chemotherapy, reduced lung metastasis and increased the influx of CD8+ T cells. However, chemorefractory cancer cell-derived CSF1 recruited TAMs for TGFβ-mediated PD-L1 upregulation via a vicious cycle. High infiltration of macrophages was clinically correlated with the status of tumor PD-L1 after chemotherapy treatment in CRC patients. We found that depletion of immunosuppressive CSF1R+ TAM infiltration and blockade of the TGFβ receptor resulted in an increased influx of cytotoxic CD8+ T and effector memory CD8+ cells, a reduction in regulatory T cells, and a synergistic inhibition of tumor growth when combined with chemotherapy. These findings show that CSF1R+ TAMs and TGFβ are the dominant components that regulate PD-L1 expression within the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, providing a therapeutic strategy for advanced CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Wei Chen
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan; Department of Pathology, Asia University Hospital, Asia University, Taichung, 41354, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ze Hung
- Proton Therapy and Science Center, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Fen Chiang
- Lab of Precision Medicine, Feng-Yuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taichung, 42055, Taiwan
| | - William Tzu-Liang Chen
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, China Medical University HsinChu Hospital, China Medical University, HsinChu, 302, Taiwan; Department of Colorectal Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan; Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan
| | - Tao-Wei Ke
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan; School of Chinese Medicine & Graduate Institute of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan
| | - Ji-An Liang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Radiotherapy, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yang Huang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan; Center of General Education, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, Hualien, 970, Taiwan; Cardiovascular and Mitochondrial Related Disease Research Center, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, 97004, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chen Yang
- Proton Therapy and Science Center, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan
| | - Kevin Chih-Yang Huang
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Science, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan; Translation Research Core, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan.
| | - K S Clifford Chao
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan; Proton Therapy and Science Center, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan; Department of Radiation Oncology, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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Lucia F, Geier M, Schick U, Bourbonne V. Narrative Review of Synergistics Effects of Combining Immunotherapy and Stereotactic Radiation Therapy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061414. [PMID: 35740435 PMCID: PMC9219862 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) has become an attractive treatment modality in full bloom in recent years by presenting itself as a safe, noninvasive alternative to surgery to control primary or secondary malignancies. Although the focus has been on local tumor control as the therapeutic goal of stereotactic radiotherapy, rare but intriguing observations of abscopal (or out-of-field) effects have highlighted the exciting possibility of activating antitumor immunity using high-dose radiation. Furthermore, immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of several types of cancers in recent years. However, resistance to immunotherapy often develops. These observations have led researchers to combine immunotherapy with SRT in an attempt to improve outcomes. The benefits of this combination would come from the stimulation and suppression of various immune pathways. Thus, in this review, we will first discuss the immunomodulation induced by SRT with the promising results of preclinical studies on the changes in the immune balance observed after SRT. Then, we will discuss the opportunities and risks of the combination of SRT and immunotherapy with the preclinical and clinical data available in the literature. Furthermore, we will see that many perspectives are conceivable to potentiate the synergistic effects of this combination with the need for prospective studies to confirm the encouraging data.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Lucia
- Radiation Oncology Department, University Hospital, 29200 Brest, France; (U.S.); (V.B.)
- LaTIM, INSERM, UMR 1101, University of Brest, 29200 Brest, France
- Correspondence:
| | - Margaux Geier
- Medical Oncology Department, University Hospital, 29200 Brest, France;
| | - Ulrike Schick
- Radiation Oncology Department, University Hospital, 29200 Brest, France; (U.S.); (V.B.)
- LaTIM, INSERM, UMR 1101, University of Brest, 29200 Brest, France
| | - Vincent Bourbonne
- Radiation Oncology Department, University Hospital, 29200 Brest, France; (U.S.); (V.B.)
- LaTIM, INSERM, UMR 1101, University of Brest, 29200 Brest, France
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Hu D, Li Z, Zheng B, Lin X, Pan Y, Gong P, Zhuo W, Hu Y, Chen C, Chen L, Zhou J, Wang L. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in breast cancer: Challenges and opportunities. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2022; 42:401-434. [PMID: 35481621 PMCID: PMC9118050 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is proposed to contribute substantially to the progression of cancers, including breast cancer. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the most abundant components of the tumor microenvironment. Studies have revealed that CAFs in breast cancer originate from several types of cells and promote breast cancer malignancy by secreting factors, generating exosomes, releasing nutrients, reshaping the extracellular matrix, and suppressing the function of immune cells. CAFs are also becoming therapeutic targets for breast cancer due to their specific distribution in tumors and their unique biomarkers. Agents interrupting the effect of CAFs on surrounding cells have been developed and applied in clinical trials. Here, we reviewed studies examining the heterogeneity of CAFs in breast cancer and expression patterns of CAF markers in different subtypes of breast cancer. We hope that summarizing CAF-related studies from a historical perspective will help to accelerate the development of CAF-targeted therapeutic strategies for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengdi Hu
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315300, P. R. China
| | - Zhaoqing Li
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China.,Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China
| | - Bin Zheng
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315300, P. R. China
| | - Xixi Lin
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China.,Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China
| | - Yuehong Pan
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315300, P. R. China
| | - Peirong Gong
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315300, P. R. China
| | - Wenying Zhuo
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315300, P. R. China.,Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China.,Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China
| | - Yujie Hu
- Affiliated Cixi Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315300, P. R. China
| | - Cong Chen
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China.,Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China
| | - Lini Chen
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China.,Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China
| | - Jichun Zhou
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China.,Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China
| | - Linbo Wang
- Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China.,Biomedical Research Center and Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P. R. China
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Tsai YT, Strauss J, Toney NJ, Jochems C, Venzon DJ, Gulley JL, Schlom J, Donahue RN. Immune correlates of clinical parameters in patients with HPV-associated malignancies treated with bintrafusp alfa. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-004601. [PMID: 35418484 PMCID: PMC9014099 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-004601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Bintrafusp alfa is a bifunctional agent consisting of an anti-human PD-L1 antibody linked to two TGFβRII. It is designed to act both as a checkpoint inhibitor and to ‘trap’ TGFβ in the tumor microenvironment. Phase I and II clinical studies demonstrated clinical activity in patients with a range of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancers. The purpose of the studies reported here was the interrogation of various aspects of the peripheral immunome in patients with HPV-associated cancers, both prior to and early in the treatment regimen of bintrafusp alfa to better understand the mode of action of the agent and to help define which patients are more likely to benefit from bintrafusp alfa treatment. Patients and methods The peripheral immunome of patients (n=65) with HPV+ malignancies was analyzed both prior to treatment with bintrafusp alfa and day 14 post-treatment for levels and changes in (1) 158 different immune cell subsets, (2) multiple plasma soluble factors including analytes reflecting immune stimulatory and inhibitory status, (3) complete blood counts, and in a subset of patients (4) TCR diversity and (5) HPV-specific T-cell responses. Results Interrogation of the peripheral immunome prior to bintrafusp alfa treatment revealed several factors that associated with clinical response, including (1) higher levels of sCD27:sCD40L ratios, (2) lower levels of TGFβ1 and 12 additional factors associated with tumor mesenchymalization, and (3) higher CD8+ T cell:MDSC ratios. Analysis at 2 weeks post bintrafusp alfa revealed that eventual clinical responders had fewer increases in IL-8 levels and the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, and higher levels of HPV-16 specific CD8+ T cells. This study also provided information concerning differences in the peripheral immunome for patients who were naïve versus refractory to prior checkpoint inhibition therapy. While preliminary, two multivariate models developed predicted clinical benefit with 76%–91% accuracy. Conclusions These studies add insight into the mechanism of action of bintrafusp alfa and provide evidence that the interrogation of both cellular and soluble components of the peripheral immunome of patients with HPV-associated malignancies, either prior to or early in the therapeutic regimen, can provide information as to which patients are more likely to benefit with bintrafusp alfa therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yo-Ting Tsai
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Julius Strauss
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Nicole J Toney
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Caroline Jochems
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - David J Venzon
- Biostatistics and Data Management Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - James L Gulley
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Renee N Donahue
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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45
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Chen SY, Mamai O, Akhurst RJ. TGFβ: Signaling Blockade for Cancer Immunotherapy. ANNUAL REVIEW OF CANCER BIOLOGY 2022; 6:123-146. [PMID: 36382146 PMCID: PMC9645596 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cancerbio-070620-103554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Discovered over four decades ago, transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is a potent pleiotropic cytokine that has context-dependent effects on most cell types. It acts as a tumor suppressor in some cancers and/or supports tumor progression and metastasis through its effects on the tumor stroma and immune microenvironment. In TGFβ-responsive tumors it can promote invasion and metastasis through epithelial-mesenchymal transformation, the appearance of cancer stem cell features, and resistance to many drug classes, including checkpoint blockade immunotherapies. Here we consider the biological activities of TGFβ action on different cells of relevance toward improving immunotherapy outcomes for patients, with a focus on the adaptive immune system. We discuss recent advances in the development of drugs that target the TGFβ signaling pathway in a tumor-specific or cell type–specific manner to improve the therapeutic window between response rates and adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szu-Ying Chen
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ons Mamai
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Rosemary J. Akhurst
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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46
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Shen JZ, Qiu Z, Wu Q, Zhang G, Harris R, Sun D, Rantala J, Barshop WD, Zhao L, Lv D, Won KA, Wohlschlegel J, Sangfelt O, Laman H, Rich JN, Spruck C. A FBXO7/EYA2-SCF FBXW7 axis promotes AXL-mediated maintenance of mesenchymal and immune evasion phenotypes of cancer cells. Mol Cell 2022; 82:1123-1139.e8. [PMID: 35182481 PMCID: PMC8934274 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A mesenchymal tumor phenotype associates with immunotherapy resistance, although the mechanism is unclear. Here, we identified FBXO7 as a maintenance regulator of mesenchymal and immune evasion phenotypes of cancer cells. FBXO7 bound and stabilized SIX1 co-transcriptional regulator EYA2, stimulating mesenchymal gene expression and suppressing IFNα/β, chemokines CXCL9/10, and antigen presentation machinery, driven by AXL extracellular ligand GAS6. Ubiquitin ligase SCFFBXW7 antagonized this pathway by promoting EYA2 degradation. Targeting EYA2 Tyr phosphatase activity decreased mesenchymal phenotypes and enhanced cancer cell immunogenicity, resulting in attenuated tumor growth and metastasis, increased infiltration of cytotoxic T and NK cells, and enhanced anti-PD-1 therapy response in mouse tumor models. FBXO7 expression correlated with mesenchymal and immune-suppressive signatures in patients with cancer. An FBXO7-immune gene signature predicted immunotherapy responses. Collectively, the FBXO7/EYA2-SCFFBXW7 axis maintains mesenchymal and immune evasion phenotypes of cancer cells, providing rationale to evaluate FBXO7/EYA2 inhibitors in combination with immune-based therapies to enhance onco-immunotherapy responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Z Shen
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Zhixin Qiu
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Qiulian Wu
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Guoxin Zhang
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
| | - Rebecca Harris
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
| | - Dahui Sun
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | | | - William D Barshop
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Linjie Zhao
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Deguan Lv
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | | | - James Wohlschlegel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Olle Sangfelt
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Heike Laman
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
| | - Jeremy N Rich
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA 92037, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
| | - Charles Spruck
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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Horn LA, Chariou PL, Gameiro SR, Qin H, Iida M, Fousek K, Meyer TJ, Cam M, Flies D, Langermann S, Schlom J, Palena C. Remodeling the tumor microenvironment via blockade of LAIR-1 and TGF-β signaling enables PD-L1-mediated tumor eradication. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:155148. [PMID: 35230974 PMCID: PMC9012291 DOI: 10.1172/jci155148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Collagens in the extracellular matrix (ECM) provide a physical barrier to tumor immune infiltration, while also acting as a ligand for immune inhibitory receptors. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a key contributor to shaping the ECM by stimulating the production and remodeling of collagens. TGF-β activation signatures and collagen-rich environments have both been associated with T cell exclusion and lack of responses to immunotherapy. Here, we describe the effect of targeting collagens that signal through the inhibitory leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor-1 (LAIR-1) in combination with blockade of TGF-β and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1). This approach remodeled the tumor collagenous matrix, enhanced tumor infiltration and activation of CD8+ T cells, and repolarized suppressive macrophage populations, resulting in high cure rates and long-term tumor-specific protection across murine models of colon and mammary carcinoma. The results highlight the advantage of direct targeting of ECM components in combination with immune checkpoint blockade therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas A Horn
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, United States of America
| | - Paul L Chariou
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, United States of America
| | - Sofia R Gameiro
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, United States of America
| | - Haiyan Qin
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, United States of America
| | - Masafumi Iida
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, United States of America
| | - Kristen Fousek
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, United States of America
| | - Thomas J Meyer
- CCR Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, United States of America
| | - Margaret Cam
- CCR Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, United States of America
| | - Dallas Flies
- Research, NextCure, Inc., Beltsville, United States of America
| | | | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, United States of America
| | - Claudia Palena
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, United States of America
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Tschernia NP, Gulley JL. Tumor in the Crossfire: Inhibiting TGF-β to Enhance Cancer Immunotherapy. BioDrugs 2022; 36:153-180. [PMID: 35353346 PMCID: PMC8986721 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-022-00521-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy using monoclonal antibodies targeting immune checkpoints has undoubtedly revolutionized the cancer treatment landscape in the last decade. Immune checkpoint inhibitors can elicit long-lasting, previously unheard-of responses in a number of tumor entities. Yet, even in such tumors as metastatic melanoma and non-small cell-lung cancer, in which immune checkpoint inhibition has become the first-line treatment of choice, only a minority of patients will benefit considerably from these treatments. This has been attributed to a number of factors, including an immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Using different modalities to break these barriers is of utmost importance to expand the population of patients that benefit from immune checkpoint inhibition. The multifunctional cytokine transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has long been recognized as an immune-suppressive factor in the TME. A considerable number of drugs have been developed to target TGF-β, yet most of these have since been discontinued. The combination of anti-TGF-β agents with immune checkpoint inhibitors now has the potential to revive this target as a viable immunomodulatory therapeutic approach. Currently, a limited number of small molecular inhibitor and monoclonal antibody candidates that target TGF-β are in clinical development in combination with the following immune checkpoint inhibitors: SRK 181, an antibody inhibiting the activation of latent TGF-β1; NIS 793, a monoclonal antibody targeting TGF-β; and SHR 1701, a fusion protein consisting of an anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody fused with the extracellular domain of human TGF-β receptor II. Several small molecular inhibitors are also in development and are briefly reviewed: LY364947, a pyrazole-based small molecular inhibitor of the serine-threonine kinase activity of TGFβRI; SB-431542, an inhibitor targeting several TGF-β superfamily Type I activin receptor-like kinases as well as TGF-β1-induced nuclear Smad3 localization; and galunisertib, an oral small molecular inhibitor of the TGFβRI kinase. One of the most advanced agents in this area is bintrafusp alfa, a bifunctional fusion protein composed of the extracellular domain of TGF-β receptor II fused to a human IgG1 mAb blocking PD-L1. Bintrafusp alfa is currently in advanced clinical development and as an agent in this space with the most clinical experience, is a focused highlight of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas P Tschernia
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Medical Oncology Service, National Cancer Institute, Building 10, Room 13N240, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - James L Gulley
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Medical Oncology Service, National Cancer Institute, Building 10, Room 13N240, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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c-Met up-regulates the expression of PD-L1 through MAPK/NF-κBp65 pathway. J Mol Med (Berl) 2022; 100:585-598. [PMID: 35122106 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-022-02179-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Sorafenib acquired drug resistance during the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) reduces the efficacy of the drug. The immune escape effect induced by PD-L1 is largely associated with drug resistance of HCC. However, the regulated mechanism of PD-L1 is unclear. This research aimed to clarify the control mechanism of PD-L1. c-Met was found abnormally highly expressed in Huh-7SR with high PD-L1 expression. In addition, c-Met, as the upstream target molecule of PD-L1, promoted the proliferation and migration of HCC in vitro and in vivo. We also found that c-Met activated the MAPK signaling pathway and the downstream NF-κBp65 transcription factor, which interacts with the proximal region of the PD-L1 promoter to promote PD-L1 expression. In conclusion, c-Met regulates the transcription of PD-L1 through the MAPK/NF-κBp65 pathway, thereby promoting the progress of HCC. The role of c-Met and PD-L1 in HCC needs to be further studied, but it is a potential target for the treatment of HCC. KEY MESSAGES: In the study, it was found that c-Met is also abnormally highly expressed in Huh-7SR with high PD-L1 expression and can promote the development of HCC in vitro and in vivo. PD-L1 and c-Met expression levels are positively correlated. In the follow-up mechanism study, we found that c-Met activated the MAPK signaling pathway and subsequently activated the downstream NF-κBp65 transcription factor, which interacts with the proximal region of the PD-L1 promoter to promote PD-L1 expression. Our study found that c-Met regulates the transcription of PD-L1 through the MAPK/NF-κBp65 pathway, thereby promoting the progress of HCC.
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50
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Xu C, Marelli B, Qi J, Qin G, Yu H, Wang H, Jenkins MH, Lo KM, Lan Y. NHS-IL12 and bintrafusp alfa combination therapy enhances antitumor activity in preclinical cancer models. Transl Oncol 2021; 16:101322. [PMID: 34954456 PMCID: PMC8718653 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Combination therapy induced both adaptive and innate antitumor immunity. Combination therapy significantly enhanced antitumor activity. Combination therapy generated tumor antigen specific immune memory. Bintrafusp alfa mediated the reduction of lung metastases.
Combinatorial immunotherapy approaches are emerging as viable cancer therapeutic strategies for improving patient responses and outcomes. This study investigated whether two such immunotherapies, with complementary mechanisms of action, could enhance antitumor activity in murine tumor models. The immunocytokine NHS-IL12, and surrogate NHS-muIL12, are designed to deliver IL-12 and muIL-12, respectively, to the tumor microenvironment (TME) to activate NK cells and CD8+ T cells and increase their cytotoxic functions. Bintrafusp alfa (BA) is a bifunctional fusion protein composed of the extracellular domains of the TGF-β receptor II to function as a TGF-β “trap” fused to a human IgG1 antibody blocking PD-L1. With this dual-targeting strategy, BA enhances efficacy over that of monotherapies in preclinical studies. In this study, NHS-muIL12 and BA combination therapy enhanced antitumor activity, prolonged survival, and induced tumor-specific antitumor immunity. This combination therapy increased tumor-specific CD8+ T cells and induced immune profiles, consistent with the activation of both adaptive and innate immune systems. In addition, BA reduced lung metastasis in the 4T1 model. Collectively, these findings could support clinical trials designed to investigate NHS-IL12 and BA combination therapy for patients with advanced solid tumors
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxiao Xu
- EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Inc, 45 Middlesex Turnpike, Billerica, MA 01821, USA.
| | - Bo Marelli
- EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Inc, 45 Middlesex Turnpike, Billerica, MA 01821, USA
| | - Jin Qi
- EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Inc, 45 Middlesex Turnpike, Billerica, MA 01821, USA
| | - Guozhong Qin
- EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Inc, 45 Middlesex Turnpike, Billerica, MA 01821, USA
| | - Huakui Yu
- EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Inc, 45 Middlesex Turnpike, Billerica, MA 01821, USA
| | - Hong Wang
- EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Inc, 45 Middlesex Turnpike, Billerica, MA 01821, USA
| | - Molly H Jenkins
- EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Inc, 45 Middlesex Turnpike, Billerica, MA 01821, USA
| | - Kin-Ming Lo
- EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Inc, 45 Middlesex Turnpike, Billerica, MA 01821, USA
| | - Yan Lan
- EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Inc, 45 Middlesex Turnpike, Billerica, MA 01821, USA.
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