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Grauslund JH, Holmström MO, Martinenaite E, Lisle TL, Glöckner HJ, El Fassi D, Klausen U, Mortensen REJ, Jørgensen N, Kjær L, Skov V, Svane IM, Hasselbalch HC, Andersen MH. An arginase1- and PD-L1-derived peptide-based vaccine for myeloproliferative neoplasms: A first-in-man clinical trial. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1117466. [PMID: 36911725 PMCID: PMC9996128 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1117466] [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: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Arginase-1 (ARG1) and Programed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) play a vital role in immunosuppression in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and directly inhibit T-cell activation and proliferation. We previously identified spontaneous T-cell responses towards PD-L1 and ARG1 derived peptide epitopes in patients with MPNs. In the present First-in-Man study we tested dual vaccinations of ARG1- derived and PD-L1-derived peptides, combined with Montanide ISA-51 as adjuvant, in patients with Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2) V617F-mutated MPN. Methods Safety and efficacy of vaccination with ARG1- derived and PD-L1-derived peptides with montanide as an adjuvant was tested in 9 patients with MPN The primary end point was safety and toxicity evaluation. The secondary end point was assessment of the immune response to the vaccination epitope (www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT04051307). Results The study included 9 patients with JAK2-mutant MPN of which 8 received all 24 planned vaccines within a 9-month treatment period. Patients reported only grade 1 and 2 vaccine related adverse events. No alterations in peripheral blood counts were identified, and serial measurements of the JAK2V617F allelic burden showed that none of the patients achieved a molecular response during the treatment period. The vaccines induced strong immune responses against both ARG1 and PD-L1- derived epitopes in the peripheral blood of all patients, and vaccine-specific skin-infiltrating lymphocytes from 5/6 patients could be expanded in vitro after a delayed-type hypersensitivity test. In two patients we also detected both ARG1- and PD-L1-specific T cells in bone marrow samples at the end of trial. Intracellular cytokine staining revealed IFNγ and TNFγ producing CD4+- and CD8+- T cells specific against both vaccine epitopes. Throughout the study, the peripheral CD8/CD4 ratio increased significantly, and the CD8+ TEMRA subpopulation was enlarged. We also identified a significant decrease in PD-L1 mRNA expression in CD14+ myeloid cells in the peripheral blood in all treated patients and a decrease in ARG1 mRNA expression in bone marrow of 6 out of 7 evaluated patients. Conclusion Overall, the ARG1- and PD-L1-derived vaccines were safe and tolerable and induced strong T-cell responses in all patients. These results warrant further studies of the vaccine in other settings or in combination with additional immune-activating treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Handlos Grauslund
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Morten Orebo Holmström
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark.,Institute for Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Evelina Martinenaite
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark.,Research and Development, IO Biotech ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Landkildehus Lisle
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Hannah Jorinde Glöckner
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Daniel El Fassi
- Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Uffe Klausen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark.,Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rasmus E J Mortensen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Nicolai Jørgensen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Lasse Kjær
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Vibe Skov
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Inge Marie Svane
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | | | - Mads Hald Andersen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark.,Institute for Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Mughal TI, Pemmaraju N, Bejar R, Gale RP, Bose P, Kiladjian JJ, Prchal J, Royston D, Pollyea D, Valent P, Brümmendorf TH, Skorski T, Patnaik M, Santini V, Fenaux P, Kucine N, Verstovsek S, Mesa R, Barbui T, Saglio G, Van Etten RA. Perspective: Pivotal translational hematology and therapeutic insights in chronic myeloid hematopoietic stem cell malignancies. Hematol Oncol 2022; 40:491-504. [PMID: 35368098 DOI: 10.1002/hon.2987] [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: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Despite much of the past 2 years being engulfed by the devastating consequences of the SAR-CoV-2 pandemic, significant progress, even breathtaking, occurred in the field of chronic myeloid malignancies. Some of this was show-cased at the 15th Post-American Society of Hematology (ASH) and the 25th John Goldman workshops on myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) held on 9th-10th December 2020 and 7th-10th October 2021, respectively. The inaugural Post-ASH MPN workshop was set out in 2006 by John Goldman (deceased) and Tariq Mughal to answer emerging translational hematology and therapeutics of patients with these malignancies. Rather than present a resume of the discussions, this perspective focuses on some of the pivotal translational hematology and therapeutic insights in these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariq I Mughal
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- University of Buckingham, Buckingham, UK
| | - Naveen Pemmaraju
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Rafael Bejar
- University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | - Prithviraj Bose
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Josef Prchal
- Huntsman Cancer Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Daniel Royston
- John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Daniel Pollyea
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Peter Valent
- Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Tomasz Skorski
- Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Valeria Santini
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Pierre Fenaux
- Hospital St Louis, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Srdan Verstovsek
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ruben Mesa
- Mays Cancer Center, UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Tiziano Barbui
- Fondazione per la Ricerca Ospedale Maggiore di Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
| | | | - Richard A Van Etten
- Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
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3
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Strickland M, Quek L, Psaila B. The immune landscape in BCR-ABL negative myeloproliferative neoplasms: inflammation, infections and opportunities for immunotherapy. Br J Haematol 2022; 196:1149-1158. [PMID: 34618358 PMCID: PMC9135025 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.17850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Breakpoint cluster region-Abelson (BCR-ABL) negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are chronic myeloid neoplasms initiated by the acquisition of gene mutation(s) in a haematopoietic stem cell, leading to clonal expansion and over-production of blood cells and their progenitors. MPNs encompass a spectrum of disorders with overlapping but distinct molecular, laboratory and clinical features. This includes polycythaemia vera, essential thrombocythaemia and myelofibrosis. Dysregulation of the immune system is key to the pathology of MPNs, supporting clonal evolution, mediating symptoms and resulting in varying degrees of immunocompromise. Targeting immune dysfunction is an important treatment strategy. In the present review, we focus on the immune landscape in patients with MPNs - the role of inflammation in disease pathogenesis, susceptibility to infection and emerging strategies for therapeutic immune modulation. Further detailed work is required to delineate immune perturbation more precisely in MPNs to determine how and why vulnerability to infection differs between clinical subtypes and to better understand how inflammation results in a competitive advantage for the MPN clone. These studies may help shed light on new designs for disease-modifying therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Strickland
- MRC Molecular Haematology UnitMRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of OxfordOxford
- National Institutes for Health Research Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of OxfordOxford
| | - Lynn Quek
- Department of Haematological MedicineKing's College Hospital NHS Foundation TrustLondon
- Department of Haematology, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical SciencesKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Bethan Psaila
- MRC Molecular Haematology UnitMRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of OxfordOxford
- National Institutes for Health Research Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of OxfordOxford
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4
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Bartalucci N, Galluzzi L. Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms: From origins to new perspectives. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 366:ix-xx. [PMID: 35153008 DOI: 10.1016/s1937-6448(22)00019-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Niccolò Bartalucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; DENOThe Excellence Center, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States; Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States; Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States; Université de Paris, Paris, France.
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Lee S, Lin C, Wei C, Chang K, Yuan C, Tsai C, Liu J, Hou H, Tang J, Chou W, Tien H. PD-L1 expression in megakaryocytes and its clinicopathological features in primary myelofibrosis patients. J Pathol Clin Res 2022; 8:78-87. [PMID: 34480529 PMCID: PMC8682945 DOI: 10.1002/cjp2.240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are characterized by upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines and immune dysregulation, which provide a reasonable basis for immunotherapy in patients. Megakaryocytes are crucial in the pathogenesis of primary myelofibrosis (PMF), the most clinically aggressive subtype of MPN. In this study, we aimed to explore PD-L1 (programmed death-ligand 1) expression in megakaryocytes and its clinical implications in PMF. We analyzed PD-L1 expression on megakaryocytes in PMF patients by immunohistochemistry and correlated the results with clinicopathological features and molecular aberrations. We employed a two-tier grading system considering both the proportion of cells positively stained and the intensity of staining. Among the 85 PMF patients, 41 (48%) showed positive PD-L1 expression on megakaryocytes with the immune-reactive score ranging from 1 to 12. PD-L1 expression correlated closely with higher white blood cell count (p = 0.045), overt myelofibrosis (p = 0.010), JAK2V617F mutation (p = 0.011), and high-molecular risk mutations (p = 0.045), leading to less favorable overall survival in these patients (hazard ratio 0.341, 95% CI 0.135-0.863, p = 0.023). Our study provides unique insights into the interaction between immunologic and molecular phenotypes in PMF patients. Future work to explore the translational potential of PD-L1 in the clinical setting is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sze‐Hwei Lee
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of MedicineNational Taiwan UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
- Tai‐Chen Stem Cell Therapy CenterNational Taiwan UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
- Department of Laboratory MedicineNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Chien‐Chin Lin
- Department of Laboratory MedicineNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal MedicineNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Chao‐Hong Wei
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal MedicineNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Ko‐Ping Chang
- Department of PathologyNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Chang‐Tsu Yuan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of MedicineNational Taiwan UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
- Department of PathologyNational Taiwan University Cancer CenterTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Cheng‐Hong Tsai
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal MedicineNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Jia‐Hao Liu
- Department of Hematology and OncologyNational Taiwan University Cancer CenterTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Hsin‐An Hou
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal MedicineNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Jih‐Lu Tang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of MedicineNational Taiwan UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
- Department of Hematology and OncologyNational Taiwan University Cancer CenterTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Wen‐Chien Chou
- Department of Laboratory MedicineNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal MedicineNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Hwei‐Fang Tien
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal MedicineNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
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Hasselbalch HC, Silver RT. New Perspectives of Interferon-alpha2 and Inflammation in Treating Philadelphia-negative Chronic Myeloproliferative Neoplasms. Hemasphere 2021; 5:e645. [PMID: 34805764 PMCID: PMC8601345 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hans C Hasselbalch
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Richard T Silver
- Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Center, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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7
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Sobas M, Podolak-Dawidziak M, Lewandowski K, Bator M, Wróbel T. Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia and Essential Thrombocythemia: So Different and yet Somehow Similar-Cases Series and a Review of the Literature. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10918. [PMID: 34681577 PMCID: PMC8539407 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222010918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
This article collects several published cases in which immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is followed by essential thrombocythemia (ET) and vice versa. This surprising clinical condition is possible, but very rare and difficult to diagnose and manage. We have made an attempt to analyse the possible causes of the sequential appearance of ITP and ET taking into consideration the following: alteration of the thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor, the role of autoimmunity and inflammation, and cytokine modulation. A better understanding of these interactions may provide opportunities to determine predisposing factors and aid in finding new treatment modalities both for ITP and ET patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Sobas
- Department of Hematology, Blood Neoplasms and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Wroclaw Medical University, Pasteura 4, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.P.-D.); (M.B.); (T.W.)
| | - Maria Podolak-Dawidziak
- Department of Hematology, Blood Neoplasms and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Wroclaw Medical University, Pasteura 4, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.P.-D.); (M.B.); (T.W.)
| | - Krzysztof Lewandowski
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Department, University of Medical Sciences, 60-569 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Michał Bator
- Department of Hematology, Blood Neoplasms and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Wroclaw Medical University, Pasteura 4, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.P.-D.); (M.B.); (T.W.)
| | - Tomasz Wróbel
- Department of Hematology, Blood Neoplasms and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Wroclaw Medical University, Pasteura 4, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.P.-D.); (M.B.); (T.W.)
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Veletic I, Prijic S, Manshouri T, Nogueras-Gonzalez GM, Verstovsek S, Estrov Z. Altered T-cell subset repertoire affects treatment outcome of patients with myelofibrosis. Haematologica 2021; 106:2384-2396. [PMID: 32732359 PMCID: PMC8409049 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2020.249441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic characterization of T cells in myelofibrosis is intriguing because of increased inflammation, markedly elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines, and altered distribution of T-cell subsets. Constitutive activation of Janus kinase-2 (JAK2) in the majority of patients with myelofibrosis contributes to the expression of the programmed cell death protein-1 (PD1) and T-cell exhaustion. We wondered whether T-cell activation affects treatment outcome of patients with myelofibrosis and sought to determine whether the JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib affects the activation of T-cell subsets. T cells from 47 myelofibrosis patients were analyzed and the percentages of either helper (CD4+) or cytotoxic (CD8+) naïve, central memory, effector memory, or effector T cells; and fractions of PD1-expressing cells in each subset were assessed. Higher numbers of T cells co-expressing CD4/PD1 and CD8/PD1 were found in myelofibrosis patients than in healthy controls (n=28), and the T cells were significantly skewed toward an effector phenotype in both CD4+ and CD8+ subsets, consistent with a shift from a quiescent to an activated state. Over the course of ruxolitinib treatment, the distribution of aberrant T-cell subsets significantly reversed towards resting cell phenotypes. CD4+ and CD8+ subsets at baseline correlated with monocyte and platelet counts, and their PD1+ fractions correlated with leukocyte counts and spleen size. Low numbers of PD1+/CD4+ and PD1+/CD8+ cells were associated with complete resolution of palpable splenomegaly and improved survival rate, suggesting that low levels of exhausted T cells confer a favorable response to ruxolitinib treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo Veletic
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sanja Prijic
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Taghi Manshouri
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Srdan Verstovsek
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zeev Estrov
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Guo C, Gao YY, Ju QQ, Wang M, Zhang CX, Gong M, Li ZL. MAPK14 over-expression is a transcriptomic feature of polycythemia vera and correlates with adverse clinical outcomes. J Transl Med 2021; 19:233. [PMID: 34059095 PMCID: PMC8166116 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-02913-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The transcriptomic signature has not been fully elucidated in PV, as well as mRNA markers for clinical variables (thrombosis, leukemic transformation, survival, etc.). We attempted to reveal and validate crucial co-expression modules and marker mRNAs correlating with polycythemia vera (PV) by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Material and methods The GSE57793/26014/61629 datasets were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and integrated into one fused dataset. By R software and ‘WGCNA’ package, the PV-specific co-expression module was identified, the pathway enrichment profile of which was obtained by over-representation analysis (ORA). Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and hub gene analysis identified MAPK14 as our target gene. Then the distribution of MAPK14 expression in different disease/mutation types, were depicted based on external independent datasets. Genome-scale correlation analysis revealed the association of MAPK14 and JAK/STAT family genes. Then gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to detect the activated and suppressed pathways associating with MAPK14 expression. Moreover, GSE47018 dataset was utilized to compare clinical variables (thrombosis, leukemic transformation, survival, etc.) between MAPK14-high and MAPK14-low groups. Results An integrated dataset including 177 samples (83 PV, 35 ET, 17 PMF and 42 normal donors) were inputted into WGCNA. The ‘tan’ module was identified as the PV-specific module (R2 = 0.56, p = 8e−16), the genes of which were dominantly enriched in pro-inflammatory pathways (Toll-like receptor (TLR)/TNF signaling, etc.). MAPK14 is identified as the top hub gene in PV-related PPI network with the highest betweenness. External datasets validated that the MAPK14 expression was significantly higher in PV than that of essential thrombocytosis (ET)/primary myelofibrosis (PMF) patients and normal donors. JAK2 homozygous mutation carriers have higher level of MAPK14 than that of other mutation types. The expression of JAK/STAT family genes significantly correlated with MAPK14, which also contributed to the activation of oxidated phosphorylation, interferon-alpha (IFNα) response and PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling, etc. Moreover, MAPK14-high group have more adverse clinical outcomes (splenectomy, thrombosis, disease aggressiveness) and inferior survival than MAPK14-low group. Conclusion MAPK14 over-expression was identified as a transcriptomic feature of PV, which was also related to inferior clinical outcomes. The results provided novel insights for biomarkers and therapeutic targets for PV. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-021-02913-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Guo
- Department of Hematology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Yinghua East Street, Beijing, China
| | - Ya-Yue Gao
- Department of Hematology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Yinghua East Street, Beijing, China
| | - Qian-Qian Ju
- Department of Hematology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Yinghua East Street, Beijing, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Hematology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Yinghua East Street, Beijing, China
| | - Chun-Xia Zhang
- Department of Hematology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Yinghua East Street, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Gong
- Department of Hematology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Yinghua East Street, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen-Ling Li
- Department of Hematology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Yinghua East Street, Beijing, China.
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Handlos Grauslund J, Holmström MO, Jørgensen NG, Klausen U, Weis-Banke SE, El Fassi D, Schöllkopf C, Clausen MB, Gjerdrum LMR, Breinholt MF, Kjeldsen JW, Hansen M, Koschmieder S, Chatain N, Novotny GW, Petersen J, Kjær L, Skov V, Met Ö, Svane IM, Hasselbalch HC, Andersen MH. Therapeutic Cancer Vaccination With a Peptide Derived From the Calreticulin Exon 9 Mutations Induces Strong Cellular Immune Responses in Patients With CALR-Mutant Chronic Myeloproliferative Neoplasms. Front Oncol 2021; 11:637420. [PMID: 33718228 PMCID: PMC7952976 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.637420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The calreticulin (CALR) exon 9 mutations that are identified in 20% of patients with Philadelphia chromosome negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) generate immunogenic antigens. Thus, therapeutic cancer vaccination against mutant CALR could be a new treatment modality in CALR-mutant MPN. Methods The safety and efficacy of vaccination with the peptide CALRLong36 derived from the CALR exon 9 mutations was tested in a phase I clinical vaccination trial with montanide as adjuvant. Ten patients with CALRmut MPN were included in the trial and received 15 vaccines over the course of one year. The primary end point was evaluation of safety and toxicity of the vaccine. Secondary endpoint was assessment of the immune response to the vaccination epitope (www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT03566446). Results Patients had a median age of 59.5 years and a median disease duration of 6.5 years. All patients received the intended 15 vaccines, and the vaccines were deemed safe and tolerable as only two grade three AE were detected, and none of these were considered to be related to the vaccine. A decline in platelet counts relative to the platelets counts at baseline was detected during the first 100 days, however this did not translate into neither a clinical nor a molecular response in any of the patients. Immunomonitoring revealed that four of 10 patients had an in vitro interferon (IFN)-γ ELISPOT response to the CALRLong36 peptide at baseline, and four additional patients displayed a response in ELISPOT upon receiving three or more vaccines. The amplitude of the immune response increased during the entire vaccination schedule for patients with essential thrombocythemia. In contrast, the immune response in patients with primary myelofibrosis did not increase after three vaccines. Conclusion Therapeutic cancer vaccination with peptide vaccines derived from mutant CALR with montanide as an adjuvant, is safe and tolerable. The vaccines did not induce any clinical responses. However, the majority of patients displayed a marked T-cell response to the vaccine upon completion of the trial. This suggests that vaccines directed against mutant CALR may be used with other cancer therapeutic modalities to enhance the anti-tumor immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Handlos Grauslund
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Morten Orebo Holmström
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Nicolai Grønne Jørgensen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Uffe Klausen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Stine Emilie Weis-Banke
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Daniel El Fassi
- Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark.,Department of Medicine, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Claudia Schöllkopf
- Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Mette Borg Clausen
- Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | | | | | - Julie Westerlin Kjeldsen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Morten Hansen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Steffen Koschmieder
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Nicolas Chatain
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Guy Wayne Novotny
- Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Jesper Petersen
- Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Lasse Kjær
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Vibe Skov
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Özcan Met
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark.,Institute for Immunology and Microbiology, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Inge Marie Svane
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | | | - Mads Hald Andersen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark.,Institute for Immunology and Microbiology, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
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11
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Jørgensen NG, Kaae J, Grauslund JH, Met Ö, Nielsen SL, Pedersen AW, Svane IM, Ehrnrooth E, Andersen MH, Zachariae C, Skov L. Vaccination against PD-L1 with IO103 a Novel Immune Modulatory Vaccine in Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Phase IIa Study. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040911. [PMID: 33671555 PMCID: PMC7926323 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer and new treatments for patients with widespread and numerous tumors are lacking. In a previous study treating patients with multiple myeloma with a peptide vaccine called IO103 against an immune checkpoint molecule called programmed death ligand 1, two cases of basal cell carcinoma regressed. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of vaccination with IO103 in ten patients with basal cell carcinoma. Patients were vaccinated with Montanide as adjuvant up to nine times during six months. Regression in tumor size of at least 30% was seen in five of 18 tumors, two of which showed complete regression. Vaccinations resulted in immune responses against the vaccine in blood samples from nine of ten patients and in skin samples from five of nine patients. The findings suggest that the vaccine may be effective against some basal cell carcinomas. Abstract Antitumor activity of immune checkpoint blocking antibodies against programmed death 1 (PD-1) in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has been described. IO103 is a peptide vaccine against the major PD-1 ligand PD-L1. A phase IIa study of vaccination with IO103 and Montanide adjuvant was conducted in patients with resectable BCC (NCT03714529). Vaccinations were given six times every 2 weeks (q2w), followed by three vaccines q4w in responders. Primary endpoints were clinical responses of target tumors, change in target tumor size and immune responses to the vaccine. Secondary endpoint was safety. One tumor per patient was designated target tumor and biopsied twice during the course of vaccination. Synchronous non-target BCCs were not biopsied during vaccinations. Ten patients were vaccinated (six patients received six vaccinations and four patients received nine vaccinations). A partial response (PR) was seen in two target tumors. Two complete responses (CR) and one PR were observed in eight non-target tumors in four patients. No tumors progressed. Related adverse events were grade 1 and reversible. Immune responses against IO103 were induced in blood samples from nine of ten and skin-infiltrating lymphocytes from five of the nine patients. The regressions seen in non-target tumors suggest that IO103 may be effective against a subtype of BCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolai Grønne Jørgensen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (J.H.G.); (Ö.M.); (I.M.S.); (M.H.A.)
- Department of Hematology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
- Correspondence:
| | - Jeanette Kaae
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2900 Hellerup, Denmark; (J.K.); (C.Z.); (L.S.)
| | - Jacob Handlos Grauslund
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (J.H.G.); (Ö.M.); (I.M.S.); (M.H.A.)
| | - Özcan Met
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (J.H.G.); (Ö.M.); (I.M.S.); (M.H.A.)
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Signe Ledou Nielsen
- Department of Pathology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, 2730 Herlev, Denmark;
| | | | - Inge Marie Svane
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (J.H.G.); (Ö.M.); (I.M.S.); (M.H.A.)
| | - Eva Ehrnrooth
- IO Biotech ApS, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (A.W.P.); (E.E.)
| | - Mads Hald Andersen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (J.H.G.); (Ö.M.); (I.M.S.); (M.H.A.)
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- IO Biotech ApS, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (A.W.P.); (E.E.)
| | - Claus Zachariae
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2900 Hellerup, Denmark; (J.K.); (C.Z.); (L.S.)
| | - Lone Skov
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2900 Hellerup, Denmark; (J.K.); (C.Z.); (L.S.)
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12
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Nasillo V, Riva G, Paolini A, Forghieri F, Roncati L, Lusenti B, Maccaferri M, Messerotti A, Pioli V, Gilioli A, Bettelli F, Giusti D, Barozzi P, Lagreca I, Maffei R, Marasca R, Potenza L, Comoli P, Manfredini R, Maiorana A, Tagliafico E, Luppi M, Trenti T. Inflammatory Microenvironment and Specific T Cells in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: Immunopathogenesis and Novel Immunotherapies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041906. [PMID: 33672997 PMCID: PMC7918142 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are malignancies of the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) arising as a consequence of clonal proliferation driven by somatically acquired driver mutations in discrete genes (JAK2, CALR, MPL). In recent years, along with the advances in molecular characterization, the role of immune dysregulation has been achieving increasing relevance in the pathogenesis and evolution of MPNs. In particular, a growing number of studies have shown that MPNs are often associated with detrimental cytokine milieu, expansion of the monocyte/macrophage compartment and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, as well as altered functions of T cells, dendritic cells and NK cells. Moreover, akin to solid tumors and other hematological malignancies, MPNs are able to evade T cell immune surveillance by engaging the PD-1/PD-L1 axis, whose pharmacological blockade with checkpoint inhibitors can successfully restore effective antitumor responses. A further interesting cue is provided by the recent discovery of the high immunogenic potential of JAK2V617F and CALR exon 9 mutations, that could be harnessed as intriguing targets for innovative adoptive immunotherapies. This review focuses on the recent insights in the immunological dysfunctions contributing to the pathogenesis of MPNs and outlines the potential impact of related immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Nasillo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Diagnostic Hematology and Clinical Genomics, AUSL/AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy; (G.R.); (B.L.); (E.T.); (T.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-059-422-2173
| | - Giovanni Riva
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Diagnostic Hematology and Clinical Genomics, AUSL/AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy; (G.R.); (B.L.); (E.T.); (T.T.)
| | - Ambra Paolini
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.P.); (F.F.); (M.M.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (A.G.); (F.B.); (D.G.); (P.B.); (I.L.); (R.M.); (R.M.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Fabio Forghieri
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.P.); (F.F.); (M.M.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (A.G.); (F.B.); (D.G.); (P.B.); (I.L.); (R.M.); (R.M.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Luca Roncati
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy; (L.R.); (A.M.)
| | - Beatrice Lusenti
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Diagnostic Hematology and Clinical Genomics, AUSL/AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy; (G.R.); (B.L.); (E.T.); (T.T.)
| | - Monica Maccaferri
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.P.); (F.F.); (M.M.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (A.G.); (F.B.); (D.G.); (P.B.); (I.L.); (R.M.); (R.M.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Andrea Messerotti
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.P.); (F.F.); (M.M.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (A.G.); (F.B.); (D.G.); (P.B.); (I.L.); (R.M.); (R.M.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Valeria Pioli
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.P.); (F.F.); (M.M.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (A.G.); (F.B.); (D.G.); (P.B.); (I.L.); (R.M.); (R.M.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Andrea Gilioli
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.P.); (F.F.); (M.M.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (A.G.); (F.B.); (D.G.); (P.B.); (I.L.); (R.M.); (R.M.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Francesca Bettelli
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.P.); (F.F.); (M.M.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (A.G.); (F.B.); (D.G.); (P.B.); (I.L.); (R.M.); (R.M.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Davide Giusti
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.P.); (F.F.); (M.M.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (A.G.); (F.B.); (D.G.); (P.B.); (I.L.); (R.M.); (R.M.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Patrizia Barozzi
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.P.); (F.F.); (M.M.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (A.G.); (F.B.); (D.G.); (P.B.); (I.L.); (R.M.); (R.M.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Ivana Lagreca
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.P.); (F.F.); (M.M.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (A.G.); (F.B.); (D.G.); (P.B.); (I.L.); (R.M.); (R.M.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Rossana Maffei
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.P.); (F.F.); (M.M.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (A.G.); (F.B.); (D.G.); (P.B.); (I.L.); (R.M.); (R.M.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Roberto Marasca
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.P.); (F.F.); (M.M.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (A.G.); (F.B.); (D.G.); (P.B.); (I.L.); (R.M.); (R.M.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Leonardo Potenza
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.P.); (F.F.); (M.M.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (A.G.); (F.B.); (D.G.); (P.B.); (I.L.); (R.M.); (R.M.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Patrizia Comoli
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit and Cell Factory, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Rossella Manfredini
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine “S. Ferrari”, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Antonino Maiorana
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy; (L.R.); (A.M.)
| | - Enrico Tagliafico
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Diagnostic Hematology and Clinical Genomics, AUSL/AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy; (G.R.); (B.L.); (E.T.); (T.T.)
| | - Mario Luppi
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.P.); (F.F.); (M.M.); (A.M.); (V.P.); (A.G.); (F.B.); (D.G.); (P.B.); (I.L.); (R.M.); (R.M.); (L.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Tommaso Trenti
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Diagnostic Hematology and Clinical Genomics, AUSL/AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy; (G.R.); (B.L.); (E.T.); (T.T.)
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13
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Nasillo V, Riva G, Paolini A, Forghieri F, Roncati L, Lusenti B, Maccaferri M, Messerotti A, Pioli V, Gilioli A, Bettelli F, Giusti D, Barozzi P, Lagreca I, Maffei R, Marasca R, Potenza L, Comoli P, Manfredini R, Maiorana A, Tagliafico E, Luppi M, Trenti T. Inflammatory Microenvironment and Specific T Cells in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: Immunopathogenesis and Novel Immunotherapies. Int J Mol Sci 2021. [PMID: 33672997 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041906.pmid:33672997;pmcid:pmc7918142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are malignancies of the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) arising as a consequence of clonal proliferation driven by somatically acquired driver mutations in discrete genes (JAK2, CALR, MPL). In recent years, along with the advances in molecular characterization, the role of immune dysregulation has been achieving increasing relevance in the pathogenesis and evolution of MPNs. In particular, a growing number of studies have shown that MPNs are often associated with detrimental cytokine milieu, expansion of the monocyte/macrophage compartment and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, as well as altered functions of T cells, dendritic cells and NK cells. Moreover, akin to solid tumors and other hematological malignancies, MPNs are able to evade T cell immune surveillance by engaging the PD-1/PD-L1 axis, whose pharmacological blockade with checkpoint inhibitors can successfully restore effective antitumor responses. A further interesting cue is provided by the recent discovery of the high immunogenic potential of JAK2V617F and CALR exon 9 mutations, that could be harnessed as intriguing targets for innovative adoptive immunotherapies. This review focuses on the recent insights in the immunological dysfunctions contributing to the pathogenesis of MPNs and outlines the potential impact of related immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Nasillo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Diagnostic Hematology and Clinical Genomics, AUSL/AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Giovanni Riva
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Diagnostic Hematology and Clinical Genomics, AUSL/AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Ambra Paolini
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Fabio Forghieri
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Luca Roncati
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Beatrice Lusenti
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Diagnostic Hematology and Clinical Genomics, AUSL/AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Monica Maccaferri
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea Messerotti
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Valeria Pioli
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea Gilioli
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Francesca Bettelli
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Davide Giusti
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Patrizia Barozzi
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Ivana Lagreca
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Rossana Maffei
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Roberto Marasca
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Leonardo Potenza
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Patrizia Comoli
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit and Cell Factory, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Rossella Manfredini
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine "S. Ferrari", University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Antonino Maiorana
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Enrico Tagliafico
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Diagnostic Hematology and Clinical Genomics, AUSL/AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Mario Luppi
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Trenti
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Diagnostic Hematology and Clinical Genomics, AUSL/AOU Policlinico, 41124 Modena, Italy
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14
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Yung Y, Lee E, Chu HT, Yip PK, Gill H. Targeting Abnormal Hematopoietic Stem Cells in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia and Philadelphia Chromosome-Negative Classical Myeloproliferative Neoplasms. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020659. [PMID: 33440869 PMCID: PMC7827471 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are unique hematopoietic stem cell disorders sharing mutations that constitutively activate the signal-transduction pathways involved in haematopoiesis. They are characterized by stem cell-derived clonal myeloproliferation. The key MPNs comprise chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). CML is defined by the presence of the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome and BCR-ABL1 fusion gene. Despite effective cytoreductive agents and targeted therapy, complete CML/MPN stem cell eradication is rarely achieved. In this review article, we discuss the novel agents and combination therapy that can potentially abnormal hematopoietic stem cells in CML and MPNs and the CML/MPN stem cell-sustaining bone marrow microenvironment.
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MESH Headings
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/adverse effects
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
- Autophagy
- Biomarkers, Tumor
- Cell Survival/drug effects
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Disease Susceptibility
- Genetic Predisposition to Disease
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells/drug effects
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells/metabolism
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells/pathology
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/etiology
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/pathology
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/therapy
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Myeloproliferative Disorders/etiology
- Myeloproliferative Disorders/pathology
- Myeloproliferative Disorders/therapy
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/drug effects
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/metabolism
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/pathology
- Philadelphia Chromosome
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Stem Cell Niche
- Tumor Microenvironment
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Harinder Gill
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +852-2255-4542; Fax: +852-2816-2863
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15
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Abruzzese E, Niscola P. Current clinical strategies and emergent treatment landscapes in leukemic transformation of Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms. Expert Rev Hematol 2020; 13:1349-1359. [PMID: 33226274 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2020.1850251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Transformation to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) of Philadelphia chromosome-negative (Ph-) chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) represents a challenging medical concern and an unmet clinical need, since it charts a very poor outcome and a low rate of response to standard treatments with the exception of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Recent novel insights into the molecular disease pathways and the genomic features characterizing the transformation of Ph-MPN have led to new therapeutic individualized approaches with the potential to modify the clinical management of these difficult-to-treat patients. Areas covered: Literature review (MeSH headings/PubMed) of risk factors of MPNs progression and treatment options for transformed disease with traditional standard approaches, and novel and investigational agents was performed. One or combinations of related subject headings like transformed MPN, epigenetics, molecular alterations, HSCT, ruxolitinib, azacytidine, decitabine, gliterinib, novel agents, personalized therapy was screened. Informative papers were selected by the appropriate actual evidence and suggesting strategies for improving outcomes in the future. Expert opinion: Current and emerging treatments for transformed Ph-MPN, are presented. Novel targeted or experimental agents to be used both before HSCT, to induce blast-free state, or to modify the disease prognosis and improve survival and quality of life are critically reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pasquale Niscola
- Hematology, S. Eugenio Hospital, Tor Vergata University , Rome, Italy
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16
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Ivanova M, Tsvetkova G, Lukanov T, Stoimenov A, Hadjiev E, Shivarov V. Probable HLA-mediated immunoediting of JAK2 V617F-driven oncogenesis. Exp Hematol 2020; 92:75-88.e10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2020.09.200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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17
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Jørgensen NG, Klausen U, Grauslund JH, Helleberg C, Aagaard TG, Do TH, Ahmad SM, Olsen LR, Klausen TW, Breinholt MF, Hansen M, Martinenaite E, Met Ö, Svane IM, Knudsen LM, Andersen MH. Peptide Vaccination Against PD-L1 With IO103 a Novel Immune Modulatory Vaccine in Multiple Myeloma: A Phase I First-in-Human Trial. Front Immunol 2020; 11:595035. [PMID: 33240282 PMCID: PMC7680803 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.595035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Immune checkpoint blockade with monoclonal antibodies targeting programmed death 1 (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1 has played a major role in the rise of cancer immune therapy. We have identified naturally occurring self-reactive T cells specific to PD-L1 in both healthy donors and cancer patients. Stimulation with a PD-L1 peptide (IO103), activates these cells to exhibit inflammatory and anti-regulatory functions that include cytotoxicity against PD-L1-expressing target cells. This prompted the initiation of the present first-in-human study of vaccination with IO103, registered at clinicaltrials.org (NCT03042793). Methods Ten patients with multiple myeloma who were up to 6 months after high dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell support, were enrolled. Subcutaneous vaccinations with IO103 with the adjuvant Montanide ISA 51 was given up to fifteen times during 1 year. Safety was assessed by the common toxicity criteria for adverse events (CTCAE). Immunogenicity of the vaccine was evaluated using IFNγ enzyme linked immunospot and intracellular cytokine staining on blood and skin infiltrating lymphocytes from sites of delayed-type hypersensitivity. The clinical course was described. Results All adverse reactions to the PD-L1 vaccine were below CTCAE grade 3, and most were grade 1-2 injection site reactions. The total rate of adverse events was as expected for the population. All patients exhibited peptide specific immune responses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and in skin-infiltrating lymphocytes after a delayed-type hypersensitivity test. The clinical course was as expected for the population. Three of 10 patients had improvements of responses which coincided with the vaccinations. Conclusion Vaccination against PD-L1 was associated with low toxicity and high immunogenicity. This study has prompted the initiation of later phase trials to assess the vaccines efficacy. Clinical Trial Registration clinicaltrials.org, identifier NCT03042793.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolai Grønne Jørgensen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark.,Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Uffe Klausen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark.,Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Jacob Handlos Grauslund
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Carsten Helleberg
- Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | | | - Trung Hieu Do
- Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Shamaila Munir Ahmad
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Lars Rønn Olsen
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | | | - Morten Hansen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Evelina Martinenaite
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Özcan Met
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Inge Marie Svane
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | | | - Mads Hald Andersen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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18
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Heat Shock Proteins and PD-1/PD-L1 as Potential Therapeutic Targets in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092592. [PMID: 32932806 PMCID: PMC7563255 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), which are a heterogeneous group of rare disorders that affect blood cell production in bone marrow, present many significant challenges for clinicians. Though considerable progress has been made, in particular with the JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib, more effective alternative therapeutic approaches are needed. In the search for new and more efficient therapies, heat shock proteins, also known as stress proteins, and the programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) immune checkpoint axis have been found to be of great interest in hematologic malignancies. Here, we review the therapeutic potential of stress protein inhibitors in the management of patients diagnosed with MPN and summarize the accumulating evidence of the role of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in MPN in order to provide perspectives on future therapeutic opportunities relative to the inhibition of these targets. Abstract Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are a group of clonal disorders that affect hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. These disorders are often caused by oncogenic driver mutations associated with persistent Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling. While JAK inhibitors, such as ruxolitinib, reduce MPN-related symptoms in myelofibrosis, they do not influence the underlying cause of the disease and are not curative. Due to these limitations, there is a need for alternative therapeutic strategies and targets. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are cytoprotective stress-response chaperones involved in protein homeostasis and in many critical pathways, including inflammation. Over the last decade, several research teams have unraveled the mechanistic connection between STAT signaling and several HSPs, showing that HSPs are potential therapeutic targets for MPN. These HSPs include HSP70, HSP90 (chaperoning JAK2) and both HSP110 and HSP27, which are key factors modulating STAT3 phosphorylation status. Like the HSPs, the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway has been widely studied in cancer, but the importance of PD-L1-mediated immune escape in MPN was only recently reported. In this review, we summarize the role of HSPs and PD-1/PD-L1 signaling, the modalities of their experimental blockade, and the effect in MPN. Finally, we discuss the potential of these emerging targeted approaches in MPN therapy.
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19
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Masarova L, Bose P, Verstovsek S. The Rationale for Immunotherapy in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms. Curr Hematol Malig Rep 2020; 14:310-327. [PMID: 31228096 DOI: 10.1007/s11899-019-00527-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The classic, chronic Philadelphia chromosome negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN)-essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV), and myelofibrosis (MF)-are clonal malignancies of hematopoietic stem cells and are associated with myeloproliferation, organomegaly, and constitutional symptoms. Expanding knowledge that chronic inflammation and a dysregulated immune system are central to the pathogenesis and progression of MPNs serves as a driving force for the development of agents affecting the immune system as therapy for MPN. This review describes the rationale and potential impact of anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and targeted agents in MPNs. RECENT FINDINGS The advances in molecular insights, especially the discovery of the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) V617F mutation and its role in JAK-STAT pathway dysregulation, led to the development of the JAK inhibitor ruxolitinib, which currently represents the cornerstone of medical therapy in MF and hydroxyurea-resistant/intolerant PV. However, there remain significant unmet needs in the treatment of these patients, and many agents continue to be investigated. Novel, more selective JAK inhibitors might offer reduced myelosuppression or even improvement of blood counts. The recent approval of a novel, long-acting interferon for PV patients in Europe, might eventually lead to its broader clinical use in all MPNs. Targeted immunotherapy involving monoclonal antibodies, checkpoint inhibitors, or therapeutic vaccines against selected MPN epitopes could further enhance tumor-specific immune responses. Immunotherapeutic approaches are expanding and hopefully will extend the therapeutic armamentarium in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Masarova
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit 0428, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Prithviraj Bose
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit 0428, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Srdan Verstovsek
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit 0428, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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20
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Holmström MO, Hasselbalch HC, Andersen MH. Cancer Immune Therapy for Philadelphia Chromosome-Negative Chronic Myeloproliferative Neoplasms. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1763. [PMID: 32630667 PMCID: PMC7407874 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Philadelphia chromosome-negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are neoplastic diseases of the hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. MPN are characterized by chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation. Of interest, the potent immunostimulatory cytokine interferon-α has been used to treat MPN for decades. A deeper understanding of the anti-cancer immune response and of the different immune regulatory mechanisms in patients with MPN has paved the way for an increased perception of the potential of cancer immunotherapy in MPN. Therapeutic vaccination targeting the driver mutations in MPN is one recently described potential new treatment modality. Furthermore, T cells can directly react against regulatory immune cells because they recognize proteins like arginase and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1). Therapeutic vaccination with arginase or PD-L1 therefore offers a novel way to directly affect immune inhibitory pathways, potentially altering tolerance to tumor antigens like mutant CALR and mutant JAK2. Other therapeutic options that could be used in concert with therapeutic cancer vaccines are immune checkpoint-blocking antibodies and interferon-α. For more advanced MPN, adoptive cellular therapy is a potential option that needs more preclinical investigation. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about the immune system in MPN and discuss the many opportunities for anti-cancer immunotherapy in patients with MPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Orebo Holmström
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Oncology, Herlev University Hospital, DK-2730 Herlev, Denmark;
| | | | - Mads Hald Andersen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Oncology, Herlev University Hospital, DK-2730 Herlev, Denmark;
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
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21
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Abstract
Myeloproliferative diseases, including myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), are driven by genetic abnormalities and increased inflammatory signaling and are at high risk to transform into acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Myeloid-derived suppressor cells were reported to enhance leukemia immune escape by suppressing an effective anti-tumor immune response. MPNs are a potentially immunogenic disease as shown by their response to interferon-α treatment and allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Novel immunotherapeutic approaches such as immune checkpoint inhibition, tumor vaccination, or cellular therapies using target-specific lymphocytes have so far not shown strong therapeutic efficacy. Potential reasons could be the pro-inflammatory and immunosuppressive microenvironment in the bone marrow of patients with MPN, driving tumor immune escape. In this review, we discuss the biology of MPNs with respect to the pro-inflammatory milieu in the bone marrow (BM) and potential immunotherapeutic approaches.
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22
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Sørensen AL, Bjørn ME, Riley CH, Holmstrøm M, Andersen MH, Svane IM, Mikkelsen SU, Skov V, Kjaer L, Hasselbalch HC, Nielsen CH. B-cell frequencies and immunoregulatory phenotypes in myeloproliferative neoplasms: Influence of ruxolitinib, interferon-α2, or combination treatment. Eur J Haematol 2019; 103:351-361. [PMID: 31297883 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.13292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Given a proposed role for PD-L1+ and IL-10-producing B-cell subsets in promoting certain cancers, we sought to characterize the frequency and phenotype of B cells in patients with chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and the influence of ruxolitinib and interferon-α2 therapy. METHODS We analyzed B-cell frequencies and phenotype in patients with MPNs (n = 107), before and during treatment with ruxolitinib (n = 29), interferon-α2 (n = 21), or the two drugs in combination (COMBI; n = 42) and healthy donors (HDs; n = 52) using flow cytometry. RESULTS Myelofibrosis patients had lower lymphocyte counts and proportions of B cells than patients with essential thrombocythemia or polycythemia vera and HDs. The B-cell count correlated inversely with JAK2-V617F allele burden and spleen size and increased after ruxolitinib or COMBI treatment. The proportions of PD-L1+ B cells and PD-1+ B cells were significantly higher in patients with myelofibrosis or polycythemia vera than in HDs and decreased during ruxolitinib and COMBI treatment. The proportions of TNF-α+ and IL-6+ B cells were elevated in myelofibrosis patients. The proportion of IL-6+ B cells decreased, and the proportion of IL-10+ B cells increased during ruxolitinib treatment. CONCLUSION B-cell frequency and phenotype were altered in MPN patients. Ruxolitinib therapy had marked effects on both frequency and phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Lindholm Sørensen
- Institute for Inflammation Research, Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Mads Emil Bjørn
- Institute for Inflammation Research, Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Caroline H Riley
- Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Holmstrøm
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark.,Department of Hematology, Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Copenhagen University Hospital at Herlev, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Mads Hald Andersen
- Department of Hematology, Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Copenhagen University Hospital at Herlev, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Inge Marie Svane
- Department of Hematology, Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Copenhagen University Hospital at Herlev, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Stine Ulrik Mikkelsen
- Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Vibe Skov
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Lasse Kjaer
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Hans C Hasselbalch
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Claus H Nielsen
- Institute for Inflammation Research, Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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23
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Lin Z, Zhang Y, Cai H, Zhou F, Gao H, Deng L, Li R. A PD-L1-Based Cancer Vaccine Elicits Antitumor Immunity in a Mouse Melanoma Model. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2019; 14:222-232. [PMID: 31384666 PMCID: PMC6667823 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Engagement of programmed death 1 receptor (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1/2 induces a signal transduction pathway that inhibits the activity of tumor-infiltrating cytotoxic T lymphocytes and promotes tumor growth and metastasis. Antibodies blocking PD-1 or PD-L1 can restore antitumor T cell responses and cause long-term remission in a subset of cancer patients with advanced or refractory tumors. In this study, we asked whether PD-L1 vaccination could confer tumor control in mouse tumor models. To address the central tolerance toward self-molecules, we fused the extracellular domain of PD-L1 (PD-L1E) to the C-terminal of the translocation domain of diphtheria toxin (DTT). DTT is able to elicit CD4+ T cell responses required for inducing robust immune responses against self-molecules. The fusion molecule is called DPDL1E. When formulated with incomplete Freund’s adjuvant (IFA), DPDL1E elicited robust immune responses biased toward the Th1 type and inhibited tumor growth in both preventive and therapeutic mouse tumor models. We further showed that the anti-DPDL1E sera blocked PD-L1 binding to PD-1 in vitro. The DPDL1E vaccination increased the levels of tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes (TILs) and reduced the levels of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) as well as exhausted LAG3+PD-1+ CD8+ T cells. All of these data suggest that DPDL1E vaccination reverses the suppressive phenotype of the tumor microenvironment and that it is a promising strategy for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhibing Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dong Chuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China.,Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dong Chuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China.,Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huaman Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dong Chuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China.,Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fuqiang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dong Chuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China.,Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongjun Gao
- Ruikang Hospital Affiliated with Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Deng
- Shanghai HyCharm, Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Rongxiu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dong Chuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China.,Engineering Research Center of Cell and Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Ruikang Hospital Affiliated with Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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24
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Hasselbalch HC, Holmström MO. Perspectives on interferon-alpha in the treatment of polycythemia vera and related myeloproliferative neoplasms: minimal residual disease and cure? Semin Immunopathol 2019; 41:5-19. [PMID: 30203226 PMCID: PMC6323070 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-018-0700-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The first clinical trials of the safety and efficacy of interferon-alpha2 (IFN-alpha2) were performed about 30 years ago. Since then, several single-arm studies have convincingly demonstrated that IFN-alpha2 is a highly potent anti-cancer agent in several cancer types but unfortunately not being explored sufficiently due to a high toxicity profile when using non-pegylated IFN-alpha2 or high dosages or due to competitive drugs, that for clinicians at first glance might look more attractive. Within the hematological malignancies, IFN-alpha2 has only recently been revived in patients with the Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms-essential thrombocytosis, polycythemia vera, and myelofibrosis (MPNs)-and in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in combination with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. In this review, we tell the IFN story in MPNs from the very beginning in the 1980s up to 2018 and describe the perspectives for IFN-alpha2 treatment of MPNs in the future. The mechanisms of actions are discussed and the impact of chronic inflammation as the driving force for clonal expansion and disease progression in MPNs is discussed in the context of combination therapies with potent anti-inflammatory agents, such as the JAK1-2 inhibitors (licensed only ruxolitinib) and statins as well. Interferon-alpha2 being the cornerstone treatment in MPNs and having the potential of inducing minimal residual disease (MRD) with normalization of the bone marrow and low-JAK2V617F allele burden, we believe that combination therapy with ruxolitinib may be even more efficacious and hopefully revert disease progression in many more patients to enter the path towards MRD. In patients with advanced and transforming disease towards leukemic transformation or having transformed to acute myeloid leukemia, "triple therapy" is proposed as a novel treatment modality to be tested in clinical trials combining IFN-alpha2, DNA-hypomethylator, and ruxolitinib. The rationale for this "triple therapy" is given, including the fact that even in AML, IFN-alpha2 as monotherapy may revert disease progression. We envisage a new and bright future with many more patients with MPNs obtaining MRD on the above therapies. From this stage-and even before-vaccination strategies may open a new horizon with cure being the goal for some patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Carl Hasselbalch
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Morten Orebo Holmström
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Hematology, Herlev Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
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25
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Klausen U, Holmberg S, Holmström MO, Jørgensen NGD, Grauslund JH, Svane IM, Andersen MH. Novel Strategies for Peptide-Based Vaccines in Hematological Malignancies. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2264. [PMID: 30327655 PMCID: PMC6174926 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptides vaccination is an interesting approach to activate T-cells toward desired antigens in hematological malignancies. In addition to classical tumor associated antigens, such as cancer testis antigens, new potential targets for peptide vaccination comprise neo-antigens including JAK2 and CALR mutations, and antigens from immune regulatory proteins in the tumor microenvironment such as programmed death 1 ligands (PD-L1 and PD-L2). Immunosuppressive defenses of tumors are an important challenge to overcome and the T cell suppressive ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2 are often present in tumor microenvironments. Thus, PD-L1 and PD-L2 are interesting targets for peptide vaccines in diseases where the tumor microenvironment is known to play an essential role such as multiple myeloma and follicular lymphoma. In myelodysplastic syndromes the drug azacitidine re-exposes tumor associated antigens, why vaccination with related peptides would be an interesting addition. In myeloproliferative neoplasms the JAK2 and CALR mutations has proven to be immunogenic neo-antigens and thus possible targets for peptide vaccination. In this mini review we summarize the basis for these novel approaches, which has led to the initiation of clinical trials with various peptide vaccines in myelodysplastic syndromes, myeloproliferative neoplasms, multiple myeloma, and follicular lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uffe Klausen
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Herlev Hospital, Department of Hematology and Oncology, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Staffan Holmberg
- Department of Hematology, Herlev Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
- Division of Immunology - T cells & Cancer, DTU Nanotech, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Morten Orebo Holmström
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Herlev Hospital, Department of Hematology and Oncology, Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | | | - Jacob Handlos Grauslund
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Herlev Hospital, Department of Hematology and Oncology, Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Inge Marie Svane
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Herlev Hospital, Department of Hematology and Oncology, Herlev, Denmark
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mads Hald Andersen
- Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Herlev Hospital, Department of Hematology and Oncology, Herlev, Denmark
- Institute for Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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26
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Mughal TI, Lion T, Abdel-Wahab O, Mesa R, Scherber RM, Perrotti D, Mauro M, Verstovsek S, Saglio G, Van Etten RA, Kralovics R. Precision immunotherapy, mutational landscape, and emerging tools to optimize clinical outcomes in patients with classical myeloproliferative neoplasms. Hematol Oncol 2018; 36:740-748. [PMID: 30074634 DOI: 10.1002/hon.2537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Following the 47th American Society of Hematology Meeting in 2005, the late John Goldman and Tariq Mughal commenced a conference, the 1st Post-ASH Workshop, which brought together clinicians and scientists, to accelerate the adoption of new therapies for patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). The concept began with recognition of the CML success story following imatinib therapy, the discovery of JAK2V617F , and the demonstration that BCR-ABL1-negative MPNs are driven by abnormal JAK2 activation. This review is based on the presentations and deliberations at the XIIth Post-ASH Workshop on BCR-ABL1 positive and negative MPNs that took place on December 12 to 13, 2017, in Atlanta, Georgia, immediately following the 59th American Society of Hematology Meeting. We have selected some of the translational research and clinical topics, rather than an account of the proceedings. We discuss the role of immunotherapy in MPNs and the impact of the mutational landscape on TKI treatment in CML. We also consider how we might reduce TKI cardiovascular side effects, the potential role of nutrition as adjunctive nonpharmacologic intervention to reduce chronic inflammation in MPNs, and novel investigational therapies for MPNs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Lion
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Ruben Mesa
- UT Health San Antonio Cancer Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - Danilo Perrotti
- Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael Mauro
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Robert Kralovics
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Science, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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27
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Holmström MO, Hasselbalch HC. Cancer immune therapy for myeloid malignancies: present and future. Semin Immunopathol 2018; 41:97-109. [PMID: 29987478 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-018-0693-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The myelodysplastic syndromes, the chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms, and the acute myeloid leukemia are malignancies of the myeloid hematopoietic stem cells of the bone marrow. The diseases are characterized by a dysregulation of the immune system as both the cytokine milieu, immune phenotype, immune regulation, and expression of genes related to immune cell functions are deregulated. Several treatment strategies try to circumvent this deregulation, and several clinical and preclinical trials have shown promising results, albeit not in the same scale as chimeric antigen receptor T cells have had in the treatment of refractory lymphoid malignancies. The use of immune checkpoint blocking antibodies especially in combination with hypomethylating agents has had some success-a success that will likely be enhanced by therapeutic cancer vaccination with tumor-specific antigens. In the chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms, the recent identification of immune responses against the Januskinase-2 and calreticulin exon 9 driver mutations could also be used in the vaccination setting to enhance the anti-tumor immune response. This immune response could probably be enhanced by the concurrent use of immune checkpoint inhibitors or by vaccination with epitopes from immune regulatory proteins such as arginase-1 and programmed death ligand-1. Herein, we provide an overview of current cancer immune therapeutic treatment strategies as well as potential future cancer immune therapeutic treatment options for the myeloid malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Orebo Holmström
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark. .,Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Hematology, Herlev Hospital, Herlev, Denmark.
| | - Hans Carl Hasselbalch
- Department of Hematology, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
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