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Wang B, Zhang B, Wu M, Xu T. Unlocking therapeutic potential: Targeting lymphocyte activation Gene-3 (LAG-3) with fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1) in systemic lupus erythematosus. J Transl Autoimmun 2024; 9:100249. [PMID: 39228513 PMCID: PMC11369448 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2024.100249] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) represents an autoimmune disorder that affects multiple systems. In the treatment of this condition, the focus primarily revolves around inflammation suppression and immunosuppression. Consequently, targeted therapy has emerged as a prevailing approach. Currently, the quest for highly sensitive and specifically effective targets has gained significant momentum in the context of SLE treatment. Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3) stands out as a crucial inhibitory receptor that binds to pMHC-II, thereby effectively dampening autoimmune responses. Fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1) serves as the principal immunosuppressive ligand for LAG-3, and their combined action demonstrates a potent immunosuppressive effect. This intricate mechanism paves the way for potential SLE treatment by targeting LAG-3 with FGL1. This work provides a comprehensive summary of LAG-3's role in the pathogenesis of SLE and elucidates the feasibility of leveraging FGL1 as a therapeutic approach for SLE management. It introduces a novel therapeutic target and opens up new avenues of therapeutic consideration in the clinical context of SLE treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Biqing Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
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2
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Roozitalab G, Abedi B, Imani S, Farghadani R, Jabbarzadeh Kaboli P. Comprehensive assessment of TECENTRIQ® and OPDIVO®: analyzing immunotherapy indications withdrawn in triple-negative breast cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:889-918. [PMID: 38409546 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10174-x] [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: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Atezolizumab (TECENTRIQ®) and nivolumab (OPDIVO®) are both immunotherapeutic indications targeting programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) and programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), respectively. These inhibitors hold promise as therapies for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and have demonstrated encouraging results in reducing the progression and spread of tumors. However, due to their adverse effects and low response rates, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has withdrawn the approval of atezolizumab in TNBC and nivolumab in HCC treatment. The withdrawals of atezolizumab and nivolumab have raised concerns regarding their effectiveness and the ability to predict treatment responses. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate the immunotherapy withdrawal of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, specifically atezolizumab for TNBC and nivolumab for HCC. This study will examine both the structural and clinical aspects. This review provides detailed insights into the structure of the PD-1 receptor and its ligands, the interactions between PD-1 and PD-L1, and their interactions with the withdrawn antibodies (atezolizumab and nivolumab) as well as PD-1 and PD-L1 modifications. In addition, this review further assesses these antibodies in the context of TNBC and HCC. It seeks to elucidate the factors that contribute to diverse responses to PD-1/PD-L1 therapy in different types of cancer and propose approaches for predicting responses, mitigating the potential risks linked to therapy withdrawals, and optimizing patient outcomes. By better understanding the mechanisms underlying responses to PD-1/PD-L1 therapy and developing strategies to predict these responses, it is possible to create more efficient treatments for TNBC and HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghazaal Roozitalab
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Behnaz Abedi
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Saber Imani
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Reyhaneh Farghadani
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
| | - Parham Jabbarzadeh Kaboli
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Research Center for Cancer Biology, Cancer Biology and Precision Therapeutics Center, and Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 406, Taiwan.
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Luo Y, Cai X, Yang B, Lu F, Yi C, Wu G. Advances in understanding the role of immune checkpoint LAG-3 in tumor immunity: a comprehensive review. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1402837. [PMID: 39252941 PMCID: PMC11381248 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1402837] [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: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3), also known as CD223, is an emerging immune checkpoint that follows PD-1 and CTLA-4. Several LAG-3 targeting inhibitors in clinical trials and the combination of relatlimab (anti-LAG-3) and nivolumab (anti-PD-1) have been approved for treating - unresectable or metastatic melanoma. Despite the encouraging clinical potential of LAG-3, the physiological function and mechanism of action in tumors are still not well understood. In this review, we systematically summarized the structure of LAG-3, ligands of LAG-3, cell-specific functions and signaling of LAG-3, and the current status of LAG-3 inhibitors under development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingzhe Luo
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xuebin Cai
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Division of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Biao Yang
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Division of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Facheng Lu
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Division of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Cheng Yi
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Guoyu Wu
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Li G, Liu X, Gu C, Ma G, Li S, Ma Z, Xiong Y, Jiang Y, Huang Q, Wu J, Wu Z, Liao W, Wu Q, Shi M. Mutual exclusivity and co-occurrence patterns of immune checkpoints indicate NKG2A relates to anti-PD-1 resistance in gastric cancer. J Transl Med 2024; 22:718. [PMID: 39097734 PMCID: PMC11298088 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05503-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing number of clinical studies have begun to explore combination strategies with immune checkpoint inhibitors, aiming to present new opportunities for overcoming anti-PD-1 treatment resistance in gastric cancer. Unfortunately, the exploration of certain immune checkpoint inhibitor combination strategies has yielded suboptimal results. Therefore, it is necessary to comprehensively analyze the expression patterns of immune checkpoints and identify optimal combination regimens of anti-PD-1 inhibitors with other immune checkpoint inhibitors. METHODS Leveraging single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and multivariate linear regression interaction models, we dissected the immune checkpoint expression characteristics of CD8+ T cells in gastric cancer and the immune checkpoint expression pattern (ICEP) mediating anti-PD-1 treatment resistance. Furthermore, we employed transcription factor analysis and CellOracle to explore the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms governing CD8+ T cell differentiation fates. Finally, we utilized Nichenet and spatial transcriptomic analysis to investigate the spatial expression patterns of immune checkpoints. RESULTS Interaction analysis indicated that, among the known immune checkpoints, co-expression of NKG2A and PD-1 might exert a more profound inhibitory effect on the proliferative capacity of CD8+ T cells. The co-expression analysis revealed differential co-expression pattern of PD-1 and NKG2A, defined as ICEP1 (CD8+ T cells co-expressing PD-1, CTLA-4, TIGIT, LAG-3 or CD38) and ICEP2 (CD8+ T cells solely expressing NKG2A or co-expressing with other immune checkpoints), reflecting the co-occurrence pattern of PD-1 and the mutual exclusivity of NKG2A. Further, these two ICEP CD8+ T cell subsets represented distinct CD8+ T cell differentiation fates governed by MSC and RUNX3. Notably, ICEP2 CD8+ T cells were associated with anti-PD-1 therapy resistance in gastric cancer. This phenomenon may be attributed to the recruitment of LGMN+ macrophages mediated by the CXCL16-CXCR6 signaling pathway. CONCLUSION This study unveiled two distinct ICEPs and the mutually exclusivity and co-occurrence characteristics of CD8+ T cells in gastric cancer. The ICEP2 CD8+ T cell subset, highly expressed in gastric cancer patients resistant to anti-PD-1 therapy, may be recruited by LGMN+ macrophages through CXCL16-CXCR6 axis. These findings provide evidence for NKG2A as a novel immunotherapeutic target in gastric cancer and offer new insights into combination strategies for immune checkpoint inhibitors in gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanjun Li
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaohan Liu
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Chunhui Gu
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Guichuang Ma
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Shaowei Li
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhenfeng Ma
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanqiu Xiong
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiong Huang
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianhua Wu
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhenzhen Wu
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Wangjun Liao
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Qijing Wu
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
| | - Min Shi
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
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Chavanton A, Mialhe F, Abrey J, Baeza Garcia A, Garrido C. LAG-3 : recent developments in combinational therapies in cancer. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:2494-2505. [PMID: 38702996 PMCID: PMC11309939 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16205] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The study of anticancer immune responses and in particular the action of immune checkpoint inhibitors that overcome T cell inhibition has revolutionized metastatic patients' care. Unfortunately, many patients are resistant to these innovative immunotherapies. Over the last decade, several immune checkpoint inhibitors, currently available in the clinic, have been developed, such as anti-PD-1/PD-L1 or anti-CTLA-4. More recently, other immune checkpoints have been characterized, among them lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3). LAG-3 has been the subject of numerous therapeutic studies and may be involved in cancer-associated immune resistance phenomena. This review summarizes the latest knowledge on LAG-3 as an immunotherapeutic target, particularly in combination with standard or innovative therapies. Indeed, many studies are looking at combining LAG-3 inhibitors with chemotherapeutic, immunotherapeutic, radiotherapeutic treatments, or adoptive cell therapies to potentiate their antitumor effects and/or to overcome patients' resistance. We will particularly focus on the association therapies that are currently in phase III clinical trials and innovative combinations in preclinical phase. These new discoveries highlight the possibility of developing other types of therapeutic combinations currently unavailable in the clinic, which could broaden the therapeutic spectrum of personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aude Chavanton
- INSERM, UMR 1231Laboratoire d'Excellence LipSTIC and « Equipe labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer »DijonFrance
- Faculty of MedicineUniversité de BourgogneDijonFrance
| | - Flavie Mialhe
- INSERM, UMR 1231Laboratoire d'Excellence LipSTIC and « Equipe labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer »DijonFrance
- Faculty of MedicineUniversité de BourgogneDijonFrance
| | - Jimena Abrey
- INSERM, UMR 1231Laboratoire d'Excellence LipSTIC and « Equipe labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer »DijonFrance
- Faculty of MedicineUniversité de BourgogneDijonFrance
| | - Alvaro Baeza Garcia
- INSERM, UMR 1231Laboratoire d'Excellence LipSTIC and « Equipe labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer »DijonFrance
- Faculty of MedicineUniversité de BourgogneDijonFrance
| | - Carmen Garrido
- INSERM, UMR 1231Laboratoire d'Excellence LipSTIC and « Equipe labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer »DijonFrance
- Faculty of MedicineUniversité de BourgogneDijonFrance
- Center for Cancer Georges‐François LeclercDijonFrance
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6
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Pezzana S, Blaess S, Kortendieck J, Hemmer N, Tako B, Pietura C, Ruoff L, Riel S, Schaller M, Gonzalez-Menendez I, Quintanilla-Martinez L, Mascioni A, Aivazian A, Wilson I, Maurer A, Pichler BJ, Kneilling M, Sonanini D. In-depth cross-validation of human and mouse CD4-specific minibodies for noninvasive PET imaging of CD4 + cells and response prediction to cancer immunotherapy. Theranostics 2024; 14:4582-4597. [PMID: 39239511 PMCID: PMC11373626 DOI: 10.7150/thno.95173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence emphasizes the pivotal role of CD4+ T cells in orchestrating cancer immunity. Noninvasive in vivo imaging of the temporal dynamics of CD4+ T cells and their distribution patterns might provide novel insights into their effector and regulator cell functions during cancer immunotherapy (CIT). Methods: We conducted a comparative analysis of 89Zr-labeled anti-mouse (m) and anti-human (h) CD4-targeting minibodies (Mbs) for in vivo positron emission tomography (PET)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of CD4+ T cells in human xenografts, syngeneic tumor-bearing wild-type (WT), and human CD4+ knock-in (hCD4-KI) mouse models. Results: Both 89Zr-CD4-Mbs yielded high radiolabeling efficiencies of >90%, immunoreactivities of >70%, and specific in vitro binding to their target antigens. The specificity of in vivo targeting of 89Zr-hCD4-Mb was confirmed by PET/MRI, revealing ~4-fold greater 89Zr-hCD4-Mb uptake in subcutaneous hCD4+ hematopoietic peripheral blood acute lymphoblastic leukemia tumors (HPB-ALL) than in solid hCD4- diffuse histiocytic lymphomas (DHL) and 89Zr-mCD4-Mb uptake in hCD4+ HPB-ALL tumors. In a comparative cross-validation study in anti-programmed death ligand (αPD-L1)/anti-4-1BB-treated orthotopic PyMT mammary carcinoma-bearing hCD4-KI and WT mice, we detected 2- to 3-fold enhanced species-specific 89Zr-hCD4-Mb or 89Zr-mCD4-Mb uptake within CD4+ cell-enriched secondary lymphatic organs (lymph nodes and spleens). The 89Zr-hCD4-Mb uptake in the PyMT tumors was more pronounced in hCD4-KI mice compared to the WT control littermates. Most importantly, MC38 adenocarcinoma-bearing mice treated with a combination of αPD-L1 and anti-lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (αLag-3) antibodies exhibited ~1.4-fold higher 89Zr-mCD4-Mb uptake than mice that were not responsive to therapy or sham-treated mice. Conclusion: CD4 PET/MRI enabled monitoring of the CD4+ cell distribution in secondary lymphatic organs and the tumor microenvironment, capable of predicting sensitivity to CIT. Our imaging approach will provide deeper insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of CD4-directed cancer immunotherapies in preclinical mouse models and is applicable for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Pezzana
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, University Hospital Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Simone Blaess
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, University Hospital Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Jule Kortendieck
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, University Hospital Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Nicole Hemmer
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, University Hospital Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Bredi Tako
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, University Hospital Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Tuebingen, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Claudia Pietura
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, University Hospital Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Lara Ruoff
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, University Hospital Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Simon Riel
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Martin Schaller
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Irene Gonzalez-Menendez
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Pathology and Neuropathology, University Hospital Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Leticia Quintanilla-Martinez
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Pathology and Neuropathology, University Hospital Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | | | | | - Ian Wilson
- ImaginAb, Inglewood, United States of America
| | - Andreas Maurer
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, University Hospital Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Bernd J Pichler
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, University Hospital Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) partner site Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Manfred Kneilling
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, University Hospital Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Dominik Sonanini
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, University Hospital Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
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7
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Chocarro L, Blanco E, Fernandez-Rubio L, Garnica M, Zuazo M, Garcia MJ, Bocanegra A, Echaide M, Johnston C, Edwards CJ, Legg J, Pierce AJ, Arasanz H, Fernandez-Hinojal G, Vera R, Ausin K, Santamaria E, Fernandez-Irigoyen J, Kochan G, Escors D. PD-1/LAG-3 co-signaling profiling uncovers CBL ubiquitin ligases as key immunotherapy targets. EMBO Mol Med 2024; 16:1791-1816. [PMID: 39030301 PMCID: PMC11319776 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-024-00098-y] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Many cancer patients do not benefit from PD-L1/PD-1 blockade immunotherapies. PD-1 and LAG-3 co-upregulation in T-cells is one of the major mechanisms of resistance by establishing a highly dysfunctional state in T-cells. To identify shared features associated to PD-1/LAG-3 dysfunctionality in human cancers and T-cells, multiomic expression profiles were obtained for all TCGA cancers immune infiltrates. A PD-1/LAG-3 dysfunctional signature was found which regulated immune, metabolic, genetic, and epigenetic pathways, but especially a reinforced negative regulation of the TCR signalosome. These results were validated in T-cell lines with constitutively active PD-1, LAG-3 pathways and their combination. A differential analysis of the proteome of PD-1/LAG-3 T-cells showed a specific enrichment in ubiquitin ligases participating in E3 ubiquitination pathways. PD-1/LAG-3 co-blockade inhibited CBL-B expression, while the use of a bispecific drug in clinical development also repressed C-CBL expression, which reverted T-cell dysfunctionality in lung cancer patients resistant to PD-L1/PD-1 blockade. The combination of CBL-B-specific small molecule inhibitors with anti-PD-1/anti-LAG-3 immunotherapies demonstrated notable therapeutic efficacy in models of lung cancer refractory to immunotherapies, overcoming PD-1/LAG-3 mediated resistance.
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Grants
- FIS PI20/00010 MEC | Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII)
- FIS PI23/00196 MEC | Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII)
- COV20/00237 MEC | Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII)
- FI21/00080 MEC | Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII)
- TRANSPOCART ICI19/00069 MEC | Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII)
- PFIS,FI21/00080 MEC | Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII)
- BMED 050-2019 Departamento de Salud, Gobierno de Navarra (Department of Health, Government of Navarra)
- BMED 51-2021 Departamento de Salud, Gobierno de Navarra (Department of Health, Government of Navarra)
- BMED 036-2023 Departamento de Salud, Gobierno de Navarra (Department of Health, Government of Navarra)
- PROYE16001ESC Fundación Científica Asociación Española Contra el Cáncer (AECC)
- AGATA,0011-1411-2020-000013 Dirección General de Industria, Energia y Proyectos Estrategicos S3, Gobierno de Navarra (Department of Industry of the Government of Navarra)
- LINTERNA,0011-1411-2020-000033 Dirección General de Industria, Energia y Proyectos Estrategicos S3, Gobierno de Navarra (Department of Industry of the Government of Navarra)
- DESCARTHES,0011-1411-2019-000058 Dirección General de Industria, Energia y Proyectos Estrategicos S3, Gobierno de Navarra (Department of Industry of the Government of Navarra)
- ARNMUNE,0011-1411-2023-000101 Dirección General de Industria, Energia y Proyectos Estrategicos S3, Gobierno de Navarra (Department of Industry of the Government of Navarra)
- ISOLDA,grant agreement 848166 EC | Horizon 2020 Framework Programme (H2020)
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Chocarro
- OncoImmunology Unit, Navarrabiomed - Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008, Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Ester Blanco
- OncoImmunology Unit, Navarrabiomed - Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008, Pamplona, Spain
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Leticia Fernandez-Rubio
- OncoImmunology Unit, Navarrabiomed - Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maider Garnica
- OncoImmunology Unit, Navarrabiomed - Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Miren Zuazo
- OncoImmunology Unit, Navarrabiomed - Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maria Jesus Garcia
- OncoImmunology Unit, Navarrabiomed - Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ana Bocanegra
- OncoImmunology Unit, Navarrabiomed - Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Miriam Echaide
- OncoImmunology Unit, Navarrabiomed - Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Colette Johnston
- Crescendo Biologics Ltd., Meditrina Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Carolyn J Edwards
- Crescendo Biologics Ltd., Meditrina Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - James Legg
- Crescendo Biologics Ltd., Meditrina Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Andrew J Pierce
- Crescendo Biologics Ltd., Meditrina Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Hugo Arasanz
- Medical Oncology Unit, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008, Pamplona, Spain
- Oncobiona Unit, Navarrabiomed, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Fernandez-Hinojal
- Medical Oncology Unit, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ruth Vera
- Medical Oncology Unit, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Karina Ausin
- Proteomics Platform, Proteored-ISCIII, Navarrabiomed - Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Enrique Santamaria
- Proteomics Platform, Proteored-ISCIII, Navarrabiomed - Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Joaquin Fernandez-Irigoyen
- Proteomics Platform, Proteored-ISCIII, Navarrabiomed - Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Grazyna Kochan
- OncoImmunology Unit, Navarrabiomed - Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - David Escors
- OncoImmunology Unit, Navarrabiomed - Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008, Pamplona, Spain.
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8
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Liu X, Chen C, Li J, Li L, Ma M. Identification of tumor-specific T cell signature predicting cancer immunotherapy response in bladder cancer by multi-omics analysis and experimental verification. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:255. [PMID: 39033098 PMCID: PMC11264995 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03447-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous gene signatures predicting the prognosis of bladder cancer have been identified. However, a tumor-specific T cell signature related to immunotherapy response in bladder cancer remains under investigation. METHODS Single-cell RNA and TCR sequencing from the Gene expression omnibus (GEO) database were used to identify tumor-specific T cell-related genes in bladder cancer. Subsequently, we constructed a tumor-specific T cell signature (TstcSig) and validated its clinical relevance for predicting immunotherapy response in multiple immunotherapy cohorts. Further analyses explored the immune characteristics of TstcSig in bladder cancer patients from other cohorts in the TCGA and GEO databases. Western blot (WB), multicolor immunofluorescence (MIF), qRT-PCR and flow cytometry assays were performed to validate the results of bioinformatics analysis. RESULTS The established TstcSig, based on five tumor-specific T cell-related genes, could predict outcomes in a bladder cancer immunotherapy cohort. This was verified using two additional immunotherapy cohorts and showed better predictive performance compared to 109 published T cell signatures. TstcSig was strongly correlated with immune characteristics such as immune checkpoint gene expression, tumor mutation burden, and T cell infiltration, as validated by single-cell and spatial transcriptomics datasets. Notably, the positive correlation between TstcSig and T cell infiltration was confirmed in the TCGA cohort. Furthermore, pan-cancer analysis demonstrated the heterogeneity of the prognostic value of TstcSig. Tumor-specific T cells highly expressed CD27, IFNG, GZMB and CXCL13 and secreted more effector cytokines for tumor cell killing, as validated experimentally. CONCLUSION We developed a five-gene signature (including VAMP5, TIGIT, LCK, CD27 and CACYBP) based on tumor-specific T cell-related genes to predict the immunotherapy response in bladder cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Chujun Chen
- Key Specialty of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiashan Li
- Department of ultrasound medicine, Jieshou People's Hospital, 339 Renmin Road, Jieshou, Fuyang, Anhui, 236500, China
| | - Linna Li
- Department of ultrasound medicine, Jieshou People's Hospital, 339 Renmin Road, Jieshou, Fuyang, Anhui, 236500, China
| | - Meng Ma
- Department of ultrasound medicine, Jieshou People's Hospital, 339 Renmin Road, Jieshou, Fuyang, Anhui, 236500, China.
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9
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Li W, Xia C, Wang K, Xue L, Wang Y, Yang JY, Zhang M, Yin M, Ju C, Miao Z, Li Y, Zhao X, Yang Z, Tang R, Yang W. Technical considerations and strategies for generating and optimizing humanized mouse tumor models in immuno-oncology research. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 139:112722. [PMID: 39033663 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112722] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
The field of cancer immunotherapy has experienced significant progress, resulting in the emergence of numerous biological drug candidates requiring in vivo efficacy testing and a better understanding of their mechanism of action (MOA). Humanized immune system (HIS) models are valuable tools in this regard. However, there is a lack of systematic guidance on HIS modeling. To address this issue, the present study aimed to establish and optimize a variety of HIS models for immune-oncology (IO) study, including genetically engineered mouse models and HIS models with human immune components reconstituted in severely immunocompromised mice. The efficacy and utility of these models were tested with several marketed or investigational IO drugs according to their MOA, followed by immunophenotypic analysis and efficacy evaluation. The results of the present study demonstrated that the HIS models responded to various IO drugs as expected and that each model had unique niches, utilities and limitations. Researchers should carefully choose the appropriate models based on the MOA and the targeted immune cell populations of the investigational drug. The present study provides valuable methodologies and actionable technical guidance on designing, generating or utilizing appropriate HIS models to address specific questions in translational IO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Neurology and Oncology Drug Development, Nanjing 210000, China; Simcere Zaiming Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd., Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Chunlei Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Neurology and Oncology Drug Development, Nanjing 210000, China; Simcere Zaiming Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd., Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Kun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Neurology and Oncology Drug Development, Nanjing 210000, China; Simcere Zaiming Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd., Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Liting Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Neurology and Oncology Drug Development, Nanjing 210000, China; Simcere Zaiming Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd., Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Neurology and Oncology Drug Development, Nanjing 210000, China; Simcere Zaiming Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd., Shanghai 200120, China
| | | | | | - Ming Yin
- Beijing Vitalstar Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Beijing 100000, China
| | - Cunxiang Ju
- Gempharmatech Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Zhenchuan Miao
- Beijing Vitalstar Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Beijing 100000, China
| | - Ying Li
- Gempharmatech Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Neurology and Oncology Drug Development, Nanjing 210000, China; Jiangsu Simcere Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd., Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Zhijian Yang
- ClinBridge Biotech Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Renhong Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Neurology and Oncology Drug Development, Nanjing 210000, China; Simcere Zaiming Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd., Shanghai 200120, China.
| | - WenQing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Neurology and Oncology Drug Development, Nanjing 210000, China; Simcere Zaiming Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd., Shanghai 200120, China.
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10
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Rajagopal D, MacLeod E, Corogeanu D, Vessillier S. Immune-related adverse events of antibody-based biological medicines in cancer therapy. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18470. [PMID: 38963257 PMCID: PMC11223167 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Recombinant antibodies (Abs) are an integral modality for the treatment of multiple tumour malignancies. Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of rituximab as the first monoclonal antibody (mAb) for cancer treatment, several mAbs and antibody (Ab)-based therapies have been approved for the treatment of solid tumour malignancies and other cancers. These Abs function by either blocking oncogenic pathways or angiogenesis, modulating immune response, or by delivering a conjugated drug. The use of Ab-based therapy in cancer patients who could benefit from the treatment, however, is still limited by associated toxicity profiles which may stem from biological features and processes related to target binding, alongside biochemical and/or biophysical characteristics of the therapeutic Ab. A significant immune-related adverse event (irAE) associated with Ab-based therapies is cytokine release syndrome (CRS), characterized by the development of fever, rash and even marked, life-threatening hypotension, and acute inflammation with secondary to systemic uncontrolled increase in a range of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Here, we review irAEs associated with specific classes of approved, Ab-based novel cancer immunotherapeutics, namely immune checkpoint (IC)-targeting Abs, bispecific Abs (BsAbs) and Ab-drug-conjugates (ADCs), highlighting the significance of harmonization in preclinical assay development for safety assessment of Ab-based biotherapeutics as an approach to support and refine clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Rajagopal
- Immunotherapy, Biotherapeutics and Advanced Therapies Division, Science, Research, and Innovation Group, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)HertfordshireUK
| | - Elliot MacLeod
- Immunotherapy, Biotherapeutics and Advanced Therapies Division, Science, Research, and Innovation Group, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)HertfordshireUK
- Present address:
Gilead Sciences, Winchester HouseOxfordUK
| | - Diana Corogeanu
- Immunotherapy, Biotherapeutics and Advanced Therapies Division, Science, Research, and Innovation Group, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)HertfordshireUK
- Present address:
East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, Conquest HospitalEast SussexUK
| | - Sandrine Vessillier
- Immunotherapy, Biotherapeutics and Advanced Therapies Division, Science, Research, and Innovation Group, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)HertfordshireUK
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11
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Sorino C, Iezzi S, Ciuffreda L, Falcone I. Immunotherapy in melanoma: advances, pitfalls, and future perspectives. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1403021. [PMID: 39086722 PMCID: PMC11289331 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1403021] [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: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is the deadliest and most aggressive form of skin cancer owing to its high capacity for metastasis. Over the past few decades, the management of this type of malignancy has undergone a significant revolution with the advent of both targeted therapies and immunotherapy, which have greatly improved patient quality of life and survival. Nevertheless, the response rates are still unsatisfactory for the presence of side effects and development of resistance mechanisms. In this context, tumor microenvironment has emerged as a factor affecting the responsiveness and efficacy of immunotherapy, and the study of its interplay with the immune system has offered new promising clinical strategies. This review provides a brief overview of the currently available immunotherapeutic strategies for melanoma treatment by analyzing both the positive aspects and those that require further improvement. Indeed, a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the immune evasion of melanoma cells, with particular attention on the role of the tumor microenvironment, could provide the basis for improving current therapies and identifying new predictive biomarkers.
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12
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Vilela T, Valente S, Correia J, Ferreira F. Advances in immunotherapy for breast cancer and feline mammary carcinoma: From molecular basis to novel therapeutic targets. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189144. [PMID: 38914239 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189144] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
The role of inflammation in cancer is a topic that has been investigated for many years. As established, inflammation emerges as a defining characteristic of cancer, presenting itself as a compelling target for therapeutic interventions in the realm of oncology. Controlling the tumor microenvironment (TME) has gained paramount significance, modifying not only the effectiveness of immunotherapy but also modulating the outcomes and prognoses of standard chemotherapy and other anticancer treatments. Immunotherapy has surfaced as a central focus within the domain of tumor treatments, using immune checkpoint inhibitors as cancer therapy. Immune checkpoints and their influence on the tumor microenvironment dynamic are presently under investigation, aiming to ascertain their viability as therapeutic interventions across several cancer types. Cancer presents a significant challenge in humans and cats, where female breast cancer ranks as the most prevalent malignancy and feline mammary carcinoma stands as the third most frequent. This review seeks to summarize the data about the immune checkpoints cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4), lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA), and T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM-3) respective ongoing investigations as prospective targets for therapy for human breast cancer, while also outlining findings from studies reported on feline mammary carcinoma (FMC), strengthening the rationale for employing FMC as a representative model in the exploration of human breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Vilela
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sofia Valente
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jorge Correia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal; CIISA-Center of Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal; Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Fernando Ferreira
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal; CIISA-Center of Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal; Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal.
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13
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Zuo D, Zhu Y, Wang K, Qin Y, Su Y, Lan S, Li Y, Dong S, Liang Y, Feng M. A novel LAG3 neutralizing antibody improves cancer immunotherapy by dual inhibition of MHC-II and FGL1 ligand binding. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116782. [PMID: 38776682 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116782] [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: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
LAG3 is an inhibitory immune checkpoint expressed on activated T and NK cells. Blocking the interaction of LAG3 with its ligands MHC-II and FGL1 renders T cells improved cytotoxicity to cancer cells. Current study generated a panel of LAG3 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) through immunization of mice followed by phage display. Some of them bound to the D1-D2 domain of LAG3, which is known for the engagement of its ligands FGL1 and MHC-II. Three outperformers, M208, M226, and M234, showed stronger blocking activity than Relatlimab in the FGL1 binding. Furthermore, M234 showed dual inhibition of FGL1 (IC50 of 20.6 nM) and MHC-II binding (IC50 of 6.2 nM) to LAG3. In vitro functional tests showed that M234 significantly stimulated IFN-γ secretion from activated PBMC cells. In vivo studies in a mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma xenografts demonstrated that combining M234 IgG with GPC3-targeted bispecific antibodies significantly improved efficacy. In addition, GPC3-targeted CAR-T cells secreting IL-21-M234 scFv fusion protein exhibited enhanced activity in inhibiting tumor growth and greatly increased the survival rate of mice. Taken together, M234 has potential in cancer immunotherapy and warrants further clinical trial.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Lymphocyte Activation Gene 3 Protein
- Humans
- Mice
- Antigens, CD/immunology
- Antigens, CD/metabolism
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology
- Ligands
- Immunotherapy/methods
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class II/immunology
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class II/metabolism
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
- Liver Neoplasms/immunology
- Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/immunology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Protein Binding
- Female
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianbao Zuo
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Yuankui Zhu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Ke Wang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Youjia Qin
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Yiyi Su
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Sina Lan
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Yunyi Li
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Shuang Dong
- Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, China; Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Colorectal Cancer, China; Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Colorectal Cancer, China
| | - Yinming Liang
- Center of Disease Model and Immunology, Hunan Academy of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China.
| | - Mingqian Feng
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Colorectal Cancer, China; College of Biomedicine and Health, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China.
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14
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Wang K, Zhu W, Huang W, Huang K, Luo H, Long L, Yi B. TRIM Expression in HNSCC: Exploring the Link Between Ubiquitination, Immune Infiltration, and Signaling Pathways Through Bioinformatics. Int J Gen Med 2024; 17:2389-2405. [PMID: 38808201 PMCID: PMC11132118 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s463286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Ubiquitination is an important post-translational modification. However, the significance of the TRIM family of E3 ubiquitin ligases in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has not been determined. In this study, the roles of TRIM E3 ubiquitin ligases in lymphovascular invasion in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) were evaluated. Materials and Methods TRIM expression and related parameters were obtained from UbiBrowser2.0, UALCAN, TIMER, TISIDB, LinkedOmics, STRING, and GeneMANIA databases. Immunohistochemistry was used to confirm their expression. Results TRIM2, TRIM11, TRIM28, and TRIM56 were upregulated in HNSCC with lymphovascular invasion. TRIM expression was strongly associated with immune infiltration, including key treatment targets, like PD-1 and CTL4. Co-expressed genes and possible ubiquitination substrates included tumor-related factors. The TRIMs had predicted roles in ubiquitination-related pathways and vital signaling pathways, eg, MAPK, PI3K-Akt, and JAK-STAT signaling pathways. Conclusion Ubiquitination mediated by four TRIMs might be involved in the regulation of tumor immunity, laying the foundation for future studies of the roles of the TRIM family on the prediction and personalized medicine in HNSCC. The four TRIMs might exert oncogenic effects by promoting lymphovascular invasion in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Huang
- Research Center of Carcinogenesis and Targeted Therapy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kangkang Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huidan Luo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lu Long
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Yi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China
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15
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Mariuzza RA, Shahid S, Karade SS. The immune checkpoint receptor LAG3: Structure, function, and target for cancer immunotherapy. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107241. [PMID: 38556085 PMCID: PMC11061240 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Lymphocyte activation gene 3 protein (LAG3) is an immune checkpoint receptor that is highly upregulated on exhausted T cells in the tumor microenvironment. LAG3 transmits inhibitory signals to T cells upon binding to MHC class II and other ligands, rendering T cells dysfunctional. Consequently, LAG3 is a major target for cancer immunotherapy with many anti-LAG3 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that block LAG3 inhibitory activity in clinical trials. In this review, we examine the molecular basis for LAG3 function in light of recently determined crystal and cryoEM structures of this inhibitory receptor. We review what is known about LAG3 interactions with MHC class II, its canonical ligand, and the newly discovered ligands FGL1 and the T cell receptor (TCR)-CD3 complex, including current controversies over the relative importance of these ligands. We then address the development and mechanisms of action of anti-LAG3 mAbs in clinical trials for cancer immunotherapy. We discuss new strategies to therapeutically target LAG3 using mAbs that not only block the LAG3-MHC class II interaction, but also LAG3 interactions with FGL1 or TCR-CD3, or that disrupt LAG3 dimerization. Finally, we assess the possibility of developing mAbs that enhance, rather than block, LAG3 inhibitory activity as treatments for autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy A Mariuzza
- W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, Maryland, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA.
| | - Salman Shahid
- W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, Maryland, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Sharanbasappa S Karade
- W.M. Keck Laboratory for Structural Biology, University of Maryland Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, Maryland, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
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16
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Heras-Murillo I, Adán-Barrientos I, Galán M, Wculek SK, Sancho D. Dendritic cells as orchestrators of anticancer immunity and immunotherapy. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:257-277. [PMID: 38326563 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-024-00859-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are a heterogeneous group of antigen-presenting innate immune cells that regulate adaptive immunity, including against cancer. Therefore, understanding the precise activities of DCs in tumours and patients with cancer is important. The classification of DC subsets has historically been based on ontogeny; however, single-cell analyses are now additionally revealing a diversity of functional states of DCs in cancer. DCs can promote the activation of potent antitumour T cells and immune responses via numerous mechanisms, although they can also be hijacked by tumour-mediated factors to contribute to immune tolerance and cancer progression. Consequently, DC activities are often key determinants of the efficacy of immunotherapies, including immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Potentiating the antitumour functions of DCs or using them as tools to orchestrate short-term and long-term anticancer immunity has immense but as-yet underexploited therapeutic potential. In this Review, we outline the nature and emerging complexity of DC states as well as their functions in regulating adaptive immunity across different cancer types. We also describe how DCs are required for the success of current immunotherapies and explore the inherent potential of targeting DCs for cancer therapy. We focus on novel insights on DCs derived from patients with different cancers, single-cell studies of DCs and their relevance to therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Heras-Murillo
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Adán-Barrientos
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Galán
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Stefanie K Wculek
- Innate Immune Biology Laboratory, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - David Sancho
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain.
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17
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Klein C, Brinkmann U, Reichert JM, Kontermann RE. The present and future of bispecific antibodies for cancer therapy. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:301-319. [PMID: 38448606 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-024-00896-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) enable novel mechanisms of action and/or therapeutic applications that cannot be achieved using conventional IgG-based antibodies. Consequently, development of these molecules has garnered substantial interest in the past decade and, as of the end of 2023, 14 bsAbs have been approved: 11 for the treatment of cancer and 3 for non-oncology indications. bsAbs are available in different formats, address different targets and mediate anticancer function via different molecular mechanisms. Here, we provide an overview of recent developments in the field of bsAbs for cancer therapy. We focus on bsAbs that are approved or in clinical development, including bsAb-mediated dual modulators of signalling pathways, tumour-targeted receptor agonists, bsAb-drug conjugates, bispecific T cell, natural killer cell and innate immune cell engagers, and bispecific checkpoint inhibitors and co-stimulators. Finally, we provide an outlook into next-generation bsAbs in earlier stages of development, including trispecifics, bsAb prodrugs, bsAbs that induce degradation of tumour targets and bsAbs acting as cytokine mimetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Klein
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland.
| | - Ulrich Brinkmann
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | | | - Roland E Kontermann
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.
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18
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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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Qian Y, Sun Y, Shi P, Zhou X, Zhang Q, Dong Q, Jin S, Qiu L, Niu X, Zhou X, Zhao W, Wu Y, Zhai W, Gao Y. Development of LAG-3/FGL1 blocking peptide and combination with radiotherapy for cancer immunotherapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:1150-1165. [PMID: 38486998 PMCID: PMC10935467 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.12.011] [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: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Aside from antibodies, peptides show great potential as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) due to several advantages, such as better tumor penetration and lower cost. Lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3) is an immune checkpoint which can induce T cell dysfunction through interaction with its soluble ligand fibrinogen like protein-1 (FGL1). Here, we found that LAG-3 expression was higher than programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) in multiple human cancers by TCGA databases, and successfully identified a LAG-3 binding peptide LFP-6 by phage display bio-panning, which specifically blocks the interaction of LAG-3/FGL1 but not LAG-3/MHC-II. Subsequently, d-amino acids were introduced to substitute the N- and C-terminus of LFP-6 to obtain the proteolysis-resistant peptide LFP-D1, which restores T cell function in vitro and inhibits tumor growth in vivo. Further, a bispecific peptide LFOP targeting both PD-1/PD-L1 and LAG-3/FGL1 was designed by conjugating LFP-D1 with PD-1/PD-L1 blocking peptide OPBP-1(8-12), which activates T cell with enhanced proliferation and IFN-γ production. More importantly, LFOP combined with radiotherapy significantly improve the T cell infiltration in tumor and elevate systemic antitumor immune response. In conclusion, we developed a novel peptide blocking LAG-3/FGL1 which can restore T cell function, and the bispecific peptide synergizes with radiotherapy to further enhance the antitumor immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhen Qian
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yixuan Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Peishang Shi
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiuman Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Qiongqiong Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Qingyu Dong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Shengzhe Jin
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Lu Qiu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Xiaoshuang Niu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Xiaowen Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Wenshan Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yahong Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- International Joint Laboratory for Protein and Peptide Drugs of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Wenjie Zhai
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- International Joint Laboratory for Protein and Peptide Drugs of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yanfeng Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
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20
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Kiem D, Ocker M, Greil R, Neureiter D, Melchardt T. Enhancing anti-CD274 (PD-L1) targeting through combinatorial immunotherapy with bispecific antibodies and fusion proteins: from preclinical to phase II clinical trials. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024; 33:229-242. [PMID: 38354028 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2319317] [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: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immune checkpoint inhibitors have achieved great success in the treatment of many different types of cancer. Programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1, CD274) is a major immunosuppressive immune checkpoint and a target for several already approved monoclonal antibodies. Despite this, novel strategies are under development, as the overall response remains low. AREAS COVERED In this review, an overview of the current biomarkers for response to PD-L1 inhibitor treatment is given, followed by a discussion of potential novel biomarkers, including tumor mutational burden and circulating tumor DNA. Combinatorial immunotherapy is a potential novel strategy to increase the response to PD-L1 inhibitor treatment and currently, several interesting bispecific antibodies as well as bispecific fusion proteins are undergoing early clinical investigation. We focus on substances targeting PD-L1 and a secondary target, and a secondary immunomodulatory target like CTLA-4, TIGIT, or CD47. EXPERT OPINION Overall, the presented studies show anti-tumor activity of these combinatorial immunotherapeutic approaches. However, still relatively low response rates suggest a need for better biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Kiem
- III Medical Department, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Matthias Ocker
- Medical Department, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Campus, Charité Mitte, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- EO Translational Insights Consulting GmbH, Berlin, Germany
- Tacalyx GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Richard Greil
- III Medical Department, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Daniel Neureiter
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
- Institute of Pathology, Paracelsus Medical University, University Hospital Salzburg (SALK), Salzburg, Austria
| | - Thomas Melchardt
- III Medical Department, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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21
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Kou L, Xie X, Chen X, Li B, Li J, Li Y. The progress of research on immune checkpoint inhibitor resistance and reversal strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:3953-3969. [PMID: 37917364 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03568-3] [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: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in humans, which is prone to recurrence and metastasis and has a poor prognosis. The occurrence and progression of HCC are closely related to immune elimination, immune homeostasis, and immune escape of the immune system. In recent years, immunotherapy, represented by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has shown powerful anti-tumor capabilities in HCC patients. However, there are still some HCC patients who cannot benefit from ICIs treatment due to their innate or acquired drug resistance. Therefore, it is of great practical significance to explore the possible mechanisms of resistance to ICIs in HCC and to use them as a target to design strategies to reverse resistance, to overcome drug resistance in HCC and to improve the prognosis of patients. This article summarizes the possible primary (tumor microenvironment alteration, and signaling pathways, etc.) and acquired (immune checkpoint upregulation) resistance mechanisms in patients with HCC treated with ICIs, and based on this, discusses the status and effectiveness of combination drug strategy to reverse drug resistance, to provide a reference for subsequent related studies and decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqiu Kou
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiaolu Xie
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiu Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yaling Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China.
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22
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Yuti P, Sawasdee N, Natungnuy K, Rujirachaivej P, Luangwattananun P, Sujjitjoon J, Yenchitsomanus PT. Enhanced antitumor efficacy, proliferative capacity, and alleviation of T cell exhaustion by fifth-generation chimeric antigen receptor T cells targeting B cell maturation antigen in multiple myeloma. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115691. [PMID: 37844355 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy targeting B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) has been approved for treating multiple myeloma (MM). Some clinical studies reported suboptimal outcomes, including reduced cytotoxicity of CAR-T cells and tumor evasion through increased expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). To enhance CAR-T cell efficiency and overcome PD-L1-mediated T cell suppression, we developed anti-BCMA-CAR5-T cells equipped with three costimulatory domains and the ability to secrete anti-PD-L1 single-chain variable fragment (scFv) blockade molecules. Anti-BCMA-CAR4-T cells contained a fully human anti-BCMA scFv and three intracellular domains (CD28, 4-1BB, and CD27) joined with CD3ζ. Anti-BCMA-CAR5-T cells were generated by fusing anti-BCMA-CAR4 with anti-PD-L1 scFv. Both anti-BCMA-CAR4-T and anti-BCMA-CAR5-T cells demonstrated comparable antitumor activity against parental MM cells. However, at an effector-to-target ratio of 1:2, only anti-BCMA-CAR5-T cells maintained cytolytic activity against PD-L1 high MM cells, unlike anti-BCMA-CAR4 T cells. Anti-BCMA-CAR5-T cells were specifically activated by BCMA-expressing target cells, resulting in increased CAR-T cell proliferation, release of cytolytic mediators, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Anti-BCMA-CAR5-T cells demonstrated specific cytotoxicity against BCMA-expressing target cells, leading to decreased target cell numbers, increased CAR-T cell numbers, and preserved CAR expression during antigenic re-stimulation. Interestingly, only anti-BCMA-CAR5-T cells showed reduced PD-1 receptor levels, which correlated with decreased PD-L1 expression on target cells. We successfully generated anti-BCMA-CAR5-T cells capable of secreting anti-PD-L1 scFv. These cells exhibited superior antitumor efficiency, proliferative capacity, and alleviated T-cell exhaustion against MM cells. Further investigation into the antitumor efficacy of anti-BCMA-CAR5-T cells is warranted in ex vivo and clinical research settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pornpimon Yuti
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy (SiCORE-CIT), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nunghathai Sawasdee
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy (SiCORE-CIT), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Krissada Natungnuy
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy (SiCORE-CIT), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Punchita Rujirachaivej
- Graduate Program in Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Piriya Luangwattananun
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy (SiCORE-CIT), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jatuporn Sujjitjoon
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy (SiCORE-CIT), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Pa-Thai Yenchitsomanus
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy (SiCORE-CIT), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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23
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Zhao M, Yan CY, Wei YN, Zhao XH. Breaking the mold: Overcoming resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Antiviral Res 2023; 219:105720. [PMID: 37748652 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105720] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade-based therapies are effective against a sorts of cancers. However, drug resistance is a problem that cannot be ignored. This review intends to elucidate the mechanisms underlying drug tolerance induced by PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, as well as to outline proposed mechanism-based combination therapies and small molecule drugs that target intrinsic immunity and immune checkpoints. According to the differences of patients and types of cancer, the optimization of individualized combination therapy will help to enhance PD-1/PD-L1-mediated immunoregulation, reduce chemotherapy resistance, and provide new ideas for chemotherapy-resistant cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menglu Zhao
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110022, PR China
| | - Chun-Yan Yan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110022, PR China
| | - Ya-Nan Wei
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110022, PR China
| | - Xi-He Zhao
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110022, PR China.
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24
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Cai L, Li Y, Tan J, Xu L, Li Y. Targeting LAG-3, TIM-3, and TIGIT for cancer immunotherapy. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:101. [PMID: 37670328 PMCID: PMC10478462 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01499-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In one decade, immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs) has become a new pillar of cancer treatment following surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies. However, not all cancer patients benefit from single or combination therapy with anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies. Thus, an increasing number of immune checkpoint proteins (ICPs) have been screened and their effectiveness evaluated in preclinical and clinical trials. Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain-containing-3 (TIM-3), and T cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) domain (TIGIT) constitute the second wave of immunotherapy targets that show great promise for use in the treatment of solid tumors and leukemia. To promote the research and clinical application of ICBs directed at these targets, we summarize their discovery, immunotherapy mechanism, preclinical efficiency, and clinical trial results in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letong Cai
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yuchen Li
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jiaxiong Tan
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Ling Xu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control (Jinan University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Yangqiu Li
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control (Jinan University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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25
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Fahey CC, Gracie TJ, Johnson DB. Immune checkpoint inhibitors: maximizing benefit whilst minimizing toxicity. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2023; 23:673-683. [PMID: 37194222 PMCID: PMC10330517 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2023.2215435] [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: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The advent of immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of cancer; anti-tumor efficacy has been observed with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in ~20 different cancer types with durable responses in some cases. However, the risk of toxicity in the form of immune-related adverse events (irAE) partially counterbalances these benefits, and there are no FDA-approved biomarkers to categorize patients by likelihood of response or risk of irAEs. AREAS COVERED We conducted a thorough review of the literature of clinical studies regarding ICI and their toxicities. In this review, we synthesize the current body of literature about ICI treatment and irAE by summarizing the classes and uses of ICI, how to identify patients at risk for irAE, present the current understanding of irAE development, describe ongoing research into biomarkers of irAE, examine opportunities for irAE prevention, described management of steroid refractory irAE, and highlight future directions for development of prevention and management strategies. EXPERT OPINION While ongoing biomarker studies are promising, it is unlikely that there will be a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to categorizing irAE risk. In contrast, improved management and irAE prophylaxis are potentially in reach, and ongoing trials will help elucidate best practices.
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26
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Silva-Pilipich N, Covo-Vergara Á, Vanrell L, Smerdou C. Checkpoint blockade meets gene therapy: Opportunities to improve response and reduce toxicity. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 379:43-86. [PMID: 37541727 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) based on monoclonal antibodies represent a breakthrough for the treatment of cancer. However, their efficacy varies among tumor types and patients, and they can lead to adverse effects due to on-target/off-tumor activity, since they are administered systemically at high doses. An alternative and attractive approach for the delivery of ICIs is the use of gene therapy vectors able to express them in vivo. This review focuses on the most recent studies using viral vectors able to express ICIs locally or systemically in preclinical models of cancer. These vectors include non-replicating viruses, oncolytic viruses able to propagate specifically in tumor cells and destroy them, and self-amplifying RNA vectors, armed with different formats of antibodies against immune checkpoints. Non-replicating vectors usually lead to long-term ICI expression, potentially eliminating the need for repeated administration. Vectors with replication capacity, although they have a shorter window of expression, can induce inflammation which enhances the antitumor effect. Finally, these engineered vectors can be used in combination with other immunostimulatory molecules or with CAR-T cells, further boosting the antitumor immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Silva-Pilipich
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), and CCUN, Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Ángela Covo-Vergara
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), and CCUN, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Lucía Vanrell
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad ORT Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay; Nanogrow Biotech, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Cristian Smerdou
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), and CCUN, Pamplona, Spain.
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27
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Mortezaee K, Majidpoor J. Reinstating immunogenicity using bispecific anti-checkpoint/agent inhibitors. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 162:114621. [PMID: 37004328 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) resistance demands for acquisition of novel strategies in order to broaden the therapeutic repertoire of advanced cancers. Bispecific antibodies can be utilized as an emerging therapeutic paradigm and a step forward in cancer immunotherapy. Synchronous inhibition of programmed death-1 (PD-1), programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) or cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4), or with other agents can expand antibody selectivity and improve therapeutic window through tightening cell-to-cell bridge (a process called immunological synapse) within tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). There is evidence of higher potency of this co-targeting approach over combined single-agent monoclonal antibodies in reinvigorating anti-tumor immune responses, retarding tumor growth, and improving patient survival. In fact, immunological synapses formed by interactions of such bispecific agents with TIME cells directly mediate cytotoxicity against tumor cells, and durable anti-tumor immune responses are predictable after application of such agents. Besides, lower adverse events are reported for bispecific antibodies compared with individual checkpoint inhibitors. These are all indicative of the importance of exploiting novel bispecific approach as a replacement for conventional combo checkpoint inhibitor therapy particularly for tumors with immunosuppressive or cold immunity. Study in this area is still continued, and in the future more will be known about the importance of this bispecific approach in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keywan Mortezaee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | - Jamal Majidpoor
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Infectious Disease Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
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28
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Shah D, Soper B, Shopland L. Cytokine release syndrome and cancer immunotherapies - historical challenges and promising futures. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1190379. [PMID: 37304291 PMCID: PMC10248525 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1190379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. Cancer immunotherapy involves reinvigorating the patient's own immune system to fight against cancer. While novel approaches like Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cells, bispecific T cell engagers, and immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown promising efficacy, Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) is a serious adverse effect and remains a major concern. CRS is a phenomenon of immune hyperactivation that results in excessive cytokine secretion, and if left unchecked, it may lead to multi-organ failure and death. Here we review the pathophysiology of CRS, its occurrence and management in the context of cancer immunotherapy, and the screening approaches that can be used to assess CRS and de-risk drug discovery earlier in the clinical setting with more predictive pre-clinical data. Furthermore, the review also sheds light on the potential immunotherapeutic approaches that can be used to overcome CRS associated with T cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deep Shah
- In vivo Services, The Jackson Laboratory, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Brian Soper
- Technical Information Services, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States
| | - Lindsay Shopland
- In vivo Services, The Jackson Laboratory, Sacramento, CA, United States
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29
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Ziogas DC, Theocharopoulos C, Lialios PP, Foteinou D, Koumprentziotis IA, Xynos G, Gogas H. Beyond CTLA-4 and PD-1 Inhibition: Novel Immune Checkpoint Molecules for Melanoma Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2718. [PMID: 37345056 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
More than ten years after the approval of ipilimumab, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) against PD-1 and CTLA-4 have been established as the most effective treatment for locally advanced or metastatic melanoma, achieving durable responses either as monotherapies or in combinatorial regimens. However, a considerable proportion of patients do not respond or experience early relapse, due to multiple parameters that contribute to melanoma resistance. The expression of other immune checkpoints beyond the PD-1 and CTLA-4 molecules remains a major mechanism of immune evasion. The recent approval of anti-LAG-3 ICI, relatlimab, in combination with nivolumab for metastatic disease, has capitalized on the extensive research in the field and has highlighted the potential for further improvement of melanoma prognosis by synergistically blocking additional immune targets with new ICI-doublets, antibody-drug conjugates, or other novel modalities. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of presently published immune checkpoint molecules, including LAG-3, TIGIT, TIM-3, VISTA, IDO1/IDO2/TDO, CD27/CD70, CD39/73, HVEM/BTLA/CD160 and B7-H3. Beginning from their immunomodulatory properties as co-inhibitory or co-stimulatory receptors, we present all therapeutic modalities targeting these molecules that have been tested in melanoma treatment either in preclinical or clinical settings. Better understanding of the checkpoint-mediated crosstalk between melanoma and immune effector cells is essential for generating more effective strategies with augmented immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios C Ziogas
- First Department of Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Charalampos Theocharopoulos
- First Department of Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis-Petros Lialios
- First Department of Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitra Foteinou
- First Department of Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis-Alexios Koumprentziotis
- First Department of Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Xynos
- First Department of Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Helen Gogas
- First Department of Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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Ding T, Yu Y, Pan X, Chen H. Establishment of humanized mice and its application progress in cancer immunotherapy. Immunotherapy 2023; 15:679-697. [PMID: 37096919 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2022-0148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The current high prevalence of malignant tumors has attracted considerable attention, and treating advanced malignancies is becoming increasingly difficult. Although immunotherapy is a hopeful alternative, it is effective in only a few people. Thus, development of preclinical animal models is needed. Humanized xenotransplantation mouse models can help with selecting treatment protocols, evaluating curative effects and assessing prognosis. This review discusses the establishment of humanized mouse models and their application prospects in cancer immunotherapy to identify tailored therapies for individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianlong Ding
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, PR China
- Department of Tumor Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, PR China
| | - Yang Yu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, PR China
| | - Xiaoyuan Pan
- Department of Vision Rehabilitation, Gansu Province Hospital Rehabilitation Center, Lanzhou, 730030, PR China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Tumor Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, PR China
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Kim JY, Kim J, Cho EY, Park YH, Ahn JS, Kim KM, Im YH. Lymphocyte-activating gene 3 expression in tumor cells predicts immune checkpoint inhibitor response in triple negative breast cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1146934. [PMID: 37007114 PMCID: PMC10060989 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1146934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionImmune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) is one of the standard treatment strategies in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, the benefit of ICI with chemotherapy is limited in metastatic TNBC. In this study, we evaluated the effect of PD-L1 and LAG-3 expression on tissue microenvironment of mTNBC treated with ICI.MethodsWe reviewed representative formalin-fixed paraffin embedded specimens from metastatic or archival tumor tissues of TNBCs who treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in metastatic setting. We used the Opal multiplex Detection kit with six antibodies (anti-PD-L1, anti-LAG-3, anti-CD68, anti-panCK, anti-CD8, anti-CD107a/LAMP antibody).ResultsWe evaluated the association between LAG-3+cells and survival outcome regarding CK expression. Stromal LAG-3+/CK+ and LAG-3+/CK- cells were not associated with ICI-progression free survival(PFS) (P=0.16). However, LAG-3+ cell distributions in the tumor area impacted on ICI-PFS. A high density of LAG-3+CK+ cells was associated with shorter ICI-PFS compared with low densities of both LAG-3+CK+ and LAG-3+CK- cells (1.9 vs. 3.5 months). In addition, a high density of LAG-3+CK- cells had a relatively longer ICI-PFS compared with other groups (P=0.01). In terms of total area, the pattern of densities of LAG-3+CK+ cells and LAG-3+CK- cells were similar to those in the tumor area In addition, ICI-PFS of LAG-3+CK- and LAG-3+CK+ cell densities in the total area was equal to that in the tumor area.DiscussionIn conclusion, our findings revealed tumor-intrinsic LAG-3 expression was the resistance mechanism toward PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in mTNBCs. Multivariate analysis also suggested that LAG-3 expression in tumor cells was an independent predictive biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Yeon Kim
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeehyun Kim
- Department of Pathology and Translational Genomics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Yoon Cho
- Department of Pathology and Translational Genomics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon Hee Park
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Seok Ahn
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Mee Kim
- Department of Pathology and Translational Genomics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- *Correspondence: Young-Hyuck Im, ; Kyoung-Mee Kim,
| | - Young-Hyuck Im
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- *Correspondence: Young-Hyuck Im, ; Kyoung-Mee Kim,
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Hong Y, Nam SM, Moon A. Antibody-drug conjugates and bispecific antibodies targeting cancers: applications of click chemistry. Arch Pharm Res 2023; 46:131-148. [PMID: 36877356 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-023-01433-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Engineering approaches using antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) and bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) are designed to overcome the limitations of conventional chemotherapies and therapeutic antibodies such as drug resistance and non-specific toxicity. Cancer immunotherapies have been shown to be clinically successful with checkpoint blockade and chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy; however, overactive immune systems still represent a major problem. Given the complexity of a tumor environment, it would be advantageous to have a strategy targeting two or more molecules. We highlight the necessity and importance of a multi-target platform strategy against cancer. Approximately 400 ADCs and over 200 bsAbs are currently being clinically developed for several indications, with promising signs of therapeutic activity. ADCs include antibodies that recognize tumor antigens, linkers that stably connect drugs, and powerful cytotoxic drugs, also known as payloads. ADCs have direct therapeutic effects by targeting cancers with a strong payload. Another type of drug that uses antibodies are bsAbs, targeting two antigens by linking to antigen recognition sites or bridging cytotoxic immune cells to tumor cells, resulting in cancer immunotherapy. Three bsAbs and one ADC have been approved for use by the FDA and the EMA in 2022. Among these, two of the bsAbs and the one ADC are used for cancers. We introduced that bsADC, a combination of ADC and bsAbs, has yet to be approved and several candidates are in the early stages of clinical development in this review. bsADCs technology helps increase the specificity of ADCs or the internalization and killing ability of bsAbs. We also briefly discuss the application of click chemistry in the efficient development of ADCs and bsAbs as a conjugation strategy. The present review summarizes the ADCs, bsAbs, and bsADCs that have been approved for anti-cancer or currently in development. These strategies selectively deliver drugs to malignant tumor cells and can be used as therapeutic approaches for various types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeji Hong
- College of Pharmacy, Duksung Innovative Drug Center, Duksung Women's University, Seoul, 01369, Korea
| | - Su-Min Nam
- College of Pharmacy, Duksung Innovative Drug Center, Duksung Women's University, Seoul, 01369, Korea
| | - Aree Moon
- College of Pharmacy, Duksung Innovative Drug Center, Duksung Women's University, Seoul, 01369, Korea.
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Zhang W, Lyu P, Andreev D, Jia Y, Zhang F, Bozec A. Hypoxia-immune-related microenvironment prognostic signature for osteosarcoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:974851. [PMID: 36578780 PMCID: PMC9791087 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.974851] [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: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Increasing evidences have shown that hypoxia and the immune microenvironment play vital roles in the development of osteosarcoma. However, reliable gene signatures based on the combination of hypoxia and the immune status for prognostic prediction of osteosarcoma have so far not been identified. Methods: The individual hypoxia and immune status of osteosarcoma patients were identified with transcriptomic profiles of a training cohort from the TARGET database using ssGSEA and ESTIMATE algorithms, respectively. Lasso regression and stepwise Cox regression were performed to develop a hypoxia-immune-based gene signature. An independent cohort from the GEO database was used for external validation. Finally, a nomogram was constructed based on the gene signature and clinical features to improve the risk stratification and to quantify the risk assessment for individual patients. Results: Hypoxia and the immune status were significantly associated with the prognosis of osteosarcoma patients. Seven hypoxia- and immune-related genes (BNIP3, SLC38A5, SLC5A3, CKMT2, S100A3, CXCL11 and PGM1) were identified to be involved in our prognostic signature. In the training cohort, the prognostic signature discriminated high-risk patients with osteosarcoma. The hypoxia-immune-based gene signature proved to be a stable and predictive method as determined in different datasets and subgroups of patients. Furthermore, a nomogram based on the prognostic signature was generated to optimize the risk stratification and to quantify the risk assessment. Similar results were validated in an independent GEO cohort, confirming the stability and reliability of the prognostic signature. Conclusion: The hypoxia-immune-based prognostic signature might contribute to the optimization of risk stratification for survival and personalized management of osteosarcoma patients.
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Perez-Santos M, Anaya-Ruiz M, Villafaña-Diaz L, Sánchez Esgua G. Approaches for development of LAG-3 inhibitors and the promise they hold as anticancer agents. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2022; 17:1341-1355. [PMID: 36399656 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2148652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION LAG-3 is considered to be the third point of immunological control in relation to clinical trials that address cancer treatment, only behind PD-1 and CTLA-4, due to its role as a suppressor of the immune response and enhancer of differentiation of Treg cells. AREAS COVERED The authors focus on emphasizing the strategy of development of LAG-3 inhibitors to develop anticancer therapeutics, especially from the perspective of designing new monoclonal and bispecific antibodies against LAG-3. This article also covers details of patents and clinical trials of LAG-3 inhibitors reported in the literature. In addition, we highlight as future research challenges the design and development of peptides and small molecules as inhibitors of LAG-3 function. EXPERT OPINION Three approaches have been used for the development of LAG-3 inhibitors, and they include inhibitory LAG-3 binding peptides and antagonist monoclonal and multispecific antibodies. These approaches include more than 100 clinical trials of 21 molecules that bind to LAG-3 and block its binding to MHC II. However, these approaches do not cover the design and development of peptides and small molecules that could inhibit the function of LAG-3, for which it is necessary to develop new alternatives that cover this gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Perez-Santos
- Dirección de Innovación y Transferencia de Conocimiento, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla CP, México
| | - Maricruz Anaya-Ruiz
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Oriente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Metepec, Puebla CP, México
| | - Luis Villafaña-Diaz
- Centro de Investigación en Inteligencia de Negocios, Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla, Puebla, México
| | - Gabriela Sánchez Esgua
- Dirección de Innovación y Transferencia de Conocimiento, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla CP, México
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Shi N, Zhou Y, Liu Y, Zhang R, Jiang X, Ren C, Gao X, Luo L. PD-1/LAG-3 bispecific antibody potentiates T cell activation and increases antitumor efficacy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1047610. [PMID: 36518768 PMCID: PMC9742559 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1047610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Several clinical studies demonstrate that there exist other immune checkpoints overexpressed in some PD-1 inhibitor-resistant tumor patients. Among them, Lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3) is one of the important immune checkpoint molecules and has been clinically demonstrated to have synergistic anti-tumor effects in combination with PD-1 antibody. In this study, we designed a novel 'knob-in-hole' PD-1/LAG-3 bispecific antibody (BsAb) YG-003D3. In conclusion, the BsAb maintained the similar affinity and thermal stability to the parental antibody, and the BsAb structure can be independent of each other in the process of double-target recognition, and the recognition activity will not be affected. Moreover, the BsAb can not only target PD-1 and LAG-3 on single cell simultaneously, but also bridge the two kinds of cells expressing PD-1 and LAG-3, so as to release the 'brake system of immune checkpoints' and activate immune cells to exert anti-tumor effects more effectively. Especially in the PBMCs activation assay, YG-003D3 induced stronger IFN-γ, IL-6, and TNF-α secretion compared to anti-PD-1 or anti-LAG-3 single drug group or even combined drug group. In the tumor killing experiment of PBMC in vitro, YG-003D3 has a better ability to activate PBMC to kill tumor cells than anti-PD-1 or anti-LAG-3 single drug group or even combined drug group, and the killing rate is as high as 20%. In a humanized PD-1/LAG-3 transgenic mouse subcutaneous tumor-bearing model, YG-003D3 showed good anti-tumor activity, even better than that of the combination group at the same molar concentration. Further studies have shown that YG-003D3 could significantly alter the proportion of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. In particular, the proportion of CD45+, CD3+ T, CD8+ T cells in tumor tissue and the proportion of CD3+ T, CD8+ T, CD4+ T cells in peripheral blood were significantly increased. These results suggest that YG-003D3 exerts a potent antitumor effect by activating the body 's immune system. In summary, the BsAb YG-003D3 has good anti-tumor activity, which is expected to become a novel drug candidate for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Shi
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yangyihua Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China,Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yujun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Ran Zhang
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xingjun Jiang
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Caiping Ren
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,*Correspondence: Caiping Ren, ; Xiang Gao, ; Longlong Luo,
| | - Xiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Caiping Ren, ; Xiang Gao, ; Longlong Luo,
| | - Longlong Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Caiping Ren, ; Xiang Gao, ; Longlong Luo,
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Anticancer natural products targeting immune checkpoint protein network. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:1008-1032. [PMID: 34838956 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Normal cells express surface proteins that bind to immune checkpoint proteins on immune cells to turn them off, whereby the immune system does not attack normal healthy cells. Cancer cells can also utilize this same protective mechanism by expressing surface proteins that can interact with checkpoint proteins on immune cells to overcome the immune surveillance. Immunotherapy is making the best use of the body's own immune system to reinforce anti-tumor responses. The most generally used immunotherapy is the control of immune checkpoints including the cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated molecule 4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell deathreceptor 1 (PD-1), or programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1). In spite of the clinical effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors, the overall response rate still remains low. Therefore, there have been considerable efforts in searching for alternative immune checkpoint proteins that may work as new therapeutic targets for treatment of cancer. Recent studies have identified several additional novel immune checkpoint targets, including lymphocyte activation gene-3, T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3, T cell immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif domain, V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation, B7 homolog 3 protein, B and T cell lymphocyte attenuator, and inducible T cell COStimulator. Natural compounds, especially those present in medicinal or dietary plants, have been investigated for their anti-tumor effects in various in vitro and in vivo models. Some phytochemicals exert anti-tumor activities based on immunoregulatioby blocking interaction between proteins involved in immune checkpoint signal transduction or regulating their expression/activity. Recently, synergistic anti-cancer effects of diverse phytochemicals with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 or anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody drugs have been continuously reported. Considering an increasing attention to noteworthy therapeutic effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the cancer therapy, this review focuses on regulatory effects of selected phytochemicals on immune checkpoint protein network and their combinational effectiveness with immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting tumor cells.
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Xie Q, Zhang P, Wang Y, Mei W, Zeng C. Overcoming resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma: Challenges and opportunities. Front Oncol 2022; 12:958720. [PMID: 36119533 PMCID: PMC9478417 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.958720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality globally, and its incidence is increasing. Immune checkpoint therapy has revolutionized the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma over the past few years. However, only a limited proportion of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma respond to immunotherapy. Despite the significant breakthroughs, the molecular mechanisms that drive immune responses and evasion are largely unresolved. Predicting tumor response and resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors is a significant challenge. In this review, we focus on the current research progress of immune checkpoint inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma. Importantly, this review highlights the underlying mechanisms of resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors and summarizes potential strategies to overcome the resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Xie
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Wuxuan Mei
- Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Changchun Zeng
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Changchun Zeng,
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Sauer N, Szlasa W, Jonderko L, Oślizło M, Kunachowicz D, Kulbacka J, Karłowicz-Bodalska K. LAG-3 as a Potent Target for Novel Anticancer Therapies of a Wide Range of Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:9958. [PMID: 36077354 PMCID: PMC9456311 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
LAG-3 (Lymphocyte activation gene 3) protein is a checkpoint receptor that interacts with LSEC-tin, Galectin-3 and FGL1. This interaction leads to reduced production of IL-2 and IFN-γ. LAG-3 is widely expressed in different tumor types and modulates the tumor microenvironment through immunosuppressive effects. Differential expression in various tumor types influences patient prognosis, which is often associated with coexpression with immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as TIM-3, PD-1 and CTLA-4. Here, we discuss expression profiles in different tumor types. To date, many clinical trials have been conducted using LAG-3 inhibitors, which can be divided into anti-LAG-3 monoclonal antibodies, anti-LAG-3 bispecifics and soluble LAG-3-Ig fusion proteins. LAG-3 inhibitors supress T-cell proliferation and activation by disallowing for the interaction between LAG-3 to MHC-II. The process enhances anti-tumor immune response. In this paper, we will review the current state of knowledge on the structure, function and expression of LAG-3 in various types of cancer, as well as its correlation with overall prognosis, involvement in cell-based therapies and experimental medicine. We will consider the role of compounds targeting LAG-3 in clinical trials both as monotherapy and in combination, which will provide data relating to the efficacy and safety of proposed drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Sauer
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Szlasa
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Laura Jonderko
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Julita Kulbacka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
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Genta S, Coburn B, Cescon DW, Spreafico A. Patient-derived cancer models: Valuable platforms for anticancer drug testing. Front Oncol 2022; 12:976065. [PMID: 36033445 PMCID: PMC9413077 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.976065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecularly targeted treatments and immunotherapy are cornerstones in oncology, with demonstrated efficacy across different tumor types. Nevertheless, the overwhelming majority metastatic disease is incurable due to the onset of drug resistance. Preclinical models including genetically engineered mouse models, patient-derived xenografts and two- and three-dimensional cell cultures have emerged as a useful resource to study mechanisms of cancer progression and predict efficacy of anticancer drugs. However, variables including tumor heterogeneity and the complexities of the microenvironment can impair the faithfulness of these platforms. Here, we will discuss advantages and limitations of these preclinical models, their applicability for drug testing and in co-clinical trials and potential strategies to increase their reliability in predicting responsiveness to anticancer medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Genta
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bryan Coburn
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David W. Cescon
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anna Spreafico
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Sung E, Ko M, Won JY, Jo Y, Park E, Kim H, Choi E, Jung UJ, Jeon J, Kim Y, Ahn H, Choi DS, Choi S, Hong Y, Park H, Lee H, Son YG, Park K, Won J, Oh SJ, Lee S, Kim KP, Yoo C, Song HK, Jin HS, Jung J, Park Y. LAG-3xPD-L1 bispecific antibody potentiates antitumor responses of T cells through dendritic cell activation. Mol Ther 2022; 30:2800-2816. [PMID: 35526096 PMCID: PMC9372323 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Several preclinical studies demonstrate that antitumor efficacy of programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) blockade can be improved by combination with other checkpoint inhibitors. Lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3) is an inhibitory checkpoint receptor involved in T cell exhaustion and tumor immune escape. Here, we describe ABL501, a bispecific antibody targeting LAG-3 and PD-L1 in modulating immune cell responses against tumors. ABL501 that efficiently inhibits both LAG-3 and PD-L1 pathways enhances the activation of effector CD4+ and CD8+ T cells with a higher degree than a combination of single anti-LAG-3 and anti-PD-L1. The augmented effector T cell responses by ABL501 resulted in mitigating regulatory-T-cell-mediated immunosuppression. Mechanistically, the simultaneous binding of ABL501 to LAG-3 and PD-L1 promotes dendritic cell (DC) activation and tumor cell conjugation with T cells that subsequently mounts effective CD8+ T cell responses. ABL501 demonstrates its potent in vivo antitumor efficacy in a humanized xenograft model and with knockin mice expressing human orthologs. The immune profiling analysis of peripheral blood reveals an increased abundance of LAG-3hiPD-1hi memory CD4+ T cell subset in relapsed cholangiocarcinoma patients after gemcitabine plus cisplatin therapy, which are more responsive to ABL501. This study supports the clinical evaluation of ABL501 as a novel cancer immunotherapeutic, and a first-in-human trial has started (NCT05101109).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Minkyung Ko
- Theragnosis Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, South Korea
| | - Ju-Young Won
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, South Korea
| | - Yunju Jo
- Theragnosis Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, South Korea; Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul 02481, South Korea
| | | | | | - Eunji Choi
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, South Korea
| | | | | | | | - Hyejin Ahn
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, South Korea
| | - Da-Som Choi
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, South Korea
| | - Seunghyun Choi
- Theragnosis Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, South Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Soo Jin Oh
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, South Korea
| | - Seonmin Lee
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, South Korea
| | - Kyu-Pyo Kim
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, South Korea
| | - Changhoon Yoo
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, South Korea
| | - Hyun Kyu Song
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul 02481, South Korea
| | - Hyung-Seung Jin
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, South Korea.
| | - Jaeho Jung
- ABL Bio Inc., Seongnam 13488, South Korea.
| | - Yoon Park
- Theragnosis Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, South Korea.
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Barshidi A, Karpisheh V, Noukabadi FK, Kiani FK, Mohammadi M, Afsharimanesh N, Ebrahimi F, Kiaie SH, Navashenaq JG, Hojjat-Farsangi M, Zolbanin NM, Mahmoodpoor A, Hassannia H, Nami S, Jalali P, Jafari R, Jadidi-Niaragh F. Dual Blockade of PD-1 and LAG3 Immune Checkpoints Increases Dendritic Cell Vaccine Mediated T Cell Responses in Breast Cancer Model. Pharm Res 2022; 39:1851-1866. [PMID: 35715669 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-022-03297-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Increasing the efficiency of unsuccessful immunotherapy methods is one of the most important research fields. Therefore, the use of combination therapy is considered as one of the ways to increase the effectiveness of the dendritic cell (DC) vaccine. In this study, the inhibition of immune checkpoint receptors such as LAG3 and PD-1 on T cells was investigated to increase the efficiency of T cells in response to the DC vaccine. METHODS We used trimethyl chitosan-dextran sulfate-lactate (TMC-DS-L) nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with siRNA molecules to quench the PD-1 and LAG3 checkpoints' expression. RESULTS Appropriate physicochemical characteristics of the generated NPs led to efficient inhibition of LAG3 and PD-1 on T cells, which was associated with increased survival and activity of T cells, ex vivo. Also, treating mice with established breast tumors (4T1) using NPs loaded with siRNA molecules in combination with DC vaccine pulsed with tumor lysate significantly inhibited tumor growth and increased survival in mice. These ameliorative effects were associated with increased anti-tumor T cell responses and downregulation of immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment and spleen. CONCLUSION These findings strongly suggest that TMC-DS-L NPs loaded with siRNA could act as a novel tool in inhibiting the expression of immune checkpoints in the tumor microenvironment. Also, combination therapy based on inhibition of PD-1 and LAG3 in combination with DC vaccine is an effective method in treating cancer that needs to be further studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asal Barshidi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vahid Karpisheh
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Fariba Karoon Kiani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mohammadi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Advanced Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Branch, Tehran, , Iran
| | - Negin Afsharimanesh
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Hamedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Farbod Ebrahimi
- Nanoparticle Process Technology, Faculty of Engineering, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Seyed Hossein Kiaie
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Nano Drug Delivery Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Hojjat-Farsangi
- Bioclinicum, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Medicine Research Center, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Naime Majidi Zolbanin
- Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center,, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, , Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Ata Mahmoodpoor
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Imam Reza Medical Research & Training Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hadi Hassannia
- Immunogenetic Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Sanam Nami
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Pooya Jalali
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reza Jafari
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Farhad Jadidi-Niaragh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Research Center for Integrative Medicine in Aging, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Chocarro L, Bocanegra A, Blanco E, Fernández-Rubio L, Arasanz H, Echaide M, Garnica M, Ramos P, Piñeiro-Hermida S, Vera R, Escors D, Kochan G. Cutting-Edge: Preclinical and Clinical Development of the First Approved Lag-3 Inhibitor. Cells 2022; 11:2351. [PMID: 35954196 PMCID: PMC9367598 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized medical practice in oncology since the FDA approval of the first ICI 11 years ago. In light of this, Lymphocyte-Activation Gene 3 (LAG-3) is one of the most important next-generation immune checkpoint molecules, playing a similar role as Programmed cell Death protein 1 (PD-1) and Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4 (CTLA-4). 19 LAG-3 targeting molecules are being evaluated at 108 clinical trials which are demonstrating positive results, including promising bispecific molecules targeting LAG-3 simultaneously with other ICIs. Recently, a new dual anti-PD-1 (Nivolumab) and anti-LAG-3 (Relatimab) treatment developed by Bristol Myers Squibb (Opdualag), was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the first LAG-3 blocking antibody combination for unresectable or metastatic melanoma. This novel immunotherapy combination more than doubled median progression-free survival (PFS) when compared to nivolumab monotherapy (10.1 months versus 4.6 months). Here, we analyze the large clinical trial responsible for this historical approval (RELATIVITY-047), and discuss the preclinical and clinical developments that led to its jump into clinical practice. We will also summarize results achieved by other LAG-3 targeting molecules with promising anti-tumor activities currently under clinical development in phases I, I/II, II, and III. Opdualag will boost the entry of more LAG-3 targeting molecules into clinical practice, supporting the accumulating evidence highlighting the pivotal role of LAG-3 in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Chocarro
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain; (E.B.); (L.F.-R.); (H.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.); (S.P.-H.); (D.E.); (G.K.)
| | - Ana Bocanegra
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain; (E.B.); (L.F.-R.); (H.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.); (S.P.-H.); (D.E.); (G.K.)
| | - Ester Blanco
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain; (E.B.); (L.F.-R.); (H.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.); (S.P.-H.); (D.E.); (G.K.)
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Leticia Fernández-Rubio
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain; (E.B.); (L.F.-R.); (H.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.); (S.P.-H.); (D.E.); (G.K.)
| | - Hugo Arasanz
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain; (E.B.); (L.F.-R.); (H.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.); (S.P.-H.); (D.E.); (G.K.)
- Medical Oncology Unit, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Miriam Echaide
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain; (E.B.); (L.F.-R.); (H.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.); (S.P.-H.); (D.E.); (G.K.)
| | - Maider Garnica
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain; (E.B.); (L.F.-R.); (H.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.); (S.P.-H.); (D.E.); (G.K.)
| | - Pablo Ramos
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain; (E.B.); (L.F.-R.); (H.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.); (S.P.-H.); (D.E.); (G.K.)
| | - Sergio Piñeiro-Hermida
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain; (E.B.); (L.F.-R.); (H.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.); (S.P.-H.); (D.E.); (G.K.)
| | - Ruth Vera
- Medical Oncology Unit, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - David Escors
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain; (E.B.); (L.F.-R.); (H.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.); (S.P.-H.); (D.E.); (G.K.)
| | - Grazyna Kochan
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31001 Pamplona, Spain; (E.B.); (L.F.-R.); (H.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.); (P.R.); (S.P.-H.); (D.E.); (G.K.)
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Hassanian H, Asadzadeh Z, Baghbanzadeh A, Derakhshani A, Dufour A, Rostami Khosroshahi N, Najafi S, Brunetti O, Silvestris N, Baradaran B. The expression pattern of Immune checkpoints after chemo/radiotherapy in the tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2022; 13:938063. [PMID: 35967381 PMCID: PMC9367471 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.938063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As a disease with the highest disease-associated burden worldwide, cancer has been the main subject of a considerable proportion of medical research in recent years, intending to find more effective therapeutic approaches with fewer side effects. Combining conventional methods with newer biologically based treatments such as immunotherapy can be a promising approach to treating different tumors. The concept of "cancer immunoediting" that occurs in the field of the tumor microenvironment (TME) is the aspect of cancer therapy that has not been at the center of attention. One group of the role players of the so-called immunoediting process are the immune checkpoint molecules that exert either co-stimulatory or co-inhibitory effects in the anti-tumor immunity of the host. It involves alterations in a wide variety of immunologic pathways. Recent studies have proven that conventional cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or a combination of them, i.e., chemoradiotherapy, alter the "immune compartment" of the TME. The mentioned changes encompass a wide range of variations, including the changes in the density and immunologic type of the tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and the alterations in the expression patterns of the different immune checkpoints. These rearrangements can have either anti-tumor immunity empowering or immune attenuating sequels. Thus, recognizing the consequences of various chemo(radio)therapeutic regimens in the TME seems to be of great significance in the evolution of therapeutic approaches. Therefore, the present review intends to summarize how chemo(radio)therapy affects the TME and specifically some of the most important, well-known immune checkpoints' expressions according to the recent studies in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamidreza Hassanian
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zahra Asadzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Baghbanzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Afshin Derakhshani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- McCaig Insitute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Antoine Dufour
- McCaig Insitute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Souzan Najafi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Oronzo Brunetti
- Medical Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Silvestris
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Human Pathology “G. Barresi” University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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44
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Lv B, Wang Y, Ma D, Cheng W, Liu J, Yong T, Chen H, Wang C. Immunotherapy: Reshape the Tumor Immune Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2022; 13:844142. [PMID: 35874717 PMCID: PMC9299092 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.844142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) include tumor cells, immune cells, cytokines, etc. The interactions between these components, which are divided into anti-tumor and pro-tumor, determine the trend of anti-tumor immunity. Although the immune system can eliminate tumor through the cancer-immune cycle, tumors appear to eventually evade from immune surveillance by shaping an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Immunotherapy reshapes the TIME and restores the tumor killing ability of anti-tumor immune cells. Herein, we review the function of immune cells within the TIME and discuss the contribution of current mainstream immunotherapeutic approaches to remolding the TIME. Changes in the immune microenvironment in different forms under the intervention of immunotherapy can shed light on better combination treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingzhe Lv
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yunpeng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Dongjiang Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wei Cheng
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tao Yong
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,Department of Surgical Oncology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
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45
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Huo JL, Wang YT, Fu WJ, Lu N, Liu ZS. The promising immune checkpoint LAG-3 in cancer immunotherapy: from basic research to clinical application. Front Immunol 2022; 13:956090. [PMID: 35958563 PMCID: PMC9361790 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.956090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
LAG-3, a type of immune checkpoint receptor protein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily, is confirmed to be expressed on activated immune cells, mainly including activated T cells. LAG-3 can negatively regulate the function of T cells, exerting important effects on maintaining the homeostasis of the immune system under normal physiological conditions and promoting tumor cells immune escape in the tumor microenvironment. Given its important biological roles, LAG-3 has been regarded as a promising target for cancer immunotherapy. To date, many LAG-3 inhibitors have been reported, which can be divided into monoclonal antibody, double antibody, and small molecule drug, some of which have entered the clinical research stage. LAG-3 inhibitors can negatively regulate and suppress T cell proliferation and activation through combination with MHC II ligand. Besides, LAG-3 inhibitors can also affect T cell function via binding to Galectin-3 and LSECtin. In addition, LAG-3 inhibitors can prevent the FGL1-LAG-3 interaction, thereby enhancing the human body’s antitumor immune effect. In this review, we will describe the function of LAG-3 and summarize the latest LAG-3 inhibitors in the clinic for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Ling Huo
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Henan Province Research Center For Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ya-Tao Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, First People’s Hospital of Shangqiu, Shangqiu, China
| | - Wen-Jia Fu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Henan Province Research Center For Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Nan Lu
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- *Correspondence: Nan Lu, ; Zhang-Suo Liu,
| | - Zhang-Suo Liu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Henan Province Research Center For Kidney Disease, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Nan Lu, ; Zhang-Suo Liu,
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46
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Zheng D, Hou X, Yu J, He X. Combinatorial Strategies With PD-1/PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint Blockade for Breast Cancer Therapy: Mechanisms and Clinical Outcomes. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:928369. [PMID: 35935874 PMCID: PMC9355550 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.928369] [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: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As an emerging antitumor strategy, immune checkpoint therapy is one of the most promising anticancer therapies due to its long response duration. Antibodies against the programmed death-1 (PD-1) and programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) axis have been extensively applied to various cancers and have demonstrated unprecedented efficacy. Nevertheless, a poor response to monotherapy with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 has been observed in metastatic breast cancer. Combination therapy with other standard treatments is expected to overcome this limitation of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in the treatment of breast cancer. In the present review, we first illustrate the biological functions of PD-1/PD-L1 and their role in maintaining immune homeostasis as well as protecting against immune-mediated tissue damage in a variety of microenvironments. Several combination therapy strategies for the combination of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade with standard treatment modalities have been proposed to solve the limitations of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, antiangiogenic therapy, and other immunotherapies. The corresponding clinical trials provide valuable estimates of treatment effects. Notably, several combination options significantly improve the response and efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. This review provides a PD-1/PD-L1 clinical trial landscape survey in breast cancer to guide the development of more effective and less toxic combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Zheng
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaolin Hou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Yu
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiujing He
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Xiujing He,
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Khatib SE, Salla M. The mosaic puzzle of the therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and antibody fragments - A modular transition from full-length immunoglobulins to antibody mimetics. Leuk Res Rep 2022; 18:100335. [PMID: 35832747 PMCID: PMC9272380 DOI: 10.1016/j.lrr.2022.100335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of monoclonal antibodies represents an important and efficient diagnostic and therapeutic tool in disease management and modern science but remains limited by several factors including the uneven distribution in diseased tissues as well as undesired activation of side immune reactions. Major scientific advancements including Recombinant DNA Technology, Hybridoma Technology, and Polymerase Chain Reaction have considerably impacted the use of monoclonal antibodies providing technical and effective solutions to overcome the shortcomings encountered with conventional antibodies. Initially, the introduction of antibody fragments allowed a more uniform and deeper penetration of the targeted tissue and reduced unwanted activation of Fc-mediated immune reactions. On another level, the immunogenicity of murine-derived antibodies was overcome by humanizing their encoding genes with specific sequences of human origin andtransgenic mice able to synthesize fully human antibodies were successfully created. Moreover, the advancement of genetic engineering techniques supported by the modular structure of antibody coding genes paved the way for the development of a new generation of antibody fragments with a wide spectrum of monospecific and bispecific agents. These later could be monovalent, bivalent, or multivalent, and either expressed as a single chain, assembled in multimeric forms or stringed in tandem. This has conferred improved affinity, stability, and solubility to antibody targetting. Lately, a new array of monoclonal antibody fragments was introduced with the engineering of nanobody and antibody mimetics as non-immunoglobulin-derived fragments with promising diagnostic and therapeutic applications. In this review, we decipher the molecular basis of monoclonal antibody engineering with a detailed screening of the antibody derivatives that provides new perspectives to expand the use of monoclonal fragments into previously unexplored fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami El Khatib
- Lebanese International University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Bekaa Campus, Khiyara, West Bekaa, Lebanon
| | - Mohamed Salla
- University of Alberta. Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry,116St & 85 Ave, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
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48
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Liu YF, Zhang ZC, Wang SY, Fu SQ, Cheng XF, Chen R, Sun T. Immune checkpoint inhibitor-based therapy for advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma: A narrative review. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 110:108900. [PMID: 35753122 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The prognosis for advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is not satisfactory, even though its treatment has evolved rapidly over the past 20 years. Systemic ccRCC treatment options mainly involve antiangiogenic therapy, immune checkpoint blockade, or a combination of these therapies, and as more clinical evidence becomes available, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are increasingly dominant. Conventional ICIs lead to the restoration of T-cell activation and a reduction in T-cell depletion by specifically blocking programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) or cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4), ultimately enhancing the antitumor immune response. There is no doubt that these therapies have achieved some clinical efficacy in the overall ccRCC population, but response rates and durability remain a great challenge. Therefore, novel immune checkpoints or new combination therapeutic strategies based on ICIs continue to be sought and developed. This review will provide a comprehensive overview of ICI-based therapeutic strategies in advanced ccRCC, including their mechanisms of action and the latest clinical evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fu Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, Jiangxi Province, China; Jiangxi Institute of Urology, Nanchang 330000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Zhi-Cheng Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, Jiangxi Province, China; Jiangxi Institute of Urology, Nanchang 330000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Si-Yuan Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, Jiangxi Province, China; Jiangxi Institute of Urology, Nanchang 330000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Sheng-Qiang Fu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, Jiangxi Province, China; Jiangxi Institute of Urology, Nanchang 330000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Cheng
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, Jiangxi Province, China; Jiangxi Institute of Urology, Nanchang 330000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Ru Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, Jiangxi Province, China; Jiangxi Institute of Urology, Nanchang 330000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Ting Sun
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, Jiangxi Province, China; Jiangxi Institute of Urology, Nanchang 330000, Jiangxi Province, China.
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Chocarro L, Blanco E, Arasanz H, Fernández-Rubio L, Bocanegra A, Echaide M, Garnica M, Ramos P, Fernández-Hinojal G, Vera R, Kochan G, Escors D. Clinical landscape of LAG-3-targeted therapy. IMMUNO-ONCOLOGY TECHNOLOGY 2022; 14:100079. [PMID: 35755891 PMCID: PMC9216443 DOI: 10.1016/j.iotech.2022.100079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Lymphocyte-activated gene 3 (LAG-3) is a cell surface inhibitory receptor and a key regulator of immune homeostasis with multiple biological activities related to T-cell functions. LAG-3 is considered a next-generation immune checkpoint of clinical importance, right next to programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-cell lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4). Indeed, it is the third inhibitory receptor to be exploited in human anticancer immunotherapies. Several LAG-3-antagonistic immunotherapies are being evaluated at various stages of preclinical and clinical development. In addition, combination therapies blocking LAG-3 together with other immune checkpoints are also being evaluated at preclinical and clinical levels. Indeed, the co-blockade of LAG-3 with PD-1 is demonstrating encouraging results. A new generation of bispecific PD-1/LAG-3-blocking agents have also shown strong capacities to specifically target PD-1+ LAG-3+ highly dysfunctional T cells and enhance their proliferation and effector activities. Here we identify and classify preclinical and clinical trials conducted involving LAG-3 as a target through an extensive bibliographic research. The current understanding of LAG-3 clinical applications is summarized, and most of the publically available data up to date regarding LAG-3-targeted therapy preclinical and clinical research and development are reviewed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Chocarro
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - E. Blanco
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Division of Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - H. Arasanz
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Medical Oncology Unit, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - L. Fernández-Rubio
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - A. Bocanegra
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - M. Echaide
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - M. Garnica
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - P. Ramos
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - G. Fernández-Hinojal
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - R. Vera
- Medical Oncology Unit, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - G. Kochan
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - D. Escors
- Oncoimmunology Research Unit, Navarrabiomed-Fundación Miguel Servet, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
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50
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Nong C, Guan P, Li L, Zhang H, Hu H. Tumor immunotherapy: Mechanisms and clinical applications. MEDCOMM – ONCOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/mog2.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Nong
- Center for Immunology and Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Pengbo Guan
- Center for Immunology and Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Li Li
- Center for Immunology and Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Huiyuan Zhang
- Center for Immunology and Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Hongbo Hu
- Center for Immunology and Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
- Chongqing International Institution for Immunology Chongqing China
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