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Xu X, Lin J, Wang J, Wang Y, Zhu Y, Wang J, Guo J. SPP1 expression indicates outcome of immunotherapy plus tyrosine kinase inhibition in advanced renal cell carcinoma. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2350101. [PMID: 38738709 PMCID: PMC11093034 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2350101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Clinical guidelines have recently advised combination therapy involving immunotherapy (IO) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) as the first-line therapy approach for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Nevertheless, there is currently no available biomarker that can effectively distinguish the progression-free survival (PFS). RNA-sequencing and immunohistochemistry were conducted on our cohort of metastatic RCC patients, namely ZS-MRCC, who received combination therapy consisting of IO and TKI. We further applied RNA-sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry to examine the immune cell infiltration and functionality inside the tumor microenvironment of high-risk localized RCC samples. SPP1 expression was significantly higher in non-responders to IO-TKI therapy. Elevated levels of SPP1 were associated with poor PFS in both the ZS-MRCC cohort (HR = 2.73, p = .018) and validated in the JAVELIN Renal 101 cohort (HR = 1.61, p = .004). By multivariate Cox analysis, SPP1 was identified as a significant independent prognosticator. Furthermore, there existed a negative correlation between elevated levels of SPP1 and the presence of GZMB+CD8+ T cells (Spearman's ρ= -0.48, p < .001). Conversely, SPP1 expression is associated with T cell exhaustion markers. A significant increase in the abundance of Tregs was observed in tumors with high levels of SPP1. Additionally, a machine-learning-based model was constructed to predict the benefit of IO-TKI treatment. High SPP1 is associated with therapeutic resistance and unfavorable PFS in IO-TKI therapy. SPP1 expression have also been observed to be indicative of malfunction and exhaustion in T cells. Increased SPP1 expression has the potential to serve as a potential biomarker for treatment selection of metastatic RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianglai Xu
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital (Xiamen), Fudan University, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen Clinical Research Center for Cancer Therapy, Zhongshan Hospital (Xiamen), Fudan University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jinglai Lin
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital (Xiamen), Fudan University, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen Clinical Research Center for Cancer Therapy, Zhongshan Hospital (Xiamen), Fudan University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jiahao Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanjun Zhu
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiajun Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianming Guo
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Liu S, Tian H, Ming H, Zhang T, Gao Y, Liu R, Chen L, Yang C, Nice EC, Huang C, Bao J, Gao W, Shi Z. Mitochondrial-Targeted CS@KET/P780 Nanoplatform for Site-Specific Delivery and High-Efficiency Cancer Immunotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308027. [PMID: 38308137 PMCID: PMC11005749 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a form of malignancy with limited curative options available. To improve therapeutic outcomes, it is imperative to develop novel, potent therapeutic modalities. Ketoconazole (KET) has shown excellent therapeutic efficacy against HCC by eliciting apoptosis. However, its limited water solubility hampers its application in clinical treatment. Herein, a mitochondria-targeted chemo-photodynamic nanoplatform, CS@KET/P780 NPs, is designed using a nanoprecipitation strategy by integrating a newly synthesized mitochondria-targeted photosensitizer (P780) and chemotherapeutic agent KET coated with chondroitin sulfate (CS) to amplify HCC therapy. In this nanoplatform, CS confers tumor-targeted and subsequently pH-responsive drug delivery behavior by binding to glycoprotein CD44, leading to the release of P780 and KET. Mechanistically, following laser irradiation, P780 targets and destroys mitochondrial integrity, thus inducing apoptosis through the enhancement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) buildup. Meanwhile, KET-induced apoptosis synergistically enhances the anticancer effect of P780. In addition, tumor cells undergoing apoptosis can trigger immunogenic cell death (ICD) and a longer-term antitumor response by releasing tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which together contribute to improved therapeutic outcomes in HCC. Taken together, CS@KET/P780 NPs improve the bioavailability of KET and exhibit excellent therapeutic efficacy against HCC by exerting chemophototherapy and antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Liu
- Clinical Medical CollegeAffiliated Hospital of Chengdu UniversityChengdu UniversityChengdu610106China
- Department of Clinical PharmacySchool of PharmacyZunyi Medical UniversityZunyi563006China
| | - Hailong Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China Hospitaland West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityCollaborative Innovation Center for BiotherapyChengdu610041China
| | - Hui Ming
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China Hospitaland West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityCollaborative Innovation Center for BiotherapyChengdu610041China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China Hospitaland West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityCollaborative Innovation Center for BiotherapyChengdu610041China
| | - Yajie Gao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo UniversityNingbo315020China
| | - Ruolan Liu
- School of Basic Medical SciencesChengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengdu611137China
| | - Lihua Chen
- School of Basic Medical SciencesChengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengdu611137China
| | - Chen Yang
- School of Basic Medical SciencesChengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengdu611137China
| | - Edouard C. Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMonash UniversityClaytonVIC3800Australia
| | - Canhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterWest China Hospitaland West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic MedicineSichuan UniversityCollaborative Innovation Center for BiotherapyChengdu610041China
| | - Jinku Bao
- College of Life SciencesSichuan UniversityChengdu610064China
| | - Wei Gao
- Clinical Medical CollegeAffiliated Hospital of Chengdu UniversityChengdu UniversityChengdu610106China
- Clinical Genetics LaboratoryAffiliated Hospital & Clinical Medical College of Chengdu UniversityChengdu610081China
| | - Zheng Shi
- Clinical Medical CollegeAffiliated Hospital of Chengdu UniversityChengdu UniversityChengdu610106China
- Department of Clinical PharmacySchool of PharmacyZunyi Medical UniversityZunyi563006China
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3
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Ding N, He K, Tian H, Li L, Li Q, Lu S, Ding K, Liu J, Nice EC, Zhang W, Huang C, Tang Y, Shen Z. Carrier-free delivery of thymopentin-regulated injectable nanogels via an enhanced cancer immunity cycle against melanoma metastasis. Mater Today Bio 2023; 20:100645. [PMID: 37206879 PMCID: PMC10189275 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100645] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymopentin (TP5), a clinically used immunomodulatory pentapeptide, can efficiently promote thymocyte differentiation and influence mature T-cell function, thus playing an essential role in the cancer immunotherapy. However, the excellent water solubility and high IC50 of TP5 result in an uncontrolled release behavior, requiring a high loading efficiency to achieve high dosage. Here in, we reported that TP5, combined with specific chemotherapeutic agents, can co-assemble into nanogels due to multiple hydrogen bonding sites. The co-assembly of TP5 with chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin (DOX) into a carrier-free and injectable chemo-immunotherapy nanogel can enhance the cancer immunity cycle against melanoma metastasis. In this study, the designed nanogel guarantees high drug loading of TP5 and DOX and ensures a site-specific and controlled release of TP5 and DOX with minimal side effects, thus addressing the bottlenecks encountered by current chemo-immunotherapy. Moreover, the released DOX can effectively induce tumor cell apoptosis and immunogenic cell death (ICD) to activate immune initiation. Meanwhile, TP5 can significantly promote the proliferation and differentiation of dendritic cells (DCs) and T lymphocytes to amplify the cancer immunity cycle. As a result, this nanogel shows excellent immunotherapeutic efficacy against melanoma metastasis, as well as an effective strategy for TP5 and DOX application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Ding
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China
| | - Kai He
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China
| | - Hailong Tian
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lei Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China
| | - Qiong Li
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Shuaijun Lu
- Ningbo Hospital of Ningbo University 247 Renmin Road, Jiangbei District Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315020, China
| | - Ke Ding
- Clinical Genetics Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- International School of Public Health and Whole Health, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, PR China
| | - Edouard C. Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Canhua Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Corresponding author.School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, PR China
| | - Yong Tang
- Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, China
- Corresponding author.
| | - Zhisen Shen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, 315040 Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Corresponding author.
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Tay C, Tanaka A, Sakaguchi S. Tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cells as targets of cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Cell 2023; 41:450-465. [PMID: 36917950 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 97.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are abundant in tumor tissues, raising a question of whether immunosuppressive tumor-infiltrating Tregs (TI-Tregs) can be selectively depleted or functionally attenuated to evoke effective anti-tumor immune responses by conventional T cells (Tconvs), without perturbing Treg-dependent immune homeostasis in healthy organs and causing autoimmunity. Here, we review current cancer immunotherapy strategies, including immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) antibodies against CTLA-4 and PD-1 and discuss their effects on TI-Tregs. We also discuss approaches that exploit differentially regulated molecules on the cell surface (e.g., CTLA-4) and intracellularly (e.g., T cell receptor signaling molecules) between TI-Tregs and Tconvs as well as their dependence on cytokines (e.g., IL-2) and metabolites (e.g., lactate). We envisage that targeting TI-Tregs could be effective as a monotherapy and/or when combined with ICB antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Tay
- Experimental Immunology, Immunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC), Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Atsushi Tanaka
- Experimental Immunology, Immunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC), Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shimon Sakaguchi
- Experimental Immunology, Immunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC), Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
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Wang T, Long Y, Ma L, Dong Q, Li Y, Guo J, Jin L, Di L, Zhang Y, Wang L, Hou Z. Single-cell RNA-seq reveals cellular heterogeneity from deep fascia in patients with acute compartment syndrome. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1062479. [PMID: 36741388 PMCID: PMC9889980 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1062479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction High stress in the compartment surrounded by the deep fascia can cause acute compartment syndrome (ACS) that may result in necrosis of the limbs. The study aims to investigate the cellular heterogeneity of the deep fascia in ACS patients by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Methods We collected deep fascia samples from patients with ACS (high-stress group, HG, n=3) and patients receiving thigh amputation due to osteosarcoma (normal-stress group, NG, n=3). We utilized ultrasound and scanning electron microscopy to observe the morphologic change of the deep fascia, used multiplex staining and multispectral imaging to explore immune cell infiltration, and applied scRNA-seq to investigate the cellular heterogeneity of the deep fascia and to identify differentially expressed genes. Results Notably, we identified GZMK+interferon-act CD4 central memory T cells as a specific high-stress compartment subcluster expressing interferon-related genes. Additionally, the changes in the proportions of inflammation-related subclusters, such as the increased proportion of M2 macrophages and decreased proportion of M1 macrophages, may play crucial roles in the balance of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory in the development of ACS. Furthermore, we found that heat shock protein genes were highly expressed but metal ion-related genes (S100 family and metallothionein family) were down-regulated in various subpopulations under high stress. Conclusions We identified a high stress-specific subcluster and variations in immune cells and fibroblast subclusters, as well as their differentially expressed genes, in ACS patients. Our findings reveal the functions of the deep fascia in the pathophysiology of ACS, providing new approaches for its treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China,Orthopaedic Research Institute of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yubin Long
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China,Orthopaedic Research Institute of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Lijie Ma
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China,Orthopaedic Research Institute of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Qi Dong
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China,Orthopaedic Research Institute of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yiran Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China,Orthopaedic Research Institute of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Junfei Guo
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China,Orthopaedic Research Institute of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Lin Jin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China,Orthopaedic Research Institute of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Luqin Di
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China,Orthopaedic Research Institute of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yingze Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China,Orthopaedic Research Institute of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Intelligent Orthopaedic Equipment, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China,Orthopaedic Research Institute of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China,Department of Orthopedic Oncology, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China,*Correspondence: Zhiyong Hou, ; Ling Wang,
| | - Zhiyong Hou
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China,Orthopaedic Research Institute of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Intelligent Orthopaedic Equipment, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China,*Correspondence: Zhiyong Hou, ; Ling Wang,
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6
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Li L, Shi W, Zhou J. Effect of CMNa combined with radiotherapy on the tumor immune microenvironment of mouse cervical cancer cell transplantation tumor model. Bioengineered 2021; 12:1066-1077. [PMID: 33784955 PMCID: PMC8806344 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1899532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we construct a subcutaneous tumor mice model of U14 cells, observe the tumor growth, and detect the expression of Foxp3 and VISTA in cervical cancer tissues and adjacent tissues during CMNa-enhancing radiotherapy.From the 15th day, compared with the control group, the tumor volume changes in each treatment group were significant (P < 0.01). CMNa combined with radiotherapy had an interactive effect and a positive effect in inhibiting tumor volume growth. There was no significant difference in the expression of Foxp3 and VISTA in mouse cervical cancer tissues and adjacent tissues in each group. The Foxp3 level in the RT group was the highest, and the CMNa group was the lowest. The VISTA level of the CMNa+RT group was the highest, the RT group is followed by, and the Control group is the lowest. The Foxp3 level of the CMNa group did not change much at each different point. The Foxp3 level in RT and CMNa+RT group gradually decreased after a transient increase, and the VISTA level in the CMNa+RT group increased more.Our results show that CMNa can enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy, and at the same time can reduce the compensatory increase in regulatory T cell Foxp3 levels caused by radiotherapy, and reduce the radiotherapy response. However, in the course of the treatment of the two, there may be a substantial increase in the level of VISTA, and the combined application of VISTA inhibitors may increase the anti-tumor response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Weiqiang Shi
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Juying Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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7
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Hariyanto AD, Permata TBM, Gondhowiardjo SA. Role of CD4 +CD25 +FOXP3 + T Reg cells on tumor immunity. Immunol Med 2021; 45:94-107. [PMID: 34495808 DOI: 10.1080/25785826.2021.1975228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Not all T cells are effector cells of the anti-tumor immune system. One of the subpopulations of CD4+ T cells that express CD25+ and the transcription factor FOXP3, known as Regulator T cells (TReg), plays an essential role in maintaining tolerance and immune homeostasis preventing autoimmune diseases, minimalize chronic inflammatory diseases by enlisting various immunoregulatory mechanisms. The balance between effector T cells (Teff) and regulator T cells is crucial in determining the outcome of an immune response. Regarding tumors, activation or expansion of TReg cells reduces anti-tumor immunity. TReg cells inhibit the activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and suppress anti-tumor activity in the tumor microenvironment. In addition, TReg cells also promote tumor angiogenesis both directly and indirectly to ensure oxygen and nutrient transport to the tumor. There is accumulating evidence showing a positive result that removing or suppressing TReg cells increases anti-tumor immune response. However, depletion of TReg cells will cause autoimmunity. One strategy to improve or restore tumor immunity is targeted therapy on the dominant effector TReg cells in tumor tissue. Various molecules such as CTLA-4, CD4, CD25, GITR, PD-1, OX40, ICOS are in clinical trials to assess their role in attenuating TReg cells' function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustinus Darmadi Hariyanto
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiotherapy, Universitas Indonesia/Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Tiara Bunga Mayang Permata
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiotherapy, Universitas Indonesia/Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
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Isoyama S, Mori S, Sugiyama D, Kojima Y, Tada Y, Shitara K, Hinohara K, Dan S, Nishikawa H. Cancer immunotherapy with PI3K and PD-1 dual-blockade via optimal modulation of T cell activation signal. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2020-002279. [PMID: 34446575 PMCID: PMC8395371 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-002279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) induces durable clinical responses in patients with various types of cancer. However, its limited clinical efficacy requires the development of better approaches. In addition to immune checkpoint molecules, tumor-infiltrating immunosuppressive cells including regulatory T cells (Tregs) play crucial roles in the immune suppressive tumor microenvironment. While phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibition as a Treg-targeted treatment has been implicated in animal models, its effects on human Tregs and on the potential impairment of effector T cells are required to be clarified for successful cancer immunotherapy. Methods The impact of a selective-PI3K inhibitor ZSTK474 with or without anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibody on Tregs and CD8+ T cells were examined with in vivo animal models and in vitro experiments with antigen specific and non-specific fashions using peripheral blood from healthy individuals and cancer patients. Phenotypes and functions of Tregs and effector T cells were examined with comprehensive gene and protein expression assays. Results Improved antitumor effects by the PI3K inhibitor in combination with ICB, particularly PD-1 blockade, were observed in mice and humans. Although administration of the PI3K inhibitor at higher doses impaired activation of CD8+ T cells as well as Tregs, the optimization (doses and timing) of this combination treatment selectively decreased intratumoral Tregs, resulting in increased tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cells in the treated mice. Moreover, on the administration of the PI3K inhibitor with the optimal dose for selectively deleting Tregs, PI3K signaling was inhibited not only in Tregs but also in activated CD8+ T cells, leading to the enhanced generation of tumor antigen-specific memory CD8+ T cells which contributed to durable antitumor immunity. These opposing outcomes between Tregs and CD8+ T cells were attributed to the high degree of dependence on T cell signaling in the former but not in the latter. Conclusions PI3K inhibitor in the combination with ICB with the optimized protocol fine-tuned T cell activation signaling for antitumor immunity via decreasing Tregs and optimizing memory CD8+ T cell responses, illustrating a promising combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sho Isoyama
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute/Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center, Tokyo/Kashiwa, Japan.,Division of Molecular Pharmacology, Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan.,R&D Center, Zenyaku Kogyo Co Ltd, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeyuki Mori
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute/Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center, Tokyo/Kashiwa, Japan.,R&D Center, Zenyaku Kogyo Co Ltd, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Sugiyama
- Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kojima
- Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasuko Tada
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute/Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center, Tokyo/Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Kohei Shitara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Hinohara
- Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shingo Dan
- Division of Molecular Pharmacology, Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Nishikawa
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute/Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center, Tokyo/Kashiwa, Japan .,Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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9
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Zhang W, Liu X, Zhu Y, Liu X, Gu Y, Dai X, Li B. Transcriptional and posttranslational regulation of Th17/Treg balance in health and disease. Eur J Immunol 2021; 51:2137-2150. [PMID: 34322865 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202048794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells and T helper type 17 (Th17) cells play important roles in adaptive immune responses, antagonizing each other in immune disorders. Th17/Treg balance is critical to maintaining the immune homeostasis of human bodies and is tightly regulated under healthy conditions. The transcription factors that are required for driving Th17 and Treg cell lineages differentiation respectively, RORγt and FOXP3 are tightly regulated under different tissue microenvironment, especially the transcriptional induction, posttranslational modifications, and dynamic enzymatic cofactors binding. The imbalance caused by alteration of the quantity or properties of RORγt+ Th17 or FOXP3+ Treg can contribute to inflammatory disorders in humans. Restoring Th17/Treg balance by modifying the enzymatic activities of RORγt and FOXP3 binding partners may be therapeutically applied to treat severe immune disorders. In this review, we focus on the transcriptional and posttranslational regulations of Th17/Treg balance, immune disorders caused by Th17/Treg imbalance, and new therapeutic strategies for restoring immune homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqi Zhang
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yicheng Zhu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinnan Liu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunting Gu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueyu Dai
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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10
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Nishikawa H, Koyama S. Mechanisms of regulatory T cell infiltration in tumors: implications for innovative immune precision therapies. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-002591. [PMID: 34330764 PMCID: PMC8327843 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
With the broad application of cancer immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors in multiple cancer types, the immunological landscape in the tumor microenvironment (TME) has become enormously important for determining the optimal cancer treatment. Tumors can be immunologically divided into two categories: inflamed and non-inflamed based on the extent of immune cell infiltration and their activation status. In general, immunotherapies are preferable for the inflamed tumors than for non-inflamed tumors. Regulatory T cells (Tregs), an immunosuppressive subset of CD4+ T cells, play an essential role in maintaining self-tolerance and immunological homeostasis. In tumor immunity, Tregs compromise immune surveillance against cancer in healthy individuals and impair the antitumor immune response in tumor-bearing hosts. Tregs, therefore, accelerate immune evasion by tumor cells, leading to tumor development and progression in various types of cancer. Therefore, Tregs are considered to be a crucial therapeutic target for cancer immunotherapy. Abundant Tregs are observed in the TME in many types of cancer, both in inflamed and non-inflamed tumors. Diverse mechanisms of Treg accumulation, activation, and survival in the TME have been uncovered for different tumor types, indicating the importance of understanding the mechanism of Treg infiltration in each patient when selecting the optimal Treg-targeted therapy. Here, we review recent advances in the understanding of mechanisms leading to Treg abundance in the TME to optimize Treg-targeted therapy. Furthermore, in addition to the conventional strategies targeting cell surface molecules predominantly expressed by Tregs, reagents targeting molecules and signaling pathways specifically employed by Tregs for infiltration, activation, and survival in each tumor type are illustrated as novel Treg-targeted therapies. The effectiveness of immune precision therapy depends on conditions in the TME of each cancer patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyoshi Nishikawa
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute/Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center, Tokyo/Chiba, Japan .,Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shohei Koyama
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute/Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center, Tokyo/Chiba, Japan.,Department of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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11
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Sobhani N, Tardiel-Cyril DR, Davtyan A, Generali D, Roudi R, Li Y. CTLA-4 in Regulatory T Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1440. [PMID: 33809974 PMCID: PMC8005092 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have obtained durable responses in many cancers, making it possible to foresee their potential in improving the health of cancer patients. However, immunotherapies are currently limited to a minority of patients and there is a need to develop a better understanding of the basic molecular mechanisms and functions of pivotal immune regulatory molecules. Immune checkpoint cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and regulatory T (Treg) cells play pivotal roles in hindering the anticancer immunity. Treg cells suppress antigen-presenting cells (APCs) by depleting immune stimulating cytokines, producing immunosuppressive cytokines and constitutively expressing CTLA-4. CTLA-4 molecules bind to CD80 and CD86 with a higher affinity than CD28 and act as competitive inhibitors of CD28 in APCs. The purpose of this review is to summarize state-of-the-art understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlining CTLA-4 immune regulation and the correlation of the ICI response with CTLA-4 expression in Treg cells from preclinical and clinical studies for possibly improving CTLA-4-based immunotherapies, while highlighting the knowledge gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navid Sobhani
- Department of Medicine, Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Dana Rae Tardiel-Cyril
- Department of Medicine, Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Aram Davtyan
- Atomwise, 717 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA;
| | - Daniele Generali
- Department of Medical, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34147 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Raheleh Roudi
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Medicine, Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
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12
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Desai R, Coxon AT, Dunn GP. Therapeutic applications of the cancer immunoediting hypothesis. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 78:63-77. [PMID: 33711414 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Since the late 19th century, the immune system has increasingly garnered interest as a novel avenue for cancer therapy, particularly given scientific breakthroughs in recent decades delineating the fundamental role of the immune system in tumorigenesis. The immunoediting hypothesis has articulated this role, describing three phases of the tumor-immune system interaction: Elimination, Equilibrium, and Escape wherein tumors progress from active immunologic surveillance and destruction through dynamic immunologic stasis to unfettered growth. The primary goals of immunotherapy are to restrict and revert progression through these phases, thereby improving the immune system's ability to control tumor growth. In this review, we detail the development and foundation of the cancer immunoediting hypothesis and apply this hypothesis to the dynamic immunotherapy field that includes checkpoint blockade, vaccine therapy, and adoptive cell transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupen Desai
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Andrew T Coxon
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Gavin P Dunn
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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13
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Schreiber TH, Wolf D, Bodero M, Podack E. Tumor antigen specific iTreg accumulate in the tumor microenvironment and suppress therapeutic vaccination. Oncoimmunology 2021; 1:642-648. [PMID: 22934256 PMCID: PMC3429568 DOI: 10.4161/onci.20298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor specific antigens (TSA) provide an opportunity to mobilize therapeutic immune responses against cancer. To evade such responses, tumor development in immunocompetent hosts is accompanied by acquisition of both active and passive mechanisms of immune suppression, including recruitment of CD4+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg). Thymic derived Treg (nTreg) may recognize self-antigens in the tumor microenvironment, while peripherally induced Treg (iTreg) may preferentially recognize the same TSA which provide an opportunity for therapeutic immunity from peripheral T cells. In this study we provide a systematic analysis of nTreg and iTreg accumulation in the tumor microenvironment (TME) at the cellular level. iTreg accumulation to the TME was influenced by the abundance of a known TSA, and in the absence of a known TSA intratumoral Treg displayed a unique TCR repertoire from peripheral Treg. In vivo suppression assays demonstrate that cognate-antigen matched iTreg are more potent suppressors of CD4+ than are polyclonal iTreg or nTreg, but were unable to suppress CD8+ T cell proliferation. Suppression occurred only locally at the site of immunization, and correlated with decreased expression of CD80 and CD86 on CD11c positive cells. Although established tumors facilitated the induction of TSA-specific iTreg, these iTreg suppressed CD4+ T cell accumulation only locally to the TME. Tumor mediated suppression of CD8+ T cell immunity appeared independent of TSA-specific iTreg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor H Schreiber
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; Miami, FL USA
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14
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González-Navajas JM, Fan DD, Yang S, Yang FM, Lozano-Ruiz B, Shen L, Lee J. The Impact of Tregs on the Anticancer Immunity and the Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapies. Front Immunol 2021; 12:625783. [PMID: 33717139 PMCID: PMC7952426 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.625783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although cancers arise from genetic mutations enabling cells to proliferate uncontrollably, they cannot thrive without failure of the anticancer immunity due in a large part to the tumor environment's influence on effector and regulatory T cells. The field of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy for cancer was born out of the fact that tumor environments paralyze the immune cells that are supposed to clear them by activating the immune checkpoint molecules such as PD-1. While various subsets of effector T cells work collaboratively to eliminate cancers, Tregs enriched in the tumor environment can suppress not only the native anticancer immunity but also diminish the efficacy of ICI therapies. Because of their essential role in suppressing autoimmunity, various attempts to specifically deplete tumor-associated Tregs are currently underway to boost the efficacy of ICI therapies without causing systemic autoimmune responses. A better understanding the roles of Tregs in the anti-cancer immunity and ICI therapies should provide more specific targets to deplete intratumoral Tregs. Here, we review the current understanding on how Tregs inhibit the anti-cancer immunity and ICI therapies as well as the advances in the targeted depletion of intratumoral Tregs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose M. González-Navajas
- Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
- Networked Biomedical Research Center for Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBERehd), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology, Pediatrics and Organic Chemistry, University Miguel Hernández, Elche, Spain
- Institute of Research, Development and Innovation in Healthcare Biotechnology in Elche (IDiBE), University Miguel Hernández, Elche, Spain
- Jose M. González-Navajas
| | - Dengxia Denise Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fengyuan Mandy Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Beatriz Lozano-Ruiz
- Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
- Networked Biomedical Research Center for Hepatic and Digestive Diseases (CIBERehd), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Liya Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jongdae Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jongdae Lee ;
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15
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Wang W, Thomas R, Sizova O, Su DM. Thymic Function Associated With Cancer Development, Relapse, and Antitumor Immunity - A Mini-Review. Front Immunol 2020; 11:773. [PMID: 32425946 PMCID: PMC7203483 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus is the central lymphoid organ for T cell development, a cradle of T cells, and for central tolerance establishment, an educator of T cells, maintaining homeostatic cellular immunity. T cell immunity is critical to control cancer occurrence, relapse, and antitumor immunity. Evidence on how aberrant thymic function influences cancer remains largely insufficient, however, there has been recent progress. For example, the involuted thymus results in reduced output of naïve T cells and a restricted T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire, inducing immunosenescence and potentially dampening immune surveillance of neoplasia. In addition, the involuted thymus relatively enhances regulatory T (Treg) cell generation. This coupled with age-related accumulation of Treg cells in the periphery, potentially provides a supportive microenvironment for tumors to escape T cell-mediated antitumor responses. Furthermore, acute thymic involution from chemotherapy can create a tumor reservoir, resulting from an inflammatory microenvironment in the thymus, which is suitable for disseminated tumor cells to hide, survive chemotherapy, and become dormant. This may eventually result in cancer metastatic relapse. On the other hand, if thymic involution is wisely taken advantage of, it may be potentially beneficial to antitumor immunity, since the involuted thymus increases output of self-reactive T cells, which may recognize certain tumor-associated self-antigens and enhance antitumor immunity, as demonstrated through depletion of autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene in the thymus. Herein, we briefly review recent research progression regarding how altered thymic function modifies T cell immunity against tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weikan Wang
- Cell Biology, Immunology, and Microbiology Graduate Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Rachel Thomas
- Cell Biology, Immunology, and Microbiology Graduate Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Olga Sizova
- Department of Hematopoietic Biology and Malignancy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Dong-Ming Su
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
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16
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Kim JH, Kim BS, Lee SK. Regulatory T Cells in Tumor Microenvironment and Approach for Anticancer Immunotherapy. Immune Netw 2020; 20:e4. [PMID: 32158592 PMCID: PMC7049587 DOI: 10.4110/in.2020.20.e4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Tregs have a role in immunological tolerance and immune homeostasis by suppressing immune reactions, and its therapeutic potential is critical in autoimmune diseases and cancers. There have been multiple studies conducted on Tregs because of their roles in immune suppression and therapeutic potential. In tumor immunity, Tregs can promote the development and progression of tumors by preventing effective anti-tumor immune responses in tumor-bearing hosts. High infiltration of Tregs into tumor tissue results in poor survival in various types of cancer patients. Identifying factors specifically expressed in Tregs that affect the maintenance of stability and function of Tregs is important for understanding cancer pathogenesis and identifying therapeutic targets. Thus, manipulation of Tregs is a promising anticancer strategy, but finding markers for Treg-specific depletion and controlling these cells require fine-tuning and further research. Here, we discuss the role of Tregs in cancer and the development of Treg-targeted therapies to promote cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Ho Kim
- Research Institute for Precision Immune-Medicine, Good T Cells, Inc., Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Beom Seok Kim
- Research Institute for Precision Immune-Medicine, Good T Cells, Inc., Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Sang-Kyou Lee
- Research Institute for Precision Immune-Medicine, Good T Cells, Inc., Seoul 03722, Korea
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
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17
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Kochin V, Nishikawa H. <Editors' Choice> Meddling with meddlers: curbing regulatory T cells and augmenting antitumor immunity. NAGOYA JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE 2019; 81:1-18. [PMID: 30962651 PMCID: PMC6433633 DOI: 10.18999/nagjms.81.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) expressing the transcription factor forkhead
box P3 (FoxP3) play an important role in self-tolerance and immune homeostasis. Tregs have
evolved to protect the host from aberrant immune responses against self-components and
collateral damages occurring in the process of defense against invading pathogens by
softening immune responses. However, they turned to be a scourge in malignant tumors by
not only allowing and promoting tumor growth but also suppressing effective antitumor
actions, both inherent (host’s immune surveillance) and extrinsic (anticancer therapy). An
increase in the number of Tregs infiltrating into tumor sites and a concomitant decrease
in the number of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes are associated with a poor
prognosis for various types of cancers, marking Tregs as notorious meddlers with an
effective antitumor response. Various cancer immunotherapy approaches are often dampened
by meddling Tregs, making them one of the major targets in the treatment of cancer. The
recent success of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) that target immune checkpoint
molecules expressed by Tregs or effector T cells implies, that “meddling with meddlers”
represents an effective strategy in cancer immunotherapy. However, clinical responses to
ICIs are effective and durable only in some patients with cancer, whereas more than half
of them do not show significant clinical improvement. This implies that a therapeutic
approach based on the use of a single ICI, or targeting Tregs alone, is insufficient,
highlighting the need for combinatorial approaches. With regard to antitumor immune
stimulation, several approaches, such as vaccination with peptides (or the corresponding
DNA) to stimulate antigen-presenting CD8+ T cells with tumor-specific
neoantigens, cancer/testis antigens, or cancer stem cell antigens, that eventually boost
effective cytotoxic antitumor responses are being tested. This review describes the
immunosuppressive physiology of Tregs and their meddling with the host’s antitumor
immunity; current and prospective approaches to curb Tregs; and approaches to augment
antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitaly Kochin
- Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Nishikawa
- Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute/Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center (EPOC), National Cancer Center, Tokyo / Chiba, Japan
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18
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Regulatory T cells in cancer immunosuppression - implications for anticancer therapy. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2019; 16:356-371. [PMID: 30705439 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-019-0175-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 834] [Impact Index Per Article: 166.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells, an immunosuppressive subset of CD4+ T cells characterized by the expression of the master transcription factor forkhead box protein P3 (FOXP3), are a component of the immune system with essential roles in maintaining self-tolerance. In addition, Treg cells can suppress anticancer immunity, thereby hindering protective immunosurveillance of neoplasia and hampering effective antitumour immune responses in tumour-bearing hosts, thus promoting tumour development and progression. Identification of the factors that are specifically expressed in Treg cells and/or that influence Treg cell homeostasis and function is important to understanding cancer pathogenesis and to identifying therapeutic targets. Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have provided a paradigm shift in the treatment of cancer. Most immune-checkpoint molecules are expressed in Treg cells, but the effects of ICIs on Treg cells, and thus the contributions of these cells to treatment responses, remain unclear. Notably, evidence indicates that ICIs targeting programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) might enhance the immunosuppressive function of Treg cells, whereas cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) inhibitors might deplete these cells. Thus, although manipulation of Treg cells is a promising anticancer therapeutic strategy, approaches to controlling these cells require further research. Herein, we discuss novel insights into the roles of Treg cells in cancer, which can hopefully be used to develop Treg cell-targeted therapies and facilitate immune precision medicine.
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19
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Pender A, Jones RL, Pollack S. Optimising Cancer Vaccine Design in Sarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 11:E1. [PMID: 30577459 PMCID: PMC6356514 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 12/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapeutics are increasingly recognized as a key tool in the armamentarium against malignancy. The success of immune checkpoint-targeting drugs and adoptive cell therapy has refocused attention on the potential anti-cancer effect of eliciting a tumour-specific immunological response. Sarcomas are a rare and diverse group of tumours with a limited prognosis in advanced disease despite systemic therapeutics. Various vaccine strategies including peptide vaccines against cancer testis antigens, dendritic cell vaccines, and viral vectors have been trialled in sarcoma with growing evidence of efficacy. Here, we review the principles of successful vaccine development and how these have been applied thus far to the treatment of sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Pender
- Sarcoma Unit, Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SW3 6JJ, UK.
| | - Robin L Jones
- Sarcoma Unit, Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SW3 6JJ, UK.
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK.
| | - Seth Pollack
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
- Division of Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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20
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Shitara K, Nishikawa H. Regulatory T cells: a potential target in cancer immunotherapy. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2018; 1417:104-115. [DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Shitara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology; National Cancer Center Hospital East; Chiba Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Nishikawa
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute/EPOC; National Cancer Center; Tokyo/Chiba Japan
- Department of Immunology; Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine; Nagoya Japan
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21
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Togashi Y, Nishikawa H. Regulatory T Cells: Molecular and Cellular Basis for Immunoregulation. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2017; 410:3-27. [PMID: 28879523 DOI: 10.1007/82_2017_58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a highly immune-suppressive subset of CD4+ T cells, characterized by expression of the master regulatory transcription factor FOXP3. Tregs are proven to play central roles in the maintenance of self-tolerance in healthy individuals. Tregs are involved in maintaining immune homeostasis: they protect hosts from developing autoimmune diseases and allergy, whereas in malignancies, they promote tumor progression by suppressing anti-tumor immunity. Elucidating factors influencing Treg homeostasis and function have important implications for understanding disease pathogenesis and identifying therapeutic opportunities. Thus, the manipulating Tregs for up- or down-regulation of their suppressive function is a new therapeutic strategy for treating various diseases including autoimmune disorders and cancer. This review will focus on recent advances in how Tregs integrate extracellular and intracellular signals to control their survival and stability. Deeper mechanistic understanding of disease-specific Treg development, maintenance, and function could make disease-specific Treg-targeted therapy more effective, resulting in an increase of efficacy and decrease of side effects related to manipulating Tregs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Togashi
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute/EPOC, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Nishikawa
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute/EPOC, National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan. .,Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.
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22
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Takeuchi Y, Nishikawa H. Roles of regulatory T cells in cancer immunity. Int Immunol 2016; 28:401-9. [PMID: 27160722 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxw025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 360] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
CD4(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) expressing the transcription factor FoxP3 are highly immune suppressive and play central roles in the maintenance of self-tolerance and immune homeostasis, yet in malignant tumors they promote tumor progression by suppressing effective antitumor immunity. Indeed, higher infiltration by Tregs is observed in tumor tissues, and their depletion augments antitumor immune responses in animal models. Additionally, increased numbers of Tregs and, in particular, decreased ratios of CD8(+) T cells to Tregs among tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes are correlated with poor prognosis in various types of human cancers. The recent success of cancer immunotherapy represented by immune checkpoint blockade has provided a new insight in cancer treatment, yet more than half of the treated patients did not experience clinical benefits. Identifying biomarkers that predict clinical responses and developing novel immunotherapies are therefore urgently required. Cancer patients whose tumors contain a large number of neoantigens stemming from gene mutations, which have not been previously recognized by the immune system, provoke strong antitumor T-cell responses associated with clinical responses following immune checkpoint blockade, depending on the resistance to Treg-mediated suppression. Thus, integration of a strategy restricting Treg-mediated immune suppression may expand the therapeutic spectrum of cancer immunotherapy towards patients with a lower number of neoantigens. In this review, we address the current understanding of Treg-mediated immune suppressive mechanisms in cancer, the involvement of Tregs in cancer immunotherapy, and strategies for effective and tolerable Treg-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiko Takeuchi
- Division of Cancer Immunology, EPOC, National Cancer Center, 6-5-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan and
| | - Hiroyoshi Nishikawa
- Division of Cancer Immunology, EPOC, National Cancer Center, 6-5-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan and Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
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23
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Noble A, Mehta H, Lovell A, Papaioannou E, Fairbanks L. IL-12 and IL-4 activate a CD39-dependent intrinsic peripheral tolerance mechanism in CD8(+) T cells. Eur J Immunol 2016; 46:1438-48. [PMID: 26990545 PMCID: PMC5071739 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201545939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Revised: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Immune responses to protein antigens involve CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, which follow distinct programs of differentiation. Naïve CD8 T cells rapidly develop cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) activity after T-cell receptor stimulation, and we have previously shown that this is accompanied by suppressive activity in the presence of specific cytokines, i.e. IL-12 and IL-4. Cytokine-induced CD8(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells are one of several Treg-cell phenotypes and are Foxp3(-) IL-10(+) with contact-dependent suppressive capacity. Here, we show they also express high level CD39, an ecto-nucleotidase that degrades extracellular ATP, and this contributes to their suppressive activity. CD39 expression was found to be upregulated on CD8(+) T cells during peripheral tolerance induction in vivo, accompanied by release of IL-12 and IL-10. CD39 was also upregulated during respiratory tolerance induction to inhaled allergen and on tumor-infiltrating CD8(+) T cells. Production of IL-10 and expression of CD39 by CD8(+) T cells was independently regulated, being respectively blocked by extracellular ATP and enhanced by an A2A adenosine receptor agonist. Our results suggest that any CTL can develop suppressive activity when exposed to specific cytokines in the absence of alarmins. Thus negative feedback controls CTL expansion under regulation from both nucleotide and cytokine environment within tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alistair Noble
- MRC & Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma, King's College London, UK
| | - Hema Mehta
- MRC & Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma, King's College London, UK
| | - Andrew Lovell
- MRC & Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma, King's College London, UK
| | | | - Lynette Fairbanks
- Purine Research Laboratory, Viapath, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
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Jóźwicki W, Brożyna AA, Siekiera J, Slominski AT. Frequency of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ cells in peripheral blood in relation to urinary bladder cancer malignancy indicators before and after surgical removal. Oncotarget 2016; 7:11450-62. [PMID: 26862849 PMCID: PMC4905485 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells communicate with stromal cells, including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), to form microenvironment inhibiting immune responses. Regulatory T cells (Tregs, CD4+CD25+FoxP3+) stimulate immune tolerance and facilitate tumor progression. We analyzed the changes in Treg frequencies assessed using flow cytometry in the peripheral blood of patients with urothelial bladder cancer before and after tumor-removal. Changes in Treg frequency were investigated in relation to clinicopathomorphological indicators of tumor malignancy and expression of RCAS1 on CAFs and TAMs. Higher Treg frequencies were observed in early phase of tumor growth (pTa-pT2), in larger tumors, with more aggressive type of invasion, and with expression of RCAS1. The later phase of tumor development, accompanied by a nonclassic differentiations and pT3-pT4 advancement, had lower number of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and lower Treg frequency. Furthermore, in pT2-pT4 tumors, a decreased post-surgery Treg frequency was associated with poorer prognosis: patients with the lowest frequency of Tregs died first. These findings strongly suggest that the Treg frequencies at later phase of tumor growth, associated with a low anti-tumor response, represent a new and important prognostic indicator in urinary bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Jóźwicki
- Department of Tumour Pathology and Pathomorphology, Nicolaus Copernicus University Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz 85-796, Poland
- Department of Tumour Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre-Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz 85-796, Poland
| | - Anna A. Brożyna
- Department of Tumour Pathology and Pathomorphology, Nicolaus Copernicus University Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz 85-796, Poland
- Department of Tumour Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre-Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz 85-796, Poland
| | - Jerzy Siekiera
- Department of Urology, Oncology Centre-Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz 85-796, Poland
| | - Andrzej T. Slominski
- Departments of Dermatology and Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
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Hahn SA, Bellinghausen I, Trinschek B, Becker C. Translating Treg Therapy in Humanized Mice. Front Immunol 2015; 6:623. [PMID: 26697017 PMCID: PMC4677486 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Treg) control immune cell function as well as non-immunological processes. Their far-reaching regulatory activities suggest their functional manipulation as a means to sustainably and causally intervene with the course of diseases. Preclinical tools and strategies are however needed to further test and develop interventional strategies outside the human body. “Humanized” mouse models consisting of mice engrafted with human immune cells and tissues provide new tools to analyze human Treg ontogeny, immunobiology, and therapy. Here, we summarize the current state of humanized mouse models as a means to study human Treg function at the molecular level and to design strategies to harness these cells for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne A Hahn
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University , Mainz , Germany
| | - Iris Bellinghausen
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University , Mainz , Germany
| | - Bettina Trinschek
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University , Mainz , Germany
| | - Christian Becker
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University , Mainz , Germany
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Torres Andón F, Alonso MJ. Nanomedicine and cancer immunotherapy – targeting immunosuppressive cells. J Drug Target 2015; 23:656-71. [DOI: 10.3109/1061186x.2015.1073295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Shi C, Zhang Y, Yang H, Dong T, Chen Y, Xu Y, Yang X. Combined effect of ultrasound/SonoVue microbubble on CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells viability and optimized parameters for its transfection. ULTRASONICS 2015; 62:97-102. [PMID: 26048174 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultras.2015.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Revised: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the combined effect of ultrasound and SonoVue microbubble on CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) viability and to explore the appropriate parameters for Tregs transfection. Tregs were separated from peripheral venous blood of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and seeded in 96-well plates. The optimal ultrasound exposure time and optimal SonoVue microbubble concentration for Tregs were measured by mechanical index (MI) of 1.2 or 1.4, exposure time of 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180s, and 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50μL/100μL microbubble per well, respectively. In addition, the combined effect of ultrasound and microbubble on Tregs viability was evaluated according to the following parameters: MI 1.2/1.4+exposure time of 120, 150, 180s+0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50μL/100μL microbubble per well. Tregs viability investigations were performed in order to explore the optimal transfection condition. The efficiency of plasmid transfer was determined by detection of luciferase activity on the microscopic examinations. The proliferation of Tregs could be promoted by ultrasound exposures, while being decreased with the increasing concentration of microbubbles. Under the current experimental conditions, the optimal ultrasound parameters were MI=1.4 and exposure time=150/180s. The optimal microbubble concentration was 10μL/100μL. Compared with treatment with ultrasound or microbubbles alone, the transfection efficiency of Tregs improved 50% by combining ultrasound and microbubble. The results indicate that both ultrasound and microbubble could affect the Tregs proliferation and the optimal Treg transfection rate was obtained by treating with 10% microbubbles and ultrasound exposure for 150/180s under ultrasound MI of 1.4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunying Shi
- Department of Abdomind Ultrasound, The First Clinic Hospital Harbin Medical University Heilongjiang, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Abdomind Ultrasound, The First Clinic Hospital Harbin Medical University Heilongjiang, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Haichao Yang
- Department of Abdomind Ultrasound, The First Clinic Hospital Harbin Medical University Heilongjiang, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Tianxiu Dong
- Department of Abdomind Ultrasound, The First Clinic Hospital Harbin Medical University Heilongjiang, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Yaodong Chen
- Department of Abdomind Ultrasound, The First Clinic Hospital Harbin Medical University Heilongjiang, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Yutong Xu
- Department of Abdomind Ultrasound, The First Clinic Hospital Harbin Medical University Heilongjiang, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Xiuhua Yang
- Department of Abdomind Ultrasound, The First Clinic Hospital Harbin Medical University Heilongjiang, Harbin 150001, China.
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Chakrabarti L, Morgan C, Sandler AD. Combination of Id2 Knockdown Whole Tumor Cells and Checkpoint Blockade: A Potent Vaccine Strategy in a Mouse Neuroblastoma Model. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0129237. [PMID: 26079374 PMCID: PMC4469424 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor vaccines have held much promise, but to date have demonstrated little clinical success. This lack of success is conceivably due to poor tumor antigen presentation combined with immuno-suppressive mechanisms exploited by the tumor itself. Knock down of Inhibitor of differentiation protein 2 (Id2-kd) in mouse neuroblastoma whole tumor cells rendered these cells immunogenic. Id2-kd neuroblastoma (Neuro2a) cells (Id2-kd N2a) failed to grow in most immune competent mice and these mice subsequently developed immunity against further wild-type Neuro2a tumor cell challenge. Id2-kd N2a cells grew aggressively in immune-compromised hosts, thereby establishing the immunogenicity of these cells. Therapeutic vaccination with Id2-kd N2a cells alone suppressed tumor growth even in established neuroblastoma tumors and when used in combination with immune checkpoint blockade eradicated large established tumors. Mechanistically, immune cell depletion studies demonstrated that while CD8+ T cells are critical for antitumor immunity, CD4+ T cells are also required to induce a sustained long-lasting helper effect. An increase in number of CD8+ T-cells and enhanced production of interferon gamma (IFNγ) was observed in tumor antigen stimulated splenocytes of vaccinated mice. More importantly, a massive influx of cytotoxic CD8+ T-cells infiltrated the shrinking tumor following combined immunotherapy. These findings show that down regulation of Id2 induced tumor cell immunity and in combination with checkpoint blockade produced a novel, potent, T-cell mediated tumor vaccine strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Chakrabarti
- The Joseph E. Robert Jr. Center for Surgical Care and The Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children’s National Medical Center, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Clifford Morgan
- The Joseph E. Robert Jr. Center for Surgical Care and The Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children’s National Medical Center, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Anthony D. Sandler
- The Joseph E. Robert Jr. Center for Surgical Care and The Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children’s National Medical Center, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
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Immunotherapy for lung cancer: for whom the bell tolls? Tumour Biol 2015; 36:1411-22. [PMID: 25736929 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-3285-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death and accounts for approximately 30% of all cancer deaths. Despite the recent developments in personalized therapy, the prognosis in lung cancer is still very poor. Immunotherapy is now emerging as a new hope for patients with lung cancer. It is well known that standard chemotherapeutic regimens have devastating effects for the patient's immune system. Therefore, the aim of immunotherapy is to specifically enhance the immune response against the tumour. Recently, many trials addressed the role of such therapies for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment: ipilimumab, tremelimumab, nivolumab and pembrolizumab are immunotherapeutic agents of high relevance in this field. Anti-tumour vaccines, as well as dendritic cell-based therapies, have emerged as potent inducers of immune response against the tumour. Herein, we will review some of the most promising cancer immunotherapies, highlighting their advantages and try to understand, in an immunological perspective, the missteps associated with the current treatments for cancer.
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The First Line of Defense: The Effects of Alcohol on Post-Burn Intestinal Barrier, Immune Cells, and Microbiome. Alcohol Res 2015; 37:209-22. [PMID: 26695746 PMCID: PMC4590618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol (ethanol) is one of the most globally abused substances, and is one of the leading causes of premature death in the world. As a result of its complexity and direct contact with ingested alcohol, the intestine represents the primary source from which alcohol-associated pathologies stem. The gut is the largest reservoir of bacteria in the body, and under healthy conditions, it maintains a barrier preventing bacteria from translocating out of the intestinal lumen. The intestinal barrier is compromised following alcohol exposure, which can lead to life-threatening systemic complications including sepsis and multiple organ failure. Furthermore, alcohol is a major confounding factor in pathology associated with trauma. Experimental data from both human and animal studies suggest that alcohol perturbs the intestinal barrier and its function, which is exacerbated by a "second hit" from traumatic injury. This article highlights the role of alcohol-mediated alterations of the intestinal epithelia and its defense against bacteria within the gut, and the impact of alcohol on intestinal immunity, specifically on T cells and neutrophils. Finally, it discusses how the gut microbiome both contributes to and protects the intestines from dysbiosis after alcohol exposure and trauma.
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Ishikawa LLW, Shoenfeld Y, Sartori A. Immunomodulation in human and experimental arthritis: including vitamin D, helminths and heat-shock proteins. Lupus 2014; 23:577-87. [DOI: 10.1177/0961203314527369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that is mainly directed to the joints, affecting the synovial membrane, the cartilage and also the bone. This disease affects 1% to 2% of the world population and is associated with significant morbidity and increased mortality. RA experimental models have allowed a great deal of information to be translated to the corresponding human disease. This review summarizes some of the most relevant findings targeting immunomodulation in arthritis. Some general guidelines to choose an adequate experimental model and also our experience with arthritis are supplied.
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Affiliation(s)
- LLW Ishikawa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Biosciences Institute, Univ. Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Y Shoenfeld
- The Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - A Sartori
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Biosciences Institute, Univ. Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
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Baldon EJ, Marengo EB, de Franco M, Starobinas N, Bueno V, Sant’Anna OA. Mycobacterium leprae Hsp65 administration reduces the lifespan of aged high antibody producer mice. Immun Ageing 2014; 11:6. [PMID: 24669842 PMCID: PMC3986931 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4933-11-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aging process may result in immune modifications that lead to disruption of innate and acquired immunity mechanisms that may induce chronic-degenerative events. The heat shock proteins (Hsp), phylogeneticaly conserved among organisms, present as main function the ability of folding and refolding proteins, but they also are associated with chronic-degenerative disorders. Here were evaluated the role of M. leprae native Hsp65 (WT) and its point-mutated (K409A) on survival and anti-DNA and anti-Hsp65 antibody production of aged genetically selected mice for high (HIII) and low (LIII) antibody production; data from 120- and 270-days old mice (named "adult" or "aged", respectively) were compared. RESULTS WT Hsp65 administration induces reduction in the mean survival time of adult and aged female HIII mice, this effect being stronger in aged individuals. Surprisingly, the native protein administration increased the survival of aged female LIII when compared to K409A and control groups. No survival differences were observed in aged male mice after Hsp65 proteins inoculation. We observed increase in IgG1 anti-Hsp65 in WT and K409A aged HIII female mice groups and no marked changes in the anti-DNA (adult and aged HIII) and anti-Hsp65 IgG1 or IgG2a isotypes production in adult HIII female and aged male mice. LIII male mice presented increased anti-DNA and anti-Hsp65 IgG2a isotype production after WT or K409A injection, and LIII female groups showed no alterations. CONCLUSIONS The results revealed that the WT Hsp65 interferes with survival of aged HIII female mice without involvement of a remarkable IgG1 and IgG2a anti-DNA and anti-Hsp65 antibodies production. The deleterious effects of Hsp65 on survival time in aged HIII female mice could be linked to a gender-effect and are in agreement with those previously reported in lupus-prone mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estevam José Baldon
- Laboratório de Imunoquímica, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brazil 1500, 05530-900 São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Eliana Blini Marengo
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Avenida Albert Einstein, 627/701, 05652-000 São Paul, Brasil
| | - Marcelo de Franco
- Laboratório de Imunogenética, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brazil 1500, 05530-900 São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Nancy Starobinas
- Laboratório de Imunogenética, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brazil 1500, 05530-900 São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Valquiria Bueno
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, UNIFESP, Rua Botucatu 862, 04023-062 São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Osvaldo Augusto Sant’Anna
- Laboratório de Imunoquímica, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brazil 1500, 05530-900 São Paulo, Brasil
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Guo C, Manjili MH, Subjeck JR, Sarkar D, Fisher PB, Wang XY. Therapeutic cancer vaccines: past, present, and future. Adv Cancer Res 2014; 119:421-75. [PMID: 23870514 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-407190-2.00007-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 361] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic vaccines represent a viable option for active immunotherapy of cancers that aim to treat late stage disease by using a patient's own immune system. The promising results from clinical trials recently led to the approval of the first therapeutic cancer vaccine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This major breakthrough not only provides a new treatment modality for cancer management but also paves the way for rationally designing and optimizing future vaccines with improved anticancer efficacy. Numerous vaccine strategies are currently being evaluated both preclinically and clinically. This review discusses therapeutic cancer vaccines from diverse platforms or targets as well as the preclinical and clinical studies employing these therapeutic vaccines. We also consider tumor-induced immune suppression that hinders the potency of therapeutic vaccines, and potential strategies to counteract these mechanisms for generating more robust and durable antitumor immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunqing Guo
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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Nishikawa H, Sakaguchi S. Regulatory T cells in cancer immunotherapy. Curr Opin Immunol 2014; 27:1-7. [PMID: 24413387 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2013.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 511] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 12/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
FOXP3(+)CD25(+)CD4(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells, crucial for the maintenance of immunological self-tolerance, are abundant in tumors. Most of them are chemo-attracted to tumor tissues, expanding locally and differentiating into a Treg-cell subpopulation that strongly suppresses the activation and expansion of tumor-antigen-specific effector T cells. Several cancer immunotherapies targeting FOXP3(+)CD4(+) Treg cells, including depletion of Treg cells, are currently being tested in the clinic. In addition, clinical benefit of immune-checkpoint blockade, such as anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody therapy, could be attributed at least in part to depletion of FOXP3(+)CD4(+) Treg cells from tumor tissues. Thus, optimal strategies need to be established for reducing Treg cells or attenuating their suppressive activity in tumor tissues, together with activating and expanding tumor-specific effector T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyoshi Nishikawa
- Experimental Immunology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shimon Sakaguchi
- Experimental Immunology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
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35
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Mittendorf EA, Sharma P. Mechanisms of T-cell inhibition: implications for cancer immunotherapy. Expert Rev Vaccines 2014; 9:89-105. [DOI: 10.1586/erv.09.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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36
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Zorzella-Pezavento SFG, Chiuso-Minicucci F, França TGD, Ishikawa LLW, da Rosa LC, Colavite PM, Marques C, Ikoma MRV, Silva CL, Sartori A. Downmodulation of peripheral MOG-specific immunity by pVAXhsp65 treatment during EAE does not reach the CNS. J Neuroimmunol 2014; 268:35-42. [PMID: 24439542 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2013.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2013] [Revised: 12/11/2013] [Accepted: 12/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Most of the therapeutic strategies to control multiple sclerosis are directed to immune modulation and inflammation control. As heat shock proteins are able to induce immunoregulatory T cells, we investigated the therapeutic effect of a genetic vaccine containing the mycobacterial hsp65 gene on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Although pVAXhsp65 was immunogenic for mice with EAE and downmodulated specific cytokine induction by MOG, therapy was not able to decrease clinical severity nor to modify immunologic parameters in the CNS. These results indicate that hsp65, administered as a DNA vaccine, was not therapeutic for EAE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fernanda Chiuso-Minicucci
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Biosciences Institute, Univ. Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thais Graziela Donegá França
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Biosciences Institute, Univ. Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Larissa Lumi Watanabe Ishikawa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Biosciences Institute, Univ. Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Larissa Camargo da Rosa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Biosciences Institute, Univ. Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Priscila Maria Colavite
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Biosciences Institute, Univ. Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila Marques
- Laboratório de Citometria de Fluxo - Fundação Dr. Amaral Carvalho, Jaú, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Célio Lopes Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexandrina Sartori
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Biosciences Institute, Univ. Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Anti-CCR4 mAb selectively depletes effector-type FoxP3+CD4+ regulatory T cells, evoking antitumor immune responses in humans. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:17945-50. [PMID: 24127572 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1316796110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 500] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
CD4(+) Treg cells expressing the transcription factor FOXP3 (forkhead box P3) are abundant in tumor tissues and appear to hinder the induction of effective antitumor immunity. A substantial number of T cells, including Treg cells, in tumor tissues and peripheral blood express C-C chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4). Here we show that CCR4 was specifically expressed by a subset of terminally differentiated and most suppressive CD45RA(-)FOXP3(hi)CD4(+) Treg cells [designated effector Treg (eTreg) cells], but not by CD45RA(+)FOXP3(lo)CD4(+) naive Treg cells, in peripheral blood of healthy individuals and cancer patients. In melanoma tissues, CCR4(+) eTreg cells were predominant among tumor-infiltrating FOXP3(+) T cells and much higher in frequency compared with those in peripheral blood. With peripheral blood lymphocytes from healthy individuals and melanoma patients, ex vivo depletion of CCR4(+) T cells and subsequent in vitro stimulation of the depleted cell population with the cancer/testis antigen NY-ESO-1 efficiently induced NY-ESO-1-specific CD4(+) T cells. Nondepletion failed in the induction. The magnitude of the responses was comparable with total removal of FOXP3(+) Treg cells by CD25(+) T-cell depletion. CCR4(+) T-cell depletion also augmented in vitro induction of NY-ESO-1-specific CD8(+) T cells in melanoma patients. Furthermore, in vivo administration of anti-CCR4 mAb markedly reduced the eTreg-cell fraction and augmented NY-ESO-1-specific CD8(+) T-cell responses in an adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma patient whose leukemic cells expressed NY-ESO-1. Collectively, these findings indicate that anti-CCR4 mAb treatment is instrumental for evoking and augmenting antitumor immunity in cancer patients by selectively depleting eTreg cells.
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The heat-shock protein-70-induced renoprotective effect is partially mediated by CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3 + regulatory T cells in ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury. Kidney Int 2013; 85:62-71. [PMID: 23884338 DOI: 10.1038/ki.2013.277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Revised: 05/03/2013] [Accepted: 05/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Recent reports suggest the presence of heat-shock protein (HSP)-reactive T cells with a regulatory phenotype in various inflammatory diseases. To test whether HSP exerts renoprotective effects through regulatory T cells (Tregs), ischemia/reperfusion injury was done with or without heat preconditioning in mice. Splenocytes from heat-preconditioned mice had Treg expansion and a reduced proliferative response upon mitogenic stimulus. T cells from heat-preconditioned mice failed to reconstitute postischemic injury when adoptively transferred to T cell-deficient nu/nu mice in contrast to those from control mice. Tregs were also increased in heat-preconditioned ischemic kidneys. Depleting Tregs before heat preconditioning abolished the renoprotective effect, while adoptive transfer of these cells back into Treg-depleted mice partially restored the beneficial effect of heat preconditioning. Inhibition of HSP70 by quercetin suppressed Treg expansion, as well as renoprotective effects. Transferring Tregs in quercetin-treated heat-preconditioned mice partially restored the beneficial effect of heat preconditioning. The specificity of immune cell HSP70 in renoprotection was confirmed by partial restoration of kidney injury when T cells from HSP70-deficient heat preconditioned mice were adoptively transferred to nu/nu mice. Thus, the renoprotective effect of HSP70 may be partially mediated by a direct immunomodulatory effect through Tregs. Better understanding of immunomodulatory mechanisms of various stress proteins might facilitate discovery of new preventive strategies in acute kidney injury.
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Abstract
CD4+Foxp3+ T regulatory (Treg) cells control many facets of immune responses ranging from autoimmune diseases, to inflammatory conditions, and cancer in an attempt to maintain immune homeostasis. Natural Treg (nTreg) cells develop in the thymus and constitute a critical arm of active mechanisms of peripheral tolerance particularly to self antigens. A growing body of knowledge now supports the existence of induced Treg (iTreg) cells which may derive from a population of conventional CD4+ T cells. The fork-head transcription factor (Foxp3) typically is expressed by natural CD4+ Treg cells, and thus serves as a marker to definitively identify these cells. On the contrary, there is less consensus on what constitutes iTreg cells as their precise definition has been somewhat elusive. This is in part due to their distinct phenotypes which are shaped by exposure to certain inflammatory or "assault" signals stemming from the underlying immune disorder. The "policing" activity of Treg cells tends to be uni-directional in several pathological conditions. On one end of the spectrum, Treg cell suppressive activity is beneficial by curtailing T cell response against self-antigens and allergens thus preventing autoimmune diseases and allergies. On the other end however, their inhibitory roles in limiting immune response against pseudo-self antigens as in tumors often culminates into negative outcomes. In this review, we focus on this latter aspect of Treg cell immunobiology by highlighting the involvement of nTreg cells in various animal models and human tumors. We further discuss iTreg cells, relationship with their natural counterpart, and potential co-operation between the two in modulating immune response against tumors. Lastly, we discuss studies focusing on these cells as targets for improving anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis O Adeegbe
- Experimental Immunology, Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University , Suita , Japan
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Van Herwijnen MJC, Van Der Zee R, Van Eden W, Broere F. Heat shock proteins can be targets of regulatory T cells for therapeutic intervention in rheumatoid arthritis. Int J Hyperthermia 2013; 29:448-54. [PMID: 23863094 DOI: 10.3109/02656736.2013.811546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by excessive immune responses resulting in inflammation of the joints. Although current therapies can be successful in dampening inflammation, a long-lived state of tolerance is seldom achieved. Therefore, novel therapies are needed that restore and maintain tolerance in patients with RA. Targeting regulatory T cells (Tregs) is a successful strategy to achieve tolerance, as was shown in studies performed in animal models and in human clinical trials. The antigen-specificity of Tregs is crucial for their effectiveness and allows for very specific targeting of these cells. However, which antigen is suitable for autoimmune diseases such as RA, for which the autoantigens are largely unknown? Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are ubiquitously expressed and can be up-regulated during inflammation. Additionally, HSPs, or HSP-derived peptides are immunogenic and can be recognised by a variety of immune cells, including Tregs. Therefore, this review highlights the potential of HSP-specific Tregs to control inflammatory immune responses. Targeting HSP-specific Tregs in RA can be achieved via the administration of HSPs (derived peptides), thereby controlling inflammatory responses. This makes HSPs attractive candidates for therapeutic intervention in chronic autoimmune diseases, with the ultimate goal of inducing long-lasting tolerance.
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Adeegbe DO, Nishikawa H. Natural and induced T regulatory cells in cancer. Front Immunol 2013; 4:190. [PMID: 23874336 PMCID: PMC3708155 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2013.00190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CD4+Foxp3+ T regulatory (Treg) cells control many facets of immune responses ranging from autoimmune diseases, to inflammatory conditions, and cancer in an attempt to maintain immune homeostasis. Natural Treg (nTreg) cells develop in the thymus and constitute a critical arm of active mechanisms of peripheral tolerance particularly to self antigens. A growing body of knowledge now supports the existence of induced Treg (iTreg) cells which may derive from a population of conventional CD4+ T cells. The fork-head transcription factor (Foxp3) typically is expressed by natural CD4+ Treg cells, and thus serves as a marker to definitively identify these cells. On the contrary, there is less consensus on what constitutes iTreg cells as their precise definition has been somewhat elusive. This is in part due to their distinct phenotypes which are shaped by exposure to certain inflammatory or “assault” signals stemming from the underlying immune disorder. The “policing” activity of Treg cells tends to be uni-directional in several pathological conditions. On one end of the spectrum, Treg cell suppressive activity is beneficial by curtailing T cell response against self-antigens and allergens thus preventing autoimmune diseases and allergies. On the other end however, their inhibitory roles in limiting immune response against pseudo-self antigens as in tumors often culminates into negative outcomes. In this review, we focus on this latter aspect of Treg cell immunobiology by highlighting the involvement of nTreg cells in various animal models and human tumors. We further discuss iTreg cells, relationship with their natural counterpart, and potential co-operation between the two in modulating immune response against tumors. Lastly, we discuss studies focusing on these cells as targets for improving anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis O Adeegbe
- Experimental Immunology, Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University , Suita , Japan
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Okuno Y, Murakoshi A, Negita M, Akane K, Kojima S, Suzuki H. CD8+ CD122+ regulatory T cells contain clonally expanded cells with identical CDR3 sequences of the T-cell receptor β-chain. Immunology 2013; 139:309-17. [PMID: 23317140 PMCID: PMC3701177 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2012] [Revised: 12/26/2012] [Accepted: 01/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We identified CD8(+) CD122(+) regulatory T cells (CD8(+) CD122(+) Treg cells) and reported their importance in maintaining immune homeostasis. The absence of CD8(+) CD122(+) Treg cells has been shown to lead to severe systemic autoimmunity in several mouse models, including inflammatory bowel diseases and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. The T-cell receptors (TCRs) expressed on CD8(+) CD122(+) Treg cells recognize the target cells to be regulated. To aid in the identification of the target antigen(s) recognized by TCRs of CD8(+) CD122(+) Treg cells, we compared the TCR diversity of CD8(+) CD122(+) T cells with that of conventional, naive T cells in mice. We analysed the use of TCR-Vβ in the interleukin 10-producing population of CD8(+) CD122(+) T cells marked by high levels of CD49d expression, and found the significantly increased use of Vβ13 in these cells. Immunoscope analysis of the complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) of the TCR β-chain revealed remarkable skewing in a pair of Vβ regions, suggesting the existence of clonally expanded cells in CD8(+) CD122(+) T cells. Clonal expansion in Vβ13(+) cells was confirmed by determining the DNA sequences of the CDR3s. The characteristic TCR found in this study is an important building block for further studies to identify the target antigen recognized by CD8(+) CD122(+) Treg cells.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Autoimmune Diseases/genetics
- Autoimmune Diseases/immunology
- Autoimmune Diseases/physiopathology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Clone Cells/metabolism
- Complementarity Determining Regions/genetics
- Female
- Humans
- Interleukin-10/metabolism
- Interleukin-2 Receptor beta Subunit/metabolism
- Lymphocyte Activation
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/chemistry
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/genetics
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Okuno
- Department of Paediatrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoya, Japan
- Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoya, Japan
| | - Ayako Murakoshi
- Department of Paediatrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoya, Japan
- Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoya, Japan
| | - Masashi Negita
- Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoya, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Akane
- Department of Paediatrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoya, Japan
| | - Seiji Kojima
- Department of Paediatrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoya, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Suzuki
- Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoya, Japan
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van Eden W, van Herwijnen M, Wagenaar J, van Kooten P, Broere F, van der Zee R. Stress proteins are used by the immune system for cognate interactions with anti-inflammatory regulatory T cells. FEBS Lett 2013; 587:1951-8. [PMID: 23707418 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2013.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2013] [Revised: 05/07/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Since the initial discovery of the protective role of heat shock protein (HSP) 60 in arthritis, T cell recognition of endogenous HSP was found to be one of the possible underlying mechanisms. Recently we have uncovered potent disease-suppressive Tregs (anti-inflammatory immunosuppressive T cells) recognizing HSP70 self-antigens, and enabling selective targeting of such Tregs to inflamed tissues. HSP70 is a major contributor to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Class II ligandome and we have shown that a conserved HSP70-epitope (B29) is abundantly present in murine MHC Class II. Upon transfer, B29-induced CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T cells suppressed established proteoglycan-induced arthritis (PGIA) in mice. These self-antigen specific Tregs were activated in vivo and as little as 4.000 cells sufficed to fully inhibit arthritis. Furthermore, in vivo depletion of transferred Tregs abrogated disease suppression. Given that B29 can be presented by most human MHC class II molecules and that B29 inhibited arthritis in HLA-DQ8 (human MHC) transgenic mice, we feel that therapeutic vaccination with selected HSP peptides can be an effective route for induction of anti-inflammatory Tregs as a novel intervention in chronic inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willem van Eden
- Division of Immunology, Dept. Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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New targets for the immunotherapy of colon cancer-does reactive disease hold the answer? Cancer Gene Ther 2013; 20:157-68. [PMID: 23492821 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2013.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in both men and women, posing a serious demographic and economic burden worldwide. In the United Kingdom, CRC affects 1 in every 20 people and it is often detected once well established and after it has spread beyond the bowel (Stage IIA-C and Stage IIIA-C). A diagnosis at such advanced stages is associated with poor treatment response and survival. However, studies have identified two sub-groups of post-treatment CRC patients--those with good outcome (reactive disease) and those with poor outcome (non-reactive disease). We aim to review the state-of-the-art for CRC with respect to the expression of cancer-testis antigens (CTAs) and their identification, evaluation and correlation with disease progression, treatment response and survival. We will also discuss the relationship between CTA expression and regulatory T-cell (Treg) activity to tumorigenesis and tumor immune evasion in CRC and how this could account for the clinical presentation of CRC. Understanding the molecular basis of reactive CRC may help us identify more potent novel immunotherapeutic targets to aid the effective treatment of this disease. In this review, based on our presentation at the 2012 International Society for the Cell and Gene Therapy of Cancer annual meeting, we will summarize some of the most current advances in CTA and CRC research and their influence on the development of novel immunotherapeutic approaches for this common and at times difficult to treat disease.
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Hirayama M, Nishikawa H, Nagata Y, Tsuji T, Kato T, Kageyama S, Ueda S, Sugiyama D, Hori S, Sakaguchi S, Ritter G, Old LJ, Gnjatic S, Shiku H. Overcoming regulatory T-cell suppression by a lyophilized preparation of Streptococcus pyogenes. Eur J Immunol 2013; 43:989-1000. [PMID: 23436617 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201242800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2012] [Revised: 12/07/2012] [Accepted: 01/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Cancer vaccines have yet to yield clinical benefit, despite the measurable induction of humoral and cellular immune responses. As immunosuppression by CD4(+) CD25(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells has been linked to the failure of cancer immunotherapy, blocking suppression is therefore critical for successful clinical strategies. Here, we addressed whether a lyophilized preparation of Streptococcus pyogenes (OK-432), which stimulates Toll-like receptors, could overcome Treg-cell suppression of CD4(+) T-cell responses in vitro and in vivo. OK-432 significantly enhanced in vitro proliferation of CD4(+) effector T cells by blocking Treg-cell suppression and this blocking effect depended on IL-12 derived from antigen-presenting cells. Direct administration of OK-432 into tumor-associated exudate fluids resulted in a reduction of the frequency and suppressive function of CD4(+) CD25(+) Foxp3(+) Treg cells. Furthermore, when OK-432 was used as an adjuvant of vaccination with HER2 and NY-ESO-1 for esophageal cancer patients, NY-ESO-1-specific CD4(+) T-cell precursors were activated, and NY-ESO-1-specific CD4(+) T cells were detected within the effector/memory T-cell population. CD4(+) T-cell clones from these patients had high-affinity TCRs and recognized naturally processed NY-ESO-1 protein presented by dendritic cells. OK-432 therefore inhibits Treg-cell function and contributes to the activation of high-avidity tumor antigen-specific naive T-cell precursors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiko Hirayama
- Department of Cancer Vaccine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
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Regulatory T cells that recognize a ubiquitous stress-inducible self-antigen are long-lived suppressors of autoimmune arthritis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:14134-9. [PMID: 22891339 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1206803109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Reestablishing self-tolerance in autoimmunity is thought to depend on self-reactive regulatory T cells (Tregs). Exploiting these antigen-specific regulators is hampered by the obscure nature of disease-relevant autoantigens. We have uncovered potent disease-suppressive Tregs recognizing Heat Shock Protein (Hsp) 70 self-antigens, enabling selective activity in inflamed tissues. Hsp70 is a major contributor to the MHC class II ligandome. Here we show that a conserved Hsp70 epitope (B29) is present in murine MHC class II and that upon transfer, B29-induced CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) T cells suppress established proteoglycan-induced arthritis in mice. These self-antigen-specific Tregs were activated in vivo, and when using Lymphocyte Activation Gene-3 as a selection marker, as few as 4,000 cells sufficed. Furthermore, depletion of transferred Tregs abrogated disease suppression. Transferred cells exhibited a stable phenotype and were found in joints and draining lymph nodes up to 2 mo after transfer. Given that (i) B29 administration by itself suppressed disease, (ii) our findings were made with wild-type (T-cell receptor nontransgenic) Tregs, and (iii) the B29 human homolog is presented by HLA class II, we are nearing translation of antigen-specific Treg activation as a promising intervention for chronic inflammatory diseases.
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Mellor AL, Munn DH. Physiologic control of the functional status of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2011; 186:4535-40. [PMID: 21464094 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1002937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Foxp3-lineage CD4 regulatory T cells (Tregs) were named for their ability to maintain self tolerance and suppress T cell immunity. However, resting Tregs from noninflamed tissues exhibit little suppressor activity, and must be stimulated to acquire such function. Conversely, under certain inflammatory conditions, Tregs may undergo rapid reprogramming to acquire helper/effector functions. In this Brief Review, we describe recent progress in elucidating physiologic processes that control the functional status of Foxp3-lineage Tregs. Emerging evidence suggests the surprising possibility that reprogrammed Tregs can be an indispensable source of helper activity in some physiologic settings, such as priming CD8(+) T cell responses. This suggests a novel paradigm in which Foxp3(+) Tregs intrinsically possess bifunctional potential, acting as a preformed pool of first-responder cells at sites of local inflammation that can either provide classical regulatory/suppressor activity, or rapidly reprogram to supply helper/effector activity, contingent on signals that manifest in local physiologic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew L Mellor
- Department of Medicine, Immunotherapy and Cancer Centers, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
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Peng DJ, Zeng M, Muromoto R, Matsuda T, Shimoda K, Subramaniam M, Spelsberg TC, Wei WZ, Venuprasad K. Noncanonical K27-linked polyubiquitination of TIEG1 regulates Foxp3 expression and tumor growth. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2011; 186:5638-47. [PMID: 21471442 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1003801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Earlier, we demonstrated the essential role of Kruppel-like transcription factor, TIEG1, in TGF-β-induced regulatory T cell (Treg) development. In this article, we demonstrate that IL-6, which promotes Th17 development, abrogated TIEG1 nuclear translocation and inhibited TGF-β-induced Treg development. Tyrosine kinase Tyk2-mediated phosphorylation of TIEG1 at Tyr179 promoted noncanonical K-27-linked polyubiquitination, which inhibited TIEG1 nuclear translocation. To test the role of TIEG1-regulated Treg/Th17 development in antitumor immunity, we analyzed TRAMP-C2 tumor growth in TIEG1(-/-) mice. The defective Treg development and elevated Th17 response resulted in enhanced immune reactivity in the tumor and inhibition of TRAMP-C2 tumor growth in TIEG1(-/-) mice. Thus, our results uncovered a novel regulatory mechanism that modulates Tregs and may regulate tumor progression.
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49
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Rivas EI, Driver JP, Garabatos N, Presa M, Mora C, Rodriguez F, Serreze DV, Stratmann T. Targeting of a T cell agonist peptide to lysosomes by DNA vaccination induces tolerance in the nonobese diabetic mouse. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2011; 186:4078-87. [PMID: 21346228 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0902395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
CD4 T cells are crucial effectors in the pathology of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Successful therapeutic interventions for prevention and cure of T1D in humans are still elusive. Recent research efforts have focused on the manipulation of T cells by treatment with DNA. In this paper, we studied the effects of a DNA treatment strategy designed to target antigenic peptides to the lysosomal compartment on a monospecific T cell population termed 2.5mi(+) T cells that shares reactivity with the diabetogenic T cell clone BDC-2.5 in the NOD mouse. MHC class II tetramer analysis showed that repeated administrations were necessary to expand 2.5mi(+) T cells in vivo. This expansion was independent of Ag presentation by B cells. A single peptide epitope was sufficient to induce protection against T1D, which was not due to Ag-specific T cell anergy. Typical Th2 cytokines such as IL-10 or IL-4 were undetectable in 2.5mi(+) T cells, arguing against a mechanism of immune deviation. Instead, the expanded 2.5mi(+) T cell population produced IFN-γ similar to 2.5mi(+) T cells from naive mice. Protection against T1D by DNA treatment was completely lost in NOD.CD28(-/-) mice which are largely deficient of natural regulatory T cells (Treg). Although Ag-specific Foxp3(+) Treg did not expand in response to DNA treatment, diabetes onset was delayed in Treg-reconstituted and DNA-treated NOD.SCID mice. These observations provide evidence for a Treg-mediated protective mechanism that is independent of the expansion or de novo generation of Ag-specific Treg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa I Rivas
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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50
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Abstract
Autoimmune disease affects a significant proportion of the population. The etiology of most autoimmune diseases is largely unknown, but it is thought to be multifactorial with both environmental and genetic influences. Rare monogenic autoimmune diseases, however, offer an invaluable window into potential disease mechanisms. In this review, we will discuss the autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS1), the immunedysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked syndrome (IPEX), and autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS). Significantly, the information gained from the study of these diseases has provided new insights into more common autoimmune disease and have yielded new diagnostics and therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Waterfield
- Diabetes Center – University of California San Francisco
- Department of Pediatrics- University of California San Francisco
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