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Jackson-Spence F, Ackerman C, Jones R, Toms C, Jovaisaite A, Young M, Hussain S, Protheroe A, Birtle A, Chakraborti P, Huddart R, Jagdev S, Bahl A, Sundar S, Crabb S, Powles T, Szabados B. Biomarkers associated with survival in patients with platinum-refractory urothelial carcinoma treated with paclitaxel. Urol Oncol 2024; 42:372.e1-372.e10. [PMID: 39025719 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2024.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Taxane- based chemotherapy is widely used in patients with platinum- and immunotherapy refractory, metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC). Outcomes are poor and biomarkers associated with outcome are lacking. We aim to identify cancer hallmarks associated with survival in patients receiving paclitaxel. METHODS Whole-transcriptome profiles were generated for a subset of patients enrolled in a randomised phase II study investigating paclitaxel and pazopanib in platinum refractory mUC (PLUTO, EudraCT 2011-001841-34). Estimates of gene expression were calculated and input into the Almac proprietary analysis pipeline and signature scores were calculated using ClaraT V3.0.0. Ten key gene signatures were assessed: Immuno-Oncology, Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition, Angiogenesis, Proliferation, Cell Death, Genome Instability, Energetics, Inflammation, Immortality and Evading Growth. Hazard ratios were calculated using Cox regression model and Kaplan-Meier methods were used to estimate progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS 38 and 45 patients treated with paclitaxel or pazopanib were included. Patients with high genome instability expression treated with paclitaxel had significantly improved survival with a HR of 0.29 (95% CI: 0.14-0.61, p=0.001) and HR 0.34 (95% CI: 0.17-0.69, p=0.003) for PFS and OS, respectively. Similarly, patients with high evading growth suppressor expression treated with paclitaxel had improved PFS and OS with a HR of 0.35 (95% CI: 0.19-0.77, p=0.007) and HR 0.46 (95% CI: 0.23-0.91, p=0.026), respectively. No other gene signatures had significant impact on outcome. In both paclitaxel and pazopanib cohorts, angiogenesis activation was associated with worse PFS and OS, and VEGF targeted therapy did not improve outcomes. CONCLUSION High Genome-instability and Evading-growth suppressor biologies are associated with improved survival in patients with platinum refractory mUC receiving paclitaxel. These may refine mUC risk stratification and guide treatment decision in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charlotte Ackerman
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, QMUL, London, UK
| | - Robert Jones
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Charlotte Toms
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, QMUL, London, UK
| | - Agne Jovaisaite
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, QMUL, London, UK
| | - Matthew Young
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, QMUL, London, UK
| | - Syed Hussain
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Andrew Protheroe
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Alison Birtle
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Preston Hospital, Preston, UK
| | - Prabir Chakraborti
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation trust, Derby, UK
| | - Robert Huddart
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
| | - Santinder Jagdev
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Amit Bahl
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre, Bristol, UK
| | - Santhanam Sundar
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Simon Crabb
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, University of Southampton, Southampton UK
| | - Thomas Powles
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, QMUL, London, UK.
| | - Bernadett Szabados
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, QMUL, London, UK
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Wang SW, Zheng QY, Hong WF, Tang BF, Hsu SJ, Zhang Y, Zheng XB, Zeng ZC, Gao C, Ke AW, Du SS. Mechanism of immune activation mediated by genomic instability and its implication in radiotherapy combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Radiother Oncol 2024; 199:110424. [PMID: 38997092 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2024.110424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Various genetic and epigenetic changes associated with genomic instability (GI), including DNA damage repair defects, chromosomal instability, and mitochondrial GI, contribute to development and progression of cancer. These alterations not only result in DNA leakage into the cytoplasm, either directly or through micronuclei, but also trigger downstream inflammatory signals, such as the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway. Apart from directly inducing DNA damage to eliminate cancer cells, radiotherapy (RT) exerts its antitumor effects through intracellular DNA damage sensing mechanisms, leading to the activation of downstream inflammatory signaling pathways. This not only enables local tumor control but also reshapes the immune microenvironment, triggering systemic immune responses. The combination of RT and immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach to increase the probability of abscopal effects, where distant tumors respond to treatment due to the systemic immunomodulatory effects. This review emphasizes the importance of GI in cancer biology and elucidates the mechanisms by which RT induces GI remodeling of the immune microenvironment. By elucidating the mechanisms of GI and RT-induced immune responses, we aim to emphasize the crucial importance of this approach in modern oncology. Understanding the impact of GI on tumor biological behavior and therapeutic response, as well as the possibility of activating systemic anti-tumor immunity through RT, will pave the way for the development of new treatment strategies and improve prognosis for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Wei Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan Hospital, Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Qiu-Yi Zheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Wei-Feng Hong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Bu-Fu Tang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Shu-Jung Hsu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Xiao-Bin Zheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Zhao-Chong Zeng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Chao Gao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan Hospital, Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China.
| | - Ai-Wu Ke
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Zhongshan Hospital, Liver Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China.
| | - Shi-Suo Du
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200030, China.
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3
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Ning J, Lu X, Dong J, Xue C, Ou C, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Gao F. Advanced Strategies for Strengthening the Immune Activation Effect of Traditional Antitumor Therapies. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:4701-4715. [PMID: 38959418 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c00560] [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] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The utilization of traditional therapies (TTS), such as chemotherapy, reactive oxygen species-based therapy, and thermotherapy, to induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) in tumor cells has emerged as a promising strategy for the activation of the antitumor immune response. However, the limited effectiveness of most TTS in inducing the ICD effect of tumors hinders their applications in combination with immunotherapy. To address this challenge, various intelligent strategies have been proposed to strengthen the immune activation effect of these TTS, and then achieve synergistic antitumor efficacy with immunotherapy. These strategies primarily focus on augmenting the tumor ICD effect or facilitating the antigen (released by the ICD tumor cells) presentation process during TTS, and they are systematically summarized in this review. Finally, the existing bottlenecks and prospects of TTS in the application of tumor immune regulation are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Ning
- Institute of Advanced Materials and Flexible Electronics (IAMFE), School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, PR China
| | - Xinxin Lu
- Institute of Advanced Materials and Flexible Electronics (IAMFE), School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, PR China
| | - Jianhui Dong
- Institute of Advanced Materials and Flexible Electronics (IAMFE), School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, PR China
| | - Chun Xue
- Institute of Advanced Materials and Flexible Electronics (IAMFE), School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, PR China
| | - Changjin Ou
- Institute of Advanced Materials and Flexible Electronics (IAMFE), School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, PR China
| | - Yizhou Zhang
- Institute of Advanced Materials and Flexible Electronics (IAMFE), School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, PR China
| | - Xianzheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China
| | - Fan Gao
- Institute of Advanced Materials and Flexible Electronics (IAMFE), School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing 210044, PR China
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4
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Wang B, Zhang F, Wu X, Ji M. TBK1 is paradoxical in tumor development: a focus on the pathway mediating IFN-I expression. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1433321. [PMID: 39161768 PMCID: PMC11330819 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1433321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) is a member of the IKK family and plays a crucial role in the activation of non-canonical NF-κB signaling and type I interferon responses. The aberrant activation of TBK1 contributes to the proliferation and survival of various types of tumor cells, particularly in specific mutational or tumorous contexts. Inhibitors targeting TBK1 are under development and application in both in vivo and in vitro settings, yet their clinical efficacy remains limited. Numerous literatures have shown that TBK1 can exhibit both tumor promoting and tumor inhibiting effects. TBK1 acts as a pivotal node within the innate immune pathway, mediating anti-tumor immunity through the activation of innate immune responses. Facilitating interferon-I (IFN-I) production represents a critical mechanism through which TBK1 bridges these processes. IFN has been shown to exert both beneficial and detrimental effects on tumor progression. Hence, the paradoxical role of TBK1 in tumor development may necessitate acknowledgment in light of its downstream IFN-I signaling cascade. In this paper, we review the signaling pathways mediated by TBK1 in various tumor contexts and summarize the dual roles of TBK1 and the TBK1-IFN pathways in both promoting and inhibiting tumor progression. Additionally, we highlight the significance of the TBK1-IFN pathway in clinical therapy, particularly in the context of immune response. We anticipate further advancements in the development of TBK1 inhibitors as part of novel cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mei Ji
- Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
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5
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Kate WD, Fanta M, Weinfeld M. Loss of the DNA repair protein, polynucleotide kinase/phosphatase, activates the type 1 interferon response independent of ionizing radiation. Nucleic Acids Res 2024:gkae654. [PMID: 39087523 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA damage has been implicated in the stimulation of the type 1 interferon (T1IFN) response. Here, we show that downregulation of the DNA repair protein, polynucleotide kinase/phosphatase (PNKP), in a variety of cell lines causes robust phosphorylation of STAT1, upregulation of interferon-stimulated genes and persistent accumulation of cytosolic DNA, all of which are indicators for the activation of the T1IFN response. Furthermore, this did not require damage induction by ionizing radiation. Instead, our data revealed that production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) synergises with PNKP loss to potentiate the T1IFN response, and that loss of PNKP significantly compromises mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) integrity. Depletion of mtDNA or treatment of PNKP-depleted cells with ROS scavengers abrogated the T1IFN response, implicating mtDNA as a significant source of the cytosolic DNA required to potentiate the T1IFN response. The STING signalling pathway is responsible for the observed increase in the pro-inflammatory gene signature in PNKP-depleted cells. While the response was dependent on ZBP1, cGAS only contributed to the response in some cell lines. Our data have implications for cancer therapy, since PNKP inhibitors would have the potential to stimulate the immune response, and also to the neurological disorders associated with PNKP mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wisdom Deebeke Kate
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Mesfin Fanta
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Michael Weinfeld
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
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6
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Tang Q, Li H, Zhao XT, Li ZY, Ma CX, Zhou SQ, Chen DD. Opportunities and Challenges in the Development of Antibody-Drug Conjugate for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: The Diverse Choices and Changing Needs. World J Oncol 2024; 15:527-542. [PMID: 38993251 PMCID: PMC11236369 DOI: 10.14740/wjon1853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly heterogeneous breast cancer subtype, which is also characterized by the aggressive phenotype, high recurrence rate, and poor prognosis. Antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) is a monoclonal antibody with a cytotoxic payload connected by a linker. ADC is gaining more and more attention as a targeted anti-cancer agent. Clinical studies of emerging ADC drugs such as sacituzumab govitecan and trastuzumab deruxtecan in patients with metastatic breast cancer (including TNBC) are progressing rapidly. In view of its excellent clinical efficacy and good tolerability, Sacituzumab govitecan gained accelerated approval by the FDA for the treatment of advanced metastatic TNBC in 2020. This review discusses the treatment status and challenges in TNBC, with an emphasis on the current status of ADC development and clinical trials in TNBC and metastatic breast cancer. We also summarize the clinical experience and future exploration directions of ADC development for TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Tang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Yunnan Cancer Hospital/The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650118, Yunnan, China
- These authors contributed equally to this article
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, Yunnan Cancer Hospital/The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650118, Yunnan, China
- These authors contributed equally to this article
| | - Xin Tong Zhao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Yunnan Cancer Hospital/The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650118, Yunnan, China
- These authors contributed equally to this article
| | - Ze Ying Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, Yunnan Cancer Hospital/The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650118, Yunnan, China
| | - Chun Xiao Ma
- Department of Breast Surgery, Yunnan Cancer Hospital/The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650118, Yunnan, China
| | - Shao Qiang Zhou
- Department of Breast Surgery, Yunnan Cancer Hospital/The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650118, Yunnan, China
| | - De Dian Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, Yunnan Cancer Hospital/The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650118, Yunnan, China
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7
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Pan D, Wang Q, Shen A, Qi Z, Zheng C, Hu B. When DNA damage responses meet tumor immunity: From mechanism to therapeutic opportunity. Int J Cancer 2024; 155:384-399. [PMID: 38655783 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
DNA damage is a prevalent phenomenon in the context of cancer progression. Evidence suggests that DNA damage responses (DDR) are pivotal in overcoming tumor immune evasion. Alternatively, traditional radiotherapy and chemotherapy operate by inducing DNA damage, consequently stimulating the immune system to target tumors. The intricate interplay between signaling pathways involved in DDR and immune activation underscores the significance of considering both factors in developing improved immunotherapies. By delving deeper into the mechanisms underlying immune activation brought on by DNA damage, it becomes possible to identify novel treatment approaches that boost the anticancer immune response while minimizing undesirable side effects. This review explores the mechanisms behind DNA damage-induced antitumor immune responses, the importance of DNA damage in antitumor immunity, and potential therapeutic approaches for cancer immunotherapy targeting DDR. Additionally, we discuss the challenges of combination therapy and strategies for integrating DNA damage-targeting therapies with current cancer immunotherapy. In summary, this review highlights the critical role of DNA damage in tumor immunology, underscoring the potential of DDR inhibitors as promising therapeutic modalities for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Pan
- Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Dermatology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Aihua Shen
- Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Innovation and Application of Intelligent Radiotherapy Technology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Basic Science and Translational Research of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhihao Qi
- Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chunfu Zheng
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Burong Hu
- Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Public Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Innovation and Application of Intelligent Radiotherapy Technology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Watershed Sciences and Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Basic Science and Translational Research of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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8
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Menz A, Zerneke J, Viehweger F, Büyücek S, Dum D, Schlichter R, Hinsch A, Bawahab AA, Fraune C, Bernreuther C, Kluth M, Hube-Magg C, Möller K, Lutz F, Reiswich V, Luebke AM, Lebok P, Weidemann SA, Sauter G, Lennartz M, Jacobsen F, Clauditz TS, Marx AH, Simon R, Steurer S, Burandt E, Gorbokon N, Minner S, Krech T. Stimulator of Interferon Genes Protein (STING) Expression in Cancer Cells: A Tissue Microarray Study Evaluating More than 18,000 Tumors from 139 Different Tumor Entities. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2425. [PMID: 39001487 PMCID: PMC11240524 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16132425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Stimulator of interferon genes protein (STING) activates the immune response in inflammatory cells. STING expression in cancer cells is less well characterized, but STING agonists are currently being evaluated as anticancer drugs. A tissue microarray containing 18,001 samples from 139 different tumor types was analyzed for STING by immunohistochemistry. STING-positive tumor cells were found in 130 (93.5%) of 139 tumor entities. The highest STING positivity rates occurred in squamous cell carcinomas (up to 96%); malignant mesothelioma (88.5%-95.7%); adenocarcinoma of the pancreas (94.9%), lung (90.3%), cervix (90.0%), colorectum (75.2%), and gallbladder (68.8%); and serous high-grade ovarian cancer (86.0%). High STING expression was linked to adverse phenotypes in breast cancer, clear cell renal cell carcinoma, colorectal adenocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and papillary carcinoma of the thyroid (p < 0.05). In pTa urothelial carcinomas, STING expression was associated with low-grade carcinoma (p = 0.0002). Across all tumors, STING expression paralleled PD-L1 positivity of tumor and inflammatory cells (p < 0.0001 each) but was unrelated to the density of CD8+ lymphocytes. STING expression is variable across tumor types and may be related to aggressive tumor phenotype and PD-L1 positivity. The lack of relationship with tumor-infiltrating CD8+ lymphocytes argues against a significant IFN production by STING positive tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Menz
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julia Zerneke
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Florian Viehweger
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Seyma Büyücek
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - David Dum
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ria Schlichter
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Hinsch
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Christoph Fraune
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, Clinical Center Osnabrueck, 49078 Osnabrueck, Germany
| | - Christian Bernreuther
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martina Kluth
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Hube-Magg
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Möller
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Florian Lutz
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Viktor Reiswich
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas M Luebke
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Lebok
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, Clinical Center Osnabrueck, 49078 Osnabrueck, Germany
| | - Sören A Weidemann
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Guido Sauter
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Lennartz
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Frank Jacobsen
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Till S Clauditz
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas H Marx
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Pathology, Academic Hospital Fuerth, 90766 Fuerth, Germany
| | - Ronald Simon
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Steurer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eike Burandt
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Natalia Gorbokon
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Minner
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Till Krech
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, Clinical Center Osnabrueck, 49078 Osnabrueck, Germany
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9
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Yu X, Li B, Yan J, Li W, Tian H, Wang G, Zhou S, Dai Y. Cuproptotic nanoinducer-driven proteotoxic stress potentiates cancer immunotherapy by activating the mtDNA-cGAS-STING signaling. Biomaterials 2024; 307:122512. [PMID: 38430646 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122512] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Proteotoxic stress, caused by the accumulation of abnormal unfolded or misfolded cellular proteins, can efficiently activate inflammatory innate immune response. Initiating the mitochondrial proteotoxic stress might go forward to enable the cytosolic release of intramitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) for the immune-related mtDNA-cGAS-STING activation, which however is easily eliminated by a cell self-protection, i.e., mitophagy. In light of this, a nanoinducer (PCM) is reported to trigger mitophagy-inhibited cuproptotic proteotoxicity. Through a simple metal-phenolic coordination, PCMs reduce the original Cu2+ with the phenolic group of PEG-polyphenol-chlorin e6 (Ce6) into Cu+. Cu+ thereby performs its high binding affinity to dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase (DLAT) and aggregates DLAT for cuproptotic proteotoxic stress and mitochondrial respiratory inhibition. Meanwhile, intracellular oxygen saved from the respiratory failure can be utilized by PCM-conjugated Ce6 to boost the proteotoxic stress. Next, PCM-loaded mitophagy inhibitor (Mdivi-1) protects proteotoxic products from being mitophagy-eliminated, which allows more mtDNA to be released in the cytosol and successfully stimulate the cGAS-STING signaling. In vitro and in vivo studies reveal that PCMs can upregulate the tumor-infiltrated NK cells by 24% and enhance the cytotoxic killing of effector T cells. This study proposes an anti-tumor immunotherapy through mitochondrial proteotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinying Yu
- Cancer Centre and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China; MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China
| | - Bei Li
- Cancer Centre and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China; MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China.
| | - Jie Yan
- Cancer Centre and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China; MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China
| | - Wenxi Li
- Cancer Centre and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China; MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China
| | - Hao Tian
- Cancer Centre and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China; MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China
| | - Guohao Wang
- Cancer Centre and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China; MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China
| | - Songtao Zhou
- Cancer Centre and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China; MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China
| | - Yunlu Dai
- Cancer Centre and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China; MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China.
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10
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Shen J, Guillén Mancina E, Chen S, Manolakou T, Gad H, Warpman Berglund U, Sanjiv K, Helleday T. Mitotic MTH1 inhibitor TH1579 induces PD-L1 expression and inflammatory response through the cGAS-STING pathway. Oncogenesis 2024; 13:17. [PMID: 38796460 PMCID: PMC11127983 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-024-00518-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The mitotic MTH1 inhibitor TH1579 is a dual inhibitor that inhibits mitosis and incorporation of oxidative DNA damage and leads to cancer-specific cell death. The response to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment is often augmented by DNA damaging agents through the cGAS-STING pathway. This study investigates whether TH1579 can improve the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockades through its immunomodulatory properties. Various human and murine cancer cell lines were treated with mitotic MTH1i TH1579, and the expression of PD-L1 and T-cell infiltration-related chemokines was analysed by flow cytometry and real-time qPCR. Syngeneic mouse models were established to examine the combined effect of TH1579 and PD-L1 blockade. In our investigation, we found that TH1579 upregulates PD-L1 expression at both the protein and mRNA levels in human cancer cell lines. However, in murine cell lines, the increase was less pronounced. An in vivo experiment in a syngeneic mouse melanoma model showed that TH1579 treatment significantly increased the efficacy of atezolizumab, an anti-PD-L1 antibody, compared to vehicle or atezolizumab monotherapy. Furthermore, TH1579 exhibited immune-modulatory properties, elevating cytokines such as IFN-β and chemokines including CCL5 and CXCL10, in a cGAS-STING pathway-dependent manner. In conclusion, TH1579 has the potential to improve ICI treatment by modulating immune checkpoint-related proteins and pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianyu Shen
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emilio Guillén Mancina
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shenyu Chen
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Theodora Manolakou
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helge Gad
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Warpman Berglund
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Oxcia AB, Norrbackagatan 70C, 11334, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kumar Sanjiv
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thomas Helleday
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, S10 2RX, Sheffield, UK.
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11
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Turley JL, Ward RW, Huete-Carrasco J, Muñoz-Wolf N, Roche K, Jin L, Bowie A, Andersson M, Lavelle EC. Intratumoral delivery of the chitin-derived C100 adjuvant promotes robust STING, IFNAR, and CD8 + T cell-dependent anti-tumor immunity. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101560. [PMID: 38729159 PMCID: PMC11148802 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) is a promising target for adjuvants utilized in in situ cancer vaccination approaches. However, key barriers remain for clinical translation, including low cellular uptake and accessibility, STING variability necessitating personalized STING agonists, and interferon (IFN)-independent signals that can promote tumor growth. Here, we identify C100, a highly deacetylated chitin-derived polymer (HDCP), as an attractive alternative to conventional STING agonists. C100 promotes potent anti-tumor immune responses, outperforming less deacetylated HDCPs, with therapeutic efficacy dependent on STING and IFN alpha/beta receptor (IFNAR) signaling and CD8+ T cell mediators. Additionally, C100 injection synergizes with systemic checkpoint blockade targeting PD-1. Mechanistically, C100 triggers mitochondrial stress and DNA damage to exclusively activate the IFN arm of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway and elicit sustained IFNAR signaling. Altogether, these results reveal an effective STING- and IFNAR-dependent adjuvant for in situ cancer vaccines with a defined mechanism and distinct properties that overcome common limitations of existing STING therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna L Turley
- Adjuvant Research Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 R590 Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Ross W Ward
- Adjuvant Research Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 R590 Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Jorge Huete-Carrasco
- Adjuvant Research Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 R590 Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Natalia Muñoz-Wolf
- Adjuvant Research Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 R590 Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Kate Roche
- Adjuvant Research Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 R590 Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Lei Jin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Andrew Bowie
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Science Institute (TBSI), Trinity College Dublin, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mats Andersson
- Division Bioscience and Materials, RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden), Forskargatan 18, 151 36 Södertälje, Sweden
| | - Ed C Lavelle
- Adjuvant Research Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 R590 Dublin 2, Ireland; Centre for Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices (CRANN) & Advanced Materials Bio-Engineering Research Centre (AMBER), Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin 2, Ireland.
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12
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Bingham V, Harewood L, McQuaid S, Craig SG, Revolta JF, Kim CS, Srivastava S, Quezada-Marín J, Humphries MP, Salto-Tellez M. Topographic analysis of pancreatic cancer by TMA and digital spatial profiling reveals biological complexity with potential therapeutic implications. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11361. [PMID: 38762572 PMCID: PMC11102543 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62031-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most lethal human malignancies. Tissue microarrays (TMA) are an established method of high throughput biomarker interrogation in tissues but may not capture histological features of cancer with potential biological relevance. Topographic TMAs (T-TMAs) representing pathophysiological hallmarks of cancer were constructed from representative, retrospective PDAC diagnostic material, including 72 individual core tissue samples. The T-TMA was interrogated with tissue hybridization-based experiments to confirm the accuracy of the topographic sampling, expression of pro-tumourigenic and immune mediators of cancer, totalling more than 750 individual biomarker analyses. A custom designed Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) panel and a spatial distribution-specific transcriptomic evaluation were also employed. The morphological choice of the pathophysiological hallmarks of cancer was confirmed by protein-specific expression. Quantitative analysis identified topography-specific patterns of expression in the IDO/TGF-β axis; with a heterogeneous relationship of inflammation and desmoplasia across hallmark areas and a general but variable protein and gene expression of c-MET. NGS results highlighted underlying genetic heterogeneity within samples, which may have a confounding influence on the expression of a particular biomarker. T-TMAs, integrated with quantitative biomarker digital scoring, are useful tools to identify hallmark specific expression of biomarkers in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Bingham
- Precision Medicine Centre of Excellence, The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Louise Harewood
- Precision Medicine Centre of Excellence, The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Stephen McQuaid
- Precision Medicine Centre of Excellence, The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT9 7AE, UK
- Cellular Pathology, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Stephanie G Craig
- Precision Medicine Centre of Excellence, The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Julia F Revolta
- Precision Medicine Centre of Excellence, The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Chang S Kim
- Precision Medicine Centre of Excellence, The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Shambhavi Srivastava
- Precision Medicine Centre of Excellence, The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Javier Quezada-Marín
- Precision Medicine Centre of Excellence, The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Matthew P Humphries
- Precision Medicine Centre of Excellence, The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT9 7AE, UK.
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK.
- University of Leeds, St James' University Hospital, Leeds, UK.
| | - Manuel Salto-Tellez
- Precision Medicine Centre of Excellence, The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT9 7AE, UK.
- Cellular Pathology, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute for Cancer Research, London, UK.
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13
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Wu S, Wang B, Li H, Wang H, Du S, Huang X, Fan Y, Gao Y, Gu L, Huang Q, Chen J, Zhang X, Huang Y, Ma X. Targeting STING elicits GSDMD-dependent pyroptosis and boosts anti-tumor immunity in renal cell carcinoma. Oncogene 2024; 43:1534-1548. [PMID: 38548966 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03013-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024]
Abstract
While Stimulator-of-interferon genes (STING) is an innate immune adapter cruicial for sensing cytosolic DNA and modulating immune microenvironment, its tumor-promoting role in tumor survival and immune evasion remains largely unknown. Here we reported that renal cancer cells are exceptionally dependent on STING for survival and evading immunosurveillance via suppressing ER stress-mediated pyroptosis. We found that STING is significantly amplified and upregulated in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), and its elevated expression is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Mechanically, STING depletion in RCC cells specifically triggers activation of the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP pathway and activates cleavage of Caspase-8, thereby inducing GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis, which is independent of the innate immune pathway of STING. Moreover, animal study revealed that STING depletion promoted infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, consequently boosting robust antitumor immunity via pyroptosis-induced inflammation. From the perspective of targeted therapy, we found that Compound SP23, a PROTAC STING degrader, demonstrated comparable efficacy to STING depletion both in vitro and in vivo for treatment of ccRCC. These findings collectively unveiled an unforeseen function of STING in regulating GSDMD-dependent pyroptosis, thus regulating immune response in RCC. Consequently, pharmacological degradation of STING by SP23 may become an attractive strategy for treatment of advanced RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengpan Wu
- Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 100853, Beijing, China
| | - Baojun Wang
- Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 100853, Beijing, China
| | - Hongzhao Li
- Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 100853, Beijing, China
| | - Hanfeng Wang
- Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 100853, Beijing, China
| | - Songliang Du
- Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 100853, Beijing, China
| | - Xing Huang
- Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 100853, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Fan
- Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 100853, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Gao
- Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 100853, Beijing, China
| | - Liangyou Gu
- Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 100853, Beijing, China
| | - Qingbo Huang
- Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 100853, Beijing, China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 100853, Beijing, China.
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 100853, Beijing, China.
| | - Xin Ma
- Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 100853, Beijing, China.
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14
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Baxter MA, Spender LC, Cairns D, Walsh S, Oparka R, Porter RJ, Bray S, Skinner G, King S, Turbitt J, Collinson D, Miedzybrodzka ZH, Jellema G, Logan G, Kennedy RD, Turkington RC, McLean MH, Swinson D, Grabsch HI, Lord S, Seymour MJ, Hall PS, Petty RD. An investigation of the clinical impact and therapeutic relevance of a DNA damage immune response (DDIR) signature in patients with advanced gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. ESMO Open 2024; 9:103450. [PMID: 38744099 PMCID: PMC11108838 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2024.103450] [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: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An improved understanding of which gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GOA) patients respond to both chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) is needed. We investigated the predictive role and underlying biology of a 44-gene DNA damage immune response (DDIR) signature in patients with advanced GOA. MATERIALS AND METHODS Transcriptional profiling was carried out on pretreatment tissue from 252 GOA patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy (three dose levels) within the randomized phase III GO2 trial. Cross-validation was carried out in two independent GOA cohorts with transcriptional profiling, immune cell immunohistochemistry and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) (n = 430). RESULTS In the GO2 trial, DDIR-positive tumours had a greater radiological response (51.7% versus 28.5%, P = 0.022) and improved overall survival in a dose-dependent manner (P = 0.028). DDIR positivity was associated with a pretreatment inflamed tumour microenvironment (TME) and increased expression of biomarkers associated with ICI response such as CD274 (programmed death-ligand 1, PD-L1) and a microsatellite instability RNA signature. Consensus pathway analysis identified EGFR as a potential key determinant of the DDIR signature. EGFR amplification was associated with DDIR negativity and an immune cold TME. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate the importance of the GOA TME in chemotherapy response, its relationship to DNA damage repair and EGFR as a targetable driver of an immune cold TME. Chemotherapy-sensitive inflamed GOAs could benefit from ICI delivered in combination with standard chemotherapy. Combining EGFR inhibitors and ICIs warrants further investigation in patients with EGFR-amplified tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Baxter
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee; Tayside Cancer Centre, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, NHS Tayside, Dundee.
| | - L C Spender
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee
| | - D Cairns
- Leeds Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit, Leeds Institute of Clinical Trials Research, University of Leeds, Leeds
| | - S Walsh
- Department of Pathology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, NHS Tayside, Dundee
| | - R Oparka
- Department of Pathology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, NHS Tayside, Dundee
| | - R J Porter
- Department of Pathology, CRUK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh
| | - S Bray
- Tayside Biorepository, University of Dundee, Dundee
| | - G Skinner
- Tayside Biorepository, University of Dundee, Dundee
| | - S King
- Tayside Biorepository, University of Dundee, Dundee
| | - J Turbitt
- Genetics and Molecular Pathology Laboratory Services, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen
| | - D Collinson
- Genetics and Molecular Pathology Laboratory Services, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen
| | - Z H Miedzybrodzka
- Genetics and Molecular Pathology Laboratory Services, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen; School of Medicine, Medical Sciences, Nutrition and Dentistry, Polwarth Building, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen
| | - G Jellema
- Almac Diagnostic Services, Craigavon
| | - G Logan
- Almac Diagnostic Services, Craigavon
| | - R D Kennedy
- Almac Diagnostic Services, Craigavon; Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast
| | - R C Turkington
- Almac Diagnostic Services, Craigavon; Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast
| | - M H McLean
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee; Tayside Cancer Centre, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, NHS Tayside, Dundee
| | - D Swinson
- St James's University Hospital, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - H I Grabsch
- Department of Pathology, GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Division of Pathology and Data Analytics, Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's University, University of Leeds, Leeds
| | - S Lord
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford
| | - M J Seymour
- Leeds Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit, Leeds Institute of Clinical Trials Research, University of Leeds, Leeds; St James's University Hospital, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - P S Hall
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, UK
| | - R D Petty
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee; Tayside Cancer Centre, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, NHS Tayside, Dundee.
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15
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Ma J, Xin Y, Wang Q, Ding L. Roles of cGAS-STING Pathway in Radiotherapy Combined with Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2024; 23:447-453. [PMID: 38049087 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Although great strides have been made in the management and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), its prognosis is still poor yielding a high mortality. Immunotherapy is recommended for treating advanced HCC, but its efficiency is hampered because of hepatic immunosuppression. Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway, serving as a critical cytoplasmic DNA-sensing process, is reported to initiate the antitumor immune response, and link the innate immunity to the adaptive immune system. Radiotherapy has been well acknowledged to induce destruction and release of tumor-derived DNA into the cytoplasm, which then activates the cGAS-STING pathway. On this basis, radiotherapy can be used as a sensitizer for immunotherapy, and its combination with immunotherapy may bring in changes to the suboptimal efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy. In this review, we summarized the roles of cGAS-STING pathway in regulation of radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy for treating HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianing Ma
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Yuning Xin
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Lijuan Ding
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, P.R. China
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16
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Hong W, Zhang Y, Wang S, Li Z, Zheng D, Hsu S, Zhou J, Fan J, Chen Z, Xia X, Zeng Z, Gao Q, Yu M, Du S. RECQL4 Inhibits Radiation-Induced Tumor Immune Awakening via Suppressing the cGAS-STING Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308009. [PMID: 38381090 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308009] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Many patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) respond poorly to radiotherapy despite remarkable advances in treatment. A deeper insight into the mechanism of sensitivity of HCC to this therapy is urgently required. It is demonstrated that RECQL4 is upregulated in the malignant cells of patients with HCC. Elevated RECQL4 levels reduce the sensitivity of HCC to radiotherapy by repairing radiation-induced double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) fragments. Mechanistically, the inhibitory effect of RECQL4 on radiotherapy is due to the reduced recruitment of dendritic cells and CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). RECQL4 disrupts the radiation-induced transformation of the TME into a tumoricidal niche by inhibiting the cGAS-STING pathway in dendritic cells. Knocking out STING in dendritic cells can block the impact of RECQL4 on HCC radiosensitivity. Notably, high RECQL4 expressions in HCC is significantly associated with poor prognosis in multiple independent cohorts. In conclusion, this study highlights how HCC-derived RECQL4 disrupts cGAS-STING pathway activation in dendritic cells through DNA repair, thus reducing the radiosensitivity of HCC. These findings provide new perspectives on the clinical treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weifeng Hong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Siwei Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Zongjuan Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Danxue Zheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Shujung Hsu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Jia Fan
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Zhesheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences; Institute for Biotechnology, St. John's University, Queens, New York, NY10003, USA
| | - Xiaojun Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Zhaochong Zeng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Qiang Gao
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Min Yu
- Department of Pancreas Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510000, China
| | - Shisuo Du
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
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17
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Saldajeno DP, Kawaoka S, Masuda N, Tanaka S, Bando H, Nishimura T, Kadoya T, Yamanaka T, Imoto S, Velaga RM, Tamura N, Aruga T, Ikeda K, Fukui Y, Maeshima Y, Takada M, Suzuki E, Ueno T, Ogawa S, Haga H, Ohno S, Morita S, Kawaguchi K, Toi M. Time-series blood cytokine profiles correlate with treatment responses in triple-negative breast cancer patients. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:1023-1035. [PMID: 38238427 PMCID: PMC10951271 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02527-0] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most heterogeneous breast cancer subtype. Partly due to its heterogeneity, it is currently challenging to stratify TNBC patients and predict treatment outcomes. METHODS In this study, we examined blood cytokine profiles of TNBC patients throughout treatments (pre-treatment, during chemotherapy, pre-surgery, and 1 year after the surgery in a total of 294 samples). We analyzed the obtained cytokine datasets using weighted correlation network analyses, protein-protein interaction analyses, and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS We identified five cytokines that correlate with good clinical outcomes: interleukin (IL)-1α, TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), Stem Cell Factor (SCF), Chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5 also known as RANTES), and IL-16. The expression of these cytokines was decreased during chemotherapy and then restored after the treatment. Importantly, patients with good clinical outcomes had constitutively high expression of these cytokines during treatments. Protein-protein interaction analyses implicated that these five cytokines promote an immune response. Logistic regression analyses revealed that IL-1α and TRAIL expression levels at pre-treatment could predict treatment outcomes in our cohort. CONCLUSION We concluded that time-series cytokine profiles in breast cancer patients may be useful for understanding immune cell activity during treatment and for predicting treatment outcomes, supporting precision medicine. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study has been registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry ( http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index-j.htm ) with the unique trial number UMIN000023162. The association Japan Breast Cancer Research Group trial number is JBCRG-22. The clinical outcome of the JBCRG-22 study was published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment on 25 March 2021. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-021-06184-w .
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Affiliation(s)
- Don Pietro Saldajeno
- Inter-Organ Communication Research Team, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
- Mathematical Informatics Laboratory, Division of Information Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayama-cho, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0192, Japan
| | - Shinpei Kawaoka
- Inter-Organ Communication Research Team, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
- Department of Integrative Bioanalytics, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Norikazu Masuda
- Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Sunao Tanaka
- Department of Breast Surgery, Kyoto University Hospital, Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Hiroko Bando
- Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Tomomi Nishimura
- Department of Breast Surgery, Kyoto University Hospital, Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
- Department of Next-generation Clinical Genomic Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
- Department of Pathology and Tumor Biology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Takayuki Kadoya
- Department of Breast Surgery, Shimane University Hospital, Enyacho 89-1, Izumo, Shimane, 693-0021, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamanaka
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, Kanagawa Cancer Center, 2-3-2 Nakano, Asahi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 241-8515, Japan
| | - Shigeru Imoto
- Department of Breast Surgery, Kyorin University Hospital, 6-20-2 Shinkawa, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo, 181-8611, Japan
| | - Ravindranath M Velaga
- Department of Breast Surgery, Kyoto University Hospital, Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Nobuko Tamura
- Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Toranomon Hospital, 2-2-2 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8470, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Aruga
- Department of Breast Surgery, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center Komagome Hospital, 3-18-22 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8677, Japan
| | - Kazushi Ikeda
- Mathematical Informatics Laboratory, Division of Information Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayama-cho, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0192, Japan
| | - Yukiko Fukui
- Department of Breast Surgery, Kyoto University Hospital, Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yurina Maeshima
- Department of Breast Surgery, Kyoto University Hospital, Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Masahiro Takada
- Department of Breast Surgery, Kyoto University Hospital, Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Eiji Suzuki
- Department of Breast Surgery, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, 2-1-1 Minatojimaminamimachi Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Takayuki Ueno
- Breast Surgical Oncology, The Cancer Institute Hospital of JFCR, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Seishi Ogawa
- Department of Pathology and Tumor Biology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
- Department of Pathology and Tumor Biology, Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (WPI-ASHBi), Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Hironori Haga
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kyoto University Hospital, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Shinji Ohno
- Breast Oncology Center, The Cancer Institute Hospital of JFCR, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Satoshi Morita
- Department of Biomedical Statistics and Bioinformatics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Kosuke Kawaguchi
- Department of Breast Surgery, Kyoto University Hospital, Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
| | - Masakazu Toi
- Department of Breast Surgery, Kyoto University Hospital, Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
- Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Disease Center, Komagome Hospital, 3-18-22, Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8677, Japan.
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18
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Li Q, Wu P, Du Q, Hanif U, Hu H, Li K. cGAS-STING, an important signaling pathway in diseases and their therapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e511. [PMID: 38525112 PMCID: PMC10960729 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Since cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway was discovered in 2013, great progress has been made to elucidate the origin, function, and regulating mechanism of cGAS-STING signaling pathway in the past decade. Meanwhile, the triggering and transduction mechanisms have been continuously illuminated. cGAS-STING plays a key role in human diseases, particularly DNA-triggered inflammatory diseases, making it a potentially effective therapeutic target for inflammation-related diseases. Here, we aim to summarize the ancient origin of the cGAS-STING defense mechanism, as well as the triggers, transduction, and regulating mechanisms of the cGAS-STING. We will also focus on the important roles of cGAS-STING signal under pathological conditions, such as infections, cancers, autoimmune diseases, neurological diseases, and visceral inflammations, and review the progress in drug development targeting cGAS-STING signaling pathway. The main directions and potential obstacles in the regulating mechanism research and therapeutic drug development of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway for inflammatory diseases and cancers will be discussed. These research advancements expand our understanding of cGAS-STING, provide a theoretical basis for further exploration of the roles of cGAS-STING in diseases, and open up new strategies for targeting cGAS-STING as a promising therapeutic intervention in multiple diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qijie Li
- Sichuan province Medical and Engineering Interdisciplinary Research Center of Nursing & Materials/Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan ProvinceWest China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of NursingSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Ping Wu
- Department of Occupational DiseasesThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College (China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital)ChengduSichuanChina
| | - Qiujing Du
- Sichuan province Medical and Engineering Interdisciplinary Research Center of Nursing & Materials/Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan ProvinceWest China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of NursingSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Ullah Hanif
- Sichuan province Medical and Engineering Interdisciplinary Research Center of Nursing & Materials/Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan ProvinceWest China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of NursingSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Hongbo Hu
- Center for Immunology and HematologyState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Ka Li
- Sichuan province Medical and Engineering Interdisciplinary Research Center of Nursing & Materials/Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan ProvinceWest China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of NursingSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
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19
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Lu Y, Zhao M, Chen L, Wang Y, Liu T, Liu H. cGAS: action in the nucleus. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1380517. [PMID: 38515746 PMCID: PMC10954897 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1380517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
As a canonical cytoplasmic DNA sensor, cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) plays a key role in innate immunity. In recent years, a growing number of studies have shown that cGAS can also be located in the nucleus and plays new functions such as regulating DNA damage repair, nuclear membrane repair, chromosome fusion, DNA replication, angiogenesis and other non-canonical functions. Meanwhile, the mechanisms underlying the nucleo-cytoplasmic transport and the regulation of cGAS activation have been revealed in recent years. Based on the current understanding of the structure, subcellular localization and canonical functions of cGAS, this review focuses on summarizing the mechanisms underlying nucleo-cytoplasmic transport, activity regulation and non-canonical functions of cGAS in the nucleus. We aim to provide insights into exploring the new functions of cGAS in the nucleus and advance its clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yikai Lu
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengmeng Zhao
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Li Chen
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianhao Liu
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haipeng Liu
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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20
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De Santis P, Perrone M, Guarini C, Santoro AN, Laface C, Carrozzo D, Oliva GR, Fedele P. Early-stage triple negative breast cancer: the therapeutic role of immunotherapy and the prognostic value of pathological complete response. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2024; 5:232-250. [PMID: 38464390 PMCID: PMC10918232 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2024.00215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents an aggressive disease associated with a high risk of recurrence after curative treatment and a poor prognosis in the metastatic setting. Chemotherapy was for years the only treatment available in the early and metastatic setting, due to the lack of actionable targets. Clinical practice has changed following the results obtained with the addition of immunotherapy to standard chemotherapy, the development of novel drugs [i.e. antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs)], and the use of targeted treatments for patients carrying germline pathogenic breast cancer susceptibility genes (BRCA) 1 or BRCA 2 variants. The treatment of early-stage disease has had a shift in clinical practice since July 2021, after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of pembrolizumab in association with chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment for TNBC and as a single agent in the subsequent adjuvant setting. This intensive treatment based on the combination of a poly-chemotherapy and an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) led to the improvement of short- and long-term outcomes, but it has highlighted some new unmet clinical needs in the treatment of early-stage TNBC: the selection of the most effective adjuvant therapy and the integration of pembrolizumab with other therapeutic strategies [capecitabine, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors] based on the achievement of pathologic complete response (pCR); the identification of predictive biomarkers to select patients who could most benefit from the addition of ICI, to minimize toxicities and to maximize outcomes; the possibility of de-escalating chemotherapy in favor of immune-combo or novel agents, such as ADCs; the role of immunotherapy in estrogen receptor (ER)-low patients. The advent of immunotherapy not only addresses current challenges in TNBC treatment but also holds the promise of a radical transformation in its therapeutic paradigm, enhancing significantly clinical outcomes and offering new perspectives for patients grappling with this aggressive form of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierluigi De Santis
- Oncology Unit, Francavilla Fontana Ceglie Messapica Hospital District, 72021 Francavilla Fontana, Italy
| | - Martina Perrone
- Oncology Unit, Francavilla Fontana Ceglie Messapica Hospital District, 72021 Francavilla Fontana, Italy
| | - Chiara Guarini
- Oncology Unit, Francavilla Fontana Ceglie Messapica Hospital District, 72021 Francavilla Fontana, Italy
| | - Anna Natalizia Santoro
- Oncology Unit, Francavilla Fontana Ceglie Messapica Hospital District, 72021 Francavilla Fontana, Italy
| | - Carmelo Laface
- Oncology Unit, Francavilla Fontana Ceglie Messapica Hospital District, 72021 Francavilla Fontana, Italy
| | - Daniela Carrozzo
- Oncology Unit, Francavilla Fontana Ceglie Messapica Hospital District, 72021 Francavilla Fontana, Italy
| | - Gaia Rachele Oliva
- Department of Medicine and Translational Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Palma Fedele
- Oncology Unit, Francavilla Fontana Ceglie Messapica Hospital District, 72021 Francavilla Fontana, Italy
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21
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Mecca M, Picerno S, Cortellino S. The Killer's Web: Interconnection between Inflammation, Epigenetics and Nutrition in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2750. [PMID: 38473997 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is a key contributor to both the initiation and progression of tumors, and it can be triggered by genetic instability within tumors, as well as by lifestyle and dietary factors. The inflammatory response plays a critical role in the genetic and epigenetic reprogramming of tumor cells, as well as in the cells that comprise the tumor microenvironment. Cells in the microenvironment acquire a phenotype that promotes immune evasion, progression, and metastasis. We will review the mechanisms and pathways involved in the interaction between tumors, inflammation, and nutrition, the limitations of current therapies, and discuss potential future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisabel Mecca
- Laboratory of Preclinical and Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), 85028 Rionero in Vulture, PZ, Italy
| | - Simona Picerno
- Laboratory of Preclinical and Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), 85028 Rionero in Vulture, PZ, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cortellino
- Laboratory of Preclinical and Translational Research, Responsible Research Hospital, 86100 Campobasso, CB, Italy
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale (SSM), Clinical and Translational Oncology, 80138 Naples, NA, Italy
- S.H.R.O. Italia Foundation ETS, 10060 Candiolo, TO, Italy
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22
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Mavroeidi D, Georganta A, Panagiotou E, Syrigos K, Souliotis VL. Targeting ATR Pathway in Solid Tumors: Evidence of Improving Therapeutic Outcomes. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2767. [PMID: 38474014 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The DNA damage response (DDR) system is a complicated network of signaling pathways that detects and repairs DNA damage or induces apoptosis. Critical regulators of the DDR network include the DNA damage kinases ataxia telangiectasia mutated Rad3-related kinase (ATR) and ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM). The ATR pathway coordinates processes such as replication stress response, stabilization of replication forks, cell cycle arrest, and DNA repair. ATR inhibition disrupts these functions, causing a reduction of DNA repair, accumulation of DNA damage, replication fork collapse, inappropriate mitotic entry, and mitotic catastrophe. Recent data have shown that the inhibition of ATR can lead to synthetic lethality in ATM-deficient malignancies. In addition, ATR inhibition plays a significant role in the activation of the immune system by increasing the tumor mutational burden and neoantigen load as well as by triggering the accumulation of cytosolic DNA and subsequently inducing the cGAS-STING pathway and the type I IFN response. Taken together, we review stimulating data showing that ATR kinase inhibition can alter the DDR network, the immune system, and their interplay and, therefore, potentially provide a novel strategy to improve the efficacy of antitumor therapy, using ATR inhibitors as monotherapy or in combination with genotoxic drugs and/or immunomodulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitra Mavroeidi
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 116 35 Athens, Greece
- Third Department of Medicine, Sotiria General Hospital for Chest Diseases, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Georganta
- Third Department of Medicine, Sotiria General Hospital for Chest Diseases, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Panagiotou
- Third Department of Medicine, Sotiria General Hospital for Chest Diseases, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Syrigos
- Third Department of Medicine, Sotiria General Hospital for Chest Diseases, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Vassilis L Souliotis
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 116 35 Athens, Greece
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23
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Hardaker EL, Sanseviero E, Karmokar A, Taylor D, Milo M, Michaloglou C, Hughes A, Mai M, King M, Solanki A, Magiera L, Miragaia R, Kar G, Standifer N, Surace M, Gill S, Peter A, Talbot S, Tohumeken S, Fryer H, Mostafa A, Mulgrew K, Lam C, Hoffmann S, Sutton D, Carnevalli L, Calero-Nieto FJ, Jones GN, Pierce AJ, Wilson Z, Campbell D, Nyoni L, Martins CP, Baker T, Serrano de Almeida G, Ramlaoui Z, Bidar A, Phillips B, Boland J, Iyer S, Barrett JC, Loembé AB, Fuchs SY, Duvvuri U, Lou PJ, Nance MA, Gomez Roca CA, Cadogan E, Critichlow SE, Fawell S, Cobbold M, Dean E, Valge-Archer V, Lau A, Gabrilovich DI, Barry ST. The ATR inhibitor ceralasertib potentiates cancer checkpoint immunotherapy by regulating the tumor microenvironment. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1700. [PMID: 38402224 PMCID: PMC10894296 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45996-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The Ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) inhibitor ceralasertib in combination with the PD-L1 antibody durvalumab demonstrated encouraging clinical benefit in melanoma and lung cancer patients who progressed on immunotherapy. Here we show that modelling of intermittent ceralasertib treatment in mouse tumor models reveals CD8+ T-cell dependent antitumor activity, which is separate from the effects on tumor cells. Ceralasertib suppresses proliferating CD8+ T-cells on treatment which is rapidly reversed off-treatment. Ceralasertib causes up-regulation of type I interferon (IFNI) pathway in cancer patients and in tumor-bearing mice. IFNI is experimentally found to be a major mediator of antitumor activity of ceralasertib in combination with PD-L1 antibody. Improvement of T-cell function after ceralasertib treatment is linked to changes in myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment. IFNI also promotes anti-proliferative effects of ceralasertib on tumor cells. Here, we report that broad immunomodulatory changes following intermittent ATR inhibition underpins the clinical therapeutic benefit and indicates its wider impact on antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Devon Taylor
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, USA
| | - Marta Milo
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Mimi Mai
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Gozde Kar
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nathan Standifer
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, USA
- Tempest Therapeutics, Brisbane, CA, USA
| | | | - Shaan Gill
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Ali Mostafa
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, USA
| | - Kathy Mulgrew
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, USA
| | | | | | - Daniel Sutton
- Imaging and Data Analytics, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | - Andrew J Pierce
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
- Crescendo Biologics Limited, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Abdel Bidar
- CPSS, Imaging, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Benjamin Phillips
- Data Sciences & Quantitative Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Joseph Boland
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, USA
| | - Sonia Iyer
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Serge Y Fuchs
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Umamaheswar Duvvuri
- UPMC Department of Otolaryngology and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, 200 Lothrop St. Suite 500, Pittsburg, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Pei-Jen Lou
- National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 7, Chung Shan S. Rd. (Zhongshan S. Rd.), Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City, 10002, Taiwan
| | - Melonie A Nance
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, University Drive C, Pittsburg, PA, 15240, USA
| | - Carlos Alberto Gomez Roca
- Institut Claudius Regaud-Cancer Comprehensive Center, 1 Avenue Irene Joliot-Curie, IUCT-O, Toulouse, 31059 Cedex 9, France
| | | | | | | | - Mark Cobbold
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, USA
| | - Emma Dean
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Alan Lau
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
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24
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Papavassiliou KA, Sofianidi AA, Gogou VA, Anagnostopoulos N, Papavassiliou AG. P53 and Rb Aberrations in Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC): From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Modulation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2479. [PMID: 38473726 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The genes coding for the tumor suppressors p53 and retinoblastoma (Rb) are inactivated in the vast majority of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) tumors. Data support the notion that these two deleterious genetic events represent the initial steps in the development of SCLC, making them essential for a lung epithelial cell to progress toward the acquisition of a malignant phenotype. With the loss of TP53 and RB1, their broad tumor suppressive functions are eliminated and a normal cell is able to proliferate indefinitely, escape entering into cellular senescence, and evade death, no matter the damage it has experienced. Within this setting, lung epithelial cells accumulate further oncogenic mutations and are well on their way to becoming SCLC cells. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of these genetic lesions and their effects within lung epithelial cells is of paramount importance, in order to tackle this aggressive and deadly lung cancer. The present review summarizes the current knowledge on p53 and Rb aberrations, their biological significance, and their prospective therapeutic potential, highlighting completed and ongoing clinical trials with agents that target downstream pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kostas A Papavassiliou
- First University Department of Respiratory Medicine, 'Sotiria' Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Amalia A Sofianidi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Vassiliki A Gogou
- First University Department of Respiratory Medicine, 'Sotiria' Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Nektarios Anagnostopoulos
- First University Department of Respiratory Medicine, 'Sotiria' Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios G Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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25
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Leuzzi G, Vasciaveo A, Taglialatela A, Chen X, Firestone TM, Hickman AR, Mao W, Thakar T, Vaitsiankova A, Huang JW, Cuella-Martin R, Hayward SB, Kesner JS, Ghasemzadeh A, Nambiar TS, Ho P, Rialdi A, Hebrard M, Li Y, Gao J, Gopinath S, Adeleke OA, Venters BJ, Drake CG, Baer R, Izar B, Guccione E, Keogh MC, Guerois R, Sun L, Lu C, Califano A, Ciccia A. SMARCAL1 is a dual regulator of innate immune signaling and PD-L1 expression that promotes tumor immune evasion. Cell 2024; 187:861-881.e32. [PMID: 38301646 PMCID: PMC10980358 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Genomic instability can trigger cancer-intrinsic innate immune responses that promote tumor rejection. However, cancer cells often evade these responses by overexpressing immune checkpoint regulators, such as PD-L1. Here, we identify the SNF2-family DNA translocase SMARCAL1 as a factor that favors tumor immune evasion by a dual mechanism involving both the suppression of innate immune signaling and the induction of PD-L1-mediated immune checkpoint responses. Mechanistically, SMARCAL1 limits endogenous DNA damage, thereby suppressing cGAS-STING-dependent signaling during cancer cell growth. Simultaneously, it cooperates with the AP-1 family member JUN to maintain chromatin accessibility at a PD-L1 transcriptional regulatory element, thereby promoting PD-L1 expression in cancer cells. SMARCAL1 loss hinders the ability of tumor cells to induce PD-L1 in response to genomic instability, enhances anti-tumor immune responses and sensitizes tumors to immune checkpoint blockade in a mouse melanoma model. Collectively, these studies uncover SMARCAL1 as a promising target for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Leuzzi
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Alessandro Vasciaveo
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Angelo Taglialatela
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Xiao Chen
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | | | - Wendy Mao
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Tanay Thakar
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Alina Vaitsiankova
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jen-Wei Huang
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Raquel Cuella-Martin
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Samuel B Hayward
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jordan S Kesner
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Ali Ghasemzadeh
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Tarun S Nambiar
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Patricia Ho
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Alexander Rialdi
- Center for OncoGenomics and Innovative Therapeutics (COGIT), Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Department of Oncological Sciences and Pharmacological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Maxime Hebrard
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yinglu Li
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jinmei Gao
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | | | | | | | - Charles G Drake
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Urology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Richard Baer
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Benjamin Izar
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Ernesto Guccione
- Center for OncoGenomics and Innovative Therapeutics (COGIT), Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Department of Oncological Sciences and Pharmacological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | | | - Raphael Guerois
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Lu Sun
- EpiCypher Inc., Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Chao Lu
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Andrea Califano
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Alberto Ciccia
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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26
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Kanev PB, Atemin A, Stoynov S, Aleksandrov R. PARP1 roles in DNA repair and DNA replication: The basi(c)s of PARP inhibitor efficacy and resistance. Semin Oncol 2024; 51:2-18. [PMID: 37714792 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2023.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Genome integrity is under constant insult from endogenous and exogenous sources. In order to cope, eukaryotic cells have evolved an elaborate network of DNA repair that can deal with diverse lesion types and exhibits considerable functional redundancy. PARP1 is a major sensor of DNA breaks with established and putative roles in a number of pathways within the DNA repair network, including repair of single- and double-strand breaks as well as protection of the DNA replication fork. Importantly, PARP1 is the major target of small-molecule PARP inhibitors (PARPi), which are employed in the treatment of homologous recombination (HR)-deficient tumors, as the latter are particularly susceptible to the accumulation of DNA damage due to an inability to efficiently repair highly toxic double-strand DNA breaks. The clinical success of PARPi has fostered extensive research into PARP biology, which has shed light on the involvement of PARP1 in various genomic transactions. A major goal within the field has been to understand the relationship between catalytic inhibition and PARP1 trapping. The specific consequences of inhibition and trapping on genomic stability as a basis for the cytotoxicity of PARP inhibitors remain a matter of debate. Finally, PARP inhibition is increasingly recognized for its capacity to elicit/modulate anti-tumor immunity. The clinical potential of PARP inhibition is, however, hindered by the development of resistance. Hence, extensive efforts are invested in identifying factors that promote resistance or sensitize cells to PARPi. The current review provides a summary of advances in our understanding of PARP1 biology, the mechanistic nature, and molecular consequences of PARP inhibition, as well as the mechanisms that give rise to PARPi resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petar-Bogomil Kanev
- Laboratory of Genomic Stability, Institute of Molecular Biology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Aleksandar Atemin
- Laboratory of Genomic Stability, Institute of Molecular Biology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Stoyno Stoynov
- Laboratory of Genomic Stability, Institute of Molecular Biology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Radoslav Aleksandrov
- Laboratory of Genomic Stability, Institute of Molecular Biology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria.
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Li Y, Gan X, Li F, Hu L. The Putative Effects of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy on the Immune System of Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma. Immunol Invest 2024; 53:91-114. [PMID: 37987679 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2023.2284885] [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] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) is one of leading causes of cancer-related mortality in females. For some patients, complete resection cannot be achieved, thus neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) following interval debulking surgery (IDS) could be an alternative choice. In general-held belief, cytotoxic chemotherapy is assumed to be immunosuppressive, because of its toxicity to dividing cells in the bone marrow and peripheral lymphoid tissues. However, increasing evidence highlighted that the anticancer activity of chemotherapy may also be related to its ability to act as an immune modulator. NACT not only changed the morphology of cancer cells, but also changed the transcriptomic and genomic profile of EOC, induced proliferation of cancer stem-like cells, gene mutation, and tumor-related adaptive immune response. This review will provide a comprehensive overview of recent studies evaluating the impact of NACT on cancer cells and immune system of advanced EOC and their relationship to clinical outcome. This information could help us understand the change of immune system during NACT, which might provide new strategies in future investigation of immuno-therapy for maintenance treatment of EOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyun Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yongchuan District, Chongqing, PR China
- Department of Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Nanan District, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Xiaoling Gan
- Department of Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Nanan District, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Fei Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yongchuan District, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Lina Hu
- Department of Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Nanan District, Chongqing, PR China
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28
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Khorasani M, Alaei M. cGAS-STING and PD1/PDL-1 pathway in breast cancer: a window to new therapies. J Recept Signal Transduct Res 2024; 44:1-7. [PMID: 38470108 DOI: 10.1080/10799893.2024.2325353] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a complex malignancy with diverse molecular and cellular subtypes and clinical outcomes. Despite advances in treatment, breast cancer remains a significant health challenge. However, recent advances in cancer immunotherapy have shown promising results in the treatment of breast cancer, particularly the use of inhibitors that target the immune checkpoint PD1/PDL1. Also, the cGAS-STING pathway, an important part of the innate immune response, has been considered as a major potential therapeutic target for breast cancer. In this narrative review, we provide an overview of the cGAS-STING and PD1/PDL-1 pathway in breast cancer, including their role in tumor development, progression, and response to treatment. We also discuss potential future directions for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Khorasani
- Healthy Ageing Research Centre, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
| | - Maryam Alaei
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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29
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Verma N, Renauer PA, Dong C, Xin S, Lin Q, Zhang F, Glazer PM, Chen S. Genome scale CRISPR screens identify actin capping proteins as key modulators of therapeutic responses to radiation and immunotherapy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.14.575614. [PMID: 38293095 PMCID: PMC10827061 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.14.575614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT), is a fundamental treatment for malignant tumors and is used in over half of cancer patients. As radiation can promote anti-tumor immune effects, a promising therapeutic strategy is to combine radiation with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, the genetic determinants that impact therapeutic response in the context of combination therapy with radiation and ICI have not been systematically investigated. To unbiasedly identify the tumor intrinsic genetic factors governing such responses, we perform a set of genome-scale CRISPR screens in melanoma cells for cancer survival in response to low-dose genotoxic radiation treatment, in the context of CD8 T cell co-culture and with anti-PD1 checkpoint blockade antibody. Two actin capping proteins, Capza3 and Capg, emerge as top hits that upon inactivation promote the survival of melanoma cells in such settings. Capza3 and Capg knockouts (KOs) in mouse and human cancer cells display persistent DNA damage due to impaired homology directed repair (HDR); along with increased radiation, chemotherapy, and DNA repair inhibitor sensitivity. However, when cancer cells with these genes inactivated were exposed to sublethal radiation, inactivation of such actin capping protein promotes activation of the STING pathway, induction of inhibitory CEACAM1 ligand expression and resistance to CD8 T cell killing. Patient cancer genomics analysis reveals an increased mutational burden in patients with inactivating mutations in CAPG and/or CAPZA3, at levels comparable to other HDR associated genes. There is also a positive correlation between CAPG expression and activation of immune related pathways and CD8 T cell tumor infiltration. Our results unveil the critical roles of actin binding proteins for efficient HDR within cancer cells and demonstrate a previously unrecognized regulatory mechanism of therapeutic response to radiation and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nipun Verma
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Paul A. Renauer
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Chuanpeng Dong
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Shan Xin
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Qianqian Lin
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Feifei Zhang
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Peter M. Glazer
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sidi Chen
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- System Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Immunobiology Program, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development Program, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Yale Center for Biomedical Data Science, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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30
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Alotaibi F, Alshammari K, Alotaibi BA, Alsaab H. Destabilizing the genome as a therapeutic strategy to enhance response to immune checkpoint blockade: a systematic review of clinical trials evidence from solid and hematological tumors. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1280591. [PMID: 38264532 PMCID: PMC10803447 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1280591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Genomic instability is increased alterations in the genome during cell division and is common among most cancer cells. Genome instability enhances the risk of initial carcinogenic transformation, generating new clones of tumor cells, and increases tumor heterogeneity. Although genome instability contributes to malignancy, it is also an "Achilles' heel" that constitutes a therapeutically-exploitable weakness-when sufficiently advanced, it can intrinsically reduce tumor cell survival by creating DNA damage and mutation events that overwhelm the capacity of cancer cells to repair those lesions. Furthermore, it can contribute to extrinsic survival-reducing events by generating mutations that encode new immunogenic antigens capable of being recognized by the immune system, particularly when anti-tumor immunity is boosted by immunotherapy drugs. Here, we describe how genome-destabilization can induce immune activation in cancer patients and systematically review the induction of genome instability exploited clinically, in combination with immune checkpoint blockade. Methods: We performed a systematic review of clinical trials that exploited the combination approach to successfully treat cancers patients. We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Clinicaltrials.gov, and publication from the reference list of related articles. The most relevant inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed clinical trials published in English. Results: We identified 1,490 studies, among those 164 were clinical trials. A total of 37 clinical trials satisfied the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. The main outcome measurements were overall survival and progression-free survival. The majority of the clinical trials (30 out of 37) showed a significant improvement in patient outcome. Conclusion: The majority of the included clinical trials reported the efficacy of the concept of targeting DNA repair pathway, in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors, to create a "ring of synergy" to treat cancer with rational combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faizah Alotaibi
- College of Science and Health Professions, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Alahsa, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kanaan Alshammari
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Oncology Department, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Badi A. Alotaibi
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hashem Alsaab
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
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31
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Chen M, Yu S, van der Sluis T, Zwager MC, Schröder CP, van der Vegt B, van Vugt MATM. cGAS-STING pathway expression correlates with genomic instability and immune cell infiltration in breast cancer. NPJ Breast Cancer 2024; 10:1. [PMID: 38167507 PMCID: PMC10761738 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-023-00609-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Genomic instability, as caused by oncogene-induced replication stress, can lead to the activation of inflammatory signaling, involving the cGAS-STING and JAK-STAT pathways. Inflammatory signaling has been associated with pro-tumorigenic features, but also with favorable response to treatment, including to immune checkpoint inhibition. In this study, we aim to explore relations between inflammatory signaling, markers of replication stress, and immune cell infiltration in breast cancer. Expression levels of cGAS-STING signaling components (STING, phospho-TBK1, and phospho-STAT1), replication stress markers (γH2AX and pRPA), replication stress-related proto-oncogenes (Cyclin E1 and c-Myc) and immune cell markers (CD20, CD4, and CD57) are determined immunohistochemically on primary breast cancer samples (n = 380). RNA-sequencing data from TCGA (n = 1082) and METABRIC (n = 1904) are used to calculate cGAS-STING scores. pTBK1, pSTAT1 expression and cGAS-STING pathway scores are all increased in triple-negative breast cancers compared to other subtypes. Expression of γH2AX, pRPA, Cyclin E1, c-Myc, and immune cell infiltration positively correlate with p-STAT1 expression (P < 0.001). Additionally, we observe significant positive associations between expression of pTBK1 and γH2AX, pRPA, c-Myc, and number of CD4+ cells and CD20+ cells. Also, cGAS-STING scores are correlated with genomic instability metrics, such as homologous recombination deficiency (P < 0.001) and tumor mutational burden (P < 0.01). Moreover, data from the I-SPY2 clinical trial (n = 71) confirms that higher cGAS-STING scores are observed in breast cancer patients who responded to immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy. In conclusion, the cGAS-STING pathway is highly expressed in TNBCs and is correlated with genomic instability and immune cell infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Shibo Yu
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tineke van der Sluis
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mieke C Zwager
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Carolien P Schröder
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bert van der Vegt
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Marcel A T M van Vugt
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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32
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Wang R, Hussain A, Guo Q, Ma M. cGAS-STING at the crossroads in cancer therapy. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 193:104194. [PMID: 37931770 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA is highly immunogenic, both exogenous and endogenous DNA can activate the pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) and danger-associated molecular pattern (DAMP), respectively, and hence activate the evolutionarily conserved cGAS-STING pathway for inflammatory responses. The cGAS-STING signaling pathway plays a very important role in the pathogenesis and progression of neoplastic diseases. For cancer therapy, there are some discrepancies on whether cGAS-STING should be inhibited or activated. Deregulated cGAS-STING signaling pathway might be the origin and pathogenesis of tumor, understanding and modulating cGAS-STING signaling holds great promise for cancer therapy. In this review article, we discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying cGAS-STING deregulation, highlighting the tumor inhibiting and promoting roles and challenges with cGAS-STING agonists in the context of cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- Department of Hematology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 215004 Suzhou, China; Department of Oncology, Suqian Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 223800 Suqian, China.
| | - Aashiq Hussain
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, 119077 CSI, Singapore
| | - Quanquan Guo
- Department of Hematology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 215004 Suzhou, China; Department of Oncology, Suqian Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 223800 Suqian, China
| | - Meimei Ma
- Department of Pathology, Suqian Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 223800 Suqian, China
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33
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Ha CT, Tageldein MM, Harding SM. The entanglement of DNA damage and pattern recognition receptor signaling. DNA Repair (Amst) 2024; 133:103595. [PMID: 37988925 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2023.103595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Cells are under constant pressure to suppress DNA damage originating from both exogenous and endogenous sources. Cellular responses to DNA damage help to prevent mutagenesis and cell death that arises when DNA damage is either left unrepaired or repaired inaccurately. During the "acute phase" of DNA damage signaling, lesions are recognized, processed, and repaired to restore the primary DNA sequence whilst cell cycle checkpoints delay mitotic progression, cell death and the propagation of errors to daughter cells. Increasingly, there is recognition of a "chronic phase" of DNA damage signaling, exemplified by the secretion of dozens of cytokines days after the inciting damage event. In this review, we focus on the cellular origin of these chronic responses, the molecular pathways that control them and the increasing appreciation for the interconnection between acute and chronic DNA damage responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy T Ha
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Maha M Tageldein
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shane M Harding
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Departments of Radiation Oncology and Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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34
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Gregorczyk M, Parkes EE. Targeting mitotic regulators in cancer as a strategy to enhance immune recognition. DNA Repair (Amst) 2023; 132:103583. [PMID: 37871511 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2023.103583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotic DNA has evolved to be enclosed within the nucleus to protect the cellular genome from autoinflammatory responses driven by the immunogenic nature of cytoplasmic DNA. Cyclic GMP-AMP Synthase (cGAS) is the cytoplasmic dsDNA sensor, which upon activation of Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING), mediates production of pro-inflammatory interferons (IFNs) and interferon stimulated genes (ISGs). However, although this pathway is crucial in detection of viral and microbial genetic material, cytoplasmic DNA is not always of foreign origin. It is now recognised that specifically in genomic instability, a hallmark of cancer, extranuclear material in the form of micronuclei (MN) can be generated as a result of unresolved DNA lesions during mitosis. Activation of cGAS-STING in cancer has been shown to regulate numerous tumour-immune interactions such as acquisition of 'immunologically hot' phenotype which stimulates immune-mediated elimination of transformed cells. Nonetheless, a significant percentage of poorly prognostic cancers is 'immunologically cold'. As this state has been linked with low proportion of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), improving immunogenicity of cold tumours could be clinically relevant by exhibiting synergy with immunotherapy. This review aims to present how inhibition of vital mitotic regulators could provoke cGAS-STING response in cancer and improve the efficacy of current immunotherapy regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Gregorczyk
- Oxford Centre for Immuno-Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Eileen E Parkes
- Oxford Centre for Immuno-Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom.
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35
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Korneenko TV, Pestov NB, Nevzorov IA, Daks AA, Trachuk KN, Solopova ON, Barlev NA. At the Crossroads of the cGAS-cGAMP-STING Pathway and the DNA Damage Response: Implications for Cancer Progression and Treatment. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1675. [PMID: 38139802 PMCID: PMC10747911 DOI: 10.3390/ph16121675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolutionary conserved DNA-sensing cGAS-STING innate immunity pathway represents one of the most important cytosolic DNA-sensing systems that is activated in response to viral invasion and/or damage to the integrity of the nuclear envelope. The key outcome of this pathway is the production of interferon, which subsequently stimulates the transcription of hundreds of genes. In oncology, the situation is complex because this pathway may serve either anti- or pro-oncogenic roles, depending on context. The prevailing understanding is that when the innate immune response is activated by sensing cytosolic DNA, such as DNA released from ruptured micronuclei, it results in the production of interferon, which attracts cytotoxic cells to destroy tumors. However, in tumor cells that have adjusted to significant chromosomal instability, particularly in relapsed, treatment-resistant cancers, the cGAS-STING pathway often supports cancer progression, fostering the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here, we review this intricate pathway in terms of its association with cancer progression, giving special attention to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and gliomas. As the development of new cGAS-STING-modulating small molecules and immunotherapies such as oncolytic viruses involves serious challenges, we highlight several recent fundamental discoveries, such as the proton-channeling function of STING. These discoveries may serve as guiding lights for potential pharmacological advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana V. Korneenko
- Group of Cross-Linking Enzymes, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Nikolay B. Pestov
- Group of Cross-Linking Enzymes, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow 117997, Russia
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow 119121, Russia
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products, Moscow 108819, Russia
| | - Ivan A. Nevzorov
- Institute of Cytology, Tikhoretsky ave 4, St-Petersburg 194064, Russia
| | - Alexandra A. Daks
- Institute of Cytology, Tikhoretsky ave 4, St-Petersburg 194064, Russia
| | - Kirill N. Trachuk
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products, Moscow 108819, Russia
| | - Olga N. Solopova
- Research Institute of Experimental Diagnostics and Tumor Therapy, Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Moscow 115478, Russia
| | - Nickolai A. Barlev
- Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow 119121, Russia
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products, Moscow 108819, Russia
- Institute of Cytology, Tikhoretsky ave 4, St-Petersburg 194064, Russia
- Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
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Wang G, Jin S, Liu J, Li X, Dai P, Wang Y, Hou SX. A neuron-immune circuit regulates neurodegeneration in the hindbrain and spinal cord of Arf1-ablated mice. Natl Sci Rev 2023; 10:nwad222. [PMID: 38239560 PMCID: PMC10794899 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwad222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroimmune connections have been revealed to play a central role in neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). However, the mechanisms that link the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral immune cells are still mostly unknown. We recently found that specific ablation of the Arf1 gene in hindbrain and spinal cord neurons promoted NDs through activating the NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia via peroxided lipids and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) releasing. Here, we demonstrate that IL-1β with elevated chemokines in the neuronal Arf1-ablated mouse hindbrain and spinal cord recruited and activated γδ T cells in meninges. The activated γδ T cells then secreted IFN-γ that entered into parenchyma to activate the microglia-A1 astrocyte-C3-neuronal C3aR neurotoxic pathway. Remarkably, the neurodegenerative phenotypes of the neuronal Arf1-ablated mice were strongly ameliorated by IFN-γ or C3 knockout. Finally, we show that the Arf1-reduction-induced neuroimmune-IFN-γ-gliosis pathway exists in human NDs, particularly in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis. Together, our results uncover a previously unknown mechanism that links the CNS and peripheral immune cells to promote neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohao Wang
- The Basic Research Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Shuhan Jin
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at the School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Human Phenome Institute, Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation of Liver Cancer Institute at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai200438, China
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at the School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Human Phenome Institute, Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation of Liver Cancer Institute at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai200438, China
| | - Xu Li
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at the School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Human Phenome Institute, Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation of Liver Cancer Institute at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai200438, China
| | - Peng Dai
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at the School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Human Phenome Institute, Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation of Liver Cancer Institute at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai200438, China
| | - Yuetong Wang
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at the School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Human Phenome Institute, Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation of Liver Cancer Institute at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai200438, China
| | - Steven X Hou
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at the School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Human Phenome Institute, Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation of Liver Cancer Institute at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai200438, China
- The Basic Research Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
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Classen S, Petersen C, Borgmann K. Crosstalk between immune checkpoint and DNA damage response inhibitors for radiosensitization of tumors. Strahlenther Onkol 2023; 199:1152-1163. [PMID: 37420037 PMCID: PMC10674014 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-023-02103-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This review article is intended to provide a perspective overview of potential strategies to overcome radiation resistance of tumors through the combined use of immune checkpoint and DNA repair inhibitors. METHODS A literature search was conducted in PubMed using the terms ("DNA repair* and DNA damage response* and intracellular immune response* and immune checkpoint inhibition* and radio*") until January 31, 2023. Articles were manually selected based on their relevance to the topics analyzed. RESULTS Modern radiotherapy offers a wide range of options for tumor treatment. Radiation-resistant subpopulations of the tumor pose a particular challenge for complete cure. This is due to the enhanced activation of molecular defense mechanisms that prevent cell death because of DNA damage. Novel approaches to enhance tumor cure are provided by immune checkpoint inhibitors, but their effectiveness, especially in tumors without increased mutational burden, also remains limited. Combining inhibitors of both immune checkpoints and DNA damage response with radiation may be an attractive option to augment existing therapies and is the subject of the data summarized here. CONCLUSION The combination of tested inhibitors of DNA damage and immune responses in preclinical models opens additional attractive options for the radiosensitization of tumors and represents a promising application for future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Classen
- Laboratory of Radiobiology and Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Center of Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Cordula Petersen
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Borgmann
- Laboratory of Radiobiology and Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Center of Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
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Zheng S, Guerrero-Haughton E, Foijer F. Chromosomal Instability-Driven Cancer Progression: Interplay with the Tumour Microenvironment and Therapeutic Strategies. Cells 2023; 12:2712. [PMID: 38067140 PMCID: PMC10706135 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal instability (CIN) is a prevalent characteristic of solid tumours and haematological malignancies. CIN results in an increased frequency of chromosome mis-segregation events, thus yielding numerical and structural copy number alterations, a state also known as aneuploidy. CIN is associated with increased chances of tumour recurrence, metastasis, and acquisition of resistance to therapeutic interventions, and this is a dismal prognosis. In this review, we delve into the interplay between CIN and cancer, with a focus on its impact on the tumour microenvironment-a driving force behind metastasis. We discuss the potential therapeutic avenues that have resulted from these insights and underscore their crucial role in shaping innovative strategies for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Zheng
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Erika Guerrero-Haughton
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Research in Sexual and Reproductive Health, Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies, Panama City 0816-02593, Panama
- Sistema Nacional de Investigación, SENACYT, Panama City 0816-02593, Panama
| | - Floris Foijer
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
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Tsukamoto Y, Kurogi S, Fujishima H, Shibata T, Fumoto S, Nishiki K, Suzuki K, Etoh T, Shiraishi N, Fuchino T, Hirashita Y, Nakada C, Uchida T, Inomata M, Moriyama M, Hijiya N. Association of immune-related expression profile with sensitivity to chemotherapy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Sci 2023; 114:4459-4474. [PMID: 37715346 PMCID: PMC10637075 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by surgery is one of the standard therapeutic approaches in Japan for patients with locally advanced esophageal carcinoma. Recently, the JCOG1109 study revealed that NAC with docetaxel, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (DCF-NAC) is superior to NAC with cisplatin and 5-FU, and has now become the standard preoperative chemotherapy. Using a microarray system, we have previously investigated the expression profiles of endoscopic biopsy samples from patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) before DCF-NAC (preNAC) and identified 17 molecules as biomarkers predictive of a pathologically complete response to DCF-NAC. Here, we re-grouped our previous dataset based on the histopathological response grade with the addition of several microarray profiles and conducted a re-analysis using bioinformatic web tools including DAVID, GSEA, UALCAN, and CIBERSORTx. We identified 204 genes that were differentially expressed between the highly resistant and sensitive groups. Some of these differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were related to the immune response and showed higher expression in the sensitive group. UALCAN showed that high expression of 28 of the top 50 DEGs was associated with a favorable prognosis (p < 0.25), and that this reached a significant (p < 0.05) level for 18 of them, suggesting that patients with high expression of these genes might have benefited from chemotherapy and thus had a better outcome. In preNAC biopsy tissues from a DCF-sensitive case, we demonstrated the presence of cells expressing mRNA for CXCL9, one of the prognosis-related DEGs. Our results highlight the association of immune-related expression profile in preNAC ESCC with the DCF-NAC efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiyuki Tsukamoto
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityOitaJapan
| | - Shusaku Kurogi
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityOitaJapan
| | - Hajime Fujishima
- Department of Gastroenterological and Pediatric Surgery, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityOitaJapan
| | - Tomotaka Shibata
- Department of Gastroenterological and Pediatric Surgery, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityOitaJapan
| | | | - Kohei Nishiki
- Department of SurgeryOita Nakamura HospitalOitaJapan
| | - Kosuke Suzuki
- Department of Gastroenterological and Pediatric Surgery, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityOitaJapan
| | - Tsuyoshi Etoh
- Department of Gastroenterological and Pediatric Surgery, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityOitaJapan
| | - Norio Shiraishi
- Comprehensive Surgery for Community Medicine, Oita University Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityOitaJapan
| | - Takafumi Fuchino
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityOitaJapan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityOitaJapan
| | - Yuka Hirashita
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityOitaJapan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityOitaJapan
| | - Chisato Nakada
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityOitaJapan
- Department of Urology, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityOitaJapan
| | - Tomohisa Uchida
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityOitaJapan
| | - Masafumi Inomata
- Department of Gastroenterological and Pediatric Surgery, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityOitaJapan
| | - Masatsugu Moriyama
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityOitaJapan
| | - Naoki Hijiya
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Faculty of MedicineOita UniversityOitaJapan
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Zhang H, Zhang D, Liu J, Shi Y, Liu X, Chen M, Zhong W, Zhao J, Xu Y, Wang M. Clinical significance of DNA damage response mutations in stage I and stage IIIa NSCLC. Thorac Cancer 2023; 14:3191-3201. [PMID: 37704455 PMCID: PMC10643798 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.15109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA damage response (DDR) pathways are essential to sustain genomic stability and play a critical role in cancer development and progression. Here, we investigated the profile of DDR gene mutations in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and their prognostic values. METHODS We first examined 74 DDR genes involved in seven DDR pathways and then focused on six specific genes: ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK1, BARD1, and BRIP1. A total of 179 stage I and IIIa NSCLC patients who received curative resection in Peking Union Medical College Hospital and their corresponding samples were collected for DNA sequencing, immunohistochemistry and survival analysis. RESULTS A total of 167 eligible patients were finally analyzed. Mutation frequencies were 82% and 26.3% for the selected 74 genes and six genes, respectively. Mismatch repair (MMR) and nucleotide excision repair (NER) alterations were observed more frequently in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) and smokers were more likely to develop the selected six DDR gene mutations than those who never smoked. Deleterious mutations in the six genes were independent prognostic indicators of significantly longer disease-free survival and overall survival. No association was found between DDR gene status and PD-L1 expression, CD8 positive lymphocyte and tumor-associated macrophage infiltration in tumor area. However, numbers of mutations were significantly increased among patients with DDR alterations. CONCLUSIONS Deleterious mutations of these six genes were common in resected NSCLC and could serve as prognostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Dongming Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yuequan Shi
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Minjiang Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Wei Zhong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Mengzhao Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
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Yao S, Han Y, Yang M, Jin K, Lan H. It's high-time to re-evaluate the value of induced-chemotherapy for reinforcing immunotherapy in colorectal cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1241208. [PMID: 37920463 PMCID: PMC10619163 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1241208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has made significant advances in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC), revolutionizing the therapeutic landscape and highlighting the indispensable role of the tumor immune microenvironment. However, some CRCs have shown poor response to immunotherapy, prompting investigation into the underlying reasons. It has been discovered that certain chemotherapeutic agents possess immune-stimulatory properties, including the induction of immunogenic cell death (ICD), the generation and processing of non-mutated neoantigens (NM-neoAgs), and the B cell follicle-driven T cell response. Based on these findings, the concept of inducing chemotherapy has been introduced, and the combination of inducing chemotherapy and immunotherapy has become a standard treatment option for certain cancers. Clinical trials have confirmed the feasibility and safety of this approach in CRC, offering a promising method for improving the efficacy of immunotherapy. Nevertheless, there are still many challenges and difficulties ahead, and further research is required to optimize its use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiya Yao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuejun Han
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengxiang Yang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ketao Jin
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huanrong Lan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Moro RN, Biswas U, Kharat SS, Duzanic FD, Das P, Stavrou M, Raso MC, Freire R, Chaudhuri AR, Sharan SK, Penengo L. Interferon restores replication fork stability and cell viability in BRCA-defective cells via ISG15. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6140. [PMID: 37783689 PMCID: PMC10545780 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41801-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA replication and repair defects or genotoxic treatments trigger interferon (IFN)-mediated inflammatory responses. However, whether and how IFN signaling in turn impacts the DNA replication process has remained elusive. Here we show that basal levels of the IFN-stimulated gene 15, ISG15, and its conjugation (ISGylation) are essential to protect nascent DNA from degradation. Moreover, IFNβ treatment restores replication fork stability in BRCA1/2-deficient cells, which strictly depends on topoisomerase-1, and rescues lethality of BRCA2-deficient mouse embryonic stem cells. Although IFNβ activates hundreds of genes, these effects are specifically mediated by ISG15 and ISGylation, as their inactivation suppresses the impact of IFNβ on DNA replication. ISG15 depletion significantly reduces cell proliferation rates in human BRCA1-mutated triple-negative, whereas its upregulation results in increased resistance to the chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin in mouse BRCA2-deficient breast cancer cells, respectively. Accordingly, cells carrying BRCA1/2 defects consistently show increased ISG15 levels, which we propose as an in-built mechanism of drug resistance linked to BRCAness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona N Moro
- University of Zurich, Institute of Molecular Cancer Research, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Uddipta Biswas
- University of Zurich, Institute of Molecular Cancer Research, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Suhas S Kharat
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, 21702, MD, USA
| | - Filip D Duzanic
- University of Zurich, Institute of Molecular Cancer Research, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Prosun Das
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015GD, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maria Stavrou
- University of Zurich, Institute of Molecular Cancer Research, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maria C Raso
- University of Zurich, Institute of Molecular Cancer Research, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Raimundo Freire
- Fundación Canaria del Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Canarias (FIISC), Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
- Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200, La Laguna, Spain
- Universidad Fernando Pessoa Canarias, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Arnab Ray Chaudhuri
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015GD, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Shyam K Sharan
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, 21702, MD, USA
| | - Lorenza Penengo
- University of Zurich, Institute of Molecular Cancer Research, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Liu XD, Zhang YT, McGrail DJ, Zhang X, Lam T, Hoang A, Hasanov E, Manyam G, Peterson CB, Zhu H, Kumar SV, Akbani R, Pilie PG, Tannir NM, Peng G, Jonasch E. SETD2 Loss and ATR Inhibition Synergize to Promote cGAS Signaling and Immunotherapy Response in Renal Cell Carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:4002-4015. [PMID: 37527013 PMCID: PMC10592192 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-1003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) demonstrates durable clinical benefits in a minority of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We aimed to identify the molecular features that determine the response and develop approaches to enhance it. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We investigated the effects of SET domain-containing protein 2 (SETD2) loss on the DNA damage response pathway, the cytosolic DNA-sensing pathway, the tumor immune microenvironment, and the response to ataxia telangiectasia and rad3-related (ATR) and checkpoint inhibition in RCC. RESULTS ATR inhibition activated the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3)-dependent cytosolic DNA-sensing pathway, resulting in the concurrent expression of inflammatory cytokines and immune checkpoints. Among the common RCC genotypes, SETD2 loss is associated with preferential ATR activation and sensitizes cells to ATR inhibition. SETD2 knockdown promoted the cytosolic DNA-sensing pathway in response to ATR inhibition. Treatment with the ATR inhibitor VE822 concurrently upregulated immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint expression in Setd2 knockdown Renca tumors, providing a rationale for ATR inhibition plus ICB combination therapy. Setd2-deficient Renca tumors demonstrated greater vulnerability to ICB monotherapy or combination therapy with VE822 than Setd2-proficient tumors. Moreover, SETD2 mutations were associated with a higher response rate and prolonged overall survival in patients with ICB-treated RCC but not in patients with non-ICB-treated RCC. CONCLUSIONS SETD2 loss and ATR inhibition synergize to promote cGAS signaling and enhance immune cell infiltration, providing a mechanistic rationale for the combination of ATR and checkpoint inhibition in patients with RCC with SETD2 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-De Liu
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Yan-Ting Zhang
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Daniel J. McGrail
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Xuesong Zhang
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Truong Lam
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Anh Hoang
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Elshad Hasanov
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ganiraju Manyam
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Christine B. Peterson
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Haifeng Zhu
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shwetha V Kumar
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Rehan Akbani
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Patrick G. Pilie
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nizar M Tannir
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Guang Peng
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Eric Jonasch
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Ka NL, Park MK, Kim SS, Jeon Y, Hwang S, Kim SM, Lim GY, Lee H, Lee MO. NR1D1 Stimulates Antitumor Immune Responses in Breast Cancer by Activating cGAS-STING Signaling. Cancer Res 2023; 83:3045-3058. [PMID: 37395684 PMCID: PMC10538367 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-0329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Potentiating antitumor immunity is a promising therapeutic approach for treating a variety of cancers, including breast cancer. One potential strategy to promote antitumor immunity is targeting DNA damage response. Given that the nuclear receptor NR1D1 (also known as REV-ERBα) inhibits DNA repair in breast cancer cells, we explored the role of NR1D1 in antitumor CD8+ T-cell responses. First, deletion of Nr1d1 in MMTV-PyMT transgenic mice resulted in increased tumor growth and lung metastasis. Orthotopic allograft experiments suggested that loss of Nr1d1 in tumor cells rather than in stromal cells played a prominent role in increasing tumor progression. Comprehensive transcriptome analyses revealed that biological processes including type I IFN signaling and T cell-mediated immune responses were associated with NR1D1. Indeed, the expression of type I IFNs and infiltration of CD8+ T cells and natural killer cells in tumors were suppressed in Nr1d1-/-;MMTV-PyMT mice. Mechanistically, NR1D1 promoted DNA damage-induced accumulation of cytosolic DNA fragments and activated cGAS-STING signaling, which increased the production of type I IFNs and downstream chemokines CCL5 and CXCL10. Pharmacologic activation of NR1D1 by its ligand, SR9009, enhanced type I IFN-mediated antitumor immunity accompanied by the suppression of tumor progression and lung metastasis. Taken together, these findings reveal the critical role of NR1D1 in enhancing antitumor CD8+ T-cell responses, suggesting that NR1D1 may be a good therapeutic target for breast cancer. SIGNIFICANCE NR1D1 suppresses breast cancer progression and lung metastasis by enhancing antitumor immunity via cGAS-STING pathway activation, which provides potential immunotherapeutic strategies for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na-Lee Ka
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Kyung Park
- Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Su Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Jeon
- Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
| | - Sewon Hwang
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Mi Kim
- Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
| | - Ga Young Lim
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Lee
- Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Ock Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Bio-MAX institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Hamid R, Alaziz M, Mahal AS, Ashton AW, Halama N, Jaeger D, Jiao X, Pestell RG. The Role and Therapeutic Targeting of CCR5 in Breast Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:2237. [PMID: 37759462 PMCID: PMC10526962 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The G-protein-coupled receptor C-C chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) functions as a co-receptor for the entry of HIV into immune cells. CCR5 binds promiscuously to a diverse array of ligands initiating cell signaling that includes guided migration. Although well known to be expressed on immune cells, recent studies have shown the induction of CCR5 on the surface of breast cancer epithelial cells. The function of CCR5 on breast cancer epithelial cells includes the induction of aberrant cell survival signaling and tropism towards chemo attractants. As CCR5 is not expressed on normal epithelium, the receptor provides a potential useful target for therapy. Inhibitors of CCR5 (CCR5i), either small molecules (maraviroc, vicriviroc) or humanized monoclonal antibodies (leronlimab) have shown anti-tumor and anti-metastatic properties in preclinical studies. In early clinical studies, reviewed herein, CCR5i have shown promising results and evidence for effects on both the tumor and the anti-tumor immune response. Current clinical studies have therefore included combination therapy approaches with checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha Hamid
- Xavier University School of Medicine, Oranjestad, Aruba (A.S.M.)
| | - Mustafa Alaziz
- Xavier University School of Medicine, Oranjestad, Aruba (A.S.M.)
| | | | - Anthony W. Ashton
- Xavier University School of Medicine, Oranjestad, Aruba (A.S.M.)
- Lightseed Inc., Wynnewood, PA 19096, USA
- Lankenau Institute for Medical Research Philadelphia, Wynnewood, PA 19096, USA
| | - Niels Halama
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (N.H.); (D.J.)
- Department of Translational Immunotherapy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Jaeger
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (N.H.); (D.J.)
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor-Immunity, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Xuanmao Jiao
- Xavier University School of Medicine, Oranjestad, Aruba (A.S.M.)
- Lightseed Inc., Wynnewood, PA 19096, USA
- Pennsylvania Cancer and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Wynnewood, PA 19096, USA
| | - Richard G. Pestell
- Xavier University School of Medicine, Oranjestad, Aruba (A.S.M.)
- Lightseed Inc., Wynnewood, PA 19096, USA
- Pennsylvania Cancer and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Wynnewood, PA 19096, USA
- The Wistar Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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46
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Stecklein SR, Barlow W, Pusztai L, Timms K, Kennedy R, Logan GE, Seitz R, Badve S, Gökmen-Polar Y, Porter P, Linden H, Tripathy D, Hortobagyi GN, Godwin AK, Thompson A, Hayes DF, Sharma P. Dual Prognostic Classification of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by DNA Damage Immune Response and Homologous Recombination Deficiency. JCO Precis Oncol 2023; 7:e2300197. [PMID: 37972336 PMCID: PMC10681491 DOI: 10.1200/po.23.00197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous disease. We previously showed that homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) and the DNA damage immune response (DDIR) signature are prognostic in TNBC. We hypothesized that these biomarkers reflect related but not completely interdependent biological processes, that their combined use would be prognostic, and that simultaneous assessment of the immunologic microenvironment and susceptibility to DNA damaging therapies might be able to identify subgroups with distinct therapeutic vulnerabilities. METHODS We analyzed the dual DDIR/HRD classification in 341 patients with TNBC treated with adjuvant anthracycline-based chemotherapy on the SWOG S9313 trial and corroborated our findings in The Cancer Genome Atlas breast cancer data set. RESULTS DDIR/HRD classification is highly prognostic in TNBC and identifies biologically and immunologically distinct subgroups. Immune-enriched DDIR+/HRD+ TNBCs have the most favorable prognosis, and DDIR+/HRD- and DDIR-/HRD+ TNBCs have favorable intermediate prognosis, despite the latter being immune-depleted. DDIR-/HRD- TNBCs have the worst prognosis and represent an internally heterogeneous group of immune-depleted chemoresistant tumors. CONCLUSION Our findings propose DDIR/HRD classification as a potentially clinically relevant approach to categorize tumors on the basis of therapeutic vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Richard Kennedy
- Almac Diagnostic Services, Craigavon, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Gemma E. Logan
- Almac Diagnostic Services, Craigavon, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sunil Badve
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
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47
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Lewicky JD, Martel AL, Gupta MR, Roy R, Rodriguez GM, Vanderhyden BC, Le HT. Conventional DNA-Damaging Cancer Therapies and Emerging cGAS-STING Activation: A Review and Perspectives Regarding Immunotherapeutic Potential. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4127. [PMID: 37627155 PMCID: PMC10453198 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Many traditional cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy are known to induce cellular DNA damage as part of their cytotoxic activity. The cGAS-STING signaling axis, a key member of the DNA damage response that acts as a sensor of foreign or aberrant cytosolic DNA, is helping to rationalize the DNA-damaging activity of these treatments and their emerging immunostimulatory capacity. Moreover, cGAS-STING, which is attracting considerable attention for its ability to promote antitumor immune responses, may fundamentally be able to address many of the barriers limiting the success of cancer immunotherapy strategies, including the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Herein, we review the traditional cancer therapies that have been linked with cGAS-STING activation, highlighting their targets with respect to their role and function in the DNA damage response. As part of the review, an emerging "chemoimmunotherapy" concept whereby DNA-damaging agents are used for the indirect activation of STING is discussed as an alternative to the direct molecular agonism strategies that are in development, but have yet to achieve clinical approval. The potential of this approach to address some of the inherent and emerging limitations of cGAS-STING signaling in cancer immunotherapy is also discussed. Ultimately, it is becoming clear that in order to successfully employ the immunotherapeutic potential of the cGAS-STING axis, a balance between its contrasting antitumor and protumor/inflammatory activities will need to be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan D. Lewicky
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, 56 Walford Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2H2, Canada; (J.D.L.); (A.L.M.)
| | - Alexandrine L. Martel
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, 56 Walford Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2H2, Canada; (J.D.L.); (A.L.M.)
| | - Mukul Raj Gupta
- Glycosciences and Nanomaterial Laboratory, Université du Québec à Montréal, Succ. Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada; (M.R.G.); (R.R.)
| | - René Roy
- Glycosciences and Nanomaterial Laboratory, Université du Québec à Montréal, Succ. Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada; (M.R.G.); (R.R.)
| | - Galaxia M. Rodriguez
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Rd., Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (G.M.R.); (B.C.V.)
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Rd., Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Barbara C. Vanderhyden
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Rd., Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; (G.M.R.); (B.C.V.)
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Rd., Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Hoang-Thanh Le
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, 56 Walford Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2H2, Canada; (J.D.L.); (A.L.M.)
- Medicinal Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
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48
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Teo ZL, O'Connor MJ, Versaci S, Clarke KA, Brown ER, Percy LW, Kuykhoven K, Mintoff CP, Savas P, Virassamy B, Luen SJ, Byrne A, Sant S, Lindeman GJ, Darcy PK, Loi S. Combined PARP and WEE1 inhibition triggers anti-tumor immune response in BRCA1/2 wildtype triple-negative breast cancer. NPJ Breast Cancer 2023; 9:68. [PMID: 37582853 PMCID: PMC10427618 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-023-00568-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Novel therapeutic strategies that can effectively combine with immunotherapies are needed in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We demonstrate that combined PARP and WEE1 inhibition are synergistic in controlling tumour growth in BRCA1/2 wild-type TNBC preclinical models. The PARP inhibitor (PARPi) olaparib combined with the WEE1 inhibitor (WEE1i) adavosertib triggered increases in anti-tumour immune responses, including STING pathway activation. Combinations with a STING agonist resulted in further improved durable tumour regression and significant improvements in survival outcomes in murine tumour models of BRCA1/2 wild-type TNBC. In addition, we have identified baseline tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) levels as a potential predictive biomarker of response to PARPi, WEE1i and immunotherapies in BRCA1/2 wild-type TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Ling Teo
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | | | - Stephanie Versaci
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Kylie A Clarke
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Emmaline R Brown
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Luke W Percy
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Keilly Kuykhoven
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | | | - Peter Savas
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Balaji Virassamy
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Stephen J Luen
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Ann Byrne
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Sneha Sant
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Geoffrey J Lindeman
- Cancer Biology and Stem Cells Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Phillip K Darcy
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
- Cancer Immunology Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sherene Loi
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia.
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
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49
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Dilmac S, Ozpolat B. Mechanisms of PARP-Inhibitor-Resistance in BRCA-Mutated Breast Cancer and New Therapeutic Approaches. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3642. [PMID: 37509303 PMCID: PMC10378018 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent success of Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors has led to the approval of four different PARP inhibitors for the treatment of BRCA1/2-mutant breast and ovarian cancers. About 40-50% of BRCA1/2-mutated patients do not respond to PARP inhibitors due to a preexisting innate or intrinsic resistance; the majority of patients who initially respond to the therapy inevitably develop acquired resistance. However, subsets of patients experience a long-term response (>2 years) to treatment with PARP inhibitors. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) is an enzyme that plays an important role in the recognition and repair of DNA damage. PARP inhibitors induce "synthetic lethality" in patients with tumors with a homologous-recombination-deficiency (HRD). Several molecular mechanisms have been identified as causing PARP-inhibitor-resistance. In this review, we focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying the PARP-inhibitor-resistance in BRCA-mutated breast cancer and summarize potential therapeutic strategies to overcome the resistance mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayra Dilmac
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Bulent Ozpolat
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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50
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Pan X, Zhang W, Guo H, Wang L, Wu H, Ding L, Yang B. Strategies involving STING pathway activation for cancer immunotherapy: Mechanism and agonists. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 213:115596. [PMID: 37201875 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have expanded the known functions of cGAS-STING in inflammation to a role in cancer due to its participation in activating immune surveillance. In cancer cells, the cGAS-STING pathway can be activated by cytosolic dsDNA derived from genomic, mitochondrial and exogenous origins. The resulting immune-stimulatory factors from this cascade can either attenuate tumor growth or recruit immune cells for tumor clearance. Furthermore, STING-IRF3-induced type I interferon signaling can enforce tumor antigen presentation on dendritic cells and macrophages and thus cross-prime CD8+ T cells for antitumor immunity. Given the functions of the STING pathway in antitumor immunity, multiple strategies are being developed and tested with the rationale of activating STING in tumor cells or tumor-infiltrating immune cells to elicit immunostimulatory effects, either alone or in combination with a range of established chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic regimens. Based on the canonical molecular mechanism of STING activation, numerous strategies for inducing mitochondrial and nuclear dsDNA release have been used to activate the cGAS-STING signaling pathway. Other noncanonical strategies that activate cGAS-STING signaling, including the use of direct STING agonists and STING trafficking facilitation, also show promise in type I interferon release and antitumor immunity priming. Here, we review the key roles of the STING pathway in different steps of the cancer-immunity cycle and characterize the canonical and noncanonical mechanisms of cGAS-STING pathway activation to understand the potential of cGAS-STING agonists for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Pan
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wenxin Zhang
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hongjie Guo
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Longsheng Wang
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Honghai Wu
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ling Ding
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Bo Yang
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; The Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
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