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Cuccarini V, Savoldi F, Mardor Y, Last D, Pellegatta S, Mazzi F, Bruzzone MG, Anghileri E, Pollo B, Maddaloni L, Russo C, Bocchi E, Pinzi V, Eoli M, Aquino D. Response assessment of GBM during immunotherapy by delayed contrast treatment response assessment maps. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1374737. [PMID: 38651109 PMCID: PMC11033465 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1374737] [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: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Assessing the treatment response of glioblastoma multiforme during immunotherapy (IT) is an open issue. Treatment response assessment maps (TRAMs) might help distinguish true tumor progression (TTP) and pseudoprogression (PsP) in this setting. Methods We recruited 16 naïve glioblastoma patients enrolled in a phase II trial consisting of the Stupp protocol (a standardized treatment for glioblastoma involving combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy with temozolomide, followed by adjuvant temozolomide) plus IT with dendritic cells. Patients were followed up till progression or death; seven underwent a second surgery for suspected progression. Clinical, immunological, and MRI data were collected from all patients and histology in case of second surgery. Patients were classified as responders (progression-free survival, PFS > 12 months), and non-responders (PFS ≤ 12), HIGH-NK (natural killer cells, i.e., immunological responders), and LOW-NK (immunological non-responders) based on immune cell counts in peripheral blood. TRAMs differentiate contrast-enhancing lesions with different washout dynamics into hypothesized tumoral (conventionally blue-colored) vs. treatment-related (red-colored). Results Using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, a threshold of -0.066 in VBlue/VCE (volume of the blue portion of tumoral area/volume of contrast enhancement) variation between values obtained in the MRI performed before PsP/TTP and at TTP/PSP allowed to discriminate TTP from PsP with a sensitivity of 71.4% and a specificity of 100%. Among HIGH-NK patients, at month 6 there was a significant reduction compared to baseline and month 2 in median "blue" volumes. Discussion In conclusion, in our pilot study TRAMs support the discrimination between tumoral and treatment-related enhancing features in immunological responders vs. non-responders, the distinction between PsP and TTP, and might provide surrogate markers of immunological response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Cuccarini
- Neuroradiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Filippo Savoldi
- Neuroradiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Yael Mardor
- Advanced Technology Center, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - David Last
- Advanced Technology Center, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Serena Pellegatta
- Molecular Neuro-Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Mazzi
- Neuroradiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Bruzzone
- Neuroradiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Anghileri
- Molecular Neuro-Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Bianca Pollo
- Neuro-Pathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Luisa Maddaloni
- Molecular Neuro-Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Camilla Russo
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Elettrica e delle Tecnologie dell’Informazione (DIETI), Università Degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Elisa Bocchi
- Neuroradiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Pinzi
- Radiotherapy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Marica Eoli
- Molecular Neuro-Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Domenico Aquino
- Neuroradiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
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Zhang Y, Liu S, Chen M, Ou Q, Tian S, Tang J, He Z, Chen Z, Wang C. Preimmunization with Listeria-vectored cervical cancer vaccine candidate strains can establish specific T-cell immune memory and prevent tumorigenesis. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:288. [PMID: 38439023 PMCID: PMC10910769 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12046-7] [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: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although HPV prophylactic vaccines can provide effective immune protection against high-risk HPV infection, studies have shown that the protective effect provided by them would decrease with the increased age of vaccination, and they are not recommended for those who are not in the appropriate age range for vaccination. Therefore, in those people who are not suitable for HPV prophylactic vaccines, it is worth considering establishing memory T-cell immunity to provide long-term immune surveillance and generate a rapid response against lesional cells to prevent tumorigenesis. METHODS In this study, healthy mice were preimmunized with LM∆E6E7 and LI∆E6E7, the two Listeria-vectored cervical cancer vaccine candidate strains constructed previously by our laboratory, and then inoculated with tumor cells 40 d later. RESULTS The results showed that preimmunization with LM∆E6E7 and LI∆E6E7 could establish protective memory T-cell immunity against tumor antigens in mice, which effectively eliminate tumor cells. 60% of mice preimmunized with vaccines did not develop tumors, and for the remaining mice, tumor growth was significantly inhibited. We found that preimmunization with vaccines may exert antitumor effects by promoting the enrichment of T cells at tumor site to exert specific immune responses, as well as inhibiting intratumoral angiogenesis and cell proliferation. CONCLUSION Altogether, this study suggests that preimmunization with LM∆E6E7 and LI∆E6E7 can establish memory T-cell immunity against tumor antigens in vivo, which provides a viable plan for preventing tumorigenesis and inhibiting tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunwen Zhang
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Shen Zhen Biomed Alliance Biotech Group Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | - Sijing Liu
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mengdie Chen
- Shen Zhen Biomed Alliance Biotech Group Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | - Qian Ou
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Sicheng Tian
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Tang
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhiqun He
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhaobin Chen
- Shen Zhen Biomed Alliance Biotech Group Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China.
| | - Chuan Wang
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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3
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Stepanenko AA, Sosnovtseva AO, Valikhov MP, Chernysheva AA, Abramova OV, Naumenko VA, Chekhonin VP. The need for paradigm shift: prognostic significance and implications of standard therapy-related systemic immunosuppression in glioblastoma for immunotherapy and oncolytic virotherapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1326757. [PMID: 38390330 PMCID: PMC10881776 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1326757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite significant advances in our knowledge regarding the genetics and molecular biology of gliomas over the past two decades and hundreds of clinical trials, no effective therapeutic approach has been identified for adult patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma, and overall survival remains dismal. Great hopes are now placed on combination immunotherapy. In clinical trials, immunotherapeutics are generally tested after standard therapy (radiation, temozolomide, and steroid dexamethasone) or concurrently with temozolomide and/or steroids. Only a minor subset of patients with progressive/recurrent glioblastoma have benefited from immunotherapies. In this review, we comprehensively discuss standard therapy-related systemic immunosuppression and lymphopenia, their prognostic significance, and the implications for immunotherapy/oncolytic virotherapy. The effectiveness of immunotherapy and oncolytic virotherapy (viro-immunotherapy) critically depends on the activity of the host immune cells. The absolute counts, ratios, and functional states of different circulating and tumor-infiltrating immune cell subsets determine the net immune fitness of patients with cancer and may have various effects on tumor progression, therapeutic response, and survival outcomes. Although different immunosuppressive mechanisms operate in patients with glioblastoma/gliomas at presentation, the immunological competence of patients may be significantly compromised by standard therapy, exacerbating tumor-related systemic immunosuppression. Standard therapy affects diverse immune cell subsets, including dendritic, CD4+, CD8+, natural killer (NK), NKT, macrophage, neutrophil, and myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC). Systemic immunosuppression and lymphopenia limit the immune system's ability to target glioblastoma. Changes in the standard therapy are required to increase the success of immunotherapies. Steroid use, high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and low post-treatment total lymphocyte count (TLC) are significant prognostic factors for shorter survival in patients with glioblastoma in retrospective studies; however, these clinically relevant variables are rarely reported and correlated with response and survival in immunotherapy studies (e.g., immune checkpoint inhibitors, vaccines, and oncolytic viruses). Our analysis should help in the development of a more rational clinical trial design and decision-making regarding the treatment to potentially improve the efficacy of immunotherapy or oncolytic virotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksei A. Stepanenko
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Neurobiology, V. P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Narcology, The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Medical Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Translational Medicine, N.I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasiia O. Sosnovtseva
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Neurobiology, V. P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Narcology, The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marat P. Valikhov
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Neurobiology, V. P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Narcology, The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Medical Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Translational Medicine, N.I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasia A. Chernysheva
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Neurobiology, V. P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Narcology, The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga V. Abramova
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Neurobiology, V. P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Narcology, The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Victor A. Naumenko
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Neurobiology, V. P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Narcology, The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir P. Chekhonin
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Neurobiology, V. P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Narcology, The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Medical Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Translational Medicine, N.I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
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Agosti E, Zeppieri M, De Maria L, Tedeschi C, Fontanella MM, Panciani PP, Ius T. Glioblastoma Immunotherapy: A Systematic Review of the Present Strategies and Prospects for Advancements. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15037. [PMID: 37894718 PMCID: PMC10606063 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is characterized by aggressive growth and high rates of recurrence. Despite the advancements in conventional therapies, the prognosis for GBM patients remains poor. Immunotherapy has recently emerged as a potential treatment option. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the current strategies and future perspectives of the GBM immunotherapy strategies. A systematic search was conducted across major medical databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library) up to 3 September 2023. The search strategy utilized relevant Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms and keywords related to "glioblastomas," "immunotherapies," and "treatment." The studies included in this review consist of randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled trials, and cohort studies reporting on the use of immunotherapies for the treatment of gliomas in human subjects. A total of 1588 papers are initially identified. Eligibility is confirmed for 752 articles, while 655 are excluded for various reasons, including irrelevance to the research topic (627), insufficient method and results details (12), and being case-series or cohort studies (22), systematic literature reviews, or meta-analyses (3). All the studies within the systematic review were clinical trials spanning from 1995 to 2023, involving 6383 patients. Neuro-oncology published the most glioma immunotherapy-related clinical trials (15/97, 16%). Most studies were released between 2018 and 2022, averaging nine publications annually during this period. Adoptive cellular transfer chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells were the primary focus in 11% of the studies, with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), oncolytic viruses (OVs), and cancer vaccines (CVs) comprising 26%, 12%, and 51%, respectively. Phase-I trials constituted the majority at 51%, while phase-III trials were only 7% of the total. Among these trials, 60% were single arm, 39% double arm, and one multi-arm. Immunotherapies were predominantly employed for recurrent GBM (55%). The review also revealed ongoing clinical trials, including 9 on ICIs, 7 on CVs, 10 on OVs, and 8 on CAR T cells, totaling 34 trials, with phase-I trials representing the majority at 53%, and only one in phase III. Overcoming immunotolerance, stimulating robust tumor antigen responses, and countering immunosuppressive microenvironment mechanisms are critical for curative GBM immunotherapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as PD-1 and CTLA-4 inhibitors, show promise, with the ongoing research aiming to enhance their effectiveness. Personalized cancer vaccines, especially targeting neoantigens, offer substantial potential. Oncolytic viruses exhibited dual mechanisms and a breakthrough status in the clinical trials. CAR T-cell therapy, engineered for specific antigen targeting, yields encouraging results, particularly against IL13 Rα2 and EGFRvIII. The development of second-generation CAR T cells with improved specificity exemplifies their adaptability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Agosti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Division of Neurosurgery, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Piazza Spedali Civili 1, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (E.A.)
| | - Marco Zeppieri
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, P.le S. Maria della Misericordia 15, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Lucio De Maria
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Division of Neurosurgery, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Piazza Spedali Civili 1, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (E.A.)
| | - Camilla Tedeschi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Division of Neurosurgery, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Piazza Spedali Civili 1, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (E.A.)
| | - Marco Maria Fontanella
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Division of Neurosurgery, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Piazza Spedali Civili 1, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (E.A.)
| | - Pier Paolo Panciani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Division of Neurosurgery, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Piazza Spedali Civili 1, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (E.A.)
| | - Tamara Ius
- Neurosurgery Unit, Head-Neck and NeuroScience Department, University Hospital of Udine, P.le S. Maria della Misericordia 15, 33100 Udine, Italy
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5
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Zheng Y, Ma X, Feng S, Zhu H, Chen X, Yu X, Shu K, Zhang S. Dendritic cell vaccine of gliomas: challenges from bench to bed. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1259562. [PMID: 37781367 PMCID: PMC10536174 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1259562] [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: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliomas account for the majority of brain malignant tumors. As the most malignant subtype of glioma, glioblastoma (GBM) is barely effectively treated by traditional therapies (surgery combined with radiochemotherapy), resulting in poor prognosis. Meanwhile, due to its "cold tumor" phenotype, GBM fails to respond to multiple immunotherapies. As its capacity to prime T cell response, dendritic cells (DCs) are essential to anti-tumor immunity. In recent years, as a therapeutic method, dendritic cell vaccine (DCV) has been immensely developed. However, there have long been obstacles that limit the use of DCV yet to be tackled. As is shown in the following review, the role of DCs in anti-tumor immunity and the inhibitory effects of tumor microenvironment (TME) on DCs are described, the previous clinical trials of DCV in the treatment of GBM are summarized, and the challenges and possible development directions of DCV are analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shouchang Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongtao Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xingjiang Yu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kai Shu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Suojun Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Olivet MM, Brown MC, Reitman ZJ, Ashley DM, Grant GA, Yang Y, Markert JM. Clinical Applications of Immunotherapy for Recurrent Glioblastoma in Adults. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3901. [PMID: 37568717 PMCID: PMC10416859 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153901] [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: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant primary brain tumor in adults. Despite standard therapies, including resection and chemoradiation, recurrence is virtually inevitable. Current treatment for recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM) is rapidly evolving, and emerging therapies aimed at targeting primary GBM are often first tested in rGBM to demonstrate safety and feasibility, which, in recent years, has primarily been in the form of immunotherapy. The purpose of this review is to highlight progress in clinical trials of immunotherapy for rGBM, including immune checkpoint blockade, oncolytic virotherapy, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, cancer vaccine and immunotoxins. Three independent reviewers covered literature, published between the years 2000 and 2022, in various online databases. In general, the efficacy of immunotherapy in rGBM remains uncertain, and is limited to subsets/small cohorts of patients, despite demonstrating feasibility in early-stage clinical trials. However, considerable progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms that may preclude rGBM patients from responding to immunotherapy, as well as in developing new approaches/combination strategies that may inspire optimism for the utility of immunotherapy in this devastating disease. Continued trials are necessary to further assess the best therapeutic avenues and ascertain which treatments might benefit each patient individually.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meagan Mandabach Olivet
- Heersink School of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA;
| | - Michael C. Brown
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (M.C.B.); (D.M.A.); (G.A.G.)
| | - Zachary J. Reitman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA;
| | - David M. Ashley
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (M.C.B.); (D.M.A.); (G.A.G.)
| | - Gerald A. Grant
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (M.C.B.); (D.M.A.); (G.A.G.)
| | - Yuanfan Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA;
| | - James M. Markert
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA;
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7
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Poli A, Oudin A, Muller A, Salvato I, Scafidi A, Hunewald O, Domingues O, Nazarov PV, Puard V, Baus V, Azuaje F, Dittmar G, Zimmer J, Michel T, Michelucci A, Niclou SP, Ollert M. Allergic airway inflammation delays glioblastoma progression and reinvigorates systemic and local immunity in mice. Allergy 2023; 78:682-696. [PMID: 36210648 DOI: 10.1111/all.15545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous patient-based studies have highlighted the protective role of immunoglobulin E-mediated allergic diseases on glioblastoma (GBM) susceptibility and prognosis. However, the mechanisms behind this observation remain elusive. Our objective was to establish a preclinical model able to recapitulate this phenomenon and investigate the role of immunity underlying such protection. METHODS An immunocompetent mouse model of allergic airway inflammation (AAI) was initiated before intracranial implantation of mouse GBM cells (GL261). RAG1-KO mice served to assess tumor growth in a model deficient for adaptive immunity. Tumor development was monitored by MRI. Microglia were isolated for functional analyses and RNA-sequencing. Peripheral as well as tumor-associated immune cells were characterized by flow cytometry. The impact of allergy-related microglial genes on patient survival was analyzed by Cox regression using publicly available datasets. RESULTS We found that allergy establishment in mice delayed tumor engraftment in the brain and reduced tumor growth resulting in increased mouse survival. AAI induced a transcriptional reprogramming of microglia towards a pro-inflammatory-like state, uncovering a microglia gene signature, which correlated with limited local immunosuppression in glioma patients. AAI increased effector memory T-cells in the circulation as well as tumor-infiltrating CD4+ T-cells. The survival benefit conferred by AAI was lost in mice devoid of adaptive immunity. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that AAI limits both tumor take and progression in mice, providing a preclinical model to study the impact of allergy on GBM susceptibility and prognosis, respectively. We identify a potentiation of local and adaptive systemic immunity, suggesting a reciprocal crosstalk that orchestrates allergy-induced immune protection against GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Poli
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.,Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Neuro-Immunology Group, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Anaïs Oudin
- Department of Cancer Research, NORLUX Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Arnaud Muller
- Luxembourg Institute of Health, Bioinformatics Platform, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Ilaria Salvato
- Department of Cancer Research, NORLUX Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Andrea Scafidi
- Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Neuro-Immunology Group, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Oliver Hunewald
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Olivia Domingues
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Petr V Nazarov
- Luxembourg Institute of Health, Bioinformatics Platform, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Vincent Puard
- Institut Curie Centre de Recherche, PSL Research University, RPPA platform, Paris, France
| | - Virginie Baus
- Department of Cancer Research, NORLUX Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Francisco Azuaje
- Luxembourg Institute of Health, Bioinformatics Platform, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Gunnar Dittmar
- Luxembourg Institute of Health, Bioinformatics Platform, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Jacques Zimmer
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Tatiana Michel
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Alessandro Michelucci
- Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Neuro-Immunology Group, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Simone P Niclou
- Department of Cancer Research, NORLUX Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.,Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Markus Ollert
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.,Department of Dermatology and Allergy Center, Odense Research Center for Anaphylaxis, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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8
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Capelli C, Frigerio S, Lisini D, Nava S, Gaipa G, Belotti D, Cabiati B, Budelli S, Lazzari L, Bagnarino J, Tanzi M, Comoli P, Perico N, Introna M, Golay J. A comprehensive report of long-term stability data for a range ATMPs: A need to develop guidelines for safe and harmonized stability studies. Cytotherapy 2022; 24:544-556. [PMID: 35177338 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2021.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) are novel drugs based on genes, cells or tissues developed to treat many different diseases. Stability studies of each new ATMP need to be performed to define its shelf life and guarantee efficacy and safety upon infusion, and these are presently based on guidelines originally drafted for standard pharmaceutical drugs, which have properties and are stored in conditions quite different from cell products. The aim of this report is to provide evidence-based information for stability studies on ATMPs that will facilitate the interlaboratory harmonization of practices in this area. METHODS We have collected and analyzed the results of stability studies on 19 different cell-based experimental ATMPs, produced by five authorized cell factories forming the Lombardy "Plagencell network" for use in 36 approved phase I/II clinical trials; most were cryopreserved and stored in liquid nitrogen vapors for 1 to 13 years. RESULTS The cell attributes collected in stability studies included cell viability, immunophenotype and potency assays, in particular immunosuppression, cytotoxicity, cytokine release and proliferation/differentiation capacity. Microbiological attributes including sterility, endotoxin levels and mycoplasma contamination were also analyzed. All drug products (DPs), cryopreserved in various excipients containing 10% DMSO and in different primary containers, were very stable long term at <-150°C and did not show any tendency for diminished viability or efficacy for up to 13.5 years. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that new guidelines for stability studies, specific for ATMPs and based on risk analyses, should be drafted to harmonize practices, significantly reduce the costs of stability studies without diminishing safety. Some specific suggestions are presented in the discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Capelli
- Center of Cellular Therapy "G. Lanzani", ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy; Fondazione per la Ricerca Ospedale di Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Simona Frigerio
- Cell Therapy Production Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Lisini
- Cell Therapy Production Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Nava
- Cell Therapy Production Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gaipa
- Laboratory of Cell and Gene Therapy Stefano Verri, ASST Monza Ospedale San Gerardo, Monza, Italy
| | - Daniela Belotti
- Laboratory of Cell and Gene Therapy Stefano Verri, ASST Monza Ospedale San Gerardo, Monza, Italy
| | - Benedetta Cabiati
- Laboratory of Cell and Gene Therapy Stefano Verri, ASST Monza Ospedale San Gerardo, Monza, Italy
| | - Silvia Budelli
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine - Cell Factory, Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Lorenza Lazzari
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine - Cell Factory, Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Jessica Bagnarino
- UOSD Cell Factory, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy; Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Matteo Tanzi
- UOSD Cell Factory, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy; Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Patrizia Comoli
- UOSD Cell Factory, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy; Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Norberto Perico
- Aldo & Cele Daccò Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases, Istituto Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Martino Introna
- Center of Cellular Therapy "G. Lanzani", ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy.
| | - Josée Golay
- Center of Cellular Therapy "G. Lanzani", ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy; Fondazione per la Ricerca Ospedale di Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
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9
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Anghileri E, Patanè M, Di Ianni N, Sambruni I, Maffezzini M, Milani M, Maddaloni L, Pollo B, Eoli M, Pellegatta S. Deciphering the Labyrinthine System of the Immune Microenvironment in Recurrent Glioblastoma: Recent Original Advances and Lessons from Clinical Immunotherapeutic Approaches. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6156. [PMID: 34944776 PMCID: PMC8699787 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The interpretation of the presence and function of immune infiltration in glioblastoma (GBM) is still debated. Over the years, GBM has been considered a cold tumor that is less infiltrated by effector cells and characterized by a high proportion of immunosuppressive innate immune cells, including GBM-associated microglia/macrophages (GAMs). In this context, the failure of checkpoint inhibitors, particularly in recurrent GBM (rGBM), caused us to look beyond the clinical results and consider the point of view of immune cells. The tumor microenvironment in rGBM can be particularly hostile, even when exposed to standard immunomodulatory therapies, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), when present, are either dysfunctional or terminally exhausted. However, after checkpoint blockade therapy, it was possible to observe specific recruitment of adaptive immune cells and an efficient systemic immune response. In this review article, we attempt to address current knowledge regarding the tumor and immune microenvironment in rGBM. Furthermore, immunosuppression induced by GAMs and TIL dysfunction was revisited to account for genetic defects that can determine resistance to therapies and manipulate the immune microenvironment upon recurrence. Accordingly, we reevaluated the microenvironment of some of our rGBM patients treated with dendritic cell immunotherapy, with the goal of identifying predictive immune indicators of better treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Anghileri
- Unit of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (E.A.); (N.D.I.); (I.S.); (M.M.); (M.M.); (L.M.); (M.E.)
| | - Monica Patanè
- Unit of Neuropathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.P.); (B.P.)
| | - Natalia Di Ianni
- Unit of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (E.A.); (N.D.I.); (I.S.); (M.M.); (M.M.); (L.M.); (M.E.)
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Brain Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria, 11, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Irene Sambruni
- Unit of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (E.A.); (N.D.I.); (I.S.); (M.M.); (M.M.); (L.M.); (M.E.)
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Brain Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria, 11, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Maffezzini
- Unit of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (E.A.); (N.D.I.); (I.S.); (M.M.); (M.M.); (L.M.); (M.E.)
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Brain Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria, 11, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Micaela Milani
- Unit of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (E.A.); (N.D.I.); (I.S.); (M.M.); (M.M.); (L.M.); (M.E.)
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Brain Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria, 11, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Luisa Maddaloni
- Unit of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (E.A.); (N.D.I.); (I.S.); (M.M.); (M.M.); (L.M.); (M.E.)
| | - Bianca Pollo
- Unit of Neuropathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.P.); (B.P.)
| | - Marica Eoli
- Unit of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (E.A.); (N.D.I.); (I.S.); (M.M.); (M.M.); (L.M.); (M.E.)
| | - Serena Pellegatta
- Unit of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (E.A.); (N.D.I.); (I.S.); (M.M.); (M.M.); (L.M.); (M.E.)
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Brain Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Celoria, 11, 20133 Milan, Italy
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10
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Datsi A, Sorg RV. Dendritic Cell Vaccination of Glioblastoma: Road to Success or Dead End. Front Immunol 2021; 12:770390. [PMID: 34795675 PMCID: PMC8592940 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.770390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastomas (GBM) are the most frequent and aggressive malignant primary brain tumor and remains a therapeutic challenge: even after multimodal therapy, median survival of patients is only 15 months. Dendritic cell vaccination (DCV) is an active immunotherapy that aims at inducing an antitumoral immune response. Numerous DCV trials have been performed, vaccinating hundreds of GBM patients and confirming feasibility and safety. Many of these studies reported induction of an antitumoral immune response and indicated improved survival after DCV. However, two controlled randomized trials failed to detect a survival benefit. This raises the question of whether the promising concept of DCV may not hold true or whether we are not yet realizing the full potential of this therapeutic approach. Here, we discuss the results of recent vaccination trials, relevant parameters of the vaccines themselves and of their application, and possible synergies between DCV and other therapeutic approaches targeting the immunosuppressive microenvironment of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeliki Datsi
- Institute for Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, Heinrich-Heine University Hospital, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Rüdiger V Sorg
- Institute for Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, Heinrich-Heine University Hospital, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
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11
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Nava S, Lisini D, Frigerio S, Bersano A. Dendritic Cells and Cancer Immunotherapy: The Adjuvant Effect. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212339. [PMID: 34830221 PMCID: PMC8620771 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are immune specialized cells playing a critical role in promoting immune response against antigens, and may represent important targets for therapeutic interventions in cancer. DCs can be stimulated ex vivo with pro-inflammatory molecules and loaded with tumor-specific antigen(s). Protocols describing the specific details of DCs vaccination manufacturing vary widely, but regardless of the employed protocol, the DCs vaccination safety and its ability to induce antitumor responses is clearly established. Many years of studies have focused on the ability of DCs to provide overall survival benefits at least for a selection of cancer patients. Lessons learned from early trials lead to the hypothesis that, to improve the efficacy of DCs-based immunotherapy, this should be combined with other treatments. Thus, the vaccine’s ultimate role may lie in the combinatorial approaches of DCs-based immunotherapy with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, more than in monotherapy. In this review, we address some key questions regarding the integration of DCs vaccination with multimodality therapy approaches for cancer treatment paradigms.
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12
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Cancer bio-immunotherapy XVII annual NIBIT (Italian Network for Tumor Biotherapy) meeting, October 11-13 2019, Verona, Italy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 71:1777-1786. [PMID: 34755203 PMCID: PMC8577637 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-03104-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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13
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Wagner PM, Prucca CG, Caputto BL, Guido ME. Adjusting the Molecular Clock: The Importance of Circadian Rhythms in the Development of Glioblastomas and Its Intervention as a Therapeutic Strategy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8289. [PMID: 34361055 PMCID: PMC8348990 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are solid tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) that originated from different glial cells. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies these tumors into four groups (I-IV) with increasing malignancy. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive type of brain tumor classified as grade IV. GBMs are resistant to conventional therapies with poor prognosis after diagnosis even when the Stupp protocol that combines surgery and radiochemotherapy is applied. Nowadays, few novel therapeutic strategies have been used to improve GBM treatment, looking for higher efficiency and lower side effects, but with relatively modest results. The circadian timing system temporally organizes the physiology and behavior of most organisms and daily regulates several cellular processes in organs, tissues, and even in individual cells, including tumor cells. The potentiality of the function of the circadian clock on cancer cells modulation as a new target for novel treatments with a chronobiological basis offers a different challenge that needs to be considered in further detail. The present review will discuss state of the art regarding GBM biology, the role of the circadian clock in tumor progression, and new chrono-chemotherapeutic strategies applied for GBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula M. Wagner
- CIQUIBIC-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina; (P.M.W.); (C.G.P.); (B.L.C.)
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina
| | - César G. Prucca
- CIQUIBIC-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina; (P.M.W.); (C.G.P.); (B.L.C.)
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina
| | - Beatriz L. Caputto
- CIQUIBIC-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina; (P.M.W.); (C.G.P.); (B.L.C.)
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina
| | - Mario E. Guido
- CIQUIBIC-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina; (P.M.W.); (C.G.P.); (B.L.C.)
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina
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14
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Adjusting the Molecular Clock: The Importance of Circadian Rhythms in the Development of Glioblastomas and Its Intervention as a Therapeutic Strategy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8289. [PMID: 34361055 PMCID: PMC8348990 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158289;] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are solid tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) that originated from different glial cells. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies these tumors into four groups (I-IV) with increasing malignancy. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive type of brain tumor classified as grade IV. GBMs are resistant to conventional therapies with poor prognosis after diagnosis even when the Stupp protocol that combines surgery and radiochemotherapy is applied. Nowadays, few novel therapeutic strategies have been used to improve GBM treatment, looking for higher efficiency and lower side effects, but with relatively modest results. The circadian timing system temporally organizes the physiology and behavior of most organisms and daily regulates several cellular processes in organs, tissues, and even in individual cells, including tumor cells. The potentiality of the function of the circadian clock on cancer cells modulation as a new target for novel treatments with a chronobiological basis offers a different challenge that needs to be considered in further detail. The present review will discuss state of the art regarding GBM biology, the role of the circadian clock in tumor progression, and new chrono-chemotherapeutic strategies applied for GBM treatment.
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15
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Quintarelli C, Camera A, Ciccone R, Alessi I, Del Bufalo F, Carai A, Del Baldo G, Mastronuzzi A, De Angelis B. Innovative and Promising Strategies to Enhance Effectiveness of Immunotherapy for CNS Tumors: Where Are We? Front Immunol 2021; 12:634031. [PMID: 34163465 PMCID: PMC8216238 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.634031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although there are several immunotherapy approaches for the treatment of Central Nervous System (CNS) tumors under evaluation, currently none of these approaches have received approval from the regulatory agencies. CNS tumors, especially glioblastomas, are tumors characterized by highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, limiting the possibility of effectively eliciting an immune response. Moreover, the peculiar anatomic location of these tumors poses relevant challenges in terms of safety, since uncontrolled hyper inflammation could lead to cerebral edema and cranial hypertension. The most promising strategies of immunotherapy in neuro-oncology consist of the use of autologous T cells redirected against tumor cells through chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) constructs or genetically modified T-cell receptors. Trials based on native or genetically engineered oncolytic viruses and on vaccination with tumor-associated antigen peptides are also under evaluation. Despite some sporadic complete remissions achieved in clinical trials, the outcome of patients with CNS tumors treated with different immunotherapeutic approaches remains poor. Based on the lessons learned from these unsatisfactory experiences, novel immune-therapy approaches aimed at overcoming the profound immunosuppressive microenvironment of these diseases are bringing new hope to reach the cure for CNS tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Quintarelli
- Department Onco-Hematology, Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy.,Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Camera
- Department Onco-Hematology, Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Roselia Ciccone
- Department Onco-Hematology, Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Iside Alessi
- Department Onco-Hematology, Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Del Bufalo
- Department Onco-Hematology, Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Carai
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neurological and Psychiatric Sciences, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Giada Del Baldo
- Department Onco-Hematology, Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Mastronuzzi
- Department Onco-Hematology, Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Biagio De Angelis
- Department Onco-Hematology, Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
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16
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Moyad MA. Adult preventive vaccines with other synergistic lifestyle options: is it time to add these ancillary benefits to the overall AS management checklist? World J Urol 2021; 40:43-49. [PMID: 33963444 PMCID: PMC8104041 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-021-03709-2] [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: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To review the potential ancillary cardiovascular and other health impacts of compliance with general adult vaccination series in the prostate cancer active surveillance (AS) population. No previous review has been published in regard to this specific topic. METHODS Literature review of PubMed data up to December 2020 RESULTS: Compliance rates for adult vaccination are in the approximate anemic range of 25-50% with occasional higher rates of specific vaccines in the elderly population including annual influenza and pneumococcal prevention. Herpes zoster (HZ) and numerous other vaccine preventive illnesses are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Preliminary evidence suggests vaccine compliance could reduce overall morbidity and mortality, and adherence to heart healthy lifestyle changes and parameters could further improve vaccine efficacy and overall wellness. COVID-19 vaccine utilization and research should also continue to reinforce the direct and ancillary benefits of this entire preventive intervention category. CONCLUSIONS Multiple ancillary lifestyle change recommendations could be included in the AS criteria to potentially reduce morbidity and mortality in this population, and perhaps the most unsung intervention is to improve the inadequate rates of general adult vaccination compliance and other heart healthy behavioral changes that impact their efficacy. Heart health, prostate health, and immune system health are closely interlinked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Moyad
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5330, USA.
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17
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Majc B, Novak M, Kopitar-Jerala N, Jewett A, Breznik B. Immunotherapy of Glioblastoma: Current Strategies and Challenges in Tumor Model Development. Cells 2021; 10:265. [PMID: 33572835 PMCID: PMC7912469 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common brain malignant tumor in the adult population, and immunotherapy is playing an increasingly central role in the treatment of many cancers. Nevertheless, the search for effective immunotherapeutic approaches for glioblastoma patients continues. The goal of immunotherapy is to promote tumor eradication, boost the patient's innate and adaptive immune responses, and overcome tumor immune resistance. A range of new, promising immunotherapeutic strategies has been applied for glioblastoma, including vaccines, oncolytic viruses, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and adoptive cell transfer. However, the main challenges of immunotherapy for glioblastoma are the intracranial location and heterogeneity of the tumor as well as the unique, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Owing to the lack of appropriate tumor models, there are discrepancies in the efficiency of various immunotherapeutic strategies between preclinical studies (with in vitro and animal models) on the one hand and clinical studies (on humans) on the other hand. In this review, we summarize the glioblastoma characteristics that drive tolerance to immunotherapy, the currently used immunotherapeutic approaches against glioblastoma, and the most suitable tumor models to mimic conditions in glioblastoma patients. These models are improving and can more precisely predict patients' responses to immunotherapeutic treatments, either alone or in combination with standard treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernarda Majc
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, 111 Večna pot, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.M.); (M.N.)
- International Postgraduate School Jozef Stefan, 39 Jamova ulica, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Metka Novak
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, 111 Večna pot, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.M.); (M.N.)
| | - Nataša Kopitar-Jerala
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Jozef Stefan Institute, 39 Jamova ulica, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Anahid Jewett
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, University of California School of Dentistry, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
| | - Barbara Breznik
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, 111 Večna pot, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.M.); (M.N.)
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High tumor mutational burden and T-cell activation are associated with long-term response to anti-PD1 therapy in Lynch syndrome recurrent glioblastoma patient. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2020; 70:831-842. [PMID: 33140187 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-020-02769-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastomas (GBMs) in patients harboring somatic or germinal mutations of mismatch-repair (MMR) genes exhibit a hypermutable phenotype. Here, we describe a GBM patient with increased tumor mutational burden and germline MMR mutations, treated using anti-PD1 therapy. METHODS A woman with newly diagnosed GBM (nGBM) was treated by surgery, radiotherapy, and temozolomide. The tumor recurred after 13 months leading to a second surgery and treatment with nivolumab. Whole-exome sequencing was performed on the nGBM, recurrent GBM (rGBM), and blood. Immune infiltration was investigated by immunohistochemistry and the immune response in the blood during treatment was analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS High density of infiltrating CD163 + cells was found in both GBM specimens. Large numbers of CD3 + and CD8 + T cells were homogeneously distributed in the nGBM. The infiltration of CD4 + T cells and a different CD8 + T cell density were observed in the rGBM. Both GBM shared 12,431 somatic mutations, with 113 substitutions specific to the nGBM and 1,683 specific to the rGBM. Germline variants included pathogenic mutation in the MSH2 (R359S) gene, suggesting the diagnosis of Lynch syndrome. Systemic immunophenotyping revealed the generation of CD8 + T memory cells and persistent activation of CD4 + T cells. The patient is still receiving nivolumab 68 months after the second surgery. CONCLUSIONS Our observations indicate that the hypermutator phenotype associated with germinal mutations of MMR genes and abundant T-cell infiltration contributes to a durable clinical benefit sustained by a persistent and robust immune response during anti-PD1 therapy.
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Desland FA, Hormigo A. The CNS and the Brain Tumor Microenvironment: Implications for Glioblastoma Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197358. [PMID: 33027976 PMCID: PMC7582539 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive malignant primary brain tumor in adults. Its aggressive nature is attributed partly to its deeply invasive margins, its molecular and cellular heterogeneity, and uniquely tolerant site of origin—the brain. The immunosuppressive central nervous system (CNS) and GBM microenvironments are significant obstacles to generating an effective and long-lasting anti-tumoral response, as evidenced by this tumor’s reduced rate of treatment response and high probability of recurrence. Immunotherapy has revolutionized patients’ outcomes across many cancers and may open new avenues for patients with GBM. There is now a range of immunotherapeutic strategies being tested in patients with GBM that target both the innate and adaptive immune compartment. These strategies include antibodies that re-educate tumor macrophages, vaccines that introduce tumor-specific dendritic cells, checkpoint molecule inhibition, engineered T cells, and proteins that help T cells engage directly with tumor cells. Despite this, there is still much ground to be gained in improving the response rates of the various immunotherapies currently being trialed. Through historical and contemporary studies, we examine the fundamentals of CNS immunity that shape how to approach immune modulation in GBM, including the now revamped concept of CNS privilege. We also discuss the preclinical models used to study GBM progression and immunity. Lastly, we discuss the immunotherapeutic strategies currently being studied to help overcome the hurdles of the blood–brain barrier and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.
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