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New Insights into Artesunate as a Pleiotropic Regulator of Innate and Adaptive Immune Cells. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:9591544. [PMID: 35178460 PMCID: PMC8844150 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9591544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Artesunate, one of the derivatives of artemisinin (“qinghaosu” in Chinese), is known as an antimalarial drug with high efficiency and low toxicity. Of interest, emerging evidences suggest that artesunate also possesses an immunomodulatory effect during innate and adaptive immune responses in cell types and context-dependent manner. Although it shows promising application in many diseases, such as inflammatory diseases, hypersensitivity, autoimmune diseases, and cancers, little is known about underlying molecular. In this review, we summarize recent advances of how artesunate regulates innate and adaptive immune cells. In addition, its potential application in immune-related diseases is also highlighted.
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Chen S, Xu Q, Wang J, Tan X. Effects of Artesunate Tablet on Immune Activation and Reconstitution Among Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy-Treated Patients with Incomplete Immune Responses. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2022; 38:100-110. [PMID: 33913736 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2020.0254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The level of T cell activation is a better predictor of CD4+ T cell depletion in highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) patients than viral load. Artesunate is an artemisinin derivative that has an immunomodulatory effect. This study investigated whether artesunate tablet reduces T cell activation and improves immune reconstitution among patients with suboptimal immune recovery despite receiving long-term effective HAART. This was a randomized prospective parallel open-label trial consisting of 45 participants whose plasma HIV load was effectively suppressed by HAART for >18 months and who had CD4+ T cell counts of <300 cells/μL or an increase of <20% from baseline. The patients were randomized 2:1 into the artesunate group or the control group and received artesunate tablets (orally, 50 mg two times daily) combined with HAART or HAART alone, respectively. T cell subsets, activation markers, clinical symptoms, viral load, and side effects were assessed. By 48 weeks, artesunate tablet did not improve CD4+ T cell recovery or reduce the activation of T cell subsets but induced in a smaller decline in the expression of T cell activation markers among HAART patients with incomplete immune responses. However, artesunate tablet did appear to reduce the level of T cell apoptosis. One subject developed moderate anemia. Long-term use of artesunate tablet is unlikely to produce substantial clinical benefits in patients receiving HAART who exhibit an incomplete immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyan Chen
- Artemisia annua Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qihua Xu
- Artemisia annua Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Chinese Medicine Research Center for AIDS Prevention and Treatment, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinghua Tan
- Hepatology Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
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Yang Y, Liu Q, Shi X, Zheng Q, Chen L, Sun Y. Advances in plant-derived natural products for antitumor immunotherapy. Arch Pharm Res 2021; 44:987-1011. [PMID: 34751930 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-021-01355-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, immunotherapy has emerged as a novel antitumor strategy in addition to traditional surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. It uniquely focuses on immune cells and immunomodulators in the tumor microenvironment and helps eliminate tumors at the root by rebuilding the immune system. Despite remarkable breakthroughs, cancer immunotherapy still faces many challenges: lack of predictable and prognostic biomarkers, adverse side effects, acquired treatment resistance, high costs, etc. Therefore, more efficacious and efficient, safer and cheaper antitumor immunomodulatory drugs have become an urgent requirement. For decades, plant-derived natural products obtained from land and sea have provided the most important source for the development of antitumor drugs. Currently, more attention is being paid to the discovery of potential cancer immunotherapy modulators from plant-derived natural products, such as polysaccharides, phenols, terpenoids, quinones and alkaloids. Some of these agents have outstanding advantages of multitargeting and low side effects and low cost compared to conventional immunotherapeutic agents. We intend to summarize the progress of comprehensive research on these plant-derived natural products and their derivatives and discuss their possible mechanisms in regulating the immune system and their efficacy as monotherapies or in combination with regular chemotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Instrument and Pharmaceutical Technology, College of Biological Science and Technology, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Qinying Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Biotherapy, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, 350014, China
| | - Xianai Shi
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Instrument and Pharmaceutical Technology, College of Biological Science and Technology, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Qiuhong Zheng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Biotherapy, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, 350014, China
| | - Li Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Instrument and Pharmaceutical Technology, College of Biological Science and Technology, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China.
| | - Yang Sun
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Biotherapy, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, 350014, China.
- Department of Gyn-Surgical Oncology, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, 350014, China.
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Artesunate inhibits melanoma progression in vitro via suppressing STAT3 signaling pathway. Pharmacol Rep 2021; 73:650-663. [PMID: 33609273 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-021-00230-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanoma is a life-threatening cancer characterized with a potentially metastatic tumor of melanocytic origin. Improved methods or novel therapies are urgently needed to eliminate the development of metastases. Artesunate is a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin used for trarment of malaria and cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-cancer effect of artesunate and the role on STAT3 signaling in A375 human melanoma cell line. METHODS Melanoma cells were treated with artesunate at concentrations of 0-5 μM for 24 and 48 h. The inhibition of cell viability, colony formation, migration, invasion, adhesion, percentage of apoptotic cells, and expressions of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) and related proteins were examined. RESULTS Artesunate inhibited cellular proliferation of cancer cells by induction of apoptosis at sub-toxic doses. Cells treated with artesunate showed an inhibition in adhesion to extracellular matrix substrate matrigel and type IV collagen. Artesunate treatment showed a decreased cellular migration, invasion, and colony formation in melanoma cells. Artesunate also inhibited STAT3 and Src activations and STAT3 related protein expressions; such as metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, Mcl-1, Bxl-xL, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and Twist. Moreover, overexpression of constitutively active STAT3 in A375 cells attenuated the anti-proliferative, apoptotic and anti-invasive effects of artesunate. CONCLUSION The results obtained from this study demonstrated that the anticancer activity of artesunate occurred via STAT3 pathway and its target proteins. Therefore, it can be suggested that artesunate may be an important candidate molecule in the treatment of melanoma.
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Lu Z, Bi J, Wan X. Artemisinin sensitizes tumor cells to NK cell-mediated cytolysis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 524:418-423. [PMID: 32007276 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.01.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The antimalarial drug Artemisinin has been reported to possess direct anti-tumor effects on various types of tumor cells. However, its anti-tumor potential has not been fully revealed, and its effects on tumor susceptibility to immune surveillance by the host are still unknown. Natural killer (NK) cells are the first line in tumor surveillance by the host, and have been recognized as a promising target for tumor immunotherapy. Here, we reported that Artemisinin sensitized tumor cells to NK cell cytolysis. Both human K562 and Raji tumor cells, and mouse YAC-1 tumor cells were more susceptible to human or mouse NK cell cytolysis in vitro after Artemisinin pretreatment. Conjugation formation between tumor cells and NK cells was increased after pretreatment with Artemisinin. Such effects on tumor cells by Artemisinin might not be the results of tumor recognition by NK cells, since major ligands of NK cell surface receptors were not affected. Mechanistically, although Artemisinin didn't induce tumor cell apoptosis, Artemisinin enriched apoptosis-related gene sets in these tumor cells, which might predispose tumor cells to apoptosis upon NK cell cytolysis. Moreover, NK cell numbers, percentages, maturation and functions were preserved in the presence of Artemisinin in vitro, suggesting that Artemisinin displays detrimental effects only on tumor cells but not on immune cells. These data reveal a novel anti-tumor mechanism of Artemisinin and demonstrate that Artemisinin could be a promising drug candidate for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Lu
- Center for Protein and Cell-based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiacheng Bi
- Center for Protein and Cell-based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaochun Wan
- Center for Protein and Cell-based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
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Ding X, Yue W, Chen H. Effect of artesunate on apoptosis and autophagy in tamoxifen resistant breast cancer cells (TAM-R). Transl Cancer Res 2019; 8:1863-1872. [PMID: 35116937 PMCID: PMC8797964 DOI: 10.21037/tcr.2019.08.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background The antitumor effect of artesunate (ART) is well-recognized. To investigate the effect of ART on tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells (TAM-R) proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy with TAM-R cells of breast cancer as objects of study, and to investigate whether ART could re-sensitize TAM-R cells to TAM therapy. Methods Experiments were performed using TAM-R cell lines. Cell Death Detection ELISA kit was used to detect the level of apoptosis. Western blot and immunofluorescent staining analysis were conducted to detect autophagy and apoptosis related proteins in TAM-R cells. Results After treated with ART, the proliferation activity of TAM-R cells was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner. Increased apoptosis activity was detected in TAM-R cells when treated with ART. Compared with 10−6 M TAM monotherapy group, treatment group with ART and TAM in combination caused significant reduction in the levels of Bcl-2, XIAP, and Survivin proteins, and elevation of caspase-7. However, increased p53 proteins was not detected after ART treatment. No significant change was observed in autophagy proteins LC-3 and Beclin-1 among control, ART, TAM, and ART combined with TAM groups. Conclusions The intervention of ART could not inhibit protective autophagy in TAM-R cells, however, possess potential in inducing apoptosis. In addition, as ART inhibit TAM-R cells growth in a dose-dependent manner, co-administration of 1 or 3 µM of ART with 10−6 M TAM might not be enough to re-sensitize TAM-R cells to TAM therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Ding
- Department of Hematology, Dongfang Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100078, China
| | - Wei Yue
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Haiyan Chen
- Department of Hematology, Dongfang Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100078, China
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Unraveling the molecular mechanisms and the potential chemopreventive/therapeutic properties of natural compounds in melanoma. Semin Cancer Biol 2019; 59:266-282. [PMID: 31233829 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is the most fatal form of skin cancer. Current therapeutic approaches include surgical resection, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. However, these treatment strategies are associated with development of drug resistance and severe side effects. In recent years, natural compounds have also been extensively studied for their anti-melanoma effects, including tumor growth inhibition, apoptosis induction, angiogenesis and metastasis suppression and cancer stem cell elimination. Moreover, a considerable number of studies reported the synergistic activity of phytochemicals and standard anti-melanoma agents, as well as the enhanced effectiveness of their synthetic derivatives and novel formulations. However, clinical data confirming these promising effects in patients are still scanty. This review emphasizes the anti-tumor mechanisms and potential application of the most studied natural products for melanoma prevention and treatment.
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Prevention of carcinogenesis and metastasis by Artemisinin-type drugs. Cancer Lett 2018; 429:11-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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From ancient herb to modern drug: Artemisia annua and artemisinin for cancer therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2017; 46:65-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 341] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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The pharmacological activities and mechanisms of artemisinin and its derivatives: a systematic review. Med Chem Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s00044-016-1778-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Artemisinin and its derivatives in cancer therapy: status of progress, mechanism of action, and future perspectives. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2017; 79:451-466. [DOI: 10.1007/s00280-017-3251-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Ret mouse very large tumors (VLTs) display altered ratios of infiltrating memory to naive T cells: Roles in tumor expansion. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 23:211-20. [PMID: 27397900 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathophys.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2016] [Revised: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer, however it is immunogenic. The size of the primary tumor is associated with the nodal metastases. Our goals were to characterize melanoma-associated antigens (MAAs) and tumor-infiltrating T-lymphocytes (TILs) subsets in the few very large tumors (VLTs) developing in ret transgenic mice of melanoma. Tumors >700mg (VLTs) were investigated for MAAs and subsets of TILs. Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry-based studies were performed to determine the infiltration patterns of T-lymphocytes in VLTs. It was observed that zinc fixative restores the antigenicity of the cell-surface markers of lymphocyte subpopulations without the need of antigen retrieval, whereas formalin-based fixative fails to restore the antigenicity in the presence of antigen retrieval in the immunohistochemistry. VLTs from ret mice express MAAs, such as Tyrosinase, TRP-1, TRP-2 and gp-100. The mean±standard deviation (S.D.) T-cell infiltration per 400 times-high power field in VLTs; CD4(+) (2.33±1.3), CD8(+) (2.00±1.0), and CD4(+) Foxp3(+) (2.5±0.5) regulatory T cells infiltration was exclusively restricted to the tumor stroma. Moreover, our flow cytometry-based data reveal that % mean±S.D. naive CD3(+) CD4(+) T cell infiltration (32.8±4.0%) was significantly larger than effector (25.8±2.8%, p<0.01) and central memory cells (16.1±3.7%, p<0.001) in VLTs. Similarly, between CD3(+) CD8(+) T cells, naive cells infiltrate (57.7±2.3%) in a significantly larger frequency than effector (5.0±0.4%, p<0.0001) and central memory cell (4.8±1.7%, p<0.0001) subsets. These results suggest that the VLTs from ret mice display lowered infiltration ratios between memory and naive T cells, which could be associated with the relatively large growth of VLTs.
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Artesunate induces G2/M cell cycle arrest through autophagy induction in breast cancer cells. Anticancer Drugs 2014; 25:652-62. [DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Artemisinins: Pharmacological actions beyond anti-malarial. Pharmacol Ther 2014; 142:126-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2013.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 309] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Breuer E, Efferth T. Treatment of Iron-Loaded Veterinary Sarcoma by Artemisia annua. NATURAL PRODUCTS AND BIOPROSPECTING 2014; 4:113-8. [PMID: 24859473 PMCID: PMC4004853 DOI: 10.1007/s13659-014-0013-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Artemisinin, a constituent of Artemisia annua L., is a well-known antimalarial drug. Artemisinin-type drugs also inhibit cancer growth in vitro and in vivo. Herbal extracts of A. annua inhibit the growth of cancer cell lines. Here, we report on the use of capsules containing powder of Herba Artemisiae annuae to treat pet sarcoma. The surgical tumor removal as standard treatment was supplemented by adjuvant therapy with A. annua. One cat and one dog with fibrosarcoma survived 40 and 37 months, respectively, without tumor relapse. Two other dogs suffering from fibrosarcoma and hemangioendothelial sarcoma also showed complete remission and are still alive after 39 and 26 months, respectively. A. annua was well tolerated without noticeable side effects. These four cases indicate that A. annua may be a promising herbal drug for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elmar Breuer
- Veterinary Clinic for Pets, Müllheim/Baden, Germany
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
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Kerl HU, Boll H, Ramacher M, Heilmann M, Groden C, Kramer M, Umansky V, Brockmann MA. Characterization and longitudinal monitoring of melanoma growth in ret-transgenic mice using a single-sequence MRI protocol. Exp Dermatol 2012; 21:837-41. [PMID: 23163648 DOI: 10.1111/exd.12013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Spontaneous melanoma models in transgenic mice are increasingly used in preclinical research as they most closely match the progression of melanoma in humans. While optical inspection only allows analysis of tumors located on the skin, the accurate measurement and growth of subcutaneous tumors have not been adequately assessed. To improve the measurement accuracy of melanoma tumors, we used a fast single-sequence MRI protocol at 9.4 Tesla for longitudinal characterization of a ret-transgenic mouse model. Repeated MRI (average acquisition time 30 min per animal) of the trunk (excluding head and distal limbs) in six siblings revealed an increase in the mean total tumor volume (TTV) from 102.0 ± 80.5 mm(3) at 35 days of age to 434.8 ± 154.9 mm(3) by 77 days. The main tumor load was located within the pelvis (>40%), followed by the proximal hind limbs and groins (>30%). The smallest detectable tumor measured 0.07 mm(3). Inter-rater reliability between a radiologist and a veterinarian analysing MRI data was 0.993 for TTV and 0.840 for number of tumors (both p < 0.001). We thus conclude that because of the high variance of TTV of same-aged mice, MRI should be used (i) to establish treatment groups matched for TTV and (ii) for longitudinal examination of the TTV in mice over the course of treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans U Kerl
- Department of Neuroradiology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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Artemisinins and immune system. Eur J Pharmacol 2011; 668:6-14. [PMID: 21756901 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2011.06.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2011] [Revised: 06/13/2011] [Accepted: 06/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Artemisinins in combination with other antimalarial drugs remain the mainstay of current antimalarial armamentarium. It is interesting to note that many traditional drugs with antiprotozoal background can wield immunomodulation on the recipient's immune system in a positive or negative direction. Artemisinins also attribute immunomodulatory distensions. For instance, they demonstrate predominant immunosuppressive traits toward different immune components by particularly regulating the cellular proliferation and cytokine release, which indicates that they possess some additional mechanisms and features demanding deliberate attentions. This article reviews the data-based immunomodulatory effects of artemisinins on different immune cells including neutrophils, macrophages, splenocytes, T and B cells in conjunction with their therapeutic prospective with regard to inflammation, autoimmunity and delayed-type hypersensitivity.
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The redox antimalarial dihydroartemisinin targets human metastatic melanoma cells but not primary melanocytes with induction of NOXA-dependent apoptosis. Invest New Drugs 2011; 30:1289-301. [PMID: 21547369 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-011-9676-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2011] [Accepted: 04/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Recent research suggests that altered redox control of melanoma cell survival, proliferation, and invasiveness represents a chemical vulnerability that can be targeted by pharmacological modulation of cellular oxidative stress. The endoperoxide artemisinin and semisynthetic artemisinin-derivatives including dihydroartemisinin (DHA) constitute a major class of antimalarials that kill plasmodium parasites through induction of iron-dependent oxidative stress. Here, we demonstrate that DHA may serve as a redox chemotherapeutic that selectively induces melanoma cell apoptosis without compromising viability of primary human melanocytes. Cultured human metastatic melanoma cells (A375, G361, LOX) were sensitive to DHA-induced apoptosis with upregulation of cellular oxidative stress, phosphatidylserine externalization, and activational cleavage of procaspase 3. Expression array analysis revealed DHA-induced upregulation of oxidative and genotoxic stress response genes (GADD45A, GADD153, CDKN1A, PMAIP1, HMOX1, EGR1) in A375 cells. DHA exposure caused early upregulation of the BH3-only protein NOXA, a proapototic member of the Bcl2 family encoded by PMAIP1, and genetic antagonism (siRNA targeting PMAIP1) rescued melanoma cells from apoptosis indicating a causative role of NOXA-upregulation in DHA-induced melanoma cell death. Comet analysis revealed early DHA-induction of genotoxic stress accompanied by p53 activational phosphorylation (Ser 15). In primary human epidermal melanocytes, viability was not compromised by DHA, and oxidative stress, comet tail moment, and PMAIP1 (NOXA) expression remained unaltered. Taken together, these data demonstrate that metastatic melanoma cells display a specific vulnerability to DHA-induced NOXA-dependent apoptosis and suggest feasibility of future anti-melanoma intervention using artemisinin-derived clinical redox antimalarials.
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Boulanger D, Sarr JB, Fillol F, Sokhna C, Cisse B, Schacht AM, Trape JF, Riveau G, Simondon F, Greenwood B, Remoué F. Immunological consequences of intermittent preventive treatment against malaria in Senegalese preschool children. Malar J 2010; 9:363. [PMID: 21167018 PMCID: PMC3012051 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-9-363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2010] [Accepted: 12/17/2010] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intermittent preventive treatment in children (IPTc) is a promising strategy to control malaria morbidity. A significant concern is whether IPTc increases children's susceptibility to subsequent malaria infection by altering their anti-Plasmodium acquired immunity. METHODS To investigate this concern, IgG antibody (Ab) responses to Plasmodium falciparum schizont extract were measured in Senegalese children (6 months-5 years old) who had received three rounds of IPTc with artesunate + sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (or placebo) at monthly intervals eight months earlier. Potential confounding factors, such as asexual malaria parasitaemia and nutritional status were also evaluated. RESULTS Firstly, a bivariate analysis showed that children who had received IPTc had lower anti-Plasmodium IgG Ab levels than the non-treated controls. When epidemiological parameters were incorporated into a multivariate regression, gender, nutritional status and haemoglobin concentration did not have any significant influence. In contrast, parasitaemia, past malaria morbidity and increasing age were strongly associated with a higher specific IgG response. CONCLUSIONS The intensity of the contacts with P. falciparum seems to represent the main factor influencing anti-schizont IgG responses. Previous IPTc does not seem to interfere with this parasite-dependent acquired humoral response eight months after the last drug administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Boulanger
- Unité Mixte de Recherche 145, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement and Université Montpellier 1, 911 avenue Agropolis, BP64501, 34394 Montpellier, France.
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O’Neill PM, Barton VE, Ward SA. The molecular mechanism of action of artemisinin--the debate continues. Molecules 2010; 15:1705-21. [PMID: 20336009 PMCID: PMC6257357 DOI: 10.3390/molecules15031705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 370] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2010] [Revised: 02/23/2010] [Accepted: 03/09/2010] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite international efforts to 'roll back malaria' the 2008 World Malaria Report revealed the disease still affects approximately 3 billion people in 109 countries; 45 within the WHO African region. The latest report however does provide some 'cautious optimism'; more than one third of malarious countries have documented greater than 50% reductions in malaria cases in 2008 compared to 2000. The goal of the Member States at the World Health Assembly and 'Roll Back Malaria' (RBM) partnership is to reduce the numbers of malaria cases and deaths recorded in 2000 by 50% or more by the end of 2010. Although malaria is preventable it is most prevalent in poorer countries where prevention is difficult and prophylaxis is generally not an option. The burden of disease has increased by the emergence of multi drug resistant (MDR) parasites which threatens the use of established and cost effective antimalarial agents. After a major change in treatment policies, artemisinins are now the frontline treatment to aid rapid clearance of parasitaemia and quick resolution of symptoms. Since artemisinin and its derivatives are eliminated rapidly, artemisinin combination therapies (ACT's) are now recommended to delay resistance mechanisms. In spite of these precautionary measures reduced susceptibility of parasites to the artemisinin-based component of ACT's has developed at the Thai-Cambodian border, a historical 'hot spot' for MDR parasite evolution and emergence. This development raises serious concerns for the future of the artemsinins and this is not helped by controversy related to the mode of action. Although a number of potential targets have been proposed the actual mechanism of action remains ambiguous. Interestingly, artemisinins have also shown potent and broad anticancer properties in cell lines and animal models and are becoming established as anti-schistosomal agents. In this review we will discuss the recent evidence explaining bioactivation and potential molecular targets in the chemotherapy of malaria and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M. O’Neill
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Oxford Street, Liverpool L697ZD, UK; E-Mail: (V.E.B.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: .
| | - Victoria E. Barton
- Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Oxford Street, Liverpool L697ZD, UK; E-Mail: (V.E.B.)
| | - Stephen A. Ward
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place Liverpool L35QA, UK; E-Mail: (S.A.W.)
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Efferth T, Kaina B. Toxicity of the antimalarial artemisinin and its dervatives. Crit Rev Toxicol 2010; 40:405-21. [DOI: 10.3109/10408441003610571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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