1
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Hong JH, Woo IS. Metronomic chemotherapy as a potential partner of immune checkpoint inhibitors for metastatic colorectal cancer treatment. Cancer Lett 2023; 565:216236. [PMID: 37209943 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in clinical practice for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is currently limited to patients with deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) or high microsatellite instability (MSI-H), which comprise less than 5% of all mCRC cases. Combining ICIs with anti-angiogenic inhibitors, which modulate the tumor microenvironment, may reinforce and synergize the anti-tumor immune responses of ICIs. In mCRCs, combinations of pembrolizumab and lenvatinib have shown good efficacy in early phase trials. These results suggest the potential utility of immune modulators as partners in combination treatment with ICIs in immunologically cold microsatellite stable, as well as hot dMMR/MSI-H tumors. Unlike conventional pulsatile maximum tolerated dose chemotherapy, low-dose metronomic (LDM) chemotherapy recruits immune cells and normalizes vascular-immune crosstalk, similar to anti-angiogenic drugs. LDM chemotherapy mostly modulates the tumor stroma rather than directly killing tumor cells. Here, we review the mechanism of LDM chemotherapy in terms of immune modulation and its potential as a combination partner with ICIs for the treatment of patients with mCRC tumors, most of which are immunologically cold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hyung Hong
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 03312, Republic of Korea
| | - In Sook Woo
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 07345, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Chen Y, Liu R, Li C, Song Y, Liu G, Huang Q, Yu L, Zhu D, Lu C, Lu A, Li L, Liu Y. Nab-paclitaxel promotes the cancer-immunity cycle as a potential immunomodulator. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:3445-3460. [PMID: 34354854 PMCID: PMC8332864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Paclitaxel is a widely used anti-tumor chemotherapeutic drug. Solvent-based paclitaxel causes bone marrow suppression, allergic reactions, neurotoxicity and systemic toxicity, which are associated with non-specific cytotoxicity and side effects of fat-soluble solvents. Studies have explored various new nano-drug strategies of paclitaxel, including nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel) to improve the water solubility and safety of paclitaxel. Nab-paclitaxel is a targeted solvent-free formulation that inhibits microtubule depolymerization to anticancer. It is easily taken up by tumor and immune cells owing to the nano-scaled size and superior biocompatibility. The internalized nab-paclitaxel exhibits significant immunostimulatory activities to promote cancer-immunity cycle. The aim of this study was to explore the synergistic effect of nab-paclitaxel in tumor antigen presentation, T cell activation, reversing the immunosuppressive pattern of tumor microenvironment (TME), and the synergistic effect with cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTLs) in clearance of tumor cells. The effects of nab-paclitaxel on modulation of cancer-immunity cycle, provides potential avenues for combined therapeutic rationale to improve efficacy of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youwen Chen
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijing 100029, China
| | - Rui Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijing 100029, China
| | - Chenxi Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijing 100029, China
| | - Yurong Song
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijing 100029, China
| | - Guangzhi Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijing 100029, China
| | - Qingcai Huang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijing 100029, China
| | - Liuchunyang Yu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijing 100029, China
| | - Dongjie Zhu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijing 100029, China
| | - Cheng Lu
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical SciencesBeijing 100700, China
| | - Aiping Lu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist UniversityKowloon, Hongkong, China
| | - Linfu Li
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical UniversityGanzhou 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yuanyan Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijing 100029, China
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3
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Rai SK, Pathak RK, Singh DB, Bhatt A, Baunthiyal M. Chemo-informatics guided study of natural inhibitors targeting rho GTPase: a lead for treatment of glaucoma. In Silico Pharmacol 2021; 9:4. [PMID: 33442531 DOI: 10.1007/s40203-020-00061-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma, the most perilous disease leading to blindness is a result of optical neuropathy. Accumulation of aqueous humor in the posterior chamber due to a large difference in the rate of formation and its drainage in the anterior chamber causes an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) leading to damage of nerve cells. A literature survey has revealed that inhibition of the Rho guanosine triphosphatases (rho GTPase) pathway by specific inhibitors leads to the relaxation of contractile cells involved in the aqueous outflow pathway. Relaxation of the strained contractile cells results in increased outflow thereby releasing IOP. In the present study molecular docking has been used to screen twenty seven bioactive (17 natural compounds and 10 conventional drugs) compounds that may play a significant role in relaxing contractile cells by inhibiting rho-GTPase protein. Docking results showed that among all-natural bioactive compounds Cyanidin and Delphinidine have a good binding affinity (- 8.4 kcal/mol) than the top screened conventional drug molecule Mitomycin, (- 6.3 kcal/mol) when docked with rho-GTPase protein. Cyanidin and Delphinidin belong to anthocyanidin, a glycoside form of anthocyanins from Vaccinium myrtillus L. and Punica granatum. The resembling potential of Cyanidin and Delphinidin concerning the drug Mitomycin was confirmed through simulation analysis. Molecular dynamics study (MDS) for 100 ns, showed that the rho GTPase-Delphinidine complex structure was energetically more stable than rho GTPase-Cyaniding complex in comparison to rho GTPase-Mitomycin complex. The comparative study of both the selected hits (Cyanidin and Delphinidin) was assessed by RMSD, RMSF, Rg, SASA, H-bond, PCA MM/PBSA analysis. The analysis revealed that Delphinidine is more potent to inhibit the rho GTPase as compare to Cyaniding and available conventional drugs in terms of stability and binding free energy. Based on the results, these molecules have good pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics properties and will prove to be a promising lead compound as a future drug for Glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Kumar Rai
- Department of Biotechnology, Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Engineering and Technology, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand 246194 India
| | - Rajesh Kumar Pathak
- Department of Biotechnology, Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Engineering and Technology, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand 246194 India
| | - Dev Bukhsh Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, 208024 India
| | - Arun Bhatt
- Department of Biotechnology, Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Engineering and Technology, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand 246194 India
| | - Mamta Baunthiyal
- Department of Biotechnology, Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Engineering and Technology, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand 246194 India
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Chen X, Zhou W, Liang C, Shi S, Yu X, Chen Q, Sun T, Lu Y, Zhang Y, Guo Q, Li C, Zhang Y, Jiang C. Codelivery Nanosystem Targeting the Deep Microenvironment of Pancreatic Cancer. NANO LETTERS 2019; 19:3527-3534. [PMID: 31058513 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.9b00374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is considered as one of the most aggressive malignancies due to its unique microenvironment of which the cardinal histopathological feature is the remarkable desmoplasia of the stroma, taking up about 80% of the tumor mass. The desmoplastic stroma negatively affects drug diffusion and the infiltration of T cells, leading to an immunosuppressive microenvironment. However, this unique microenvironment can limit the physical spread of pancreatic cancer via a neighbor suppression effect. Here, a tumor central stroma targeting and microenvironment responsive strategy was applied to generate a nanoparticle coloading paclitaxel and phosphorylated gemcitabine. The designed nanoparticle disrupted the central stroma while preserving the external stroma, thereby promoting the antitumor effectiveness of chemotherapeutics. Additionally, the resulting nanoparticle can modulate the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment by augmenting the number of cytotoxic T cells and restraining the percentage of T regulatory cells. The relatively intact external stroma can effectively maintain the neighbor suppression effect and prevent tumor metastasis. Combining stroma targeting with the delivery of stimuli-responsive polymeric nanoparticles embodies an effective tumor-tailored drug delivery system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinli Chen
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy , Fudan University , Shanghai 201203 , China
| | - Wenxi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy , Fudan University , Shanghai 201203 , China
| | - Chen Liang
- Department of Pancreatic and Hepatobiliary Surgery , Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center , 270 Dongan Road , Shanghai 200032 , China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College , Fudan University , Shanghai 200032 , China
| | - Si Shi
- Department of Pancreatic and Hepatobiliary Surgery , Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center , 270 Dongan Road , Shanghai 200032 , China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College , Fudan University , Shanghai 200032 , China
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic and Hepatobiliary Surgery , Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center , 270 Dongan Road , Shanghai 200032 , China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College , Fudan University , Shanghai 200032 , China
| | - Qinjun Chen
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy , Fudan University , Shanghai 201203 , China
| | - Tao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy , Fudan University , Shanghai 201203 , China
| | - Yifei Lu
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy , Fudan University , Shanghai 201203 , China
| | - Yujie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy , Fudan University , Shanghai 201203 , China
| | - Qin Guo
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy , Fudan University , Shanghai 201203 , China
| | - Chao Li
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy , Fudan University , Shanghai 201203 , China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy , Fudan University , Shanghai 201203 , China
| | - Chen Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Research Center on Aging and Medicine, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy , Fudan University , Shanghai 201203 , China
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5
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Li Y, Acharya G, Elahy M, Xin H, Khachigian LM. The anthelmintic flubendazole blocks human melanoma growth and metastasis and suppresses programmed cell death protein-1 and myeloid-derived suppressor cell accumulation. Cancer Lett 2019; 459:268-276. [PMID: 31128215 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of melanoma is increasing faster than any other cancer. In recent years, treatment of melanoma and a range of other deadly cancers has involved immunotherapy with programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1)/PD-1 ligand (PD-L1) checkpoint blockade which has improved survival. However, many patients do not respond or have partial response, survival benefit is in the order of months and all available PD-1/PD-L1 strategies are antibodies requiring intravenous infusion. There are no clinically approved small molecule pharmacologic inhibitors of the PD-1/PD-L1 system. The benzimidazole derivative flubendazole is a widely used anthelmintic available over the counter in Europe. Here we demonstrate the ability of flubendazole to inhibit human melanoma growth and spread in mice. Flubendazole's ability to block tumor growth and spread was comparable to paclitaxel. Anti-tumor effects were observed when flubendazole was delivered systemically not locally. Flubendazole inhibited CD31/PECAM-1 staining indicating suppression of tumor angiogenesis. Most surprisingly, flubendazole inhibited PD-1 levels within the tumors, but not PD-L1. Western blotting and flow cytometry revealed that flubendazole inhibits PD-1 expression in cultured melanoma cells. Flubendazole also reduced myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) levels in tumor tissue. Further we found that flubendazole inhibited active (phospho-Tyr705) signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3), an upstream regulator of PD-1 expression. These findings uncover that flubendazole is a novel small molecule inhibitor of not only melanoma growth and spread but also of PD-1 and MDSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- Vascular Biology and Translational Research, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Grishma Acharya
- Explora BioLabs, Flintkote Avenue, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Mina Elahy
- Vascular Biology and Translational Research, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Hong Xin
- Explora BioLabs, Flintkote Avenue, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Levon M Khachigian
- Vascular Biology and Translational Research, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
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6
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Burkert SC, Shurin GV, White DL, He X, Kapralov AA, Kagan VE, Shurin MR, Star A. Targeting myeloid regulators by paclitaxel-loaded enzymatically degradable nanocups. NANOSCALE 2018; 10:17990-18000. [PMID: 30226240 PMCID: PMC6563927 DOI: 10.1039/c8nr04437f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment is characterized by immunosuppressive mechanisms associated with the accumulation of immune regulatory cells - myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC). Therapeutic depletion of MDSC has been associated with inhibition of tumor growth and therefore represents an attractive approach to cancer immunotherapy. MDSC in cancer are characterized by enhanced enzymatic capacity to generate reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) which have been shown to effectively degrade carbonaceous materials. We prepared enzymatically openable nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube cups (NCNC) corked with gold nanoparticles and loaded with paclitaxel as a therapeutic cargo. Loading and release of paclitaxel was confirmed through electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and LC-MS analysis. Under the assumption that RONS generated by MDSCs can be utilized as a dual targeting and oxidative degradation mechanism for NCNC, here we report that systemic administration of paclitaxel loaded NCNC delivers paclitaxel to circulating and lymphoid tissue MDSC resulting in the inhibition of growth of tumors (B16 melanoma cells inoculated into C57BL/6 mice) in vivo. Tumor growth inhibition was associated with decreased MDSC accumulation quantified by flow cytometry that correlated with bio-distribution of gold-corked NCNC resolved by ICP-MS detection of residual gold in mouse tissue. Thus, we developed a novel immunotherapeutic approach based on unique nanodelivery vehicles, which can be loaded with therapeutic agents that are released specifically in MDSC via NCNC selective enzymatic "opening" affecting change in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth C Burkert
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, USA.
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7
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Zhou Y, Shurin GV, Zhong H, Bunimovich YL, Han B, Shurin MR. Schwann Cells Augment Cell Spreading and Metastasis of Lung Cancer. Cancer Res 2018; 78:5927-5939. [PMID: 30135194 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-1702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although lungs are densely innervated by the peripheral nervous system (PNS), the role of the PNS in the progression of lung cancer is unknown. In this study, we report that mouse adult Schwann cells (SC), the principal glial cells of the PNS, can regulate the motility of lung cancer cells in vitro and the formation of metastases in vivo SCs promoted epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the motility of two lung cancer cell lines by increasing expression of Snail and Twist in tumor cells; blocking of Snail and Twist expression abolished SC-induced motility of tumor cells. SC-derived CXCL5 was responsible for EMT in lung cancer cells, as the inhibition of CXCL5 or its receptor CXCR2 reduced SC-induced expression of Snail and Twist and reduced motility in tumor cells. CXCL5/CXCR2 binding activated the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β/Snail-Twist signaling pathway in lung cancer cells, and the PI3K inhibitor blocked CXCL5-dependent phosphorylation of AKT and GSK-3β, reduced expression of Snail/Twist, and limited tumor cell invasiveness. SC conditioning of tumor cells prior to their injection into mice significantly increased the formation of metastases in the regional lymph nodes. In summary, SCs can regulate the CXCL5/CXCR2/PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β/Snail-Twist pathway to promote EMT, invasiveness, and metastatic potential of lung cancer cells. Our results reveal a new role of the PNS in the functional organization of the tumor microenvironment and tumor progression.Significance: This study increases our understanding of how nerves and, in particular, specific glial cells, Schwann cells, in the peripheral nervous system, may help promote tumor growth and metastasis. Cancer Res; 78(20); 5927-39. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhou
- Department of Pulmonary Disease, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Galina V Shurin
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Hua Zhong
- Department of Pulmonary Disease, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuri L Bunimovich
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Baohui Han
- Department of Pulmonary Disease, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Michael R Shurin
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. .,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Tang W, Yang J, Yuan Y, Zhao Z, Lian Z, Liang G. Paclitaxel nanoparticle awakens immune system to fight against cancer. NANOSCALE 2017; 9:6529-6536. [PMID: 28466929 DOI: 10.1039/c6nr09895a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A high concentration of paclitaxel (PTX) is used as an anti-tumor chemotherapy but is toxic to immune cells. At lower concentrations, PTX was found able to stimulate the anti-tumor potentials of immune cells. Thus, decreasing the cytotoxicity of PTX at high concentration while maintaining its anti-tumor stimulation to immune cells remains challenging. Herein, by employing a click condensation reaction, we rationally designed a PTX derivative, Cys(StBu)-Arg-Arg-Arg-Lys(PTX)-CBT (1), for the facile preparation of its nanoparticle 1-NP. In vitro assays indicated that, at high PTX concentrations, 1-NP showed significantly lower cytotoxicity to macrophages than did PTX, and could be efficiently phagocytosed by macrophages and consequently polarize the cells into an anti-tumor state in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo experiments further confirmed that 1-NP had a higher anti-tumor efficacy than did free PTX but lower cytotoxicity to immune cells in both immune organs and tumor sites. Our results suggest that, by using different doses of 1-NP, patients can precisely regulate the activation of the immune system for an effective anti-tumor and balanced autoimmune responses. We also envision that our strategy could lead to a combined use of immunotherapy and chemotherapy for a more efficient anti-tumor treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Tang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
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Abstract
Rnd3, also known as RhoE, belongs to the Rnd subclass of the Rho family of small guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-binding proteins. Rnd proteins are unique due to their inability to switch from a GTP-bound to GDP-bound conformation. Even though studies of the biological function of Rnd3 are far from being concluded, information is available regarding its expression pattern, cellular localization, and its activity, which can be altered depending on the conditions. The compiled data from these studies implies that Rnd3 may not be a traditional small GTPase. The basic role of Rnd3 is to report as an endogenous antagonist of RhoA signaling-mediated actin cytoskeleton dynamics, which specifically contributes to cell migration and neuron polarity. In addition, Rnd3 also plays a critical role in arresting cell cycle distribution, inhibiting cell growth, and inducing apoptosis and differentiation. Increasing data have shown that aberrant Rnd3 expression may be the leading cause of some systemic diseases; particularly highlighted in apoptotic cardiomyopathy, developmental arrhythmogenesis and heart failure, hydrocephalus, as well as tumor metastasis and chemotherapy resistance. Therefore, a better understanding of the function of Rnd3 under different physiological and pathological conditions, through the use of suitable models, would provide a novel insight into the origin and treatment of multiple human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Jie
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine Science, Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Kelsey C Andrade
- Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Xi Lin
- Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Xiangsheng Yang
- Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Xiaojing Yue
- Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jiang Chang
- Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Houston, Texas, USA
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10
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Makkouk A, Joshi VB, Lemke CD, Wongrakpanich A, Olivier AK, Blackwell SE, Salem AK, Weiner GJ. Three steps to breaking immune tolerance to lymphoma: a microparticle approach. Cancer Immunol Res 2015; 3:389-98. [PMID: 25627654 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-14-0173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In situ immunization aims at generating antitumor immune responses through manipulating the tumor microenvironment. On the basis of recent advances in the understanding of antitumor immunity, we designed a three-step approach to in situ immunization to lymphoma: (i) inducing immunogenic tumor cell death with the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin. Doxorubicin enhances the expression of "eat-me" signals by dying tumor cells, facilitating their phagocytosis by dendritic cells (DC). Because of the vesicant activity of doxorubicin, microparticles made of biodegradable polymer poly(lactide-co-glycolide) or PLGA can safely deliver doxorubicin intratumorally and are effective vaccine adjuvants, (ii) enhancing T-cell activation using anti-OX40 and (iii) sustaining T-cell responses by checkpoint blockade using anti-CTLA-4. In vitro, doxorubicin microparticles were less cytotoxic to DCs than to B lymphoma cells, did not require internalization by tumor cells, and significantly enhanced phagocytosis of tumor cells by DCs as compared with soluble doxorubicin. In mice, this three-step therapy induced CD4- and CD8-dependent systemic immune responses that enhanced T-cell infiltration into distant tumors, leading to their eradication and significantly improving survival. Our findings demonstrate that systemic antitumor immune responses can be generated locally by three-step therapy and merit further investigation as an immunotherapy for patients with lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amani Makkouk
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Vijaya B Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Caitlin D Lemke
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Amaraporn Wongrakpanich
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Alicia K Olivier
- Department of Pathology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Sue E Blackwell
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Aliasger K Salem
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa. Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - George J Weiner
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa. Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
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11
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Zhao Y, Burkert SC, Tang Y, Sorescu DC, Kapralov AA, Shurin GV, Shurin MR, Kagan VE, Star A. Nano-gold corking and enzymatic uncorking of carbon nanotube cups. J Am Chem Soc 2015; 137:675-84. [PMID: 25530234 PMCID: PMC4308760 DOI: 10.1021/ja511843w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Because
of their unique stacked, cup-shaped, hollow compartments,
nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube cups (NCNCs) have promising potential
as nanoscale containers. Individual NCNCs are isolated from their
stacked structure through acid oxidation and subsequent probe-tip
sonication. The NCNCs are then effectively corked with gold nanoparticles
(GNPs) by sodium citrate reduction with chloroauric acid, forming
graphitic nanocapsules with significant surface-enhanced Raman signature.
Mechanistically, the growth of the GNP corks starts from the nucleation
and welding of gold seeds on the open rims of NCNCs enriched with
nitrogen functionalities, as confirmed by density functional theory
calculations. A potent oxidizing enzyme of neutrophils, myeloperoxidase
(MPO), can effectively open the corked NCNCs through GNP detachment,
with subsequent complete enzymatic degradation of the graphitic shells.
This controlled opening and degradation was further carried out in
vitro with human neutrophils. Furthermore, the GNP-corked NCNCs were
demonstrated to function as novel drug delivery carriers, capable
of effective (i) delivery of paclitaxel to tumor-associated myeloid-derived
suppressor cells (MDSC), (ii) MPO-regulated release, and (iii) blockade
of MDSC immunosuppressive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
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12
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Zhong H, Gutkin DW, Han B, Ma Y, Keskinov AA, Shurin MR, Shurin GV. Origin and pharmacological modulation of tumor-associated regulatory dendritic cells. Int J Cancer 2014; 134:2633-45. [PMID: 24443321 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2013] [Revised: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Protumorigenic activity of immune regulatory cells has been proven to play a major role in precluding immunosurveillance and limiting the efficacy of anticancer therapies. Although several approaches have been offered to deplete myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and regulatory T cells, there are no data on how to control suppressive dendritic cell (DC) accumulation or function in the tumor environment. Although immunosuppressive function of DC in cancer was implicated to immature and plasmacytoid DC, details of how conventional DC (cDC) develop immunosuppressive properties remain less understood. Here, we show that the development of lung cancer in mice was associated with fast accumulation of regulatory DC (regDC) prior to the appearance of MDSC. Using the in vitro and in vivo approaches, we demonstrated that (i)both cDC and MDSC could be polarized into protumor regDC in the lung cancer environment; (ii) cDC → regDC polarization was mediated by the small Rho GTPase signaling, which could be controlled by noncytotoxic doses of paclitaxel; and (iii) prevention of regDC appearance increased the antitumor potential of DC vaccine in lung cancer. These findings not only bring new players to the family of myeloid regulatory cells and provide new targets for cancer therapy, but offer novel insights into the immunomodulatory capacity of chemotherapeutic agents used in low, noncytotoxic doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Zhong
- Department of Pulmonary Disease, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
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13
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Landreneau JP, Shurin MR, Agassandian MV, Keskinov AA, Ma Y, Shurin GV. Immunological Mechanisms of Low and Ultra-Low Dose Cancer Chemotherapy. CANCER MICROENVIRONMENT 2013; 8:57-64. [PMID: 24293116 DOI: 10.1007/s12307-013-0141-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Traditionally, anticancer chemotherapy has been generally considered to be strongly immunosuppressive. However, increasing evidence suggests that certain chemotherapeutic agents rely on the induction of antitumor immune responses, in both experimental animal models and patients with cancer. Many of these chemotherapeutic agents exert immunogenic effects via the induction and release of immunostimulatory "danger" signals from dying cancerous cells when used in low doses. New data suggests that several common chemotherapeutic agents may also display direct stimulating effects on immune cells even when applied in ultra-low concentrations (chemoimmunomodulation). Importantly, it is becoming clear that both immune effector cells and immune regulatory cells can be targeted by various chemotherapeutic agents to produce favorable antitumor immune responses. Therefore, utilizing cancer drugs to enhance host antitumor immunity should be considered a feasible therapeutic approach; and recent characterization of the immunomodulatory mechanisms of anticancer chemotherapy using both new and traditional cytotoxic agents suggests that combinations of these approaches with "classical" immunomodulatory agents could lead to a viable new therapeutic paradigm for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua P Landreneau
- Department of Pathology, Divisions of Experimental Pathology and Clinical Immunopathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, S732 Scaife Hall, 3550 Terrace Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
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14
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Sevko A, Michels T, Vrohlings M, Umansky L, Beckhove P, Kato M, Shurin GV, Shurin MR, Umansky V. Antitumor effect of paclitaxel is mediated by inhibition of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and chronic inflammation in the spontaneous melanoma model. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 190:2464-71. [PMID: 23359505 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1202781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The antitumor effects of paclitaxel are generally attributed to the suppression of microtubule dynamics resulting in defects in cell division. New data demonstrated that in ultralow noncytotoxic concentrations, paclitaxel modulated in immune cells in vitro the activity of small Rho GTPases, the key regulators of intracellular actin dynamics. However, the immunomodulatory properties of paclitaxel in vivo have not been evaluated. In this study, using the ret transgenic murine melanoma model, which mimics human cutaneous melanoma, we tested effects of ultralow noncytotoxic dose paclitaxel on functions of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), chronic inflammatory mediators, and T cell activities in the tumor microenvironment in vivo. Administration of paclitaxel significantly decreased accumulation and immunosuppressive activities of tumor-infiltrating MDSCs without alterations of the bone marrow hematopoiesis. This was associated with the inhibition of p38 MAPK activity, TNF-α and production, and S100A9 expression in MDSCs. The production of mediators of chronic inflammation in the tumor milieu also was diminished. Importantly, reduced tumor burden and increased animal survival upon paclitaxel application was mediated by the restoration of CD8 T cell effector functions. We suggest that the ability of paclitaxel in a noncytotoxic dose to block the immunosuppressive potential of MDSCs in vivo represents a new therapeutic strategy to downregulate immunosuppression and chronic inflammation in the tumor microenvironment for enhancing the efficacy of concomitant anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Sevko
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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15
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Sevko A, Kremer V, Falk C, Umansky L, Shurin MR, Shurin GV, Umansky V. Application of paclitaxel in low non-cytotoxic doses supports vaccination with melanoma antigens in normal mice. J Immunotoxicol 2012; 9:275-81. [PMID: 22449053 DOI: 10.3109/1547691x.2012.655343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapeutic agents such as paclitaxel applied in ultra-low, non-cytotoxic doses were previously shown to stimulate dendritic cell activity and anti-tumor immune responses upon vaccination in mouse transplantable tumor models. However, the mechanisms of these alterations-termed chemoimmunomodulation or chemomodulation-are still not clear. This study investigated the effect of paclitaxel applied in ultra-low, non-cytotoxic doses on the efficiency of immunization of healthy C57BL/6 mice with the peptide derived from tyrosinase related protein (TRP)-2 as a model melanoma antigen. Using an IFNγ ELISPOT assay, it was found that administration of 1 mg paclitaxel/kg in combination with the peptide vaccination strongly increased the frequencies of TRP-2 specific spleen T-cells as compared to levels due to the vaccination alone. This was associated with a significant decrease in the levels of regulatory T-cells (T(reg)) and immature myeloid cells (known as a counterpart of myeloid derived suppressor cells [MDSC] in healthy mice). Such impairments of potential immunosuppressive cells were found to correlate with a strong increase in the amount of effector CD8+ and CD4+ T-cells in the bone marrow and spleen. Furthermore, in paclitaxel-treated mice, a significant augmentation of natural killer (NK) cell numbers in the bone marrow and their ability to produce IFNγ were observed. In addition, the level of NK-T-cells in the lymph nodes was also increased. It is suggested that paclitaxel applied in ultra-low, non-cytotoxic doses may potentially enhance the efficacy of anti-tumor vaccinations by neutralizing immunosuppressive T(reg) and MDSC populations in tumor-bearing hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Sevko
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center and University Hospital Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany.
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16
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Melanoma-induced immunosuppression and its neutralization. Semin Cancer Biol 2012; 22:319-26. [PMID: 22349515 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2012.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2012] [Accepted: 02/06/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is characterized by a rapid progression, metastasis to distant organs, and resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy. Well-defined immunogenic capacities of melanoma cells should allow a successful application of different immunotherapeutic strategies. However, the overall results of immunotherapeutic clinical studies are not satisfactory. These paradoxical observations are supposed to be due to the profound immunosuppression mediated by different mechanisms dealing with alterations in tumor and surrounding stroma cells. Melanoma microenvironment has been characterized by a remarkable accumulation of highly immunosuppressive regulatory leucocytes, in particular, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Their migration, retention and high activity in the tumor lesions have been demonstrated to be induced by chronic inflammatory conditions developing in the tumor microenvironment and characterized by the long-term secretion of various inflammatory mediators (cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, prostaglandins etc.) leading to further cancer progression. Here, we discuss the role of chronic inflammation in the recruitment and activation of MDSCs in melanoma lesions as well as therapeutic approaches of MDSC targeting to overcome tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment induced by chronic inflammation and enhance the efficiency of melanoma immunotherapies.
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17
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Umansky V, Sevko A. Overcoming immunosuppression in the melanoma microenvironment induced by chronic inflammation. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2012; 61:275-282. [PMID: 22120757 PMCID: PMC11028817 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-011-1164-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2011] [Accepted: 11/12/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is known by its rapid progression and poor response to currently applied treatments. Despite the well-documented melanoma immunogenicity, the results of immunotherapeutic clinical trials are not satisfactory. This poor antitumor reactivity is due to the development of chronic inflammation in the tumor microenvironment characterized by infiltrating leukocytes and soluble mediators, which lead to an immunosuppression associated with cancer progression. Using the ret transgenic mouse melanoma model that closely resembles human melanoma, we demonstrated increased levels of chronic inflammatory factors in skin tumors and metastatic lymph nodes, which correlated with tumor progression. Furthermore, Gr1(+)CD11b(+) myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), known to block tumor-reactive T cells, were enriched in melanoma lesions and showed an enhanced immunosuppressive capacity. This MDSC accumulation was associated with a strong TCR ζ-chain downregulation in T cells suggesting that the tumor inflammatory microenvironment supports MDSC recruitment and immunosuppressive activity. Indeed, upon administration of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sildenafil or paclitaxel in non-cytotoxic doses, we observed reduced levels of chronic inflammatory mediators in association with decreased MDSC amounts and immunosuppressive function. This led to a partial restoration of ζ-chain expression in T cells and to a significantly increased survival of tumor-bearing mice. CD8 T-cell depletion resulted in an abrogation of beneficial outcome of both drugs, suggesting the involvement of MDSC and CD8 T cells in the observed therapeutic effects. Our data imply that inhibition of chronic inflammation in the tumor microenvironment should be applied in conjunction with melanoma immunotherapies to increase their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Umansky
- Skin Cancer Unit (G300), German Cancer Research Center and University Hospital Mannheim, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Alexandra Sevko
- Skin Cancer Unit (G300), German Cancer Research Center and University Hospital Mannheim, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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18
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Michels T, Shurin GV, Naiditch H, Sevko A, Umansky V, Shurin MR. Paclitaxel promotes differentiation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells into dendritic cells in vitro in a TLR4-independent manner. J Immunotoxicol 2012; 9:292-300. [PMID: 22283566 DOI: 10.3109/1547691x.2011.642418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid cells play a key role in the outcome of anti-tumor immunity and response to anti-cancer therapy, since in the tumor microenvironment they may exert both stimulatory and inhibitory pressures on the proliferative, angiogenic, metastatic, and immunomodulating potential of tumor cells. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of myeloid regulatory cell differentiation is critical for developing strategies for the therapeutic reversal of myeloid derived suppressor cell (MDSC) accumulation in the tumor-bearing hosts. Here, using an in vitro model system, several potential mechanisms of the direct effect of paclitaxel on MDSC were tested, which might be responsible for the anti-tumor potential of low-dose paclitaxel therapy in mice. It was hypothesized that a decreased level of MDSC in vivo after paclitaxel administration might be due to (i) the blockage of MDSC generation, (ii) an induction of MDSC apoptosis, or (iii) the stimulation of MDSC differentiation. The results revealed that paclitaxel in ultra-low concentrations neither increased MDSC apoptosis nor blocked MDSC generation, but stimulated MDSC differentiation towards dendritic cells. This effect of paclitaxel was TLR4-independent since it was not diminished in cell cultures originated from TLR4-/- mice. These results support a new concept that certain chemotherapeutic agents in ultra-low non-cytotoxic doses may suppress tumor progression by targeting several cell populations in the tumor microenvironment, including MDSC.
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RhoE is regulated by cyclic AMP and promotes fusion of human BeWo choriocarcinoma cells. PLoS One 2012; 7:e30453. [PMID: 22272352 PMCID: PMC3260294 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2011] [Accepted: 12/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusion of placental villous cytotrophoblasts with the overlying syncytiotrophoblast is essential for the maintenance of successful pregnancy, and disturbances in this process have been implicated in pathological conditions such as pre-eclampsia and intra-uterine growth retardation. In this study we examined the role of the Rho GTPase family member RhoE in trophoblast differentiation and fusion using the BeWo choriocarcinoma cell line, a model of villous cytotrophoblast fusion. Treatment of BeWo cells with the cell permeable cyclic AMP analogue dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP) resulted in a strong upregulation of RhoE at 24h, coinciding with the onset of fusion. Using the protein kinase A (PKA)-specific cAMP analogue N6-phenyl-cAMP, and a specific inhibitor of PKA (14–22 amide, PKI), we found that upregulation of RhoE by cAMP was mediated through activation of PKA signalling. Silencing of RhoE expression by RNA interference resulted in a significant decrease in dbcAMP-induced fusion. However, expression of differentiation markers human chorionic gonadotrophin and placental alkaline phosphatase was unaffected by RhoE silencing. Finally, we found that RhoE upregulation by dbcAMP was significantly reduced under hypoxic conditions in which cell fusion is impaired. These results show that induction of RhoE by cAMP is mediated through PKA and promotes BeWo cell fusion but has no effect on functional differentiation, supporting evidence that these two processes may be controlled by separate or diverging pathways.
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20
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Zhou J, Li K, Gu Y, Feng B, Ren G, Zhang L, Wang Y, Nie Y, Fan D. Transcriptional up-regulation of RhoE by hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 promotes epithelial to mesenchymal transition of gastric cancer cells during hypoxia. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2011; 415:348-54. [PMID: 22037464 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.10.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2011] [Accepted: 10/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key process that drives cancer invasion. Recently, hypoxia has been reported to induce EMT, accompanied by cytoskeleton remodeling. As RhoE is a key regulator in cytoskeleton formation, we hypothesized that RhoE may play a role in hypoxia-induced EMT. For the first time, we report that RhoE protein levels increase in gastric cancer cells under hypoxic conditions. Rigorous analysis revealed that RhoE up-regulation is at the transcriptional levels and requires hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α induction, and that HIF-1α binds a hypoxia-responsive element (HRE) on the RhoE promoter. Additionally, we discovered that hypoxia or overexpression of RhoE in normoxia up-regulates the mesenchymal marker Vimentin, down-regulates the epithelial marker E-cadherin, and significantly increases cell invasion in vitro. Silencing of HIF-1α or RhoE by specific siRNAs rescued these hypoxia-induced effects. Ectopic expression of RhoE also induced up-regulation of MMP2/MMP-9 in gastric cancer cells. This study identifies RhoE as a direct target for HIF-1 in gastric cancer cells. In addition, RhoE up-regulation represents a pivotal cellular adaptive response to hypoxia with implications in gastric cancer cell EMT and invasion. We propose that RhoE-targeted therapy might inhibit the high invasive potential of gastric cancer cells in hypoxic regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfeng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Number 15, Changle Western Road, Xi'an, China
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21
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Pellicciotta I, Yang CPH, Goldberg GL, Shahabi S. Epothilone B enhances Class I HLA and HLA-A2 surface molecule expression in ovarian cancer cells. Gynecol Oncol 2011; 122:625-31. [PMID: 21621254 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2011.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2011] [Accepted: 05/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancers in the United States. Epothilone B (EpoB), Taxol and vinblastine are anti-neoplastic agents that interfere with microtubules and arrest the cell cycle in the G2/M phase. EpoB is being evaluated in phase III clinical trials, and its analogs are currently being used in the treatment of taxane-resistant metastatic breast cancer. Little is known about the effect of these drugs on the immune response to tumors. Cancer cells evade immune recognition by down-regulating HLA Class I expression, allowing escape from immune surveillance and destruction. Our data illustrates the effect of microtubule-interacting agents on HLA Class I and HLA-A2 expression as well as the modulation of cytokine expression in ovarian cancer cells. METHODS Ovarian cancer cells were treated with different concentrations of drugs. Cell surface expression and mRNA transcription of HLA Class I molecules and HLA-A2 was examined. IFNα, IL1β, IL12 and IL6 mRNA expression was also evaluated upon EpoB treatment. RESULTS Low-dose EpoB, Taxol and vinblastine greatly increased expression of HLA Class I and HLA-A2 molecules in Hey ovarian cancer cells. EpoB does not modulate HLA expression in drug-resistant ovarian cancer cells. The expression of IFNα, IL1β, IL12 and IL6 is also markedly increased upon EpoB treatment. CONCLUSIONS Nanomolar concentrations of microtubule-interacting agents enhance immune-visibility of ovarian cancer cells by increasing HLA Class I and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. Immune recognition of tumor cells may be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilenia Pellicciotta
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women's Health, Montefiore Medical Center, the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA.
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22
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He Q, Li J, Yin W, Song Z, Zhang Z, Yi T, Tang J, Wu D, Lu Y, Wang Z, Liu D, Zhang X, Hu Z, Gao J. Low-dose paclitaxel enhances the anti-tumor efficacy of GM-CSF surface-modified whole-tumor-cell vaccine in mouse model of prostate cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2011; 60:715-30. [PMID: 21331814 PMCID: PMC11028932 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-011-0988-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2010] [Accepted: 01/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapy combined with a tumor vaccine is an attractive approach in cancer therapy. This study was designed to investigate the optimal schedule and mechanisms of action of a novel GM-CSF (granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor) surface-modified tumor-cell vaccine in combination with paclitaxel in the treatment of mouse RM-1 prostate cancer. First, the anti-tumor efficiencies of various dosage of paclitaxel (4, 20, 40 mg/kg) in combination with the vaccine in different administration sequences were examined in the mouse RM-1 prostate cancer model. Then, the in vivo and in vitro effects of various dosage of paclitaxel on RM-1 cells, T cells, and DCs (dendritic cells) were evaluated. The results showed that: (a) the GM-CSF-surface-modified tumor-cell vaccine was more potent at inducing the uptake of tumor antigens by DCs than irradiated tumor cells plus free GM-CSF; (b) 4 mg/kg paclitaxel combined with the GM-CSF-surface-modified tumor-cell vaccine was the most effective at enhancing tumor regression in RM-1 prostate cancer mice when the vaccine was administrated 2 days after paclitaxel; and (c) administration of 4 mg/kg paclitaxel followed by the vaccine induced the highest degree of CD8(+) T-cell infiltration in tumor tissue, suggesting that the induction of tumor-specific immune response had occurred. These findings suggested that the GM-CSF-surface-modified tumor-cell vaccine may have potential clinical benefit for patients with prostate cancer when it is combined with paclitaxel. Furthermore, the effect of immunochemotherapy depends on careful selection of paclitaxel dosage and the sequence of paclitaxel/vaccine administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiushan He
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, School of Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical College, University Park, 325035 Wenzhou, China
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Xiangfan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong Scientific and Technical University, Xiangfan, China
| | - Jinlong Li
- Institute of Biotherapy, School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weihua Yin
- Institute of Biotherapy, School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhichun Song
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, School of Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical College, University Park, 325035 Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Institute of Biotherapy, School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tienan Yi
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Xiangfan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong Scientific and Technical University, Xiangfan, China
| | - Jia Tang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, School of Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical College, University Park, 325035 Wenzhou, China
| | - Demin Wu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, School of Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical College, University Park, 325035 Wenzhou, China
| | - Yue Lu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, School of Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical College, University Park, 325035 Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, School of Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical College, University Park, 325035 Wenzhou, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, School of Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical College, University Park, 325035 Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaoren Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, School of Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical College, University Park, 325035 Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhiming Hu
- Institute of Biotherapy, School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- 1838 Guangzhou da dao bei, Guangzhou, 510515 China
| | - Jimin Gao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab for Technology and Application of Model Organisms, School of Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical College, University Park, 325035 Wenzhou, China
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Kaneno R, Shurin GV, Kaneno FM, Naiditch H, Luo J, Shurin MR. Chemotherapeutic agents in low noncytotoxic concentrations increase immunogenicity of human colon cancer cells. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2011; 34:97-106. [PMID: 21290210 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-010-0005-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We have recently reported that chemotherapeutic agents in ultra low noncytotoxic concentrations may block the ability of tumor cells to suppress functional activation of dendritic cells (DCs). METHODS HCT-116 human colon cancer cells were treated with 0.5 nM paclitaxel (PAC) or 2 nM doxorubicin (DOX) with the aim of defining the immunogenic changes induced by ultra low noncytotoxic concentrations of antineoplastic chemotherapeutic agents. Genetic alterations were screened by DNA microarray that revealed increased expression of genes involved in antigen processing and presentation, including the heat-shock protein, calmodulin, and proteasome 26 genes. As the proteins encoded by these genes are involved in the cytosolic route of antigen processing machinery, we next evaluated whether PAC and DOX in noncytotoxic concentrations changed expression of MHC class I antigen processing machinery (APM) components in three different colon cancer cell lines. RESULTS Our results showed that PAC and DOX increased the intracellular expression of APM proteins, including calmodulin, LMP2, LMP7, TAP1 and tapasin. The biological significance of modulation of antigen processing and presentation proteins in tumor cells by ultra low nontoxic concentrations of chemotherapeutic drugs was revealed when non-treated and treated tumor cells were used as a source of tumor antigens for the generation of tumor-specific cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) in vitro. We demonstrated that (i) DCs that engulf tumor cells pretreated with noncytotoxic concentrations of chemotherapeutic agents induced CTLs with a higher cytotoxic potential than DCs loaded with nontreated tumor cells, and (ii) CTLs induced by tumor lysate-pulsed DCs killed live tumor cells more efficiently if these tumor cells were pretreated with noncytotoxic concentrations of chemotherapeutic drugs. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that chemomodulation of human tumor cells with noncytotoxic concentrations of chemotherapeutic agents increases tumor immunogenicity and results in the generation of more efficient DC vaccines and CTLs, which can be used for cell-based anticancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramon Kaneno
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
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24
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Riou P, Villalonga P, Ridley AJ. Rnd proteins: Multifunctional regulators of the cytoskeleton and cell cycle progression. Bioessays 2010; 32:986-92. [DOI: 10.1002/bies.201000060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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25
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Pfannenstiel LW, Lam SSK, Emens LA, Jaffee EM, Armstrong TD. Paclitaxel enhances early dendritic cell maturation and function through TLR4 signaling in mice. Cell Immunol 2010; 263:79-87. [PMID: 20346445 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2010.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2009] [Revised: 02/24/2010] [Accepted: 03/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Subclinical doses of Paclitaxel (PTX) given 1day prior to a HER-2/neu (neu)-targeted, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF)-secreting whole-cell vaccine enhances neu-specific T cell responses and slows neu(+) tumor growth in tolerized HER-2/neu (neu-N) mice. We demonstrate that co-administration of PTX and Cyclophosphamide (CY) synergizes to slow tumor growth, and that in vitro, DC precursors exposed to PTX before LPS maturation results in greater co-stimulatory molecule expression, IL-12 production, and the ability to induce CD8(+) T cells with enhanced lytic activity against neu(+) tumors. PTX treatment also enhances maturation marker expression on CD11c(+) DCs isolated from vaccine-draining lymph nodes. Ex vivo, these DCs activate CD8(+) T cells with greater lytic capability than DC's from vaccine alone-treated neu-N mice. Finally, PTX treatment results in enhanced antigen-specific, IFN-gamma-secreting CD8(+) T cells in vivo. Thus, administration of PTX with a tumor vaccine improves T cell priming through enhanced maturation of DC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas W Pfannenstiel
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Division of Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, USA
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26
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Frey B, Schildkopf P, Rödel F, Weiss EM, Munoz LE, Herrmann M, Fietkau R, Gaipl US. AnnexinA5 renders dead tumor cells immunogenic—implications for multimodal cancer therapies. J Immunotoxicol 2009; 6:209-16. [DOI: 10.3109/15476910903204058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
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27
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Kaneno R, Shurin GV, Tourkova IL, Shurin MR. Chemomodulation of human dendritic cell function by antineoplastic agents in low noncytotoxic concentrations. J Transl Med 2009; 7:58. [PMID: 19591684 PMCID: PMC2716306 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-7-58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2009] [Accepted: 07/10/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The dose-delivery schedule of conventional chemotherapy, which determines its efficacy and toxicity, is based on the maximum tolerated dose. This strategy has lead to cure and disease control in a significant number of patients but is associated with significant short-term and long-term toxicity. Recent data demonstrate that moderately low-dose chemotherapy may be efficiently combined with immunotherapy, particularly with dendritic cell (DC) vaccines, to improve the overall therapeutic efficacy. However, the direct effects of low and ultra-low concentrations on DCs are still unknown. Here we characterized the effects of low noncytotoxic concentrations of different classes of chemotherapeutic agents on human DCs in vitro. DCs treated with antimicrotubule agents vincristine, vinblastine, and paclitaxel or with antimetabolites 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine and methotrexate, showed increased expression of CD83 and CD40 molecules. Expression of CD80 on DCs was also stimulated by vinblastine, paclitaxel, azacytidine, methotrexate, and mitomycin C used in low nontoxic concentrations. Furthermore, 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine, methotrexate, and mitomycin C increased the ability of human DCs to stimulate proliferation of allogeneic T lymphocytes. Thus, our data demonstrate for the first time that in low noncytotoxic concentrations chemotherapeutic agents do not induce apoptosis of DCs, but directly enhance DC maturation and function. This suggests that modulation of human DCs by noncytotoxic concentrations of antineoplastic drugs, i.e. chemomodulation, might represent a novel approach for up-regulation of functional activity of resident DCs in the tumor microenvironment or improving the efficacy of DCs prepared ex vivo for subsequent vaccinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramon Kaneno
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
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Shurin GV, Tourkova IL, Kaneno R, Shurin MR. Chemotherapeutic agents in noncytotoxic concentrations increase antigen presentation by dendritic cells via an IL-12-dependent mechanism. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2009; 183:137-44. [PMID: 19535620 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0900734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Antineoplastic chemotherapeutic agents may indirectly activate dendritic cells (DCs) by inducing the release of "danger" signals from dying tumor cells. Whereas the direct cytotoxic or inhibitory effect of conventional chemotherapy on DCs has been reported, modulation of DC function by chemotherapeutic agents in low noncytotoxic concentrations has not yet been investigated. We have tested the effects of different classes of antineoplastic chemotherapeutic agents used in low noncytotoxic concentrations on the Ag-presenting function of DCs. We revealed that paclitaxel, doxorubicin, mitomycin C, and methotrexate up-regulated the ability of DCs to present Ags to Ag-specific T cells. Stimulation of DC function was associated with the up-regulation of expression of Ag-processing machinery components and costimulatory molecules on DCs, as well as increased IL-12p70 expression. However, the ability of DCs treated with paclitaxel, methotrexate, doxorubicin, and vinblastine to increase Ag presentation to Ag-specific T cells was abolished in DCs generated from IL-12 knockout mice, indicating that up-regulation of Ag presentation by DCs is IL-12-dependent and mediated by the autocrine or paracrine mechanisms. At the same time, IL-12 knockout and wild-type DCs demonstrated similar capacity to up-regulate OVA presentation after their pretreatment with low concentrations of mitomycin C and vincristine, suggesting that these agents do not utilize IL-12-mediated pathways in DCs for stimulating Ag presentation. These findings reveal a new mechanism of immunopotentiating activity of chemotherapeutic agents-a direct immunostimulatory effect on DCs (chemomodulation)-and thus provide a strong rationale for further assessment of low-dose chemotherapy given with DC vaccines for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina V Shurin
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA 15213, USA.
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