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Ismael A, Robinette AJ, Huric L, Schuetz J, Dona K, Benson D, Cocucci E, Cottini F. CREB1 promotes expression of immune checkpoint HLA-E leading to immune escape in multiple myeloma. Leukemia 2024:10.1038/s41375-024-02303-w. [PMID: 38902472 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-024-02303-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) cells effectively escape anti-tumoral immunity to survive in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, we identify non-classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule HLA-E as a major contributing factor in immune escape. Clinically, HLA-E expression correlates with aggressive disease features such as t(4;14) and CD56 expression and is induced by IFN-gamma (IFN-γ) in the TME. We discovered that HLA-E is regulated by cAMP responsive element binding protein 1 (CREB1) transcription factor by direct promoter binding; genomic and pharmacological inhibition of CREB1 reduced HLA-E levels even in the presence of IFN-γ or IFN-γ activating agents, such as immunomodulatory drugs and panobinostat. HLA-E binds to natural killer group 2A (NKG2A), delivering an inhibitor signal to natural killer (NK) cells. Treatment with a CREB1 inhibitor was able to restore NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity against MM cell lines and patient samples. In conclusion, our results strongly demonstrate that CREB1 inhibition promotes anti-tumoral immunity in MM by limiting HLA-E expression and enhancing the activity of NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Ismael
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Allen J Robinette
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Laila Huric
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jamie Schuetz
- Comparative Pathology and Digital Imaging Shared Resource Main Laboratory, The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kameron Dona
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Don Benson
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Emanuele Cocucci
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Francesca Cottini
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.
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2
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Berenson JR, Limon A, Rice S, Safaie T, Boccia R, Yang H, Moezi M, Lim S, Schwartz G, Eshaghian S, Brobeck M, Swift R, Eades BM, Bujarski S, Sebhat Y, Ray R, Kim S, Del Dosso A, Vescio R. A Phase I Trial Evaluating the Addition of Lenalidomide to Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma Progressing on Ruxolitinib and Methylprednisolone. Target Oncol 2024; 19:343-357. [PMID: 38643346 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-024-01049-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ruxolitinib (RUX), an orally administered selective Janus kinase 1/2 inhibitor, has received approval for the treatment of myelofibrosis, polycythemia vera, and graft-versus-host disease. We have previously demonstrated the anti-multiple myeloma effects of RUX alone and in combination with the immunomodulatory agent lenalidomide (LEN) and glucocorticosteroids both pre-clinically and clinically. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate whether LEN can achieve clinical activity among patients with multiple myeloma progressing on the combination of RUX and methylprednisolone (MP). METHODS In this part of a phase I, multicenter, open-label study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of RUX and MP for patients with multiple myeloma with progressive disease who had previously received a proteasome inhibitor, LEN, glucocorticosteroids, and at least three prior regimens; we also determined the safety and efficacy of adding LEN at the time of disease progression from the initial doublet treatment. Initially, all subjects received oral RUX 15 mg twice daily and oral MP 40 mg every other day. Those patients who developed progressive disease according to the International Myeloma Working Group criteria then received LEN 10 mg once daily on days 1-21 within a 28-day cycle in addition to RUX and MP, which were administered at the same doses these patients were receiving at the time progressive disease developed. RESULTS Twenty-nine subjects (median age 64 years; 18 [62%] male) were enrolled in this part of the study and initially received the two-drug combination of RUX and MP. The median number of prior therapies was six (range 3-12). The overall response rate from this two-drug combination was 31% and the clinical benefit rate was 34%. The best responses were 1 very good partial response, 8 partial responses, 1 minor response, 12 stable disease, and 7 progressive disease. The median progression-free survival was 3.5 months (range 0.5-36.2 months). The median time to response was 3.0 months. The median duration of response was 12.5 months (range 2.8-36.2 months). Twenty (69%) patients who showed progressive disease had LEN added to RUX and MP; all patients had prior exposure to LEN and all but one patient was refractory to their last LEN-containing regimen. After the addition of LEN, the overall response rate was 30% and the clinical benefit rate was 40%. The best responses of patients following the addition of LEN were 2 very good partial responses, 4 partial responses, 2 minor responses, 8 stable disease, and 4 progressive disease. The median time to response was 2.6 months (range 0.7-15.0 months). The median duration of response was not reached. The median progression-free survival following the addition of LEN was 3.5 months (range 0.3-25.9 months). CONCLUSIONS For patients with multiple myeloma, treatment with RUX and MP is effective and well tolerated, and LEN can be used to extend the benefit of this RUX-based treatment. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03110822, and is ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Berenson
- Institute for Myeloma & Bone Cancer Research, West Hollywood, CA, USA.
- ONCOtherapeutics, 9201 Sunset Boulevard Suite 300, West Hollywood, CA, 90069, USA.
- Berenson Cancer Center, West Hollywood, CA, USA.
| | - Andrea Limon
- ONCOtherapeutics, 9201 Sunset Boulevard Suite 300, West Hollywood, CA, 90069, USA
| | - Stephanie Rice
- ONCOtherapeutics, 9201 Sunset Boulevard Suite 300, West Hollywood, CA, 90069, USA
| | - Tahmineh Safaie
- ONCOtherapeutics, 9201 Sunset Boulevard Suite 300, West Hollywood, CA, 90069, USA
| | - Ralph Boccia
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Honghao Yang
- The Oncology Institute of Hope and Innovation, Alhambra, CA, USA
| | - Mehdi Moezi
- Cancer Specialists of North Florida, Fleming Island, FL, USA
| | - Stephen Lim
- Cedars Sinai Samuel Oschin Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Matthew Brobeck
- ONCOtherapeutics, 9201 Sunset Boulevard Suite 300, West Hollywood, CA, 90069, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Rudra Ray
- Berenson Cancer Center, West Hollywood, CA, USA
| | - Susanna Kim
- ONCOtherapeutics, 9201 Sunset Boulevard Suite 300, West Hollywood, CA, 90069, USA
| | - Ashley Del Dosso
- ONCOtherapeutics, 9201 Sunset Boulevard Suite 300, West Hollywood, CA, 90069, USA
| | - Robert Vescio
- Cedars Sinai Samuel Oschin Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Del Dosso A, Tadevosyan E, Berenson JR. Preclinical and clinical evaluation of the Janus Kinase inhibitor ruxolitinib in multiple myeloma. Oncotarget 2024; 15:65-75. [PMID: 38319731 PMCID: PMC10852065 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is the most common primary malignancy of the bone marrow. No established curative treatment is currently available for patients diagnosed with MM. In recent years, new and more effective drugs have become available for the treatment of this B-cell malignancy. These new drugs have often been evaluated together and in combination with older agents. However, even these novel combinations eventually become ineffective; and, thus, novel therapeutic approaches are necessary to help overcome resistance to these treatments. Recently, the Janus Kinase (JAK) family of tyrosine kinases, specifically JAK1 and JAK2, has been shown to have a role in the pathogenesis of MM. Preclinical studies have demonstrated a role for JAK signaling in direct and indirect growth of MM and downregulation of anti-tumor immune responses in these patients. Also, inhibition of JAK proteins enhances the anti-MM effects of other drugs used to treat MM. These findings have been confirmed in clinical studies which have further demonstrated the safety and efficacy of JAK inhibition as a means to overcome resistance to currently available anti-MM therapies. Additional studies will provide further support for this promising new therapeutic approach for treating patients with MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Del Dosso
- ONCOtherapeutics, West Hollywood, CA 90069, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Elizabeth Tadevosyan
- Berenson Cancer Center, West Hollywood, CA 90069, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - James R. Berenson
- ONCOtherapeutics, West Hollywood, CA 90069, USA
- Berenson Cancer Center, West Hollywood, CA 90069, USA
- Institute for Myeloma and Bone Cancer Research, West Hollywood, CA 90069, USA
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Gernez Y, Narula M, Cepika AM, Valdes Camacho J, Hoyte EG, Mouradian K, Glader B, Singh D, Sathi B, Rao L, Tolin AL, Weinberg KI, Lewis DB, Bacchetta R, Weinacht KG. Case report: Refractory Evans syndrome in two patients with spondyloenchondrodysplasia with immune dysregulation treated successfully with JAK1/JAK2 inhibition. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1328005. [PMID: 38347954 PMCID: PMC10859398 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1328005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Biallelic mutations in the ACP5 gene cause spondyloenchondrodysplasia with immune dysregulation (SPENCDI). SPENCDI is characterized by the phenotypic triad of skeletal dysplasia, innate and adaptive immune dysfunction, and variable neurologic findings ranging from asymptomatic brain calcifications to severe developmental delay with spasticity. Immune dysregulation in SPENCDI is often refractory to standard immunosuppressive treatments. Here, we present the cases of two patients with SPENCDI and recalcitrant autoimmune cytopenias who demonstrated a favorable clinical response to targeted JAK inhibition over a period of more than 3 years. One of the patients exhibited steadily rising IgG levels and a bone marrow biopsy revealed smoldering multiple myeloma. A review of the literature uncovered that approximately half of the SPENCDI patients reported to date exhibited increased IgG levels. Screening for multiple myeloma in SPENCDI patients with rising IgG levels should therefore be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael Gernez
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Mansi Narula
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Alma-Martina Cepika
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Juanita Valdes Camacho
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Louisiana State University (LSU) Health, Shreveport, LA, United States
| | - Elisabeth G. Hoyte
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Kirsten Mouradian
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Bertil Glader
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Deepika Singh
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Valley Children Hospital, Madera, CA, United States
| | - Bindu Sathi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Valley Children Hospital, Madera, CA, United States
| | - Latha Rao
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Valley Children Hospital, Madera, CA, United States
| | - Ana L. Tolin
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Pediatrico Dr. Humberto Notti, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Kenneth I. Weinberg
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - David B. Lewis
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Rosa Bacchetta
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Katja G. Weinacht
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
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Banerjee R, Cicero KI, Lee SS, Cowan AJ. Definers and drivers of functional high-risk multiple myeloma: insights from genomic, transcriptomic, and immune profiling. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1240966. [PMID: 37849816 PMCID: PMC10577204 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1240966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional prognostic models for newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma (MM), including International Staging System criteria and number of high-risk chromosomal abnormalities, are based on disease characteristics at diagnosis. However, the identification of patients at risk of more rapidly progressive MM is inherently a dynamic assessment. In a subset of patients with MM, adverse disease biology only becomes evident after the failure of first-line therapy. We define this entity as functional high-risk MM (FHRMM), encompassing relapse within 18 months of treatment initiation and/or within 12 months of frontline autologous stem cell transplantation. FHRMM is not adequately captured by traditional prognostic models, and there is a need for better understanding of mechanisms or risk factors for early relapse or progression. In this review, we explore potential definitions of FHRMM before delving into its underlying drivers based on genetic, transcriptomic, and immune cell profiling studies. Emerging data suggest that specific features of both myeloma cells and immune cells can enable the FHRMM phenotype. We conclude our review by discussing ongoing and future studies that seek to identify and intervene upon patients with FHRMM preemptively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Banerjee
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kara I. Cicero
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Sarah S. Lee
- Division of Myeloma, Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, CA, United States
| | - Andrew J. Cowan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
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Cencini E, Sicuranza A, Ciofini S, Fabbri A, Bocchia M, Gozzetti A. Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Multiple Myeloma: Key Role in Disease Biology and Potential Therapeutic Implications. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:6111-6133. [PMID: 37504315 PMCID: PMC10378698 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30070455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by multiple relapse and, despite the introduction of novel therapies, the disease becomes ultimately drug-resistant. The tumor microenvironment (TME) within the bone marrow niche includes dendritic cells, T-cytotoxic, T-helper, reactive B-lymphoid cells and macrophages, with a complex cross-talk between these cells and the MM tumor cells. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) have an important role in the MM pathogenesis, since they could promote plasma cells proliferation and angiogenesis, further supporting MM immune evasion and progression. TAM are polarized towards M1 (classically activated, antitumor activity) and M2 (alternatively activated, pro-tumor activity) subtypes. Many studies demonstrated a correlation between TAM, disease progression, drug-resistance and reduced survival in lymphoproliferative neoplasms, including MM. MM plasma cells in vitro could favor an M2 TAM polarization. Moreover, a possible correlation between the pro-tumor effect of M2 TAM and a reduced sensitivity to proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs was hypothesized. Several clinical studies confirmed CD68/CD163 double-positive M2 TAM were associated with increased microvessel density, chemoresistance and reduced survival, independently of the MM stage. This review provided an overview of the biology and clinical relevance of TAM in MM, as well as a comprehensive evaluation of a potential TAM-targeted immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Cencini
- Unit of Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Anna Sicuranza
- Unit of Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Sara Ciofini
- Unit of Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alberto Fabbri
- Unit of Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Monica Bocchia
- Unit of Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gozzetti
- Unit of Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
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