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Garaci E, Paci M, Matteucci C, Costantini C, Puccetti P, Romani L. Phenotypic drug discovery: a case for thymosin alpha-1. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1388959. [PMID: 38903817 PMCID: PMC11187271 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1388959] [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: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic drug discovery (PDD) involves screening compounds for their effects on cells, tissues, or whole organisms without necessarily understanding the underlying molecular targets. PDD differs from target-based strategies as it does not require knowledge of a specific drug target or its role in the disease. This approach can lead to the discovery of drugs with unexpected therapeutic effects or applications and allows for the identification of drugs based on their functional effects, rather than through a predefined target-based approach. Ultimately, disease definitions are mostly symptom-based rather than mechanism-based, and the therapeutics should be likewise. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in PDD due to its potential to address the complexity of human diseases, including the holistic picture of multiple metabolites engaging with multiple targets constituting the central hub of the metabolic host-microbe interactions. Although PDD presents challenges such as hit validation and target deconvolution, significant achievements have been reached in the era of big data. This article explores the experiences of researchers testing the effect of a thymic peptide hormone, thymosin alpha-1, in preclinical and clinical settings and discuss how its therapeutic utility in the precision medicine era can be accommodated within the PDD framework.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maurizio Paci
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Matteucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Costantini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Paolo Puccetti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Luigina Romani
- San Raffaele Sulmona, L’Aquila, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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2
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Wang J, Li D, Tang B, Sun X, Shi W, Li H, Zhang Z, Wu Y, Zhang Y, Qiao Q. The clinical and immunological characteristics of COVID-19 patients with delayed SARS-CoV-2 virus clearance. Immun Inflamm Dis 2023; 11:e999. [PMID: 37773701 PMCID: PMC10540562 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has posed a great threat to human health. Some severe COVID-19 patients still carried detectable levels of SARS-CoV-2 even after prolonged intensive care unit treatment. However, the immunological features of these COVID-19 patients with delayed virus clearance (CDVC) are still unclear. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and immunological data of 13 CDVC cases, who were admitted into one hospital in Wuhan from February to April 2020. These data were also compared to those of perished (n = 9) and recovered (n = 52) cases. The expression of the exhaustion marker PD-1 on circulating T cells of these patients was measured by flow cytometry. RESULTS High levels of serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, IL-8, as well as other inflammatory mediators, were seen in CDVC cases. Severe lymphopenia was observed in CDVC patients with the counts of total lymphocytes (0.9 × 109 /L), CD4+ T cells (0.35 × 109 /L), and CD8+ T cells (0.28 × 109 /L) below their corresponding lower limits of normal range. Similar to the perished group, CDVC cases have higher percentages of CD25+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) in circulation. Moreover, enhanced expression of the exhaustion marker PD-1 on CCR7- CD45RA+ effector, CCR7+ CD45RA- central memory, and CCR7- CD45RA- effector memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were also observed in CDVC cases. CONCLUSION CDVC patients still have SARS-CoV-2 and these cases manifest with severe clinical symptoms due to persistent inflammation. Augmentation of the frequency of circulating Treg, severe lymphopenia, and functional exhaustion of T cells might lead to inefficient clearance of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, enhancing lymphocyte counts and reversing T-cell exhaustion might be key methods to boost immune responses and eliminate SARS-CoV-2 in CDVC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinsong Wang
- Institute of Immunology, PLAArmy Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Debao Li
- Department of ImmunologyMedical College of Qingdao UniversityQingdaoShandongChina
| | - Bo Tang
- Chongqing International Institute for ImmunologyChongqingChina
| | - Xuemin Sun
- Institute of Immunology, PLAArmy Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Wenjiong Shi
- Chongqing International Institute for ImmunologyChongqingChina
| | - Hao Li
- Pingdingshan Medical Districtthe 989th Hospital of the PLA Joint Logistic Support ForcePingdingshanHenanChina
| | - Zhenhua Zhang
- Department of Radiologythe 989th Hospital of the PLA Joint Logistic Support ForceLuoyangHenanChina
| | - Yuzhang Wu
- Institute of Immunology, PLAArmy Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Yi Zhang
- Chongqing International Institute for ImmunologyChongqingChina
- School of Pharmacy and BioengineeringChongqing University of TechnologyChongqingChina
| | - Qinghua Qiao
- Pingdingshan Medical Districtthe 989th Hospital of the PLA Joint Logistic Support ForcePingdingshanHenanChina
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3
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Ying H, Li ZQ, Li MP, Liu WC. Metabolism and senescence in the immune microenvironment of osteosarcoma: focus on new therapeutic strategies. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1217669. [PMID: 37497349 PMCID: PMC10366376 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1217669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is a highly aggressive and metastatic malignant tumor. It has the highest incidence of all malignant bone tumors and is one of the most common solid tumors in children and adolescents. Osteosarcoma tissues are often richly infiltrated with inflammatory cells, including tumor-associated macrophages, lymphocytes, and dendritic cells, forming a complex immune microenvironment. The expression of immune checkpoint molecules is also high in osteosarcoma tissues, which may be involved in the mechanism of anti-tumor immune escape. Metabolism and senescence are closely related to the immune microenvironment, and disturbances in metabolism and senescence may have important effects on the immune microenvironment, thereby affecting immune cell function and immune responses. Metabolic modulation and anti-senescence therapy are gaining the attention of researchers as emerging immunotherapeutic strategies for tumors. Through an in-depth study of the interconnection of metabolism and anti- senescence in the tumor immune microenvironment and its regulatory mechanism on immune cell function and immune response, more precise therapeutic strategies can be developed. Combined with the screening and application of biomarkers, personalized treatment can be achieved to improve therapeutic efficacy and provide a scientific basis for clinical decision-making. Metabolic modulation and anti- senescence therapy can also be combined with other immunotherapy approaches, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and tumor vaccines, to form a multi-level and multi-dimensional immunotherapy strategy, thus further enhancing the effect of immunotherapy. Multidisciplinary cooperation and integrated treatment can optimize the treatment plan and maximize the survival rate and quality of life of patients. Future research and clinical practice will further advance this field, promising more effective treatment options for patients with osteosarcoma. In this review, we reviewed metabolic and senescence characteristics in the immune microenvironment of osteosarcoma and related immunotherapies, and provide a reference for development of more personalized and effective therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ying
- Department of Emergency Trauma Surgery, Ganzhou People’s Hospital, Ganzhou, China
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganzhou People’s Hospital, Ganzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Li
- Department of Emergency Trauma Surgery, Ganzhou People’s Hospital, Ganzhou, China
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganzhou People’s Hospital, Ganzhou, China
| | - Meng-Pan Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wen-Cai Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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4
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Wang S, Huang M, Chen M, Sun Z, Jiao Y, Ye G, Pan J, Ye W, Zhao J, Zhang D. Zoledronic acid and thymosin α1 elicit antitumor immunity against prostate cancer by enhancing tumor inflammation and cytotoxic T cells. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e006381. [PMID: 37295817 PMCID: PMC10277537 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advanced or metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) is still an incurable malignancy with high lethality and a poor prognosis. Despite the remarkable success of immunotherapy against many types of cancer, most patients with PCa receive minimal benefit from current immunotherapeutic strategies, because PCa is an immune cold tumor with scarce T-cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment. The aim of this study was to develop an effective immunotherapeutic approach for immune cold PCa tumors. METHODS The therapeutic efficacy of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and zoledronic acid (ZA) plus thymosin α1 (Tα1) therapy was analyzed retrospectively in patients with advanced or metastatic PCa. The effects and mechanisms by which ZA and Tα1 regulated the immune functions of PCa cells and immune cells were evaluated by a PCa allograft mouse model, flow cytometric analysis, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining assays, and PCR, ELISA, and Western blot analyses. RESULTS In this study, clinical retrospective analysis revealed that ADT combined with ZA plus Tα1 improved the therapeutic outcomes of patients with PCa, which might be associated with an enhanced frequency of T cells. ZA and Tα1 treatment synergistically inhibited the growth of androgen-independent PCa allograft tumors, with increased infiltration of tumor-specific cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and enhanced tumor inflammation. Functionally, ZA and Tα1 treatment relieved immunosuppression in PCa cells, stimulated pro-inflammatory macrophages, and enhanced the cytotoxic function of T cells. Mechanistically, ZA plus Tα1 therapy blocked the MyD88/NF-κB pathway in PCa cells but activated this signaling in macrophages and T cells, altering the tumor immune landscape to suppress PCa progression. CONCLUSIONS These findings uncover a previously undefined role for ZA and Tα1 in inhibiting the disease progression of immune cold PCa tumors by enhancing antitumor immunity and pave the way for the application of ZA plus Tα1 therapy as an immunotherapeutic strategy for treating patients with immunologically unresponsive PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Wang
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Maohua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Minfeng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiting Sun
- Research Center of Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy, Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yubo Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Geni Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinghua Pan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wencai Ye
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianfu Zhao
- Research Center of Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy, Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dongmei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Tao N, Xu X, Ying Y, Hu S, Sun Q, Lv G, Gao J. Thymosin α1 and Its Role in Viral Infectious Diseases: The Mechanism and Clinical Application. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28083539. [PMID: 37110771 PMCID: PMC10144173 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28083539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymosin α1 (Tα1) is an immunostimulatory peptide that is commonly used as an immune enhancer in viral infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Tα1 can influence the functions of immune cells, such as T cells, B cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells, by interacting with various Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Generally, Tα1 can bind to TLR3/4/9 and activate downstream IRF3 and NF-κB signal pathways, thus promoting the proliferation and activation of target immune cells. Moreover, TLR2 and TLR7 are also associated with Tα1. TLR2/NF-κB, TLR2/p38MAPK, or TLR7/MyD88 signaling pathways are activated by Tα1 to promote the production of various cytokines, thereby enhancing the innate and adaptive immune responses. At present, there are many reports on the clinical application and pharmacological research of Tα1, but there is no systematic review to analyze its exact clinical efficacy in these viral infectious diseases via its modulation of immune function. This review offers an overview and discussion of the characteristics of Tα1, its immunomodulatory properties, the molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects, and its clinical applications in antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Tao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Xie Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yuyuan Ying
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Shiyu Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Qingru Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Guiyuan Lv
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jianli Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao 999078, China
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6
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Matteucci C, Nepravishta R, Argaw-Denboba A, Mandaliti W, Giovinazzo A, Petrone V, Balestrieri E, Sinibaldi-Vallebona P, Pica F, Paci M, Garaci E. Thymosin α1 interacts with Galectin-1 modulating the β-galactosides affinity and inducing alteration in the biological activity. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 118:110113. [PMID: 37028279 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
The study of mechanism of action of Thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1) and the basis of the pleiotropic effect in health and disease, is one of the main focus of our ongoing research. Tα1 is a thymic peptide that demonstrates a peculiar ability to restore homeostasis in different physiological and pathological conditions (i.e., infections, cancer, immunodeficiency, vaccination, and aging) acting as multitasking protein depending on the host state of inflammation or immune dysfunction. However, few are the information about mechanisms of action mediated by specific Tα1-target protein interaction that could explain its pleiotropic effect. We investigated the interaction of Tα1 with Galectin-1 (Gal-1), a protein belonging to an oligosaccharide binding protein family involved in a variety of biological and pathological processes, including immunoregulation, infections, cancer progression and aggressiveness. Using molecular and cellular methodological approaches, we demonstrated the interaction between these two proteins. Tα1 specifically inhibited the hemagglutination activity of Gal-1, the Gal-1 dependent in vitro formation of endothelial cell tubular structures, and the migration of cancer cells in wound healing assay. Physico-chemical methods revealed the details of the molecular interaction of Tα1 with Gal-1. Hence, the study allowed the identification of the not known until now specific interaction between Tα1 and Gal-1, and unraveled a novel mechanism of action of Tα1 that could support understanding of its pleiotropic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Matteucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy.
| | - Ridvan Nepravishta
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Ayele Argaw-Denboba
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy; European Molecular Biology Laboratory, EMBL, Monterotondo, Rome 00015, Italy
| | - Walter Mandaliti
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Alessandro Giovinazzo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy; Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Monterotondo, Rome 00015, Italy
| | - Vita Petrone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Emanuela Balestrieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Paola Sinibaldi-Vallebona
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy; Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Francesca Pica
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Maurizio Paci
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Enrico Garaci
- IRCCS San Raffaele and IRCCS San Raffaele, Rome 00163, Italy; Medical and Experimental BioImaging Center, MEBIC Consortium, Rome 00166, Italy
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7
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Iglesias-Escudero M, Arias-González N, Martínez-Cáceres E. Regulatory cells and the effect of cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:26. [PMID: 36739406 PMCID: PMC9898962 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01714-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Several mechanisms and cell types are involved in the regulation of the immune response. These include mostly regulatory T cells (Tregs), regulatory macrophages (Mregs), myeloid suppressor cells (MDSCs) and other regulatory cell types such as tolerogenic dendritic cells (tolDCs), regulatory B cells (Bregs), and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These regulatory cells, known for their ability to suppress immune responses, can also suppress the anti-tumor immune response. The infiltration of many regulatory cells into tumor tissues is therefore associated with a poor prognosis. There is growing evidence that elimination of Tregs enhances anti-tumor immune responses. However, the systemic depletion of Treg cells can simultaneously cause deleterious autoimmunity. Furthermore, since regulatory cells are characterized by their high level of expression of immune checkpoints, it is also expected that immune checkpoint inhibitors perform part of their function by blocking these molecules and enhancing the immune response. This indicates that immunotherapy does not only act by activating specific effector T cells but can also directly or indirectly attenuate the suppressive activity of regulatory cells in tumor tissues. This review aims to draw together our current knowledge about the effect of immunotherapy on the various types of regulatory cells, and how these effects may be beneficial in the response to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Iglesias-Escudero
- Immunology Division, LCMN, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital and Research Institute, Campus Can Ruti, Badalona, Spain. .,Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.
| | - Noelia Arias-González
- grid.411438.b0000 0004 1767 6330Immunology Division, LCMN, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital and Research Institute, Campus Can Ruti, Badalona, Spain
| | - Eva Martínez-Cáceres
- Immunology Division, LCMN, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital and Research Institute, Campus Can Ruti, Badalona, Spain. .,Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.
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8
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Feng Y, Ye Z, Song F, He Y, Liu J. The Role of TAMs in Tumor Microenvironment and New Research Progress. Stem Cells Int 2022; 2022:5775696. [PMID: 36004381 PMCID: PMC9395242 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5775696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are an important part of tumor microenvironment (TME) and play a key role in TME, participating in the process of tumor occurrence, growth, invasion, and metastasis. Among them, metastasis to tumor tissue is the key step of malignant development of tumor. In this paper, the latest progress in the role of TAMs in the formation of tumor microenvironment is summarized. It is particularly noteworthy that cell and animal experiments show that TAMs can provide a favorable microenvironment for the occurrence and development of tumors. At the same time, clinical pathological experiments show that the accumulation of TAMs in tumor is related to poor clinical efficacy. Finally, this paper discusses the feasibility of TAMs-targeted therapy as a new indirect cancer therapy. This paper provides a theoretical basis for finding a potentially effective macrophage-targeted tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawei Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiqiang Ye
- Department of Emergency, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Furong Song
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yufeng He
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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9
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Zhao J, Niu N, He Z. Effect of Thymosin on Inflammatory Factor Levels, Immune Function, and Quality of Life in Lung Cancer Patients Undergoing Radical Thoracoscopic Surgery. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2022; 2022:8749999. [PMID: 35832513 PMCID: PMC9273385 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8749999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To explore the effect of thymosin on inflammatory factor levels, immune function, and quality of life in patients undergoing radical thoracoscopic lung cancer surgery. Methods One hundred and twenty patients admitted to the Surgical Oncology Department of the First Hospital of Jiaxing from January 2018 to January 2019 were randomized into the study group and the control group using the random number table method, with 60 cases in each group. The control group was treated with radical thoracoscopic lung cancer surgery, and the study group was treated with radical thoracoscopic lung cancer surgery combined with thymosin. The clinical efficiency, inflammatory factors, immune function, and quality of life between the two groups of patients were compared. Results There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of pathological stage, tissue type, maximum tumor diameter, and perioperative indicators such as operative time, intraoperative bleeding, pleural drainage, hospital stay, and the number of intraoperative lymph nodes removed. The levels of CD4 (+%), CD8 (+%), CD4+/CD8+, and natural killer cell (NK) (%) were significantly decreased in both groups after treatment, with significantly higher results in the study group than in the control group. The study group had significantly lower serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and higher interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels than the control group. After treatment, patients in the study group had better postoperative physiological status and overall score than the control group. There was no significant difference in postoperative survival and adverse reactions between the two groups. Conclusion The use of thymosin treatment in lung cancer patients undergoing radical thoracoscopic surgery significantly improves immune function, mitigates inflammatory response, and enhances the quality of life, which is worthy of clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jiaxing, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Niu Niu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jiaxing, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhengfu He
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Al-Suhaimi EA, Aljafary MA, Alkhulaifi FM, Aldossary HA, Alshammari T, AL-Qaaneh A, Aldahhan R, Alkhalifah Z, Gaymalov ZZ, Shehzad A, Homeida AM. Thymus Gland: A Double Edge Sword for Coronaviruses. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9101119. [PMID: 34696231 PMCID: PMC8539924 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9101119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The thymus is the main lymphoid organ that regulates the immune and endocrine systems by controlling thymic cell proliferation and differentiation. The gland is a primary lymphoid organ responsible for generating mature T cells into CD4+ or CD8+ single-positive (SP) T cells, contributing to cellular immunity. Regarding humoral immunity, the thymic plasma cells almost exclusively secrete IgG1 and IgG3, the two main complement-fixing effector IgG subclasses. Deformity in the thymus can lead to inflammatory diseases. Hassall’s corpuscles’ epithelial lining produces thymic stromal lymphopoietin, which induces differentiation of CDs thymocytes into regulatory T cells within the thymus medulla. Thymic B lymphocytes produce immunoglobulins and immunoregulating hormones, including thymosin. Modulation in T cell and naive T cells decrement due to thymus deformity induce alteration in the secretion of various inflammatory factors, resulting in multiple diseases. Influenza virus activates thymic CD4+ CD8+ thymocytes and a large amount of IFNγ. IFNs limit virus spread, enhance macrophages’ phagocytosis, and promote the natural killer cell restriction activity against infected cells. Th2 lymphocytes-produced cytokine IL-4 can bind to antiviral INFγ, decreasing the cell susceptibility and downregulating viral receptors. COVID-19 epitopes (S, M, and N proteins) with ≥90% identity to the SARS-CoV sequence have been predicted. These epitopes trigger immunity for antibodies production. Boosting the immune system by improving thymus function can be a therapeutic strategy for preventing virus-related diseases. This review aims to summarize the endocrine-immunoregulatory functions of the thymus and the underlying mechanisms in the prevention of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebtesam A. Al-Suhaimi
- Biology Department, College of Science, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.A.); (F.M.A.); (A.M.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +966-133-332-444
| | - Meneerah A. Aljafary
- Biology Department, College of Science, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.A.); (F.M.A.); (A.M.H.)
| | - Fadwa M. Alkhulaifi
- Biology Department, College of Science, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.A.); (F.M.A.); (A.M.H.)
| | - Hanan A. Aldossary
- Epidemic Diseases Research Department, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; or
| | - Thamer Alshammari
- Genetic Research Department, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (T.A.); (A.A.-Q.); (Z.A.)
| | - Ayman AL-Qaaneh
- Genetic Research Department, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (T.A.); (A.A.-Q.); (Z.A.)
- Clinical Pharmacy Services Division, Pharmacy Services Department, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare (JHAH), Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia
| | - Razan Aldahhan
- Stem Cell Research Department, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Zahra Alkhalifah
- Genetic Research Department, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (T.A.); (A.A.-Q.); (Z.A.)
| | - Zagit Z. Gaymalov
- Earlystage OÜ, Lasnamäe Linnaosa, Sepapaja tn 6, Harju Maakond, 15551 Tallinn, Estonia;
| | - Adeeb Shehzad
- Clinical Pharmacy Research Department, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Abdelgadir M. Homeida
- Biology Department, College of Science, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.A.); (F.M.A.); (A.M.H.)
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11
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Moeini P, Niedźwiedzka-Rystwej P. Tumor-Associated Macrophages: Combination of Therapies, the Approach to Improve Cancer Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137239. [PMID: 34281293 PMCID: PMC8269174 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are one of the most important cells of the innate immune system and are known for their ability to engulf and digest foreign substances, including cellular debris and tumor cells. They can convert into tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) when mature macrophages are recruited into the tumor microenvironment. Their role in cancer progression, metastasis, and therapy failure is of special note. The aim of this review is to understand how the presence of TAMs are both advantageous and disadvantageous in the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedram Moeini
- Plant Virology Research Center, Shiraz University, Shiraz 71441-65186, Iran;
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12
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Aslam MS, Zaidi SZJ, Toor RH, Gull I, Iqbal MM, Abbas Z, Tipu I, Ahmed A, Athar MA, Harito C, Hassan SU. Interferon α2-Thymosin α1 Fusion Protein (IFNα2-Tα1): A Genetically Engineered Fusion Protein with Enhanced Anticancer and Antiviral Effect. MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14123318. [PMID: 34203928 PMCID: PMC8232609 DOI: 10.3390/ma14123318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Human interferon α2 (IFNα2) and thymosin α1 (Tα1) are therapeutic proteins used for the treatment of viral infections and different types of cancer. Both IFNα2 and Tα1 show a synergic effect in their activities when used in combination. Furthermore, the therapeutic fusion proteins produced through the genetic fusion of two genes can exhibit several therapeutic functions in one molecule. In this study, we determined the anticancer and antiviral effect of human interferon α2-thymosin α1 fusion protein (IFNα2-Tα1) produced in our laboratory for the first time. The cytotoxic and genotoxic effect of IFNα2-Tα1 was evaluated in HepG2 and MDA-MB-231 cells. The in vitro assays confirmed that IFNα2-Tα1 inhibited the growth of cells more effectively than IFNα2 alone and showed an elevated genotoxic effect. The expression of proapoptotic genes was also significantly enhanced in IFNα2-Tα1-treated cells compared to IFNα2-treated cells. Furthermore, the HCV RNA level was significantly reduced in IFNα2-Tα1-treated HCV-infected Huh7 cells compared to IFNα2-treated cells. The quantitative PCR analysis showed that the expression of various genes, the products of which inhibit HCV replication, was significantly enhanced in IFNα2-Tα1-treated cells compared to IFNα2-treated cells. Our findings demonstrate that IFNα2-Tα1 is more effective than single IFNα2 as an anticancer and antiviral agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shahbaz Aslam
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of the Punjab, Quaid-i-Azam Campus, Lahore 54590, Pakistan; (I.G.); (M.M.I.); (M.A.A.)
- Correspondence: (M.S.A.); (S.Z.J.Z.); (S.-u.H.)
| | - Syed Zohaib Javaid Zaidi
- Institute of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590, Pakistan
- Correspondence: (M.S.A.); (S.Z.J.Z.); (S.-u.H.)
| | - Rabail Hassan Toor
- School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Quaid-i-Azam Campus, Lahore 54590, Pakistan; (R.H.T.); (A.A.)
| | - Iram Gull
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of the Punjab, Quaid-i-Azam Campus, Lahore 54590, Pakistan; (I.G.); (M.M.I.); (M.A.A.)
| | - Muhammad Mudassir Iqbal
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of the Punjab, Quaid-i-Azam Campus, Lahore 54590, Pakistan; (I.G.); (M.M.I.); (M.A.A.)
| | - Zaigham Abbas
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Quaid-i-Azam Campus, Lahore 54590, Pakistan;
| | - Imran Tipu
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Management & Technology, Lahore 54770, Pakistan;
| | - Aftab Ahmed
- School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Quaid-i-Azam Campus, Lahore 54590, Pakistan; (R.H.T.); (A.A.)
| | - Muhammad Amin Athar
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of the Punjab, Quaid-i-Azam Campus, Lahore 54590, Pakistan; (I.G.); (M.M.I.); (M.A.A.)
| | - Christian Harito
- Industrial Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Bina Nusantara University, Jakarta 11480, Indonesia;
| | - Sammer-ul Hassan
- Bioengineering Research Group, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
- Correspondence: (M.S.A.); (S.Z.J.Z.); (S.-u.H.)
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13
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Chen M, Jiang Y, Cai X, Lu X, Chao H. Combination of Gemcitabine and Thymosin alpha 1 exhibit a better anti-tumor effect on nasal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 98:107829. [PMID: 34119916 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nasal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NNKTL) is an aggressive and poor prognostic malignant tumor along with high-level infection of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Gemcitabine (Gem) and Thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1) exert an anti-tumor effect in various cancers. However, the effect of the combination of Gem and Tα1 in NNKTL remains unknown. METHODS SNK6 cells were treated with Gem, Tα1 and Gem plus Tα1 for 48 h. The expression levels of EBV and inflammatory factors were measured by qRT-PCR assay. The effect of Gem and Tα1 on cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy was detected by CCK-8, colony formation, flow cytometry, autophagic flux measurement, respectively. Western blot was used to evaluate the expression of proteins related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), apoptosis and autophagy. In vivo xenograft models were used to further verify the roles of Gem and Tα1. Tumors were removed for weight measurement, H&E and IHC staining. RESULTS We identified that the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of Gem and Tα1 was 116.5 μmol/ml and 1.334 μmol/ml. Alone or combined administration of Gem and Tα1 dramatically attenuated the EBV viral load and promoted inflammatory factors expression in SNK6 cells, among which the combination of Gem and Tα1 treatment showed the most significant effect. Besides, combination treatment with Gem and Tα1 markedly inhibited cell growth and EMT progress, and enhanced apoptosis and autophagy. Similarly, Gem combined with Tα1 suppressed tumor growth, promoted apoptosis and autophagy in vivo. Additionally, combination treatment with Gem and Tα1 inhibited PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. CONCLUSION In summary, combination administration of Gem and Tα1 suppressed the progression of NNKTL in vivo and in vitro. Our study provided an effective therapeutic strategy potentially for the clinical treatment of NNKTL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiyu Chen
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Changzhou Second Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213003, China.
| | - Yu Jiang
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Changzhou Second Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213003, China.
| | - Xiaohui Cai
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Changzhou Second Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213003, China
| | - Xuzhang Lu
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Changzhou Second Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213003, China
| | - Hongying Chao
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Changzhou Second Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213003, China.
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14
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Linye H, Zijing X, Wei P, Chao H, Chuan L, Tianfu W. Thymosin alpha-1 therapy improves postoperative survival after curative resection for solitary hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma: A propensity score matching analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e25749. [PMID: 34011034 PMCID: PMC8137107 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000025749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymosin alpha-1 (Tα1) is an immunomodulatory and antiviral agent with potential effects on chronic hepatitis B and liver cancer. Its impact on solitary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains controversial, so we aimed to investigate the efficacy of Tα1 in solitary HBV-related HCC patients after curative resection.Between May 2010 and April 2016, 468 patients with solitary HBV-related HCC after curative resection were analyzed. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to minimize confounding variables. Risk factors were identified by the Cox proportional hazards model. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates, overall survival (OS) rates, immunological, and virologic response were compared.The median follow up was 60.0 months. Immunological response improved in the Tα1 group compared with the control group (P < .001) but the virologic response was similar between 2 groups after 24 months. Patients with Tα1 therapy had better RFS and OS before (P = .018 and P < .001) and after (P = .006 and P < .001) propensity matching. Multivariate analysis revealed that Tα1 therapy was an independent prognostic factor for both OS (P < .001, HR = 0.308, 95% CI: 0.175-0.541) and RFS (P < .001, HR = 0.381, 95% CI: 0.229-0.633).Tα1 as an adjuvant therapy improves the prognosis of solitary HBV-related HCC patients after curative liver resection.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/mortality
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/virology
- Chemotherapy, Adjuvant/methods
- Disease-Free Survival
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Hepatectomy
- Hepatitis B virus/isolation & purification
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/mortality
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/pathology
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/therapy
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/virology
- Humans
- Liver/pathology
- Liver/surgery
- Liver/virology
- Liver Neoplasms/mortality
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/virology
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/epidemiology
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/prevention & control
- Prognosis
- Propensity Score
- Retrospective Studies
- Risk Factors
- Survival Rate
- Thymalfasin/therapeutic use
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Affiliation(s)
- He Linye
- Department of Thyroid & Parathyroid Surgery
| | - Xia Zijing
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology
| | - Peng Wei
- Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - He Chao
- Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Li Chuan
- Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Wen Tianfu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
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15
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Bersanelli M, Giannarelli D, Leonetti A, Buti S, Tiseo M, Nouvenne A, Ticinesi A, Meschi T, Procopio G, Danielli R. The right immune-modulation at the right time: thymosin α1 for prevention of severe COVID-19 in cancer patients. Future Oncol 2021; 17:1097-1104. [PMID: 33538178 PMCID: PMC7874885 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2020-0754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We presented the rationale for the use of thymosin α1 as prophylaxis of severe COVID-19 in cancer patients undergoing active treatment, constituting the background for the PROTHYMOS study, a prospective, multicenter, open-label, Phase II randomized study, currently in its start-up phase (Eudract no. 2020-006020-13). We aim to offer new hope for this incurable disease, especially to frail patient population, such as patients with cancer. The hypothesis of an effective prophylactic approach to COVID-19 would have immediate clinical relevance, especially given the lack of curative approaches. Moreover, in the ‘COVID-19 vaccine race era’ both clinical and biological results coming from the PROTHYMOS trials could even support the rationale for future combinatorial approaches, trying to rise vaccine efficacy in frail individuals. We present scientific evidence in favor of using a drug (thymosin-α1) that modulates the immune system functions to try and prevent severe COVID-19 in cancer patients who are currently receiving anticancer treatment. Thymosin-α1 is produced normally by the body in the thymus, which is present in children but not in adults. Given the better outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infections in children, we thought that thymosin-α1 could help to protect adults from severe infections as well. In this review, we explain some scientific evidence and the background of our clinical trial, PROTHYMOS, which is investigating this preventive treatment. Our aim is to offer a new hope to these at-risk cancer patients, particularly for the elderly who are at most risk of developing severe COVID-19. Given the lack of approaches that can provide cures to COVID-19, any possibility to prevent severe infection should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Bersanelli
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, Parma, 43126, Italy.,Medicine & Surgery Department, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, Parma, 43126, Italy
| | - Diana Giannarelli
- Biostatistical Unit, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, IRCCS, Via Elio Chianesi 53, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - Alessandro Leonetti
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, Parma, 43126, Italy.,Medicine & Surgery Department, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, Parma, 43126, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Buti
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, Parma, 43126, Italy.,Medicine & Surgery Department, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, Parma, 43126, Italy
| | - Marcello Tiseo
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, Parma, 43126, Italy.,Medicine & Surgery Department, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, Parma, 43126, Italy
| | - Antonio Nouvenne
- Geriatric Rehabilitation Medical Department, University Hospital of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, Parma, 43126, Italy
| | - Andrea Ticinesi
- Medicine & Surgery Department, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, Parma, 43126, Italy.,Geriatric Rehabilitation Medical Department, University Hospital of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, Parma, 43126, Italy
| | - Tiziana Meschi
- Medicine & Surgery Department, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, Parma, 43126, Italy.,Geriatric Rehabilitation Medical Department, University Hospital of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, Parma, 43126, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Procopio
- Genito-Urinary Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori of Milan, Via Giacomo Venezian, 1, Milano, 20133, Italy
| | - Riccardo Danielli
- Immuno-Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Siena, Viale Mario Bracci 16, Siena, 53100, Italy
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16
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Binder U, Skerra A. PASylated Thymosin α1: A Long-Acting Immunostimulatory Peptide for Applications in Oncology and Virology. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010124. [PMID: 33374407 PMCID: PMC7795856 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymosin α1 (Tα1) is an immunostimulatory peptide for the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections and used as an immune enhancer, which also offers prospects in the context of COVID-19 infections and cancer. Manufacturing of this N-terminally acetylated 28-residue peptide is demanding, and its short plasma half-life limits in vivo efficacy and requires frequent dosing. Here, we combined the PASylation technology with enzymatic in situ N-acetylation by RimJ to produce a long-acting version of Tα1 in Escherichia coli at high yield. ESI-MS analysis of the purified fusion protein indicated the expected composition without any signs of proteolysis. SEC analysis revealed a 10-fold expanded hydrodynamic volume resulting from the fusion with a conformationally disordered Pro/Ala/Ser (PAS) polypeptide of 600 residues. This size effect led to a plasma half-life in rats extended by more than a factor 8 compared to the original synthetic peptide due to retarded kidney filtration. Our study provides the basis for therapeutic development of a next generation thymosin α1 with prolonged circulation. Generally, the strategy of producing an N-terminally protected PASylated peptide solves three major problems of peptide drugs: (i) instability in the expression host, (ii) rapid degradation by serum exopeptidases, and (iii) low bioactivity because of fast renal clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uli Binder
- XL-protein GmbH, Lise-Meitner-Str. 30, 85354 Freising, Germany
- Correspondence: (U.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Arne Skerra
- Lehrstuhl für Biologische Chemie, Technische Universität München, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354 Freising, Germany
- Correspondence: (U.B.); (A.S.)
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17
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Yang Y, Ge H. Effective combinations of radiotherapy and immunotherapy in the treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Future Oncol 2020; 16:2537-2549. [PMID: 33108227 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2020-0222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The traditional treatments for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma include surgery and radiation as local therapies, then chemotherapy and targeted therapy as systemic treatments. These treatments, either alone or in combination, however, are not satisfactory because of limited efficacy and unfavorable toxicity, calling for new therapeutic strategies. In recent years, immunotherapy, a new weapon in the arsenal against cancer, has shown substantial clinical benefits in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, particularly ones with locally advanced or metastatic disease. Importantly, accumulating evidence suggests that traditional radiation therapy functions as a powerful adjuvant for immunotherapy by contributing to systemic antitumor immunity, resulting in reduced recurrence risk and improved survival of patients. Here the authors summarize the emerging data on immunotherapy- and radiation therapy-based treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and discuss the pros and cons of different combinations, aiming at a comprehensive understanding of the proper rationale for the design of effective therapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, PR China
| | - Hong Ge
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, PR China
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18
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Shu Y, Cheng P. Targeting tumor-associated macrophages for cancer immunotherapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1874:188434. [PMID: 32956767 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Macrophages are important effector cells of the innate immune system and are also major components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Macrophages that are abundant in the TME are called tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). As TAMs promote strong tumor angiogenesis and support tumor cell survival, they are closely related to tumor growth. Several studies have demonstrated that reducing the density or effects of TAMs can inhibit the growth of tumors, making them targets for cancer immunotherapy, which has become a research hot spot. Several clinical and preclinical trials have studied drugs that inhibit the effects of and reduce the population of phagocytes that target TAMs achieve cancer immunotherapy. In this paper, we summarize the various methods of targeting TAMs for tumor immunotherapy, focusing on TAM mechanisms, sources, and polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongheng Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Ping Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China.
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19
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Yang Z, Guo J, Cui K, Du Y, Zhao H, Zhu L, Weng L, Tang W, Guo J, Zhang T, Shi X, Zong H, Jin S, Ma W. Thymosin alpha-1 blocks the accumulation of myeloid suppressor cells in NSCLC by inhibiting VEGF production. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 131:110740. [PMID: 32942159 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymosin alpha-1 (TA) has been reported to inhibit tumor growth as an immunomodulator. However, its mechanism of action in immunosuppressive cells is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether TA can reshape the immune microenvironment by inhibiting the function of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). METHODS The effects of TA on peripheral blood monocytic MDSCs (M-MDSCs) in patients with NSCLC and on the apoptosis and migration of M-MDSCs were studied. A mouse subcutaneous xenograft tumor model was constructed, and the effect of TA on M-MDSC migration was evaluated. Quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry were used to examine the mechanism by which TA affects M-MDSCs. RESULTS TA not only promoted the apoptosis of M-MDSCs by reducing the Bcl-2/BAX ratio but also and more importantly inhibited the migration of MDSCs to the tumor microenvironment by suppressing the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) through the downregulation of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α in tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS TA may have a novel antitumor effect mediated by decreasing M-MDSC accumulation in the tumor microenvironment through reduced VEGF production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Yang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China; Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Jiacheng Guo
- Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China; Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Kang Cui
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Yabing Du
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Huan Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Lili Zhu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China; Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Lanling Weng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China; Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Wenxue Tang
- Center for Precision Medicine of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China; Departments of Otolaryngology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China
| | - Jiancheng Guo
- Center for Precision Medicine of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China; Departments of Otolaryngology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China
| | - Tengfei Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Xiaojing Shi
- Laboratory Animal Center, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, School of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Hong Zong
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Shuiling Jin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
| | - Wang Ma
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
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20
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Peng R, Xu C, Zheng H, Lao X. Modified Thymosin Alpha 1 Distributes and Inhibits the Growth of Lung Cancer in Vivo. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:10374-10381. [PMID: 32426594 PMCID: PMC7226852 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c00220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Targeted therapy of tumors is an effective method for treating cancer. Thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1), a hormone that contains 28 amino acids, is already approved for cancer treatment. However, its clinical application is limited because of the lack of tumor targeting. Considering that RGD can specifically bind to integrin, the anticancer drug can have a targeted therapeutic effect on tumors when it combines with a peptide containing an RGD sequence. We produced a polypeptide, Tα1-RGDR, by binding Tα1 to RGDR. The RGDR can combine with the αvβ3 and NRP-1 domains, which are highly expressed on the surface of the tumor, to achieve the effect of tumor targeting. This work aimed to investigate the difference of antitumor activity and tumor targeting between Tα1 modified by RGDR and Tα1 by using H460 and LLC tumor models. Results showed that Tα1-RGDR had remarkable antitumor effects, and its tumor targeting was better than that of Tα1. Hence, Tα1-RGDR is a promising antitumor drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renhao Peng
- Department of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 211199 Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Caoying Xu
- Department of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 211199 Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Heng Zheng
- Department of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 211199 Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Xingzhen Lao
- Department of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 211199 Nanjing, P. R. China
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21
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Zhou L, Pan LC, Zheng YG, Zhang XX, Liu ZJ, Meng X, Shi HD, Du GS, He Q. Reduction of FoxP3 + Tregs by an immunosuppressive protocol of rapamycin plus Thymalfasin and Huaier extract predicts positive survival benefits in a rat model of hepatocellular carcinoma. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:472. [PMID: 32395516 PMCID: PMC7210174 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2020.03.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Investigate immunoregulation and anti-tumor immunity of FoxP3+Tregs after treatment with rapamycin (RAPA/SRL) plus thymalfasin (Zadaxin) and Huaier extract (PS-T) in a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) rat model simulating HCC relapse after liver transplant (LT). Methods We successfully established a rat model simulating HCC relapse after LT using an optimized chemical induction method with TACROLIMUS, methylprednisolone, and diethylnitrosamine as identified by visible liver nodules and hematoxylin-eosin staining. The model rats were then treated with RAPA, Zadaxin, and PS-T. Immune status changes were analyzed by flow cytometry, and protein expression of Akt and mTOR was determined by western blotting. Cytokines were measured by ELISAs. Results Combined therapy by RAPA plus Zadaxin and PS-T obviously alleviated hepatic pathological changes and significantly decreased the levels of FoxP3+Tregs in peripheral blood, the spleen, and the liver (P<0.05) and expression of mTOR protein (P<0.01) in the liver, obviously improved survival time (P=0.02). Moreover, the levels of CD8+T cells were increased significantly to almost normal levels (P<0.05) in comparison with no SRL monotherapy protocols. Inhibitory cytokines were also decreased in accordance with FoxP3+Tregs. Significant decreases of IL-10 and TGF-β were observed after SRL-based therapy (P<0.01) in comparison with the other groups. Serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were also decreased significantly (P<0.05). FoxP3+Tregs showed a negative correlation with CD8+ and CD4+/CD8+T cells and a positive correlation with AFP, and VEGF (P<0.05). Conclusions SRL-based therapy reduces FoxP3+Tregs to decrease secreted inhibitory cytokines which may enhancement the viability and number of CD8+T cells to exert anti-tumor effects that are mainly mediated through the AKT-mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreaticosplenic Surgery, Beijing ChaoYang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China.,Department of (Second) Hepatobiliary Surgery, the 1 Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China.,Departmentof Hepatobiliary Surgery, the 8 Medical center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Li-Chao Pan
- Department of (Second) Hepatobiliary Surgery, the 1 Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Yong-Gen Zheng
- Departmentof Hepatobiliary Surgery, the 8 Medical center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Xin-Xue Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreaticosplenic Surgery, Beijing ChaoYang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Zhi-Jia Liu
- Departmentof Hepatobiliary Surgery, the 8 Medical center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Xuan Meng
- Department of (Second) Hepatobiliary Surgery, the 1 Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Hai-Da Shi
- Department of (Second) Hepatobiliary Surgery, the 1 Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Guo-Sheng Du
- Departmentof Hepatobiliary Surgery, the 8 Medical center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Qiang He
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreaticosplenic Surgery, Beijing ChaoYang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
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22
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Kapitanova KS, Naumenko VA, Garanina AS, Melnikov PA, Abakumov MA, Alieva IB. Advances and Challenges of Nanoparticle-Based Macrophage Reprogramming for Cancer Immunotherapy. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2019; 84:729-745. [PMID: 31509725 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297919070058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Despite the progress of modern medicine, oncological diseases are still among the most common causes of death of adult populations in developed countries. The current therapeutic approaches are imperfect, and the high mortality of oncological patients under treatment, the lack of personalized strategies, and severe side effects arising as a result of treatment force seeking new approaches to therapy of malignant tumors. During the last decade, cancer immunotherapy, an approach that relies on activation of the host antitumor immune response, has been actively developing. Cancer immunotherapy is the most promising trend in contemporary fundamental and practical oncology, and restoration of the pathologically altered tumor microenvironment is one of its key tasks, in particular, the reprogramming of tumor macrophages from the immunosuppressive M2-phenotype into the proinflammatory M1-phenotype is pivotal for eliciting antitumor response. This review describes the current knowledge about macrophage classification, mechanisms of their polarization, their role in formation of the tumor microenvironment, and strategies for changing the functional activity of M2-macrophages, as well as problems of targeted delivery of immunostimulatory signals to tumor macrophages using nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- K S Kapitanova
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Department of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - V A Naumenko
- National University of Science and Technology "MISIS", Moscow, 119049, Russia.
| | - A S Garanina
- National University of Science and Technology "MISIS", Moscow, 119049, Russia
| | - P A Melnikov
- Serbsky Federal Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Narcology, Department of Fundamental and Applied Neurobiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 119034, Russia
| | - M A Abakumov
- National University of Science and Technology "MISIS", Moscow, 119049, Russia.,Russian National Research Medical University, Department of Medical Nanobiotechnology, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - I B Alieva
- A. N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
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23
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Aslam MS, Gull I, Mahmood MS, Iqbal MM, Abbas Z, Tipu I, Ahmed A, Athar MA. High yield expression, characterization, and biological activity of IFNα2-Tα1 fusion protein. Prep Biochem Biotechnol 2019; 50:281-291. [PMID: 31718419 DOI: 10.1080/10826068.2019.1689509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The use of interferon α-2 in combination with thymosin α-1 shows higher anti-cancer effect in comparison when both are used individually because of their synergistic effects. In this study we produced an important human interferon α-2-thymosin α-1 (IFNα2-Tα1) fusion protein with probable pharmaceutical properties coupled to its high-level expression, characterization, and study of its biological activity. The IFNα2-Tα1 fusion gene was constructed by over-lap extension PCR and expressed in Escherichia coli expression system. The expression of IFNα2-Tα1 fusion protein was optimized to higher level and its maximum expression was obtained in modified terrific broth medium when lactose was used as inducer. The fusion protein was refolded into its native biologically active form with maximum yield of 83.14% followed by purification with ∼98% purity and 69% final yield. A band of purified IFNα2-Tα1 fusion protein equal to ∼23 kDa was observed on 12 % SDS-PAGE gel. The integrity of IFNα2-Tα1 fusion protein was confirmed by western blot analysis and secondary structure was assessed by CD spectroscopy. When IFNα2-Tα1 fusion protein was subjected to its biological activity analysis it was observed that it exhibits both IFNα2 & Tα1 activities as well as significantly higher anticancer activity as compared to IFNα-2 alone.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Iram Gull
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Zaigham Abbas
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Imran Tipu
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Aftab Ahmed
- School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Amin Athar
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
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24
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iRGD: A Promising Peptide for Cancer Imaging and a Potential Therapeutic Agent for Various Cancers. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2019; 2019:9367845. [PMID: 31346334 PMCID: PMC6617877 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9367845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Poor penetration into the tumor parenchyma and the reduced therapeutic efficacy of anticancer drugs and other medications are the major problems in tumor treatment. A new tumor-homing and penetrating peptide, iRGD (CRGDK/RGPD/EC), can be effectively used to combine and deliver imaging agents or anticancer drugs into tumors. The different “vascular zip codes” expressed in different tissues can serve as targets for docking-based (synaptic) delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic molecules. αv-Integrins are abundantly expressed in the tumor vasculature, where they are recognized by peptides containing the RGD integrin recognition motif. The iRGD peptide follows a multistep tumor-targeting process: First, it is proteolytically cleaved to generate the CRGDK fragment by binding to the surface of cells expressing αv integrins (αvβ3 and αvβ5). Then, the fragment binds to neuropilin-1 and penetrates the tumor parenchyma more deeply. Compared with conventional RGD peptides, the affinity of iRGD for αv integrins is in the mid to low nanomolar range, and the CRGDK fragment has a stronger affinity for neuropilin-1 than that for αv integrins because of the C-terminal exposure of a conditional C-end Rule (CendR) motif (R/KXXR/K), whose receptor proved to be neuropilin-1. Consequently, these advantages facilitate the transfer of CRGDK fragments from integrins to neuropilin-1 and consequently deeper penetration into the tumor. Due to its specific binding and strong affinity, the iRGD peptide can deliver imaging agents and anticancer drugs into tumors effectively and deeply, which is useful in detecting the tumor, blocking tumor growth, and inhibiting tumor metastasis. This review aims to focus on the role of iRGD in the imaging and treatment of various cancers.
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25
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Shen X, Wang L, Xu C, Yang J, Peng R, Hu X, Wang F, Zheng H, Lao X. Fusion of thymosin alpha 1 with mutant IgG1 CH3 prolongs half-life and enhances antitumor effects in vivo. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 74:105662. [PMID: 31220695 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.05.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1) is an immunomodulatory polypeptide secreted from the thymus. Tα1 has a wide range of biological functions, such as immunomodulation and endocrine regulation. Tα1 also displays antiviral and antitumor activities. Tα1 has been successfully used in clinical adjuvant therapy for solid tumors to improve the immune response of patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, the half-life of Tα1 in the body is short, so frequent administration is required to maintain efficacy. In order to improve the pharmacokinetic profile of Tα1, we linked the mutated CH3 (mCH3) fragment of IgG1 (human) to the C-terminus of Tα1 to produce a long-acting fusion protein, Tα1-mCH3. The half-life of Tα1-mCH3 (47 h) was substantially increased compared with that of the parent molecule Tα1 (3 h). In vivo studies indicated that mCH3 fusion retained the original biological activity of Tα1, and Tα1-mCH3 showed slightly better immunomodulatory effect than Ta1. In the 4 T1 and B16F10 tumor xenograft models, Tα1-mCH3 induced a greater abundance of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells in tumor tissues compared with Ta1. Tα1-mCH3 exhibited better effect in promoting the production of IL-2 and IFN-γ compared with Tα1. Therefore, Tα1-mCH3 more efficiently inhibited the growth of 4 T1 and B16F10 tumors than Tα1. In conclusion, fusion with mCH3 is an attractive strategy to lengthen the half-life and increase the activity of Tα1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xutong Shen
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Liping Wang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, the First City Hospital of Chenzhou, Hunan 423000, PR China
| | - Caoying Xu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Jiahui Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Renhao Peng
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Xinyi Hu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Fanwen Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Heng Zheng
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Xingzhen Lao
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
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26
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Ahmad B, Hanif Q, Xubiao W, Lulu Z, Shahid M, Dayong S, Rijun Z. Expression and Purification of Hybrid LL-37Tα1 Peptide in Pichia pastoris and Evaluation of Its Immunomodulatory and Anti-inflammatory Activities by LPS Neutralization. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1365. [PMID: 31258535 PMCID: PMC6587124 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study pertains to the new approach for the development of hybrid peptide LL-37Tα1 and its biomedical applications. A linear cationic hybrid peptide, LL-37Tα1 was derived from two parental peptides (LL-37 and Tα1) recognized as potent anti-endotoxin without any hemolytic or cytotoxic activity. We successfully cloned the gene of hybrid peptide LL-37Tα1 in PpICZαA vector and expressed in the Pichia pastoris. The recombinant peptide was purified by Ni-affinity column and reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) with an estimated molecular mass of 3.9 kDa as determined by SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry. We analyzed the LPS neutralization by limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) activity and the results indicate that the hybrid peptide LL-37Tα1 directly binds endotoxin and significantly (p < 0.05) neutralizes the effect of LPS in a dose-dependent manner. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay revealed that LL-37Tα1 successfully reduces the LPS-induced cytotoxicity in mouse RAW264.7 macrophages. Moreover, it significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the levels of nitric oxide, proinflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and diminished the number of apoptotic cells in LPS-stimulated mouse RAW264.7 macrophages. Our results suggest that the P. pastoris expression system is cost-effective for commercial production of the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory hybrid peptide (IAHP) LL-37Tα1 and the peptide may serve as effective anti-endotoxin/anti-inflammatory agent with minimal cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baseer Ahmad
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Sciences, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Quratulain Hanif
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Sciences, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Wei Xubiao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Sciences, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhang Lulu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Sciences, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Muhammad Shahid
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Sciences, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Si Dayong
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Sciences, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhang Rijun
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Sciences, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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27
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Thompson KB, Krispinsky LT, Stark RJ. Late immune consequences of combat trauma: a review of trauma-related immune dysfunction and potential therapies. Mil Med Res 2019; 6:11. [PMID: 31014397 PMCID: PMC6480837 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-019-0202-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
With improvements in personnel and vehicular body armor, robust casualty evacuation capabilities, and damage control resuscitation strategies, more combat casualties are surviving to reach higher levels of care throughout the casualty evacuation system. As such, medical centers are becoming more accustomed to managing the deleterious late consequences of combat trauma related to the dysregulation of the immune system. In this review, we aim to highlight these late consequences and identify areas for future research and therapeutic strategies. Trauma leads to the dysregulation of both the innate and adaptive immune responses, which places the injured at risk for several late consequences, including delayed wound healing, late onset sepsis and infection, multi-organ dysfunction syndrome, and acute respiratory distress syndrome, which are significant for their association with the increased morbidity and mortality of wounded personnel. The mechanisms by which these consequences develop are complex but include an imbalance of the immune system leading to robust inflammatory responses, triggered by the presence of damage-associated molecules and other immune-modifying agents following trauma. Treatment strategies to improve outcomes have been difficult to develop as the immunophenotype of injured personnel following trauma is variable, fluid and difficult to determine. As more information regarding the triggers that lead to immune dysfunction following trauma is elucidated, it may be possible to identify the immunophenotype of injured personnel and provide targeted treatments to reduce the late consequences of trauma, which are known to lead to significant morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly B Thompson
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2200 Children's Way, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
| | - Luke T Krispinsky
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Uniformed Services University, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA, 23708, USA
| | - Ryan J Stark
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2200 Children's Way, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
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28
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Wu X, Shi Y, Zhou J, Sun Y, Piao H, Jiang W, Ma A, Chen Y, Xu M, Xie W, Cheng J, Xie S, Shang J, Cheng J, Xie Q, Ding H, Zhang X, Bai L, Zhang M, Wang B, Chen S, Ma H, Ou X, Jia J, You H. Combination of entecavir with thymosin alpha-1 in HBV-related compensated cirrhosis: a prospective multicenter randomized open-label study. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2019; 18:61-69. [PMID: 30063860 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1451511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Background: Thymosin alpha-1 (Ta-1) suppresses HBV viral replication, while the evidence of combination effect with nucleoide is still limited. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of combination therapy of Ta-1 with entecavir (ETV) in patients with compensated liver cirrhosis. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 690 patients were randomized to receive Ta-1 plus ETV (n = 351) or ETV monotherapy (n = 339) for 52 weeks after 26 weeks of ETV treatment, followed by continued entecavir therapy. The primary endpoint was defined as liver decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or death. RESULTS The median followed up was 38.2 months. The cumulative incidence of liver decompensation, HCC, or death were similar between two groups. During the Ta-1 combination treatment, the HCC incidence was 1.7% in combination group and 2.1% in ETV group, without new HCC cases developed during week 39 to week 77 in combination group. The virologic response, serologic response, biochemical response was similar between two groups at week 104. Both therapies were well-tolerated. CONCLUSION There was no significant difference between two groups in endpoint events, while combination therapy with Ta-1 has a tendency to inhibit the development of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoning Wu
- a Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital , Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases , Beijing , China
| | - Yiwen Shi
- a Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital , Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases , Beijing , China
| | - Jialing Zhou
- a Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital , Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases , Beijing , China
| | - Yameng Sun
- a Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital , Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases , Beijing , China
| | - Hongxin Piao
- b Infectious Department , Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University , Yanji , China
| | - Wei Jiang
- c Department of Gastroenterology , Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University , Shanghai , China
| | - Anlin Ma
- d Department of Infectious Diseases , China-Japan Friendship Hospital , Beijing , China
| | - Yongpeng Chen
- e Department of Infectious Diseases , Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Mingyi Xu
- f Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology , Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China
| | - Wen Xie
- g Center of Liver Diseases , Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
| | - Jun Cheng
- h Institute of Infectious Diseases , Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
| | - Shibin Xie
- i Department of Infectious Diseases , Third Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Jia Shang
- j Department of Infectious Diseases , Zhengzhou University People's Hospital , Zhengzhou , China
| | - Jilin Cheng
- k Department of Gastroenterology , Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center , Shanghai , China
| | - Qing Xie
- l Department of Infectious Diseases , Ruijin Hospital , Shanghai , China
| | - Huiguo Ding
- m Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology , Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
| | - Xuqing Zhang
- n Department of Infectious Disease , Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , China
| | - Lang Bai
- o Department of Infectious Disease , West China Hospital, Sichuan University , Chengdu , China
| | - Mingxiang Zhang
- p Department of Hepatology , The Sixth People's Hospital of Shenyang , Shenyang , China
| | - Bingqiong Wang
- a Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital , Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases , Beijing , China
| | - Shuyan Chen
- a Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital , Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases , Beijing , China
| | - Hong Ma
- a Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital , Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases , Beijing , China
| | - Xiaojuan Ou
- a Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital , Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases , Beijing , China
| | - Jidong Jia
- a Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital , Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases , Beijing , China
| | - Hong You
- a Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital , Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases , Beijing , China
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29
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Matteucci C, Argaw-Denboba A, Balestrieri E, Giovinazzo A, Miele M, D'Agostini C, Pica F, Grelli S, Paci M, Mastino A, Sinibaldi Vallebona P, Garaci E, Tomino C. Deciphering cellular biological processes to clinical application: a new perspective for Tα1 treatment targeting multiple diseases. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2019; 18:23-31. [PMID: 30063863 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1474198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1) is a well-recognized immune response modulator in a wide range of disorders, particularly infections and cancer. The bioinformatic analysis of public databases allows drug repositioning, predicting a new potential area of clinical intervention. We aimed to decipher the cellular network induced by Tα1 treatment to confirm present use and identify new potential clinical applications. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We used the transcriptional profile of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells treated in vitro with Tα1 to perform the enrichment network analysis by the Metascape online tools and the disease enrichment analysis by the DAVID online tool. RESULTS Networked cellular responses reflected Tα1 regulated biological processes including immune and metabolic responses, response to compounds and oxidative stress, ion homeostasis, peroxisome biogenesis and drug metabolic process. Beyond cancer and infections, the analysis evidenced the association with disorders such as kidney chronic failure, diabetes, cardiovascular, chronic respiratory, neuropsychiatric, neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases. CONCLUSIONS In addition to the known ability to promote immune response pathways, the network enrichment analysis demonstrated that Tα1 regulates cellular metabolic processes and oxidative stress response. Notable, the analysis highlighted the association with several diseases, suggesting new translational implication of Tα1 treatment in pathological conditions unexpected until now.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Matteucci
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Ayele Argaw-Denboba
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Emanuela Balestrieri
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Alessandro Giovinazzo
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Martino Miele
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Cartesio D'Agostini
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Francesca Pica
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Sandro Grelli
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Maurizio Paci
- b Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy
| | - Antonio Mastino
- c Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences , University of Messina , Messina , Italy.,d National Research Council , Institute of Translational Pharmacology , Rome , Italy
| | - Paola Sinibaldi Vallebona
- a Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University of Rome "Tor Vergata" , Rome , Italy.,d National Research Council , Institute of Translational Pharmacology , Rome , Italy
| | | | - Carlo Tomino
- e Università San Raffaele Pisana , Roma , Italy.,f IRCSS San Raffaele Pisana , Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care , Roma , Italy
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Pica F, Gaziano R, Casalinuovo IA, Moroni G, Buè C, Limongi D, D'Agostini C, Tomino C, Perricone R, Palamara AT, Sinibaldi Vallebona P, Garaci E. Serum thymosin alpha 1 levels in normal and pathological conditions. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2019; 18:13-21. [PMID: 30063864 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1474197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Thymosin alpha 1 (Ta1) is a natural occurring peptide hormone that is crucial for the maintenance of the organism homeostasis. It has been chemically synthesized and used in diseases where the immune system is hindered or malfunctioning. AREAS COVERED Many clinical trials investigate the Ta1 effects in patients with cancer, infectious diseases and as a vaccine enhancer. The number of diseases that could benefit from Ta1 treatment is increasing. To date, questions remain about the physiological basal levels of Ta1 and the most effective dose and schedule of treatment. Evidence is growing that diseases characterized by deregulation of immune and/or inflammatory responses are associated with serum levels of Ta1 significantly lower than those of healthy individuals: to date, B hepatitis, psoriatic arthritis, multiple sclerosis and sepsis. The sputum of cystic fibrosis patients contains lower levels of Ta1 than healthy controls. These data are consistent with the role of Ta1 as a regulator of immunity, tolerance and inflammation. EXPERT OPINION Low serum Ta1 levels are predictive and/or associated with different pathological conditions. In case of Ta1 treatment, it is crucial to know the patient's baseline serum Ta1 level to establish effective treatment protocols and monitor their effectiveness over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Pica
- a Departments of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Roberta Gaziano
- a Departments of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | | | - Gabriella Moroni
- a Departments of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Cristina Buè
- a Departments of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Dolores Limongi
- b IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana , Telematic University , Rome , Italy
| | - Cartesio D'Agostini
- a Departments of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Carlo Tomino
- b IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana , Telematic University , Rome , Italy
| | - Roberto Perricone
- c Medicine of Systems, Rheumatology, Allergology and Clinical Immunology , University Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy
| | - Anna Teresa Palamara
- b IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana , Telematic University , Rome , Italy.,d Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases , Sapienza University of Rome , Rome , Italy
| | | | - Enrico Garaci
- a Departments of Experimental Medicine and Surgery , University Tor Vergata , Rome , Italy.,b IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana , Telematic University , Rome , Italy
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Shen X, Li Q, Wang F, Bao J, Dai M, Zheng H, Lao X. Generation of a novel long-acting thymosin alpha1-Fc fusion protein and its efficacy for the inhibition of breast cancer in vivo. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 108:610-617. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.09.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Revised: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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Wang F, Yu T, Zheng H, Lao X. Thymosin Alpha1-Fc Modulates the Immune System and Down-regulates the Progression of Melanoma and Breast Cancer with a Prolonged Half-life. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12351. [PMID: 30120362 PMCID: PMC6097990 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30956-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1) is a biological response modifier that has been introduced into markets for treating several diseases. Given the short serum half-life of Tα1 and the rapid development of Fc fusion proteins, we used genetic engineering method to construct the recombinant plasmid to express Tα1-Fc (Fc domain of human IgG4) fusion protein. A single-factor experiment was performed with different inducers of varying concentrations for different times to get the optimal condition of induced expression. Pure proteins higher than 90.3% were obtained by using 5 mM lactose for 4 h with a final production about 160.4 mg/L. The in vivo serum half-life of Tα1-Fc is 25 h, almost 13 times longer than Tα1 in mice models. Also, the long-acting protein has a stronger activity in repairing immune injury through increasing number of lymphocytes. Tα1-Fc displayed a more effective antitumor activity in the 4T1 and B16F10 tumor xenograft models by upregulating CD86 expression, secreting IFN-γ and IL-2, and increasing the number of tumor-infiltrating CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells. Our study on the novel modified Tα1 with the Fc segment provides valuable information for the development of new immunotherapy in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanwen Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, P.R. China
| | - Tingting Yu
- Dongyangguang pharmaceutical r&d co. LTD, Dongguan, 523000, P.R. China
| | - Heng Zheng
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, P.R. China.
| | - Xingzhen Lao
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, P.R. China.
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Mandaliti W, Nepravishta R, Pica F, Vallebona PS, Garaci E, Paci M. Potential mechanism of thymosin-α1-membrane interactions leading to pleiotropy: experimental evidence and hypotheses. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2018; 18:33-42. [DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1456527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Walter Mandaliti
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Ridvan Nepravishta
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- School of Pharmacy, East Anglia University, Norwich, UK
| | - Francesca Pica
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Enrico Garaci
- San Raffaele Pisana Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Paci
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
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Zhou L, Pan LC, Zheng YG, Du GS, Fu XQ, Zhu ZD, Song JY, Liu ZJ, Su XZ, Chen W, Zheng DH, Suo LL, Yang SZ. Novel strategy of sirolimus plus thymalfasin and huaier granule on tumor recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma beyond the UCSF criteria following liver transplantation: A single center experience. Oncol Lett 2018; 16:4407-4417. [PMID: 30214575 PMCID: PMC6126158 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.9226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although liver transplantation (LT) lengthens the survival time of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), LT patients exhibit a high recurrence rate; particularly those that had advanced HCC associated with the tumor biological characteristics and long-term application of immunosuppressants. A consensus on optimal prophylaxis and treatment for recurrent HCC following LT does not currently exist. The present study retrospectively analyzed data from 36 non-University of California at San Francisco criteria-eligible patients with advanced HCC who underwent LT, and then treated them with sirolimus (SRL)-based therapy with thymalfasin and huaier granules (SRL+, n=18), or with tacrolimus-based therapy (controls; n=18). The SRL+ group had significantly longer recurrence times (P=0.008) and survival times (P<0.0001) (OS, 1-year: 100%, 3-year: 94.4%, 5-year: 77.8%; DFS, 1-year: 88.9%, 3-year: 55.6%, 5-year: 50.0%). Furthermore, compared with pre-LT values and the control group, the SRL+ group had significantly lower serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) levels (both P<0.0001) and percentage of Forkhead box P3 (FoxP3)+ Treg lymphocytes (P<0.001) during the first year. In the SRL+ group, FoxP3+/cluster of differentiation (CD)8+ Treg lymphocyte percentages decreased significantly following LT (P<0.001); however, CD8+/CD3+ T-cells significantly increased (P<0.001). Levels of serum AFP and FoxP3+ Treg cells increased when tumors relapsed, and decreased to near-normal when relapse foci were cured or stabilized. SRL+ therapy may decrease AFP and Treg levels, while increasing CD8+ T cells, indicating an associated mechanism among them. In conclusion, SRL+ therapy appears to be safe and effective in preventing HCC recurrence following LT with no significant adverse events, and warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Organ Transplant Institute, Chinese PLA 309th Hospital, Beijing 100091, P.R. China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, P.R. China
| | - Li-Chao Pan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Organ Transplant Institute, Chinese PLA 309th Hospital, Beijing 100091, P.R. China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, P.R. China
| | - Yong-Gen Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Organ Transplant Institute, Chinese PLA 309th Hospital, Beijing 100091, P.R. China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, P.R. China
| | - Guo-Sheng Du
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Organ Transplant Institute, Chinese PLA 309th Hospital, Beijing 100091, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Qian Fu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Organ Transplant Institute, Chinese PLA 309th Hospital, Beijing 100091, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Dong Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Organ Transplant Institute, Chinese PLA 309th Hospital, Beijing 100091, P.R. China
| | - Ji-Yong Song
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Organ Transplant Institute, Chinese PLA 309th Hospital, Beijing 100091, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Jia Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Organ Transplant Institute, Chinese PLA 309th Hospital, Beijing 100091, P.R. China
| | - Xiang-Zheng Su
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, P.R. China
| | - Wen Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, P.R. China
| | - De-Hua Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Organ Transplant Institute, Chinese PLA 309th Hospital, Beijing 100091, P.R. China
| | - Long-Long Suo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Organ Transplant Institute, Chinese PLA 309th Hospital, Beijing 100091, P.R. China
| | - Shao-Zhen Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Organ Transplant Institute, Chinese PLA 309th Hospital, Beijing 100091, P.R. China
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Wang F, Li B, Fu P, Li Q, Zheng H, Lao X. Immunomodulatory and enhanced antitumor activity of a modified thymosin α1 in melanoma and lung cancer. Int J Pharm 2018; 547:611-620. [PMID: 29933059 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2018.06.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-targeted therapy is an attractive strategy for cancer treatment. Peptide hormone thymosin α1 (Tα1) has been used against several diseases, including cancer, but its activity is pleiotropic. Herein, we designed a fusion protein Tα1-iRGD by introducing the tumor homing peptide iRGD to Tα1. Results show that Tα1-iRGD can promote T-cell activation and CD86 expression, thereby exerting better effect and stronger inhibitory against melanoma and lung cancer, respectively, than Tα1 in vivo. These effects are indicated by the reduced densities of tumor vessels and Tα1-iRGD accumulation in tumors. Moreover, compared with Tα1, Tα1-iRGD can attach more B16F10 and H460 cells and exhibits significantly better immunomodulatory activity in immunosuppression models induced by hydrocortisone. Circular dichroism spectroscopy and structural analysis results revealed that Tα1 and Tα1-iRGD both adopted a helical confirmation in the presence of trifluoroethanol, indicating the structural basis of their functions. These findings highlight the vital function of Tα1-iRGD in tumor-targeted therapy and suggest that Tα1-iRGD is a better antitumor drug than Tα1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanwen Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Bin Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Pengcheng Fu
- Department of Neurology, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, Hunan 423000, PR China
| | - Qingqing Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Heng Zheng
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Xingzhen Lao
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
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Du D, Song T, Dai H, Jing Z, Chen P, Wu S. Stereotactic body radiation therapy and thymosin alpha-1-induced anti-tumor effects in heavily pretreated, metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients. Oncoimmunology 2018; 7:e1450128. [PMID: 30221039 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2018.1450128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the anti-tumor effects of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) with thymosin alpha-1 (Tα1) in heavily pretreated, metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (mESCC) patients. Thirty-one patients with at least 2 metastatic sites were enrolled. SBRT was delivered with a daily fraction of 5.0 Gy for a total dosage of 25 Gy over one week to one metastatic lesion. Concurrent Tα1 (1.6mg subcutaneously) was administered twice a week with an interval of 3-4 days until tumor progression of other documented metastatic lesions. Anti-tumor effects (the primary endpoint) were evaluated by assessing the CT/MRI response of other distinct measurable lesions. Secondary endpoints included treatment safety, survival outcomes and immune-related blood parameters. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT 02545751). Partial response occurred in three (9.7%) patients, and 11 (35.5%) patients had stable metastatic disease, which yielded a metastatic-lesion control rate of 45.2%. Seventeen (54.8%) patients were documented to have progressive disease in other metastatic lesions. The median overall survival and abscopal progression free survival (APFS) times were 5.2 and 2.9 months, respectively. Significant differences in survival outcomes were observed between the abscopal control group (without progression in the abscopal lesions at 12 weeks) and the non-control group (P = 0.035 and 0.044, respectively). Treatment-related toxicity was acceptable, and no grade 4 acute toxicity occurred. Immunomonitoring of lymphocytes showed that the proportion of CD8+ T cells after treatment was significantly different between the abscopal control group and the non-control group (P=0.047). In conclusion, the combination of SBRT with Tα1 produced encouraging effects in heavily pretreated, mESCC patients and further research on radiation enhanced immunotherapy is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dexi Du
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Central Hospital of Lishui City, Lishui, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Tao Song
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Hui Dai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Zhao Jing
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Peng Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Shixiu Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
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Yang X, Chen Y, Zhang J, Tang T, Kong Y, Ye F, Zhang X, Liu X, Lin S. Thymosin α1 treatment reduces hepatic inflammation and inhibits hepatocyte apoptosis in rats with acute liver failure. Exp Ther Med 2018; 15:3231-3238. [PMID: 29545840 PMCID: PMC5840938 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.5843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate whether thymosin α1 (Tα1) increases survival rates through the improvement of immunofunction and inhibition of hepatocyte apoptosis in rats with acute liver failure (ALF). A total of 25 rats were randomly divided into the control group (CG), the model group (MG) and the treatment group (TG). The CG received an intraperitoneal injection of saline (2 ml). The ALF rat model was established by the intraperitoneal injection of D-galactosamine (700 mg/kg) and lipopolysaccharide (10 µg/kg). The TG received an intraperitoneal injection of Tα1 (0.03 mg/kg) 1 h prior to and 30 min after modeling. The survival rates of the rats were recorded. An additional 63 rats were randomly divided into a CG (n=3), MG (n=30) and TG (n=30). Three rats were sacrificed at 3, 6, 9 and 12 h after establishment of the rat model to detect plasma alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin-10 (IL-10). Liver samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and TUNEL, and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were performed to detect B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) in liver tissue. The results indicated that the survival rate of the TG was significantly higher compared with that of the MG at 24 h (P<0.05). Plasma ALT, AST and TBIL in the MG and TG increased over time (3–12 h), with ALT, AST and TBIL observed to be significantly lower in the TG compared with the MG at each time-point (P<0.05). Hepatocellular necrosis, hemorrhage and inflammatory cell infiltration of ALF were aggravated over time (3–12 h) in the MG and TG. Notably, in the Tα1-treated rats, the hepatocytes appeared healthier with fewer apoptotic cells compared with those from the MG at the same time-points. Hepatocyte apoptotic index increased in the TG and MG, but was significantly lower in the TG compared with the MG at each time-point (P<0.05) in TUNEL assays. Plasma TNF-α and IL-10 in the MG and TG increased over time (3–12 h), with TNF-α observed to be significantly lower in the TG compared with the MG at each time-point (P<0.05), however, IL-10 was observed to be significantly higher in the TG compared with the MG at each time-point (P<0.05). Bax mRNA expression was significantly lower in the TG compared with the MG at each time-point (P<0.05), whereas Bcl-2 was significantly higher (P<0.05). In conclusion, Tα1 improved survival rates in an ALF rat model by downregulating TNF-α and upregulating IL-10, leading to the attenuation of hepatic inflammation and hepatocyte apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueliang Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Yunru Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Jian Zhang
- The Second Department of Gastroenterology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710068, P.R. China
| | - Tiantian Tang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710003, P.R. China
| | - Ying Kong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Feng Ye
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Xiaojing Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Shumei Lin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
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Mandaliti W, Nepravishta R, Pica F, Vallebona PS, Garaci E, Paci M. Thymosin α1 Interacts with Hyaluronic Acid Electrostatically by Its Terminal Sequence LKEKK. Molecules 2017; 22:E1843. [PMID: 29077041 PMCID: PMC6150299 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22111843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2017] [Revised: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymosin α1 (Tα1), is a peptidic hormone, whose immune regulatory properties have been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo and approved in different countries for treatment of several viral infections and cancers. Tα1 assumes a conformation in negative membranes upon insertion into the phosphatidylserine exposure as found in several pathologies and in apoptosis. These findings are in agreement with the pleiotropy of Tα1, which targets both normal and tumor cells, interacting with multiple cellular components, and have generated renewed interest in the topic. Hyaluronan (HA) occurs ubiquitously in the extracellular matrix and on cell surfaces and has been related to a variety of diseases, and developmental and physiological processes. Proteins binding HA, among them CD44 and the Receptor for HA-mediated motility (RHAMM) receptors, mediate its biological effects. NMR spectroscopy indicated preliminarily that an interaction of Tα1 with HA occurs specifically around lysine residues of the sequence LKEKK of Tα1 and is suggestive of a possible interference of Tα1 in the binding of HA with CD44 and RHAMM. Further studies are needed to deepen these observations because Tα1 is known to potentiate the T-cell immunity and anti-tumor effect. The binding inhibitory activity of Tα1 on HA-CD44 or HA-RHAMM interactions can suppress both T-cell reactivity and tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Mandaliti
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Ridvan Nepravishta
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
- School of Pharmacy, East Anglia University, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK.
| | - Francesca Pica
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Paola Sinibaldi Vallebona
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Enrico Garaci
- San Raffaele Pisana Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care, 00163 Rome, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Paci
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
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Yang L, Zhang Y. Tumor-associated macrophages, potential targets for cancer treatment. Biomark Res 2017; 5:25. [PMID: 28804638 PMCID: PMC5549387 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-017-0106-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The fact that various immune cells, including macrophages, can be found in tumor tissues has long been known. With the introduction of concept that macrophages differentiate into a classically or alternatively activated phenotype, the role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is now beginning to be elucidated. TAMs act as "protumoral macrophages", contributing to disease progression. As the relationship between TAMs and malignant tumors becomes clearer, TAMs are beginning to be seen as potential therapeutic targets in these cases. In this review, we will discuss how TAMs can be used as therapeutic targets of cancer in clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yang
- Biotherapy Center and Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450052 China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Biotherapy Center and Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450052 China.,School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, No.100 Kexue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001 China
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Sawa-Wejksza K, Kandefer-Szerszeń M. Tumor-Associated Macrophages as Target for Antitumor Therapy. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2017; 66:97-111. [PMID: 28660349 PMCID: PMC5851686 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-017-0480-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
It is well known that the microenvironment of solid tumors is rich in inflammatory cells that influence tumor growth and development. Macrophages, called tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), are the most abundant immune cell population present in tumor tissue. Several studies have demonstrated that the density of TAMs is associated with a poor prognosis and positively correlates with tumor growth. Several studies have proved that TAMs may activate and protect tumor stem cells, stimulate their proliferation as well as promote angiogenesis and metastasis. Furthermore, TAMs-derived cytokines and other proteins, such as CCL-17, CCL-22, TGF-β, IL-10, arginase 1, and galectin-3, make a significant contribution to immunosuppression. Since TAMs influence various aspects of cancer progression, there are many attempts to use them as a target for immunotherapy. The numerous studies have shown that the primary tumor growth and the number of metastatic sites can be significantly decreased by decreasing the population of macrophages in tumor tissue, for example, by blocking recruitment of monocytes or eliminating TAMs already present in the tumor tissue. Moreover, there are attempts at reprogramming TAMs into proinflammatory M1 macrophages or neutralizing the protumoral products of TAMs. Another approach uses TAMs for anticancer drug delivery into the tumor environment. In this review, we would like to summarize the clinical and preclinical trials that were focused on macrophages as a target for anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Sawa-Wejksza
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Martyna Kandefer-Szerszeń
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland
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Liu D, Yu Z, Yin J, Chen Y, Zhang H, Xin F, Fu H, Wan B. Effect of ulinastatin combined with thymosin alpha1 on sepsis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of Chinese and Indian patients. J Crit Care 2017; 39:259-266. [PMID: 28069319 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2016.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2016] [Revised: 11/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the effects of urinary trypsin inhibitor (UTI) ulinastatin combined with thymosin alpha1 (Tα1) on sepsis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The meta-analysis included 8 randomized controlled trials (N=1112 patients) on UTI-based therapy for sepsis published before July 10, 2016. Two investigators independently extracted data and assessed the quality of each study. The short-term mortality rate, duration of mechanical ventilator and vasopressor use, length of intensive care unit stay, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, and differences in inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor α) were assessed using statistical software. RESULTS Treatment of UTI combined with Tα1 (UTI+Tα1) decreased the short-term mortality rate in septic patients by 36%, 35%, and 31% for 28, 60, 90 days, respectively. UTI+Tα1 decreased the duration of mechanical ventilation, APACHE II score, and levels of IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor α. Treatment of UTI+Tα1 did not reduce the duration of vasopressor use and length of intensive care unit stay, or increase IL-10 levels. Because of the high heterogeneity of the included trials, the results should be carefully assessed. CONCLUSIONS Treatment of UTI+Tα1 can suppress the production of proinflammatory cytokines, decrease the APACHE II score, shorten the duration of mechanical ventilation, and improve the 28-day survival rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dadong Liu
- Department of ICU, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China
| | - Zongying Yu
- Department of Cardiology, Zhenjiang Fourth People's Hospital, Zhenjiang 212001, China
| | - Jiangtao Yin
- Department of ICU, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China
| | - Yikun Chen
- Emergency Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Emergency Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China
| | - Fan Xin
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China
| | - Haiyan Fu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China
| | - Bing Wan
- Department of ICU, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China.
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42
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Singh Y, Pawar VK, Meher JG, Raval K, Kumar A, Shrivastava R, Bhadauria S, Chourasia MK. Targeting tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) via nanocarriers. J Control Release 2017; 254:92-106. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2017.03.395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Yang L, Zhang Y. Tumor-associated macrophages: from basic research to clinical application. J Hematol Oncol 2017; 10:58. [PMID: 28241846 PMCID: PMC5329931 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-017-0430-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 566] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The fact that various immune cells, including macrophages, can be found in tumor tissues has long been known. With the introduction of concept that macrophages differentiate into a classically or alternatively activated phenotype, the role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is now beginning to be elucidated. TAMs act as “protumoral macrophages,” contributing to disease progression. TAMs can promote initiation and metastasis of tumor cells, inhibit antitumor immune responses mediated by T cells, and stimulate tumor angiogenesis and subsequently tumor progression. As the relationship between TAMs and malignant tumors becomes clearer, TAMs are beginning to be seen as potential biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of cancers, as well as therapeutic targets in these cases. In this review, we will discuss the origin, polarization, and role of TAMs in human malignant tumors, as well as how TAMs can be used as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets of cancer in clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, China.,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, China. .,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan Province, China. .,School of Life Science, Zhengzhou University, No.100 Kexue Road, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan Province, China.
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Matteucci C, Grelli S, Balestrieri E, Minutolo A, Argaw-Denboba A, Macchi B, Sinibaldi-Vallebona P, Perno CF, Mastino A, Garaci E. Thymosin alpha 1 and HIV-1: recent advances and future perspectives. Future Microbiol 2017; 12:141-155. [PMID: 28106477 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2016-0125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In spite of the consistent benefits for HIV-1 infected patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy, a complete immune reconstitution is usually not achieved. Actually, antiretroviral therapy may be frequently accompanied by immunological unresponsiveness, persistent inflammatory conditions and inefficient cytotoxic T-cell response. Thymosin alpha 1 is a thymic peptide that demonstrates a peculiar ability to restore immune system homeostasis in different physiological and pathological conditions (i.e., infections, cancer, immunodeficiency, vaccination and aging) acting as multitasking protein depending on the host state of inflammation or immune dysfunction. This review reports the present knowledge on the in vitro and in vivo studies concerning the use of thymosin alpha 1 in HIV-1 infection. Recent findings and future perspectives of therapeutic intervention are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Matteucci
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Sandro Grelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Emanuela Balestrieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Antonella Minutolo
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Ayele Argaw-Denboba
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Beatrice Macchi
- Department of System Medicine, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Paola Sinibaldi-Vallebona
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy.,Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, Via Fosso del Cavaliere, 100, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Carlo Federico Perno
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Antonio Mastino
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council, Via Fosso del Cavaliere, 100, Rome 00133, Italy.,Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical & Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Via F. Stagno d'Alcontres 31, Messina 98166, Italy
| | - Enrico Garaci
- Department of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montepellier, 1, Rome 00133, Italy.,IRCSS San Raffaele Pisana, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization & Health Care, Via di Val Cannuta, 247, Roma 00166, Italy
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Liang YR, Guo Z, Jiang JH, Xiang BD, Li LQ. Thymosin α1 therapy subsequent to radical hepatectomy in patients with hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma: A retrospective controlled study. Oncol Lett 2016; 12:3513-3518. [PMID: 27900029 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.5121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical efficacy of thymosin α1 (Tα1) therapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) subsequent to radical hepatectomy is unclear. In the present study, the impact of Tα1 therapy on outcomes in HCC patients after radical hepatectomy was retrospectively evaluated. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for 146 patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated HCC who were treated by radical hepatectomy and subsequently with Tα1 therapy, as well as for 412 control patients with HBV-associated HCC treated by radical hepatectomy. Propensity score matching was used to minimize confounding variables due to baseline differences. Liver function, recurrence-free survival and overall survival rates were compared between the two groups. Serum markers of liver function were significantly improved in the Tα1 group compared with the control group. The 1-, 2- and 3-year overall survival rates were 87.2, 82.0 and 68.4% in the Tα1 group and 78.2, 64.2 and 49.7% in the control group (P=0.011). The 1-, 2- and 3-year recurrence-free survival rates were 79.7, 70.8 and 67.3% in the Tα1 group and 69.9, 61.5 and 51.6% in the control group (P=0.019). The results suggested that post-hepatectomy Tα1 therapy improves liver function and significantly prolong recurrence-free and overall survival in patients with HBV-associated HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Rong Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China; Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Qinzhou First People's Hospital, Qinzhou, Guangxi 535001, P.R. China
| | - Zhe Guo
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan, Hubei 430000, P.R. China
| | - Jing-Hang Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second People's Hospital of Jingmen, Jingmen, Hubei 448000, P.R. China
| | - Bang-De Xiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Le-Qun Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
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Lao X, Li B, Liu M, Shen C, Yu T, Gao X, Zheng H. A modified thymosin alpha 1 inhibits the growth of breast cancer both in vitro and in vivo: suppressment of cell proliferation, inducible cell apoptosis and enhancement of targeted anticancer effects. Apoptosis 2016; 20:1307-20. [PMID: 26283169 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-015-1151-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1) is commonly used for treating several diseases; however its usage has been limited because of poor penetration of the target tissue, such as tumor cells. In the present study, Tα1-iRGD, a peptide by conjugating Tα1 with the iRGD fragment, was evaluated its performance in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. Compared with the wild-type peptide, Tα1-iRGD was more selective in binding tumor cells in the cell attachment assay. Furthermore, the MTT assay confirmed that Tα1-iRGD proved more effective in significantly inhibiting the growth of MCF-7 cells in contrast to the general inhibition displayed by Tα1. Further, conjugation of Tα1 with iRGD preserved the immunomodulatory activity of the drug by increasing the proliferation of mouse spleen lymphocytes. Further, compared with Tα1 treatment, Tα1-iRGD treatment of MCF-7 cells considerably increased the number of cells undergoing apoptosis, resulting in a dose-dependent inhibition of cancer cell growth, which was associated with a much better effect on up-regulation of the expression of BCL2-associated X protein (Bax), caspase 9, etc. More importantly, treatment with Ta1-iRGD was more efficacious than treatment with Ta1 in vivo. This study highlights the importance of iRGD on enhancement of cell penetration and tumor accumulation. In summary, our findings demonstrate that the novel modified Tα1 developed in this study has the potential to be used for treating breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingzhen Lao
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China,
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Nepravishta R, Mandaliti W, Vallebona PS, Pica F, Garaci E, Paci M. Mechanism of Action of Thymosinα1: Does It Interact with Membrane by Recognition of Exposed Phosphatidylserine on Cell Surface? A Structural Approach. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2016; 102:101-19. [PMID: 27450732 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2016.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Thymosinα1 is a peptidic hormone with pleiotropic activity, which is used in the therapy of several diseases. It is unstructured in water solution and interacts with negative regions of micelles and vesicles assuming two tracts of helical conformation with a structural flexible break in between. The studies of the interaction of Thymosinα1 with micelles of mixed dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine and sodium dodecylsulfate and vesicles with mixed dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine/dipalmitoylphosphatidylserine, the latter the negative component of the membranes, by (1)H and natural abundance (15)N NMR are herewith reported, reviewed, and discussed. The results indicate that the preferred interactions are those where the surface is negatively charged due to sodium dodecylsulfate or due to the presence of dipalmitoylphosphatidylserine exposed on the surface. In fact the unbalance of dipalmitoylphosphatidylserine on the cellular surface is an important phenomenon present in pathological conditions of cells. Moreover, the direct interaction of Thymosinα1 with K562 cells presenting an overexposure of phosphatidylserine as a consequence of resveratrol-induced apoptosis was carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Nepravishta
- University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy; Faculty of Pharmacy Catholic University "Our Lady of Good Counsel", Tirane, Albania
| | - W Mandaliti
- University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | | | - F Pica
- University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - E Garaci
- University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy; San Raffaele Pisana Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care, Rome, Italy
| | - M Paci
- University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
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Suo LL, Du GS, Zhou L, Song JY, Zhu ZD, Feng LK, Yang SZ. Influence of thymosin α-1 based anti-tumor therapy on tumor recurrence and cytokine expression in patients after liver transplantation. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2016; 24:1587-1592. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v24.i10.1587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To explore the influence of thymosin α-1 combined with Huaier granule on tumor recurrence and expression of Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells, interleukin-10 (IL-10), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in patients after liver transplantation.
METHODS: Clinical data for 42 patients with terminal primary liver cancer who underwent liver transplantation at the 309th Hosptial of Chinese People's Liberation Army from January 2011 to January 2015 (all meeting the Hangzhou standard) were retrospectively analyzed. According to postoperative medication, the patients were divided into a combination group (19 cases), a Huaier granule group (16 cases) and a thymosin α-1 group (7 cases). During 1 mo after liver transplantation, according to the individual differences of patients, different doses and types of immunosuppressants including tacrolimus, mycophenolate and sirolimus were used. The combination group was additionally given Huaier granule and thymosin α-1 after 1 mo, and the other two groups were given Huaier granule and thymosin α-1, respectively. The time of tumor recurrence and the expression of Treg cells, IL-10 and TGF-β were observed. Each patients were followed for 24 mo.
RESULTS: The disease-free survival was significantly longer in the combination group than in the other two groups (P < 0.05). At the sixth month, the expression of Treg and IL-10 in the peripheral blood was significantly higher in the combination group than in the thymosin α-1 group (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the Huaier granule group and combination group (P > 0.05). At the twelfth month, the expression of Treg cells, IL-10, and TGF-β in the peripheral blood was significantly higher in the combination group than in the other two groups (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Thymosin α-1 based anti-tumor therapy can obviously prolong liver tumor recurrence after transplantation. Regular monitoring of expression of Treg cells, IL-10 and TGF-β can be used as an auxiliary method for monitoring tumor recurrence after liver transplantation.
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49
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Mandaliti W, Nepravishta R, Sinibaldi Vallebona P, Pica F, Garaci E, Paci M. Thymosin α1 Interacts with Exposed Phosphatidylserine in Membrane Models and in Cells and Uses Serum Albumin as a Carrier. Biochemistry 2016; 55:1462-72. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.5b01345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Walter Mandaliti
- Department
of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Ridvan Nepravishta
- Department
of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department
of Chemical Pharmaceutical and Biomolecular Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy Catholic University “Our Lady of Good Counsel”, Rr. D.
Hoxha, Tirane, Albania
| | - Paola Sinibaldi Vallebona
- Department
of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Pica
- Department
of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Garaci
- Department
of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- San
Raffaele Pisana Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Paci
- Department
of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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50
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New studies about the insertion mechanism of Thymosin α1 in negative regions of model membranes as starting point of the bioactivity. Amino Acids 2016; 48:1231-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-016-2169-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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