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Guo Y, Wang Z, Zhou H, Pan H, Han W, Deng Y, Li Q, Xue J, Ge X, Wang S, Wang J, Zhang Y, Zhao C, Zhu H, Wang Y, Shen H, Liu D, Li J. First-in-human study of GFH018, a small molecule inhibitor of transforming growth factor-β receptor I inhibitor, in patients with advanced solid tumors. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:444. [PMID: 38600507 PMCID: PMC11007962 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12216-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a cytokine with multiple functions, including cell growth regulation, extracellular matrix production, angiogenesis homeostasis adjustment and et al. TGF-β pathway activation promotes tumor metastasis/progression and mediates epithelial-mesenchymal transmission suppressing immunosurveillance in advanced tumors. GFH018, a small molecule inhibitor blocking TGF-β signal transduction, inhibits the progression and/or metastasis of advanced cancers. This first-in-human study evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and efficacy of GFH018 monotherapy in patients with advanced solid tumors. METHODS This phase I, open-label, multicenter study used a modified 3+3 dose escalation and expansion design. Adult patients with advanced solid tumors failing the standard of care were enrolled. Starting at 5 mg, eight dose levels up to 85 mg were evaluated. Patients received GFH018 BID (14d-on/14d-off) starting on the 4th day after a single dose on cycle 1, day 1. Subsequent cycles were defined as 28 days. The study also explored the safety of 85 mg BID 7d-on/7d-off. Adverse events were graded using NCI criteria for adverse events (NCI-CTCAE v5.0). PK was analyzed using a noncompartmental method. Efficacy was evaluated using RECIST 1.1. Blood samples were collected for biomarker analysis. RESULTS Fifty patients were enrolled and received at least one dose of GFH018. No dose-limiting toxicity occurred, and the maximum tolerated dose was not reached. Forty-three patients (86.0%) had at least one treatment-related adverse event (TRAE), and three patients (6.0%) had ≥ G3 TRAEs. The most common TRAEs (any grade/grade ≥3) were AST increased (18%/0%), proteinuria (14%/2%), anemia (14%/2%), and ALT increased (12%/0%). No significant cardiotoxicity or bleeding was observed. GFH018 PK was linear and dose-independent, with a mean half-life of 2.25-8.60 h from 5 - 85 mg. Nine patients (18.0%) achieved stable disease, and one patient with thymic carcinoma achieved tumor shrinkage, with the maximum target lesion decreased by 18.4%. Serum TGF-β1 levels were not associated with clinical responses. The comprehensive recommended dose for Phase II was defined as 85 mg BID 14d-on/14d-off. CONCLUSIONS GFH018 monotherapy presented a favorable safety profile without cardiac toxicity or bleeding. Modest efficacy warrants further studies, including combination strategies. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrial. gov ( https://www. CLINICALTRIALS gov/ ), NCT05051241. Registered on 2021-09-02.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zishu Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Huan Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Hongming Pan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weidong Han
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanhong Deng
- Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Qun Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junli Xue
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Ge
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- Clinical Department, GenFleet Therapeutics Inc, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Translational Science, GenFleet Therapeutics Inc, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Clinical Department, GenFleet Therapeutics Inc, Shanghai, China
| | - Congqiao Zhao
- Clinical Department, GenFleet Therapeutics Inc, Shanghai, China
| | - Huaqiang Zhu
- Clinical Department, GenFleet Therapeutics Inc, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Clinical Department, GenFleet Therapeutics Inc, Shanghai, China
| | - Haige Shen
- Clinical Department, GenFleet Therapeutics Inc, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong Liu
- Translational Science, GenFleet Therapeutics Inc, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
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Hei B, Liu RE, Li M. Ursolic acid inhibits glioblastoma through suppressing TGFβ-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and angiogenesis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27722. [PMID: 38501006 PMCID: PMC10945258 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Found in many fruits and plants, Ursolic acid (UA), a pentacyclic triterpene that occurs naturally, is recognized for its anti-cancer effects, especially in combating glioblastoma. However, the intricate molecular mechanisms underpinning its anti-tumor actions are still not fully understood, despite the recognition of these effects. By examining the functions of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and angiogenesis, crucial for glioblastoma progression, and their regulation through Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGFβ) - a key marker for glioblastoma, our research aims to fill this knowledge gap. This study explores how ursolic acid can block the progression of glioblastoma by precisely targeting TGFβ-triggered EMT and angiogenesis. The findings show that UA successfully blocks the spread, movement, and invasion of glioblastoma cells. Accompanying this, there is a significant reduction in the expression of TGFβ and crucial EMT indicators like snail and vimentin. Furthermore, UA shows a reduction in angiogenesis that depends on the dosage, highlighted by decreased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Interestingly, increased TGFβ expression in U87 and U251 glioblastoma cell lines was found to weaken UA's anti-tumor properties, shedding more light on TGFβ's critical function in glioblastoma's pathology. Supporting these laboratory results, UA also showed considerable inhibition of tumor growth in a glioblastoma xenograft mouse model. Overall, our research emphasizes Ursolic acid's promise as a new treatment for glioblastoma and clarifies its action mechanism, mainly by inhibiting TGFβ signaling and thereby EMT and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Hei
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ru-en Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Meihua Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
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3
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Al-Danakh A, Safi M, Jian Y, Yang L, Zhu X, Chen Q, Yang K, Wang S, Zhang J, Yang D. Aging-related biomarker discovery in the era of immune checkpoint inhibitors for cancer patients. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1348189. [PMID: 38590525 PMCID: PMC11000233 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1348189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Older patients with cancer, particularly those over 75 years of age, often experience poorer clinical outcomes compared to younger patients. This can be attributed to age-related comorbidities, weakened immune function, and reduced tolerance to treatment-related adverse effects. In the immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) era, age has emerged as an influential factor impacting the discovery of predictive biomarkers for ICI treatment. These age-linked changes in the immune system can influence the composition and functionality of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) that play a crucial role in the cancer response. Older patients may have lower levels of TIICs infiltration due to age-related immune senescence particularly T cell function, which can limit the effectivity of cancer immunotherapies. Furthermore, age-related immune dysregulation increases the exhaustion of immune cells, characterized by the dysregulation of ICI-related biomarkers and a dampened response to ICI. Our review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms that contribute to the impact of age on ICI-related biomarkers and ICI response. Understanding these mechanisms will facilitate the development of treatment approaches tailored to elderly individuals with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Al-Danakh
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Mohammed Safi
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Yuli Jian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Glycobiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Linlin Yang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Xinqing Zhu
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Qiwei Chen
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Kangkang Yang
- Institute for Genome Engineered Animal Models of Human Diseases, National Center of Genetically Engineered Animal Models for International Research, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Shujing Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Glycobiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jianjun Zhang
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Deyong Yang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- Department of Surgery, Healinghands Clinic, Dalian, Liaoning, China
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4
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Hirose S, Mashima T, Yuan X, Yamashita M, Kitano S, Torii S, Migita T, Seimiya H. Interleukin-4 induced 1-mediated resistance to an immune checkpoint inhibitor through suppression of CD8 + T cell infiltration in melanoma. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:791-803. [PMID: 38258342 PMCID: PMC10921010 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells adopt multiple strategies to escape tumor surveillance by the host immune system and aberrant amino acid metabolism in the tumor microenvironment suppresses the immune system. Among the amino acid-metabolizing enzymes is an L-amino-acid oxidase called interleukin-4 induced 1 (IL4I1), which depletes essential amino acids in immune cells and is associated with a poor prognosis in various cancer types. Although IL4I1 is involved in immune metabolism abnormalities, its effect on the therapeutic efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors is unknown. In this study, we established murine melanoma cells overexpressing IL4I1 and investigated their effects on the intratumor immune microenvironment and the antitumor efficacy of anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibodies (Abs) in a syngeneic mouse model. As a result, we found that IL4I1-overexpressing B16-F10-derived tumors showed resistance to anti-PD-L1 Ab therapy. Transcriptome analysis revealed that immunosuppressive genes were globally upregulated in the IL4I1-overexpressing tumors. Consistently, we showed that IL4I1-overexpressing tumors exhibited an altered subset of lymphoid cells and particularly significant suppression of cytotoxic T cell infiltration compared to mock-infected B16-F10-derived tumors. After treatment with anti-PD-L1 Abs, we also found a more prominent elevation of tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) marker, CD68, in the IL4I1-overexpressing tumors than in the mock tumors. Consistently, we confirmed an enhanced TAM infiltration in the IL4I1-overexpressing tumors and a functional involvement of TAMs in the tumor growth. These observations indicate that IL4I1 reprograms the tumor microenvironment into an immunosuppressive state and thereby confers resistance to anti-PD-L1 Abs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiho Hirose
- Division of Molecular Biotherapy, Cancer Chemotherapy CenterJapanese Foundation for Cancer ResearchTokyoJapan
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier SciencesUniversity of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Tetsuo Mashima
- Division of Molecular Biotherapy, Cancer Chemotherapy CenterJapanese Foundation for Cancer ResearchTokyoJapan
| | - Xunmei Yuan
- Division of Molecular Biotherapy, Cancer Chemotherapy CenterJapanese Foundation for Cancer ResearchTokyoJapan
| | - Makiko Yamashita
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy Development, Department of Advanced Medical DevelopmentThe Cancer Institute Hospital of JFCRTokyoJapan
| | - Shigehisa Kitano
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy Development, Department of Advanced Medical DevelopmentThe Cancer Institute Hospital of JFCRTokyoJapan
| | - Shinichi Torii
- Division of Neuropathology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of TokyoTokyoJapan
- Vermilion Therapeutics Inc.TokyoJapan
| | - Toshiro Migita
- Division of Cancer Cell BiologyInstitute of Medical Science, University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Hiroyuki Seimiya
- Division of Molecular Biotherapy, Cancer Chemotherapy CenterJapanese Foundation for Cancer ResearchTokyoJapan
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier SciencesUniversity of TokyoTokyoJapan
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5
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Dang BTN, Kwon TK, Lee S, Jeong JH, Yook S. Nanoparticle-based immunoengineering strategies for enhancing cancer immunotherapy. J Control Release 2024; 365:773-800. [PMID: 38081328 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.12.007] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is a groundbreaking strategy that has revolutionized the field of oncology compared to other therapeutic strategies, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy. However, cancer complexity, tumor heterogeneity, and immune escape have become the main hurdles to the clinical application of immunotherapy. Moreover, conventional immunotherapies cause many harmful side effects owing to hyperreactivity in patients, long treatment durations and expensive cost. Nanotechnology is considered a transformative approach that enhances the potency of immunotherapy by capitalizing on the superior physicochemical properties of nanocarriers, creating highly targeted tissue delivery systems. These advantageous features include a substantial specific surface area, which enhances the interaction with the immune system. In addition, the capability to finely modify surface chemistry enables the achievement of controlled and sustained release properties. These advances have significantly increased the potential of immunotherapy, making it more powerful than ever before. In this review, we introduce recent nanocarriers for application in cancer immunotherapy based on strategies that target different main immune cells, including T cells, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and tumor-associated macrophages. We also provide an overview of the role and significance of nanotechnology in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Taeg Kyu Kwon
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
| | - Sooyeun Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee-Heon Jeong
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
| | - Simmyung Yook
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
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6
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Gacche RN. Changing landscape of anti-angiogenic therapy: Novel approaches and clinical perspectives. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:189020. [PMID: 37951481 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189020] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Targeting angiogenesis has remained one of the important aspects in disease biology in general and cancer in particular. Currently (June 2023), over 593 clinical trials have been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov having inference of term 'angiogenesis'. A panel of 14 anti-angiogenic drugs have been approved by FDA for the treatment of variety of cancers and other human ailments. Although the anti-angiogenic therapy (AAT) has gained significant clinical attention as a promising approach in the treatment of various diseases, particularly cancer, however, sizable literature has accumulated in the recent past describing the aggressive nature of tumours after the drug holidays, evolving drug resistance and off-target toxicities. Nevertheless, the emergence of inscrutable compensatory or alternative angiogenic mechanisms is limiting the efficacy of anti-angiogenic drugs and focussing the therapeutic regime as a puzzle of 'Lernaean hydra'. This review offers an overview of recent updates on the efficacy of antiangiogenic therapy and the current clinical performance of aaRTK inhibitors. Additionally, it also explores the changing application landscape of AAT, focusing on its role in diabetic nephropathy, age-related macular degeneration and other neovascular ocular disorders. Combination therapy with antiangiogenic drugs and immune check point inhibitors (ICIs) has emerged as a potential strategy to enhance the therapeutic index of cancer immunotherapy. While clinical studies have demonstrated the clinical efficacy of this approach, they also highlight the complex and sometimes unpredictable adverse events associated with it. Normalizing tumour vasculature has been identified as a key factor in unlocking the full potential of ICIs, thereby providing hope for improved treatment outcomes. The future prospects and challenges of AAT have been described with special reference to integration of technological advances for enhancing its efficacy and applications beyond its discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh N Gacche
- Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411007, MS, India.
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7
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Radaram B, Glazer SE, Yang P, Li CW, Hung MC, Gammon ST, Alauddin M, Piwnica-Worms D. Evaluation of 89Zr-Labeled Anti-PD-L1 Monoclonal Antibodies Using DFO and Novel HOPO Analogues as Chelating Agents for Immuno-PET. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:17181-17194. [PMID: 37214681 PMCID: PMC10193402 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c01547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a type 1 transmembrane immunosuppressive protein that is expressed on a wide range of cell types, including cancer cells. Anti-PD-L1 antibodies have revolutionized cancer therapy and have led to improved outcomes for subsets of cancer patients, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients. As a result, PET imaging of PD-L1 protein expression in cancer patients has been explored for noninvasive detection of PD-L1 expressing tumors as well as monitoring response to anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint therapy. Previous studies have indicated that the in vivo stability and in vivo target detection of antibody-based radio-conjugates can be dramatically affected by the chelator used. These reports demonstrated that the chelator HOPO diminishes 89Zr de-chelation compared to DFO. Herein, we report an improved HOPO synthesis and evaluated a series of novel analogues for thermal stability, serum stability, PD-L1-specific binding using the BT-549 TNBC cell line, PET imaging in vivo, as well as biodistribution of 89Zr-labeled anti-PD-L1 antibodies in BT-549 xenograft murine models. A new chelator, C5HOPO, demonstrated high stability in vitro and afforded effective PD-L1 targeting in vivovia immuno-PET. These results demonstrated that an improved HOPO chelator is an effective chelating agent that can be utilized to image therapeutically relevant targets in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhasker Radaram
- Department
of Cancer Systems Imaging and Department of Molecular & Cellular
Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson
Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Sarah E. Glazer
- Department
of Cancer Systems Imaging and Department of Molecular & Cellular
Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson
Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Ping Yang
- Department
of Cancer Systems Imaging and Department of Molecular & Cellular
Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson
Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Chia-Wei Li
- Department
of Cancer Systems Imaging and Department of Molecular & Cellular
Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson
Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Mien-Chie Hung
- Department
of Cancer Systems Imaging and Department of Molecular & Cellular
Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson
Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Seth T. Gammon
- Department
of Cancer Systems Imaging and Department of Molecular & Cellular
Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson
Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Mian Alauddin
- Department
of Cancer Systems Imaging and Department of Molecular & Cellular
Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson
Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - David Piwnica-Worms
- Department
of Cancer Systems Imaging and Department of Molecular & Cellular
Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson
Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
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Loukinov D, Anderson AL, Mkrtichyan M, Ghochikyan A, Rivero-Hinojosa S, Tucker J, Lobanenkov V, Agadjanyan MG, Nelson EL. A Therapeutic Vaccine Targeting Rat BORIS (CTCFL) for the Treatment of Rat Breast Cancer Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:5976. [PMID: 36983050 PMCID: PMC10058450 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer testis antigens are ideal for tumor immunotherapy due to their testis-restricted expression. We previously showed that an immunotherapeutic vaccine targeting the germ cell-specific transcription factor BORIS (CTCFL) was highly effective in treating aggressive breast cancer in the 4T1 mouse model. Here, we further tested the therapeutic efficacy of BORIS in a rat 13762 breast cancer model. We generated a recombinant VEE-VRP (Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis-derived replicon particle) vector-expressing modified rat BORIS lacking a DNA-binding domain (VRP-mBORIS). Rats were inoculated with the 13762 cells, immunized with VRP-mBORIS 48 h later, and then, subsequently, boosted at 10-day intervals. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. Cured rats were re-challenged with the same 13762 cells. We demonstrated that BORIS was expressed in a small population of the 13762 cells, called cancer stem cells. Treatment of rats with VRP-BORIS suppressed tumor growth leading to its complete disappearance in up to 50% of the rats and significantly improved their survival. This improvement was associated with the induction of BORIS-specific cellular immune responses measured by T-helper cell proliferation and INFγ secretion. The re-challenging of cured rats with the same 13762 cells indicated that the immune response prevented tumor growth. Thus, a therapeutic vaccine against rat BORIS showed high efficacy in treating the rat 13762 carcinoma. These data suggest that targeting BORIS can lead to the elimination of mammary tumors and cure animals even though BORIS expression is detected only in cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitri Loukinov
- Molecular Pathology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Amanda Laust Anderson
- Center for Immunology, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Irvine, CA 92868, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jo Tucker
- Center for Immunology, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Irvine, CA 92868, USA
| | - Victor Lobanenkov
- Molecular Pathology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | - Edward L. Nelson
- Center for Immunology, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Irvine, CA 92868, USA
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