1
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Ren M, Wang Y, Zheng X, Yang W, Liu M, Xie S, Yao Y, Yan J, He W. Hydrogelation of peptides and carnosic acid as regulators of adaptive immunity against postoperative recurrence of cutaneous melanoma. J Control Release 2024; 375:654-666. [PMID: 39306045 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.09.033] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 09/14/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
The in-situ activation of adaptive immunity at the surgical site has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in inhibiting various forms of tumour recurrence and even holds the promise of a potential cure. However, extensive research and bioinformatic analysis conducted in this study have unveiled the formidable challenge posed by melanoma-intrinsic β-catenin signaling, which hinders the infiltration of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) and their subsequent anti-tumour action. To overcome this obstacle, a β-catenin antagonist called carnosic acid (CA) was co-assembled with a RADA-rich peptide to create a nanonet-derived hydrogel known as Supra-gelδCA. This injectable hydrogel is designed to be retained at the surgical site while simultaneously promoting hemostasis. Importantly, Supra-gelδCA directly releases CA to the site of residual tumour lesions, thereby enhancing infiltration of CTLs and subsequently activating adaptive immunity. Consequently, it effectively suppresses postoperative recurrence of skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) in vivo. Collectively, the presented Supra-gelδCA not only provides an efficacious immunotherapy strategy for regulating adaptive immunity by overcoming the obstacle posed by melanoma-intrinsic β-catenin signaling-induced absence of CTLs but also offers a clinically translatable hydrogel that revolutionizes post-surgical management of SKCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengdi Ren
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China; National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, PR China
| | - Xiaoqiang Zheng
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China; Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Wenguang Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Mutian Liu
- Department of mathematics and statistics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Siyun Xie
- School of Information Science and Technology, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Yu Yao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Jin Yan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China; National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, PR China
| | - Wangxiao He
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China; Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China.; Department of Talent Highland, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an 710061, China..
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2
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Taylor C, Patterson KM, Friedman D, Bacot SM, Feldman GM, Wang T. Mechanistic Insights into the Successful Development of Combination Therapy of Enfortumab Vedotin and Pembrolizumab for the Treatment of Locally Advanced or Metastatic Urothelial Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:3071. [PMID: 39272928 PMCID: PMC11393896 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16173071] [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: 07/31/2024] [Revised: 08/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) consist of an antibody backbone that recognizes and binds to a target antigen expressed on tumor cells and a small molecule chemotherapy payload that is conjugated to the antibody via a linker. ADCs are one of the most promising therapeutic modalities for the treatment of various cancers. However, many patients have developed resistance to this form of therapy. Extensive efforts have been dedicated to identifying an effective combination of ADCs with other types of anticancer therapies to potentially overcome this resistance. A recent clinical study demonstrated that a combination of the ADC enfortumab vedotin (EV) with the immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) pembrolizumab can achieve remarkable clinical efficacy as the first-line therapy for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (la/mUC)-leading to the first approval of a combination therapy of an ADC with an ICI for the treatment of cancer patients. In this review, we highlight knowledge and understanding gained from the successful development of EV and the combination therapy of EV with ICI for the treatment of la/mUC. Using urothelial carcinoma as an example, we will focus on dissecting the underlying mechanisms necessary for the development of this type of combination therapy for a variety of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Taylor
- Office of Pharmaceutical Quality Research, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Kamai M Patterson
- Office of Pharmaceutical Quality Research, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Devira Friedman
- Office of Pharmaceutical Quality Research, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Silvia M Bacot
- Office of Pharmaceutical Quality Research, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Gerald M Feldman
- Office of Pharmaceutical Quality Research, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Tao Wang
- Office of Pharmaceutical Quality Research, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
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3
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Zhu W, Liu C, Xi K, Li A, Shen LA, Li Y, Jia M, He Y, Chen G, Liu C, Chen Y, Chen K, Sun F, Zhang D, Duan C, Wang H, Wang D, Zhao Y, Meng X, Zhu D. Discovery of Novel 1-Phenylpiperidine Urea-Containing Derivatives Inhibiting β-Catenin/BCL9 Interaction and Exerting Antitumor Efficacy through the Activation of Antigen Presentation of cDC1 Cells. J Med Chem 2024; 67:12485-12520. [PMID: 38912577 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling is associated with tumor development, and blocking β-catenin/BCL9 is a novel strategy for oncogenic Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Herein, we presented two novel β-catenin variations and exposed conformational dynamics in several β-catenin crystal structures at the BCL9 binding site. Furthermore, we identified a class of novel urea-containing compounds targeting β-catenin/BCL9 interaction. Notably, the binding modalities of inhibitors were greatly affected by the conformational dynamics of β-catenin. Among them, 28 had a strong affinity for β-catenin (Kd = 82 nM), the most potent inhibitor reported. In addition, 13 and 35 not only activate T cells but also promote the antigen presentation of cDC1, showing robust antitumor efficacy in the CT26 model. Collectively, our study demonstrated a series of potent small-molecule inhibitors targeting β-catenin/BCL9, which can enhance antigen presentation and activate cDC1 cells, delivering a potential strategy for boosting innate and adaptive immunity to overcome immunotherapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhua Zhu
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
- Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute and Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong 226133, China
| | - Cuiting Liu
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
- Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute and Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong 226133, China
| | - Kang Xi
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
- Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute and Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong 226133, China
| | - Anqi Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Li-An Shen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yana Li
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
- Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute and Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong 226133, China
| | - Miaomiao Jia
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
- Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute and Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong 226133, China
| | - Yangbo He
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
- Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute and Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong 226133, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
- Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute and Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong 226133, China
| | - Chenglong Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yangqiang Chen
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
- Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute and Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong 226133, China
| | - Kai Chen
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Fan Sun
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Daizhou Zhang
- Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Science, Jinan 250101, China
| | - Chonggang Duan
- Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Science, Jinan 250101, China
| | - Heng Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | | | - Yujun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research and Small-Molecule Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Rd., Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiangjing Meng
- Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Science, Jinan 250101, China
| | - Di Zhu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 201210, China
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4
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Yang W, Li Z, Li Y, He W, Yan J. Transforming Albumin into a Trojan Horse of Immunotherapy-Resistant Colorectal Cancer with a High Microsatellite Instability. ACS NANO 2024; 18:19332-19344. [PMID: 38990329 PMCID: PMC11271175 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c05893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
The therapeutic response of microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) colorectal cancer (CRC) to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) is indeed surprising; however, the emergence of acquired resistance poses an even greater threat to the survival of these patients. Herein, bioinformatics analysis of MSI-H CRC samples revealed that Wnt signaling pathway represents a promising target for acquired immune reactivation, while subsequent analysis and biochemical testing substantiated the inclination of Wnt-hyperactive CRC cells to engage in macropinocytosis with human serum albumin (HSA). These findings have inspired us to develop an engineered HSA that not only possesses the ability to specifically target cancer cells but also effectively suppresses the Wnt/β-catenin cascade within these malignant cells. In pursuit of this objective, a comprehensive screening of reported Wnt small-molecule inhibitors was conducted to evaluate their affinity with HSA, and it was discovered that Carnosic acid (CA) exhibited the highest affinity while simultaneously revealing multiple binding sites. Further investigation revealed that CA HSA the capability to engineer HSA into spherical and size-tunable nanostructures known as eHSA (Engineering HSA particle), which demonstrated optimized macropinocytosis-dependent cellular internalization. As anticipated, eHSA effectively suppressed the Wnt signaling pathway and reactivated the acquired immune response in vivo. Furthermore, eHSA successfully restored sensitivity to Anti-PD1's anticancer effects in both subcutaneous and orthotopic mouse homograft models of MSI-H CRC, as well as a humanized hu-PBMC patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) mouse model of MSI-H CRC, all while maintaining a favorable safety profile. The collective implementation of this clinically viable immune reactivation strategy not only enables the delivery of Wnt inhibitors for CRC therapy, but also serves as an exemplary demonstration of precision-medicine-guided nanopharmaceutical development that effectively harnesses specific cellular indications in pathological states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenguang Yang
- Department
of Medical Oncology and Department of Talent Highland, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong
University, Xi'an 710061, PR. China
| | - Zhanfeng Li
- Department
of Medical Oncology and Department of Talent Highland, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong
University, Xi'an 710061, PR. China
| | - Yong Li
- National
& Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and
Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital
of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, PR. China
| | - Wangxiao He
- Department
of Medical Oncology and Department of Talent Highland, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong
University, Xi'an 710061, PR. China
| | - Jin Yan
- Department
of Medical Oncology and Department of Talent Highland, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong
University, Xi'an 710061, PR. China
- National
& Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and
Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital
of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, PR. China
- Department
of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated
Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
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5
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He F, Wu Z, Liu C, Zhu Y, Zhou Y, Tian E, Rosin-Arbesfeld R, Yang D, Wang MW, Zhu D. Targeting BCL9/BCL9L enhances antigen presentation by promoting conventional type 1 dendritic cell (cDC1) activation and tumor infiltration. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:139. [PMID: 38811552 PMCID: PMC11137111 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01838-9] [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: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Conventional type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1) are the essential antigen-presenting DC subset in antitumor immunity. Suppressing B-cell lymphoma 9 and B-cell lymphoma 9-like (BCL9/BCL9L) inhibits tumor growth and boosts immune responses against cancer. However, whether oncogenic BCL9/BCL9L impairs antigen presentation in tumors is still not completely understood. Here, we show that targeting BCL9/BCL9L enhanced antigen presentation by stimulating cDC1 activation and infiltration into tumor. Pharmacological inhibition of BCL9/BCL9L with a novel inhibitor hsBCL9z96 or Bcl9/Bcl9l knockout mice markedly delayed tumor growth and promoted antitumor CD8+ T cell responses. Mechanistically, targeting BCL9/BCL9L promoted antigen presentation in tumors. This is due to the increase of cDC1 activation and tumor infiltration by the XCL1-XCR1 axis. Importantly, using single-cell transcriptomics analysis, we found that Bcl9/Bcl9l deficient cDC1 were superior to wild-type (WT) cDC1 at activation and antigen presentation via NF-κB/IRF1 signaling. Together, we demonstrate that targeting BCL9/BCL9L plays a crucial role in cDC1-modulated antigen presentation of tumor-derived antigens, as well as CD8+ T cell activation and tumor infiltration. Targeting BCL9/BCL9L to regulate cDC1 function and directly orchestrate a positive feedback loop necessary for optimal antitumor immunity could serve as a potential strategy to counter immune suppression and enhance cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenglian He
- Department of Pharmacology, Minhang Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immune Therapy, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhongen Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Minhang Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immune Therapy, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Chenglong Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Minhang Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immune Therapy, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, Minhang Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immune Therapy, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- The National Center for Drug Screening and the CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Enming Tian
- Department of Pharmacology, Minhang Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immune Therapy, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Rina Rosin-Arbesfeld
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dehua Yang
- The National Center for Drug Screening and the CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Ming-Wei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Research Center for Deepsea Bioresources, Sanya, China.
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
- Engineering Research Center of Tropical Medicine Innovation and Transformation of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China.
| | - Di Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Science, Jinan, China.
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Fu C, Wang J, Ma T, Yin C, Zhou L, Clausen BE, Mi QS, Jiang A. β-Catenin in Dendritic Cells Negatively Regulates CD8 T Cell Immune Responses through the Immune Checkpoint Molecule Tim-3. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:460. [PMID: 38793711 PMCID: PMC11125945 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12050460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that β-catenin in dendritic cells (DCs) serves as a key mediator in promoting both CD4 and CD8 T cell tolerance, although the mechanisms underlying how β-catenin exerts its functions remain incompletely understood. Here, we report that activation of β-catenin leads to the up-regulation of inhibitory molecule T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (Tim-3) in type 1 conventional DCs (cDC1s). Using a cDC1-targeted vaccine model with anti-DEC-205 engineered to express the melanoma antigen human gp100 (anti-DEC-205-hgp100), we demonstrated that CD11c-β-cateninactive mice exhibited impaired cross-priming and memory responses of gp100-specific CD8 T (Pmel-1) cells upon immunization with anti-DEC-205-hgp100. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis revealed that β-catenin in DCs negatively regulated transcription programs for effector function and proliferation of primed Pmel-1 cells, correlating with suppressed CD8 T cell immunity in CD11c-β-cateninactive mice. Further experiments showed that treating CD11c-β-cateninactive mice with an anti-Tim-3 antibody upon anti-DEC-205-hgp100 vaccination led to restored cross-priming and memory responses of gp100-specific CD8 T cells, suggesting that anti-Tim-3 treatment likely synergizes with DC vaccines to improve their efficacy. Indeed, treating B16F10-bearing mice with DC vaccines using anti-DEC-205-hgp100 in combination with anti-Tim-3 treatment resulted in significantly reduced tumor growth compared with treatment with the DC vaccine alone. Taken together, we identified the β-catenin/Tim-3 axis as a potentially novel mechanism to inhibit anti-tumor CD8 T cell immunity and that combination immunotherapy of a DC-targeted vaccine with anti-Tim-3 treatment leads to improved anti-tumor efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunmei Fu
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (C.F.); (J.W.); (C.Y.); (L.Z.)
- Immunology Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Jie Wang
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (C.F.); (J.W.); (C.Y.); (L.Z.)
- Immunology Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Tianle Ma
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, School of Engineering and Computer Science, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309, USA;
| | - Congcong Yin
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (C.F.); (J.W.); (C.Y.); (L.Z.)
- Immunology Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Li Zhou
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (C.F.); (J.W.); (C.Y.); (L.Z.)
- Immunology Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Björn E. Clausen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Paul Klein Center for Immune Intervention, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Qing-Sheng Mi
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (C.F.); (J.W.); (C.Y.); (L.Z.)
- Immunology Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Aimin Jiang
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (C.F.); (J.W.); (C.Y.); (L.Z.)
- Immunology Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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Chen T, Wang M, Chen Y, Liu Y. Current challenges and therapeutic advances of CAR-T cell therapy for solid tumors. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:133. [PMID: 38622705 PMCID: PMC11017638 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03315-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The application of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells in the management of hematological malignancies has emerged as a noteworthy therapeutic breakthrough. Nevertheless, the utilization and effectiveness of CAR-T cell therapy in solid tumors are still limited primarily because of the absence of tumor-specific target antigen, the existence of immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, restricted T cell invasion and proliferation, and the occurrence of severe toxicity. This review explored the history of CAR-T and its latest advancements in the management of solid tumors. According to recent studies, optimizing the design of CAR-T cells, implementing logic-gated CAR-T cells and refining the delivery methods of therapeutic agents can all enhance the efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy. Furthermore, combination therapy shows promise as a way to improve the effectiveness of CAR-T cell therapy. At present, numerous clinical trials involving CAR-T cells for solid tumors are actively in progress. In conclusion, CAR-T cell therapy has both potential and challenges when it comes to treating solid tumors. As CAR-T cell therapy continues to evolve, further innovations will be devised to surmount the challenges associated with this treatment modality, ultimately leading to enhanced therapeutic response for patients suffered solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Mingzhao Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yanchao Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yutao Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China.
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8
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Mortezaee K. WNT/β-catenin regulatory roles on PD-(L)1 and immunotherapy responses. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:15. [PMID: 38280119 PMCID: PMC10822012 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01274-z] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Dysregulation of WNT/β-catenin is a hallmark of many cancer types and a key mediator of metastasis in solid tumors. Overactive β-catenin signaling hampers dendritic cell (DC) recruitment, promotes CD8+ T cell exclusion and increases the population of regulatory T cells (Tregs). The activity of WNT/β-catenin also induces the expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) on tumor cells and promotes programmed death-1 (PD-1) upregulation. Increased activity of WNT/β-catenin signaling after anti-PD-1 therapy is indicative of a possible implication of this signaling in bypassing immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. This review is aimed at giving a comprehensive overview of the WNT/β-catenin regulatory roles on PD-1/PD-L1 axis in tumor immune ecosystem, discussing about key mechanistic events contributed to the WNT/β-catenin-mediated bypass of ICI therapy, and representing inhibitors of this signaling as promising combinatory regimen to go with anti-PD-(L)1 in cancer immunotherapy. Ideas presented in this review imply the synergistic efficacy of such combination therapy in rendering durable anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keywan Mortezaee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
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9
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Chen B, Liu C, Cong W, Gao F, Zou Y, Su L, Liu L, Hillisch A, Lehmann L, Bierer D, Li X, Hu HG. Cyclobutane-bearing restricted anchoring residues enabled geometry-specific hydrocarbon peptide stapling. Chem Sci 2023; 14:11499-11506. [PMID: 37886087 PMCID: PMC10599482 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc04279k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Stapled peptides are regarded as the promising next-generation therapeutics because of their improved secondary structure, membrane permeability and metabolic stability as compared with the prototype linear peptides. Usually, stapled peptides are obtained by a hydrocarbon stapling technique, anchoring from paired olefin-terminated unnatural amino acids and the consequent ring-closing metathesis (RCM). To investigate the adaptability of the rigid cyclobutane structure in RCM and expand the chemical diversity of hydrocarbon peptide stapling, we herein described the rational design and efficient synthesis of cyclobutane-based conformationally constrained amino acids, termed (E)-1-amino-3-(but-3-en-1-yl)cyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid (E7) and (Z)-1-amino-3-(but-3-en-1-yl)cyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid (Z7). All four combinations including E7-E7, E7-Z7, Z7-Z7 and Z7-E7 were proven to be applicable in RCM-mediated peptide stapling to afford the corresponding geometry-specific stapled peptides. With the aid of the combined quantum and molecular mechanics, the E7-E7 combination was proven to be optimal in both the RCM reaction and helical stabilization. With the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 as the target, a series of cyclobutane-bearing stapled peptides were obtained. Among them, E7-E7 geometry-specific stapled peptides indeed exhibit higher α-helicity and thus stronger biological activity than canonical hydrocarbon stapled peptides. We believe that this methodology possesses great potential to expand the scope of the existing peptide stapling strategy. These cyclobutane-bearing restricted anchoring residues served as effective supplements for the existing olefin-terminated unnatural amino acids and the resultant geometry-specific hydrocarbon peptide stapling provided more potential for peptide therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baobao Chen
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Chao Liu
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Wei Cong
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Fei Gao
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Yan Zou
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University Shanghai 200433 China
| | - Li Su
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
| | - Alexander Hillisch
- Bayer AG, Pharma Division, Drug Discovery Sciences Aprather Weg 18A Wuppertal 42096 Germany
- UCB BioSciences GmbH Alfred-Nobel-Straße 10 40789 Monheim am Rhein Germany
| | - Lutz Lehmann
- Bayer AG, Pharma Division, Drug Discovery Sciences Aprather Weg 18A Wuppertal 42096 Germany
| | - Donald Bierer
- Bayer AG, Pharma Division, Drug Discovery Sciences Aprather Weg 18A Wuppertal 42096 Germany
| | - Xiang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University Shanghai 200433 China
| | - Hong-Gang Hu
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
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10
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Yao S, Han Y, Yang M, Jin K, Lan H. It's high-time to re-evaluate the value of induced-chemotherapy for reinforcing immunotherapy in colorectal cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1241208. [PMID: 37920463 PMCID: PMC10619163 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1241208] [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: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has made significant advances in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC), revolutionizing the therapeutic landscape and highlighting the indispensable role of the tumor immune microenvironment. However, some CRCs have shown poor response to immunotherapy, prompting investigation into the underlying reasons. It has been discovered that certain chemotherapeutic agents possess immune-stimulatory properties, including the induction of immunogenic cell death (ICD), the generation and processing of non-mutated neoantigens (NM-neoAgs), and the B cell follicle-driven T cell response. Based on these findings, the concept of inducing chemotherapy has been introduced, and the combination of inducing chemotherapy and immunotherapy has become a standard treatment option for certain cancers. Clinical trials have confirmed the feasibility and safety of this approach in CRC, offering a promising method for improving the efficacy of immunotherapy. Nevertheless, there are still many challenges and difficulties ahead, and further research is required to optimize its use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiya Yao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuejun Han
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengxiang Yang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ketao Jin
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huanrong Lan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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11
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Behbod F, Chen JH, Thompson A. Human Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: Advances and Future Perspectives. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2023; 13:a041319. [PMID: 36781223 PMCID: PMC10547390 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Due to widespread adoption of screening mammography, there has been a significant increase in new diagnoses of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). However, DCIS outcomes remain unclear. A large fraction of human DCIS (>50%) may not need the multimodality treatment options currently offered to all DCIS patients. More importantly, while we may be overtreating many, we cannot identify those most at risk of invasion or metastasis following a DCIS diagnosis. This review summarizes the studies that have furthered our understanding of DCIS pathology and mechanisms of invasive progression by using advanced technologies including spatial genomics, transcriptomics, and multiplex proteomics. This review also highlights a need for rethinking DCIS with a more focused view on epithelial states and programs and their cross talk with the microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fariba Behbod
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, MS 3045, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160, USA
| | - Jennifer H Chen
- Michael E. Debakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Alastair Thompson
- Section of Breast Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Co-Director, Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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12
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Cong W, Shen H, Liao X, Zheng M, Kong X, Wang Z, Chen S, Li Y, Hu H, Li X. Discovery of an orally effective double-stapled peptide for reducing ovariectomy-induced bone loss in mice. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:3770-3781. [PMID: 37719364 PMCID: PMC10502273 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Stapled peptides with significantly enhanced pharmacological profiles have emerged as promising therapeutic molecules due to their remarkable resistance to proteolysis and performance to penetrate cells. The all-hydrocarbon peptide stapling technique has already widely adopted with great success, yielding numerous potent peptide-based molecules. Based on our prior efforts, we conceived and prepared a double-stapled peptide in this study, termed FRNC-1, which effectively attenuated the bone resorption capacity of mature osteoclasts in vitro through specific inhibition of phosphorylated GSK-3β. The double-stapled peptide FRNC-1 displayed notably improved helical contents and resistance to proteolysis than its linear form. Additionally, FRNC-1 effectively prevented osteoclast activation and improved bone density for ovariectomized (OVX) mice after intravenous injection and importantly, after oral (intragastric) administration. The double-stapled peptide FRNC-1 is the first orally effective peptide that has been validated to date as a therapeutic candidate for postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP).
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cong
- School of Medicine Or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Huaxing Shen
- School of Medicine Or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Xiufei Liao
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Tarim University, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Alar City 843300, China
| | - Mengjun Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xianglong Kong
- School of Medicine Or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Institute of Bioengineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Si Chen
- School of Medicine Or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yulei Li
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drugs (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Key Lab for Rare & Uncommon Diseases of Shandong Province, Jinan 250117, China
| | - Honggang Hu
- School of Medicine Or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Xiang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
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13
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Yang J, Bae H. Drug conjugates for targeting regulatory T cells in the tumor microenvironment: guided missiles for cancer treatment. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:1996-2004. [PMID: 37653036 PMCID: PMC10545761 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01080-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Within the tumor microenvironment (TME), regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a key role in suppressing anticancer immune responses; therefore, various strategies targeting Tregs are becoming important for tumor therapy. To prevent the side effects of nonspecific Treg depletion, such as immunotherapy-related adverse events (irAEs), therapeutic strategies that specifically target Tregs in the TME are being investigated. Tumor-targeting drug conjugates are efficient drugs in which a cytotoxic payload is assembled into a carrier that binds Tregs via a linker. By allowing the drug to act selectively on target cells, this approach has the advantage of increasing the therapeutic effect and minimizing the side effects of immunotherapy. Antibody-drug conjugates, immunotoxins, peptide-drug conjugates, and small interfering RNA conjugates are being developed as Treg-targeting drug conjugates. In this review, we discuss key themes and recent advances in drug conjugates targeting Tregs in the TME, as well as future design strategies for successful use of drug conjugates for Treg targeting in immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juwon Yang
- Department of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunsu Bae
- Department of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Zhou Z, Li X, Yang G, Wang J, Li B, Huang Y, Yan J, Tao K. Targeting β-catenin and PD-L1 simultaneously by a racemic supramolecular peptide for the potent immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma. Theranostics 2023; 13:3371-3386. [PMID: 37351175 PMCID: PMC10283047 DOI: 10.7150/thno.83377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: The low clinical utility of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) against PD-1 or PD-L1 has recently been associated with the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which promotes tumor immune escape and resistance to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy. Hence, we aimed to fabricate a supramolecular peptide which could target the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway coupled with ICIs blockage therapy for optimizing HCC immunotherapy. Methods: A racemic spherical supramolecular peptide termed sBBI&PDP nanoparticle was constructed by hierarchical self-assembly, comprising an L-enantiomeric peptide as an inhibitor of BCL9 and β-catenin (sBBI) and a D-enantiomeric peptide as an inhibitor of PD-1/PD-L1 (PDP). Results: sBBI&PDP nanoparticle potently suppressed the hyperactivated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo, while blocking endogenous PD-L1 effectively. Furthermore, sBBI&PDP increased the infiltration and action of CD8+ T cells at tumor sites. Notably, compared with the original sBBI and commercial Anti-PD-L1 inhibitors, the designed sBBI&PDP showed stronger antitumor efficacy in an orthotopic homograft mice model of HCC and a PDX HCC model in Hu-PBMC-NSG mice. Moreover, sBBI&PDP possessed a favorable biosafety profile. Conclusion: The successful implementation of this strategy could revitalize ICIs blockage therapy and promote the discovery of artificial peptides for HCC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengjun Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreaticosplenic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (The Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an 710032, China
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreaticosplenic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (The Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Oncology, Suzhou BenQ Medical Center, The Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jingmei Wang
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Baohua Li
- Core Research Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Yinong Huang
- Shaanxi Institute of Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, 710003, China
| | - Jin Yan
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Kaishan Tao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreaticosplenic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (The Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an 710032, China
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15
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Katanaev VL, Baldin A, Denisenko TV, Silachev DN, Ivanova AE, Sukhikh GT, Jia L, Ashrafyan LA. Cells of the tumor microenvironment speak the Wnt language. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:468-480. [PMID: 37045723 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Wnt signaling plays numerous functions in cancer, from primary transformation and tumor growth to metastasis. In addition to these cancer cell-intrinsic functions, Wnt signaling emerges to critically control cross-communication among cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we summarize the evidence that not only multiple cancer cell types, but also cells constituting the TME 'speak the Wnt language'. Fibroblasts, macrophages, endothelia, and lymphocytes all use the Wnt language to convey messages to and from cancer cells and among themselves; these messages are important for tumor progression and fate. Decoding this language will advance our understanding of tumor biology and unveil novel therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir L Katanaev
- Translational Research Centre in Oncohaematology, Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland; Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, 690090 Vladivostok, Russia; College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China.
| | - Alexey Baldin
- Translational Research Centre in Oncohaematology, Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland; Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, 4 Akademika Oparina Str., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Tatiana V Denisenko
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, 4 Akademika Oparina Str., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Denis N Silachev
- Translational Research Centre in Oncohaematology, Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland; Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, 4 Akademika Oparina Str., Moscow 117997, Russia; Department of Functional Biochemistry of Biopolymers, A.N. Belozersky Research Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna E Ivanova
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, 4 Akademika Oparina Str., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Gennadiy T Sukhikh
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, 4 Akademika Oparina Str., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Lee Jia
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China
| | - Lev A Ashrafyan
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, 4 Akademika Oparina Str., Moscow 117997, Russia
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16
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Neo SY, Xu S, Chong J, Lam KP, Wu J. Harnessing novel strategies and cell types to overcome immune tolerance during adoptive cell therapy in cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2022-006434. [PMID: 37100458 PMCID: PMC10151952 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell therapy encompasses an expanding spectrum of cell-based regimes for the treatment of human ailments, such as the use of immune cells, in particular T cells, for combating tumors and the modulation of inflammatory immune responses. In this review, we focus on cell therapy in the immuno-oncology space, which is largely driven by interests and demands from the clinics for better solutions to target various hard-to-treat cancers. We discuss recent advances in various types of cell therapies, including T cell receptor-T cells, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and natural killer cells. Particularly, the present review focuses on the strategies to improve therapeutic responses by either enhancing tumor recognition or the resilience of infused immune cells within tumor microenvironment. Finally, we discuss the potential of other innate or innate-like immune cell types currently being explored as promising CAR-cell alternatives that seek to address the limitations of conventional adoptive cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Yong Neo
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Republic of Singapore
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shengli Xu
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Republic of Singapore
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Joni Chong
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Kong-Peng Lam
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Republic of Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, People's Republic of China
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17
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Aria H, Rezaei M. Immunogenic cell death inducer peptides: A new approach for cancer therapy, current status and future perspectives. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114503. [PMID: 36921539 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunogenic Cell Death (ICD) is a type of cell death that kills tumor cells by stimulating the adaptive immune response against other tumor cells. ICD depends on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the secretion of Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMP) by the dying tumor cell. DAMPs recruit innate immune cells such as Dendritic Cells (DC), triggering a cancer-specific immune response such as cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) to eliminate remaining cancer cells. ICD is accompanied by several hallmarks in dying cells, such as surface translocation of ER chaperones, calreticulin (CALR), and extracellular secretion of DAMPs such as high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Therapeutic peptides can kill bacteria and tumor cells thus affecting the immune system. They have high specificity and affinity for their targets, small size, appropriate cell membrane penetration, short half-life, and simple production processes. Peptides are interesting agents for immunomodulation since they may overcome the limitations of other therapeutics. Thus, the development of peptides affecting the TME and active antitumoral immunity has been actively pursued. On the other hand, several peptides have been recently identified to trigger ICD and anti-cancer responses. In the present review, we review previous studies on peptide-induced ICD, their mechanism, their targets, and markers. They include anti-microbial peptides (AMPs), cationic or mitochondrial targeting, checkpoint inhibitors, antiapoptotic inhibitors, and "don't eat me" inhibitor peptides. Also, peptides will be investigated potentially inducing ICD that is divided into ER stressors, ATPase inhibitors, and anti-microbial peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Aria
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Marzieh Rezaei
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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18
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Zhang H, Liu C, Chen Q, Shen LA, Xiao W, Li J, Wang Y, Zhu D, Zhang Q, Li J. Discovery of Novel 3-Phenylpiperidine Derivatives Targeting the β-Catenin/B-Cell Lymphoma 9 Interaction as a Single Agent and in Combination with the Anti-PD-1 Antibody for the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer. J Med Chem 2023; 66:1349-1379. [PMID: 36630177 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Direct disruption of the β-catenin/B-cell lymphoma 9 (BCL9) protein-protein interaction (PPI) is a potential strategy for colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment through inhibiting oncogenic Wnt activity. Herein, a series of 3-phenylpiperidine derivatives were synthesized and evaluated as β-catenin/BCL9 PPI inhibitors. Among them, compound 41 showed the best IC50 (0.72 μM) in a competitive fluorescence polarization assay and a KD value of 0.26 μM for the β-catenin protein. This compound selectively inhibited the growth of CRC cells, suppressed Wnt signaling transactivation, and downregulated oncogenic Wnt target gene expression. In vivo, 41 showed potent anti-CRC activity and promoted the infiltration and function of cytotoxic T lymphocytes while decreasing the infiltration of regulatory T-cells (Tregs). Furthermore, the combination of 41 and the anti-PD-1 antibody (Ab) efficiently enhanced anti-CRC efficacy, first verifying the in vivo efficacy of the small-molecule β-catenin/BCL9 PPI inhibitor and anti-PD-1 Ab in combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China.,Novel Technology Center of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd., China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 285 Gebai Ni Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chenglong Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qiushi Chen
- Novel Technology Center of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd., China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 285 Gebai Ni Road, Shanghai 201203, China.,School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, 333 Longteng Road, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Li-An Shen
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wenting Xiao
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China.,Novel Technology Center of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd., China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 285 Gebai Ni Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jiayi Li
- Novel Technology Center of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd., China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 285 Gebai Ni Road, Shanghai 201203, China.,School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, 333 Longteng Road, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Yonghui Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Di Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, 138 Yixue Yuan Road, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Qingwei Zhang
- Novel Technology Center of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd., China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 285 Gebai Ni Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jianqi Li
- Novel Technology Center of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd., China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 285 Gebai Ni Road, Shanghai 201203, China
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19
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Zhang H, Liu C, Zhu D, Zhang Q, Li J. Medicinal Chemistry Strategies for the Development of Inhibitors Disrupting β-Catenin's Interactions with Its Nuclear Partners. J Med Chem 2023; 66:1-31. [PMID: 36583662 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is strongly associated with various aspects of cancer, including tumor initiation, proliferation, and metastasis as well as antitumor immunity, and presents a promising opportunity for cancer therapy. Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation increases nuclear dephosphorylated β-catenin levels, resulting in β-catenin binding to TCF and additional cotranscription factors, such as BCL9, CBP, and p300. Therefore, directly disrupting β-catenin's interactions with these nuclear partners holds promise for the effective and selective suppression of the aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Herein, we summarize recent advances in biochemical techniques and medicinal chemistry strategies used to identify potent peptide-based and small-molecule inhibitors that directly disrupt β-catenin's interactions with its nuclear binding partners. We discuss the challenges involved in developing drug-like inhibitors that target the interactions of β-catenin and its nuclear binding partner into therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China.,Novel Technology Center of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd., China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chenglong Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Di Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Qingwei Zhang
- Novel Technology Center of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd., China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jianqi Li
- Novel Technology Center of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd., China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
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20
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Nalli M, Masci D, Urbani A, La Regina G, Silvestri R. Emerging Direct Targeting β-Catenin Agents. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27227735. [PMID: 36431838 PMCID: PMC9698307 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27227735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant accumulation of β-catenin in the cell nucleus as a result of deregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is found in various types of cancer. Direct β-catenin targeting agents are being researched despite obstacles; however, specific β-catenin drugs for clinical treatments have not been approved so far. We focused on direct β-catenin targeting of potential therapeutic value as anticancer agents. This review provides recent advances on small molecule β-catenin agents. Structure-activity relationships and biological activities of reported inhibitors are discussed. This work provides useful knowledge in the discovery of β-catenin agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Nalli
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy—Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Domiziana Masci
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Urbani
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe La Regina
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy—Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Romano Silvestri
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy—Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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21
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Yang S, Shim MK, Song S, Cho H, Choi J, Jeon SI, Kim WJ, Um W, Park JH, Yoon HY, Kim K. Liposome-mediated PD-L1 multivalent binding promotes the lysosomal degradation of PD-L1 for T cell-mediated antitumor immunity. Biomaterials 2022; 290:121841. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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22
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Qin X, Wu F, Chen C, Li Q. Recent advances in CAR-T cells therapy for colorectal cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:904137. [PMID: 36238297 PMCID: PMC9551069 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.904137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer, with a high mortality rate and a serious impact on people’s life and health. In recent years, adoptive chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells therapy has shown well efficacy in the treatment of hematological malignancies, but there are still many problems and challenges in solid tumors such as CRC. For example, the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment, the low targeting of CAR-T cells, the short time of CAR-T cells in vivo, and the limited proliferation capacity of CAR-T cells, CAR-T cells can not effectively infiltrate into the tumor and so on. New approaches have been proposed to address these challenges in CRC, and this review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of CAR-T cells therapy in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Qin
- Biotherapy Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Fengjiao Wu
- Biotherapy Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Chang Chen
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Qi Li, ; Chang Chen,
| | - Qi Li
- Biotherapy Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Qi Li, ; Chang Chen,
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23
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Development of a Penetratin-Conjugated Stapled Peptide that Inhibits Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 73:117021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.117021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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24
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Xu Y, Wei Z, Feng M, Zhu D, Mei S, Wu Z, Feng Q, Chang W, Ji M, Liu C, Zhu Y, Shen L, Yang F, Chen Y, Feng Y, Xu J, Zhu D. Tumor-infiltrated activated B cells suppress liver metastasis of colorectal cancers. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111295. [PMID: 36044847 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 40% of patients with late-stage colorectal cancer (CRC) develop liver metastasis (LM). Which immune cells play important roles in CRC-LM and contribute to the difference between left-sided CRC (LCC) and right-sided CRC (RCC) remain unclear. By single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), we not only find that activated B cells are significantly depleted in CRC with LM, but also find a subtype of B cells developed from activated B cells, namely immature plasma cell population alpha (iMPA), highly correlated with metastasis. Mechanistically, inhibition of the Wnt and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) pathways in cancer cell promotes activated B cell migration via the SDF-1-CXCR4 axis. This study reveals that B cell subpopulations in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) play a key role in CRC-LM as well as in LCC and RCC. The preventive effects of modulating B cell subpopulations in CRC may provide a rationale for subsequent drug development and CRC-LM management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqiu Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhuang Wei
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, CAS, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Mei Feng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Dexiang Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shenglin Mei
- Clinical Translational Research Center, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zhongen Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qingyang Feng
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wenju Chang
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Meiling Ji
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Chenglong Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Lian Shen
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Fan Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yijiao Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yuxiong Feng
- Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jianmin Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Di Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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25
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Sang P, Shi Y, Wei L, Cai J. Helical sulfono-γ-AApeptides with predictable functions in protein recognition. RSC Chem Biol 2022; 3:805-814. [PMID: 35866163 PMCID: PMC9257604 DOI: 10.1039/d2cb00049k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Sulfono-γ-AApeptides are a subset of possible sequence-specific foldamers that might be considered for the design of biomimetic drug molecular structures. Although they have been studied for a relatively short period of time, a number of structures and functions have been designed or discovered within this class of unnatural peptides. Examples of utilizing these sulfono-γ-AApeptides have demonstrated the potential that sulfono-γ-AApeptides can offer, however, to date, their application in biomedical sciences yet remains unexplored. This review mainly summarizes the helical folding conformations of sulfono-γ-AApeptides and their biological application as helical mimetics in medicinally relevant protein-protein interactions (PPIs) and assesses their potential for the mimicry of other α-helices for protein recognition in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Sang
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida 4202 E. Fowler Ave. Tampa FL 33620 USA
| | - Yan Shi
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida 4202 E. Fowler Ave. Tampa FL 33620 USA
| | - Lulu Wei
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida 4202 E. Fowler Ave. Tampa FL 33620 USA
| | - Jianfeng Cai
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida 4202 E. Fowler Ave. Tampa FL 33620 USA
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26
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Turning a Targeting β-Catenin/Bcl9 Peptide Inhibitor into a GdOF@Au Core/Shell Nanoflower for Enhancing Immune Response to Cancer Therapy in Combination with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14061306. [PMID: 35745877 PMCID: PMC9228893 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061306] [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: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Combination administration is becoming a popular strategy in current cancer immunotherapy to enhance tumor response to ICIs. Recently, a peptide drug, a protein–protein interaction inhibitor (PPI), that disrupts the β-catenin/Bcl9 interaction in the tumoral Wnt/β-catenin pathway has become a promising candidate drug for immune enhancement and tumor growth inhibition. However, the peptide usually suffers from poor cell membrane permeability and proteolytic degradation, limiting its adequate accumulation in tumors and ultimately leading to side effects. Herein, a gadolinium–gold-based core/shell nanostructure drug delivery system was established, where Bcl9 was incorporated into a gadolinium–gold core–shell nanostructure and formed GdOFBAu via mercaptogenic self-assembly. After construction, GdOFBAu, when combined with anti-PD1 antibodies, could effectively inhibit tumor growth and enhance the response to immune therapy in MC38 tumor-bearing mice; it not only induced the apoptosis of cancer cells, but also promoted the tumor infiltration of Teff cells (CD8+) and decreased Treg cells (CD25+). More importantly, GdOFBAu maintained good biosafety and biocompatibility during treatment. Taken together, this study may offer a promising opportunity for sensitizing cancer immunotherapy via metal–peptide self-assembling nanostructured material with high effectiveness and safety.
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27
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Wang Z, Zhang M, Thompson HM, Ji H. New ZW4864 Derivatives as Small-Molecule Inhibitors for the β-Catenin/BCL9 Protein-Protein Interaction. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:865-870. [PMID: 35586435 PMCID: PMC9109161 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A series of 1-(3-(2-amino-2-oxoethoxy)phenyl)piperidine-3-carboxamide derivatives was reported as new small-molecule β-catenin/B-cell lymphoma 9 (BCL9) protein-protein interaction (PPI) inhibitors. Compounds 17-21 were discovered to inhibit the β-catenin/BCL9 PPI with K i = 0.85-2.7 μM. The effects of 21 on the β-catenin/BCL9 PPI in cellular context were demonstrated by β-catenin/BCL9 pull-down inhibition and dose-dependent suppression of Wnt/β-catenin signal transactivation. Notably, compound 21 is more potent than ZW4864, a previously reported analogue, in modulating transcription and expression of β-catenin target genes and suppressing survival of β-catenin-dependent cancer cells. The cellular on-target efficacy of 21 was demonstrated by β-catenin rescue experiments. Compound 21 represents a promising starting point for further optimization of β-catenin/BCL9 PPI inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wang
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612-9497, United States
| | - Min Zhang
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612-9497, United States
| | - Harriet M. Thompson
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612-9497, United States
| | - Haitao Ji
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612-9497, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620-9497, United States
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620-9497, United States
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28
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Tanton H, Sewastianik T, Seo HS, Remillard D, Pierre RS, Bala P, Aitymbayev D, Dennis P, Adler K, Geffken E, Yeoh Z, Vangos N, Garbicz F, Scott D, Sethi N, Bradner J, Dhe-Paganon S, Carrasco RD. A novel β-catenin/BCL9 complex inhibitor blocks oncogenic Wnt signaling and disrupts cholesterol homeostasis in colorectal cancer. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabm3108. [PMID: 35486727 PMCID: PMC9054024 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm3108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling is implicated in the pathogenesis of many human cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC), making it an attractive clinical target. With the aim of inhibiting oncogenic Wnt activity, we developed a high-throughput screening AlphaScreen assay to identify selective small-molecule inhibitors of the interaction between β-catenin and its coactivator BCL9. We identified a compound that consistently bound to β-catenin and specifically inhibited in vivo native β-catenin/BCL9 complex formation in CRC cell lines. This compound inhibited Wnt activity, down-regulated expression of the Wnt/β-catenin signature in gene expression studies, disrupted cholesterol homeostasis, and significantly reduced the proliferation of CRC cell lines and tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model of CRC. This study has therefore identified a specific small-molecule inhibitor of oncogenic Wnt signaling, which may have value as a probe for functional studies and has important implications for the development of novel therapies in patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Tanton
- Department of Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tomasz Sewastianik
- Department of Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine,, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Hyuk-Soo Seo
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Remillard
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roodolph St. Pierre
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pratyusha Bala
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Daulet Aitymbayev
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Peter Dennis
- Department of Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Keith Adler
- Department of Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ezekiel Geffken
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zoe Yeoh
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicholas Vangos
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Filip Garbicz
- Department of Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine,, Warsaw, Poland
| | - David Scott
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nilay Sethi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James Bradner
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sirano Dhe-Paganon
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ruben D. Carrasco
- Department of Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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29
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Zhao YY, Wang MM, Cui JF. New progress in the mechanism of microenvironment-driven chemoradiotherapy resistance in digestive system tumors. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2022; 30:341-348. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v30.i8.341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment (TME) is the cornerstone of the survival of tumor cells. It generally presents unique physical and chemical characteristics such as hypoxia, immunosuppression, metabolic reprogramming, and matrix stiffening, which not only offer suitable soil to support tumorigenesis and progression, but also resist the effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Here, we summarize new progress in the mechanism of hypoxia, immunosuppression, metabolic reprogramming, and matrix stiffness-driven chemoradiotherapy resistance in digestive system tumors, and discuss the new intervention strategy against matrix stiffness-driven chemoradiotherapy resistance, which underlines the contribution of physical and chemical characteristics of tumor microenvironment in drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Ying Zhao
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Mi-Mi Wang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jie-Feng Cui
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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30
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Kheshti AMS, Hajizadeh F, Barshidi A, Rashidi B, Ebrahimi F, Bahmanpour S, Karpisheh V, Noukabadi FK, Kiani FK, Hassannia H, Atyabi F, Kiaie SH, Kashanchi F, Navashenaq JG, Mohammadi H, Bagherifar R, Jafari R, Zolbanin NM, Jadidi-Niaragh F. Combination Cancer Immunotherapy with Dendritic Cell Vaccine and Nanoparticles Loaded with Interleukin-15 and Anti-beta-catenin siRNA Significantly Inhibits Cancer Growth and Induces Anti-Tumor Immune Response. Pharm Res 2022; 39:353-367. [PMID: 35166995 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-022-03169-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The invention and application of new immunotherapeutic methods can compensate for the inefficiency of conventional cancer treatment approaches, partly due to the inhibitory microenvironment of the tumor. In this study, we tried to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce anti-tumor immune responses by silencing the expression of the β-catenin in the tumor microenvironment and transmitting interleukin (IL)-15 cytokine to provide optimal conditions for the dendritic cell (DC) vaccine. METHODS For this purpose, we used folic acid (FA)-conjugated SPION-carboxymethyl dextran (CMD) chitosan (C) nanoparticles (NPs) to deliver anti-β-catenin siRNA and IL-15 to cancer cells. RESULTS The results showed that the codelivery of β-catenin siRNA and IL-15 significantly reduced the growth of cancer cells and increased the immune response. The treatment also considerably stimulated the performance of the DC vaccine in triggering anti-tumor immunity, which inhibited tumor development and increased survival in mice in two different cancer models. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the use of new nanocarriers such as SPION-C-CMD-FA could be an effective way to use as a novel combination therapy consisting of β-catenin siRNA, IL-15, and DC vaccine to treat cancer.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage
- Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry
- Cancer Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Cancer Vaccines/immunology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Dendritic Cells/immunology
- Dendritic Cells/transplantation
- Drug Carriers
- Drug Compounding
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Interleukin-15/administration & dosage
- Interleukin-15/chemistry
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
- Melanoma, Experimental/genetics
- Melanoma, Experimental/immunology
- Melanoma, Experimental/pathology
- Melanoma, Experimental/therapy
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- RNA, Small Interfering/administration & dosage
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- RNAi Therapeutics
- Skin Neoplasms/genetics
- Skin Neoplasms/immunology
- Skin Neoplasms/pathology
- Skin Neoplasms/therapy
- Tumor Burden/drug effects
- Tumor Microenvironment
- beta Catenin/genetics
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Farnaz Hajizadeh
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Asal Barshidi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Bentolhoda Rashidi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Farbod Ebrahimi
- Nanoparticle Process Technology, Faculty of Engineering, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Simin Bahmanpour
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vahid Karpisheh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Fariba Karoon Kiani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hadi Hassannia
- Immunogenetic Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Amol Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Atyabi
- Nanotechnology Research Centre, Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Hossein Kiaie
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Nano Drug Delivery Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6715847141, Iran
| | - Fatah Kashanchi
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Hamed Mohammadi
- Non-communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Rafieh Bagherifar
- Nano Drug Delivery Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6715847141, Iran
| | - Reza Jafari
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplant Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
- Hematology, Immune Cell Therapy, and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Naime Majidi Zolbanin
- Hematology, Immune Cell Therapy, and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
- Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Farhad Jadidi-Niaragh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Research Center for Integrative Medicine in Aging, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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31
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Wnt signaling pathway in cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Lett 2022; 525:84-96. [PMID: 34740608 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling is a highly conserved pathway that regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, stem cell self-renewal, tissue homeostasis, and wound healing. Dysregulation of the Wnt pathway is intricately involved in almost all stages of tumorigenesis in various cancers. Through direct and/or indirect effects on effector T cells, T-regulatory cells, T-helper cells, dendritic cells, and other cytokine-expressing immune cells, abnormal activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling benefits immune exclusion and hinders T-cell-mediated antitumor immune responses. Activation of Wnt signaling results in increased resistance to immunotherapies. In this review, we summarize the process by which Wnt signaling affects cancer and immune surveillance, and the potential for targeting the Wnt-signaling pathway via cancer immunotherapy.
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32
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Stock S, Kluever AK, Endres S, Kobold S. Enhanced Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy through Co-Application of Synergistic Combination Partners. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020307. [PMID: 35203517 PMCID: PMC8869718 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has achieved remarkable response rates and revolutionized the treatment of patients suffering from defined hematological malignancies. However, many patients still do not respond to this therapy or relapse after an initial remission, underscoring the need for improved efficacy. Insufficient in vivo activity, persistence, trafficking, and tumor infiltration of CAR T cells, as well as antigen escape and treatment-associated adverse events, limit the therapeutic success. Multiple strategies and approaches have been investigated to further improve CAR T cell therapy. Besides genetic modification of the CAR itself, the combination with other treatment modalities has the potential to improve this approach. In particular, combining CAR T cells with clinically approved compounds such as monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors might be a promising strategy. Combination partners could already be applied during the production process to influence the cellular composition and immunophenotype of the final CAR T cell product. Alternatively, simultaneous administration of clinically approved compounds with CAR T cells would be another feasible avenue. In this review, we will discuss current strategies to combine CAR T cells with compounds to overcome recent limitations and further enhance this promising cancer therapy, potentially broadening its application beyond hematology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Stock
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) of Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany; (A.-K.K.); (S.E.)
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) of Munich, 81337 Munich, Germany
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Anna-Kristina Kluever
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) of Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany; (A.-K.K.); (S.E.)
| | - Stefan Endres
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) of Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany; (A.-K.K.); (S.E.)
- German Center for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Einheit für Klinische Pharmakologie (EKLiP), Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (HMGU), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kobold
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) of Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany; (A.-K.K.); (S.E.)
- German Center for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Einheit für Klinische Pharmakologie (EKLiP), Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (HMGU), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (S.K.)
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Li L, He W, You W, Yan J, Liu W. Turing miRNA into infinite coordination supermolecule: a general and enabling nanoengineering strategy for resurrecting nuclear acid therapeutics. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:10. [PMID: 34983557 PMCID: PMC8725389 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-01212-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Clinical translation of therapeutic nuclear acid, particularly those targeting tumor progression, has been hampered by the intrinsic weaknesses of nuclear acid therapeutic including poor systemic stability, rapid clearance, low membrane permeability and lack of targeting ability. Small nuclear acid engineered into carrier-free nanodrugs with structural stability and disease targeting may be viable to overcome pharmaceutical obstacles of nuclear acid. Methods A general method through a mild and simple chemistry was established to convert therapeutic miRNA into an infinite Auric-sulfhydryl coordination supramolecular miRNA termed IacsRNA with near-spherical nanostructure, high colloid as well as anti-hydrolysis stability and low macrophage uptakes. Results IacsRNA presented the increased half-life period in circulation and accumulation at tumor sites in comparison to normal miRNA. Moreover, Iacs-miR-30c showed no toxicity of viscera and sanguis system in the 5-time injection dosage of the treatment. More importantly, Iacs-miR-30c potently suppressed the Wnt signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo, and effectively sensitized both potency of 5-Fu in PDX model of colon cancer and Anti-PD1 in B16F10 homograft model of melanoma. Conclusion Collectively, this work amply confirmed the design of IacsRNA as a general and viable strategy of nano-pharmaceutic to concert flimsy therapeutic miRNA into potential drugs. Considering from a broader perspective, the miRNA-initiated infinite coordination self-assembly strategy has distinct advantages in resurrecting nuclear acid therapeutics, probably bringing new inspiration to RNA-derived therapeutics of a great variety of human diseases including cancer. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-021-01212-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liya Li
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Wangxiao He
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China. .,Department of Medical Oncology and Department of Talent Highland, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, People's Republic of China.
| | - Weiming You
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Yan
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wenjia Liu
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China.
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Liu T, Yan J, He C, You W, Ma F, Chang Z, Li Y, Han S, He W, Liu W. A Tumor-Targeting Metal-Organic Nanoparticle Constructed by Dynamic Combinatorial Chemistry toward Accurately Redressing Carcinogenic Wnt Cascade. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2104849. [PMID: 34741406 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202104849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Targeted and immunological therapy have revolutionized the malignancy treatment, but is suffering from the dose-limiting side effects and inadequate responsiveness. The emerging nanoscale infinite coordination polymers provide a feasible strategy for tumor targeting and immune sensitization. Herein, a "one-pot" self-assembled strategy based on dynamic combinatorial chemistry (DCC) principle is designed to construct a tumor-targeting metal-organic nanoparticle (MOICP) through a spontaneous co-assembling among three metal-organic coordination polymers tuned by a Wnt-inhibitor carnosic acid (CA). Responding to the tumor microenvironment, MOICP presents an optimized tumor-preferential accumulation and the satisfactory biosafety. MOICP is more active in vitro and in vivo than CA in suppressing of Wnt signaling pathway, and potently inhibits tumor growth in a patient-derived xenograft model of Wnt-activated pancreatic carcinoma. Moreover, MOICP reverses the lack of intratumoral infiltration of T lymphocytes, and hence augments the action of Anti-PD1 (programmed cell death protein 1) immunotherapy in B16F10 melanoma allograft mice model. This clinically viable MOICP can not only be applied to Wnt inhibition for cancer targeted therapy and immunotherapeutic sensitization, but also provides a de novo pattern for nanomedicine architecture with cargo-initiated co-self-assembly guided by DCC, thereby bringing new inspiration in general for disease intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianya Liu
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Jin Yan
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, P. R. China
| | - Chenchen He
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Weiming You
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, P. R. China
| | - Fang Ma
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, P. R. China
| | - Zhuo Chang
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, P. R. China
| | - Yong Li
- Xijing 986 Hospital Department, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Suxia Han
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Wangxiao He
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
- Department of Talent Highland, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, P. R. China
| | - Wenjia Liu
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
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Li W, Zhou Y, Wu Z, Shi Y, Tian E, Zhu Y, Wang T, Dou W, Meng X, Chen M, Zhai B, Zhu D. Targeting Wnt Signaling in the Tumor Immune Microenvironment to Enhancing EpCAM CAR T-Cell therapy. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:724306. [PMID: 34790117 PMCID: PMC8591126 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.724306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) patients are still lacking viable treatments. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have shown promise in hematologic malignancies, but their efficacy in solid tumors has been limited due to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. We found that cancer antigen- EpCAM expression increased in the metastatic stage compared with the primary stage in cancers and the activation of Wnt and TGFβ pathways was positively correlated with EpCAM expression in multiple cancers, including colorectal cancer. We constructed CAR T cells targeting EpCAM that successfully showed selective cytotoxicity in highly EpCAM-expressing cancer cell lines. The combination of EpCAM CAR-T with the Wnt inhibitor-hsBCL9CT-24 displayed synergetic effect against EpCAM-positive colon cells in vitro and also in vivo. A mechanistic study showed that hsBCL9CT-24 treatment could modulate the tumor environment and improve infiltration of T cells, while possibly promoting the effector T cells at the early stages and postponing the exhaustion of CAR T cells at advanced stages. Overall, these results demonstrated that the combination of EpCAM CAR T-cell therapy with the Wnt inhibitor can overcome the limitations of CAR T cells in treating solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhen Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Taizhou, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Taixing Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Taizhou, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongen Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaoping Shi
- Department of Interventional Oncology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Enming Tian
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingqi Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Interventional Oncology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Dou
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangjing Meng
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Science, Jinan, China
| | - Ming Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Taizhou, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Taixing Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Taizhou, China
| | - Bo Zhai
- Department of Interventional Oncology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Di Zhu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of ImmunoTherapeutics, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Moret-Tatay I, Cerrillo E, Hervás D, Iborra M, Sáez-González E, Forment J, Tortosa L, Nos P, Gadea J, Beltrán B. Specific Plasma MicroRNA Signatures in Predicting and Confirming Crohn's Disease Recurrence: Role and Pathogenic Implications. Clin Transl Gastroenterol 2021; 12:e00416. [PMID: 34695034 PMCID: PMC8547914 DOI: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000000416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important epigenetic regulators in Crohn's disease (CD); however, their contribution to postoperative recurrence (POR) is still unknown. We aimed to characterize the potential role of miRNAs in predicting POR in patients with CD and to identify their pathogenic implications. METHODS Of 67 consecutively operated patients with CD, we included 44 with pure ileal CD. Peripheral blood samples were taken before surgery and during follow-up. The patients were classified according to the presence or absence of POR assessed by ileocolonoscopy or magnetic resonance imaging enterography. The miRNAs were profiled by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction before surgery and during morphological POR or, for those who remained in remission, 1 year after surgery. R software and mirWalk were used. RESULTS Five human miRNAs (miR-191-5p, miR-15b-5p, miR-106b-5p, miR-451a, and miR-93-5p) were selected for discriminating between the 2 patient groups at presurgery (PS), with an area under the curve of 0.88 (95% confidence interval [0.79, 0.98]). Another 5 (miR-15b-5p, miR-451a, miR-93-5p, miR-423-5p, and miR-125b-5p) were selected for 1 year, with an area under the curve of 0.96 (95% confidence interval [0.91, 1.0]). We also created nomograms for POR risk estimation. CCND2 and BCL9L genes were related to PS miRNA profiles; SENP5 and AKT3 genes were related to PS and 1 year; and SUV39H1 and MAPK3K10 were related to 1 year. DISCUSSION Different plasma miRNA signatures identify patients at high POR risk, which could help optimize patient outcomes. We developed nomograms to facilitate the clinical use of these results. The identified miRNAs participate in apoptosis, autophagy, proinflammatory immunological T-cell clusters, and reactive oxygen species metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inés Moret-Tatay
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Group, Health Research Institute, Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Centre, Hepatic and Digestive Diseases Network [Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)], Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Cerrillo
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Group, Health Research Institute, Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Unit, Gastroenterology Department, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - David Hervás
- Biostatistics Unit, Health Research IIS La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marisa Iborra
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Group, Health Research Institute, Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Centre, Hepatic and Digestive Diseases Network [Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)], Madrid, Spain
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Unit, Gastroenterology Department, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - Esteban Sáez-González
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Group, Health Research Institute, Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Unit, Gastroenterology Department, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - Javier Forment
- The Institute for Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology (IBMCP), Polytechnic University of Valencia- Spanish Research Council (CSIC), Valencia, Spain
| | - Luis Tortosa
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Group, Health Research Institute, Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Centre, Hepatic and Digestive Diseases Network [Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)], Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Nos
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Group, Health Research Institute, Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Centre, Hepatic and Digestive Diseases Network [Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)], Madrid, Spain
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Unit, Gastroenterology Department, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jose Gadea
- The Institute for Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology (IBMCP), Polytechnic University of Valencia- Spanish Research Council (CSIC), Valencia, Spain
| | - Belén Beltrán
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Group, Health Research Institute, Hospital La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Centre, Hepatic and Digestive Diseases Network [Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD)], Madrid, Spain
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Unit, Gastroenterology Department, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Valencia, Spain
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Wang K, Qiu X, Zhao Y, Wang H, Chen L. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in the tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Biol Med 2021; 19:j.issn.2095-3941.2021.0306. [PMID: 34591416 PMCID: PMC8958883 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2021.0306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway regulates many aspects of tumor biology, and many studies have focused on the role of this signaling pathway in tumor cells. However, it is now clear that tumor development and metastasis depend on the two-way interaction between cancer cells and their environment, thereby forming a tumor microenvironment (TME). In this review, we discuss how Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulates cross-interactions among different components of the TME, including immune cells, stem cells, tumor vasculature, and noncellular components of the TME in hepatocellular carcinoma. We also investigate their preclinical and clinical insights for primary liver cancer intervention, and explore the significance of using Wnt/β-catenin mutations as a biomarker to predict resistance in immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiting Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xinyao Qiu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Hongyang Wang
- Institute of Metabolism & Integrative Biology (IMIB), Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Lei Chen
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
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Kim CW, Chon HJ, Kim C. Combination Immunotherapies to Overcome Intrinsic Resistance to Checkpoint Blockade in Microsatellite Stable Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4906. [PMID: 34638390 PMCID: PMC8507875 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown promising results in the treatment of treating various malignancies, progress has been severely limited in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). ICIs are effective in a fraction of patients with microsatellite instability-high mCRC but have little clinical efficacy in patients with microsatellite stable (MSS) mCRC, which accounts for 95% of mCRC cases. MSS mCRCs are considered to have intrinsic resistance to ICI monotherapy through multiple mechanisms. (1) They are poorly immunogenic because of their low tumor mutation burden; (2) frequent activation of the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway excludes intratumoral CD8+ T cell immunity; (3) the tumor microenvironment is immunosuppressive because of the presence of various immunosuppressive cells, including tumor-associated macrophages and regulatory T cells; and (4) frequent liver metastasis in MSS mCRC may reduce the efficacy of ICIs. To overcome these resistance mechanisms, combination approaches using various agents, including STING agonists, MEK inhibitors, VEGF/R inhibitors, WNT/β-catenin inhibitors, oncolytic viruses, and chemo/radiotherapy, are actively ongoing. Preliminary evidence of the efficacy of some has been shown in early clinical trials. This review summarizes novel combination immunotherapy strategies described in recent preclinical and clinical studies to overcome the limitations of ICI monotherapy in MSS mCRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Woo Kim
- Department of Surgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, 164 World Cup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Korea;
| | - Hong Jae Chon
- Medical Oncology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam 13496, Korea
| | - Chan Kim
- Medical Oncology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam 13496, Korea
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Wei Z, Yang M, Feng M, Wu Z, Rosin-Arbesfeld R, Dong J, Zhu D. Inhibition of BCL9 Modulates the Cellular Landscape of Tumor-Associated Macrophages in the Tumor Immune Microenvironment of Colorectal Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:713331. [PMID: 34566638 PMCID: PMC8461101 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.713331] [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: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are an indispensable part of the tumor microenvironment (TME), and they likely play a negative rather than positive role in cancer treatment. However, the cellular landscape and transcriptional profile regulation of TAMs in the case of tumor gene inactivation or chemical interference remains unclear. The B-cell lymphoma 9/B-cell lymphoma 9-like (BCL9/BCL9L) is a critical transcription co-factor of β-catenin. Suppression of Bcl9 inhibits tumor growth in mouse models of colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we studied the TAMs of CRC by single-cell sequencing. Bcl9 depletion caused macrophage polarization inhibition from M0 to M2 and changed the CRC TME, which further interferes with the inflammation of M0 and M1. The transcription factor regulating these processes may be related to the Wnt signaling pathway from multiple levels. Furthermore, we also found that the cells delineated from monocyte to NK-like non-functioning cells were significantly different in the BCL9-deprived population. Combining these data, we proposed a TAM-to-NK score to evaluate the dynamic balance in TME of monocyte/TAM cells and NK-like non-functioning cells in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) clinical samples to verify the clinical significance. We demonstrated that the cell type balance and transcription differences of TAMs regulated by BCL9-driven Wnt signaling affected immune surveillance and inflammation of cancer, ultimately affecting patients' prognosis. We thereby highlighted the potential of targeting Wnt signaling pathway through cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuang Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengxuan Yang
- Minhang Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mei Feng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongen Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rina Rosin-Arbesfeld
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Jibin Dong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Di Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, School of Pharmacy, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of ImmunoTherapeutics, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Vafaizadeh V, Buechel D, Rubinstein N, Kalathur RKR, Bazzani L, Saxena M, Valenta T, Hausmann G, Cantù C, Basler K, Christofori G. The interactions of Bcl9/Bcl9L with β-catenin and Pygopus promote breast cancer growth, invasion, and metastasis. Oncogene 2021; 40:6195-6209. [PMID: 34545187 PMCID: PMC8553620 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02016-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling is an established regulator of cellular state and its critical contributions to tumor initiation, malignant tumor progression and metastasis formation have been demonstrated in various cancer types. Here, we investigated how the binding of β-catenin to the transcriptional coactivators B-cell CLL/lymphoma 9 (Bcl9) and Bcl9-Like (Bcl9L) affected mammary gland carcinogenesis in the MMTV-PyMT transgenic mouse model of metastatic breast cancer. Conditional knockout of both Bcl9 and Bcl9L resulted into tumor cell death. In contrast, disrupting the interaction of Bcl9/Bcl9L with β-catenin, either by deletion of their HD2 domains or by a point mutation in the N-terminal domain of β-catenin (D164A), diminished primary tumor growth and tumor cell proliferation and reduced tumor cell invasion and lung metastasis. In comparison, the disruption of HD1 domain-mediated binding of Bcl9/Bcl9L to Pygopus had only moderate effects. Interestingly, interfering with the β-catenin-Bcl9/Bcl9L-Pygo chain of adapters only partially impaired the transcriptional response of mammary tumor cells to Wnt3a and TGFβ treatments. Together, the results indicate that Bcl9/Bcl9L modulate but are not critically required for canonical Wnt signaling in its contribution to breast cancer growth and malignant progression, a notion consistent with the “just-right” hypothesis of Wnt-driven tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vida Vafaizadeh
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - David Buechel
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Natalia Rubinstein
- Instituto de Biociencias, Biotecnología y Biología Traslacional, Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ravi K R Kalathur
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Lorenzo Bazzani
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Meera Saxena
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tomas Valenta
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - George Hausmann
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Claudio Cantù
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Konrad Basler
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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Wang Z, Zhang M, Quereda V, Frydman SM, Ming Q, Luca VC, Duckett DR, Ji H. Discovery of an Orally Bioavailable Small-Molecule Inhibitor for the β-Catenin/B-Cell Lymphoma 9 Protein-Protein Interaction. J Med Chem 2021; 64:12109-12131. [PMID: 34382808 PMCID: PMC8817233 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling is strongly associated with many diseases including cancer invasion and metastasis. Small-molecule targeting of the central signaling node of this pathway, β-catenin, is a biologically rational approach to abolish hyperactivation of β-catenin signaling but has been demonstrated to be a difficult task. Herein, we report a drug-like small molecule, ZW4864, that binds with β-catenin and selectively disrupts the protein-protein interaction (PPI) between B-cell lymphoma 9 (BCL9) and β-catenin while sparing the β-catenin/E-cadherin PPI. ZW4864 dose-dependently suppresses β-catenin signaling activation, downregulates oncogenic β-catenin target genes, and abrogates invasiveness of β-catenin-dependent cancer cells. More importantly, ZW4864 shows good pharmacokinetic properties and effectively suppresses β-catenin target gene expression in the patient-derived xenograft mouse model. This study offers a selective chemical probe to explore β-catenin-related biology and a drug-like small-molecule β-catenin/BCL9 disruptor for future drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wang
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612-9497, United States
| | - Min Zhang
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612-9497, United States
| | - Victor Quereda
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612-9497, United States
| | - Sylvia M Frydman
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612-9497, United States
| | - Qianqian Ming
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612-9497, United States
| | - Vincent C Luca
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612-9497, United States
| | - Derek R Duckett
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612-9497, United States
| | - Haitao Ji
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612-9497, United States
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42
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Hiremath IS, Goel A, Warrier S, Kumar AP, Sethi G, Garg M. The multidimensional role of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in human malignancies. J Cell Physiol 2021; 237:199-238. [PMID: 34431086 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Several signaling pathways have been identified as important for developmental processes. One of such important cascades is the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which can regulate various physiological processes such as embryonic development, tissue homeostasis, and tissue regeneration; while its dysregulation is implicated in several pathological conditions especially cancers. Interestingly, deregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway has been reported to be closely associated with initiation, progression, metastasis, maintenance of cancer stem cells, and drug resistance in human malignancies. Moreover, several genetic and experimental models support the inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway to answer the key issues related to cancer development. The present review focuses on different regulators of Wnt pathway and how distinct mutations, deletion, and amplification in these regulators could possibly play an essential role in the development of several cancers such as colorectal, melanoma, breast, lung, and leukemia. Additionally, we also provide insights on diverse classes of inhibitors of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which are currently in preclinical and clinical trial against different cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishita S Hiremath
- Department of Bioengineering, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
| | - Arul Goel
- La Canada High School, La Canada Flintridge, California, USA
| | - Sudha Warrier
- Division of Cancer Stem Cells and Cardiovascular Regeneration, Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bangalore, Karnataka, India.,Cuor Stem Cellutions Pvt Ltd, Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Alan Prem Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Cancer Science Institute of Singapore and Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,NUS Centre for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,NUS Centre for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Manoj Garg
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Manesar, Haryana, India
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43
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Parsing β-catenin's cell adhesion and Wnt signaling functions in malignant mammary tumor progression. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2020227118. [PMID: 34408016 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2020227118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
During malignant progression, epithelial cancer cells dissolve their cell-cell adhesion and gain invasive features. By virtue of its dual function, β-catenin contributes to cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion, and it determines the transcriptional output of Wnt signaling: via its N terminus, it recruits the signaling coactivators Bcl9 and Pygopus, and via the C terminus, it interacts with the general transcriptional machinery. This duality confounds the simple loss-of-function analysis of Wnt signaling in cancer progression. In many cancer types including breast cancer, the functional contribution of β-catenin's transcriptional activities, as compared to its adhesion functions, to tumor progression has remained elusive. Employing the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV)-PyMT mouse model of metastatic breast cancer, we compared the complete elimination of β-catenin with the specific ablation of its signaling outputs in mammary tumor cells. Notably, the complete lack of β-catenin resulted in massive apoptosis of mammary tumor cells. In contrast, the loss of β-catenin's transcriptional activity resulted in a reduction of primary tumor growth, tumor invasion, and metastasis formation in vivo. These phenotypic changes were reflected by stalled cell cycle progression and diminished epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell migration of breast cancer cells in vitro. Transcriptome analysis revealed subsets of genes which were specifically regulated by β-catenin's transcriptional activities upon stimulation with Wnt3a or during TGF-β-induced EMT. Our results uncouple the signaling from the adhesion function of β-catenin and underline the importance of Wnt/β-catenin-dependent transcription in malignant tumor progression of breast cancer.
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44
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BCL9 regulates CD226 and CD96 checkpoints in CD8 + T cells to improve PD-1 response in cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:313. [PMID: 34417435 PMCID: PMC8379253 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00730-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, the overall response rate of PD-1 blockade remains unsatisfactory, partially due to limited understanding of tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). B-cell lymphoma 9 (BCL9), a key transcription co-activator of the Wnt pathway, is highly expressed in cancers. By genetic depletion and pharmacological inhibition of BCL9 in tumors, we found that BCL9 suppression reduced tumor growth, promoted CD8+ T cell tumor infiltration, and enhanced response to anti-PD-1 treatment in mouse colon cancer models. To determine the underlying mechanism of BCL9's role in TIME regulation, single-cell RNA-seq was applied to reveal cellular landscape and transcription differences in the tumor immune microenvironment upon BCL9 inhibition. CD155-CD226 and CD155-CD96 checkpoints play key roles in cancer cell/CD8+ T cell interaction. BCL9 suppression induces phosphorylation of VAV1 in CD8+ T cells and increases GLI1 and PATCH expression to promote CD155 expression in cancer cells. In The Cancer Genome Atlas database analysis, we found that BCL9 expression is positively associated with CD155 and negatively associated with CD226 expression. BCL9 is also linked to adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) mutation involved in patient survival following anti-PD-1 treatment. This study points to cellular diversity within the tumor immune microenvironment affected by BCL9 inhibition and provides new insights into the role of BCL9 in regulating CD226 and CD96 checkpoints.
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Li Z, Zhang M, Teuscher KB, Ji H. Discovery of 1-Benzoyl 4-Phenoxypiperidines as Small-Molecule Inhibitors of the β-Catenin/B-Cell Lymphoma 9 Protein-Protein Interaction. J Med Chem 2021; 64:11195-11218. [PMID: 34270257 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Structure-based design and optimization were performed to develop small-molecule β-catenin/B-cell lymphoma 9 (BCL9) inhibitors and improve their inhibitory activities. Compound ZL3138 with a novel 1-benzoyl 4-phenoxypiperidine scaffold was discovered to disrupt the β-catenin/BCL9 protein-protein interaction (PPI) with a Ki of 0.96 μM in AlphaScreen competitive inhibition assays and displayed good selectivity for β-catenin/BCL9 over β-catenin/E-cadherin PPIs. The binding mode of new inhibitors was characterized by structure-activity relationship and site-directed mutagenesis studies. Protein pull-down assays indicate that this series of compounds directly binds with β-catenin. Cellular target engagement and co-immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrate that ZL3138 binds with β-catenin and disrupts the β-catenin/BCL9 interaction without affecting the β-catenin/E-cadherin interaction in living cells. Further cell-based studies show that ZL3138 selectively suppresses transactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, regulates transcription and expression of Wnt target genes, and inhibits the growth of Wnt/β-catenin-dependent cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilu Li
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612-9497, United States.,Departments of Oncologic Sciences and Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612-9497, United States
| | - Min Zhang
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612-9497, United States
| | - Kevin B Teuscher
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612-9497, United States.,Department of Chemistry, Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0850, United States
| | - Haitao Ji
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612-9497, United States.,Departments of Oncologic Sciences and Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612-9497, United States
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Hua S, Xie Z, Wang W, Wan Z, Chen M, Zhao S, Jiang J. Identification and Validation of a Novel Immune-Related lncRNA Signature for Bladder Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:704946. [PMID: 34322391 PMCID: PMC8311739 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.704946] [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: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose We aimed to construct an immune-related long noncoding ribonucleic acids (irlncRNA) signature to evaluate the prognosis of patients without specific expression level of these irlncRNA. Methods The raw transcriptome data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), irlncRNAs were filtered out using an online immune related gene database and coexpression analysis, differently expressed irlncRNA (DEirlncRNA) pairs were identified by univariate analysis. The areas under curve (AUC) were compared and the Akaike information criterion (AIC) values of receiver operating curve (ROC) was counted, the most optimal model was constructed to divide bladder cancer patients into high- and low-risk groups usingõ the cut-off point of ROC. Then, we evaluated them from multiple perspectives, such as survival time, clinic-pathological characteristics, immune-related cells infiltrating, chemotherapeutics efficacy and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Results 14 DEirlncRNA pairs were included in this signature. Patients in high-risk groups demonstrated apparent shorter survival time, more aggressive clinic-pathological characteristics, different immune-related cells infiltrating status, lower chemotherapeutics efficacy. Conclusion The irlncRNA signature demonstrated a promising prediction value for bladder cancer patients and was important in guiding clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Hua
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiwen Xie
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenhao Wang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhong Wan
- Department of Urology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Sheng Zhao
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Juntao Jiang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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He Y, Chen L, Zhao L, Dang S, Liu G, Sasada S, Ma PC, van Zandwijk N, Rosell R, Popper HH, Wang H, Jiang M, Guo H, Liu X, Chen S, Zhang X, Xu M, Zhu B, Liu M, Zhou C. Genomic and transcriptional alterations in first-line chemotherapy exert a potentially unfavorable influence on subsequent immunotherapy in NSCLC. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:7092-7109. [PMID: 34093873 PMCID: PMC8171101 DOI: 10.7150/thno.58039] [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: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Recent studies in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients have demonstrated that first-line immunotherapy is associated with better therapeutic response than second-line treatment. So far, the mechanisms need to be explored. It prompted us to evaluate the association between first-line chemotherapy and subsequent immunotherapy in NSCLC as well as its underlying mechanisms at the genomic and transcriptomic level. Methods: We launched a prospective, observational clinical study, paired tumor biopsies before and after chemotherapy were collected from NSCLC patients without tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-related driver gene mutations. The analyses included genomic and transcriptional changes performed by next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based whole-exome sequencing (WES) and messager ribonucleic acid (mRNA) sequencing. Characteristic mutational alterations in 1574 genes were investigated based on mutational status, clinicopathological factors, and chemotherapy responses. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, neoantigen prediction and intratumoral heterogeneity evaluation were also performed. Results: Samples and information from 32 NSCLC patients without TKI-related driver gene mutations were obtained. We found that the total number of single nucleotide variants (SNV)/insertion-deletion (INDEL) mutations did not change significantly after chemotherapy. The tumor mutation burden (TMB) decreased significantly after chemotherapy in smoking patients and the decreased TMB correlated with a better survival of smoking patients. The change in copy number variations (CNVs) exhibited a decreasing trend during chemotherapy. Subsequent analysis at mRNA level revealed a significant decrease in the expression levels of genes related to antigen processing and presentation as well as other factors relevant for response to immunotherapy. Pathway enrichment analysis confirmed that the immune-related signaling pathways or biological processes were decreased after first-line chemotherapy. Conclusions: Our study presents an explanation for the unsatisfactory results of immunotherapy when given after chemotherapy, and suggests that first-line chemotherapy is able to influence the tumor microenvironment and decrease the efficacy of subsequent immunotherapy. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT03764917, and has completed enrolment; patients are still in follow-up.
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Yang M, Wei Z, Feng M, Zhu Y, Chen Y, Zhu D. Pharmacological Inhibition and Genetic Knockdown of BCL9 Modulate the Cellular Landscape of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in the Tumor-Immune Microenvironment of Colorectal Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:603556. [PMID: 34026600 PMCID: PMC8131873 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.603556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) exert a key role in cancer progression and liver metastasis. They are activated in the tumor microenvironment (TME), but their prometastatic mechanisms are not defined. CAFs are abundant in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, it is not clear whether they are raised from local tissue-resident fibroblasts or pericryptal fibroblasts and distant fibroblast precursors, and whether they may stimulate metastasis-promoting communication. B-cell lymphoma 9/B-cell lymphoma 9-like (BCL9/BCL9L) is the key transcription cofactor of β-catenin. We studied the TME of CRC with single-cell sequencing and consequently found that Bcl9 depletion caused a pro-tumor effect of CAFs, while inhibition of abnormal activation of Wnt/β-catenin signal through Bcl9 depletion benefited T-cell–mediated antitumor immune responses. We also identified and evaluated four types of CAFs in CRC with liver metastasis. In summary, we demonstrate cell type landscape and transcription difference upon BCL9 suppression in CAFs, as well as how CAF affects cancer associated immune surveillance by inhibition of Wnt signaling. Targeting the Wnt signaling pathway via modulating CAF may be a potential therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxuan Yang
- Central Hospital of Minhang District, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuang Wei
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Mei Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Huai'an Second People's Hospital and the Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Di Zhu
- Central Hospital of Minhang District, Shanghai, China.,New Drug Evaluation Center, Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Science, Jinan, China
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Wang Z, Zhang M, Luo W, Zhang Y, Ji H. Discovery of 2-(3-(3-Carbamoylpiperidin-1-yl)phenoxy)acetic Acid Derivatives as Novel Small-Molecule Inhibitors of the β-Catenin/B-Cell Lymphoma 9 Protein-Protein Interaction. J Med Chem 2021; 64:5886-5904. [PMID: 33902288 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The β-catenin/B-cell lymphoma 9 (BCL9) protein-protein interaction (PPI) is a potential target for the suppression of hyperactive Wnt/β-catenin signaling that is vigorously involved in cancer initiation and development. Herein, we describe the medicinal chemistry optimization of a screening hit to yield novel small-molecule inhibitors of the β-catenin/BCL9 interaction. The best compound 30 can disrupt the β-catenin/BCL9 interaction with a Ki of 3.6 μM in AlphaScreen competitive inhibition assays. Cell-based experiments revealed that 30 selectively disrupted the β-catenin/BCL9 PPI, while leaving the β-catenin/E-cadherin PPI unaffected, dose-dependently suppressed Wnt signaling transactivation, downregulated oncogenic Wnt target gene expression, and on-target selectively inhibited the growth of cancer cells harboring aberrant Wnt signaling. This compound with a new chemotype can serve as a lead compound for further optimization of inhibitors for β-catenin/BCL9 PPI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wang
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612-9497, United States
| | - Min Zhang
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612-9497, United States
| | - Wen Luo
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612-9497, United States
| | - Yongqiang Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0850, United States
| | - Haitao Ji
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612-9497, United States.,Departments of Oncologic Sciences and Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620-9497, United States
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50
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Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling is crucial both in normal embryonic development and throughout the life of an organism. Moreover, aberrant Wnt signaling has been associated with various diseases, especially cancer and fibrosis. Recent research suggests that direct targeting of the β-catenin/BCL9 protein-protein interaction (PPI) is a promising strategy to block the Wnt pathway. Progress in understanding the cocrystalline complex and mechanism of action of the β-catenin/BCL9 interaction facilitates the discovery process of its inhibitors, but only a few inhibitors have been reported. In this review, the discovery and development of β-catenin/BCL9 PPI inhibitors in the areas of drug design, structure-activity relationships and biological and biochemical properties are summarized. In addition, perspectives for the future development of β-catenin/BCL9 PPI inhibitors are explored.
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