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Wang H, Liu Z, Fang Y, Luo X, Zheng C, Xu Y, Zhou X, Yuan Q, Lv S, Ma L, Lao YH, Tao Y, Li M. Spatiotemporal release of non-nucleotide STING agonist and AKT inhibitor from implantable 3D-printed scaffold for amplified cancer immunotherapy. Biomaterials 2024; 311:122645. [PMID: 38850717 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy through the activation of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway is increasingly recognized for its robust anti-tumor efficacy. However, the effectiveness of STING activation is often compromised by inadequate anti-tumor immunity and a scarcity of primed immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Herein, we design and fabricate a co-axial 3D-printed scaffold integrating a non-nucleotide STING agonist, SR-717, and an AKT inhibitor, MK-2206, in its respective shell and core layers, to synergistically enhance STING activation, thereby suppressing tumor recurrence and growth. SR-717 initiates the STING activation to enhance the phosphorylation of the factors along the STING pathway, while MK-2206 concurrently inhibits the AKT phosphorylation to facilitate the TBK1 phosphorylation of the STING pathway. The sequential and sustained release of SR-717 and MK-2206 from the scaffold results in a synergistic STING activation, demonstrating substantial anti-tumor efficacy across multiple tumor models. Furthermore, the scaffold promotes the recruitment and enrichment of activated dendritic cells and M1 macrophages, subsequently stimulating anti-tumor T cell activity, thereby amplifying the immunotherapeutic effect. This precise and synergistic activation of STING by the scaffold offers promising potential in tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Wang
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Youqiang Fang
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
| | - Xing Luo
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Chunxiong Zheng
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yanteng Xu
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Xiangfu Zhou
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Qing Yuan
- Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Shixian Lv
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Limin Ma
- Medical Research Center, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yeh-Hsing Lao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA
| | - Yu Tao
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
| | - Mingqiang Li
- Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
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2
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Zhang Y, Wang S, Rha H, Xu C, Pei Y, Ji X, Zhang J, Lu R, Zhang S, Xie Z, Kim JS. Bifunctional black phosphorus quantum dots platform: Delivery and remarkable immunotherapy enhancement of STING agonist. Biomaterials 2024; 311:122696. [PMID: 38971121 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has been developed to improve therapeutic effects for patients by activating the innate immune stimulator of interferon gene (STING) pathway. However, most patients cannot benefit from this therapy, mainly due to the problems of excessively low immune responses and lack of tumor specificity. Herein, we report a solution to these two problems by developing a bifunctional platform of black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) for STING agonists. Specifically, BPQDs could connect targeted functional groups and regulate surface zeta potential by coordinating metal ions to increase loading (over 5 times) while maintaining high universality (7 STING agonists). The controlled release of STING agonists enabled specific interactions with their proteins, activating the STING pathway and stimulating the secretion release of immunosuppressive factors by phosphorylating TBK1 and IFN-IRF3 and secreting high levels of immunostimulatory cytokines, including IL-6, IFN-α, and IFN-β. Moreover, the immunotherapy was enhanced was enhanced mild photothermal therapy (PTT) of BPQDs platform, producing enough T cells to eliminate tumors and prevent tumor recurrence. This work facilitates further research on targeted delivery of small-molecule immune drugs to enhance the development of clinical immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujun Zhang
- Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Clinical Medical College of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, PR China; Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Medical College, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China; International Joint Research Center for Molecular Science, College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, PR China
| | - Shijing Wang
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, 518040, PR China
| | - Hyeonji Rha
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, South Korea
| | - Chang Xu
- Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Clinical Medical College of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, PR China
| | - Yue Pei
- Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Clinical Medical College of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, PR China
| | - Xiaoyuan Ji
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Medical College, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China
| | - Junmin Zhang
- International Joint Research Center for Molecular Science, College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, PR China
| | - Ruitao Lu
- Shenzhen International Institute for Biomedical Research, Shenzhen, 518109, PR China
| | - Shaochong Zhang
- Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen, 518040, PR China.
| | - Zhongjian Xie
- Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Clinical Medical College of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, PR China.
| | - Jong Seung Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, South Korea.
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3
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Kawaguchi M, Minami S, Ieda N, Nakagawa H. [1,2,4]Triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives: Structure-activity relationship study leading to highly selective ENPP1 inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 110:129820. [PMID: 38851358 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2024.129820] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
The STING (stimulator of interferon genes) pathway is one of the pathways that regulate innate immunity, and the extracellular hydrolytic enzyme ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1) has been identified as its dominant negative regulator. Since activation of the innate immune system is a promising strategy for the treatment of various infectious diseases and cancers, ENPP1 inhibitors have attracted great attention as candidate drugs. We have previously identified small-molecule ENPP1 inhibitors having a [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine scaffold by means of chemical screening using a fluorescence probe, TG-mAMP. In this study, we evaluated the structure-activity relationships of the hit and lead compounds in detail, and succeeded in developing compounds that strongly and selectively inhibit ENPP1 not only in vitro, but also in cellular systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuyasu Kawaguchi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, 3-1 Tanabe-dori, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 467-8603, Japan.
| | - Shohei Minami
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, 3-1 Tanabe-dori, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 467-8603, Japan
| | - Naoya Ieda
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, 3-1 Tanabe-dori, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 467-8603, Japan
| | - Hidehiko Nakagawa
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, 3-1 Tanabe-dori, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 467-8603, Japan.
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4
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Ling YY, Li ZY, Mu X, Kong YJ, Hao L, Wang WJ, Shen QH, Zhang YB, Tan CP. Self-assembly of a ruthenium-based cGAS-STING photoactivator for carrier-free cancer immunotherapy. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 275:116638. [PMID: 38950489 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116638] [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: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
The cGAS (cyclic GMP-AMP synthase)-STING (stimulator of interferon genes) pathway promotes antitumor immune responses by sensing cytosolic DNA fragments leaked from nucleus and mitochondria. Herein, we designed a highly charged ruthenium photosensitizer (Ru1) with a β-carboline alkaloid derivative as the ligand for photo-activating of the cGAS-STING pathway. Due to the formation of multiple non-covalent intermolecular interactions, Ru1 can self-assemble into carrier-free nanoparticles (NPs). By incorporating the triphenylphosphine substituents, Ru1 can target and photo-damage mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to cause the cytoplasmic DNA leakage to activate the cGAS-STING pathway. Finally, Ru1 NPs show potent antitumor effects and elicit intense immune responses in vivo. In conclusion, we report the first self-assembling mtDNA-targeted photosensitizer, which can effectively activate the cGAS-STING pathway, thus providing innovations for the design of new photo-immunotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Yi Ling
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China; Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Functional Molecular Engineering, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Zhi-Yuan Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China; Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Functional Molecular Engineering, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Xia Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction, Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, PR China
| | - Ya-Jie Kong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China; Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Functional Molecular Engineering, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Liang Hao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China; Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Functional Molecular Engineering, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Wen-Jin Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China; Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Functional Molecular Engineering, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Qing-Hua Shen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China; Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Functional Molecular Engineering, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Yue-Bin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction, Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, PR China.
| | - Cai-Ping Tan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China; Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Functional Molecular Engineering, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
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5
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Qian L, Zhang Z, Zhang R, Zheng X, Xiao B, Zhang X, Wu Y, Chen Y, Zhang X, Zhou P, Fu Q, Kang T, Gao Y. Activated STING-containing R-EVs from iPSC-derived MSCs promote antitumor immunity. Cancer Lett 2024; 597:217081. [PMID: 38909776 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217081] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
We recently revealed that activated STING is secreted into RAB22A-induced extracellular vesicles (R-EVs) and promotes antitumor immunity in cancer cells. Whether mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived R-EVs containing activated STING can be used as a novel antitumor immunotherapy remains unclear, as MSC-derived EVs are promising cell-free therapeutics due to their superior biocompatibility and safety, as well as low immunogenicity. Here, we report that induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived MSCs can generate R-EVs with a size and mechanism of formation that are similar to those of R-EVs produced from cancer cells. Furthermore, these MSC-derived R-EVs containing activated STING induced IFNβ expression in recipient THP-1 monocytes and antitumor immunity in mice. Our findings reveal that the use of MSC-derived R-EVs containing activated STING is a promising cell-free strategy for antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linxia Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China; School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhonghan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Ruhua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Xueping Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Beibei Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaomin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuanzhong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Departments of Endodontics, Stomatological Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China
| | - Xingding Zhang
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China
| | - Penghui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingling Fu
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.
| | - Tiebang Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China.
| | - Ying Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China.
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Sun SJ, Jiao XD, Chen ZG, Cao Q, Zhu JH, Shen QR, Liu Y, Zhang Z, Xu FF, Shi Y, Tong J, Ouyang SX, Fu JT, Zhao Y, Ren J, Li DJ, Shen FM, Wang P. Gasdermin-E-mediated pyroptosis drives immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated myocarditis via cGAS-STING activation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6640. [PMID: 39103324 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50996-5] [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] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-induced myocarditis involves intensive immune/inflammation activation; however, its molecular basis is unclear. Here, we show that gasdermin-E (GSDME), a gasdermin family member, drives ICI-induced myocarditis. Pyroptosis mediated by GSDME, but not the canonical GSDMD, is activated in myocardial tissue of mice and cancer patients with ICI-induced myocarditis. Deficiency of GSDME in male mice alleviates ICI-induced cardiac infiltration of T cells, macrophages, and monocytes, as well as mitochondrial damage and inflammation. Restoration of GSDME expression specifically in cardiomyocytes, rather than myeloid cells, in GSDME-deficient mice reproduces ICI-induced myocarditis. Mechanistically, quantitative proteomics reveal that GSDME-dependent pyroptosis promotes cell death and mitochondrial DNA release, which in turn activates cGAS-STING signaling, triggering a robust interferon response and myocardial immune/inflammation activation. Pharmacological blockade of GSDME attenuates ICI-induced myocarditis and improves long-term survival in mice. Our findings may advance the understanding of ICI-induced myocarditis and suggest that targeting the GSDME-cGAS-STING-interferon axis may help prevent and manage ICI-associated myocarditis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Jia Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University/Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Jiao
- Department of Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University/Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Cao
- The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University/Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-Hui Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi-Rui Shen
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang-Fang Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Tong
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shen-Xi Ouyang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiang-Tao Fu
- The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University/Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Ren
- Department of Cardiology and Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong-Jie Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Fu-Ming Shen
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Pei Wang
- The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University/Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Metabolite Research, Naval Medical University/Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
- The National Demonstration Center for Experimental Pharmaceutical Education, Naval Medical University/Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
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7
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Chen H, Qu H, Pan Y, Cheng W, Xue X. Manganese-coordinated nanoparticle with high drug-loading capacity and synergistic photo-/immuno-therapy for cancer treatments. Biomaterials 2024; 312:122745. [PMID: 39098306 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122745] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonists have shown promise in cancer treatment by stimulating the innate immune response, yet their clinical potential has been limited by inefficient cytosolic entry and unsatisfactory pharmacological activities. Moreover, aggressive tumors with "cold" and immunosuppressive microenvironments may not be effectively suppressed solely through innate immunotherapy. Herein, we propose a multifaceted immunostimulating nanoparticle (Mn-MC NP), which integrates manganese II (Mn2+) coordinated photosensitizers (chlorin e6, Ce6) and STING agonists (MSA-2) within a PEGylated nanostructure. In Mn-MC NPs, Ce6 exerts potent phototherapeutic effects, facilitating tumor ablation and inducing immunogenic cell death to elicit robust adaptive antitumor immunity. MSA-2 activates the STING pathway powered by Mn2+, thereby promoting innate antitumor immunity. The Mn-MC NPs feature a high drug-loading capacity (63.42 %) and directly ablate tumor tissue while synergistically boosting both adaptive and innate immune responses. In subsutaneous tumor mouse models, the Mn-MC NPs exhibit remarkable efficacy in not only eradicating primary tumors but also impeding the progression of distal and metastatic tumors through synergistic immunotherapy. Additionally, they contribute to preventing tumor recurrence by fostering long-term immunological memory. Our multifaceted immunostimulating nanoparticle holds significant potential for overcoming limitations associated with insufficient antitumor immunity and ineffective cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Chen
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China; National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Haijing Qu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China; National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Yuqing Pan
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China; National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Wei Cheng
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China; National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xiangdong Xue
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China; National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
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8
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Suzuki Y, Sato T, Sugimori M, Kanemaru Y, Onodera S, Tsuchiya H, Nakamori Y, Tsuyuki S, Ikeda A, Ikeda R, Goda Y, Kaneko H, Irie K, Sue S, Maeda S. Activation of STING in pancreatic cancer-associated fibroblasts exerts an antitumor effect by enhancing tumor immunity. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17071. [PMID: 39048609 PMCID: PMC11269671 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-68061-y] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a high mortality rate; therefore, the development of effective treatments is a priority. The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway enhances tumor immunity by inducing the production of type 1 interferon (IFN) and proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines and promoting the infiltration of cytotoxic T cells. To assess the function of STING on pancreatic tumorigenesis, Ptf1aER-Cre/+ LSL-KrasG12D/+ p53loxP/loxP mice (KPC mice) and Ptf1aER-Cre/+ LSL-KrasG12D/+ p53loxP/loxP/STING-/- mice (KPCS mice) were generated. However, STING deletion did not affect pancreatic tumorigenesis in mice. Because STING is expressed not only in immune cells but also in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), we evaluated the STING function in PDAC CAFs. A mouse STING agonist 5,6-Dimethyl-9-oxo-9H-xanthene-4-acetic acid (DMXAA) was administered to KPC mice and CAFs from KPC mice and the resulting immune response was evaluated. DMXAA activated STING in PDAC CAFs in KPC mice, promoting cytotoxic T cell infiltration by secreting proinflammatory cytokines and enhancing tumor immunity. We next generated STING-deficient PDAC cells and subcutaneous tumors in which STING was expressed only in CAFs by performing bone marrow transplantation and assessed the antitumor effect of STING-activated CAFs. The administration of DMXAA to subcutaneous tumors expressing STING only in CAFs sustained the antitumor effect of DMXAA. About half of human PDACs lacked STING expression in the cancer stroma, suggesting that STING activation in PDAC CAFs exerts an antitumor effect, and STING agonists can be more effective in tumors with high than in those with low STING expression in the stroma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshimasa Suzuki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9, Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Takeshi Sato
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9, Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Makoto Sugimori
- Gastroenterological Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yushi Kanemaru
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9, Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Sho Onodera
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9, Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Hiromi Tsuchiya
- Gastroenterological Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Nakamori
- Gastroenterological Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Sho Tsuyuki
- Gastroenterological Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Aya Ikeda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9, Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Ikeda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9, Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Goda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9, Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kaneko
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9, Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Kuniyasu Irie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9, Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Soichiro Sue
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9, Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Shin Maeda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9, Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan.
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9
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Xu J, Wang C, Zhang L, Zhao C, Zhao X, Wu J. In Situ Aggregated Nanomanganese Enhances Radiation-Induced Antitumor Immunity. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:34450-34466. [PMID: 38941284 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c03838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Radiosensitizers play a pivotal role in enhancing radiotherapy (RT). One of the challenges in RT is the limited accumulation of nanoradiosensitizers and the difficulty in activating antitumor immunity. Herein, a smart strategy was used to achieve in situ aggregation of nanomanganese adjuvants (MnAuNP-C&B) to enhance RT-induced antitumor immunity. The aggregated MnAuNP-C&B system overcomes the shortcomings of small-sized nanoparticles that easily flow back into blood vessels and diffuse into surrounding tissues, and it also prolongs the retention time of nanomanganese within cancer cells and tumors. The MnAuNP-C&B system significantly enhances the radiosensitization effect in RT. Additionally, the pH-responsive disassembly of MnAuNP-C&B triggers the release of Mn2+, further promoting RT-induced activation of the STING pathway and eliciting robust antitumor immunity. Overall, our study presents a smart strategy wherein in situ aggregation of nanomanganese effectively inhibits tumor growth through radiosensitization and the activation of antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialong Xu
- Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Jiangsu Agri-Animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Chuan Zhao
- Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Xiaozhi Zhao
- Department of Andrology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jinhui Wu
- Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Centre, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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10
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Luo S, Li S, Liu C, Yu D, Sun L, Zhang S, Zhao N, Zhang M, Nie J, Zhao Y, Li C, Zhang Y, Zhang Q, Meng H, Li X, Shi J, Zheng T. Stage-specificity of STING activation in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma determines the efficacy of its agonism. Cancer Lett 2024; 594:216992. [PMID: 38797231 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216992] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is an aggressive cancer with an extremely poor prognosis, and new treatment options are needed. Recently, immunotherapy has emerged as an efficient treatment against malignant tumors, but less effective in iCCA. Activation of stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling could reignite immunologically inert tumors, but the expression and role of STING in iCCA remains to be determined. Here, we show STING is expressed in iCCA, and patients with high expression of STING in early-stage iCCA have a longer overall survival than those have low expression. Increased immune cell infiltration in early-stage iCCA corresponds to elevated STING expression. In mice iCCA models, treatment with the STING agonist MSA-2 show stage-specific inhibitory effects on tumors, with beneficial effects in early-stage tumors but not with advanced-stage cancer. This discrepancy was associated with greater programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in advanced-stage tumors. Combination therapy targeting PD-L1 and MSA-2 strikingly reduced tumor burden in such tumors compared to either monotherapy. Cumulatively, these data demonstrate that STING agonism monotherapy improves the immune landscape of the tumor microenvironment in early-stage iCCA, while combination therapy ameliorates advanced-stage iCCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Luo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, PR China; Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, No. 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, PR China
| | - Shun Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, PR China; Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, No. 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, PR China
| | - Caiqi Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, PR China; Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, No. 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, PR China
| | - Dongyu Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, PR China; Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, No. 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, PR China
| | - Linlin Sun
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, No. 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, PR China
| | - Shuyuan Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, PR China; Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, No. 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, PR China
| | - Na Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, PR China; Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, No. 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, PR China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, PR China; Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, No. 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, PR China
| | - Jianhua Nie
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, PR China; Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, No. 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, PR China
| | - Ying Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, PR China; Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, No. 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, PR China
| | - Chunyue Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, PR China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, PR China; Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, No. 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, PR China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, PR China; Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, No. 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, PR China
| | - Hongxue Meng
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, PR China
| | - Xiaobo Li
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, PR China.
| | - Jiaqi Shi
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, No. 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, PR China; Department of Phase 1 Trials Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, PR China.
| | - Tongsen Zheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, PR China; Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, No. 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, PR China; Department of Phase 1 Trials Center, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, 150081, PR China.
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11
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Wang W, Zhang F, Hu Y, Liu G. STING agonist, SMA-2, inhibits clear cell renal cell carcinoma through improving tumor microenvironment. Mol Cell Biochem 2024; 479:1697-1705. [PMID: 38592428 PMCID: PMC11255009 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-024-04970-w] [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: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most prevalent and lethal subtype of kidney cancer, patients with ccRCC usually have very poor prognosis and short survival. Therefore, it is urgent to develop more effective therapeutics or medications to suppress ccRCC progression. Here, we demonstrated that STING agonist, MSA-2 significantly inhibits tumor progress and prolongs the survival of ccRCC mice by promoting cytokines secretion. Moreover, MSA-2 triggered the trafficking and infiltration of CD8+ T cells, supported by the generation of a chemokine milieu that promoted recruitment and modulation of the immunosuppressive TME in ccRCC. These findings suggest that MSA-2 potentially serves an effective and preferable adjuvant immunotherapy of ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Urology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, NO.24 Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300192, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengqing Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Tianjin Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Hedong District, Tianjin, 300011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Hu
- Clinical Lab, Tianjin Rehabilitation Recuperation Center, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300381, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangming Liu
- Department of Urology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, NO.24 Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300192, People's Republic of China.
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12
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Yang J, Luo Z, Ma J, Wang Y, Cheng N. A next-generation STING agonist MSA-2: From mechanism to application. J Control Release 2024; 371:273-287. [PMID: 38789087 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.05.042] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) connects the innate and adaptive immune system and plays a significant role in antitumor immunity. Over the past decades, endogenous and CDN-derived STING agonists have been a hot topic in the research of cancer immunotherapies. However, these STING agonists are either in infancy with limited biological effects or have failed in clinical trials. In 2020, a non-nucleotide STING agonist MSA-2 was identified, which exhibited satisfactory antitumor effects in animal studies and is amenable to oral administration. Due to its distinctive binding mode and enhanced bioavailability, there have been accumulating interests and an array of studies on MSA-2 and its derivatives, spanning its structure-activity relationship, delivery systems, applications in combination therapies, etc. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of MSA-2 and interventional strategies based on this family of STING agonists to help more researchers extend the investigation on MSA-2 in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhan Yang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Zhenyu Luo
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Jingyi Ma
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Ningtao Cheng
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China.
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13
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Tian X, Ai J, Tian X, Wei X. cGAS-STING pathway agonists are promising vaccine adjuvants. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:1768-1799. [PMID: 38323921 DOI: 10.1002/med.22016] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Adjuvants are of critical value in vaccine development as they act on enhancing immunogenicity of antigen and inducing long-lasting immunity. However, there are only a few adjuvants that have been approved for clinical use, which highlights the need for exploring and developing new adjuvants to meet the growing demand for vaccination. Recently, emerging evidence demonstrates that the cGAS-STING pathway orchestrates innate and adaptive immunity by generating type I interferon responses. Many cGAS-STING pathway agonists have been developed and tested in preclinical research for the treatment of cancer or infectious diseases with promising results. As adjuvants, cGAS-STING agonists have demonstrated their potential to activate robust defense immunity in various diseases, including COVID-19 infection. This review summarized the current developments in the field of cGAS-STING agonists with a special focus on the latest applications of cGAS-STING agonists as adjuvants in vaccination. Potential challenges were also discussed in the hope of sparking future research interests to further the development of cGAS-STING as vaccine adjuvants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Tian
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Jiayuan Ai
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohe Tian
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
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14
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Lanng KRB, Lauridsen EL, Jakobsen MR. The balance of STING signaling orchestrates immunity in cancer. Nat Immunol 2024; 25:1144-1157. [PMID: 38918609 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-024-01872-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decade, it has become clear that the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway is critical for a variety of immune responses. This endoplasmic reticulum-anchored adaptor protein has regulatory functions in host immunity across a spectrum of conditions, including infectious diseases, autoimmunity, neurobiology and cancer. In this Review, we outline the central importance of STING in immunological processes driven by expression of type I and III interferons, as well as inflammatory cytokines, and we look at therapeutic options for targeting STING. We also examine evidence that challenges the prevailing notion that STING activation is predominantly beneficial in combating cancer. Further exploration is imperative to discern whether STING activation in the tumor microenvironment confers true benefits or has detrimental effects. Research in this field is at a crossroads, as a clearer understanding of the nuanced functions of STING activation in cancer is required for the development of next-generation therapies.
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15
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Dong M, Chen M, Zhang Y, He X, Min J, Tan Y, Wei H, Li X, Chen X, Zheng L, Yin Q, Li X, Chen H, Jiang H. Oscillatory shear stress promotes endothelial senescence and atherosclerosis via STING activation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 715:149979. [PMID: 38678779 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction is an initiating factor in atherosclerosis. Endothelial cells (ECs) are constantly subject to blood flow shear stress, and atherosclerotic plaques tend to occur in aortic bends or bifurcations impaired by low oscillatory shear stress (OSS). However, the mechanism that how OSS affects the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis remains to be explored. Here, we first reported that OSS can promote endothelial dysfunction and atherogenesis in vivo and in vitro by activating STING pathway. Mechanistically, at atherosclerosis-prone areas, OSS caused mitochondria damage in ECs, leading to the leakage of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) into the cytoplasm. The cytoplasmic mtDNA was recognized by cGAS to produce cGAMP, activating the STING pathway and leading to endothelial senescence, which resulted in endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. We found that STING was activated in plaques of atherosclerotic patients and in aortic arch ECs of high-fat diet (HFD)-fed ApoeKO mice, as well as in ECs exposed to OSS. STING-specific deficiency in ECs attenuates endothelial senescence and resulted in a significant reduction in aortic arch plaque area in HFD-fed ApoeKO mice. Consistently, specific deficiency or pharmacological inhibition of STING attenuated OSS-induced senescence and endothelial dysfunction. Pharmacological depletion of mtDNA ameliorated OSS-induced senescence and endothelial dysfunction. Taken together, our study linked hemodynamics and endothelial senescence, and revealed a novel mechanism by which OSS leads to endothelial dysfunction. Our study provided new insights into the development of therapeutic strategies for endothelial senescence and atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengdie Dong
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Minghong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yunjia Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Xian He
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Jiao Min
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yongkang Tan
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Huiyuan Wei
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Longbin Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Quanwen Yin
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Xuesong Li
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Hongshan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Hong Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
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Yu X, Cai L, Yao J, Li C, Wang X. Agonists and Inhibitors of the cGAS-STING Pathway. Molecules 2024; 29:3121. [PMID: 38999073 PMCID: PMC11243509 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29133121] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway is pivotal in immunotherapy. Several agonists and inhibitors of the cGAS-STING pathway have been developed and evaluated for the treatment of various diseases. The agonists aim to activate STING, with cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) being the most common, while the inhibitors aim to block the enzymatic activity or DNA binding ability of cGAS. Meanwhile, non-CDN compounds and cGAS agonists are also gaining attention. The omnipresence of the cGAS-STING pathway in vivo indicates that its overactivation could lead to undesired inflammatory responses and autoimmune diseases, which underscores the necessity of developing both agonists and inhibitors of the cGAS-STING pathway. This review describes the molecular traits and roles of the cGAS-STING pathway and summarizes the development of cGAS-STING agonists and inhibitors. The information is supposed to be conducive to the design of novel drugs for targeting the cGAS-STING pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxuan Yu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Linxiang Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jingyue Yao
- Department of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Cenming Li
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiaoyong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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17
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Chen Y, Li R, Duan Q, Wu L, Li X, Luo A, Zhang Y, Zhao N, Cui K, Wu W, Liu T, Wan JB, Deng L, Li G, Hou L, Tan W, Xiao Z. A DNA-Modularized STING Agonist with Macrophage-Selectivity and Programmability for Enhanced Anti-Tumor Immunotherapy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2400149. [PMID: 38898748 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The activation of cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS) and its adaptor, stimulator of interferon genes (STING), is known to reprogram the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment for promoting antitumor immunity. To enhance the efficiency of cGAS-STING pathway activation, macrophage-selective uptake, and programmable cytosolic release are crucial for the delivery of STING agonists. However, existing polymer- or lipid-based delivery systems encounter difficulty in integrating multiple functions meanwhile maintaining precise control and simple procedures. Herein, inspired by cGAS being a natural DNA sensor, a modularized DNA nanodevice agonist (DNDA) is designed that enable macrophage-selective uptake and programmable activation of the cGAS-STING pathway through precise self-assembly. The resulting DNA nanodevice acts as both a nanocarrier and agonist. Upon local administration, it demonstrates the ability of macrophage-selective uptake, endosomal escape, and cytosolic release of the cGAS-recognizing DNA segment, leading to robust activation of the cGAS-STING pathway and enhanced antitumor efficacy. Moreover, DNDA elicits a synergistic therapeutic effect when combined with immune checkpoint blockade. The study broadens the application of DNA nanotechnology as an immune stimulator for cGAS-STING activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingzhi Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Ruike Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Qiao Duan
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Lingling Wu
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xinyi Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Aoxiang Luo
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yongming Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Na Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Kai Cui
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Wenwei Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Tize Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Jian-Bo Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, 999078, China
| | - Liufu Deng
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Guiying Li
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Engineering University, Hebei, 056038, China
| | - Lijun Hou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Weihong Tan
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Zeyu Xiao
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
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18
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Schleyer K, Halabi EA, Weissleder R. γ-Butyrolactone Derivatives of MSA-2 are STING Prodrugs. ChemMedChem 2024:e202400416. [PMID: 38887174 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202400416] [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: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
STING agonists are potent enhancers of a pro-inflammatory response and, thus, potentially useful therapeutics. Unfortunately, many agonists developed to date require complex drug delivery formulations and often have poor water solubility, limiting their use for systemic administration. Here, we report the discovery and chemical characterization of lactones of MSA-2 as new STING prodrugs with enhanced properties. We show that these prodrugs form efficient inclusion complexes with tumor myeloid cell targeting cyclodextrin nanoparticles and propose a new mechanism of formation and hydrolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelton Schleyer
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206, Boston, MA-02114
| | - Elias A Halabi
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206, Boston, MA-02114
| | - Ralph Weissleder
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206, Boston, MA-02114
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, 200 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA-02115
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19
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Wang B, Tang M, Chen Q, Ho W, Teng Y, Xiong X, Jia Z, Li X, Xu X, Zhang XQ. Delivery of mRNA Encoding Interleukin-12 and a Stimulator of Interferon Genes Agonist Potentiates Antitumor Efficacy through Reversing T Cell Exhaustion. ACS NANO 2024; 18:15499-15516. [PMID: 38832815 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
T cell exhaustion has emerged as a major hurdle that impedes the clinical translation of stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonists. It is crucial to explore innovative strategies to rejuvenate exhausted T cells and potentiate the antitumor efficacy. Here, we propose an approach utilizing MSA-2 as a STING agonist, along with nanoparticle-mediated delivery of mRNA encoding interleukin-12 (IL-12) to restore the function of T cells. We developed a lipid nanoparticle (DMT7-IL12 LNP) that encapsulated IL12 mRNA. Our findings convincingly demonstrated that the combination of MSA-2 and DMT7-IL12 LNP can effectively reverse the exhausted T cell phenotype, as evidenced by the enhanced secretion of cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon gamma, and Granzyme B, coupled with reduced levels of inhibitory molecules such as T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-3 and programmed cell death protein-1 on CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, this approach led to improved survival and tumor regression without causing any systemic toxicity in melanoma and lung metastasis models. These findings suggest that mRNA encoding IL-12 in conjunction with STING agonists has the potential to confer superior clinical outcomes, representing a promising advancement in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Maoping Tang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Qijing Chen
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | | | - Yilong Teng
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiaojian Xiong
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Zhitong Jia
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiuling Li
- Shanghai Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200051, China
| | | | - Xue-Qing Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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20
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Xu X, Ding Y, Dong Y, Yuan H, Xia P, Qu C, Ma J, Wang H, Zhang X, Zhao L, Li Z, Liang Z, Wang J. Nanobody-Engineered Biohybrid Bacteria Targeting Gastrointestinal Cancers Induce Robust STING-Mediated Anti-Tumor Immunity. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2401905. [PMID: 38888519 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Bacteria can be utilized for cancer therapy owing to their preferential colonization at tumor sites. However, unmodified non-pathogenic bacteria carry potential risks due to their non-specific targeting effects, and their anti-tumor activity is limited when used as monotherapy. In this study, a biohybrid-engineered bacterial system comprising non-pathogenic MG1655 bacteria modified with CDH17 nanobodies on their surface and conjugated with photosensitizer croconium (CR) molecules is developed. The resultant biohybrid bacteria can efficiently home to CDH17-positive tumors, including gastric, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers, and significantly suppress tumor growth upon irradiation. More importantly, biohybrid bacteria-mediated photothermal therapy (PTT) induced abundant macrophage infiltration in a syngeneic murine colorectal model. Further, that the STING pathway is activated in tumor macrophages by the released bacterial nucleic acid after PTT is revealed, leading to the production of type I interferons. The addition of CD47 nanobody but not PD-1 antibody to the PTT regimen can eradicate the tumors and extend survival. This results indicate that bacteria endowed with tumor-specific selectivity and coupled with photothermal payloads can serve as an innovative strategy for low-immunogenicity cancers. This strategy can potentially reprogram the tumor microenvironment by inducing macrophage infiltration and enhancing the efficacy of immunotherapy targeting macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Xu
- Department of Geriatrics and Shenzhen Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, Department of Urology, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University), Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518020, China
- Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Postdoctoral Research Station, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Youbin Ding
- Department of Geriatrics and Shenzhen Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, Department of Urology, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University), Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518020, China
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University (Academy of Orthopedics Guangdong Province), Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yafang Dong
- Department of Geriatrics and Shenzhen Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, Department of Urology, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University), Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518020, China
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University (Academy of Orthopedics Guangdong Province), Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Haitao Yuan
- Department of Geriatrics and Shenzhen Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, Department of Urology, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University), Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518020, China
| | - Peng Xia
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China
| | - Chengming Qu
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China
| | - Jingbo Ma
- Department of Geriatrics and Shenzhen Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, Department of Urology, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University), Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518020, China
| | - Huifang Wang
- Department of Geriatrics and Shenzhen Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, Department of Urology, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University), Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518020, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University (Academy of Orthopedics Guangdong Province), Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Liang Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde), Foshan, 528308, China
- Department of Pathology & Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zhijie Li
- Department of Geriatrics and Shenzhen Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, Department of Urology, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University), Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518020, China
| | - Zhen Liang
- Department of Geriatrics and Shenzhen Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, Department of Urology, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University), Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518020, China
| | - Jigang Wang
- Department of Geriatrics and Shenzhen Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, Department of Urology, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University), Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518020, China
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
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21
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Fang J, Wang X, Meng L, Zhang J, Zhuang R, Li Y, Zhang X, Guo Z. Preclinical Evaluation of 131I/ 18F-Labeled Covalent Small-Molecule Inhibitors for STING Status Imaging. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:1783-1794. [PMID: 38898942 PMCID: PMC11184601 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00398] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is a vital protein to the immune surveillance of the tumor microenvironment. In this study, we develop novel inhibitor-based radioligands and evaluate their feasibility for noninvasive visualization of STING expression in tumor-bearing mice. Analogous compounds to STING inhibitors C170 and C176 were synthesized and labeled with 131I and 18F to attain [131I]I-NFIP and [18F]F-NFEP, respectively. The radiosynthesis was achieved with high radiochemical purity (>95%) and molar activity (28.56-48.89 GBq/μmol). The affinity and specificity of tracers were assessed through cell uptake and docking experiments, demonstrating that [131I]I-NFIP exhibited high specificity for STING, with a cell-based IC50 value of 7.56 nM. Small-animal PET/SPECT imaging and biodistribution studies in tumor-bearing mice models were performed to verify the tracers' pharmacokinetics and tumor-targeting capabilities (n = 3/group). SPECT imaging demonstrated that [131I]I-NFIP rapidly accumulated in the Panc02 tumor quickly at 30 min post-injection, with a tumor-to-muscle (T/M) ratio of 2.03 ± 0.30. This ratio significantly decreased in the blocking group (1.10 ± 0.14, **P < 0.01, n = 3). Furthermore, tumor uptake and the T/M ratio of [131I]I-NFIP were positively associated with STING expression. In summary, [131I]I-NFIP is the first STING-specific inhibitor-based radioligand offering the potential for visualizing STING status in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianyang Fang
- State
Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular
Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory,
School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang’An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- Department
of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth
Military Medical University, Xi’an 71003, China
| | - Lingxin Meng
- State
Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular
Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory,
School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang’An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jingru Zhang
- State
Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular
Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory,
School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang’An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Rongqiang Zhuang
- State
Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular
Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory,
School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang’An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yesen Li
- Department
of Nuclear Medicine and Minnan PET Center, Xiamen Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, China
| | - Xianzhong Zhang
- Theranostics
and Translational Research Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine,
Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking Union
Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and
Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Zhide Guo
- State
Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular
Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory,
School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang’An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
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22
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Wang M, Li H, Hu B, Tang C, Xu H, Ke C, Xie Z, Ye Y, Yao S. Anti-inflammatory germacrane-type sesquiterpene lactones from Vernonia sylvatica. Chin J Nat Med 2024; 22:568-576. [PMID: 38906603 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(24)60656-4] [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: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Nine new germacranolides, sylvaticalides A-H (1-9), and three known analogues (10-12) were isolated from the aerial part of Vernonia sylvatica. Their structures were established using comprehensive spectroscopic analysis, including high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (HR-ESI-MS) and 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra. Their absolute configurations were determined by X-ray diffraction experiments. The anti-inflammatory activities of all isolated compounds were assessed by evaluating their inhibitory effects on the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, which was activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human THP1-Dual cells, and the interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) pathway, activated by STING agonist MSA-2 in the same cell model. Compounds 1, 2 and 6 showed inhibitory effects on the NF-κB and ISG signaling pathways, with IC50 values ranging from 4.12 to 10.57 μmol·L-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Natural Products Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Han Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai 201210, China; State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Bintao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Natural Products Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chunping Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Natural Products Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hui Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Changqiang Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Natural Products Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zuoquan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Yang Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Natural Products Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
| | - Sheng Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Natural Products Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan 528400, China.
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23
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Wang J, Xie F, Jia X, Wang X, Kong L, Li Y, Liang X, Zhang M, He Y, Feng W, Luo T, Wang Y, Xu A. Fangchinoline induces antiviral response by suppressing STING degradation. J Pharm Anal 2024; 14:100972. [PMID: 39027910 PMCID: PMC11255895 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2024.100972] [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: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The stimulator of interferon genes (STING), an integral adaptor protein in the DNA-sensing pathway, plays a pivotal role in the innate immune response against infections. Additionally, it presents a valuable therapeutic target for infectious diseases and cancer. We observed that fangchinoline (Fan), a bis-benzylisoquinoline alkaloid (BBA), effectively impedes the replication of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV), influenza A virus (H1N1), and herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) in vitro. Fan treatment significantly reduced the viral load, attenuated tissue inflammation, and improved survival in a viral sepsis mouse model. Mechanistically, Fan activates the antiviral response in a STING-dependent manner, leading to increased expression of interferon (IFN) and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) for potent antiviral effects in vivo and in vitro. Notably, Fan interacts with STING, preventing its degradation and thereby extending the activation of IFN-based antiviral responses. Collectively, our findings highlight the potential of Fan, which elicits antiviral immunity by suppressing STING degradation, as a promising candidate for antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyong Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Fang Xie
- School of Life Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xin Jia
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xuejiao Wang
- School of Life Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Lingdong Kong
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yiying Li
- School of Life Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xue Liang
- School of Life Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Meiqi Zhang
- School of Life Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yuting He
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Wandi Feng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target Identification and New Drug Screening, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Tong Luo
- School of Life Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yao Wang
- School of Life Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Anlong Xu
- School of Life Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
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24
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Wang Y, Li S, Hu M, Yang Y, McCabe E, Zhang L, Withrow AM, Ting JPY, Liu R. Universal STING mimic boosts antitumour immunity via preferential activation of tumour control signalling pathways. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 19:856-866. [PMID: 38480836 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-024-01624-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
The efficacy of STING (stimulator of interferon genes) agonists is due to various factors, primarily inefficient intracellular delivery, low/lack of endogenous STING expression in many tumours, and a complex balance between tumour control and progression. Here we report a universal STING mimic (uniSTING) based on a polymeric architecture. UniSTING activates STING signalling in a range of mouse and human cell types, independent of endogenous STING expression, and selectively stimulates tumour control IRF3/IFN-I pathways, but not tumour progression NF-κB pathways. Intratumoural or systemic injection of uniSTING-mRNA via lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) results in potent antitumour efficacy across established and advanced metastatic tumour models, including triple-negative breast cancer, lung cancer, melanoma and orthotopic/metastatic liver malignancies. Furthermore, uniSTING displays an effective antitumour response superior to 2'3'-cGAMP and ADU-S100. By favouring IRF3/IFN-I activity over the proinflammatory NF-κB signalling pathway, uniSTING promotes dendritic cell maturation and antigen-specific CD8+ T-cell responses. Extracellular vesicles released from uniSTING-treated tumour cells further sensitize dendritic cells via exosome-containing miRNAs that reduced the immunosuppressive Wnt2b, and a combination of LNP-uniSTING-mRNA with α-Wnt2b antibodies synergistically inhibits tumour growth and prolongs animal survival. Collectively, these results demonstrate the LNP-mediated delivery of uniSTING-mRNA as a strategy to overcome the current STING therapeutic barriers, particularly for the treatment of multiple cancer types in which STING is downregulated or absent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sirui Li
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mengying Hu
- Children's Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics, and Cell and Developmental Biology, Drukier Institute for Children's Health, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yuchen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Ecology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ellie McCabe
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lillian Zhang
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Andrew M Withrow
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jenny P-Y Ting
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Rihe Liu
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Carolina Center for Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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25
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Ednacot EMQ, Nabhani A, Dinh DM, Morehouse BR. Pharmacological potential of cyclic nucleotide signaling in immunity. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 258:108653. [PMID: 38679204 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108653] [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: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Cyclic nucleotides are important signaling molecules that play many critical physiological roles including controlling cell fate and development, regulation of metabolic processes, and responding to changes in the environment. Cyclic nucleotides are also pivotal regulators in immune signaling, orchestrating intricate processes that maintain homeostasis and defend against pathogenic threats. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the pharmacological potential of cyclic nucleotide signaling pathways within the realm of immunity. Beginning with an overview of the fundamental roles of cAMP and cGMP as ubiquitous second messengers, this review delves into the complexities of their involvement in immune responses. Special attention is given to the challenges associated with modulating these signaling pathways for therapeutic purposes, emphasizing the necessity for achieving cell-type specificity to avert unintended consequences. A major focus of the review is on the recent paradigm-shifting discoveries regarding specialized cyclic nucleotide signals in the innate immune system, notably the cGAS-STING pathway. The significance of cyclic dinucleotides, exemplified by 2'3'-cGAMP, in controlling immune responses against pathogens and cancer, is explored. The evolutionarily conserved nature of cyclic dinucleotides as antiviral agents, spanning across diverse organisms, underscores their potential as targets for innovative immunotherapies. Findings from the last several years have revealed a striking diversity of novel bacterial cyclic nucleotide second messengers which are involved in antiviral responses. Knowledge of the existence and precise identity of these molecules coupled with accurate descriptions of their associated immune defense pathways will be essential to the future development of novel antibacterial therapeutic strategies. The insights presented herein may help researchers navigate the evolving landscape of immunopharmacology as it pertains to cyclic nucleotides and point toward new avenues or lines of thinking about development of therapeutics against the pathways they regulate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirene Marie Q Ednacot
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Ali Nabhani
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - David M Dinh
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Benjamin R Morehouse
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Institute for Immunology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Center for Virus Research, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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26
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Zhou Z, Huang S, Fan F, Xu Y, Moore C, Li S, Han C. The multiple faces of cGAS-STING in antitumor immunity: prospects and challenges. MEDICAL REVIEW (2021) 2024; 4:173-191. [PMID: 38919400 PMCID: PMC11195429 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2023-0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
As a key sensor of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) detects cytosolic dsDNA and initiates the synthesis of 2'3' cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) that activates the stimulator of interferon genes (STING). This finally promotes the production of type I interferons (IFN-I) that is crucial for bridging innate and adaptive immunity. Recent evidence show that several antitumor therapies, including radiotherapy (RT), chemotherapy, targeted therapies and immunotherapies, activate the cGAS-STING pathway to provoke the antitumor immunity. In the last decade, the development of STING agonists has been a major focus in both basic research and the pharmaceutical industry. However, up to now, none of STING agonists have been approved for clinical use. Considering the broad expression of STING in whole body and the direct lethal effect of STING agonists on immune cells in the draining lymph node (dLN), research on the optimal way to activate STING in tumor microenvironment (TME) appears to be a promising direction. Moreover, besides enhancing IFN-I signaling, the cGAS-STING pathway also plays roles in senescence, autophagy, apoptosis, mitotic arrest, and DNA repair, contributing to tumor development and metastasis. In this review, we summarize the recent advances on cGAS-STING pathway's response to antitumor therapies and the strategies involving this pathway for tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheqi Zhou
- Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Sanling Huang
- Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Fangying Fan
- Department of Interventional Ultrasound, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Casey Moore
- Departments of Immunology, Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Sirui Li
- Department of Genetics, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Chuanhui Han
- Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Chellen T, Bausart M, Maus P, Vanvarenberg K, Limaye N, Préat V, Malfanti A. In situ administration of STING-activating hyaluronic acid conjugate primes anti-glioblastoma immune response. Mater Today Bio 2024; 26:101057. [PMID: 38660475 PMCID: PMC11040137 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101057] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor, with a highly immunosuppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). In this work, we investigated the use of the STimulator of INterferon Genes (STING) pathway as an effective means to remodel the GBM TIME through the recruitment of both innate and adaptive immune cell populations. Using hyaluronic acid (HA), we developed a novel polymer-drug conjugate of a non-nucleotide STING agonist (MSA2), called HA-MSA2 for the in situ treatment of GBM. In JAWSII cells, HA-MSA2 exerted a greater increase of STING signaling and upregulation of STING-related downstream cyto-/chemokines in immune cells than the free drug. HA-MSA2 also elicited cancer cell-intrinsic immunostimulatory gene expression and promoted immunogenic cell death of GBM cells. In the SB28 GBM model, local delivery of HA-MSA2 induced a delay in tumor growth and a significant extension of survival. The analysis of the TIME showed a profound shift in the GBM immune landscape after HA-MSA2 treatment, with higher infiltration by innate and adaptive immune cells including dendritic, natural killer (NK) and CD8 T cell populations. The therapeutic potential of this novel polymer conjugate warrants further investigation, particularly with other chemo-immunotherapeutics or cancer vaccines as a promising combinatorial therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teenesha Chellen
- UCLouvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, Avenue Mounier 73 B1.73.12, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mathilde Bausart
- UCLouvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, Avenue Mounier 73 B1.73.12, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Maus
- UCLouvain, de Duve Institute, Genetics of Autoimmune Diseases and Cancer, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kevin Vanvarenberg
- UCLouvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, Avenue Mounier 73 B1.73.12, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nisha Limaye
- UCLouvain, de Duve Institute, Genetics of Autoimmune Diseases and Cancer, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Véronique Préat
- UCLouvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, Avenue Mounier 73 B1.73.12, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alessio Malfanti
- UCLouvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, Avenue Mounier 73 B1.73.12, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
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28
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Li Z, Yue C, Xie S, Shi S, Ye S. Computational insights into the conformational transition of STING: Mechanistic, energetic considerations, and the influence of crucial mutations. J Mol Graph Model 2024; 129:108764. [PMID: 38581901 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2024.108764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
STING (stimulator of interferon genes) is a crucial protein in the innate immune system's response to viral and bacterial infections. In this study, we investigated the mechanistic and energetic mechanism of the conformational transition process of STING activated by cGAMP binding. We found that the STING connector region undergoes an energetically unfavorable rotation during this process, which is compensated by the favorable interaction between cGAMP and the STING ligand binding domain. We further studied several disease-causing mutations and found that the V155 M mutation facilitates a smoother transition in the STING connector region. However, the V147L mutation exhibits unfavorable conformational transition energy, suggesting it may hinder STING activation pathway that relies on connector region rotation. Despite being labeled as hyperactive, the widespread prevalence of V147L/V147I mutations across species implies a neutral character, indicating complexity in its role. Overall, our analysis deepens the understanding of STING activation within the connector region, and targeting this region with compounds may provide an alternative approach to interfering with STING's function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenlu Li
- School of Life Science, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300072, China; Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| | - Congran Yue
- School of Life Science, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Shangqiang Xie
- School of Life Science, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Sai Shi
- School of Life Science, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Sheng Ye
- School of Life Science, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300072, China; Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Tianjin, 300072, China.
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29
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Huang C, Zhi X, Ye T, Wang X, Li K, Li Y, Zhang Q, Jiang L, Ding X. Boosting humoral and cellular immunity with enhanced STING activation by hierarchical mesoporous metal-organic framework adjuvants. J Control Release 2024; 370:691-706. [PMID: 38723671 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Vaccination is essential for preventing and controlling infectious diseases, along with reducing mortality. Developing safe and versatile adjuvants to enhance humoral and cellular immune responses to vaccines remains a key challenge in vaccine development. Here, we designed hierarchical mesoporous MOF-801 (HM801) using a Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) and a Pluronics F127 in an aqueous phase system. Meanwhile, we synthesized a novel SARS-CoV-2 nanovaccine (R@M@HM801) with a high loading capacity for both the STING agonist (MSA-2) and the Delta receptor binding domain (Delta-RBD) antigen. R@M@HM801 enhanced MSA-2 and RBD utilization and effectively co-delivered MSA-2 and RBD antigens to antigen-presenting cells in the draining lymph nodes, thereby promoting the activation of both T and B cells. Lymphocyte single-cell analysis showed that R@M@HM801 stimulated robust CD11b+CD4+ T cells, CXCR5+CD4+ T follicular helper (Tfh), and durable CD4+CD44+CD62L-, CD8+CD44+CD62L- effector memory T cell (TEM) immune responses, and promoted the proliferative activation of CD26+ B cells in vivo. Meanwhile, R@M@HM801 induced stronger specific antibodies and neutralization of pseudovirus against Delta compared to the RBD + MAS-2 and RBD + MAS-2 + Alum vaccines. Our study demonstrated the efficacy of a hierarchical mesoporous HM801 and its potential immune activation mechanism in enhancing adaptive immune responses against viruses and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengjie Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Institute for Personalized Medicine and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Zhi
- Shanghai Institute of Virology Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine 227 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200225, PR China.
| | - Tianbao Ye
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Xiuyuan Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ke Li
- School of Petrochemical Technology, Jilin Institute of Chemical Technology, Jilin 132022, China
| | - Yiyang Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Institute for Personalized Medicine and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Institute for Personalized Medicine and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lai Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Institute for Personalized Medicine and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xianting Ding
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Institute for Personalized Medicine and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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30
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Qian W, Ye J, Xia S. DNA sensing of dendritic cells in cancer immunotherapy. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1391046. [PMID: 38841190 PMCID: PMC11150630 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1391046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are involved in the initiation and maintenance of immune responses against malignant cells by recognizing conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). According to recent studies, tumor cell-derived DNA molecules act as DAMPs and are recognized by DNA sensors in DCs. Once identified by sensors in DCs, these DNA molecules trigger multiple signaling cascades to promote various cytokines secretion, including type I IFN, and then to induce DCs mediated antitumor immunity. As one of the potential attractive strategies for cancer therapy, various agonists targeting DNA sensors are extensively explored including the combination with other cancer immunotherapies or the direct usage as major components of cancer vaccines. Moreover, this review highlights different mechanisms through which tumor-derived DNA initiates DCs activation and the mechanisms through which the tumor microenvironment regulates DNA sensing of DCs to promote tumor immune escape. The contributions of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and checkpoint inhibitors in tumor therapy to the DNA sensing of DCs are also discussed. Finally, recent clinical progress in tumor therapy utilizing agonist-targeted DNA sensors is summarized. Indeed, understanding more about DNA sensing in DCs will help to understand more about tumor immunotherapy and improve the efficacy of DC-targeted treatment in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Qian
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Ye
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
- The Center for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sheng Xia
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
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31
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Li L. Stimulating STING for cancer therapy: Taking the extracellular route. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:851-861. [PMID: 38723635 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Ten years ago, the second messenger cGAMP was discovered as the activator of the anti-cancer STING pathway. The characterization of cGAMP's paracrine action and dominant extracellular hydrolase ENPP1 cemented cGAMP as an intercellular immunotransmitter that coordinates the innate and adaptive immune systems to fight cancer. In this Perspective, I look back at a decade of discovery of extracellular cGAMP biology and drug development aiming to supply or preserve extracellular cGAMP for cancer treatment. Reviewing our understanding of the cell type-specific regulatory mechanisms of STING agonists, including their transporters and degradation enzymes, I explain on a molecular and cellular level the successes and challenges of direct STING agonists for cancer therapy. Based on what we know now, I propose new ways to stimulate the STING pathway in a manner that is not only cancer specific, but also cell type specific to fully harness the anti-cancer effect of cGAMP while avoiding collateral damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyin Li
- Arc Institute, Palo Alto, CA, 94304 USA; Department of Biochemistry and Sarafan ChEM-H Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305 USA.
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32
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Monterroza L, Parrilla MM, Samaranayake SG, Rivera-Rodriguez DE, Yoon SB, Bommireddy R, Hosten J, Barragan LC, Marcus A, Dobosh BS, Selvaraj P, Tirouvanziam R. Tumor-Intrinsic Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Controls Immune Cell Infiltration, Tumor Growth, and Lung Metastasis in a Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Model. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5392. [PMID: 38791429 PMCID: PMC11121204 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105392] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive and highly metastatic type of tumor. TNBC is often enriched in tumor-infiltrating neutrophils (TINs), which support cancer growth in part by counteracting tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Prior studies identified the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) as a pro-tumor methyltransferase in primary and metastatic TNBCs. We hypothesized that EZH2 inhibition in TNBC cells per se would exert antitumor activity by altering the tumor immune microenvironment. To test this hypothesis, we used CRISPR to generate EZH2 gene knockout (KO) and overexpressing (OE) lines from parent (wild-type-WT) 4T1 cells, an established murine TNBC model, resulting in EZH2 protein KO and OE, respectively. In vitro, EZH2 KO and OE cells showed early, transient changes in replicative capacity and invasiveness, and marked changes in surface marker profile and cytokine/chemokine secretion compared to WT cells. In vivo, EZH2 KO cells showed significantly reduced primary tumor growth and a 10-fold decrease in lung metastasis compared to WT cells, while EZH2 OE cells were unchanged. Compared to WT tumors, TIN:TIL ratios were greatly reduced in EZH2 KO tumors but unchanged in EZH2 OE tumors. Thus, EZH2 is key to 4T1 aggressiveness as its tumor-intrinsic knockout alters their in vitro secretome and in vivo primary tumor growth, TIN/TIL poise, and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenore Monterroza
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (L.M.); (M.M.P.); (J.H.); (B.S.D.)
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - Maria M. Parrilla
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (L.M.); (M.M.P.); (J.H.); (B.S.D.)
| | | | - Dormarie E. Rivera-Rodriguez
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (D.E.R.-R.); (L.C.B.)
| | - Sung Bo Yoon
- Department of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (S.B.Y.); (A.M.)
| | - Ramireddy Bommireddy
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - Justin Hosten
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (L.M.); (M.M.P.); (J.H.); (B.S.D.)
| | - Luisa Cervantes Barragan
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (D.E.R.-R.); (L.C.B.)
| | - Adam Marcus
- Department of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (S.B.Y.); (A.M.)
| | - Brian S. Dobosh
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (L.M.); (M.M.P.); (J.H.); (B.S.D.)
| | - Periasamy Selvaraj
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - Rabindra Tirouvanziam
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (L.M.); (M.M.P.); (J.H.); (B.S.D.)
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33
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Fu N, Zhang Z, Quan J. Feedback activation of CD73-Adenosine axis attenuates the antitumor immunity of STING pathway. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 708:149814. [PMID: 38531218 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
The cGAS-STING pathway, a crucial component of innate immunity, has garnered attention as a potential therapeutic target for tumor treatment, but targeting this pathway is complicated by diverse feedback mechanisms of the cGAS-STING pathway. In this study, we demonstrated that STING activation enhanced the expression of CD73 and the subsequent production of adenosine in immune cells and cancer cells. Mechanistically, the feedback activation of CD73 depended on the type I IFN/IFNAR axis induced by STING activation. Furthermore, the combination of STING agonist and anti-CD73 mAb markedly blocked tumor growth in vivo by promoting the infiltration of CD8+ T cells and reducing the accumulation of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the tumor microenvironment. Our work provides a rationale for the combination of STING agonists and CD73 inhibitors in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nannan Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Ziang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Junmin Quan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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34
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Diepstraten ST, Yuan Y, La Marca JE, Young S, Chang C, Whelan L, Ross AM, Fischer KC, Pomilio G, Morris R, Georgiou A, Litalien V, Brown FC, Roberts AW, Strasser A, Wei AH, Kelly GL. Putting the STING back into BH3-mimetic drugs for TP53-mutant blood cancers. Cancer Cell 2024; 42:850-868.e9. [PMID: 38670091 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2024.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
TP53-mutant blood cancers remain a clinical challenge. BH3-mimetic drugs inhibit BCL-2 pro-survival proteins, inducing cancer cell apoptosis. Despite acting downstream of p53, functional p53 is required for maximal cancer cell killing by BH3-mimetics through an unknown mechanism. Here, we report p53 is activated following BH3-mimetic induced mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization, leading to BH3-only protein induction and thereby potentiating the pro-apoptotic signal. TP53-deficient lymphomas lack this feedforward loop, providing opportunities for survival and disease relapse after BH3-mimetic treatment. The therapeutic barrier imposed by defects in TP53 can be overcome by direct activation of the cGAS/STING pathway, which promotes apoptosis of blood cancer cells through p53-independent BH3-only protein upregulation. Combining clinically relevant STING agonists with BH3-mimetic drugs efficiently kills TRP53/TP53-mutant mouse B lymphoma, human NK/T lymphoma, and acute myeloid leukemia cells. This represents a promising therapy regime that can be fast-tracked to tackle TP53-mutant blood cancers in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah T Diepstraten
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
| | - Yin Yuan
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - John E La Marca
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Genome Engineering and Cancer Modelling Program, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Savannah Young
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Catherine Chang
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Lauren Whelan
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Aisling M Ross
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; School of Medicine, Bernal Institute, Limerick Digital Cancer Research Centre & Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Karla C Fischer
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Giovanna Pomilio
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Rhiannon Morris
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Angela Georgiou
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Veronique Litalien
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Fiona C Brown
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Andrew W Roberts
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Andreas Strasser
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Andrew H Wei
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Gemma L Kelly
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
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35
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Ao F, Li X, Tan Y, Jiang Z, Yang F, Guo J, Zhu Q, Chen Z, Zhou B, Zhang K, Li D. STING agonist-based hydrogel enhances immune activation in synergy with radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment. J Control Release 2024; 369:296-308. [PMID: 38301925 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.01.048] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Immunosuppression caused by incomplete radiofrequency ablation (iRFA) is a crucial factor affecting the effectiveness of RFA for solid tumors. However, little is known about the changes iRFA induces in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the primary application area for RFA. In this study, we found iRFA promotes a suppressive TIME in residual HCC tumors, characterized by M2 macrophage polarization, inhibited antigen presentation by dendritic cells (DCs), and reduced infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Interestingly, the STING agonist MSA-2 was able to reorganize M2-like tumor-promoting macrophages into M1-like anti-tumor states and enhance antigen presentation by DCs. To optimize the therapeutic effect of MSA-2, we used a calcium ion (Ca2+) responsive sodium alginate (ALG) as a carrier, forming an injectable hydrogel named ALG@MSA-2. This hydrogel can change from liquid to gel, maintaining continuous drug release in situ. Our results suggested that ALG@MSA-2 effectively activated anti-tumor immunity, as manifested by increased M1-like macrophage polarization, enhanced antigen presentation by DCs, increased CTL infiltration, and inhibited residual tumor growth. ALG@MSA-2 also resulted in a complete regression of contralateral tumors and widespread liver metastases in vivo. In addition, the excellent biosafety of ALG@MSA-2 was also proved by blood biochemical analysis and body weight changes in mice. In summary, this study demonstrated that the immune cascade of ALG@MSA-2 mediated the STING pathway activation and promoted a favorable TIME which might provide novel insights for the RFA treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Ao
- Center for Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Xi Li
- Center for Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Yan Tan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China
| | - Zebo Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Department of Pediatrics, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jingpei Guo
- Center for Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Qiancheng Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China
| | - Zhongguo Chen
- Center for Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- Center for Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China.
| | - Ke Zhang
- Center for Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China.
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province 519000, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Joint Laboratory of Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China.
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Ma XY, Chen MM, Meng LH. Second messenger 2'3'-cyclic GMP-AMP (2'3'-cGAMP): the cell autonomous and non-autonomous roles in cancer progression. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:890-899. [PMID: 38177693 PMCID: PMC11053103 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-023-01210-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytosolic double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) is frequently accumulated in cancer cells due to chromosomal instability or exogenous stimulation. Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) acts as a cytosolic DNA sensor, which is activated upon binding to dsDNA to synthesize the crucial second messenger 2'3'-cyclic GMP-AMP (2'3'-cGAMP) that in turn triggers stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling. The canonical role of cGAS-cGAMP-STING pathway is essential for innate immunity and viral defense. Recent emerging evidence indicates that 2'3'-cGAMP plays an important role in cancer progression via cell autonomous and non-autonomous mechanisms. Beyond its role as an intracellular messenger to activate STING signaling in tumor cells, 2'3'-cGAMP also serves as an immunotransmitter produced by cancer cells to modulate the functions of non-tumor cells especially immune cells in the tumor microenvironment by activating STING signaling. In this review, we summarize the synthesis, transmission, and degradation of 2'3'-cGAMP as well as the dual functions of 2'3'-cGAMP in a STING-dependent manner. Additionally, we discuss the potential therapeutic strategies that harness the cGAMP-mediated antitumor response for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yu Ma
- Division of Anti-tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Man-Man Chen
- Division of Anti-tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ling-Hua Meng
- Division of Anti-tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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37
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Lee D, Huntoon K, Wang Y, Kang M, Lu Y, Jeong SD, Link TM, Gallup TD, Qie Y, Li X, Dong S, Schrank BR, Grippin AJ, Antony A, Ha J, Chang M, An Y, Wang L, Jiang D, Li J, Koong AC, Tainer JA, Jiang W, Kim BYS. Synthetic cationic helical polypeptides for the stimulation of antitumour innate immune pathways in antigen-presenting cells. Nat Biomed Eng 2024; 8:593-610. [PMID: 38641710 PMCID: PMC11162332 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-024-01194-7] [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] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Intracellular DNA sensors regulate innate immunity and can provide a bridge to adaptive immunogenicity. However, the activation of the sensors in antigen-presenting cells (APCs) by natural agonists such as double-stranded DNAs or cyclic nucleotides is impeded by poor intracellular delivery, serum stability, enzymatic degradation and rapid systemic clearance. Here we show that the hydrophobicity, electrostatic charge and secondary conformation of helical polypeptides can be optimized to stimulate innate immune pathways via endoplasmic reticulum stress in APCs. One of the three polypeptides that we engineered activated two major intracellular DNA-sensing pathways (cGAS-STING (for cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase-stimulator of interferon genes) and Toll-like receptor 9) preferentially in APCs by promoting the release of mitochondrial DNA, which led to the efficient priming of effector T cells. In syngeneic mouse models of locally advanced and metastatic breast cancers, the polypeptides led to potent DNA-sensor-mediated antitumour responses when intravenously given as monotherapy or with immune checkpoint inhibitors. The activation of multiple innate immune pathways via engineered cationic polypeptides may offer therapeutic advantages in the generation of antitumour immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- DaeYong Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Brain Tumour Center, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kristin Huntoon
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Brain Tumour Center, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yifan Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Minjeong Kang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yifei Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Brain Tumour Center, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Seong Dong Jeong
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Brain Tumour Center, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Todd M Link
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Thomas D Gallup
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Brain Tumour Center, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yaqing Qie
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Brain Tumour Center, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xuefeng Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shiyan Dong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Benjamin R Schrank
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Adam J Grippin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Abin Antony
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - JongHoon Ha
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mengyu Chang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yi An
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dadi Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Albert C Koong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - John A Tainer
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Wen Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Betty Y S Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Brain Tumour Center, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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38
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Dion MZ, Artzi N. Polypeptide agonists of innate immune sensors. Nat Biomed Eng 2024; 8:495-496. [PMID: 38778182 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-024-01212-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Z Dion
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences & Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Natalie Artzi
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
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Xin GF, Chen NN, Li LL, Liu XC, Che CC, Wu BD, You QD, Xu XL. An updated patent review of stimulator of interferon genes agonists (2021 - present). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2024; 34:297-313. [PMID: 38849323 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2024.2365409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) is an innate immune sensor. Activation of STING triggers a downstream response that results in the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) via nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) or the expression of type I interferons (IFNs) via an interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3). IFNs can eventually result in promotion of the adaptive immune response including activation of tumor-specific CD8+ T cells to abolish the tumor. Consequently, activation of STING has been considered as a potential strategy for cancer treatment. AREAS COVERED This article provides an overview on structures and pharmacological data of CDN-like and non-nucleotide STING agonists acting as anticancer agents (January 2021 to October 2023) from a medicinal chemistry perspective. The data in this review come from EPO, WIPO, RCSB PDB, CDDI. EXPERT OPINION In recent years, several structurally diverse STING agonists have been identified. As an immune enhancer, they are used in the treatment of tumors, which has received extensive attention from scientific community and pharmaceutical companies. Despite the multiple challenges that have appeared, STING agonists may offer opportunities for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Feng Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Nan-Nan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lin-Lin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xue-Chun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chun-Chen Che
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bei-Duo Wu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qi-Dong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiao-Li Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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Sun X, Huang X, Park KS, Zhou X, Kennedy AA, Pretto CD, Wu Q, Wan Z, Xu Y, Gong W, Sexton JZ, Tai AW, Lei YL, Moon JJ. Self-Assembled STING-Activating Coordination Nanoparticles for Cancer Immunotherapy and Vaccine Applications. ACS NANO 2024; 18:10439-10453. [PMID: 38567994 PMCID: PMC11031738 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c11374] [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] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
The cGAS-STING pathway plays a crucial role in innate immune activation against cancer and infections, and STING agonists based on cyclic dinucleotides (CDN) have garnered attention for their potential use in cancer immunotherapy and vaccines. However, the limited drug-like properties of CDN necessitate an efficient delivery system to the immune system. To address these challenges, we developed an immunostimulatory delivery system for STING agonists. Here, we have examined aqueous coordination interactions between CDN and metal ions and report that CDN mixed with Zn2+ and Mn2+ formed distinctive crystal structures. Further pharmaceutical engineering led to the development of a functional coordination nanoparticle, termed the Zinc-Mn-CDN Particle (ZMCP), produced by a simple aqueous one-pot synthesis. Local or systemic administration of ZMCP exerted robust antitumor efficacy in mice. Importantly, recombinant protein antigens from SARS-CoV-2 can be simply loaded during the aqueous one-pot synthesis. The resulting ZMCP antigens elicited strong cellular and humoral immune responses that neutralized SARS-CoV-2, highlighting ZMCP as a self-adjuvant vaccine platform against COVID-19 and other infectious pathogens. Overall, this work establishes a paradigm for developing translational coordination nanomedicine based on drug-metal ion coordination and broadens the applicability of coordination medicine for the delivery of proteins and other biologics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqi Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Xuehui Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Kyung Soo Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Xingwu Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Andrew A Kennedy
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Carla D Pretto
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Qi Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Ziye Wan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Yao Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Wang Gong
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Cancer Biology at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
| | - Jonathan Z Sexton
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Andrew W Tai
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Yu Leo Lei
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Otolaryngology─Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Cancer Biology, Department of Translational Pathology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - James J Moon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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41
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Zhou L, Yi M. Editorial: Harnessing tumor microenvironment for gynecologic cancer therapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1407128. [PMID: 38650941 PMCID: PMC11034365 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1407128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Linying Zhou
- Department of Gynecology, Longquan People’s Hospital, Lishui, China
| | - Ming Yi
- The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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42
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Tabar MMM, Fathi M, Kazemi F, Bazregari G, Ghasemian A. STING pathway as a cancer immunotherapy: Progress and challenges in activating anti-tumor immunity. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:487. [PMID: 38578532 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09418-4] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
The stimulator of the interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in innate immunity by detecting cytoplasmic DNA and initiating antiviral host defense mechanisms. The STING cascade is triggered when the enzyme cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) binds cytosolic DNA and synthesizes the secondary messenger cGAMP. cGAMP activates the endoplasmic reticulum adaptor STING, leading to the activation of kinases TBK1 and IRF3 that induce interferon production. Secreted interferons establish an antiviral state in infected and adjacent cells. Beyond infections, aberrant DNA in cancer cells can also activate the STING pathway. Preclinical studies have shown that pharmacological STING agonists like cyclic dinucleotides elicit antitumor immunity when administered intratumorally by provoking innate and adaptive immunity. Combining STING agonists with immune checkpoint inhibitors may improve outcomes by overcoming tumor immunosuppression. First-generation STING agonists encountered challenges like poor pharmacokinetics, limited tumor specificity, and systemic toxicity. The development of the next-generation STING-targeted drugs to realize the full potential of engaging this pathway for cancer treatment can be a solution to overcome the current challenges, but further studies are required to determine optimal applications and combination regimens for the clinic. Notably, the controlled activation of STING is needed to preclude adverse effects. This review explores the mechanisms and effects of STING activation, its role in cancer immunotherapy, and current challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mahnaz Fathi
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Kazemi
- Faculty of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Ghazal Bazregari
- Department of Hematology, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Abdolmajid Ghasemian
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran.
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Li Q, Jia M, Song H, Peng J, Zhao W, Zhang W. Astaxanthin Inhibits STING Carbonylation and Enhances Antiviral Responses. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:1188-1195. [PMID: 38391298 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
STING-mediated DNA sensing pathway plays a crucial role in the innate antiviral immune responses. Clarifying its regulatory mechanism and searching STING agonists has potential clinical implications. Although multiple STING agonists have been developed to target cancer, there are few for the treatment of infectious diseases. Astaxanthin, a natural and powerful antioxidant, serves many biological functions and as a potential candidate drug for many diseases. However, how astaxanthin combats viruses and whether astaxanthin regulates the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-STING pathway remains unclear. In this study, we showed that astaxanthin markedly inhibited HSV-1-induced lipid peroxidation and inflammatory responses and enhanced the induction of type I IFN in C57BL/6J mice and mouse primary peritoneal macrophages. Mechanistically, astaxanthin inhibited HSV-1 infection and oxidative stress-induced STING carbonylation and consequently promoted STING translocation to the Golgi apparatus and oligomerization, which activated STING-dependent host defenses. Thus, our study reveals that astaxanthin displays a strong antiviral activity by targeting STING, suggesting that astaxanthin might be a promising STING agonist and a therapeutic target for viral infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qizhao Li
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Chinese Ministry of Education, and Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Science, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Mutian Jia
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Chinese Ministry of Education, and Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Science, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Hui Song
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Chinese Ministry of Education, and Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Science, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jun Peng
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Chinese Ministry of Education, and Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Science, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Weifang Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Chinese Ministry of Education, and Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Science, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Enbergs N, Halabi EA, Goubet A, Schleyer K, Fredrich IR, Kohler RH, Garris CS, Pittet MJ, Weissleder R. Pharmacological Polarization of Tumor-Associated Macrophages Toward a CXCL9 Antitumor Phenotype. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2309026. [PMID: 38342608 PMCID: PMC11022742 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309026] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) are a diverse population of myeloid cells that are often abundant and immunosuppressive in human cancers. CXCL9Hi TAM has recently been described to have an antitumor phenotype and is linked to immune checkpoint response. Despite the emerging understanding of the unique antitumor TAM phenotype, there is a lack of TAM-specific therapeutics to exploit this new biological understanding. Here, the discovery and characterization of multiple small-molecule enhancers of chemokine ligand 9 (CXCL9) and their targeted delivery in a TAM-avid systemic nanoformulation is reported. With this strategy, it is efficient encapsulation and release of multiple drug loads that can efficiently induce CXCL9 expression in macrophages, both in vitro and in vivo in a mouse tumor model. These observations provide a window into the molecular features that define TAM-specific states, an insight a novel therapeutic anticancer approach is used to discover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah Enbergs
- Center for Systems BiologyMassachusetts General Hospital185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206BostonMA02114USA
| | - Elias A. Halabi
- Center for Systems BiologyMassachusetts General Hospital185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206BostonMA02114USA
| | - Anne‐Gaëlle Goubet
- Department of Pathology and ImmunologyUniversity of GenevaGeneva1211Switzerland
- AGORA Cancer CenterSwiss Cancer Center LemanLausanne1011Switzerland
| | - Kelton Schleyer
- Center for Systems BiologyMassachusetts General Hospital185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206BostonMA02114USA
| | - Ina R. Fredrich
- Center for Systems BiologyMassachusetts General Hospital185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206BostonMA02114USA
| | - Rainer H. Kohler
- Center for Systems BiologyMassachusetts General Hospital185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206BostonMA02114USA
| | - Christopher S. Garris
- Center for Systems BiologyMassachusetts General Hospital185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206BostonMA02114USA
| | - Mikaël J. Pittet
- Department of Pathology and ImmunologyUniversity of GenevaGeneva1211Switzerland
- AGORA Cancer CenterSwiss Cancer Center LemanLausanne1011Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer ResearchLausanne1005Switzerland
| | - Ralph Weissleder
- Center for Systems BiologyMassachusetts General Hospital185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206BostonMA02114USA
- Department of Systems BiologyHarvard Medical School200 Longwood AveBostonMA02115USA
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Li Q, Wu P, Du Q, Hanif U, Hu H, Li K. cGAS-STING, an important signaling pathway in diseases and their therapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e511. [PMID: 38525112 PMCID: PMC10960729 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Since cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway was discovered in 2013, great progress has been made to elucidate the origin, function, and regulating mechanism of cGAS-STING signaling pathway in the past decade. Meanwhile, the triggering and transduction mechanisms have been continuously illuminated. cGAS-STING plays a key role in human diseases, particularly DNA-triggered inflammatory diseases, making it a potentially effective therapeutic target for inflammation-related diseases. Here, we aim to summarize the ancient origin of the cGAS-STING defense mechanism, as well as the triggers, transduction, and regulating mechanisms of the cGAS-STING. We will also focus on the important roles of cGAS-STING signal under pathological conditions, such as infections, cancers, autoimmune diseases, neurological diseases, and visceral inflammations, and review the progress in drug development targeting cGAS-STING signaling pathway. The main directions and potential obstacles in the regulating mechanism research and therapeutic drug development of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway for inflammatory diseases and cancers will be discussed. These research advancements expand our understanding of cGAS-STING, provide a theoretical basis for further exploration of the roles of cGAS-STING in diseases, and open up new strategies for targeting cGAS-STING as a promising therapeutic intervention in multiple diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qijie Li
- Sichuan province Medical and Engineering Interdisciplinary Research Center of Nursing & Materials/Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan ProvinceWest China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of NursingSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Ping Wu
- Department of Occupational DiseasesThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College (China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital)ChengduSichuanChina
| | - Qiujing Du
- Sichuan province Medical and Engineering Interdisciplinary Research Center of Nursing & Materials/Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan ProvinceWest China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of NursingSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Ullah Hanif
- Sichuan province Medical and Engineering Interdisciplinary Research Center of Nursing & Materials/Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan ProvinceWest China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of NursingSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Hongbo Hu
- Center for Immunology and HematologyState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Ka Li
- Sichuan province Medical and Engineering Interdisciplinary Research Center of Nursing & Materials/Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan ProvinceWest China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of NursingSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
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46
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Fang J, Zhang J, Meng L, Li H, Xia D, Wang Y, Chen H, Liao Z, Zhuang R, Li Y, Zhang X, Guo Z. 18F-Labeled Amidobenzimidazole Analogue for Visualizing STING Expression in Tumor. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:1942-1951. [PMID: 38447198 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c01201] [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] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is pivotal in mediating STING-dependent type I interferon production, which is crucial for enhancing tumor rejection. Visualizing STING within the tumor microenvironment is valuable for STING-related treatments, yet the availability of suitable STING imaging probes is limited. In this study, we developed [18F]AlF-ABI, a novel 18F-labeled agent featuring an amidobenzimidazole core structure, for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of STING in B16F10 and CT26 tumors. [18F]AlF-ABI was synthesized with a decay-corrected radiochemical yield of 38.0 ± 7.9% and radiochemical purity exceeding 97%. The probe exhibited a nanomolar STING binding affinity (KD = 35.6 nM). Upon administration, [18F]AlF-ABI rapidly accumulated at tumor sites, demonstrating significantly higher uptake in B16F10 tumors compared to CT26 tumors, consistent with STING immunofluorescence patterns. Specificity was further validated through in vitro cell experiments and in vivo blocking PET imaging. These findings suggest that [18F]AlF-ABI holds promise as an effective agent for visualizing STING in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianyang Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang'An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jingru Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang'An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Lingxin Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang'An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Huifeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang'An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Dongsheng Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang'An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yaoxuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang'An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Hao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang'An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Zhenhuan Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang'An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Rongqiang Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang'An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yesen Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & Minnan PET Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, China
| | - Xianzhong Zhang
- Theranostics and Translational Research Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan, Dongcheng, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Zhide Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 4221-116 Xiang'An South Rd, Xiamen 361102, China
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47
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Zhang BC, Laursen MF, Hu L, Hazrati H, Narita R, Jensen LS, Hansen AS, Huang J, Zhang Y, Ding X, Muyesier M, Nilsson E, Banasik A, Zeiler C, Mogensen TH, Etzerodt A, Agger R, Johannsen M, Kofod-Olsen E, Paludan SR, Jakobsen MR. Cholesterol-binding motifs in STING that control endoplasmic reticulum retention mediate anti-tumoral activity of cholesterol-lowering compounds. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2760. [PMID: 38553448 PMCID: PMC10980718 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47046-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The cGAS-STING pathway plays a crucial role in anti-tumoral responses by activating inflammation and reprogramming the tumour microenvironment. Upon activation, STING traffics from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to Golgi, allowing signalling complex assembly and induction of interferon and inflammatory cytokines. Here we report that cGAMP stimulation leads to a transient decline in ER cholesterol levels, mediated by Sterol O-Acyltransferase 1-dependent cholesterol esterification. This facilitates ER membrane curvature and STING trafficking to Golgi. Notably, we identify two cholesterol-binding motifs in STING and confirm their contribution to ER-retention of STING. Consequently, depletion of intracellular cholesterol levels enhances STING pathway activation upon cGAMP stimulation. In a preclinical tumour model, intratumorally administered cholesterol depletion therapy potentiated STING-dependent anti-tumoral responses, which, in combination with anti-PD-1 antibodies, promoted tumour remission. Collectively, we demonstrate that ER cholesterol sets a threshold for STING signalling through cholesterol-binding motifs in STING and we propose that this could be exploited for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Cun Zhang
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Marlene F Laursen
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, DK-9220, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Lili Hu
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Hossein Hazrati
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Aarhus University, DK-8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Ryo Narita
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Lea S Jensen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Aida S Hansen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Jinrong Huang
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Engineering, Aarhus University, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Xiangning Ding
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | | | - Emil Nilsson
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Agnieszka Banasik
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, DK-9220, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Christina Zeiler
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, DK-9220, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Trine H Mogensen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Anders Etzerodt
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Ralf Agger
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, DK-9220, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Mogens Johannsen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Aarhus University, DK-8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Emil Kofod-Olsen
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, DK-9220, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Søren R Paludan
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Martin R Jakobsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
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48
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Nguyen DC, Song K, Jokonya S, Yazdani O, Sellers DL, Wang Y, Zakaria ABM, Pun SH, Stayton PS. Mannosylated STING Agonist Drugamers for Dendritic Cell-Mediated Cancer Immunotherapy. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2024; 10:666-675. [PMID: 38559305 PMCID: PMC10979423 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.3c01310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) pathway is a promising target for cancer immunotherapy. Despite recent advances, therapies targeting the STING pathway are often limited by routes of administration, suboptimal STING activation, or off-target toxicity. Here, we report a dendritic cell (DC)-targeted polymeric prodrug platform (polySTING) that is designed to optimize intracellular delivery of a diamidobenzimidazole (diABZI) small-molecule STING agonist while minimizing off-target toxicity after parenteral administration. PolySTING incorporates mannose targeting ligands as a comonomer, which facilitates its uptake in CD206+/mannose receptor+ professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The STING agonist is conjugated through a cathepsin B-cleavable valine-alanine (VA) linker for selective intracellular drug release after receptor-mediated endocytosis. When administered intravenously in tumor-bearing mice, polySTING selectively targeted CD206+/mannose receptor+ APCs in the TME, resulting in increased cross-presenting CD8+ DCs, infiltrating CD8+ T cells in the TME as well as maturation across multiple DC subtypes in the tumor-draining lymph node (TDLN). Systemic administration of polySTING slowed tumor growth in a B16-F10 murine melanoma model as well as a 4T1 murine breast cancer model with an acceptable safety profile. Thus, we demonstrate that polySTING delivers STING agonists to professional APCs after systemic administration, generating efficacious DC-driven antitumor immunity with minimal side effects. This new polymeric prodrug platform may offer new opportunities for combining efficient targeted STING agonist delivery with other selective tumor therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinh Chuong Nguyen
- Molecular
Engineering & Sciences Institute, University
of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Kefan Song
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Simbarashe Jokonya
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Omeed Yazdani
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Drew L. Sellers
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Yonghui Wang
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - ABM Zakaria
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Suzie H. Pun
- Molecular
Engineering & Sciences Institute, University
of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Patrick S. Stayton
- Molecular
Engineering & Sciences Institute, University
of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
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49
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Li G, Zhao X, Zheng Z, Zhang H, Wu Y, Shen Y, Chen Q. cGAS-STING pathway mediates activation of dendritic cell sensing of immunogenic tumors. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:149. [PMID: 38512518 PMCID: PMC10957617 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05191-6] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFN-I) play pivotal roles in tumor therapy for three decades, underscoring the critical importance of maintaining the integrity of the IFN-1 signaling pathway in radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. However, the specific mechanism by which IFN-I contributes to these therapies, particularly in terms of activating dendritic cells (DCs), remains unclear. Based on recent studies, aberrant DNA in the cytoplasm activates the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)- stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway, which in turn produces IFN-I, which is essential for antiviral and anticancer immunity. Notably, STING can also enhance anticancer immunity by promoting autophagy, inflammation, and glycolysis in an IFN-I-independent manner. These research advancements contribute to our comprehension of the distinctions between IFN-I drugs and STING agonists in the context of oncology therapy and shed light on the challenges involved in developing STING agonist drugs. Thus, we aimed to summarize the novel mechanisms underlying cGAS-STING-IFN-I signal activation in DC-mediated antigen presentation and its role in the cancer immune cycle in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohao Li
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiangqian Zhao
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zuda Zheng
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hucheng Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yundi Wu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yangkun Shen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Qi Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China.
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50
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Yu Y, Bogdan M, Noman MZ, Parpal S, Bartolini E, Van Moer K, Kleinendorst SC, Bilgrav Saether K, Trésaugues L, Silvander C, Lindström J, Simeon J, Timson MJ, Al-Hashimi H, Smith BD, Flynn DL, Alexeyenko A, Viklund J, Andersson M, Martinsson J, Pokrovskaja Tamm K, De Milito A, Janji B. Combining VPS34 inhibitors with STING agonists enhances type I interferon signaling and anti-tumor efficacy. Mol Oncol 2024. [PMID: 38506049 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13619] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
An immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment promotes tumor growth and is one of the main factors limiting the response to cancer immunotherapy. We have previously reported that inhibition of vacuolar protein sorting 34 (VPS34), a crucial lipid kinase in the autophagy/endosomal trafficking pathway, decreases tumor growth in several cancer models, increases infiltration of immune cells and sensitizes tumors to anti-programmed cell death protein 1/programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 therapy by upregulation of C-C motif chemokine 5 (CCL5) and C-X-C motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10) chemokines. The purpose of this study was to investigate the signaling mechanism leading to the VPS34-dependent chemokine increase. NanoString gene expression analysis was applied to tumors from mice treated with the VPS34 inhibitor SB02024 to identify key pathways involved in the anti-tumor response. We showed that VPS34 inhibitors increased the secretion of T-cell-recruitment chemokines in a cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)/stimulator of interferon genes protein (STING)-dependent manner in cancer cells. Both pharmacological and small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated VPS34 inhibition increased cGAS/STING-mediated expression and secretion of CCL5 and CXCL10. The combination of VPS34 inhibitor and STING agonist further induced cytokine release in both human and murine cancer cells as well as monocytic or dendritic innate immune cells. Finally, the VPS34 inhibitor SB02024 sensitized B16-F10 tumor-bearing mice to STING agonist treatment and significantly improved mice survival. These results show that VPS34 inhibition augments the cGAS/STING pathway, leading to greater tumor control through immune-mediated mechanisms. We propose that pharmacological VPS34 inhibition may synergize with emerging therapies targeting the cGAS/STING pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Yu
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Sprint Bioscience, Huddinge, Sweden
| | | | - Muhammad Zaeem Noman
- Tumor Immunotherapy and Microenvironment (TIME) Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Luxembourg
| | - Santiago Parpal
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Sprint Bioscience, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Elisabetta Bartolini
- Tumor Immunotherapy and Microenvironment (TIME) Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Luxembourg
| | - Kris Van Moer
- Tumor Immunotherapy and Microenvironment (TIME) Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Luxembourg
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Andrey Alexeyenko
- Science for Life Laboratory, Solna, Sweden
- Evi-networks Consulting, Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | - Angelo De Milito
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Sprint Bioscience, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Bassam Janji
- Tumor Immunotherapy and Microenvironment (TIME) Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Luxembourg
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