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Zhang P, Zhong D, Yu Y, Wang L, Li Y, Liang Y, Shi Y, Duan M, Li B, Niu H, Xu Y. Integration of STING activation and COX-2 inhibition via steric-hindrance effect tuned nanoreactors for cancer chemoimmunotherapy. Biomaterials 2024; 311:122695. [PMID: 38954960 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122695] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Integrating immunotherapy with nanomaterials-based chemotherapy presents a promising avenue for amplifying antitumor outcomes. Nevertheless, the suppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and the upregulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) induced by chemotherapy can hinder the efficacy of the chemoimmunotherapy. This study presents a TIME-reshaping strategy by developing a steric-hindrance effect tuned zinc-based metal-organic framework (MOF), designated as CZFNPs. This nanoreactor is engineered by in situ loading of the COX-2 inhibitor, C-phycocyanin (CPC), into the framework building blocks, while simultaneously weakening the stability of the MOF. Consequently, CZFNPs achieve rapid pH-responsive release of zinc ions (Zn2+) and CPC upon specific transport to tumor cells overexpressing folate receptors. Accordingly, Zn2+ can induce reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated cytotoxicity therapy while synchronize with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) release, which stimulates mtDNA/cGAS-STING pathway-mediated innate immunity. The CPC suppresses the chemotherapy-induced overexpression of COX-2, thus cooperatively reprogramming the suppressive TIME and boosting the antitumor immune response. In xenograft tumor models, the CZFNPs system effectively modulates STING and COX-2 expression, converting "cold" tumors into "hot" tumors, thereby resulting in ≈ 4-fold tumor regression relative to ZIF-8 treatment alone. This approach offers a potent strategy for enhancing the efficacy of combined nanomaterial-based chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Zhang
- Department of Urology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Di Zhong
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yongbo Yu
- Department of Urology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Lupeng Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Yifan Li
- Department of Breast Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ye Liang
- Department of Urology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yanfeng Shi
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Meilin Duan
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
| | - Bing Li
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Haitao Niu
- Department of Urology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China.
| | - Yuanhong Xu
- Department of Urology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China.
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Liu A, Wen T, Ding L, Qin Y, Li C, Lei M, Zhu Y. Proteasome inhibitors FHND6091 enhance the ability of NK cells to kill tumor cells through multiple mechanisms. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 977:176716. [PMID: 38849039 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176716] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
The immune system has a strong connection to tumors. When a tumor cell is recognized as an abnormal cell by the immune system, the immune system may initiate an immune response to kill the tumor cell. In this study, RNA sequencing was performed on multiple myeloma (MM) cells treated with the proteasome inhibitor FHND6091. The transcriptional changes induced by FHND6091 in RPMI8226 cells aligned notably with immune response activation and results indicated upregulation of cGAS-STING pathway-related genes in the FHND6091-treated group. In vivo and in vitro experiments had demonstrated that FHND6091 stimulated the immunoreaction of MM cells via activation of the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine synthase/stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) pathway. This activation resulted in the generation of type-I interferons and the mobilization of natural killer (NK) cells. Notably, FHND6091 upregulated the levels of calreticulin and the protein ligands UL16-binding protein 2/5/6, MHC class I chain-related A (MICA), and MICB on the surface of MM cells. Subsequently, upon engaging with the surface activation receptors of NK cells, these ligands triggered NK cell activation, leading to the subsequent elimination of tumor cells. Thus, our findings elucidated the mechanism whereby FHND6091 exerted its immunotherapeutic activity as a STING agonist, enhancing the killing ability of NK cells against tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Liu
- College of Science, Nanjing Forestry University, No.159 Longpan Road, Nanjing, 210037, PR China
| | - Tiantian Wen
- College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, No.1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing, 210046, PR China
| | - Liming Ding
- Jiangsu Chia Tai Fenghai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., No.9 Weidi Road, Nanjing, 210046, PR China
| | - Yanru Qin
- College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, No.1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing, 210046, PR China
| | - Chenhui Li
- Jiangsu Chia Tai Fenghai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., No.9 Weidi Road, Nanjing, 210046, PR China
| | - Meng Lei
- College of Science, Nanjing Forestry University, No.159 Longpan Road, Nanjing, 210037, PR China.
| | - Yongqiang Zhu
- College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, No.1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing, 210046, PR China; Jiangsu Chia Tai Fenghai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., No.9 Weidi Road, Nanjing, 210046, PR China; School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, No.2 Xuelin Road, Nanjing, 210046, PR China.
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3
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Wu S, Zhou Y, Asakawa N, Wen M, Sun Y, Ming Y, Song T, Chen W, Ma G, Xia Y. Engineering CaP-Pickering emulsion for enhanced mRNA cancer vaccines via dual DC and NK activations. J Control Release 2024; 373:837-852. [PMID: 39059499 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.07.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
mRNA delivery systems, such as lipid nanoparticle (LNP), have made remarkable strides in improving mRNA expression, whereas immune system activation operates on a threshold. Maintaining a delicate balance between antigen expression and dendritic cell (DC) activation is vital for effective immune recognition. Here, a water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) Pickering emulsion stabilized with calcium phosphate nanoparticles (CaP-PME) is developed for mRNA delivery in cancer vaccination. CaP-PME efficiently transports mRNA into the cytoplasm, induces pro-inflammatory responses and activates DCs by disrupting intracellular calcium/potassium ions balance. Unlike LNP, CaP-PME demonstrates a preference for DCs, enhancing their activation and migration to lymph nodes. It elicits interferon-γ-mediated CD8+ T cell responses and promotes NK cell proliferation and activation, leading to evident NK cells infiltration and ameliorated tumor microenvironment. The prepared w/o/w Pickering emulsion demonstrates superior anti-tumor effects in E.G7 and B16-OVA tumor models, offering promising prospects as an enhanced mRNA delivery vehicle for cancer vaccinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihua Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China; Division of Molecular Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Gunma University, 1-5-1, Tenjin-cho, Kiryu 376-8515, Japan
| | - Yan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China; School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Naoki Asakawa
- Division of Molecular Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Gunma University, 1-5-1, Tenjin-cho, Kiryu 376-8515, Japan
| | - Mei Wen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China, Changsha 410083, PR China
| | - Yu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Yali Ming
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China; School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Tiantian Song
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China; School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Wansong Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China, Changsha 410083, PR China
| | - Guanghui Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China; School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Yufei Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100081, PR China; School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China.
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Wang D, Deng X, Wang J, Che S, Ma X, Zhang S, Dong Q, Huang C, Chen J, Shi C, Zhang MR, Hu K, Luo L, Xiao Z. Environmentally responsive hydrogel promotes vascular normalization to enhance STING anti-tumor immunity. J Control Release 2024; 372:403-416. [PMID: 38914207 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.06.052] [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: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
The immunosuppressive microenvironment of malignant tumors severely hampers the effectiveness of anti-tumor therapy. Moreover, abnormal tumor vasculature interacts with immune cells, forming a vicious cycle that further interferes with anti-tumor immunity and promotes tumor progression. Our pre-basic found excellent anti-tumor effects of c-di-AMP and RRx-001, respectively, and we further explored whether they could be combined synergistically for anti-tumor immunotherapy. We chose to load these two drugs on PVA-TSPBA hydrogel scaffolds that expressly release drugs within the tumor microenvironment by in situ injection. Studies have shown that c-di-AMP activates the STING pathway, enhances immune cell infiltration, and reverses tumor immunosuppression. Meanwhile, RRx-001 releases nitric oxide, which increases oxidative stress injury in tumor cells and promotes apoptosis. Moreover, the combination of the two presented more powerful pro-vascular normalization and reversed tumor immunosuppression than the drug alone. This study demonstrates a new design option for anti-tumor combination therapy and the potential of tumor environmentally responsive hydrogel scaffolds in combination with anti-tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duo Wang
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiujiao Deng
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Department of Pharmacy, The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Chronic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Jinghao Wang
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Department of Pharmacy, The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Chronic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Shuang Che
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiaocong Ma
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Department of Radiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University (Shenhe People's Hospital), Heyuan 517000, China
| | - Siqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Qiu Dong
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Cuiqing Huang
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jifeng Chen
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Changzheng Shi
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Ming-Rong Zhang
- Department of Advanced Nuclear Medicine Sciences, Institute of Quantum Medical, Science, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba 2638555, Japan
| | - Kuan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Liangping Luo
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Department of Radiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University (Shenhe People's Hospital), Heyuan 517000, China.
| | - Zeyu Xiao
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
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Luo M, He N, Xu Q, Wen Z, Wang Z, Zhao J, Liu Y. Roles of prostaglandins in immunosuppression. Clin Immunol 2024; 265:110298. [PMID: 38909972 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2024.110298] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Prostaglandins (PGs) play a crucial and multifaceted role in various physiological processes such as intercellular signaling, inflammation regulation, neurotransmission, vasodilation, vasoconstriction, and reproductive functions. The diversity and biological significance of these effects are contingent upon the specific types or subtypes of PGs, with each PG playing a crucial role in distinct physiological and pathological processes. Particularly within the immune system, PGs are essential in modulating the function of immune cells and the magnitude and orientation of immune responses. Hence, a comprehensive comprehension of the functions PG signaling pathways in immunosuppressive regulation holds substantial clinical relevance for disease prevention and treatment strategies. The manuscript provides a review of recent developments in PG signaling in immunosuppressive regulation. Furthermore, the potential clinical applications of PGs in immunosuppression are also discussed. While research into the immunosuppressive effects of PGs required further exploration, targeted therapies against their immunosuppressive pathways might open new avenues for disease prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjie Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; Department of Pathophysiology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; Sepsis Translational Medicine Key Lab of Hunan Province, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; National Medicine Functional Experimental Teaching Center, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Nina He
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; Department of Pathophysiology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; Sepsis Translational Medicine Key Lab of Hunan Province, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; National Medicine Functional Experimental Teaching Center, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Qing Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; Department of Pathophysiology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; Sepsis Translational Medicine Key Lab of Hunan Province, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; National Medicine Functional Experimental Teaching Center, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Zhongchi Wen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; Department of Pathophysiology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; Sepsis Translational Medicine Key Lab of Hunan Province, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; National Medicine Functional Experimental Teaching Center, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Ziqin Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; Department of Pathophysiology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; Sepsis Translational Medicine Key Lab of Hunan Province, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; National Medicine Functional Experimental Teaching Center, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; Department of Pathophysiology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; Sepsis Translational Medicine Key Lab of Hunan Province, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; National Medicine Functional Experimental Teaching Center, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China.
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; Department of Pathophysiology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; Sepsis Translational Medicine Key Lab of Hunan Province, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China; National Medicine Functional Experimental Teaching Center, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China.
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Liu J, Zhao W, Guo J, Kang K, Li H, Yang X, Li J, Wang Q, Qiao H. Electroacupuncture alleviates motor dysfunction by regulating neuromuscular junction disruption and neuronal degeneration in SOD1 G93A mice. Brain Res Bull 2024; 216:111036. [PMID: 39084570 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2024.111036] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurological disease characterized by the progressive destruction of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and the degeneration of motor neurons, eventually leading to atrophy and paralysis of voluntary muscles responsible for motion and breathing. NMJs, synaptic connections between motor neurons and skeletal muscle fibers, are extremely fragile in ALS. To determine the effects of early electroacupuncture (EA) intervention on nerve reinnervation and regeneration following injury, a model of sciatic nerve injury (SNI) was first established using SOD1G93A mice, and early electroacupuncture (EA) intervention was conducted at Baihui (DU20), and bilateral Zusanli (ST36). The results revealed that EA increased the Sciatic nerve Functional Index, the structural integrity of the gastrocnemius muscles, and the cross-sectional area of muscle fibers, as well as up-regulated the expression of acetylcholinesterase and facilitated the co-location of α7 nicotinic acetate choline receptors and α-actinin. Overall, these results suggested that EA can promote the repair and regeneration of injured nerves and delay NMJ degeneration in SOD1G93A-SNI mice. Moreover, analysis of the cerebral cortex demonstrated that EA alleviated cortical motor neuron damage in SOD1G93A mice, potentially attributed to the inhibition of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes pathway and the release of interferon-β suppressing the activation of natural killer cells and the secretion of interferon-γ, thereby further inhibiting microglial activation and the expression of inflammatory factors. In summary, EA delayed the degeneration of NMJ and mitigated the loss of cortical motor neurons, thus delaying disease onset, accompanied by alleviation of muscle atrophy and improvements in motor function in SOD1G93A mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyang Liu
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712046, China
| | - Weijia Zhao
- The Second Clinical Medicine College, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712046, China
| | - Jie Guo
- The Second Clinical Medicine College, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712046, China
| | - Kaiwen Kang
- The Second Clinical Medicine College, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712046, China
| | - Hua Li
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712046, China
| | - Xiaohang Yang
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Drug Combination, Xianyang 712046, China
| | - Jie Li
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712046, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712046, China.
| | - Haifa Qiao
- Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Drug Combination, Xianyang 712046, China.
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7
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Zhou Y, Na C, Li Z. Novel insights into immune cells modulation of tumor resistance. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 202:104457. [PMID: 39038527 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor resistance poses a significant challenge to effective cancer treatment, making it imperative to explore new therapeutic strategies. Recent studies have highlighted the profound involvement of immune cells in the development of tumor resistance. Within the tumor microenvironment, macrophages undergo polarization into the M2 phenotype, thus promoting the emergence of drug-resistant tumors. Neutrophils contribute to tumor resistance by forming extracellular traps. While T cells and natural killer (NK) cells exert their impact through direct cytotoxicity against tumor cells. Additionally, dendritic cells (DCs) have been implicated in preventing tumor drug resistance by stimulating T cell activation. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the current knowledge regarding immune cell-mediated modulation of tumor resistance at the molecular level, with a particular focus on macrophages, neutrophils, DCs, T cells, and NK cells. The targeting of immune cell modulation exhibits considerable potential for addressing drug resistance, and an in-depth understanding of the molecular interactions between immune cells and tumor cells holds promise for the development of innovative therapies. Furthermore, we explore the clinical implications of these immune cells in the treatment of drug-resistant tumors. This review emphasizes the exploration of novel approaches that harness the functional capabilities of immune cells to effectively overcome drug-resistant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhou
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Chuhan Na
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Zhigang Li
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Active Substance Screening and Translational Research, Shenzhen 518107, 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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9
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Menz A, Zerneke J, Viehweger F, Büyücek S, Dum D, Schlichter R, Hinsch A, Bawahab AA, Fraune C, Bernreuther C, Kluth M, Hube-Magg C, Möller K, Lutz F, Reiswich V, Luebke AM, Lebok P, Weidemann SA, Sauter G, Lennartz M, Jacobsen F, Clauditz TS, Marx AH, Simon R, Steurer S, Burandt E, Gorbokon N, Minner S, Krech T. Stimulator of Interferon Genes Protein (STING) Expression in Cancer Cells: A Tissue Microarray Study Evaluating More than 18,000 Tumors from 139 Different Tumor Entities. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2425. [PMID: 39001487 PMCID: PMC11240524 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16132425] [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: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Stimulator of interferon genes protein (STING) activates the immune response in inflammatory cells. STING expression in cancer cells is less well characterized, but STING agonists are currently being evaluated as anticancer drugs. A tissue microarray containing 18,001 samples from 139 different tumor types was analyzed for STING by immunohistochemistry. STING-positive tumor cells were found in 130 (93.5%) of 139 tumor entities. The highest STING positivity rates occurred in squamous cell carcinomas (up to 96%); malignant mesothelioma (88.5%-95.7%); adenocarcinoma of the pancreas (94.9%), lung (90.3%), cervix (90.0%), colorectum (75.2%), and gallbladder (68.8%); and serous high-grade ovarian cancer (86.0%). High STING expression was linked to adverse phenotypes in breast cancer, clear cell renal cell carcinoma, colorectal adenocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and papillary carcinoma of the thyroid (p < 0.05). In pTa urothelial carcinomas, STING expression was associated with low-grade carcinoma (p = 0.0002). Across all tumors, STING expression paralleled PD-L1 positivity of tumor and inflammatory cells (p < 0.0001 each) but was unrelated to the density of CD8+ lymphocytes. STING expression is variable across tumor types and may be related to aggressive tumor phenotype and PD-L1 positivity. The lack of relationship with tumor-infiltrating CD8+ lymphocytes argues against a significant IFN production by STING positive tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Menz
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julia Zerneke
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Florian Viehweger
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Seyma Büyücek
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - David Dum
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ria Schlichter
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Hinsch
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Christoph Fraune
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, Clinical Center Osnabrueck, 49078 Osnabrueck, Germany
| | - Christian Bernreuther
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martina Kluth
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Hube-Magg
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Möller
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Florian Lutz
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Viktor Reiswich
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas M Luebke
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Lebok
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, Clinical Center Osnabrueck, 49078 Osnabrueck, Germany
| | - Sören A Weidemann
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Guido Sauter
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Lennartz
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Frank Jacobsen
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Till S Clauditz
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas H Marx
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Pathology, Academic Hospital Fuerth, 90766 Fuerth, Germany
| | - Ronald Simon
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Steurer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eike Burandt
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Natalia Gorbokon
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Minner
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Till Krech
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, Clinical Center Osnabrueck, 49078 Osnabrueck, Germany
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10
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Zhong Y, Zhang H, Wang P, Zhao J, Ge Y, Sun Z, Wang Z, Li J, Hu S. Auger emitter in combination with Olaparib suppresses tumor growth via promoting antitumor immune responses in pancreatic cancer. Invest New Drugs 2024:10.1007/s10637-024-01454-y. [PMID: 38941055 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-024-01454-y] [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: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
The present study aimed to clarify the hypothesis that auger emitter 125I particles in combination with PARP inhibitor Olaparib could inhibit pancreatic cancer progression by promoting antitumor immune response. Pancreatic cancer cell line (Panc02) and mice subcutaneously inoculated with Panc02 cells were employed for the in vitro and in vivo experiments, respectively, followed by 125I and Olaparib administrations. The apoptosis and CRT exposure of Panc02 cells were detected using flow cytometry assay. QRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemical analysis, and western blot were employed to examine mRNA and protein expression. Experimental results showed that 125I combined with Olaparib induced immunogenic cell death and affected antigen presentation in pancreatic cancer. 125I in combination with Olaparib influenced T cells and dendritic cells by up-regulating CD4, CD8, CD69, Caspase3, CD86, granzyme B, CD80, and type I interferon (IFN)-γ and down-regulating Ki67 in vivo. The combination also activated the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase stimulator of IFN genes (Sting) pathway in Panc02 cells. Moreover, Sting knockdown alleviated the effect of the combination of 125I and Olaparib on pancreatic cancer progression. In summary, 125I in combination with Olaparib inhibited pancreatic cancer progression through promoting antitumor immune responses, which may provide a potential treatment for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqi Zhong
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, No. 1000, Hefeng Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214000, China
| | - Heng Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, No. 1000, Hefeng Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214000, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, No. 1000, Hefeng Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214000, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, No. 1000, Hefeng Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214000, China
| | - Yuxi Ge
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, No. 1000, Hefeng Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214000, China
| | - Zongqiong Sun
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, No. 1000, Hefeng Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214000, China
| | - Zi Wang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, No. 1000, Hefeng Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214000, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, No. 1000, Hefeng Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214000, China.
| | - Shudong Hu
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, No. 1000, Hefeng Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214000, China.
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China.
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11
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Wessel RE, Ageeb N, Obeid JM, Mauldin I, Goundry KA, Hanson GF, Hossain M, Lehman C, Gentzler RD, Wages NA, Slingluff CL, Bullock TNJ, Dolatshahi S, Brown MG. Spatial colocalization and combined survival benefit of natural killer and CD8 T cells despite profound MHC class I loss in non-small cell lung cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.20.581048. [PMID: 38979183 PMCID: PMC11230195 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.20.581048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Background MHC class I (MHC-I) loss is frequent in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) rendering tumor cells resistant to T cell lysis. NK cells kill MHC-I-deficient tumor cells, and although previous work indicated their presence at NSCLC margins, they were functionally impaired. Within, we evaluated whether NK cell and CD8 T cell infiltration and activation vary with MHC-I expression. Methods We used single-stain immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Kaplan-Meier analysis to test the effect of NK cell and CD8 T cell infiltration on overall and disease-free survival. To delineate immune covariates of MHC-I-disparate lung cancers, we used multiplexed immunofluorescence (mIF) imaging followed by multivariate statistical modeling. To identify differences in infiltration and intercellular communication between IFNγ-activated and non-activated lymphocytes, we developed a computational pipeline to enumerate single cell neighborhoods from mIF images followed by multivariate discriminant analysis. Results Spatial quantitation of tumor cell MHC-I expression revealed intra- and inter-tumoral heterogeneity, which was associated with the local lymphocyte landscape. IHC analysis revealed that high CD56+ cell numbers in patient tumors were positively associated with disease-free survival (DFS) (HR=0.58, p=0.064) and overall survival (OS) (HR=0.496, p=0.041). The OS association strengthened with high counts of both CD56+ and CD8+ cells (HR=0.199, p<1×10-3). mIF imaging and multivariate discriminant analysis revealed enrichment of both CD3+CD8+ T cells and CD3-CD56+ NK cells in MHC-I-bearing tumors (p<0.05). To infer associations of functional cell states and local cell-cell communication, we analyzed spatial single cell neighborhood profiles to delineate the cellular environments of IFNγ+/- NK cells and T cells. We discovered that both IFNγ+ NK and CD8 T cells were more frequently associated with other IFNγ+ lymphocytes in comparison to IFNγ- NK cells and CD8 T cells (p<1×10-30). Moreover, IFNγ+ lymphocytes were most often found clustered near MHC-I+ tumor cells. Conclusions Tumor-infiltrating NK cells and CD8 T cells jointly affected control of NSCLC tumor progression. Co-association of NK and CD8 T cells was most evident in MHC-I-bearing tumors, especially in the presence of IFNγ. Frequent co-localization of IFNγ+ NK cells with other IFNγ+ lymphocytes in near-neighbor analysis suggests NSCLC lymphocyte activation is coordinately regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remziye E Wessel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia (UVA) School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
| | - Nardin Ageeb
- Department of Biology, UVA, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
| | - Joseph M Obeid
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140
| | - Ileana Mauldin
- Department of Surgery, UVA School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
| | - Kate A Goundry
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia (UVA) School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
| | - Gabriel F Hanson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia (UVA) School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
| | - Mahdin Hossain
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, UVA School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
| | - Chad Lehman
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, UVA School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
| | - Ryan D Gentzler
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, UVA School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
| | - Nolan A Wages
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298-0032
| | - Craig L Slingluff
- Department of Surgery, UVA School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
| | - Timothy N J Bullock
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, UVA School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
- Department of Pathology, UVA School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
| | - Sepideh Dolatshahi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia (UVA) School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, UVA School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
| | - Michael G Brown
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, UVA School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
- Department of Medicine, Nephrology, UVA School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
- Center for Immunity, Inflammation and Regenerative Medicine, UVA School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, UVA School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
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12
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Czapla J, Drzyzga A, Ciepła J, Matuszczak S, Jarosz-Biej M, Pilny E, Cichoń T, Smolarczyk R. Combination of STING agonist with anti-vascular RGD-(KLAKLAK) 2 peptide as a novel anti-tumor therapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:148. [PMID: 38832958 PMCID: PMC11150340 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03732-3] [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: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is one of the most promising anti-cancer treatment. It involves activating the host's own immune system to eliminate cancer cells. Activation of cGAS-STING pathway is promising therapeutic approach for cancer immunotherapy. However, in human clinical trials, targeting cGAS-STING pathway results in insufficient or unsustainable anti-tumor response. To enhance its effectiveness, combination with other anti-cancer therapies seems essential to achieve synergistic systemic anti-tumor response.The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the combination of STING agonist-cGAMP with anti-vascular RGD-(KLAKLAK)2 peptide results in a better anti-tumor response in poorly immunogenic tumors with various STING protein and αvβ3 integrin status.Combination therapy inhibited growth of murine breast carcinoma more effectively than melanoma. In melanoma, the administration of STING agonist alone was sufficient to obtain a satisfactory therapeutic effect. In both tumor models we have noted stimulation of innate immune response following cGAMP administration alone or in combination. The largest population of immune cells infiltrating the TME after therapy were activated NK cells. Increased infiltration of cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes within the TME was only observed in melanoma tumors. However, they also expressed the "exhaustion" PD-1 receptor. In contrast, in breast carcinoma tumors each therapy caused the drop in the number of infiltrating CD8+ T cells.The obtained results indicate an additional therapeutic benefit from combining STING agonist with an anti-vascular agent. However, this effect depends on the type of tumor, the status of its microenvironment and the expression of specific proteins such as STING and αvβ3 family integrin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Czapla
- Center for Translational Research and Molecular Biology of Cancer, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice, Poland.
| | - Alina Drzyzga
- Center for Translational Research and Molecular Biology of Cancer, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Joanna Ciepła
- Center for Translational Research and Molecular Biology of Cancer, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Sybilla Matuszczak
- Center for Translational Research and Molecular Biology of Cancer, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Magdalena Jarosz-Biej
- Center for Translational Research and Molecular Biology of Cancer, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Ewelina Pilny
- Center for Translational Research and Molecular Biology of Cancer, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Tomasz Cichoń
- Center for Translational Research and Molecular Biology of Cancer, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Ryszard Smolarczyk
- Center for Translational Research and Molecular Biology of Cancer, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice, Poland.
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13
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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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14
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Vahidi S, Zabeti Touchaei A, Samadani AA. IL-15 as a key regulator in NK cell-mediated immunotherapy for cancer: From bench to bedside. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 133:112156. [PMID: 38669950 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112156] [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: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Interleukin 15 (IL-15) has emerged as a crucial factor in the relationship between natural killer (NK) cells and immunotherapy for cancer. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of IL-15 in NK cell-mediated immunotherapy. First, the key role of IL-15 signaling in NK cell immunity is discussed, highlighting its regulation of NK cell functions and antitumor properties. Furthermore, the use of IL-15 or its analogs in clinical trials as a therapeutic strategy for various cancers, including the genetic modification of NK cells to produce IL-15, has been explored. The potential of IL-15-based therapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T and NK cell infusion along with IL-15 in combination with checkpoint inhibitors and other treatments, has been examined. This review also addresses the challenges and advantages of incorporating IL-15 in cell-based immunotherapy. Additionally, unresolved questions regarding the detection and biological significance of the soluble IL-15/IL-15Rα complex, as well as the potential role of IL-15/IL-15Rα in human cancer and the immunological consequences of prolonged exposure to soluble IL-15 for NK cells, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sogand Vahidi
- Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | | | - Ali Akbar Samadani
- Guilan Road Trauma Research Center, Trauma Institute, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
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15
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Turley JL, Ward RW, Huete-Carrasco J, Muñoz-Wolf N, Roche K, Jin L, Bowie A, Andersson M, Lavelle EC. Intratumoral delivery of the chitin-derived C100 adjuvant promotes robust STING, IFNAR, and CD8 + T cell-dependent anti-tumor immunity. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101560. [PMID: 38729159 PMCID: PMC11148802 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101560] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) is a promising target for adjuvants utilized in in situ cancer vaccination approaches. However, key barriers remain for clinical translation, including low cellular uptake and accessibility, STING variability necessitating personalized STING agonists, and interferon (IFN)-independent signals that can promote tumor growth. Here, we identify C100, a highly deacetylated chitin-derived polymer (HDCP), as an attractive alternative to conventional STING agonists. C100 promotes potent anti-tumor immune responses, outperforming less deacetylated HDCPs, with therapeutic efficacy dependent on STING and IFN alpha/beta receptor (IFNAR) signaling and CD8+ T cell mediators. Additionally, C100 injection synergizes with systemic checkpoint blockade targeting PD-1. Mechanistically, C100 triggers mitochondrial stress and DNA damage to exclusively activate the IFN arm of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway and elicit sustained IFNAR signaling. Altogether, these results reveal an effective STING- and IFNAR-dependent adjuvant for in situ cancer vaccines with a defined mechanism and distinct properties that overcome common limitations of existing STING therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna L Turley
- Adjuvant Research Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 R590 Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Ross W Ward
- Adjuvant Research Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 R590 Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Jorge Huete-Carrasco
- Adjuvant Research Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 R590 Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Natalia Muñoz-Wolf
- Adjuvant Research Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 R590 Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Kate Roche
- Adjuvant Research Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 R590 Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Lei Jin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Andrew Bowie
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Science Institute (TBSI), Trinity College Dublin, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mats Andersson
- Division Bioscience and Materials, RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden), Forskargatan 18, 151 36 Södertälje, Sweden
| | - Ed C Lavelle
- Adjuvant Research Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 R590 Dublin 2, Ireland; Centre for Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices (CRANN) & Advanced Materials Bio-Engineering Research Centre (AMBER), Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin 2, Ireland.
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16
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Huang M, Cha Z, Liu R, Lin M, Gafoor NA, Kong T, Ge F, Chen W. Enhancing immunotherapy outcomes by targeted remodeling of the tumor microenvironment via combined cGAS-STING pathway strategies. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1399926. [PMID: 38817608 PMCID: PMC11137211 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1399926] [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: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) represent a groundbreaking advance in the treatment of malignancies such as melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer, showcasing substantial therapeutic benefits. Nonetheless, the efficacy of ICIs is limited to a small subset of patients, primarily benefiting those with "hot" tumors characterized by significant immune infiltration. The challenge of converting "cold" tumors, which exhibit minimal immune activity, into "hot" tumors to enhance their responsiveness to ICIs is a critical and complex area of current research. Central to this endeavor is the activation of the cGAS-STING pathway, a pivotal nexus between innate and adaptive immunity. This pathway's activation promotes the production of type I interferon (IFN) and the recruitment of CD8+ T cells, thereby transforming the tumor microenvironment (TME) from "cold" to "hot". This review comprehensively explores the cGAS-STING pathway's role in reconditioning the TME, detailing the underlying mechanisms of innate and adaptive immunity and highlighting the contributions of various immune cells to tumor immunity. Furthermore, we delve into the latest clinical research on STING agonists and their potential in combination therapies, targeting this pathway. The discussion concludes with an examination of the challenges facing the advancement of promising STING agonists in clinical trials and the pressing issues within the cGAS-STING signaling pathway research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingqing Huang
- Third Department of Breast Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, China
| | - Zhuocen Cha
- Third Department of Breast Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, China
- Guizhou Hospital of the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guizhou, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, China
| | - Mengping Lin
- Third Department of Breast Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, China
| | - Naif Abdul Gafoor
- International Education School of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Tong Kong
- Department of Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, China
| | - Fei Ge
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Wenlin Chen
- Third Department of Breast Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, China
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17
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Liu Y, Li M, Fang Z, Gao S, Cheng W, Duan Y, Wang X, Feng J, Yu T, Zhang J, Wang T, Hu A, Zhang H, Rong Z, Shakila SS, Shang Y, Kong F, Liu J, Li Y, Ma F. Overexpressing S100A9 ameliorates NK cell dysfunction in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:117. [PMID: 38713229 PMCID: PMC11076447 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03699-1] [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: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estrogen receptor (ER) positive human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative breast cancer (ER+/HER2-BC) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) are two distinct breast cancer molecular subtypes, especially in tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). The TIME of TNBC is considered to be more inflammatory than that of ER+/HER2-BC. Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that play an important role of tumor eradication in TME. However, studies focusing on the different cell states of NK cells in breast cancer subtypes are still inadequate. METHODS In this study, single-cell mRNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and bulk mRNA sequencing data from ER+/HER2-BC and TNBC were analyzed. Key regulator of NK cell suppression in ER+/HER2-BC, S100A9, was quantified by qPCR and ELISA in MCF-7, T47D, MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. The prognosis predictability of S100A9 and NK activation markers was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analyses using TCGA-BRAC data. The phenotype changes of NK cells in ER+/HER2-BC after overexpressing S100A9 in cancer cells were evaluated by the production levels of IFN-gamma, perforin and granzyme B and cytotoxicity assay. RESULTS By analyzing scRNA-seq data, we found that multiple genes involved in cellular stress response were upregulated in ER+/HER2-BC compared with TNBC. Moreover, TLR regulation pathway was significantly enriched using differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from comparing the transcriptome data of ER+/HER2-BC and TNBC cancer cells, and NK cell infiltration high/low groups. Among the DEGs, S100A9 was identified as a key regulator. Patients with higher expression levels of S100A9 and NK cell activation markers had better overall survival. Furthermore, we proved that overexpression of S100A9 in ER+/HER2-cells could improve cocultured NK cell function. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the study we presented demonstrated that NK cells in ER+/HER2-BC were hypofunctional, and S100A9 was an important regulator of NK cell function in ER+BC. Our work contributes to elucidate the regulatory networks between cancer cells and NK cells and may provide theoretical basis for novel drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yansong Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Mingcui Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Zhengbo Fang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Shan Gao
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Weilun Cheng
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Yunqiang Duan
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Xuelian Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Jianyuan Feng
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Tianshui Yu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Jiarui Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Anbang Hu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Hanyu Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Zhiyuan Rong
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Suborna S Shakila
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Yuhang Shang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Fanjing Kong
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Jiangwei Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Yanling Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China.
| | - Fei Ma
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China.
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18
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Tani T, Mathsyaraja H, Campisi M, Li ZH, Haratani K, Fahey CG, Ota K, Mahadevan NR, Shi Y, Saito S, Mizuno K, Thai TC, Sasaki N, Homme M, Yusuf CFB, Kashishian A, Panchal J, Wang M, Wolf BJ, Barbie TU, Paweletz CP, Gokhale PC, Liu D, Uppaluri R, Kitajima S, Cain J, Barbie DA. TREX1 Inactivation Unleashes Cancer Cell STING-Interferon Signaling and Promotes Antitumor Immunity. Cancer Discov 2024; 14:752-765. [PMID: 38227896 PMCID: PMC11062818 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-0700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
A substantial fraction of cancers evade immune detection by silencing Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING)-Interferon (IFN) signaling. Therapeutic reactivation of this program via STING agonists, epigenetic, or DNA-damaging therapies can restore antitumor immunity in multiple preclinical models. Here we show that adaptive induction of three prime exonuclease 1 (TREX1) restrains STING-dependent nucleic acid sensing in cancer cells via its catalytic function in degrading cytosolic DNA. Cancer cell TREX1 expression is coordinately induced with STING by autocrine IFN and downstream STAT1, preventing signal amplification. TREX1 inactivation in cancer cells thus unleashes STING-IFN signaling, recruiting T and natural killer (NK) cells, sensitizing to NK cell-derived IFNγ, and cooperating with programmed cell death protein 1 blockade in multiple mouse tumor models to enhance immunogenicity. Targeting TREX1 may represent a complementary strategy to induce cytosolic DNA and amplify cancer cell STING-IFN signaling as a means to sensitize tumors to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and/or cell therapies. SIGNIFICANCE STING-IFN signaling in cancer cells promotes tumor cell immunogenicity. Inactivation of the DNA exonuclease TREX1, which is adaptively upregulated to limit pathway activation in cancer cells, recruits immune effector cells and primes NK cell-mediated killing. Targeting TREX1 has substantial therapeutic potential to amplify cancer cell immunogenicity and overcome ICB resistance. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 695.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuo Tani
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Contributed equally
| | | | - Marco Campisi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ze-Hua Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Koji Haratani
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Caroline G. Fahey
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Keiichi Ota
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Navin R. Mahadevan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yingxiao Shi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shin Saito
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kei Mizuno
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tran C. Thai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nobunari Sasaki
- Department of Cell Biology, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mizuki Homme
- Department of Cell Biology, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Choudhury Fabliha B. Yusuf
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Min Wang
- Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA, USA
| | | | - Thanh U. Barbie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cloud P. Paweletz
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Prafulla C Gokhale
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ravindra Uppaluri
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shunsuke Kitajima
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - David A. Barbie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
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19
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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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20
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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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21
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Yang Y, Qi J, Hu J, Zhou Y, Zheng J, Deng W, Inam M, Guo J, Xie Y, Li Y, Xu C, Deng W, Chen W. Lovastatin/SN38 co-loaded liposomes amplified ICB therapeutic effect via remodeling the immunologically-cold colon tumor and synergized stimulation of cGAS-STING pathway. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216765. [PMID: 38408604 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216765] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Current immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) immunotherapeutics have revolutionized cancer treatment. However, many cancers especially the "immunologically cold" tumors, do not respond to ICB, prompting the search for additional strategies to achieve durable responses. The cGAS-STING pathway, as an essential immune response pathway, has been demonstrated for a potent target to sensitize ICB immunotherapy. However, the low efficiency of conventional STING agonists limits their clinical application. Recent studies have shown that DNA topoisomerase I (TOPI) inhibitor chemodrug SN38 can activate the cGAS-STING pathway and induce an immune response through DNA damage, while the traditional statins medication lovastatin was found to inhibit DNA damage repair, which may in turn upregulate the damaged DNA level. Herein, we have developed a liposomal carrier co-loaded with SN38 and lovastatin (SL@Lip), which can be accumulated in tumors and efficiently released SN38 and lovastatin, addressing the problem of weak solubility of these two drugs. Importantly, lovastatin can increase DNA damage and enhance the activation of cGAS-STING pathway, coordinating with SN38 chemotherapy and exhibiting the enhanced combinational immunotherapy of PD-1 antibody by remodeling the tumor microenvironment in mouse colorectal cancer of both subcutaneous and orthotopic xenograft models. Overall, this study demonstrates that lovastatin-assisted cGAS-STING stimulation mediated by liposomal delivery system significantly strengthened both chemotherapy and immunotherapy of colorectal cancer, providing a clinically translational strategy for combinational ICB therapy in the "immunologically cold" tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Jialong Qi
- Yunnan Digestive Endoscopy Clinical Medical Center, Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, 650032, PR China
| | - Jialin Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - You Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Jiena Zheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Wenxia Deng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Muhammad Inam
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Jiaxin Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Yongyi Xie
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Yuan Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Chuanshan Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China.
| | - Wei Deng
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia.
| | - Wenjie Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China.
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22
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Liu D, He W, Yang LL. Revitalizing antitumor immunity: Leveraging nucleic acid sensors as therapeutic targets. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216729. [PMID: 38387757 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216729] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Nucleic acid sensors play a critical role in recognizing and responding to pathogenic nucleic acids as danger signals. Upon activation, these sensors initiate downstream signaling cascades that lead to the production and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and type I interferons. These immune mediators orchestrate diverse effector responses, including the activation of immune cells and the modulation of the tumor microenvironment. However, careful consideration must be given to balancing the activation of nucleic acid sensors to avoid unwanted autoimmune or inflammatory responses. In this review, we provide an overview of nucleic acid sensors and their role in combating cancer through the perception of various aberrant nucleic acids and activation of the immune system. We discuss the connections between different programmed cell death modes and nucleic acid sensors. Finally, we outline the development of nucleic acid sensor agonists, highlighting how their potential as therapeutic targets opens up new avenues for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danfeng Liu
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, PR China
| | - Wei He
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, PR China.
| | - Lei-Lei Yang
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, PR China.
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23
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Zannikou M, Fish EN, Platanias LC. Signaling by Type I Interferons in Immune Cells: Disease Consequences. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1600. [PMID: 38672681 PMCID: PMC11049350 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081600] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This review addresses interferon (IFN) signaling in immune cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) and examines how this affects cancer progression. The data reveal that IFNs exert dual roles in cancers, dependent on the TME, exhibiting both anti-tumor activity and promoting cancer progression. We discuss the abnormal IFN signaling induced by cancerous cells that alters immune responses to permit their survival and proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markella Zannikou
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Eleanor N. Fish
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, 67 College Street, Toronto, ON M5G 2M1, Canada;
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Leonidas C. Platanias
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 820 S. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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24
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Dvorkin S, Cambier S, Volkman HE, Stetson DB. New frontiers in the cGAS-STING intracellular DNA-sensing pathway. Immunity 2024; 57:718-730. [PMID: 38599167 PMCID: PMC11013568 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.02.019] [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: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
The cGAS-STING intracellular DNA-sensing pathway has emerged as a key element of innate antiviral immunity and a promising therapeutic target. The existence of an innate immune sensor that can be activated by any double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) of any origin raises fundamental questions about how cGAS is regulated and how it responds to "foreign" DNA while maintaining tolerance to ubiquitous self-DNA. In this review, we summarize recent evidence implicating important roles for cGAS in the detection of foreign and self-DNA. We describe two recent and surprising insights into cGAS-STING biology: that cGAS is tightly tethered to the nucleosome and that the cGAMP product of cGAS is an immunotransmitter acting at a distance to control innate immunity. We consider how these advances influence our understanding of the emerging roles of cGAS in the DNA damage response (DDR), senescence, aging, and cancer biology. Finally, we describe emerging approaches to harness cGAS-STING biology for therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Dvorkin
- Departments of Immunology and Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Stephanie Cambier
- Departments of Immunology and Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Hannah E Volkman
- Departments of Immunology and Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Daniel B Stetson
- Departments of Immunology and Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
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25
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Tang W, Zhou W, Ji M, Yang X. Role of STING in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:202. [PMID: 38566036 PMCID: PMC10986073 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01586-x] [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: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a prevalent form of lung cancer. Patients with advanced NSCLC are currently being treated with various therapies, including traditional radiotherapy, chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapies and immunotherapy. However, a considerable proportion of advance patients who cannot benefit from them. Consequently, it is essential to identify a novel research target that offers an encouraging perspective. The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) has emerged as such a target. At present, it is confirmed that activating STING in NSCLC tumor cells can impede the proliferation and metastasis of dormant tumor cells. This review focuses on the role of STING in NSCLC treatment and the factors influencing its activation. Additionally, it explores the correlation between STING activation and diverse therapy modalities for NSCLC, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapies and immunotherapy. Furthermore, it proposes the prospect of innovative therapy methods involving nanoparticles, with the aim of using the features of STING to develop more strategies for NSCLC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhua Tang
- Departments of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 185 Juqian Street, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Wenjie Zhou
- Departments of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 185 Juqian Street, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Mei Ji
- Departments of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 185 Juqian Street, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Departments of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 185 Juqian Street, Changzhou, 213003, China.
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26
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Li S, Dai W, Kam NW, Zhang J, Lee VHF, Ren X, Kwong DLW. The Role of Natural Killer Cells in the Tumor Immune Microenvironment of EBV-Associated Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1312. [PMID: 38610990 PMCID: PMC11011204 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071312] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Endemic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is closely associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which contributes to tumor development and influences the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in NPC. Natural killer (NK) cells, as part of the innate immune system, play a crucial role in responding to viral infections and malignant cell transformations. Notably, NK cells possess a unique ability to target tumor cells independent of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) expression. This means that MHC I-deficient tumor cells, which can escape from effective T cell attack, are susceptible to NK-cell-mediated killing. The activation of NK cells is determined by the signals generated through inhibitory and activating receptors expressed on their surface. Understanding the role of NK cells in the complex TIME of EBV+ NPC is of utmost importance. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the current understanding of NK cells in NPC, focusing on their subpopulations, interactions, and cytotoxicity within the TIME. Moreover, we discuss the potential translational therapeutic applications of NK cells in NPC. This review aims to enhance our knowledge of the role of NK cells in NPC and provide valuable insights for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuzhan Li
- Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China; (S.L.); (J.Z.)
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Wei Dai
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (W.D.); (N.-W.K.); (V.H.F.L.)
| | - Ngar-Woon Kam
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (W.D.); (N.-W.K.); (V.H.F.L.)
- Laboratory for Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Limited, Hong Kong Science Park, New Territories, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Jiali Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China; (S.L.); (J.Z.)
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Victor H. F. Lee
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (W.D.); (N.-W.K.); (V.H.F.L.)
- Clinical Oncology Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
| | - Xiubao Ren
- Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China; (S.L.); (J.Z.)
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Dora Lai-Wan Kwong
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (W.D.); (N.-W.K.); (V.H.F.L.)
- Clinical Oncology Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
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Wang P, Wang Y, Li H, Wang M, Wang Y, Wang X, Ran L, Xin H, Ma J, Tian G, Gao W, Zhang G. A homologous-targeting cGAS-STING agonist multimodally activates dendritic cells for enhanced cancer immunotherapy. Acta Biomater 2024; 177:400-413. [PMID: 38336268 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Herein, we developed a doxorubicin (Dox)-loaded and 4T1 cancer cell membrane-modified hydrogenated manganese oxide nanoparticles (mHMnO-Dox) to elicit systemic antitumor immune responses. The results revealed that mHMnO-Dox actively recognized tumor cells and then effectively delivered Dox into the cells. Upon entering tumor cells, the mHMnO-Dox underwent rapid degradation and abundant release of Mn2+ and chemotherapeutic drugs. The released Mn2+ not only catalysed a Fenton-type reaction to produce excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) but also activated the cGAS-STING pathway to boost dendritic cell (DC) maturation. This process increased cytotoxic T lymphocyte infiltration as well as natural killer cell recruitment into the tumor site. In addition, the released Dox could contribute to a chemotherapeutic effect, while activating DC cells and subsequently intensifying immune responses through immunogenic cell death (ICD) of tumor cells. Consequently, the mHMnO-Dox suppressed the primary and distal tumor growth and inhibited tumor relapse and metastasis, as well as prolonged the lifespan of tumor-bearing mice. Thus, the mHMnO-Dox multimodally activated DC cells to demonstrate synergistic antitumor activity, which was mediated via the activation of the cGAS-STING signalling pathway to regulate tumor microenvironment, ICD-mediated immunotherapy and ROS-mediated CDT. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of mHMnO-Dox in cancer immunotherapy. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: A cancer cell membrane-camouflaged hydrogenated mesoporous manganese oxide (mHMnO) has been developed as a cGAS-STING agonist and ICD inducer. The mHMnO effectively induced abundance of ROS production in cancer cells, which caused cancer cell death and then promoted DC maturation via tumour-associated antigen presentation. Meanwhile, the mHMnO significantly activated cGAS-STING pathway to facilitate DC maturation and cytotoxic T lymphocyte infiltration as well as natural killer cell recruitment, which further enhanced tumour immune response. In addition, the combination of the mHMnO and Dox could synergistically promote tumour ICD and then multimodally induce DC maturation, achieving an enhanced CIT. Overall, this study provides a potential strategy to design novel immunologic adjuvant for enhanced CIT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Yinfeng Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Huimin Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Miaomiao Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Yue Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Xiaofei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Lang Ran
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Huan Xin
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Jingyi Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Geng Tian
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, PR China
| | - Wenjuan Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, PR China.
| | - Guilong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, PR China.
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He X, Wedn A, Wang J, Gu Y, Liu H, Zhang J, Lin Z, Zhou R, Pang X, Cui Y. IUPHAR ECR review: The cGAS-STING pathway: Novel functions beyond innate immune and emerging therapeutic opportunities. Pharmacol Res 2024; 201:107063. [PMID: 38216006 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107063] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is a crucial innate immune sensor responsible for distinguishing pathogens and cytosolic DNA, mediating innate immune signaling pathways to defend the host. Recent studies have revealed additional regulatory functions of STING beyond its innate immune-related activities, including the regulation of cellular metabolism, DNA repair, cellular senescence, autophagy and various cell deaths. These findings highlight the broader implications of STING in cellular physiology beyond its role in innate immunity. Currently, approximately 10 STING agonists have entered the clinical stage. Unlike inhibitors, which have a maximum inhibition limit, agonists have the potential for infinite amplification. STING signaling is a complex process that requires precise regulation of STING to ensure balanced immune responses and prevent detrimental autoinflammation. Recent research on the structural mechanism of STING autoinhibition and its negative regulation by adaptor protein complex 1 (AP-1) provides valuable insights into its different effects under physiological and pathological conditions, offering a new perspective for developing immune regulatory drugs. Herein, we present a comprehensive overview of the regulatory functions and molecular mechanisms of STING beyond innate immune regulation, along with updated details of its structural mechanisms. We discuss the implications of these complex regulations in various diseases, emphasizing the importance and feasibility of targeting the immunity-dependent or immunity-independent functions of STING. Moreover, we highlight the current trend in drug development and key points for clinical research, basic research, and translational research related to STING.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu He
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Abdalla Wedn
- School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 5051 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Yanlun Gu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Pharmacy Administration and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Hongjin Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Juqi Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Zhiqiang Lin
- Institute of Systems Biomedicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Renpeng Zhou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui 230601, China; Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven CT06519, USA.
| | - Xiaocong Pang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100034, China.
| | - Yimin Cui
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Xueyuan Road 38, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Xishiku Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100034, China.
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29
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Shaha S, Rodrigues D, Mitragotri S. Locoregional drug delivery for cancer therapy: Preclinical progress and clinical translation. J Control Release 2024; 367:737-767. [PMID: 38325716 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.01.072] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Systemic drug delivery is the current clinically preferred route for cancer therapy. However, challenges associated with tumor localization and off-tumor toxic effects limit the clinical effectiveness of this route. Locoregional drug delivery is an emerging viable alternative to systemic therapies. With the improvement in real-time imaging technologies and tools for direct access to tumor lesions, the clinical applicability of locoregional drug delivery is becoming more prominent. Theoretically, locoregional treatments can bypass challenges faced by systemic drug delivery. Preclinically, locoregional delivery of drugs has demonstrated enhanced therapeutic efficacy with limited off-target effects while still yielding an abscopal effect. Clinically, an array of locoregional strategies is under investigation for the delivery of drugs ranging in target and size. Locoregional tumor treatment strategies can be classified into two main categories: 1) direct drug infusion via injection or implanted port and 2) extended drug elution via injected or implanted depot. The number of studies investigating locoregional drug delivery strategies for cancer treatment is rising exponentially, in both preclinical and clinical settings, with some approaches approved for clinical use. Here, we highlight key preclinical advances and the clinical relevance of such locoregional delivery strategies in the treatment of cancer. Furthermore, we critically analyze 949 clinical trials involving locoregional drug delivery and discuss emerging trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suyog Shaha
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, MA 02134, USA; Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Danika Rodrigues
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, MA 02134, USA; Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Samir Mitragotri
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, MA 02134, USA; Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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30
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Taylor BC, Sun X, Gonzalez-Ericsson PI, Sanchez V, Sanders ME, Wescott EC, Opalenik SR, Hanna A, Chou ST, Van Kaer L, Gomez H, Isaacs C, Ballinger TJ, Santa-Maria CA, Shah PD, Dees EC, Lehmann BD, Abramson VG, Pietenpol JA, Balko JM. NKG2A Is a Therapeutic Vulnerability in Immunotherapy Resistant MHC-I Heterogeneous Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Cancer Discov 2024; 14:290-307. [PMID: 37791898 PMCID: PMC10850946 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-0519] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Despite the success of immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) in treating cancer, patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) often develop resistance to therapy, and the underlying mechanisms are unclear. MHC-I expression is essential for antigen presentation and T-cell-directed immunotherapy responses. This study demonstrates that TNBC patients display intratumor heterogeneity in regional MHC-I expression. In murine models, loss of MHC-I negates antitumor immunity and ICI response, whereas intratumor MHC-I heterogeneity leads to increased infiltration of natural killer (NK) cells in an IFNγ-dependent manner. Using spatial technologies, MHC-I heterogeneity is associated with clinical resistance to anti-programmed death (PD) L1 therapy and increased NK:T-cell ratios in human breast tumors. MHC-I heterogeneous tumors require NKG2A to suppress NK-cell function. Combining anti-NKG2A and anti-PD-L1 therapies restores complete response in heterogeneous MHC-I murine models, dependent on the presence of activated, tumor-infiltrating NK and CD8+ T cells. These results suggest that similar strategies may enhance patient benefit in clinical trials. SIGNIFICANCE Clinical resistance to immunotherapy is common in breast cancer, and many patients will likely require combination therapy to maximize immunotherapeutic benefit. This study demonstrates that heterogeneous MHC-I expression drives resistance to anti-PD-L1 therapy and exposes NKG2A on NK cells as a target to overcome resistance. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 201.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaopeng Sun
- Cancer Biology Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Paula I. Gonzalez-Ericsson
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Breast Cancer Research Program, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Violeta Sanchez
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Melinda E. Sanders
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Breast Cancer Research Program, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Elizabeth C. Wescott
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Susan R. Opalenik
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Ann Hanna
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Shu-Ting Chou
- Cancer Biology Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Luc Van Kaer
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Henry Gomez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas, Lima, Perú
| | - Claudine Isaacs
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Tarah J. Ballinger
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | | | - Payal D. Shah
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Elizabeth C. Dees
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Brian D. Lehmann
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Breast Cancer Research Program, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Vandana G. Abramson
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Breast Cancer Research Program, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jennifer A. Pietenpol
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Breast Cancer Research Program, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Justin M. Balko
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Breast Cancer Research Program, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
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31
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Danielson M, Nicolai CJ, Vo TT, Wolf N, Burke TP. Cytosolic bacterial pathogens activate TLR pathways in tumors that synergistically enhance STING agonist cancer therapies. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.30.578087. [PMID: 38352567 PMCID: PMC10862861 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.30.578087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial pathogens that invade the eukaryotic cytosol are distinctive tools for fighting cancer, as they preferentially target tumors and can deliver cancer antigens to MHC-I. Cytosolic bacterial pathogens have undergone extensive preclinical development and human clinical trials, yet the molecular mechanisms by which they are detected by innate immunity in tumors is unclear. We report that intratumoral delivery of phylogenetically distinct cytosolic pathogens, including Listeria, Rickettsia, and Burkholderia species, elicited anti-tumor responses in established, poorly immunogenic melanoma and lymphoma in mice. We were surprised to observe that although the bacteria required entry to the cytosol, the anti-tumor responses were largely independent of the cytosolic sensors cGAS/STING and instead required TLR signaling. Combining pathogens with TLR agonists did not enhance anti-tumor efficacy, while combinations with STING agonists elicited profound, synergistic anti-tumor effects with complete responses in >80% of mice after a single dose. Small molecule TLR agonists also synergistically enhanced the anti-tumor activity of STING agonists. The anti-tumor effects were diminished in Rag2-deficient mice and upon CD8 T cell depletion. Mice cured from combination therapy developed immunity to cancer rechallenge that was superior to STING agonist monotherapy. Together, these data provide a framework for enhancing the efficacy of microbial cancer therapies and small molecule innate immune agonists, via the co-activation of STING and TLRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meggie Danielson
- Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA USA
| | - Chris J Nicolai
- Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA USA
| | - Thaomy T Vo
- Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA USA
| | - Natalie Wolf
- Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA USA
| | - Thomas P Burke
- Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA USA
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Li J, Xu P, Chen S. Research progress on mitochondria regulating tumor immunity. Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2024; 53:1-14. [PMID: 38229501 PMCID: PMC10945498 DOI: 10.3724/zdxbyxb-2023-0484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Tumor cells adapt their metabolism to meet the demands for energy and biosynthesis. Mitochondria, pivotal organelles in the metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells, contribute to tumorigenesis and cancer progression significantly through various dysfunctions in both tumor and immune cells. Alterations in mitochondrial dynamics and metabolic signaling pathways exert crucial regulatory influence on the activation, proliferation, and differentiation of immune cells. The tumor microenvironment orchestrates the activation and functionality of tumor-infiltrating immune cells by reprogramming mitochondrial metabolism and inducing shifts in mitochondrial dynamics, thereby facilitating the establishment of a tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment. Stress-induced leakage of mitochondrial DNA contributes multifaceted regulatory effects on anti-tumor immune responses and the immunosuppressive microenvironment by activating multiple natural immune signals, including cGAS-STING, TLR9, and NLRP3. Moreover, mitochondrial DNA-mediated immunogenic cell death emerges as a promising avenue for anti-tumor immunotherapy. Additionally, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, a crucial factor in tumorigenesis, drives the formation of tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment by changing the composition of immune cells within the tumor microenvironment. This review focuses on the intrinsic relationship between mitochondrial biology and anti-tumor immune responses from multiple angles. We explore the core role of mitochondria in the dynamic interplay between the tumor and the host to facilitate the development of targeted mitochondrial strategies for anti-tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Water Environment and Marine Biological Resources Protection, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Pinglong Xu
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
- Key Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Cancer Molecular Cell Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
- Institute of Intelligent Medicine, Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311200, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Shasha Chen
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Water Environment and Marine Biological Resources Protection, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China.
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Zhang J, Yu S, Peng Q, Wang P, Fang L. Emerging mechanisms and implications of cGAS-STING signaling in cancer immunotherapy strategies. Cancer Biol Med 2024; 21:j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0440. [PMID: 38172538 PMCID: PMC10875285 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The intricate interplay between the human immune system and cancer development underscores the central role of immunotherapy in cancer treatment. Within this landscape, the innate immune system, a critical sentinel protecting against tumor incursion, is a key player. The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) and stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway has been found to be a linchpin of innate immunity: activation of this signaling pathway orchestrates the production of type I interferon (IFN-α/β), thus fostering the maturation, differentiation, and mobilization of immune effectors in the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, STING activation facilitates the release and presentation of tumor antigens, and therefore is an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy. Current strategies to activate the STING pathway, including use of pharmacological agonists, have made substantial advancements, particularly when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors. These approaches have shown promise in preclinical and clinical settings, by enhancing patient survival rates. This review describes the evolving understanding of the cGAS-STING pathway's involvement in tumor biology and therapy. Moreover, this review explores classical and non-classical STING agonists, providing insights into their mechanisms of action and potential for optimizing immunotherapy strategies. Despite challenges and complexities, the cGAS-STING pathway, a promising avenue for enhancing cancer treatment efficacy, has the potential to revolutionize patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Zhang
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Sihui Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qiao Peng
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Lan Fang
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
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Dang BTN, Kwon TK, Lee S, Jeong JH, Yook S. Nanoparticle-based immunoengineering strategies for enhancing cancer immunotherapy. J Control Release 2024; 365:773-800. [PMID: 38081328 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is a groundbreaking strategy that has revolutionized the field of oncology compared to other therapeutic strategies, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy. However, cancer complexity, tumor heterogeneity, and immune escape have become the main hurdles to the clinical application of immunotherapy. Moreover, conventional immunotherapies cause many harmful side effects owing to hyperreactivity in patients, long treatment durations and expensive cost. Nanotechnology is considered a transformative approach that enhances the potency of immunotherapy by capitalizing on the superior physicochemical properties of nanocarriers, creating highly targeted tissue delivery systems. These advantageous features include a substantial specific surface area, which enhances the interaction with the immune system. In addition, the capability to finely modify surface chemistry enables the achievement of controlled and sustained release properties. These advances have significantly increased the potential of immunotherapy, making it more powerful than ever before. In this review, we introduce recent nanocarriers for application in cancer immunotherapy based on strategies that target different main immune cells, including T cells, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and tumor-associated macrophages. We also provide an overview of the role and significance of nanotechnology in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Taeg Kyu Kwon
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
| | - Sooyeun Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee-Heon Jeong
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
| | - Simmyung Yook
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
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Yang L, Gao J, Zhang Y, Perez EA, Wu Y, Guo T, Li C, Wang H, Xu Y. Protective effects of palbociclib on colitis-associated colorectal cancer. J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 14:2436-2447. [PMID: 38196536 PMCID: PMC10772689 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-23-860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic or recurrent inflammatory injury to the intestinal mucosa is closely related to inflammation-related colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aimed to examine the protective effects of palbociclib, a stimulator of interferon genes (STING) antagonist, on colitis-related colorectal carcinogenesis. Methods Bioinformatic analyses, including Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and network analysis, were conducted. Male C57BL/6 mice were administered azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), followed by treatment with palbociclib for 6 weeks. The general conditions of mice were observed and recorded. The colon histopathology was assessed based on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining results. Relative messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of interferon b1 (Ifnb1), interleukin 6 (Il6), and interleukin 1b (Il1b) in colon were estimated based on quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. Results The STING signaling pathway was significantly upregulated in stages III and IV of CRC in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-CRC cohort. After treatment with AOM/DSS, the weight of mice decreased significantly, whereas administration of palbociclib partially reversed this trend. The mouse colon treated with AOM/DSS showed significant pathological damages, disorderly epithelial cell structure, atypical hyperplasia, and infiltration of several inflammatory cell types; however, the colon damage was remarkably reduced upon treatment with palbociclib. It was also found that palbociclib almost abolished the increase in the downstream effectors of STING-mediated transcription in the colon tissue treated with AOM/DSS, as evidenced by the transcription levels of Ifnb1, Il6, and Il1b. Conclusions These findings indicate that the STING pathway is closely associated with CRC. Palbociclib significantly alleviates tumor development in AOM/DSS-induced colitis-associated CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiani Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuqin Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Minhang District, Shanghai, China
| | - Eduardo A. Perez
- Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Yuchen Wu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianan Guo
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cong Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Endoscopy Center, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ye Xu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Liu Z, Wang D, Zhang J, Xiang P, Zeng Z, Xiong W, Shi L. cGAS-STING signaling in the tumor microenvironment. Cancer Lett 2023; 577:216409. [PMID: 37748723 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
The cGAS-STING signaling is an important pathway involved in the regulation of tumor microenvironment, which affects many cellular functions including immune activation. Its role in combating tumor progression is widely recognized, especially with its function in inducing innate and adaptive immune responses, on which many immunotherapies have been developed. However, a growing number of findings also suggest a diversity of its roles in shaping tumor microenvironment, including functions that promote tumor progression. Here, we summarize the functions of the cGAS-STING signaling in tumor microenvironment to maintain tumor survival and proliferation through facilitating the forming of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and discuss the current advances of STING-related immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqi Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jiarong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Pingjuan Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Lei Shi
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Department of Pathology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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37
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Dosta P, Cryer AM, Dion MZ, Shiraishi T, Langston SP, Lok D, Wang J, Harrison S, Hatten T, Ganno ML, Appleman VA, Taboada GM, Puigmal N, Ferber S, Kalash S, Prado M, Rodríguez AL, Kamoun WS, Abu-Yousif AO, Artzi N. Investigation of the enhanced antitumour potency of STING agonist after conjugation to polymer nanoparticles. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 18:1351-1363. [PMID: 37443252 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-023-01447-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Intravenously administered cyclic dinucleotides and other STING agonists are hampered by low cellular uptake and poor circulatory half-life. Here we report the covalent conjugation of cyclic dinucleotides to poly(β-amino ester) nanoparticles through a cathepsin-sensitive linker. This is shown to increase stability and loading, thereby expanding the therapeutic window in multiple syngeneic tumour models, enabling the study of how the long-term fate of the nanoparticles affects the immune response. In a melanoma mouse model, primary tumour clearance depends on the STING signalling by host cells-rather than cancer cells-and immune memory depends on the spleen. The cancer cells act as a depot for the nanoparticles, releasing them over time to activate nearby immune cells to control tumour growth. Collectively, this work highlights the importance of nanoparticle structure and nano-biointeractions in controlling immunotherapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pere Dosta
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Alexander M Cryer
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michelle Z Dion
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences & Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | - David Lok
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc. (TDCA), Lexington, MA, USA
| | - Jianing Wang
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc. (TDCA), Lexington, MA, USA
| | - Sean Harrison
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc. (TDCA), Lexington, MA, USA
| | - Tiquella Hatten
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc. (TDCA), Lexington, MA, USA
| | - Michelle L Ganno
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc. (TDCA), Lexington, MA, USA
| | - Vicky A Appleman
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc. (TDCA), Lexington, MA, USA
| | | | - Núria Puigmal
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shiran Ferber
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Santhosh Kalash
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michaela Prado
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alma L Rodríguez
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Walid S Kamoun
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc. (TDCA), Lexington, 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 and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
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Zhao K, Huang J, Zhao Y, Wang S, Xu J, Yin K. Targeting STING in cancer: Challenges and emerging opportunities. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188983. [PMID: 37717857 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway is a key pathway through which the host regulates immune responses by recognizing cytoplasmic double-stranded DNA of abnormal origin, and it plays an important role in tumor growth as well as metastasis, with relevant molecular details constantly being explored and updated. The significant immunomodulatory effects make STING an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy, and STING agonists have been receiving great attention for their development and clinical translation. Despite exciting results in preclinical work, the application of STING agonists to cancer therapy remains challenging due to their poor pharmacokinetic and physicochemical properties, as well as toxic side effects they produce. Here, we summarize the dichotomous role of cGAS-STING in cancer and discuss the limitations of cancer immunotherapy based on STING activation as well as feasible strategies to overcome them to achieve tumor regression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China; Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jiaojiao Huang
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Shengjun Wang
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Affiliated People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
| | - Juan Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, China.
| | - Kai Yin
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China.
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Xu T, Dai J, Tang L, Sun L, Si L, Guo J. Systemic administration of STING agonist promotes myeloid cells maturation and antitumor immunity through regulating hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell fate. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:3491-3505. [PMID: 37550427 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03502-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
STING is a pivotal mediator of effective innate and adaptive anti-tumor immunity; however, intratumoral administration of STING agonists have shown limited therapeutic benefit in clinical trials. The systemic effect of the intravenous delivery of STING agonists in cancer is not well-defined. Here, we demonstrated that systemic administration of STING agonist inhibited melanoma growth, improved inflammatory effector cell infiltration, and induced bone marrow mobilization and extramedullary hematopoiesis, causing widespread changes in immune components in the peripheral blood. The systemically administered STING agonist promoted HSC expansion and influenced lineage fate commitment, which was manifested as the differentiation of HSPCs was skewed toward myeloid cells at the expense of B-cell lymphopoiesis and erythropoiesis. Transcriptome analysis revealed upregulation of myeloid lineage differentiation-related and type I interferon-related genes. This myeloid-biased differentiation promoted the production and maturation of myeloid cells toward an activated phenotype. Furthermore, depletion of Gr-1+ myeloid cells attenuated the anti-tumor immunity of STING agonist. Our findings reveal the anti-tumor mechanism of systemic administration of STING agonist that involves modulating HSPC differentiation and promoting myeloid cells maturation. Our study may help explain the limited clinical activity of STING agonists administered intratumorally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianxiao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Melanoma and Sarcoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52# Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Jie Dai
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Melanoma and Sarcoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52# Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Lirui Tang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Melanoma and Sarcoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52# Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Linzi Sun
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Melanoma and Sarcoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52# Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Lu Si
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Melanoma and Sarcoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52# Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100142, China.
| | - Jun Guo
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Melanoma and Sarcoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52# Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100142, China.
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52# Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100142, China.
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40
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Hajiabadi S, Alidadi S, Montakhab Farahi Z, Ghahramani Seno MM, Farzin H, Haghparast A. Immunotherapy with STING and TLR9 agonists promotes synergistic therapeutic efficacy with suppressed cancer-associated fibroblasts in colon carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1258691. [PMID: 37901237 PMCID: PMC10611477 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1258691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The innate immune sensing of nucleic acids using effective immunoadjuvants is critical for increasing protective immune responses against cancer. Stimulators of interferon genes (STING) and toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonists are considered promising candidates in several preclinical tumor models with the potential to be used in clinical settings. However, the effects of such treatment on tumor stroma are currently unknown. In this study, we investigated the immunotherapeutic effects of ADU-S100 as a STING agonist and CpG ODN1826 as a TLR9 agonist in a preclinical model of colon carcinoma. Tumor-bearing mice were treated intratumorally on days 10 and 16 post-tumor inoculation with ADU-S100 and CpG ODN1826. Cytokine profiles in the tumor and spleen, tumor cell apoptosis, the infiltration of immune cells, and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) were evaluated to identify the immunological mechanisms after treatment. The powerful antitumor activity of single and combination treatments, the upregulation of the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the tumor and spleen, and the recruitment and infiltration of the TME by immune cells revealed the synergism of immunoadjuvants in the eradication of the colon carcinoma model. Remarkably, the significant downregulation of CAFs in the TME indicated that suppression of tumorigenesis occurred after immunoadjuvant therapy. The results illustrate the potential of targeting the STING and TLR9 pathways as powerful immunoadjuvants in the treatment of preclinical colon carcinoma and the possibility of harnessing these pathways in future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sare Hajiabadi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Soodeh Alidadi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zohreh Montakhab Farahi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Hamidreza Farzin
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agriculture Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Mashhad, Iran
| | - Alireza Haghparast
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
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Moreo E, Jarit-Cabanillas A, Robles-Vera I, Uranga S, Guerrero C, Gómez AB, Mata-Martínez P, Minute L, Araujo-Voces M, Felgueres MJ, Esteso G, Uranga-Murillo I, Arias M, Pardo J, Martín C, Valés-Gómez M, Del Fresno C, Sancho D, Aguiló N. Intravenous administration of BCG in mice promotes natural killer and T cell-mediated antitumor immunity in the lung. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6090. [PMID: 37794033 PMCID: PMC10551006 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41768-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Intravesical administration of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) was one of the first FDA-approved immunotherapies and remains a standard treatment for bladder cancer. Previous studies have demonstrated that intravenous (IV) administration of BCG is well-tolerated and effective in preventing tuberculosis infection in animals. Here, we examine IV BCG in several preclinical lung tumor models. Our findings demonstrate that BCG inoculation reduced tumor growth and prolonged mouse survival in models of lung melanoma metastasis and orthotopic lung adenocarcinoma. Moreover, IV BCG treatment was well-tolerated with no apparent signs of acute toxicity. Mechanistically, IV BCG induced tumor-specific CD8+ T cell responses, which were dependent on type 1 conventional dendritic cells, as well as NK cell-mediated immunity. Lastly, we also show that IV BCG has an additive effect on anti-PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor treatment in mouse lung tumors that are otherwise resistant to anti-PD-L1 as monotherapy. Overall, our study demonstrates the potential of systemic IV BCG administration in the treatment of lung tumors, highlighting its ability to enhance immune responses and augment immune checkpoint blockade efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Moreo
- Grupo de Genética de Micobacterias, Departamento de Microbiología, Pediatría, Radiología y Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Zaragoza, IIS-Aragon, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Iñaki Robles-Vera
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Santiago Uranga
- Grupo de Genética de Micobacterias, Departamento de Microbiología, Pediatría, Radiología y Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Zaragoza, IIS-Aragon, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Claudia Guerrero
- Grupo de Genética de Micobacterias, Departamento de Microbiología, Pediatría, Radiología y Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Zaragoza, IIS-Aragon, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Belén Gómez
- Grupo de Genética de Micobacterias, Departamento de Microbiología, Pediatría, Radiología y Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Zaragoza, IIS-Aragon, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Luna Minute
- Hospital la Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Araujo-Voces
- Grupo de Genética de Micobacterias, Departamento de Microbiología, Pediatría, Radiología y Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Zaragoza, IIS-Aragon, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Oncología (IUOPA), Universidad deOviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - María José Felgueres
- Departamento de Inmunología y Oncología, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Gloria Esteso
- Departamento de Inmunología y Oncología, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Iratxe Uranga-Murillo
- Grupo de Inmunoterapia, Inmunidad y Cáncer, Departamento de Microbiología, Pediatría, Radiología y Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Zaragoza, IIS-Aragon, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maykel Arias
- Grupo de Inmunoterapia, Inmunidad y Cáncer, Departamento de Microbiología, Pediatría, Radiología y Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Zaragoza, IIS-Aragon, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julián Pardo
- Grupo de Inmunoterapia, Inmunidad y Cáncer, Departamento de Microbiología, Pediatría, Radiología y Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Zaragoza, IIS-Aragon, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Martín
- Grupo de Genética de Micobacterias, Departamento de Microbiología, Pediatría, Radiología y Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Zaragoza, IIS-Aragon, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mar Valés-Gómez
- Departamento de Inmunología y Oncología, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Del Fresno
- Hospital la Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain
| | - David Sancho
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Nacho Aguiló
- Grupo de Genética de Micobacterias, Departamento de Microbiología, Pediatría, Radiología y Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Zaragoza, IIS-Aragon, Zaragoza, Spain.
- CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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Wang Z, Guo X, Lian J, Ji Y, Li K. Prognostic value of amino acid metabolism-related gene expression in invasive breast carcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:11117-11133. [PMID: 37340191 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04985-8] [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: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing number of studies indicated that metabolic reprogramming of amino acid metabolism may either promote or inhibit tumor progression. The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of a gene risk signature associated with amino acid metabolism to predict the prognosis and immune characteristics of invasive breast carcinoma. METHODS LASSO Cox regression analysis was performed to construct and validate the prognostic risk signature based on the expression of 9 amino acid metabolism-related genes. The predictive value of the signature, immune characteristics, and chemotherapeutic drugs was also predicted. Finally, 9 significant genes were examined in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells, and the predicted chemotherapeutic drugs were also verified. RESULTS The prognosis of the low-risk group was better than that of the high-risk group. The areas under the curve (AUCs) at 1, 2, and 3 years were 0.852, 0.790, and 0.736, respectively. In addition, the GSEA results for KEGG and GO revealed that samples with a high-risk score exhibited a variety of highly malignant manifestations. The high-risk group was characterized by an increased number of M2 macrophages, a high level of tumor purity, low levels of APC co-stimulation, cytolytic activity, HLA, para-inflammation, and type I IFN response. Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) confirmed that MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells express 9 amino acid metabolism-related genes differently. In addition, cell experiments were conducted to examine the effect of cephaeline-induced on cell viability, migration ability, and protein expression of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and HIF-1α. CONCLUSION We established a risk signature based on 9 amino acid metabolism-related genes for invasive breast carcinoma. Further analyses revealed that this risk signature is superior to other clinical indexes in survival prediction and that the subgroups identified by the risk signature exhibit distinct immune characteristics. Cephaeline was determined to be a superior option for patients in high-risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilin Wang
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, No. 650 New Songjiang Road, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyu Guo
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, No. 650 New Songjiang Road, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingge Lian
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, No. 650 New Songjiang Road, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Ji
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, No. 650 New Songjiang Road, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Kangan Li
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, No. 650 New Songjiang Road, Shanghai, 200080, People's Republic of China.
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Lu L, Yang C, Zhou X, Wu L, Hong X, Li W, Wang X, Yang Y, Cao D, Zhang A, Di W, Deng L. STING signaling promotes NK cell antitumor immunity and maintains a reservoir of TCF-1 + NK cells. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113108. [PMID: 37708030 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic innate lymphocytes that eradicate tumor cells. Inducing durable antitumor immune responses by NK cells represents a major priority of cancer immunotherapy. While cytosolic DNA sensing plays an essential role in initiating antitumor immunity, the role of NK cell-intrinsic STING signaling remains unclear. Here, we find that NK cell-intrinsic STING promotes antitumor responses and maintains a reservoir of TCF-1+ NK cells. In contrast, tumor cell-intrinsic cGAS and mtDNA are required for NK cell antitumor activity, indicating that tumor mtDNA recognition by cGAS partially triggers NK cell-intrinsic STING activation. Moreover, addition of cGAMP enables STING activation and type I interferon production in NK cells, thereby supporting the activation of NK cells in vitro. In humans, STING agonism promotes the expansion of TCF-1+ NK cells. This study provides insight into understanding how STING signaling drives NK cell antitumor immunity and the development of NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Lu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xingyue Zhou
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Lingling Wu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xiaochuan Hong
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Wenwen Li
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xinran Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Yuanqin Yang
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Dongqing Cao
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ao Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Wen Di
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Liufu Deng
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
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Chang HL, Schwettmann B, McArthur HL, Chan IS. Antibody-drug conjugates in breast cancer: overcoming resistance and boosting immune response. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e172156. [PMID: 37712425 PMCID: PMC10503805 DOI: 10.1172/jci172156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have emerged as a revolutionary therapeutic class, combining the precise targeting ability of monoclonal antibodies with the potent cytotoxic effects of chemotherapeutics. Notably, ADCs have rapidly advanced in the field of breast cancer treatment. This innovative approach holds promise for strengthening the immune system through antibody-mediated cellular toxicity, tumor-specific immunity, and adaptive immune responses. However, the development of upfront and acquired resistance poses substantial challenges in maximizing the effectiveness of these therapeutics, necessitating a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms. These mechanisms of resistance include antigen loss, derangements in ADC internalization and recycling, drug clearance, and alterations in signaling pathways and the payload target. To overcome resistance, ongoing research and development efforts are focused on urgently identifying biomarkers, integrating immune therapy approaches, and designing novel cytotoxic payloads. This Review provides an overview of the mechanisms and clinical effectiveness of ADCs, and explores their unique immune-boosting function, while also highlighting the complex resistance mechanisms and safety challenges that must be addressed. A continued focus on how ADCs impact the tumor microenvironment will help to identify new payloads that can improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L. Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, and
| | - Blake Schwettmann
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, and
| | - Heather L. McArthur
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, and
| | - Isaac S. Chan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, and
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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He Y, Hong C, Huang S, Kaskow JA, Covarrubias G, Pires IS, Sacane JC, Hammond PT, Belcher AM. STING Protein-Based In Situ Vaccine Synergizes CD4 + T, CD8 + T, and NK Cells for Tumor Eradication. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2300688. [PMID: 37015729 PMCID: PMC10964211 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling is a promising target in cancer immunotherapy, with many ongoing clinical studies in combination with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Existing STING-based therapies largely focus on activating CD8+ T cell or NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity, while the role of CD4+ T cells in STING signaling has yet to be extensively studied in vivo. Here, a distinct CD4-mediated, protein-based combination therapy of STING and ICB as an in situ vaccine, is reported. The treatment eliminates subcutaneous MC38 and YUMM1.7 tumors in 70-100% of mice and protected all cured mice against rechallenge. Mechanistic studies reveal a robust TH 1 polarization and suppression of Treg of CD4+ T cells, followed by an effective collaboration of CD4+ T, CD8+ T, and NK cells to eliminate tumors. Finally, the potential to overcome host STING deficiency by significantly decreasing MC38 tumor burden in STING KO mice is demonstrated, addressing the translational challenge for the 19% of human population with loss-of-function STING variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanpu He
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
| | - Celestine Hong
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
| | - Shengnan Huang
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
| | - Justin A Kaskow
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
| | - Gil Covarrubias
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
| | - Ivan S Pires
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
| | - James C Sacane
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
| | - Paula T Hammond
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
| | - Angela M Belcher
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
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Czapla J, Drzyzga A, Matuszczak S, Cichoń T, Rusin M, Jarosz-Biej M, Pilny E, Smolarczyk R. Antitumor effect of anti-vascular therapy with STING agonist depends on the tumor microenvironment context. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1249524. [PMID: 37655095 PMCID: PMC10465696 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1249524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Targeting tumor vasculature is an efficient weapon to fight against cancer; however, activation of alternative pathways to rebuild the disrupted vasculature leads to rapid tumor regrowth. Immunotherapy that exploits host immune cells to elicit and sustain potent antitumor response has emerged as one of the most promising tools for cancer treatment, yet many treatments fail due to developed resistance mechanisms. Therefore, our aim was to examine whether combination of immunotherapy and anti-vascular treatment will succeed in poorly immunogenic, difficult-to-treat melanoma and triple-negative breast tumor models. Methods Our study was performed on B16-F10 melanoma and 4T1 breast tumor murine models. Mice were treated with the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway agonist (cGAMP) and vascular disrupting agent combretastatin A4 phosphate (CA4P). Tumor growth was monitored. The tumor microenvironment (TME) was comprehensively investigated using multiplex immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. We also examined if such designed therapy sensitizes investigated tumor models to an immune checkpoint inhibitor (anti-PD-1). Results The use of STING agonist cGAMP as monotherapy was insufficient to effectively inhibit tumor growth due to low levels of STING protein in 4T1 tumors. However, when additionally combined with an anti-vascular agent, a significant therapeutic effect was obtained. In this model, the obtained effect was related to the TME polarization and the stimulation of the innate immune response, especially activation of NK cells. Combination therapy was unable to activate CD8+ T cells. Due to the lack of PD-1 upregulation, no improved therapeutic effect was observed when additionally combined with the anti-PD-1 inhibitor. In B16-F10 tumors, highly abundant in STING protein, cGAMP as monotherapy was sufficient to induce potent antitumor response. In this model, the therapeutic effect was due to the infiltration of the TME with activated NK cells. cGAMP also caused the infiltration of CD8+PD-1+ T cells into the TME; hence, additional benefits of using the PD-1 inhibitor were observed. Conclusion The study provides preclinical evidence for a great influence of the TME on the outcome of applied therapy, including immune cell contribution and ICI responsiveness. We pointed the need of careful TME screening prior to antitumor treatments to achieve satisfactory results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Czapla
- Center for Translational Research and Molecular Biology of Cancer, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice, Poland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ryszard Smolarczyk
- Center for Translational Research and Molecular Biology of Cancer, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice, Poland
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47
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Xi YJ, Guo Q, Zhang R, Duan GS, Zhang SX. Identifying cellular senescence associated genes involved in the progression of end-stage renal disease as new biomarkers. BMC Nephrol 2023; 24:231. [PMID: 37553608 PMCID: PMC10408218 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-023-03285-0] [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: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cellular senescence plays an essential role in the development and progression of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, the detailed mechanisms phenomenon remains unclear. METHODS The mRNA expression profiling dataset GSE37171 was taken from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The cell senescence-associated hub genes were selected by applying protein-protein interaction (PPI), followed by correlation analysis, gene interaction analysis, Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. We next explored the relationships of hub genes with miRNAs, TFs, and diseases. The absolute abundance of eight immune cells and two stromal cells were calculated by MCPcount and the correlation of hub genes with these ten cells was analyzed. Lasso was used to selecting for trait genes. ROC curves and DCA decision curves were used to assess the accuracy and predictive power of the trait genes. RESULTS A total of 65 cellular senescence signature genes were identified among patients and controls. The PPI network screened out ten hub genes. GO and KEGG indicated that ten hub genes were associated with ESRD progression. Transcription factor gene interactions and common regulatory networks of miRNAs were also identified in the datasets. The hub genes were significantly correlated with immune cells and stromal cells. Then the lasso model was constructed to screen out the five most relevant signature genes (FOS, FOXO3, SIRT1, TP53, SMARCA4). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) showed that these five characteristic genes have good resolving power for the diagnostic model. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggested that cellular senescence-associated genes played an important role in the development of ESRD and immune regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jia Xi
- Department of Urology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Qiang Guo
- Department of Urology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Ran Zhang
- School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Guo-Sheng Duan
- Fifth School of Clinical Medicine, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Sheng-Xiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China.
- Department of Rheumatology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi Province, China.
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48
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Shin E, Bak SH, Park T, Kim JW, Yoon SR, Jung H, Noh JY. Understanding NK cell biology for harnessing NK cell therapies: targeting cancer and beyond. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1192907. [PMID: 37539051 PMCID: PMC10395517 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1192907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene-engineered immune cell therapies have partially transformed cancer treatment, as exemplified by the use of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells in certain hematologic malignancies. However, there are several limitations that need to be addressed to target more cancer types. Natural killer (NK) cells are a type of innate immune cells that represent a unique biology in cancer immune surveillance. In particular, NK cells obtained from heathy donors can serve as a source for genetically engineered immune cell therapies. Therefore, NK-based therapies, including NK cells, CAR-NK cells, and antibodies that induce antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity of NK cells, have emerged. With recent advances in genetic engineering and cell biology techniques, NK cell-based therapies have become promising approaches for a wide range of cancers, viral infections, and senescence. This review provides a brief overview of NK cell characteristics and summarizes diseases that could benefit from NK-based therapies. In addition, we discuss recent preclinical and clinical investigations on the use of adoptive NK cell transfer and agents that can modulate NK cell activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunju Shin
- Aging Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Ho Bak
- Aging Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science & Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Taeho Park
- Aging Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science & Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Woo Kim
- Aging Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science & Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk-Ran Yoon
- Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science & Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Haiyoung Jung
- Aging Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science & Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Yoon Noh
- Aging Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science & Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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Moreno Ayala MA, Campbell TF, Zhang C, Dahan N, Bockman A, Prakash V, Feng L, Sher T, DuPage M. CXCR3 expression in regulatory T cells drives interactions with type I dendritic cells in tumors to restrict CD8 + T cell antitumor immunity. Immunity 2023; 56:1613-1630.e5. [PMID: 37392735 PMCID: PMC10752240 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2023.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Infiltration of regulatory T (Treg) cells, an immunosuppressive population of CD4+ T cells, into solid cancers represents a barrier to cancer immunotherapy. Chemokine receptors are critical for Treg cell recruitment and cell-cell interactions in inflamed tissues, including cancer, and thus are an ideal therapeutic target. Here, we show in multiple cancer models that CXCR3+ Treg cells were increased in tumors compared with lymphoid tissues, exhibited an activated phenotype, and interacted preferentially with CXCL9-producing BATF3+ dendritic cells (DCs). Genetic ablation of CXCR3 in Treg cells disrupted DC1-Treg cell interactions and concomitantly increased DC-CD8+ T cell interactions. Mechanistically, CXCR3 ablation in Treg cells increased tumor antigen-specific cross-presentation by DC1s, increasing CD8+ T cell priming and reactivation in tumors. This ultimately impaired tumor progression, especially in combination with anti-PD-1 checkpoint blockade immunotherapy. Overall, CXCR3 is shown to be a critical chemokine receptor for Treg cell accumulation and immune suppression in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariela A Moreno Ayala
- Division of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Timothy F Campbell
- Division of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Chenyu Zhang
- Division of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Noa Dahan
- Division of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Alissa Bockman
- Division of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Varsha Prakash
- Division of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Lawrence Feng
- Division of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Theo Sher
- Division of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Michel DuPage
- Division of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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50
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Liu Y, Fei Y, Wang X, Yang B, Li M, Luo Z. Biomaterial-enabled therapeutic modulation of cGAS-STING signaling for enhancing antitumor immunity. Mol Ther 2023; 31:1938-1959. [PMID: 37002605 PMCID: PMC10362396 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
cGAS-STING signaling is a central component in the therapeutic action of most existing cancer therapies. The accumulated knowledge of tumor immunoregulatory network in recent years has spurred the development of cGAS-STING agonists for tumor treatment as an effective immunotherapeutic strategy. However, the clinical translation of these agonists is thus far unsatisfactory because of the low immunostimulatory efficacy and unrestricted side effects under clinically relevant conditions. Interestingly, the rational integration of biomaterial technology offers a promising approach to overcome these limitations for more effective and safer cGAS-STING-mediated tumor therapy. Herein, we first outline the cGAS-STING signaling axis and generally discuss its association with tumors. We then symmetrically summarize the recent progress in those biomaterial-based cGAS-STING agonism strategies to generate robust antitumor immunity, categorized by the chemical nature of those cGAS-STING stimulants and carrier substrates. Finally, a perspective is provided to discuss the existing challenges and potential opportunities in cGAS-STING modulation for tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingqi Liu
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China
| | - Yang Fei
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China
| | - Xuan Wang
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China
| | - Bingbing Yang
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China
| | - Menghuan Li
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China.
| | - Zhong Luo
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China.
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