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Sun J, Tian Y, Yang C. Target therapy of TIGIT; a novel approach of immunotherapy for the treatment of colorectal cancer. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03346-7. [PMID: 39158733 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03346-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
The T cell immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domain (TIGIT), a newly discovered checkpoint, is characterized by its elevated expression on CD4 + T cells, CD8 + T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Research to date has been shown that TIGIT has been linked to exhaustion of NK cell both and T cells in numerous cancers. CD155, being the specific ligand of TIGIT in humans, emerges as a key target for immunotherapy owing to its crucial interaction with TIGIT. Furthermore, numerous studies have demonstrated that the combination of TIGIT with other immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and/or traditional treatments elicits a potent antitumor response in colorectal cancer (CRC). This review provides an overview of the structure, function, and signaling pathways associated with TIGIT across multiple immune system cell types. Additionally, focusing on the role of TIGIT in the progression of CRC, this study reviewed various studies exploring TIGIT-based immunotherapy in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, 046000, China
| | - Yan Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, 046000, China
| | - Changqing Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, 046000, China.
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Chong X, Madeti Y, Cai J, Li W, Cong L, Lu J, Mo L, Liu H, He S, Yu C, Zhou Z, Wang B, Cao Y, Wang Z, Shen L, Wang Y, Zhang X. Recent developments in immunotherapy for gastrointestinal tract cancers. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:65. [PMID: 39123202 PMCID: PMC11316403 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01578-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: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The past few decades have witnessed the rise of immunotherapy for Gastrointestinal (GI) tract cancers. The role of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), particularly programmed death protein 1 (PD-1) and PD ligand-1 antibodies, has become increasingly pivotal in the treatment of advanced and perioperative GI tract cancers. Currently, anti-PD-1 plus chemotherapy is considered as first-line regimen for unselected advanced gastric/gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (G/GEJC), mismatch repair deficient (dMMR)/microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) colorectal cancer (CRC), and advanced esophageal cancer (EC). In addition, the encouraging performance of claudin18.2-redirected chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy in later-line GI tract cancers brings new hope for cell therapy in solid tumour treatment. Nevertheless, immunotherapy for GI tumour remains yet precise, and researchers are dedicated to further maximising and optimising the efficacy. This review summarises the important research, latest progress, and future directions of immunotherapy for GI tract cancers including EC, G/GEJC, and CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyi Chong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Hai-Dian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Yelizhati Madeti
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Hai-Dian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Jieyuan Cai
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Hai-Dian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Wenfei Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Hai-Dian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Lin Cong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Hai-Dian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Jialin Lu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Hai-Dian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Liyang Mo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Hai-Dian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Huizhen Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Hai-Dian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Siyi He
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Hai-Dian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Chao Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Hai-Dian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Zhiruo Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Hai-Dian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Boya Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Hai-Dian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Yanshuo Cao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Hai-Dian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Zhenghang Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Hai-Dian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Lin Shen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Hai-Dian District, Beijing, 100142, China
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Beijing Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Yakun Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Hai-Dian District, Beijing, 100142, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Beijing Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, 100142, China.
| | - Xiaotian Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Hai-Dian District, Beijing, 100142, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Beijing Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, 100142, China.
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Nössing C, Herek P, Shariat SF, Berger W, Englinger B. Advances in preclinical assessment of therapeutic targets for bladder cancer precision medicine. Curr Opin Urol 2024; 34:251-257. [PMID: 38602053 PMCID: PMC11155291 DOI: 10.1097/mou.0000000000001177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Bladder cancer incidence is on the rise, and until recently, there has been little to no change in treatment regimens over the last 40 years. Hence, it is imperative to work on strategies and approaches to untangle the complexity of intra- and inter-tumour heterogeneity of bladder cancer with the aim of improving patient-specific care and treatment outcomes. The focus of this review is therefore to highlight novel targets, advances, and therapy approaches for bladder cancer patients. RECENT FINDINGS The success of combining an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) with immunotherapy has been recently hailed as a game changer in treating bladder cancer patients. Hence, interest in other ADCs as a treatment option is also rife. Furthermore, strategies to overcome chemoresistance to standard therapy have been described recently. In addition, other studies showed that targeting genomic alterations (e.g. mutations in FGFR3 , DNA damage repair genes and loss of the Y chromosome) could also be helpful as prognostic and treatment stratification biomarkers. The use of single-cell RNA sequencing approaches has allowed better characterisation of the tumour microenvironment and subsequent identification of novel targets. Functional precision medicine could be another avenue to improve and guide personalized treatment options. SUMMARY Several novel preclinical targets and treatment options have been described recently. The validation of these advances will lead to the development and implementation of robust personalized treatment regimens for bladder cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paula Herek
- Department of Urology, Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Shahrokh F. Shariat
- Department of Urology, Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Department of Urology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute for Urology, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
- Research center for Evidence Medicine, Urology Department, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Karl Landsteiner Institute of Urology and Andrology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Berger
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard Englinger
- Department of Urology, Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
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Sullivan MR, Finocchiaro M, Yang Y, Thomas J, Ali A, Kaplan I, Abdulhamid Y, Bobilev E, Sheffer M, Romee R, Konry T. An innovative single-cell approach for phenotyping and functional genotyping of CAR NK cells. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e008912. [PMID: 38821719 PMCID: PMC11149162 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2024-008912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To accelerate the translation of novel immunotherapeutic treatment approaches, the development of analytic methods to assess their efficacy at early in vitro stages is necessary. Using a droplet-based microfluidic platform, we have established a method for multiparameter quantifiable phenotypic and genomic observations of immunotherapies. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) natural killer (NK) cells are of increased interest in the current immunotherapy landscape and thus provide an optimal model for evaluating our novel methodology. METHODS For this approach, NK cells transduced with a CD19 CAR were compared with non-transduced NK cells in their ability to kill a lymphoma cell line. Using our microfluidic platform, we were able to quantify the increase in cytotoxicity and synaptic contact formation of CAR NK cells over non-transduced NK cells. We then optimized our droplet sorter and successfully used it to separate NK cells based on target cell killing to perform transcriptomic analyses. RESULTS Our data revealed expected improvement in cytotoxicity with the CD19 CAR but more importantly, provided unique insights into the factors involved in the cytotoxic mechanisms of CAR NK cells. This demonstrates a novel, improved system for accelerating the pre-clinical screening of future immunotherapy treatments. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a new potential approach for enhanced early screening of immunotherapies to improve their development, with a highly relevant cell model to demonstrate. Additionally, our validation studies provided some potential insights into transcriptomic determinants influencing CAR NK cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Ryan Sullivan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael Finocchiaro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yichao Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Judene Thomas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alaa Ali
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Isabel Kaplan
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yasmin Abdulhamid
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eden Bobilev
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michal Sheffer
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rizwan Romee
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tania Konry
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Yin N, Li X, Zhang X, Xue S, Cao Y, Niedermann G, Lu Y, Xue J. Development of pharmacological immunoregulatory anti-cancer therapeutics: current mechanistic studies and clinical opportunities. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:126. [PMID: 38773064 PMCID: PMC11109181 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01826-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy represented by anti-PD-(L)1 and anti-CTLA-4 inhibitors has revolutionized cancer treatment, but challenges related to resistance and toxicity still remain. Due to the advancement of immuno-oncology, an increasing number of novel immunoregulatory targets and mechanisms are being revealed, with relevant therapies promising to improve clinical immunotherapy in the foreseeable future. Therefore, comprehending the larger picture is important. In this review, we analyze and summarize the current landscape of preclinical and translational mechanistic research, drug development, and clinical trials that brought about next-generation pharmacological immunoregulatory anti-cancer agents and drug candidates beyond classical immune checkpoint inhibitors. Along with further clarification of cancer immunobiology and advances in antibody engineering, agents targeting additional inhibitory immune checkpoints, including LAG-3, TIM-3, TIGIT, CD47, and B7 family members are becoming an important part of cancer immunotherapy research and discovery, as are structurally and functionally optimized novel anti-PD-(L)1 and anti-CTLA-4 agents and agonists of co-stimulatory molecules of T cells. Exemplified by bispecific T cell engagers, newly emerging bi-specific and multi-specific antibodies targeting immunoregulatory molecules can provide considerable clinical benefits. Next-generation agents also include immune epigenetic drugs and cytokine-based therapeutics. Cell therapies, cancer vaccines, and oncolytic viruses are not covered in this review. This comprehensive review might aid in further development and the fastest possible clinical adoption of effective immuno-oncology modalities for the benefit of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanhao Yin
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xintong Li
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xuanwei Zhang
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Shaolong Xue
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 20, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yu Cao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Laboratory of Emergency Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
- Institute of Disaster Medicine & Institute of Emergency Medicine, Sichuan University, No. 17, Gaopeng Avenue, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Gabriele Niedermann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site DKTK-Freiburg, Robert-Koch-Strasse 3, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - You Lu
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 2222, Xinchuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Jianxin Xue
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 2222, Xinchuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
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Wu JW, Liu Y, Dai XJ, Liu HM, Zheng YC, Liu HM. CD155 as an emerging target in tumor immunotherapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 131:111896. [PMID: 38518596 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111896] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
CD155 is an immunoglobulin-like protein overexpressed in almost all the tumor cells, which not only promotes proliferation, adhesion, invasion, and migration of tumor cells, but also regulates immune responses by interacting with TIGIT, CD226 or CD96 receptors expressed on several immune cells, thereby modulating the functionality of these cellular subsets. As a novel immune checkpoint, the inhibition of CD155/TIGIT, either as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other immune checkpoint inhibitors, has demonstrated efficacy in managing advanced solid malignancies. In this review, we summarize the intricate relationship between on tumor surface CD155 and its receptors, with further discussion on how they regulate the occurrence of tumor immune escape. In addition, novel therapeutic strategies and clinical trials targeting CD155 and its receptors are summarized, providing a strong rationale and way forward for the development of next-generation immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Wan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, XNA Platform, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Henan Engineering Research Center for Application & Translation of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Xing-Jie Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, XNA Platform, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Hong-Min Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, XNA Platform, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Yi-Chao Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, XNA Platform, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.
| | - Hui-Min Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, XNA Platform, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.
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Hazrati A, Malekpour K, Khorramdelazad H, Rajaei S, Hashemi SM. Therapeutic and immunomodulatory potentials of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells and immune checkpoints related molecules. Biomark Res 2024; 12:35. [PMID: 38515166 PMCID: PMC10958918 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00580-2] [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: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) are used in many studies due to their therapeutic potential, including their differentiative ability and immunomodulatory properties. These cells perform their therapeutic functions by using various mechanisms, such as the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, direct cell-to-cell contact, extracellular vesicles (EVs) production, and mitochondrial transfer. However, mechanisms related to immune checkpoints (ICPs) and their effect on the immunomodulatory ability of MSCs are less discussed. The main function of ICPs is to prevent the initiation of unwanted responses and to regulate the immune system responses to maintain the homeostasis of these responses. ICPs are produced by various types of immune system regulatory cells, and defects in their expression and function may be associated with excessive responses that can ultimately lead to autoimmunity. Also, by expressing different types of ICPs and their ligands (ICPLs), tumor cells prevent the formation and durability of immune responses, which leads to tumors' immune escape. ICPs and ICPLs can be produced by MSCs and affect immune cell responses both through their secretion into the microenvironment or direct cell-to-cell interaction. Pre-treatment of MSCs in inflammatory conditions leads to an increase in their therapeutic potential. In addition to the effect that inflammatory environments have on the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines by MSCs, they can increase the expression of various types of ICPLs. In this review, we discuss different types of ICPLs and ICPs expressed by MSCs and their effect on their immunomodulatory and therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Hazrati
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kosar Malekpour
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Khorramdelazad
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Samira Rajaei
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Seyed Mahmoud Hashemi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Jiang S, Wang W, Yang Y. TIGIT: A potential immunotherapy target for gynecological cancers. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 255:155202. [PMID: 38367600 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155202] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Gynecological cancer represents a significant global health challenge, and conventional treatment modalities have demonstrated limited efficacy. However, recent investigations into immune checkpoint pathways have unveiled promising opportunities for enhancing the prognosis of patients with cancer. Among these pathways, TIGIT has surfaced as a compelling candidate owing to its capacity to augment the immune function of NK and T cells through blockade, thereby yielding improved anti-tumor effects and prolonged patient survival. Global clinical trials exploring TIGIT blockade therapy have yielded promising preliminary findings. Nevertheless, further research is imperative to comprehensively grasp the potential of TIGIT-based immunotherapy in optimizing therapeutic outcomes for gynecological cancers. This review primarily delineates the regulatory network and immunosuppressive mechanism of TIGIT, expounds upon its expression and therapeutic potential in three major gynecological cancers, and synthesizes the clinical trials of TIGIT-based cancer immunotherapy. Such insights aim to furnish novel perspectives and serve as reference points for subsequent research and clinical application targeting TIGIT in gynecological cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyue Jiang
- The third People's Hospital of Suining, Suining, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenhua Wang
- First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yongxiu Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
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Xu F, Xu K, Fan L, Li X, Liu Y, Yang F, Zhu C, Guan X. Estrogen receptor beta suppresses the androgen receptor oncogenic effects in triple-negative breast cancer. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:338-349. [PMID: 38105538 PMCID: PMC10836903 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002930] [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: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive type of breast cancer associated with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. The androgen receptor (AR) has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for luminal androgen receptor (LAR) TNBC. However, multiple studies have claimed that anti-androgen therapy for AR-positive TNBC only has limited clinical benefits. This study aimed to investigate the role of AR in TNBC and its detailed mechanism. METHODS Immunohistochemistry and TNBC tissue sections were applied to investigate AR and nectin cell adhesion molecule 4 (NECTIN4) expression in TNBC tissues. Then, in vitro and in vivo assays were used to explore the function of AR and estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) in TNBC. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq), co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP), molecular docking method, and luciferase reporter assay were performed to identify key molecules that affect the function of AR. RESULTS Based on the TNBC tissue array analysis, we revealed that ERβ and AR were positive in 21.92% (32/146) and 24.66% (36/146) of 146 TNBC samples, respectively, and about 13.70% (20/146) of TNBC patients were ERβ positive and AR positive. We further demonstrated the pro-tumoral effects of AR on TNBC cells, however, the oncogenic biology was significantly suppressed when ERβ transfection in LAR TNBC cell lines but not in AR-negative TNBC. Mechanistically, we identified that NECTIN4 promoter -42 bp to -28 bp was an AR response element, and that ERβ interacted with AR thus impeding the AR-mediated NECTIN4 transcription which promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition in tumor progression. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that ERβ functions as a suppressor mediating the effect of AR in TNBC prognosis and cell proliferation. Therefore, our current research facilitates a better understanding of the role and mechanisms of AR in TNBC carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Xu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Kun Xu
- Department of Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China
| | - Lingling Fan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Xintong Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Yiqiu Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Fang Yang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Center of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
| | - Chengjun Zhu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Xiaoxiang Guan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, China
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Zhang P, Liu X, Gu Z, Jiang Z, Zhao S, Song Y, Yu J. Targeting TIGIT for cancer immunotherapy: recent advances and future directions. Biomark Res 2024; 12:7. [PMID: 38229100 PMCID: PMC10790541 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00543-z] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
As a newly identified checkpoint, T cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) domain (TIGIT) is highly expressed on CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). TIGIT has been associated with NK cell exhaustion in vivo and in individuals with various cancers. It not only modulates NK cell survival but also mediates T cell exhaustion. As the primary ligand of TIGIT in humans, CD155 may be the main target for immunotherapy due to its interaction with TIGIT. It has been found that the anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) treatment response in cancer immunotherapy is correlated with CD155 but not TIGIT. Anti-TIGIT alone and in combination with anti-PD-1 agents have been tested for cancer immunotherapy. Although two clinical studies on advanced lung cancer had positive results, the TIGIT-targeted antibody, tiragolumab, recently failed in two new trials. In this review, we highlight the current developments on TIGIT for cancer immunotherapy and discuss the characteristics and functions of TIGIT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- Henan Medical Key Laboratory of Thoracic Oncology, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Xinyuan Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Bioinformatics Center, Henan Provincial Engineering Center for Tumor Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Zhuoyu Gu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- Henan Medical Key Laboratory of Thoracic Oncology, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Zhongxing Jiang
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Song Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
| | - Yongping Song
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
| | - Jifeng Yu
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nuclear Protein Gene Regulation, Henan University College of Medicine, Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China.
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11
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Liu CH, Leu SJ, Lee CH, Lin CY, Wang WC, Tsai BY, Lee YC, Chen CL, Yang YY, Lin LT. Production and characterization of single-chain variable fragment antibodies targeting the breast cancer tumor marker nectin-4. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1292019. [PMID: 38288120 PMCID: PMC10822971 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1292019] [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: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Nectin-4 is a novel biomarker overexpressed in various types of cancer, including breast cancer, in which it has been associated with poor prognosis. Current literature suggests that nectin-4 has a role in cancer progression and may have prognostic and therapeutic implications. The present study aims to produce nectin-4-specific single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibodies and evaluate their applications in breast cancer cell lines and clinical specimens. Methods We generated recombinant nectin-4 ectodomain fragments as immunogens to immunize chickens and the chickens' immunoglobulin genes were amplified for construction of anti-nectin-4 scFv libraries using phage display. The binding capacities of the selected clones were evaluated with the recombinant nectin-4 fragments, breast cancer cell lines, and paraffin-embedded tissue sections using various laboratory approaches. The binding affinity and in silico docking profile were also characterized. Results We have selected two clones (S21 and L4) from the libraries with superior binding capacity. S21 yielded higher signals when used as the primry antibody for western blot analysis and flow cytometry, whereas clone L4 generated cleaner and stronger signals in immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry staining. In addition, both scFvs could diminish attachment-free cell aggregation of nectin-4-positive breast cancer cells. As results from ELISA indicated that L4 bound more efficiently to fixed nectin-4 ectodomain, molecular docking analysis was further performed and demonstrated that L4 possesses multiple polar contacts with nectin-4 and diversity in interacting residues. Conclusion Overall, the nectin-4-specific scFvs could recognize nectin-4 expressed by breast cancer cells and have the merit of being further explored for potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Hsuan Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Sy-Jye Leu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Hsin Lee
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Medical Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yuan Lin
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chu Wang
- Ph.D. Program in Medical Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Yu-Ching Lee
- The Center of Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Long Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University and Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Yuan Yang
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Medical Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Core Laboratory of Antibody Generation and Research, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Liang-Tzung Lin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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12
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Li QY, Guo Q, Luo WM, Luo XY, Ji YM, Xu LQ, Guo JL, Shi RS, Li F, Lin CY, Zhang J, Ke D. Overexpression of MTFR1 promotes cancer progression and drug-resistance on cisplatin and is related to the immune microenvironment in lung adenocarcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:66-88. [PMID: 38170222 PMCID: PMC10817379 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205338] [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: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The roles of MTFR1 in the drug resistance of lung adenocarcinoma (LAC) to cisplatin remain unexplored. In this study, the expression, clinical values and mechanisms of MTFR1 were explored, and the relationship between MTFR1 expression and immune microenvironment was investigated in LAC using bioinformatics analysis, cell experiments, and meta-analysis. METHODS MTFR1 expression and clinical values, and the relationship between MTFR1 expression and immunity were explored, through bioinformatics analysis. The effects of MTFR1 on the growth, migration and cisplatin sensitivity of LAC cells were identified using cell counting kit-8, wound healing and Transwell experiments. Additionally, the mechanisms of drug resistance of LAC cells involving MTFR1 were investigated using western blotting. RESULTS MTFR1 was elevated in LAC tissues. MTFR1 overexpression was associated with sex, age, primary therapy outcome, smoking, T stage, unfavourable prognosis and diagnostic value and considered an independent risk factor for an unfavourable prognosis in patients with LAC. MTFR1 co-expressed genes involved in the cell cycle, oocyte meiosis, DNA replication and others. Moreover, interfering with MTFR1 expression inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of A549 and A549/DDP cells and promoted cell sensitivity to cisplatin, which was related to the inhibition of p-AKT, p-P38 and p-ERK protein expression. MTFR1 overexpression was associated with stromal, immune and estimate scores along with natural killer cells, pDC, iDC and others in LAC. CONCLUSIONS MTFR1 overexpression was related to the unfavourable prognosis, diagnostic value and immunity in LAC. MTFR1 also participated in cell growth and migration and promoted the drug resistance of LAC cells to cisplatin via the p-AKT and p-ERK/P38 signalling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Yun Li
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Qiang Guo
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Wei-Min Luo
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Xiang-Yu Luo
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Yan-Mei Ji
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Li-Qiang Xu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Jia-Long Guo
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Rong-Shu Shi
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Cheng-Yi Lin
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Di Ke
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
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Nanamiya T, Takane K, Yamaguchi K, Okawara Y, Arakawa M, Saku A, Ikenoue T, Fujiyuki T, Yoneda M, Kai C, Furukawa Y. Expression of PVRL4, a molecular target for cancer treatment, is transcriptionally regulated by FOS. Oncol Rep 2024; 51:17. [PMID: 38063270 PMCID: PMC10739986 DOI: 10.3892/or.2023.8676] [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: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
PVRL4 (or nectin‑4) is a promising therapeutic target since its upregulated expression is found in a wide range of human cancer types. Enfortumab vedotin, an antibody‑drug conjugate targeting PVRL4, is clinically used for the treatment of urothelial bladder cancer. In addition, rMV‑SLAMblind, a genetically engineered oncolytic measles virus, can infect cancer cells and induce apoptosis through interaction with PVRL4. Although PVRL4 transcript levels are elevated in breast, lung and ovarian cancer, the mechanisms of its upregulation have not yet been uncovered. To clarify the regulatory mechanisms of elevated PVRL4 expression in breast cancer cells, Assay for Transposase‑Accessible Chromatin‑sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation‑sequencing (ChIP‑seq) data were used to search for its regulatory regions. Using breast cancer cells, an enhancer region was ultimately identified. Additional analyses, including ChIP and reporter assays, demonstrated that FOS interacted with the PVRL4 enhancer region, and that alterations of the FOS‑binding motifs in the enhancer region decreased reporter activity. Consistent with these data, exogenous expression of FOS enhanced the reporter activity and PVRL4 expression in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, RNA‑seq analysis using breast cancer cells treated with PVRL4 small interfering RNA revealed its possible involvement in the cytokine response and immune system. These data suggested that FOS was involved, at least partly, in the regulation of PVRL4 expression in breast cancer cells, and that elevated PVRL4 expression may regulate the response of cancer cells to cytokines and the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoyuki Nanamiya
- Division of Clinical Genome Research, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Kiyoko Takane
- Division of Clinical Genome Research, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Yamaguchi
- Division of Clinical Genome Research, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Yuya Okawara
- Division of Clinical Genome Research, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Mariko Arakawa
- Division of Clinical Genome Research, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Akari Saku
- Division of Clinical Genome Research, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Tsuneo Ikenoue
- Division of Clinical Genome Research, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Tomoko Fujiyuki
- Division of Virus Engineering, Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
| | - Misako Yoneda
- Division of Virological Medicine, Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
| | - Chieko Kai
- Division of Infectious Disease Control Science, Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan
| | - Yoichi Furukawa
- Division of Clinical Genome Research, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
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14
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Fahey CC, Nebhan CA, York S, Davis NB, Hurley PJ, Gordetsky JB, Schaffer KR. Metastatic Penile Squamous Cell Carcinoma Responsive to Enfortumab Vedotin. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16109. [PMID: 38003302 PMCID: PMC10671469 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Penile squamous cell carcinoma is a rare disease with very limited data to guide treatment decisions. In particular, there is minimal evidence for effective therapies in the metastatic setting. Here, we present a case of metastatic penile squamous cell carcinoma with response to the Nectin-4 inhibitor enfortumab-vedotin-ejfv (EV). EV was selected due to the evidence of the high expression of Nectin-4 in squamous cell carcinomas, including penile carcinoma. The patient had both radiographic and symptomatic improvement after two cycles of treatment, despite having been treated with multiple prior lines of traditional chemotherapy. This case provides support for the use of antibody-drug conjugates (ADC), including EV, in this disease with few other options in the advanced setting. Further studies examining Nectin-4 and ADCs in penile squamous cell carcinoma should be completed, as high-quality evidence is needed to guide treatment after initial progression for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine C. Fahey
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (C.C.F.)
- Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Veterans’ Affairs, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | | | - Sally York
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (C.C.F.)
- Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Veterans’ Affairs, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Nancy B. Davis
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (C.C.F.)
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Paula J. Hurley
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (C.C.F.)
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Urology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Jennifer B. Gordetsky
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Urology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Kerry R. Schaffer
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (C.C.F.)
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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15
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Ganguli N, Kumari P, Dash S, Samanta D. Molecular and structural basis of TIGIT: Nectin-4 interaction, a recently discovered pathway crucial for cancer immunotherapy. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 677:31-37. [PMID: 37542773 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.07.058] [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: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
TIGIT (T cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain) is an inhibitory receptor expressed on T and NK cells that interact with cell surface glycoprotein belonging to the nectin and nectin-like family of cell adhesion molecules, particularly nectin-2 and nectin-like 5 (PVR). Nectin-4 has been recently identified as a novel ligand for TIGIT and the interaction among them inhibits NK cell cytotoxicity. In this study, biophysical experiments were conducted to decipher the mechanism of this novel interaction, followed by structure-guided mutagenesis studies to map the nectin-4 binding interface on TIGIT. Using surface plasmon resonance, we deduced that TIGIT recognizes the membrane distal ectodomain of nectin-4 and the interaction is weaker than the well-characterized TIGIT: nectin-2 interaction. Deciphering the molecular basis of this newly identified interaction between TIGIT and nectin-4 will provide us important insight into the manipulation of this inhibitory signaling pathway, especially targeting cancer cells overexpressing nectin-4 that evade the immune surveillance of the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namrata Ganguli
- School of Bioscience, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, West Bengal, India
| | - Puja Kumari
- School of Bioscience, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, West Bengal, India
| | - Sagarika Dash
- School of Bioscience, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, West Bengal, India
| | - Dibyendu Samanta
- School of Bioscience, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, West Bengal, India.
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Zeven K, De Groof TW, Ceuppens H, Awad RM, Ertveldt T, de Mey W, Meeus F, Raes G, Breckpot K, Devoogdt N. Development and evaluation of nanobody tracers for noninvasive nuclear imaging of the immune-checkpoint TIGIT. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1268900. [PMID: 37799715 PMCID: PMC10548220 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1268900] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction T cell Ig and ITIM domain receptor (TIGIT) is a next-generation immune checkpoint predominantly expressed on activated T cells and NK cells, exhibiting an unfavorable prognostic association with various malignancies. Despite the emergence of multiple TIGIT-blocking agents entering clinical trials, only a fraction of patients responded positively to anti-TIGIT therapy. Consequently, an urgent demand arises for noninvasive techniques to quantify and monitor TIGIT expression, facilitating patient stratification and enhancing therapeutic outcomes. Small antigen binding moieties such as nanobodies, are promising candidates for such tracer development. Methods We generated a panel of anti-human or anti-mouse TIGIT nanobodies from immunized llamas. In addition, we designed a single-chain variable fragment derived from the clinically tested monoclonal antibody Vibostolimab targeting TIGIT, and assessed its performance alongside the nanobodies. In vitro characterization studies were performed, including binding ability and affinity to cell expressed or recombinant TIGIT. After Technetium-99m labeling, the nanobodies and the single-chain variable fragment were evaluated in vivo for their ability to detect TIGIT expression using SPECT/CT imaging, followed by ex vivo biodistribution analysis. Results Nine nanobodies were selected for binding to recombinant and cell expressed TIGIT with low sub-nanomolar affinities and are thermostable. A six-fold higher uptake in TIGIT-overexpressing tumor was demonstrated one hour post- injection with Technetium-99m labeled nanobodies compared to an irrelevant control nanobody. Though the single-chain variable fragment exhibited superior binding to TIGIT-expressing peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro, its in vivo behavior yielded lower tumor-to-background ratios at one hour post- injection, indicating that nanobodies are better suited for in vivo imaging than the single-chain variable fragment. Despite the good affinity, high specificity and on-target uptake in mice in this setting, imaging of TIGIT expression on tumor- infiltrating lymphocytes within MC38 tumors remained elusive. This is likely due to the low expression levels of TIGIT in this model. Discussion The excellent affinity, high specificity and rapid on-target uptake in mice bearing TIGIT- overexpressing tumors showed the promising diagnostic potential of nanobodies to noninvasively image high TIGIT expression within the tumor. These findings hold promise for clinical translation to aid patient selection and improve therapy response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katty Zeven
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Therapy (MITH), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Timo W.M. De Groof
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Therapy (MITH), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hannelore Ceuppens
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robin Maximilian Awad
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thomas Ertveldt
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wout de Mey
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fien Meeus
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Geert Raes
- Laboratory for Cellular and Molecular Immunology (CMIM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Therapy (MITH), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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Cai L, Li Y, Tan J, Xu L, Li Y. Targeting LAG-3, TIM-3, and TIGIT for cancer immunotherapy. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:101. [PMID: 37670328 PMCID: PMC10478462 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01499-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In one decade, immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs) has become a new pillar of cancer treatment following surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies. However, not all cancer patients benefit from single or combination therapy with anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies. Thus, an increasing number of immune checkpoint proteins (ICPs) have been screened and their effectiveness evaluated in preclinical and clinical trials. Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain-containing-3 (TIM-3), and T cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) domain (TIGIT) constitute the second wave of immunotherapy targets that show great promise for use in the treatment of solid tumors and leukemia. To promote the research and clinical application of ICBs directed at these targets, we summarize their discovery, immunotherapy mechanism, preclinical efficiency, and clinical trial results in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letong Cai
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yuchen Li
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jiaxiong Tan
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Ling Xu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control (Jinan University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Yangqiu Li
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control (Jinan University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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18
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Shen R, Li Z, Wu X. The mitotic spindle-related seven-gene predicts the prognosis and immune microenvironment of lung adenocarcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:10131-10141. [PMID: 37266661 PMCID: PMC10423164 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04906-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Abnormalities in the mitotic spindle have been linked to a variety of cancers. Data on their role in the onset, progression, and treatment of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) need to be explored. METHODS The data were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and Molecular Signatures Database (MSigDB), for the training cohort, external validation cohort, and the hallmark mitotic spindle gene set, respectively. Mitotic spindle genes linked to LUAD prognosis were identified and intersected with differentially expressed up-regulated genes in the training cohort. Nomogram prediction models were built based on least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, univariate cox, and multivariate cox analyses. The seven-gene immunological score was examined, as well as the correlation of immune checkpoints. The DLGAP5 and KIF15 expression in BEAS-2B, A549, H1299, H1975, and PC-9 cell lines was validated with western blot (WB). RESULTS A total of 965 differentially expressed up-regulated genes in the training cohort intersected with 51 mitotic spindle genes associated with LUAD prognosis. Finally, the seven-gene risk score was determined and integrated with clinical characteristics to construct the nomogram model. Immune cell correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between seven-gene expression with B cell, endothelial cell (excluding LMNB1), and T cell CD8 + (p < 0.05). However, the seven-gene expression was positively correlated with multiple immune checkpoints (p < 0.05). The expression of DLGAP5 and KIF15 were significantly higher in A549, H1299, H1975, and PC-9 cell lines than that in BEAS-2B cell line. CONCLUSION High expression of the seven genes is positively correlated with poor prognosis of LUAD, and these genes are promising as prospective immunotherapy targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruxin Shen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University, Nantong, 226000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhaoshui Li
- Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266023, China
| | - Xiaoting Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200433, China.
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19
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Worboys JD, Vowell KN, Hare RK, Ambrose AR, Bertuzzi M, Conner MA, Patel FP, Zammit WH, Gali-Moya J, Hazime KS, Jones KL, Rey C, Jonjic S, Rovis TL, Tannahill GM, Cruz De Matos GDS, Waight JD, Davis DM. TIGIT can inhibit T cell activation via ligation-induced nanoclusters, independent of CD226 co-stimulation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5016. [PMID: 37596248 PMCID: PMC10439114 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40755-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
TIGIT is an inhibitory receptor expressed on lymphocytes and can inhibit T cells by preventing CD226 co-stimulation through interactions in cis or through competition of shared ligands. Whether TIGIT directly delivers cell-intrinsic inhibitory signals in T cells remains unclear. Here we show, by analysing lymphocytes from matched human tumour and peripheral blood samples, that TIGIT and CD226 co-expression is rare on tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes. Using super-resolution microscopy and other techniques, we demonstrate that ligation with CD155 causes TIGIT to reorganise into dense nanoclusters, which coalesce with T cell receptor (TCR)-rich clusters at immune synapses. Functionally, this reduces cytokine secretion in a manner dependent on TIGIT's intracellular ITT-like signalling motif. Thus, we provide evidence that TIGIT directly inhibits lymphocyte activation, acting independently of CD226, requiring intracellular signalling that is proximal to the TCR. Within the subset of tumours where TIGIT-expressing cells do not commonly co-express CD226, this will likely be the dominant mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Worboys
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Roseanna K Hare
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ashley R Ambrose
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Margherita Bertuzzi
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | | | - William H Zammit
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Judit Gali-Moya
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Department of Life Sciences, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, UK
| | - Khodor S Hazime
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Department of Life Sciences, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, UK
| | - Katherine L Jones
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Camille Rey
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Stipan Jonjic
- Center for Proteomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Tihana Lenac Rovis
- Center for Proteomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | | | | | | | - Daniel M Davis
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Department of Life Sciences, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, UK.
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20
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Zhao J, Li L, Yin H, Feng X, Lu Q. TIGIT: An emerging immune checkpoint target for immunotherapy in autoimmune disease and cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 120:110358. [PMID: 37262959 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoints (ICs), also referred to as co-inhibitory receptors (IRs), are essential for regulating immune cell function to maintain tolerance and prevent autoimmunity. IRs, such as programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), have been shown to possess immunoregulatory properties that are relevant to various autoimmune diseases and cancers. Tumors are characterized by suppressive microenvironments with elevated levels of IRs on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Therefore, IR blockade has shown great potential in cancer therapy and has even been approved for clinical use. However, other IRs, including cell immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) domain (TIGIT), may also represent promising targets for anti-tumor therapy. The increasing importance of IRs in autoimmune diseases has become apparent. In mouse models, TIGIT pathway blockade or TIGIT deficiency has been linked to T cell overactivation and proliferation, exacerbation of inflammation, and increased susceptibility to autoimmune disorders. On the other hand, TIGIT activation has been shown to alleviate autoimmune disorders in murine models. Given these findings, we examine the effects of TIGIT and its potential as a therapeutic target for both autoimmune diseases and cancers. It is clear that TIGIT represents an emerging and exciting target for immunotherapy in these contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junpeng Zhao
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China; Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciencs, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Liming Li
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China; Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciencs, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Huiqi Yin
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China; Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciencs, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiwei Feng
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China; Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciencs, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Qianjin Lu
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China; Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciencs, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China.
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21
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Rishiq A, Bsoul R, Pick O, Mandelboim O. Studying TIGIT activity against tumors through the generation of knockout mice. Oncoimmunology 2023; 12:2217735. [PMID: 37261087 PMCID: PMC10228407 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2217735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of antibodies to block inhibitory receptors, primarily anti-PD1 and CTLA4 (known as checkpoint therapy) revolutionized cancer treatment. However, despite these successes, the majority of cancer patients do not respond to the checkpoint treatment, emphasizing the need for development of additional therapies, which are based on other inhibitory receptors. Human TIGIT is an inhibitory receptor expressed by Natural Killer (NK) and T cells and is mainly known to interact with PVR, Nectin-2, Nectin-3, and Nectin-4. Whether mouse TIGIT interacts with all of these ligands is still unclear. Additionally, the in vivo function of TIGIT against tumors is not completely understood. Here, we demonstrate that mouse TIGIT interacts with and is inhibited by mPVR only. Using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, we generated TIGIT-deficient mice and demonstrated that NK cell cytotoxicity and degranulation against two tumor types were lower in WT mice when compared to the TIGIT KO mice. Moreover, in vivo tumor progression was slower in TIGIT KO than in WT mice. Taken together, our data established that mTIGIT has only one ligand, PVR, and that in the absence of TIGIT tumors are killed better both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Rishiq
- The Concern Foundation Laboratories at the Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada (IMRIC), Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Reem Bsoul
- The Institute of Dental Sciences, The Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ophir Pick
- The Concern Foundation Laboratories at the Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada (IMRIC), Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ofer Mandelboim
- The Concern Foundation Laboratories at the Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada (IMRIC), Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
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22
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Hasan MF, Croom-Perez TJ, Oyer JL, Dieffenthaller TA, Robles-Carrillo LD, Eloriaga JE, Kumar S, Andersen BW, Copik AJ. TIGIT Expression on Activated NK Cells Correlates with Greater Anti-Tumor Activity but Promotes Functional Decline upon Lung Cancer Exposure: Implications for Adoptive Cell Therapy and TIGIT-Targeted Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2712. [PMID: 37345049 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatments targeting TIGIT have gained a lot of attention due to strong preclinical and early clinical results, particularly with anti-PD-(L)1 therapeutics. However, this combination has failed to meet progression-free survival endpoints in phase III trials. Most of our understanding of TIGIT comes from studies of T cell function. Yet, this inhibitory receptor is often upregulated to the same, or higher, extent on NK cells in cancers. Studies in murine models have demonstrated that TIGIT inhibits NK cells and promotes exhaustion, with its effects on tumor control also being dependent on NK cells. However, there are limited studies assessing the role of TIGIT on the function of human NK cells (hNK), particularly in lung cancer. Most studies used NK cell lines or tested TIGIT blockade to reactivate exhausted cells obtained from cancer patients. For therapeutic advancement, a better understanding of TIGIT in the context of activated hNK cells is crucial, which is different than exhausted NK cells, and critical in the context of adoptive NK cell therapeutics that may be combined with TIGIT blockade. In this study, the effect of TIGIT blockade on the anti-tumor activities of human ex vivo-expanded NK cells was evaluated in vitro in the context of lung cancer. TIGIT expression was higher on activated and/or expanded NK cells compared to resting NK cells. More TIGIT+ NK cells expressed major activating receptors and exerted anti-tumor response as compared to TIGIT- cells, indicating that NK cells with greater anti-tumor function express more TIGIT. However, long-term TIGIT engagement upon exposure to PVR+ tumors downregulated the cytotoxic function of expanded NK cells while the inclusion of TIGIT blockade increased cytotoxicity, restored the effector functions against PVR-positive targets, and upregulated immune inflammation-related gene sets. These combined results indicate that TIGIT blockade can preserve the activation state of NK cells during exposure to PVR+ tumors. These results support the notion that a functional NK cell compartment is critical for anti-tumor response and anti-TIGIT/adoptive NK cell combinations have the potential to improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Faqrul Hasan
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Tayler J Croom-Perez
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Jeremiah L Oyer
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Thomas A Dieffenthaller
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Liza D Robles-Carrillo
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Jonathan E Eloriaga
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Sanjana Kumar
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Brendan W Andersen
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Alicja J Copik
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
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23
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Műzes G, Sipos F. Autoimmunity and Carcinogenesis: Their Relationship under the Umbrella of Autophagy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041130. [PMID: 37189748 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system and autophagy share a functional relationship. Both innate and adaptive immune responses involve autophagy and, depending on the disease’s origin and pathophysiology, it may have a detrimental or positive role on autoimmune disorders. As a “double-edged sword” in tumors, autophagy can either facilitate or impede tumor growth. The autophagy regulatory network that influences tumor progression and treatment resistance is dependent on cell and tissue types and tumor stages. The connection between autoimmunity and carcinogenesis has not been sufficiently explored in past studies. As a crucial mechanism between the two phenomena, autophagy may play a substantial role, though the specifics remain unclear. Several autophagy modifiers have demonstrated beneficial effects in models of autoimmune disease, emphasizing their therapeutic potential as treatments for autoimmune disorders. The function of autophagy in the tumor microenvironment and immune cells is the subject of intensive study. The objective of this review is to investigate the role of autophagy in the simultaneous genesis of autoimmunity and malignancy, shedding light on both sides of the issue. We believe our work will assist in the organization of current understanding in the field and promote additional research on this urgent and crucial topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Györgyi Műzes
- Immunology Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, 1088 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Sipos
- Immunology Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, 1088 Budapest, Hungary
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24
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Agrawal R, Natarajan KN. Oncogenic signaling pathways in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Adv Cancer Res 2023; 159:251-283. [PMID: 37268398 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2023.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common (∼90% cases) pancreatic neoplasm and one of the most lethal cancer among all malignances. PDAC harbor aberrant oncogenic signaling that may result from the multiple genetic and epigenetic alterations such as the mutation in driver genes (KRAS, CDKN2A, p53), genomic amplification of regulatory genes (MYC, IGF2BP2, ROIK3), deregulation of chromatin-modifying proteins (HDAC, WDR5) among others. A key event is the formation of Pancreatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia (PanIN) that often results from the activating mutation in KRAS. Mutated KRAS can direct a variety of signaling pathways and modulate downstream targets including MYC, which play an important role in cancer progression. In this review, we discuss recent literature shedding light on the origins of PDAC from the perspective of major oncogenic signaling pathways. We highlight how MYC directly and indirectly, with cooperation with KRAS, affect epigenetic reprogramming and metastasis. Additionally, we summarize the recent findings from single cell genomic approaches that highlight heterogeneity in PDAC and tumor microenvironment, and provide molecular avenues for PDAC treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Agrawal
- DTU Bioengineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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25
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Dekanić A, Babarović E, Kučan Brlić P, Knežić M, Savić Vuković A, Mazor M, Jonjić N. The Prognostic Significance of Nectin-2 and Nectin-4 expression in glial tumors. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 244:154416. [PMID: 36989846 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Glial tumors are the most frequent neoplasms of the central nervous system in adults and despite recent advances in diagnosis and treatment of the disease, the prognosis of glioma is poor. Therefore, there is a great need to identify new prognostic factors and potential immunotherapeutic targets. Members of the Nectin family of proteins are gaining significant attention as possible diagnostic and immunotherapeutic targets in many solid tumors, but they have not been extensively investigated in glial tumors. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression of Nectin-2 and Nectin-4 in glial tumors of different grades, and to assess their prognostic value. The results showed heterogeneous expression of Nectin-2 and Nectin-4 in tumor cells and neuropil, with significantly higher Nectin-2 expression compared to Nectin-4, but without differences among tumor grades. In addition, the expression of Nectin-2 and Nectin-4 was associated with shorter survival times in patients with grade II/III gliomas. These results suggest that Nectin-2 and Nectin-4 expression may be used as an independent prognostic indicator for patients with II/III gliomas. This study contributes to the development of personalized care for patients with glioma and provides a basis for further research on nectin-based immunotherapy for brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Dekanić
- Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Krešimirova 42, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Emina Babarović
- Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Krešimirova 42, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Paola Kučan Brlić
- Center for Proteomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Matija Knežić
- Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Krešimirova 42, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Anita Savić Vuković
- Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Krešimirova 42, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Marija Mazor
- Center for Proteomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Nives Jonjić
- Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Krešimirova 42, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
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26
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Nielsen TJ, Varga MG, Cronister CT, Ring BZ, Seitz RS, Ross DT, Schweitzer BL, McGregor K. The 27-gene IO score is associated with efficacy of PD-1/L1 inhibitors independent of FGFR expression in a real-world metastatic urothelial carcinoma cohort. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023:10.1007/s00262-023-03401-x. [PMID: 36806983 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03401-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Multiple targeted therapeutics have been approved by the FDA for mUC, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and more recently targeted agents for both FGFR and Nectin-4. FGFR3-aberrant and Nectin-4 expressing cells have been associated with an immunosuppressed phenotype. Given that less than half of all patients respond to these agents as monotherapies and less than 20% are eligible to receive salvage therapy, effective personalized treatment plans are critical. Typical biomarkers for ICIs such as PD-L1 and TMB have not been definitive in mUC, yet a biomarker-driven optimization of first-line therapy and subsequent sequencing have the potential to achieve higher and more durable response rates. The IO score is a 27-gene tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) classifier that has been associated with the clinical benefits of ICIs in multiple cancer types, including mUC. This study demonstrates that the IO score was associated with both progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in a real-world cohort of mUC patients treated with ICIs. Furthermore, the IO score was independent of and provided information incremental to TMB. Interestingly, the IO score predicted benefit in patients with high FGFR expression, despite conflicting data regarding response rates among the FGFR aberrant population. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the IO score assessment of the TIME is associated with a clinical benefit from ICI therapy and that this novel biomarker may inform therapeutic sequencing decisions in mUC, potentially improving outcomes for this notoriously difficult-to-treat disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Brian Z Ring
- Oncocyte Corporation, 15 Cushing, Irvine, CA, 92618, USA
| | - Robert S Seitz
- Oncocyte Corporation, 15 Cushing, Irvine, CA, 92618, USA
| | - Douglas T Ross
- Oncocyte Corporation, 15 Cushing, Irvine, CA, 92618, USA
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27
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Ziegler AE, Fittje P, Müller LM, Ahrenstorf AE, Hagemann K, Hagen SH, Hess LU, Niehrs A, Poch T, Ravichandran G, Löbl SM, Padoan B, Brias S, Hennesen J, Richard M, Richert L, Peine S, Oldhafer KJ, Fischer L, Schramm C, Martrus G, Bunders MJ, Altfeld M, Lunemann S. The co-inhibitory receptor TIGIT regulates NK cell function and is upregulated in human intrahepatic CD56 bright NK cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1117320. [PMID: 36845105 PMCID: PMC9948018 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1117320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The crosstalk between NK cells and their surrounding environment is enabled through activating and inhibitory receptors, which tightly control NK cell activity. The co-inhibitory receptor TIGIT decreases NK cell cytotoxicity and is involved in NK cell exhaustion, but has also been associated with liver regeneration, highlighting that the contribution of human intrahepatic CD56bright NK cells in regulating tissue homeostasis remains incompletely understood. A targeted single-cell mRNA analysis revealed distinct transcriptional differences between matched human peripheral blood and intrahepatic CD56bright NK cells. Multiparameter flow cytometry identified a cluster of intrahepatic NK cells with overlapping high expression of CD56, CD69, CXCR6, TIGIT and CD96. Intrahepatic CD56bright NK cells also expressed significantly higher protein surface levels of TIGIT, and significantly lower levels of DNAM-1 compared to matched peripheral blood CD56bright NK cells. TIGIT+ CD56bright NK cells showed diminished degranulation and TNF-α production following stimulation. Co-incubation of peripheral blood CD56bright NK cells with human hepatoma cells or primary human hepatocyte organoids resulted in migration of NK cells into hepatocyte organoids and upregulation of TIGIT and downregulation of DNAM-1 expression, in line with the phenotype of intrahepatic CD56bright NK cells. Intrahepatic CD56bright NK cells represent a transcriptionally, phenotypically, and functionally distinct population of NK cells that expresses higher levels of TIGIT and lower levels of DNAM-1 than matched peripheral blood CD56bright NK cells. Increased expression of inhibitory receptors by NK cells within the liver environment can contribute to tissue homeostasis and reduction of liver inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annerose E. Ziegler
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Pia Fittje
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Luisa M. Müller
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Annika E. Ahrenstorf
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kerri Hagemann
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sven H. Hagen
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Leonard U. Hess
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Annika Niehrs
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Poch
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gevitha Ravichandran
- Institute of Experimental Immunology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian M. Löbl
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Benedetta Padoan
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sébastien Brias
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jana Hennesen
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Myrtille Richard
- University of Bordeaux, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, UMR1219 and Inria, Team Statistics in systems biology and translationnal medicine (SISTM), Bordeaux, France
| | - Laura Richert
- University of Bordeaux, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, UMR1219 and Inria, Team Statistics in systems biology and translationnal medicine (SISTM), Bordeaux, France
| | - Sven Peine
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Karl J. Oldhafer
- Department of General and Abdominal Surgery, Asklepios Hospital Barmbek, Semmelweis University of Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lutz Fischer
- Department of Visceral Transplant Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Schramm
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Martin Zeitz Centre for Rare Diseases, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Glòria Martrus
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Madeleine J. Bunders
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Altfeld
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Lunemann
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology, Hamburg, Germany
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28
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Grass G, Chahoud J, Lopez A, Dhillon J, Eschrich SA, Johnstone PA, Spiess PE. An Analysis of Nectin-4 ( PVRL4) in Penile Squamous Cell Carcinoma. EUR UROL SUPPL 2023; 49:1-5. [PMID: 36660545 PMCID: PMC9843170 DOI: 10.1016/j.euros.2022.12.008] [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] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) remains a worldwide healthcare concern with poor outcomes and inadequate therapeutic options. Molecular characterization continues to describe the intricacies of PSCC biology, which vary by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Despite these advancements in our understanding, utilization of targeted therapies remains limited and underexplored. In this study, we evaluated the transcript and protein expression of Nectin-4 (PVRL4) in PSCC tumors and evaluated whether this is related to tumor features or clinical outcomes. Using two separate PSCC cohorts, we demonstrate that the majority of tumors have active transcription of Nectin-4. We then validated our findings using immunohistochemistry in a tissue microarray representing 57 patients with PSCC. We identified that Nectin-4 was expressed at higher levels in patients with high-risk HPV infection. No significant differences were identified in tumor characteristics or various clinical endpoints when comparing tumors with high and low Nectin-4 expression. This study demonstrates that Nectin-4 is expressed in PSCC and may represent a novel therapeutic target. Patient summary In this study, we evaluated the expression of Nectin-4, a cell surface protein, in tumors from patients with nonmetastatic penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC). To our knowledge, this is the first study to describe elevated expression of Nectin-4 in PSCC, which may suggest its utility as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- G.Daniel Grass
- Department of Radiation Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jad Chahoud
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Alex Lopez
- Department of Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jasreman Dhillon
- Department of Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Steven A. Eschrich
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | - Philippe E. Spiess
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
- Corresponding author. Department of Genitourinary Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. Tel. +1 813 745 8343; Fax: +1 813 745 8494.
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Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists proficiently (re)instore cancer immunosurveillance as immunological adjuvants. So far, three TLR agonists have been approved by regulatory agencies for use in oncological applications. Additionally, these immunotherapeutics have been extensively investigated over the past few years. Multiple clinical trials are currently evaluating the combination of TLR agonists with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or different immunotherapies. Moreover, antibodies targeting tumor-enriched surface proteins that have been conjugated to TLR agonists are being developed to stimulate anticancer immune responses specifically within the tumor microenvironment. Solid preclinical and translational results support the favorable immune-activating effects of TLR agonists. Here, we summarize recent preclinical and clinical advances in the development of TLR agonists for anticancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Le Naour
- Centre de Recherche Des Cordeliers, Equipe Labellisée Par la Ligue Contre le Cancer, Université de Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Inserm U1138, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France.,Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Centre de Recherche Des Cordeliers, Equipe Labellisée Par la Ligue Contre le Cancer, Université de Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Inserm U1138, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France.,Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, Department of Biology, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris, France
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30
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Jin S, Zhang Y, Zhou F, Chen X, Sheng J, Zhang J. TIGIT: A promising target to overcome the barrier of immunotherapy in hematological malignancies. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1091782. [PMID: 36605439 PMCID: PMC9807865 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1091782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune evasion through up-regulating checkpoint inhibitory receptors on T cells plays an essential role in tumor initiation and progression. Therefore, immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint inhibitor targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy, has become a promising strategy for hematological malignancies. T cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT) is a novel checkpoint inhibitory receptor expressed on immune cells, including cytotoxic T cells, regulatory T cells, and NK cells. TIGIT participates in immune regulation via binding to its ligand CD155. Blockage of TIGIT has provided evidence of considerable efficacy in solid tumors in preclinical research and clinical trials, especially when combined with PD-1 inhibition. However, the mechanism and function of TIGIT in hematological malignancies have not been comprehensively studied. In this review, we focus on the role of TIGIT in hematological malignancies and discuss therapeutic strategies targeting TIGIT, which may provide a promising immunotherapy target for hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenhe Jin
- Department of Hematology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fengping Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaochang Chen
- Department of Hematology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianpeng Sheng
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Jin Zhang,
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31
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Farhangnia P, Akbarpour M, Yazdanifar M, Aref AR, Delbandi AA, Rezaei N. Advances in therapeutic targeting of immune checkpoints receptors within the CD96-TIGIT axis: clinical implications and future perspectives. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2022; 18:1217-1237. [PMID: 36154551 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2022.2128107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The development of therapeutic antibodies targeting immune checkpoint molecules (ICMs) that induce long-term remissions in cancer patients has revolutionized cancer immunotherapy. However, a major drawback is that relapse after an initial response may be attributed to innate and acquired resistance. Additionally, these treatments are not beneficial to all patients. Therefore, the discovery and targeting of novel ICMs and their combination with other immunotherapeutics are urgently needed. AREAS COVERED There has been increasing evidence of the CD96-TIGIT axis as ICMs in cancer immunotherapy in the last five years. This review will highlight and discuss the current knowledge about the role of CD96 and TIGIT in hematological and solid tumor immunotherapy in the context of empirical studies and clinical trials, and provide a comprehensive list of ongoing cancer clinical trials on the blockade of these ICMs, as well as the rationale behind combinational therapies with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents, chemotherapy drugs, and radiotherapy. Moreover, we share our perspectives on anti-CD96/TIGIT-related combination therapies. EXPERT OPINION CD96-TIGIT axis regulates anti-tumor immune responses. Thus, the receptors within this axis are the potential candidates for cancer immunotherapy. Combining the inhibition of CD96-TIGIT with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 mAbs and chemotherapy drugs has shown relatively effective results in the context of preclinical studies and tumor models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooya Farhangnia
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Immunology Board for Transplantation and Cell-Based Therapeutics (ImmunoTACT), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahzad Akbarpour
- Immunology Board for Transplantation and Cell-Based Therapeutics (ImmunoTACT), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Advanced Cellular Therapeutics Facility (ACTF), Hematopoietic Cellular Therapy Program, Section of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mahboubeh Yazdanifar
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ali-Akbar Delbandi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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32
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The Dual Blockade of the TIGIT and PD-1/PD-L1 Pathway as a New Hope for Ovarian Cancer Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235757. [PMID: 36497240 PMCID: PMC9740841 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The prognosis for ovarian cancer (OC) patients is poor and the five-year survival rate is only 47%. Immune checkpoints (ICPs) appear to be the potential targets in up-and-coming OC treatment. However, the response of OC patients to immunotherapy based on programmed cell death pathway (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors totals only 6-15%. The promising approach is a combined therapy, including other ICPs such as the T-cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain/CD155/DNAX accessory molecule-1 (TIGIT/CD155/DNAM-1) axis. Preclinical studies in a murine model of colorectal cancer showed that the dual blockade of PD-1/PD-L1 and TIGIT led to remission in the whole studied group vs. the regression of the tumors with the blockade of a single pathway. The approach stimulates the effector activity of T cells and NK cells, and redirects the immune system activity against the tumor. The understanding of the synergistic action of the TIGIT and PD-1/PD-L1 blockade is, however, poor. Thus, the aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge about the mode of action of the dual TIGIT and PD-1/PD-L1 blockade and its potential benefits for OC patients. Considering the positive impact of this combined therapy in malignancies, including lung and colorectal cancer, it appears to be a promising approach in OC treatment.
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33
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Sanders C, Lau JF, Dietrich D, Strieth S, Brossart P, Kristiansen G. Nectin-4 is widely expressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Oncotarget 2022; 13:1166-1173. [PMID: 36268557 PMCID: PMC9584426 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Nectin-4 has been successfully established as a target molecule in locally advanced and metastatic bladder cancer. An antibody-drug conjugate (enfortumab-vedotin) directed against nectin-4 has shown marked tumor remission rates in this tumor type, which is known for high expression rates of nectin-4. As head and neck cancer and urothelial carcinomas share morphological and molecular similarities, we aimed to evaluate Nectin-4 expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Material and Methods: A previously described and clinically characterized cohort of HNSCC (n = 159) was analyzed by immunohistochemistry for Nectin-4 expression. The expression data was correlated to clinico-pathological parameters including patient outcome. Results: Nectin-4 was found in 86.2% of HNSCC, with medium/high expression seen in 32.7% of cases. Non smokers and p16 positive HNSCC showed a higher expression of Nectin-4 (p < 0.005). There was no correlation of Nectin-4 with grading or tumor stage. Nectin-4 positive tumors showed a significant better survival (log rank p = 0.006). Conclusions: Similar to urothelial carcinoma, Nectin-4 is found in the majority of HNSCC, which clearly warrants further studies to clarify if HNSCC also respond to targeted therapy with enfortumab-vedotin. Moreover, expression of Nectin-4 is associated with HPV infection and may serve as a prognostic marker in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Sanders
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Jan-Frederic Lau
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Dimo Dietrich
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Sebastian Strieth
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Peter Brossart
- Department of Haemato-oncology, University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
| | - Glen Kristiansen
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
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34
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Cui Zhou D, Jayasinghe RG, Chen S, Herndon JM, Iglesia MD, Navale P, Wendl MC, Caravan W, Sato K, Storrs E, Mo CK, Liu J, Southard-Smith AN, Wu Y, Naser Al Deen N, Baer JM, Fulton RS, Wyczalkowski MA, Liu R, Fronick CC, Fulton LA, Shinkle A, Thammavong L, Zhu H, Sun H, Wang LB, Li Y, Zuo C, McMichael JF, Davies SR, Appelbaum EL, Robbins KJ, Chasnoff SE, Yang X, Reeb AN, Oh C, Serasanambati M, Lal P, Varghese R, Mashl JR, Ponce J, Terekhanova NV, Yao L, Wang F, Chen L, Schnaubelt M, Lu RJH, Schwarz JK, Puram SV, Kim AH, Song SK, Shoghi KI, Lau KS, Ju T, Chen K, Chatterjee D, Hawkins WG, Zhang H, Achilefu S, Chheda MG, Oh ST, Gillanders WE, Chen F, DeNardo DG, Fields RC, Ding L. Spatially restricted drivers and transitional cell populations cooperate with the microenvironment in untreated and chemo-resistant pancreatic cancer. Nat Genet 2022; 54:1390-1405. [PMID: 35995947 PMCID: PMC9470535 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-022-01157-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a lethal disease with limited treatment options and poor survival. We studied 83 spatial samples from 31 patients (11 treatment-naïve and 20 treated) using single-cell/nucleus RNA sequencing, bulk-proteogenomics, spatial transcriptomics and cellular imaging. Subpopulations of tumor cells exhibited signatures of proliferation, KRAS signaling, cell stress and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Mapping mutations and copy number events distinguished tumor populations from normal and transitional cells, including acinar-to-ductal metaplasia and pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia. Pathology-assisted deconvolution of spatial transcriptomic data identified tumor and transitional subpopulations with distinct histological features. We showed coordinated expression of TIGIT in exhausted and regulatory T cells and Nectin in tumor cells. Chemo-resistant samples contain a threefold enrichment of inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts that upregulate metallothioneins. Our study reveals a deeper understanding of the intricate substructure of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tumors that could help improve therapy for patients with this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Cui Zhou
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Reyka G Jayasinghe
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Siqi Chen
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - John M Herndon
- Department of Surgery, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michael D Iglesia
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Pooja Navale
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michael C Wendl
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Genetics, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Mathematics, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Wagma Caravan
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kazuhito Sato
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Erik Storrs
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Chia-Kuei Mo
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jingxian Liu
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Austin N Southard-Smith
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Yige Wu
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Nataly Naser Al Deen
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - John M Baer
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Robert S Fulton
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Matthew A Wyczalkowski
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ruiyang Liu
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Catrina C Fronick
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Lucinda A Fulton
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Andrew Shinkle
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Lisa Thammavong
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Houxiang Zhu
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Hua Sun
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Liang-Bo Wang
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Yize Li
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Chong Zuo
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Joshua F McMichael
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Sherri R Davies
- Department of Surgery, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Keenan J Robbins
- Department of Surgery, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Sara E Chasnoff
- Department of Surgery, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Xiaolu Yang
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ashley N Reeb
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Clara Oh
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Mamatha Serasanambati
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Preet Lal
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Rajees Varghese
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jay R Mashl
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jennifer Ponce
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Nadezhda V Terekhanova
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Lijun Yao
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lijun Chen
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael Schnaubelt
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rita Jui-Hsien Lu
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Julie K Schwarz
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Sidharth V Puram
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Albert H Kim
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Sheng-Kwei Song
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Radiology, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kooresh I Shoghi
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Radiology, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ken S Lau
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and Epithelial Biology Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Vanderbilt, TN, USA
| | - Tao Ju
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ken Chen
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Deyali Chatterjee
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - William G Hawkins
- Department of Surgery, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Samuel Achilefu
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Radiology, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Milan G Chheda
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Stephen T Oh
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - William E Gillanders
- Department of Surgery, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - David G DeNardo
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA.
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Ryan C Fields
- Department of Surgery, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA.
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Li Ding
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA.
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA.
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Genetics, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA.
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35
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Kuzevanova A, Apanovich N, Mansorunov D, Korotaeva A, Karpukhin A. The Features of Checkpoint Receptor—Ligand Interaction in Cancer and the Therapeutic Effectiveness of Their Inhibition. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092081. [PMID: 36140182 PMCID: PMC9495440 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, certain problems have been identified in cancer immunotherapy using the inhibition of immune checkpoints (ICs). Despite the excellent effect of cancer therapy in some cases when blocking the PD-L1 (programmed death-ligand 1) ligand and the immune cell receptors PD-1 (programmed cell death protein 1) and CTLA4 (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4) with antibodies, the proportion of patients responding to such therapy is still far from desirable. This situation has stimulated the exploration of additional receptors and ligands as targets for immunotherapy. In our article, based on the analysis of the available data, the TIM-3 (T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-3), LAG-3 (lymphocyte-activation gene 3), TIGIT (T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) domains), VISTA (V-domain Ig suppressor of T-cell activation), and BTLA (B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator) receptors and their ligands are comprehensively considered. Data on the relationship between receptor expression and the clinical characteristics of tumors are presented and are analyzed together with the results of preclinical and clinical studies on the therapeutic efficacy of their blocking. Such a comprehensive analysis makes it possible to assess the prospects of receptors of this series as targets for anticancer therapy. The expression of the LAG-3 receptor shows the most unambiguous relationship with the clinical characteristics of cancer. Its inhibition is the most effective of the analyzed series in terms of the antitumor response. The expression of TIGIT and BTLA correlates well with clinical characteristics and demonstrates antitumor efficacy in preclinical and clinical studies, which indicates their high promise as targets for anticancer therapy. At the same time, the relationship of VISTA and TIM-3 expression with the clinical characteristics of the tumor is contradictory, and the results on the antitumor effectiveness of their inhibition are inconsistent.
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Tian X, Ning Q, Yu J, Tang S. T-cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain in cancer immunotherapy: A focus on tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cells. Mol Immunol 2022; 147:62-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2022.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Conner M, Hance KW, Yadavilli S, Smothers J, Waight JD. Emergence of the CD226 Axis in Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:914406. [PMID: 35812451 PMCID: PMC9263721 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.914406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a set of immune receptors that interact with members of the nectin/nectin-like (necl) family has garnered significant attention as possible points of manipulation in cancer. Central to this axis, CD226, TIGIT, and CD96 represent ligand (CD155)-competitive co-stimulatory/inhibitory receptors, analogous to the CTLA-4/B7/CD28 tripartite. The identification of PVRIG (CD112R) and CD112 has introduced complexity and enabled additional nodes of therapeutic intervention. By virtue of the clinical progression of TIGIT antagonists and emergence of novel CD96- and PVRIG-based approaches, our overall understanding of the 'CD226 axis' in cancer immunotherapy is starting to take shape. However, several questions remain regarding the unique characteristics of, and mechanistic interplay between, each receptor-ligand pair. This review provides an overview of the CD226 axis in the context of cancer, with a focus on the status of immunotherapeutic strategies (TIGIT, CD96, and PVRIG) and their underlying biology (i.e., cis/trans interactions). We also integrate our emerging knowledge of the immune populations involved, key considerations for Fc gamma (γ) receptor biology in therapeutic activity, and a snapshot of the rapidly evolving clinical landscape.
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Papak I, Chruściel E, Dziubek K, Kurkowiak M, Urban-Wójciuk Z, Marjański T, Rzyman W, Marek-Trzonkowska N. What Inhibits Natural Killers’ Performance in Tumour. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137030. [PMID: 35806034 PMCID: PMC9266640 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer cells are innate lymphocytes with the ability to lyse tumour cells depending on the balance of their activating and inhibiting receptors. Growing numbers of clinical trials show promising results of NK cell-based immunotherapies. Unlike T cells, NK cells can lyse tumour cells independent of antigen presentation, based simply on their activation and inhibition receptors. Various strategies to improve NK cell-based therapies are being developed, all with one goal: to shift the balance to activation. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of ways NK cells can lyse tumour cells and all the inhibitory signals stopping their cytotoxic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Papak
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, University of Gdansk, Ul. Kładki 24, 80-822 Gdansk, Poland; (I.P.); (E.C.); (K.D.); (M.K.); (Z.U.-W.)
| | - Elżbieta Chruściel
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, University of Gdansk, Ul. Kładki 24, 80-822 Gdansk, Poland; (I.P.); (E.C.); (K.D.); (M.K.); (Z.U.-W.)
| | - Katarzyna Dziubek
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, University of Gdansk, Ul. Kładki 24, 80-822 Gdansk, Poland; (I.P.); (E.C.); (K.D.); (M.K.); (Z.U.-W.)
| | - Małgorzata Kurkowiak
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, University of Gdansk, Ul. Kładki 24, 80-822 Gdansk, Poland; (I.P.); (E.C.); (K.D.); (M.K.); (Z.U.-W.)
| | - Zuzanna Urban-Wójciuk
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, University of Gdansk, Ul. Kładki 24, 80-822 Gdansk, Poland; (I.P.); (E.C.); (K.D.); (M.K.); (Z.U.-W.)
| | - Tomasz Marjański
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland; (T.M.); (W.R.)
| | - Witold Rzyman
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland; (T.M.); (W.R.)
| | - Natalia Marek-Trzonkowska
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, University of Gdansk, Ul. Kładki 24, 80-822 Gdansk, Poland; (I.P.); (E.C.); (K.D.); (M.K.); (Z.U.-W.)
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation and Cellular Therapies, Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
- Correspondence:
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Annese T, Tamma R, Ribatti D. Update in TIGIT Immune-Checkpoint Role in Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:871085. [PMID: 35656508 PMCID: PMC9152184 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.871085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The in-depth characterization of cross-talk between tumor cells and T cells in solid and hematological malignancies will have to be considered to develop new therapeutical strategies concerning the reactivation and maintenance of patient-specific antitumor responses within the patient tumor microenvironment. Activation of immune cells depends on a delicate balance between activating and inhibitory signals mediated by different receptors. T cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT) is an inhibitory receptor expressed by regulatory T cells (Tregs), activated T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. TIGIT pathway regulates T cell-mediated tumor recognition in vivo and in vitro and represents an exciting target for checkpoint blockade immunotherapy. TIGIT blockade as monotherapy or in combination with other inhibitor receptors or drugs is emerging in clinical trials in patients with cancer. The purpose of this review is to update the role of TIGIT in cancer progression, looking at TIGIT pathways that are often upregulated in immune cells and at possible therapeutic strategies to avoid tumor aggressiveness, drug resistance, and treatment side effects. However, in the first part, we overviewed the role of immune checkpoints in immunoediting, the TIGIT structure and ligands, and summarized the key immune cells that express TIGIT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Annese
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Libera Università del Mediterraneo (LUM) Giuseppe Degennaro University, Bari, Italy.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Roberto Tamma
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
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40
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Yue C, Gao S, Li S, Xing Z, Qian H, Hu Y, Wang W, Hua C. TIGIT as a Promising Therapeutic Target in Autoimmune Diseases. Front Immunol 2022; 13:911919. [PMID: 35720417 PMCID: PMC9203892 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.911919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Co-inhibitory receptors (IRs) are molecules that protect host against autoimmune reactions and maintain peripheral self-tolerance, playing an essential role in maintaining immune homeostasis. In view of the substantial clinical progresses of negative immune checkpoint blockade in cancer treatment, the role of IRs in autoimmune diseases is also obvious. Several advances highlighted the substantial impacts of T cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT), a novel IR, in autoimmunity. Blockade of TIGIT pathway exacerbates multiple autoimmune diseases, whereas enhancement of TIGIT function has been shown to alleviate autoimmune settings in mice. These data suggested that TIGIT pathway can be manipulated to achieve durable tolerance to treat autoimmune disorders. In this review, we provide an overview of characteristics of TIGIT and its role in autoimmunity. We then discuss recent approaches and future directions to leverage our knowledge of TIGIT as therapeutic target in autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenran Yue
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Sheng Gao
- Laboratory Animal Center, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shuting Li
- School of the Second Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhouhang Xing
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hengrong Qian
- School of the Second Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ying Hu
- School of the Second Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wenqian Wang
- Department of Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chunyan Hua
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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41
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Zhou X, Ren T, Zan H, Hua C, Guo X. Novel Immune Checkpoints in Esophageal Cancer: From Biomarkers to Therapeutic Targets. Front Immunol 2022; 13:864202. [PMID: 35669786 PMCID: PMC9163322 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.864202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer ranks as the sixth most common cause of cancer death worldwide. Due to the limited efficacy of conventional therapeutic strategies, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, treatments are still far from satisfactory in terms of survival, prompting the search for novel treatment methods. Immune checkpoints play crucial roles in immune evasion mediated by tumor cells, and successful clinical outcomes have been achieved via blocking these pathways. However, only a small fraction of patients can benefit from current immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4. Unfortunately, some patients show primary and/or acquired resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Until now, novel immune checkpoint pathways have rarely been studied in esophageal cancer, and there is a great need for biomarkers to predict who will benefit from existing strategies. Herein, we primarily discuss the roles of new immune checkpoints as predictive biomarkers and therapeutic targets for esophageal cancer. In addition, we summarize the ongoing clinical trials and provide future research directions targeting these pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyin Zhou
- School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ting Ren
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongyuan Zan
- School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chunyan Hua
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Chunyan Hua, ; Xufeng Guo,
| | - Xufeng Guo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Chunyan Hua, ; Xufeng Guo,
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Sakowska J, Arcimowicz Ł, Jankowiak M, Papak I, Markiewicz A, Dziubek K, Kurkowiak M, Kote S, Kaźmierczak-Siedlecka K, Połom K, Marek-Trzonkowska N, Trzonkowski P. Autoimmunity and Cancer-Two Sides of the Same Coin. Front Immunol 2022; 13:793234. [PMID: 35634292 PMCID: PMC9140757 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.793234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune disease results from the immune response against self-antigens, while cancer develops when the immune system does not respond to malignant cells. Thus, for years, autoimmunity and cancer have been considered as two separate fields of research that do not have a lot in common. However, the discovery of immune checkpoints and the development of anti-cancer drugs targeting PD-1 (programmed cell death receptor 1) and CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4) pathways proved that studying autoimmune diseases can be extremely helpful in the development of novel anti-cancer drugs. Therefore, autoimmunity and cancer seem to be just two sides of the same coin. In the current review, we broadly discuss how various regulatory cell populations, effector molecules, genetic predisposition, and environmental factors contribute to the loss of self-tolerance in autoimmunity or tolerance induction to cancer. With the current paper, we also aim to convince the readers that the pathways involved in cancer and autoimmune disease development consist of similar molecular players working in opposite directions. Therefore, a deep understanding of the two sides of immune tolerance is crucial for the proper designing of novel and selective immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Sakowska
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Łukasz Arcimowicz
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Martyna Jankowiak
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Ines Papak
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Markiewicz
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Dziubek
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Kurkowiak
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Sachin Kote
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | - Karol Połom
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Natalia Marek-Trzonkowska
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation and Cellular Therapies, Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Piotr Trzonkowski
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
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Candida albicans evades NK cell elimination via binding of Agglutinin-Like Sequence proteins to the checkpoint receptor TIGIT. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2463. [PMID: 35513379 PMCID: PMC9072312 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30087-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is the most common fungal pathogen and a prevalent cause of deadly bloodstream infections. Better understanding of the immune response against it, and the ways by which it evades immunity, are crucial for developing new therapeutics against it. Natural Killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes best known for their role against viruses and tumors. In recent years it became clear that NK cells also play an important role in anti-fungal immunity. Here we show that while NK cells recognize and eliminate C. albicans, the fungal cells inhibit NK cells by manipulating the immune checkpoint receptor TIGIT (T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains) in both humans and mice. We identify the responsible fungal ligands as members of the Als (Agglutinin-Like Sequences) protein family. Furthermore, we show that blocking this interaction using immunotherapy with a TIGIT-blocking antibody can re-establish anti-Candida immunity and serve as a potential therapeutic tool. Natural killer cells have emerged as critical immune cells in the response to fungal infection. Here the authors identify how Candida albicans evades the natural killer cell response via expression of ligands that directly modify the natural killer cell response and can be therapeutically targeted to restore the anti-Candida immunity.
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44
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Chiang EY, Mellman I. TIGIT-CD226-PVR axis: advancing immune checkpoint blockade for cancer immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-004711. [PMID: 35379739 PMCID: PMC8981293 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-004711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in understanding the roles of immune checkpoints in allowing tumors to circumvent the immune system have led to successful therapeutic strategies that have fundamentally changed oncology practice. Thus far, immunotherapies against only two checkpoint targets have been approved, CTLA-4 and PD-L1/PD-1. Antibody blockade of these targets enhances the function of antitumor T cells at least in part by relieving inhibition of the T cell costimulatory receptor CD28. These successes have stimulated considerable interest in identifying other pathways that may bte targeted alone or together with existing immunotherapies. One such immune checkpoint axis is comprised of members of the PVR/nectin family that includes the inhibitory receptor T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory domains (TIGIT). Interestingly, TIGIT acts to regulate the activity of a second costimulatory receptor CD226 that works in parallel to CD28. There are currently over two dozen TIGIT-directed blocking antibodies in various phases of clinical development, testament to the promise of modulating this pathway to enhance antitumor immune responses. In this review, we discuss the role of TIGIT as a checkpoint inhibitor, its interplay with the activating counter-receptor CD226, and its status as the next advance in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Y Chiang
- Cancer Immunology, Genentech Inc, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ira Mellman
- Cancer Immunology, Genentech Inc, South San Francisco, California, USA
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45
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Hashimoto H, Tanaka Y, Murata M, Ito T. Nectin-4: a Novel Therapeutic Target for Skin Cancers. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2022; 23:578-593. [PMID: 35312963 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-022-00940-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Nectin-4 is a tumor-associated antigen that is highly expressed on various cancer cells, and it has been further proposed to have roles in tumor development and propagation ranging from cellular proliferation to motility and invasion. Nectin-4 blockade reduces tumor proliferation and induces apoptosis in several malignancies. Nectin-4 has been used as a potential target in antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) development. Enfortumab vedotin, an ADC against Nectin-4, has demonstrated efficacy against solid tumor malignancies. Enfortumab vedotin has received US Food and Drug Administration approval for treating urothelial cancer. Furthermore, the efficacy of ADCs against Nectin-4 against solid tumors other than urothelial cancer has been demonstrated in preclinical studies, and clinical trials examining the effects of enfortumab vedotin are ongoing. Recently, Nectin-4 was reported to be highly expressed in several skin cancers, including malignant melanoma, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, and extramammary Paget's disease, and involved in tumor progression and survival in retrospective studies. Nectin-4-targeted therapies and ADCs against Nectin-4 could therefore be novel therapeutic options for skin cancers. This review highlights current knowledge on Nectin-4 in malignant tumors, the efficacy of enfortumab vedotin in clinical trials, and the prospects of Nectin-4-targeted agents against skin cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Hashimoto
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Yuka Tanaka
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Maho Murata
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Takamichi Ito
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
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46
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Zhao SJ, Muyayalo KP, Luo J, Huang D, Mor G, Liao AH. Next generation of immune checkpoint molecules in maternal-fetal immunity. Immunol Rev 2022; 308:40-54. [PMID: 35234305 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Successful pregnancy is a unique situation requires the maternal immune system to recognize and tolerate a semi-identical fetus and allow normal invasion of trophoblast cells. Although efforts have been made, the deep mechanisms of the maternal-fetal crosstalk have not yet been fully deciphered. Immune checkpoint molecules (ICMs) are a group of negative modulators of the immune response that avoid immune damage. They have been extensively studied in the fields of oncology and transplantation, while the latest evidence suggests that they are closely associated with pregnancy outcomes via multiple inhibitory mechanisms. Although studies have mostly demonstrated the regulatory role of the well-known PD-1, CTLA-4 at the maternal-fetal interface, what is unique about the newly discovered multiple ICMs remains a mystery. Here, we review the latest knowledge on ICMs, focusing on the first generation of checkpoints (PD-1, CTLA-4) and the next generation (Tim-3, Tigit, Lag-3, VISTA) highlighting their immunoregulatory roles in maternal-fetal tolerance and decidual vascular remodeling, and their involvement in pathological pregnancies. The content covers three aspects: the characteristics they possess, the dynamic expression profile of their expression at the maternal-fetal interface, and their involvement in pathological pregnancy. In immunotherapy strategies for pregnancy complications, upregulation of immune checkpoints may play a role. Meanwhile, the impact on pregnancy outcomes when using ICMs in clinical cancer treatment during pregnancy is a topic worth exploring. These may serve as a guide for future basic research and clinical applications of maternal-fetal immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Jia Zhao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kahindo P Muyayalo
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Luo
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Donghui Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Gil Mor
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Ai-Hua Liao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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da Silva LHR, Catharino LCC, da Silva VJ, Evangelista GCM, Barbuto JAM. The War Is on: The Immune System against Glioblastoma—How Can NK Cells Drive This Battle? Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020400. [PMID: 35203609 PMCID: PMC8962431 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that play an important role in immunosurveillance, acting alongside other immune cells in the response against various types of malignant tumors and the prevention of metastasis. Since their discovery in the 1970s, they have been thoroughly studied for their capacity to kill neoplastic cells without the need for previous sensitization, executing rapid and robust cytotoxic activity, but also helper functions. In agreement with this, NK cells are being exploited in many ways to treat cancer. The broad arsenal of NK-based therapies includes adoptive transfer of in vitro expanded and activated cells, genetically engineered cells to contain chimeric antigen receptors (CAR-NKs), in vivo stimulation of NK cells (by cytokine therapy, checkpoint blockade therapies, etc.), and tumor-specific antibody-guided NK cells, among others. In this article, we review pivotal aspects of NK cells’ biology and their contribution to immune responses against tumors, as well as providing a wide perspective on the many antineoplastic strategies using NK cells. Finally, we also discuss those approaches that have the potential to control glioblastoma—a disease that, currently, causes inevitable death, usually in a short time after diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Henrique Rodrigues da Silva
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
| | - Luana Correia Croda Catharino
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
| | - Viviane Jennifer da Silva
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapy in Onco-Immuno-Hematology (LIM-31), Departamento de Hematologia, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 0124690, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Coeli Menezes Evangelista
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
| | - José Alexandre Marzagão Barbuto
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapy in Onco-Immuno-Hematology (LIM-31), Departamento de Hematologia, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 0124690, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-11-3091-7375
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Examination of the TIGIT, CD226, CD112, and CD155 Immune Checkpoint Molecules in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Women Diagnosed with Early-Onset Preeclampsia. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9111608. [PMID: 34829838 PMCID: PMC8615567 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Early-onset preeclampsia is a common obstetrical disease with a potential genetic background and is characterized by the predominance of Th1 immune response. However, although many studies investigated the immunological environment in preeclamptic patients, no information is available about the potential role of the TIGIT/CD226/CD112/CD155 immune checkpoint pathway. A total of 37 pregnant women diagnosed with early-onset preeclampsia and 36 control women with appropriately matched gestational age were enrolled in this study. From venous blood, mononuclear cells were isolated and stored in the freezer. Using multicolor flow cytometry T-, NK cell and monocyte subpopulations were determined. After characterization of the immune cell subsets, TIGIT, CD226, CD112, and CD155 surface expression and intracellular granzyme B content were determined by flow cytometer. Significantly decreased CD226 expression and increased CD112 and CD155 surface expression were detected in almost all investigated T-cell, NK cell, and monocyte subpopulations in women diagnosed with preeclampsia compared to the healthy group. Furthermore, reduced TIGIT and granzyme B expression were measured only in preeclamptic CD8+ T cells compared to healthy pregnant women. A decreased level of the activatory receptor CD226 in effector lymphocytes accompanied with an elevated surface presence of the CD112 and CD155 ligands in monocytes could promote the TIGIT/CD112 and/or TIGIT/CD155 ligation, which mediates inhibitory signals. We assume that the inhibition of the immune response via this immune checkpoint pathway might contribute to compensate for the Th1 predominance during early-onset preeclampsia.
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Hsieh WC, Lai EY, Liu YT, Wang YF, Tzeng YS, Cui L, Lai YJ, Huang HC, Huang JH, Ni HC, Tsai DY, Liang JJ, Liao CC, Lu YT, Jiang L, Liu MT, Wang JT, Chang SY, Chen CY, Tsai HC, Chang YM, Wernig G, Li CW, Lin KI, Lin YL, Tsai HK, Huang YT, Chen SY. NK cell receptor and ligand composition influences the clearance of SARS-CoV-2. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:e146408. [PMID: 34720095 PMCID: PMC8553551 DOI: 10.1172/jci146408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
To explore how the immune system controls clearance of SARS-CoV-2, we used a single-cell, mass cytometry-based proteomics platform to profile the immune systems of 21 patients who had recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection without need for admission to an intensive care unit or for mechanical ventilation. We focused on receptors involved in interactions between immune cells and virus-infected cells. We found that the diversity of receptor repertoires on natural killer (NK) cells was negatively correlated with the viral clearance rate. In addition, NK subsets expressing the receptor DNAM1 were increased in patients who more rapidly recovered from infection. Ex vivo functional studies revealed that NK subpopulations with high DNAM1 expression had cytolytic activities in response to target cell stimulation. We also found that SARS-CoV-2 infection induced the expression of CD155 and nectin-4, ligands of DNAM1 and its paired coinhibitory receptor TIGIT, which counterbalanced the cytolytic activities of NK cells. Collectively, our results link the cytolytic immune responses of NK cells to the clearance of SARS-CoV-2 and show that the DNAM1 pathway modulates host-pathogen interactions during SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Chen Hsieh
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - En-Yu Lai
- Institute of Statistical Science, and
| | - Yu-Ting Liu
- Institute of Information Science, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Fu Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Shiuan Tzeng
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lu Cui
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (ISCBRM), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Yun-Ju Lai
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Solomont School of Nursing, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hsiang-Chi Huang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Hsin Huang
- Institute of Information Science, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hung-Chih Ni
- Institute of Information Science, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Dong-Yan Tsai
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jian-Jong Liang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Che Liao
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Ting Lu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Laurence Jiang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Jann-Tay Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sui-Yuan Chang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Yu Chen
- Graduate Institute of Toxicology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Chen Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Toxicology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Ming Chang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Gerlinde Wernig
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (ISCBRM), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Chia-Wei Li
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-I Lin
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ling Lin
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Huai-Kuang Tsai
- Institute of Information Science, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Tsung Huang
- Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Statistical Science, and
- Department of Mathematics, Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Yu Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Rotte A, Sahasranaman S, Budha N. Targeting TIGIT for Immunotherapy of Cancer: Update on Clinical Development. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1277. [PMID: 34572463 PMCID: PMC8472042 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockers have dramatically improved the chances of survival in patients with metastatic cancer, but only a subset of the patients respond to treatment. Search for novel targets that can improve the responder rates and overcome the limitations of adverse events commonly seen with combination therapies, like PD-1 plus CTLA-4 blockade and PD-1/PD-L1 plus chemotherapy, led to the development of monoclonal antibodies blocking T-cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT), a inhibitory checkpoint receptor expressed on activated T cells and NK cells. The strategy showed potential in pre-clinical and early clinical studies, and 5 molecules are now in advanced stages of evaluation (phase II and above). This review aims to provide an overview of clinical development of anti-TIGIT antibodies and describes the factors considered and thought process during early clinical development. Critical aspects that can decide the fate of clinical programs, such as origin of the antibody, Ig isotype, FCγR binding, and the dose as well as dosing schedule, are discussed along with the summary of available efficacy and safety data from clinical studies and the challenges in the development of anti-TIGIT antibodies, such as identifying patients who can benefit from therapy and getting payer coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Rotte
- Arcellx, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
- Doloxe, Santa Clara, CA 95050, USA
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