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Guelfi S, Hodivala-Dilke K, Bergers G. Targeting the tumour vasculature: from vessel destruction to promotion. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:655-675. [PMID: 39210063 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00736-0] [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] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
As angiogenesis was recognized as a core hallmark of cancer growth and survival, several strategies have been implemented to target the tumour vasculature. Yet to date, attempts have rarely been so diverse, ranging from vessel growth inhibition and destruction to vessel normalization, reprogramming and vessel growth promotion. Some of these strategies, combined with standard of care, have translated into improved cancer therapies, but their successes are constrained to certain cancer types. This Review provides an overview of these vascular targeting approaches and puts them into context based on our subsequent improved understanding of the tumour vasculature as an integral part of the tumour microenvironment with which it is functionally interlinked. This new knowledge has already led to dual targeting of the vascular and immune cell compartments and sets the scene for future investigations of possible alternative approaches that consider the vascular link with other tumour microenvironment components for improved cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Guelfi
- Department of Oncology, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology and KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kairbaan Hodivala-Dilke
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK.
| | - Gabriele Bergers
- Department of Oncology, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology and KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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2
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Xiao Y, Zheng P, Xu W, Wu Z, Zhang X, Wang R, Huang T, Ming J. Progesterone receptor impairs immune respond and down-regulates sensitivity to anti-LAG3 in breast cancer. Transl Res 2024; 271:68-78. [PMID: 38795691 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2024.05.001] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Progesterone receptor (PR) serves as a crucial prognostic and predictive marker in breast cancer. Nonetheless, the interplay between PR and the tumor immune microenvironment remains inadequately understood. This investigation employs bioinformatics analyses, mouse models, and clinical specimens to elucidate the impact of PR on immune microenvironment and identify potential targets for immunotherapy, furnishing valuable guidance for clinical practice. METHODS Analysis of immune infiltration score by Xcell between PR-positive and PR-negative breast cancer tumors. Construction of overexpression mouse progesterone receptor (mPgr) EMT-6 cell was to explore the tumor immune microenvironment. Furthermore, anti- Lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG3) therapy aimed to investigate whether PR could influence the effectiveness of immune treatments. RESULTS Overexpression mPgr inhibited tumor growth in vitro, but promoted tumor growth in Balb/c mouse. Flow cytometry showed that the proportion and cytotoxicity of CD8+T cells in tumor of overexpressing mPgr group were significantly reduced. The significant reduction in overexpressing mPgr group was found in the proportions of LAG3+CD8+ T cells and LAG3+ Treg T cells. Anti-LAG3 treatment resulted in reduced tumor growth in EV group mouse rather than in overexpressing mPgr group. Patents derived tumor fragment (PDTF) also showed higher anti-tumor ability of CD3+T cell in patents' tumor with PR <20% after anti-human LAG3 treatment in vitro. CONCLUSIONS The mPgr promotes tumor growth by downregulating the infiltration and function of cytotoxic cell. LAG3 may be a target of ER-positive breast cancer immunotherapy. The high expression of PR hinders the sensitivity to anti-LAG3 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxiao Xiao
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Peng Zheng
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Wenjie Xu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Zhenghao Wu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Ximeng Zhang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China.
| | - Jie Ming
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China.
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Chavanton A, Mialhe F, Abrey J, Baeza Garcia A, Garrido C. LAG-3 : recent developments in combinational therapies in cancer. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:2494-2505. [PMID: 38702996 PMCID: PMC11309939 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The study of anticancer immune responses and in particular the action of immune checkpoint inhibitors that overcome T cell inhibition has revolutionized metastatic patients' care. Unfortunately, many patients are resistant to these innovative immunotherapies. Over the last decade, several immune checkpoint inhibitors, currently available in the clinic, have been developed, such as anti-PD-1/PD-L1 or anti-CTLA-4. More recently, other immune checkpoints have been characterized, among them lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3). LAG-3 has been the subject of numerous therapeutic studies and may be involved in cancer-associated immune resistance phenomena. This review summarizes the latest knowledge on LAG-3 as an immunotherapeutic target, particularly in combination with standard or innovative therapies. Indeed, many studies are looking at combining LAG-3 inhibitors with chemotherapeutic, immunotherapeutic, radiotherapeutic treatments, or adoptive cell therapies to potentiate their antitumor effects and/or to overcome patients' resistance. We will particularly focus on the association therapies that are currently in phase III clinical trials and innovative combinations in preclinical phase. These new discoveries highlight the possibility of developing other types of therapeutic combinations currently unavailable in the clinic, which could broaden the therapeutic spectrum of personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aude Chavanton
- INSERM, UMR 1231Laboratoire d'Excellence LipSTIC and « Equipe labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer »DijonFrance
- Faculty of MedicineUniversité de BourgogneDijonFrance
| | - Flavie Mialhe
- INSERM, UMR 1231Laboratoire d'Excellence LipSTIC and « Equipe labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer »DijonFrance
- Faculty of MedicineUniversité de BourgogneDijonFrance
| | - Jimena Abrey
- INSERM, UMR 1231Laboratoire d'Excellence LipSTIC and « Equipe labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer »DijonFrance
- Faculty of MedicineUniversité de BourgogneDijonFrance
| | - Alvaro Baeza Garcia
- INSERM, UMR 1231Laboratoire d'Excellence LipSTIC and « Equipe labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer »DijonFrance
- Faculty of MedicineUniversité de BourgogneDijonFrance
| | - Carmen Garrido
- INSERM, UMR 1231Laboratoire d'Excellence LipSTIC and « Equipe labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer »DijonFrance
- Faculty of MedicineUniversité de BourgogneDijonFrance
- Center for Cancer Georges‐François LeclercDijonFrance
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4
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Rangel Rivera GO, Dwyer CJ, Knochelmann HM, Smith AS, Aksoy BA, Cole AC, Wyatt MM, Kumaresan S, Thaxton JE, Lesinski GB, Paulos CM. Progressively Enhancing Stemness of Adoptively Transferred T Cells with PI3Kδ Blockade Improves Metabolism and Antitumor Immunity. Cancer Res 2024; 84:69-83. [PMID: 37801615 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-0801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Generating stem-like memory T cells (TSCM) is a potential strategy to improve adoptive immunotherapy. Elucidating optimal ways to modulate signaling pathways that enrich TSCM properties could identify approaches to achieve this goal. We discovered herein that blocking the PI3Kδ pathway pharmaceutically to varying degrees can generate T cells with increasingly heightened stemness properties, based on the progressive enrichment of the transcription factors Tcf1 and Lef1. T cells with enhanced stemness features exhibited metabolic plasticity, marked by improved mitochondrial function and glucose uptake after tumor recognition. Conversely, T cells with low or medium stemness were less metabolically dynamic, vulnerable to antigen-induced cell death, and expressed more inhibitory checkpoint receptors. Only T-cell receptor-specific or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-specific T cells with high stemness persisted in vivo and mounted protective immunity to tumors. Likewise, the strongest level of PI3Kδ blockade in vitro generated human tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and CAR T cells with elevated stemness properties, in turn bolstering their capacity to regress human solid tumors. The stemness level of T cells in vitro was important, ultimately impacting their efficacy in mice bearing three distinct solid tumors. Lef1 and Tcf1 sustained antitumor protection by donor high CD8+ TSCM or CD4+ Th17SCM, as deletion of either one compromised the therapeutic efficacy. Collectively, these findings highlight the importance of strategic modulation of PI3Kδ signaling in T cells to induce stemness and lasting protective responses to solid tumors. SIGNIFICANCE Elevating T-cell stemness by progressively blocking PI3Kδ signaling during ex vivo manufacturing of adoptive cell therapies alters metabolic and functional properties to enhance antitumor immunity dependent on Tcf1 and Lef1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo O Rangel Rivera
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Connor J Dwyer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Hannah M Knochelmann
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Aubrey S Smith
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Bülent Arman Aksoy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Anna C Cole
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Megan M Wyatt
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Soundharya Kumaresan
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jessica E Thaxton
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Immunotherapy Program, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Gregory B Lesinski
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Chrystal M Paulos
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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5
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Dombroski JA, Fabiano AR, Knoblauch SV, Rowland SJ, Gibson-Corley KN, King MR. Tumor nano-lysate activates dendritic cells to evoke a preventative immune response. J Immunol Methods 2024; 524:113601. [PMID: 38092224 PMCID: PMC11163877 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2023.113601] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
A tumor nano-lysate "TNL" vaccine comprised of sonicated 4T1 cells was developed, characterized and implemented for the prevention of triple-negative breast cancer. This study aimed to gain a better understanding of the immune response behind the success of the vaccine in vivo, through use of ex vivo and in vivo assays. Here, we analyze the activation of various immune cells isolated from healthy mouse spleens and find that antigen-presenting cells (APCs) such as dendritic cells (DCs) are being activated following 24 h incubation with 1:10 mg TNL/mg splenocytes. These cells were further explored to determine the pathway by which activation is occurring, and it was observed that TNL are phagocytosed by DCs to activate NF-kB and c-Fos pathways, resulting in enhanced cytokine release after 24 h. An in vivo temporal analysis was performed in mice to understand the immune response at 1, 3, 7 and 10 days after one 100 μL dose of TNL consisting of 105 sonicated 4T1 cells via cardiac puncture and splenocyte and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) analysis. Changes were observed for up to one week. A multiple dose study was performed comparing mice that were vaccinated with one dose of TNL administered every ten days for 3 doses total, as well as a PBS vehicle control. Survival for TNL-vaccinated mice was enhanced compared to the PBS control, and there was an average delay of 10 days in the onset of metastasis. The differences between the groups at the end of the study demonstrate the potential for TNL as a preventative therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna A Dombroski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Abigail R Fabiano
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Samantha V Knoblauch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Schyler J Rowland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Katherine N Gibson-Corley
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Division of Comparative Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Michael R King
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States.
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Hernández-Aceves JA, Cervantes-Torres J, Torres-García D, Zuñiga-Flores FJ, Patiño-Chávez OJ, Peña Agudelo JA, Aguayo-Flores JE, Garfias Y, Montero-León L, Romero-Romero L, Pérez-Torres A, Fragoso G, Sciutto E. GK-1 effectively reduces angiogenesis and prevents T cell exhaustion in a breast cancer murine experimental model. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:3825-3838. [PMID: 37736849 PMCID: PMC10576684 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03538-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading malignancy in women worldwide, both in terms of incidence and mortality. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the type with the worst clinical outcomes and with fewer therapeutic options than other types of breast cancer. GK-1 is a peptide that in the experimental model of the metastatic 4T1 breast cancer has demonstrated anti-tumor and anti-metastatic properties. Herein, GK-1 (5 mg/kg, i.v.) weekly administrated not only decreases tumor growth and the number of lung macro-metastases but also lung and lymph nodes micro-metastases. Histological analysis reveals that GK-1 reduced 57% of the intra-tumor vascular areas, diminished the leukemoid reaction's progression, and the spleens' weight and length. A significant reduction in VEGF-C, SDF-1, angiopoietin-2, and endothelin-1 angiogenic factors was induced. Moreover, GK-1 prevents T cell exhaustion in the tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) decreasing PD-1 expression. It also increased IFN-γ and granzyme-B expression and the cytotoxic activity of CD8+ TILs cells against tumor cells. All these features were found to be associated with a better antitumor response and prognosis. Altogether, these results reinforce the potential of GK-1 to improve the clinical outcome of triple-negative breast cancer immunotherapy. Translation research is ongoing towards its evaluation in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan A Hernández-Aceves
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jacquelynne Cervantes-Torres
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Diana Torres-García
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Francisco J Zuñiga-Flores
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Tisular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Osiris J Patiño-Chávez
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jorge A Peña Agudelo
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Yonathan Garfias
- Unidad de Investigación, Conde de Valenciana, Instituto de Oftalmología, Mexico City, Mexico
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Laura Montero-León
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Laura Romero-Romero
- Departamento de Patología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Escolar, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Armando Pérez-Torres
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Tisular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Gladis Fragoso
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Edda Sciutto
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Vella G, Hua Y, Bergers G. High endothelial venules in cancer: Regulation, function, and therapeutic implication. Cancer Cell 2023; 41:527-545. [PMID: 36827979 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.02.002] [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: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
The lack of sufficient intratumoral CD8+ T lymphocytes is a significant obstacle to effective immunotherapy in cancer. High endothelial venules (HEVs) are organ-specific and specialized postcapillary venules uniquely poised to facilitate the transmigration of lymphocytes to lymph nodes (LNs) and other secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs). HEVs can also form in human and murine cancer (tumor HEVs [TU-HEVs]) and contribute to the generation of diffuse T cell-enriched aggregates or tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs), which are commonly associated with a good prognosis. Thus, therapeutic induction of TU-HEVs may provide attractive avenues to induce and sustain the efficacy of immunotherapies by overcoming the major restriction of T cell exclusion from the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we provide current insight into the commonalities and discrepancies of HEV formation and regulation in LNs and tumors and discuss the specific function and significance of TU-HEVs in eliciting, predicting, and aiding anti-tumoral immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerlanda Vella
- Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Therapeutic Resistance, Department of Oncology, VIB-Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yichao Hua
- Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Therapeutic Resistance, Department of Oncology, VIB-Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gabriele Bergers
- Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Therapeutic Resistance, Department of Oncology, VIB-Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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8
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Wei Y, Ke W, Lu Z, Ren Y. PI3K δ inhibitor PI-3065 induces apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting survivin. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 371:110343. [PMID: 36623716 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide, and its clinical treatment remains challenging. The development of new treatment regimens is important for effective HCC treatment. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) is a lipid kinase that plays an important role in cell growth and metabolism and is overexpressed in nearly 50% of patients with HCC. Studies have shown that PI-3065, a small-molecule inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase delta, significantly inhibits solid breast cancer. However, its antitumor effects against HCC and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, we found that PI-3065 dose- and time-dependently reduced HCC cell viability and induced apoptosis while posing no obvious apoptotic toxicity in normal liver cells. Further mechanistic analysis showed that PI-3065 induced apoptosis mainly by inhibiting survivin protein expression, decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential, and promoting cytochrome C release. Simultaneously, PI-3065 markedly suppressed the colony formation, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition abilities of HCC cells. Furthermore, transplantation of nude mice with HCC tumors showed that PI-3065 inhibits HCC tumor growth in vivo by targeting survivin. In summary, PI-3065 specifically inhibited survivin expression and exerted anti-HCC activity in vivo and in vitro, suggesting that it may serve as an effective antitumor drug for HCC treatment, which warrants further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuze Wei
- Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110004, China
| | - Weiwei Ke
- Center of Interventional Radiology & Vascular Surgery, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao Road, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zaiming Lu
- Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110004, China.
| | - Ying Ren
- Department of Radiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110004, China.
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Hargadon KM. Genetic dysregulation of immunologic and oncogenic signaling pathways associated with tumor-intrinsic immune resistance: a molecular basis for combination targeted therapy-immunotherapy for cancer. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:40. [PMID: 36629955 PMCID: PMC11072992 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04689-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Since the turn of the century, advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy have revolutionized the treatment of cancer. Although these approaches have far outperformed traditional therapies in various clinical settings, both remain plagued by mechanisms of innate and acquired resistance that limit therapeutic efficacy in many patients. With a focus on tumor-intrinsic resistance to immunotherapy, this review highlights our current understanding of the immunologic and oncogenic pathways whose genetic dysregulation in cancer cells enables immune escape. Emphasis is placed on genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic aberrations that influence the activity of these pathways in the context of immune resistance. Specifically, the role of pathways that govern interferon signaling, antigen processing and presentation, and immunologic cell death as determinants of tumor immune susceptibility are discussed. Likewise, mechanisms of tumor immune resistance mediated by dysregulated RAS-MAPK, WNT, PI3K-AKT-mTOR, and cell cycle pathways are described. Finally, this review highlights the ways in which recent insight into genetic dysregulation of these immunologic and oncogenic signaling pathways is informing the design of combination targeted therapy-immunotherapy regimens that aim to restore immune susceptibility of cancer cells by overcoming resistance mechanisms that often limit the success of monotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian M Hargadon
- Hargadon Laboratory, Department of Biology, Hampden-Sydney College, Hampden-Sydney, VA, 23943, USA.
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10
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Wang Z, Zhou H, Xu J, Wang J, Niu T. Safety and efficacy of dual PI3K-δ, γ inhibitor, duvelisib in patients with relapsed or refractory lymphoid neoplasms: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective clinical trials. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1070660. [PMID: 36685572 PMCID: PMC9845779 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1070660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Duvelisib is the first FDA-approved oral dual inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase PI3K-delta (PI3K-δ) and PI3K-gamma (PI3K-γ). Although many clinical studies support the efficacy of duvelisib, the safety of duvelisib remains with great attention. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of duvelisib in treating different relapsed or refractory (RR) lymphoid neoplasm types. Methods We searched prospective clinical trials from PUBMED, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov. For efficacy analysis, Overall response rate (ORR), complete response rate (CR), partial response rate (PR), rate of stable disease (SDR), rate of progressive disease (PDR), median progression-free survival (mPFS), 12-/24-month PFS, and 12-month overall survival (OS) were assessed. For safety analysis, the incidences of any grade and grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs), serious AEs, and treatment-related discontinuation and death were evaluated. Subgroup analysis based on the disease type was performed. Results We included 11 studies and 683 patients, including 305 chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL), 187 B-cell indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (iNHL), 39 B-cell aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (aNHL), and 152 T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (T-NHL) patients. The pooled ORR in CLL/SLL, iNHL, aNHL and T-NHL was 70%, 70%, 28% and 47%, respectively. Additionally, the pooled ORR in CLL/SLL patients with or without TP53 mutation/17p-deletion (62% vs. 74%, p=0.45) and in follicular lymphoma (FL) or other iNHL (69% vs. 57%, p=0.38) had no significant differences. Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) patients had higher pooled ORR than other aNHL (68% vs. 17%, p=0.04). Angioimmunoblastic TCL (AITL) patients had higher pooled ORR than other PTCL patients (67% vs. 42%, p=0.01). The pooled incidence of any grade, grade ≥3, serious AEs, treatment-related discontinuation and death was 99%, 79%, 63%, 33% and 3%, respectively. The most frequent any-grade AEs were diarrhea (47%), ALT/AST increase (39%), and neutropenia (38%). The most frequent grade ≥3 AEs were neutropenia (25%), ALT/AST increased (16%), diarrhea (12%), and anemia (12%). Conclusion Generally, duvelisib could offer favorable efficacy in patients with RR CLL/SLL, iNHL, MCL, and AITL. Risk and severity in duvelisib treatment may be mitigated through proper identification and management.
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11
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Milutinovic S, Abe J, Jones E, Kelch I, Smart K, Lauder SN, Somerville M, Ware C, Godkin A, Stein JV, Bogle G, Gallimore A. Three-dimensional Imaging Reveals Immune-driven Tumor-associated High Endothelial Venules as a Key Correlate of Tumor Rejection Following Depletion of Regulatory T Cells. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:1641-1656. [PMID: 36704666 PMCID: PMC7614106 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-21-0123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
High endothelial venules (HEV) are specialized post capillary venules that recruit naïve T cells and B cells into secondary lymphoid organs (SLO) such as lymph nodes (LN). Expansion of HEV networks in SLOs occurs following immune activation to support development of an effective immune response. In this study, we used a carcinogen-induced model of fibrosarcoma to examine HEV remodeling after depletion of regulatory T cells (Treg). We used light sheet fluorescence microscopy imaging to visualize entire HEV networks, subsequently applying computational tools to enable topological mapping and extraction of numerical descriptors of the networks. While these analyses revealed profound cancer- and immune-driven alterations to HEV networks within LNs, these changes did not identify successful responses to treatment. The presence of HEV networks within tumors did however clearly distinguish responders from nonresponders. Finally, we show that a successful treatment response is dependent on coupling tumor-associated HEV (TA-HEV) development to T-cell activation implying that T-cell activation acts as the trigger for development of TA-HEVs which subsequently serve to amplify the immune response by facilitating extravasation of T cells into the tumor mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Milutinovic
- Systems Immunity University Research Institute, Henry Wellcome Building, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Jun Abe
- Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Emma Jones
- Systems Immunity University Research Institute, Henry Wellcome Building, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Inken Kelch
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kathryn Smart
- Systems Immunity University Research Institute, Henry Wellcome Building, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah N. Lauder
- Systems Immunity University Research Institute, Henry Wellcome Building, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle Somerville
- Systems Immunity University Research Institute, Henry Wellcome Building, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Carl Ware
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Sanford Burnham Prebys, La Jolla, California
| | - Andrew Godkin
- Systems Immunity University Research Institute, Henry Wellcome Building, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Jens V. Stein
- Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Gib Bogle
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Awen Gallimore
- Systems Immunity University Research Institute, Henry Wellcome Building, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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12
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Hua Y, Vella G, Rambow F, Allen E, Antoranz Martinez A, Duhamel M, Takeda A, Jalkanen S, Junius S, Smeets A, Nittner D, Dimmeler S, Hehlgans T, Liston A, Bosisio FM, Floris G, Laoui D, Hollmén M, Lambrechts D, Merchiers P, Marine JC, Schlenner S, Bergers G. Cancer immunotherapies transition endothelial cells into HEVs that generate TCF1 + T lymphocyte niches through a feed-forward loop. Cancer Cell 2022; 40:1600-1618.e10. [PMID: 36423635 PMCID: PMC9899876 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The lack of T cell infiltrates is a major obstacle to effective immunotherapy in cancer. Conversely, the formation of tumor-associated tertiary-lymphoid-like structures (TA-TLLSs), which are the local site of humoral and cellular immune responses against cancers, is associated with good prognosis, and they have recently been detected in immune checkpoint blockade (ICB)-responding patients. However, how these lymphoid aggregates develop remains poorly understood. By employing single-cell transcriptomics, endothelial fate mapping, and functional multiplex immune profiling, we demonstrate that antiangiogenic immune-modulating therapies evoke transdifferentiation of postcapillary venules into inflamed high-endothelial venules (HEVs) via lymphotoxin/lymphotoxin beta receptor (LT/LTβR) signaling. In turn, tumor HEVs boost intratumoral lymphocyte influx and foster permissive lymphocyte niches for PD1- and PD1+TCF1+ CD8 T cell progenitors that differentiate into GrzB+PD1+ CD8 T effector cells. Tumor-HEVs require continuous CD8 and NK cell-derived signals revealing that tumor HEV maintenance is actively sculpted by the adaptive immune system through a feed-forward loop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichao Hua
- VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Therapeutic Resistance, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gerlanda Vella
- VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Therapeutic Resistance, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Florian Rambow
- VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Applied Computational Cancer Research, Institute for AI in Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Asier Antoranz Martinez
- Department of Imaging & Pathology, Laboratory of Translational Cell & Tissue Research and Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marie Duhamel
- VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Therapeutic Resistance, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Akira Takeda
- MediCity, Research Laboratory and InFLAMES Flagship, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Sirpa Jalkanen
- MediCity, Research Laboratory and InFLAMES Flagship, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Steffie Junius
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ann Smeets
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - David Nittner
- VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stefanie Dimmeler
- Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Thomas Hehlgans
- Department of Immunology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Adrian Liston
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Lymphocyte Signalling and Development, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Francesca Maria Bosisio
- Department of Imaging & Pathology, Laboratory of Translational Cell & Tissue Research and Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Giuseppe Floris
- Department of Imaging & Pathology, Laboratory of Translational Cell & Tissue Research and Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Damya Laoui
- Laboratory of Dendritic Cell Biology and Cancer Immunotherapy, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium; Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maija Hollmén
- MediCity, Research Laboratory and InFLAMES Flagship, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Diether Lambrechts
- VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory for Translational Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Jean-Christophe Marine
- VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Susan Schlenner
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gabriele Bergers
- VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Therapeutic Resistance, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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13
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Lauder SN, Smart K, Bart VMT, Pires A, Scott J, Milutinovic S, Godkin A, Vanhaesebroeck B, Gallimore A. Treg-driven tumour control by PI3Kδ inhibition limits myeloid-derived suppressor cell expansion. Br J Cancer 2022; 127:1595-1602. [PMID: 35986086 PMCID: PMC9596434 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01917-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have demonstrated that blocking the PI3Kδ signalling enzyme (by administering a small molecule inhibitor, PI-3065) can potently improve the anti-tumour T-cell response through direct inhibition of Tregs. This treatment also has a negative impact on MDSC numbers but the primary mechanism driving this effect has remained unclear. METHODS The 4T1 breast cancer mouse model was used in combination with PI-3065 to gain insights into the effect of PI3Kδ inhibition on MDSCs. RESULTS PI-3065 treatment resulted in a concomitant reduction in MDSC expansion and tumour size. However, targeting Tregs independent of PI-3065 was also associated with reduced tumour volume and MDSC numbers. Surgical removal of tumours resulted in a rapid and significant decline in MDSC numbers, whilst ex vivo studies using cells from PI-3065-treated mice demonstrated no direct effect of the inhibitor on MDSC activity. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that MDSCs are not inhibited directly by PI-3065 treatment but that their reduced recruitment and immunosuppression within the tumour microenvironment is an indirect consequence of PI3Kδ-inhibition-driven tumour control. This indicates that PI3Kδ inhibition drives tumour immunity by breaking down multiple immunosuppressive pathways through both direct mechanisms (on Treg) and indirect mechanisms, secondary to tumour control (on MDSCs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah N Lauder
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, SIURI, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK.
| | - Kathryn Smart
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, SIURI, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Valentina M T Bart
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, SIURI, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Ana Pires
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, SIURI, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Jake Scott
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, SIURI, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Stefan Milutinovic
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, SIURI, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Andrew Godkin
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, SIURI, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Bart Vanhaesebroeck
- UCL Cancer Institute, Paul O'Gorman Building, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Awen Gallimore
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, SIURI, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
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14
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Wang PH, Washburn R, Maniar R, Mu M, Ringham O, Kratchmarov R, Henick BS, Reiner SL. Cutting Edge: Promoting T Cell Factor 1 + T Cell Self-Renewal to Improve Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 Blockade. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 209:660-664. [PMID: 35905999 PMCID: PMC9387677 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade is limited by resistance to treatment, with many patients not achieving durable antitumor responses. Self-renewing (T cell factor 1+ [TCF1+]) CD8+ T cells have recently been implicated in efficacy of anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD-1). Mice challenged with syngeneic tumors were treated with anti-PD-1 and/or a reversible inhibitor of PI3K δ, designed to promote T cell self-renewal. Growth of tumors in untreated mice was characterized by waning proportions of TCF1+ T cells, suggesting self-renewing T cells become limiting for successful immunotherapy. Higher proportions of TCF1+ T cells in tumor and blood correlated with better control of tumor growth. Combining anti-PD-1 and inhibitor of PI3K δ conferred superior protection compared with either monotherapy and was associated with higher frequency of TCF1+ T cells in tumor and blood compared with anti-PD-1 alone. These findings reveal predictive importance of self-renewing T cells in anti-tumor immunity and suggest that resistance-directed strategies to enhance T cell self-renewal could potentiate the efficacy of PD-1 blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter H Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Robert Washburn
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Rohan Maniar
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY; and
| | - Michael Mu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Olivia Ringham
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Radomir Kratchmarov
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Brian S Henick
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY; and
| | - Steven L Reiner
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY;
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
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15
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Development of New Thiophene-Containing Triaryl Pyrazoline Derivatives as PI3Kγ Inhibitors. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27082404. [PMID: 35458602 PMCID: PMC9027920 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27082404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A series of new thiophene-containing triaryl pyrazoline derivatives, 3a–3t, were synthesized and evaluated regarding PI3K inhibition activity and anti-tumor potency based on a trial of introducing significant moieties, including pyrazoline and thiophene, and simplifying the parallel ring structures. Most of the tested compounds indicated potent PI3K inhibitory potency, with this series of compounds showing more potency for PI3Kγ than PI3Kα. The top hit 3s seemed more potent than the positive control LY294002 on inhibiting PI3Kγ (IC50 values: 0.066 μM versus 0.777 μM) and more selective from PI3Kα (Index values: 645 versus 1.74). It could be inferred that the combination of para- and meta-, as well as the modification of the electron-donating moieties, led to the improvement in potency. The anti-proliferation inhibitory activity and the enzymatic inhibition potency indicated consistent tendencies. The top hit 3s could inhibit the phosphorylation of Akt by inhibiting PI3K through the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway. The molecular docking simulation indicated that the binding pattern of 3s into PI3Kγ was preferable than that of PI3Kα, with more hydrogen bond, more π-involved interactions, and fewer π-sulfur interactions. The information in this work is referable for the further development of selective inhibitors for specific isoforms of PI3K.
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16
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Shi AP, Tang XY, Xiong YL, Zheng KF, Liu YJ, Shi XG, Lv Y, Jiang T, Ma N, Zhao JB. Immune Checkpoint LAG3 and Its Ligand FGL1 in Cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 12:785091. [PMID: 35111155 PMCID: PMC8801495 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.785091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
LAG3 is the most promising immune checkpoint next to PD-1 and CTLA-4. High LAG3 and FGL1 expression boosts tumor growth by inhibiting the immune microenvironment. This review comprises four sections presenting the structure/expression, interaction, biological effects, and clinical application of LAG3/FGL1. D1 and D2 of LAG3 and FD of FGL1 are the LAG3-FGL1 interaction domains. LAG3 accumulates on the surface of lymphocytes in various tumors, but is also found in the cytoplasm in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. FGL1 is found in the cytoplasm in NSCLC cells and on the surface of breast cancer cells. The LAG3-FGL1 interaction mechanism remains unclear, and the intracellular signals require elucidation. LAG3/FGL1 activity is associated with immune cell infiltration, proliferation, and secretion. Cytokine production is enhanced when LAG3/FGL1 are co-expressed with PD-1. IMP321 and relatlimab are promising monoclonal antibodies targeting LAG3 in melanoma. The clinical use of anti-FGL1 antibodies has not been reported. Finally, high FGL1 and LAG3 expression induces EGFR-TKI and gefitinib resistance, and anti-PD-1 therapy resistance, respectively. We present a comprehensive overview of the role of LAG3/FGL1 in cancer, suggesting novel anti-tumor therapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- An-Ping Shi
- Department of Radiology & Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Lab of Shaanxi Province, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University (Air Force Medical University), Xi'an, China
| | - Xi-Yang Tang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan-Lu Xiong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kai-Fu Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yu-Jian Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xian-Gui Shi
- College of Basic Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yao Lv
- College of Basic Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Nan Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jin-Bo Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
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17
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Scott J, Rees L, Gallimore A, Lauder SN. PI3K Isoform Immunotherapy for Solid Tumours. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2022; 436:369-392. [PMID: 36243853 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-06566-8_16] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Improving the anti-tumour T cell response as a consequence of immunotherapy can result in eradication of tumour burden, however, the majority of patients fail with current treatment regimens and so novel immunotherapies with greater efficacy and improved tolerability are needed. The phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) family members that are directly involved in cell signalling comprise PI3Kα, PI3Kβ, PI3Kδ and PI3Kγ, with the latter two isoforms expressed primarily by leukocytes. The survival and optimal function of regulatory T cells (Treg) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) is dependent on PI3Kδ, whereas tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs), use PI3Kγ. Blocking these signalling isoforms can boost development of effective anti-cancer immune responses and result in control of tumour burden. The dependence on different PI3K isoforms in immune cells makes targeting this pathway an attractive approach for tumour immunotherapy. Herein, we discuss how inhibiting specific PI3K isoforms in pro-tumoural Tregs, MDSCS and TAMs can unleash a powerful anti-tumour immune response, driven by CD8+ T cells, capable of controlling tumour burden and consider how the immune response to therapy needs careful investigation, to identify both the correlates of successful treatment and those that impede the generation of robust anti-tumour responses. Furthermore, we review how combination immunotherapy approaches with both PI3K inhibitors and subsequent immune checkpoint blockade can potentiate the efficacy of monotherapy. Finally, we discuss the recent advances in the use of PI3K isoform-specific inhibitors as an immunotherapy for solid tumours in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake Scott
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, SIURI, Cardiff, C14 4XN, UK
| | - Lauren Rees
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, SIURI, Cardiff, C14 4XN, UK
| | - Awen Gallimore
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, SIURI, Cardiff, C14 4XN, UK
| | - Sarah N Lauder
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, SIURI, Cardiff, C14 4XN, UK.
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18
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Burnell SEA, Capitani L, MacLachlan BJ, Mason GH, Gallimore AM, Godkin A. Seven mysteries of LAG-3: a multi-faceted immune receptor of increasing complexity. IMMUNOTHERAPY ADVANCES 2021; 2:ltab025. [PMID: 35265944 PMCID: PMC8895726 DOI: 10.1093/immadv/ltab025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite three decades of research to its name and increasing interest in immunotherapies that target it, LAG-3 remains an elusive co-inhibitory receptor in comparison to the well-established PD-1 and CTLA-4. As such, LAG-3 targeting therapies have yet to achieve the clinical success of therapies targeting other checkpoints. This could, in part, be attributed to the many unanswered questions that remain regarding LAG-3 biology. Of these, we address: (i) the function of the many LAG-3-ligand interactions, (ii) the hurdles that remain to acquire a high-resolution structure of LAG-3, (iii) the under-studied LAG-3 signal transduction mechanism, (iv) the elusive soluble form of LAG-3, (v) the implications of the lack of (significant) phenotype of LAG-3 knockout mice, (vi) the reports of LAG-3 expression on the epithelium, and (vii) the conflicting reports of LAG-3 expression (and potential contributions to pathology) in the brain. These mysteries which surround LAG-3 highlight how the ever-evolving study of its biology continues to reveal ever-increasing complexity in its role as an immune receptor. Importantly, answering the questions which shroud LAG-3 in mystery will allow the maximum therapeutic benefit of LAG-3 targeting immunotherapies in cancer, autoimmunity and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie E A Burnell
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Henry Wellcome Building, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Lorenzo Capitani
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Henry Wellcome Building, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Bruce J MacLachlan
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Henry Wellcome Building, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Georgina H Mason
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Henry Wellcome Building, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Awen M Gallimore
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Henry Wellcome Building, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Andrew Godkin
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Henry Wellcome Building, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
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19
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Tarantelli C, Argnani L, Zinzani PL, Bertoni F. PI3Kδ Inhibitors as Immunomodulatory Agents for the Treatment of Lymphoma Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5535. [PMID: 34771694 PMCID: PMC8582887 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of small molecules able to block specific or multiple isoforms of phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) has already been an active field of research for many years in the cancer field. PI3Kδ inhibitors are among the targeted agents most extensively studied for the treatment of lymphoma patients and PI3Kδ inhibitors are already approved by regulatory agencies. More recently, it became clear that the anti-tumor activity of PI3K inhibitors might not be due only to a direct effect on the cancer cells but it can also be mediated via inhibition of the kinases in non-neoplastic cells present in the tumor microenvironment. T-cells represent an important component of the tumor microenvironment and they comprise different subpopulations that can have both anti- and pro-tumor effects. In this review article, we discuss the effects that PI3Kδ inhibitors exert on the immune system with a particular focus on the T-cell compartment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Tarantelli
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland;
| | - Lisa Argnani
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.A.); (P.L.Z.)
- Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, Dipartimento di Medicina Specialistica, Diagnostica e Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Zinzani
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.A.); (P.L.Z.)
- Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, Dipartimento di Medicina Specialistica, Diagnostica e Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Bertoni
- Institute of Oncology Research, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, USI, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland;
- Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
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20
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Vanhaesebroeck B, Perry MWD, Brown JR, André F, Okkenhaug K. PI3K inhibitors are finally coming of age. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2021; 20:741-769. [PMID: 34127844 PMCID: PMC9297732 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-021-00209-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 72.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Overactive phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) in cancer and immune dysregulation has spurred extensive efforts to develop therapeutic PI3K inhibitors. Although progress has been hampered by issues such as poor drug tolerance and drug resistance, several PI3K inhibitors have now received regulatory approval - the PI3Kα isoform-selective inhibitor alpelisib for the treatment of breast cancer and inhibitors mainly aimed at the leukocyte-enriched PI3Kδ in B cell malignancies. In addition to targeting cancer cell-intrinsic PI3K activity, emerging evidence highlights the potential of PI3K inhibitors in cancer immunotherapy. This Review summarizes key discoveries that aid the clinical translation of PI3Kα and PI3Kδ inhibitors, highlighting lessons learnt and future opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew W D Perry
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jennifer R Brown
- CLL Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Fabrice André
- Institut Gustave Roussy, INSERM U981, Université Paris Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Klaus Okkenhaug
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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21
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Lauder SN, Vanhaesebroeck B, Gallimore A. Sequential targeting of PI3Kδ and LAG3 as an effective anti-cancer approach. Br J Cancer 2021; 125:467-469. [PMID: 33824480 PMCID: PMC8368216 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01285-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging studies have demonstrated the potential of PI3Kδ blockade as an immunotherapy for solid tumours. In pre-clinical models, we recently demonstrated that anti-LAG3 immune checkpoint blockade vastly potentiated PI3Kδ-based immunotherapy, enabling successful tumour control in all treated mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah N Lauder
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, SIURI, Cardiff, UK.
| | - Bart Vanhaesebroeck
- UCL Cancer Institute, Paul O'Gorman Building, University College London, London, UK
| | - Awen Gallimore
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, SIURI, Cardiff, UK
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22
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Agostinetto E, Debien V, Marta GN, Lambertini M, Piccart-Gebhart M, de Azambuja E. CDK4/6 and PI3K inhibitors: A new promise for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. Eur J Clin Invest 2021; 51:e13535. [PMID: 33662161 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer represents a heterogeneous breast cancer subtype, including both oestrogen receptor (ER) positive and negative tumours. A deeper understanding of the crosstalk between ER and HER2 receptor pathways has led to the development of treatment strategies consisting of a simultaneous blockade of both signalling pathways, as a reasonable approach to prevent the onset of mechanisms of resistance. METHODS This review was based on the material searched on PubMed, MEDLINE and Embase databases and on conference proceedings from major oncology conferences up to 15 December 2020. The search strategy included the following keywords: 'HER2-positive breast cancer', 'CDK4-6 inhibitors' and 'PI3K inhibitors', and was adapted for use with different bibliographic databases. RESULTS CDK4/6 and PI3K inhibitors are two classes of agents already approved in patients with hormone receptor positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. Recently, promising data with their use have been also shown in HER2+ disease. Results from preclinical and clinical studies are shedding light on the role of these classes of agents in HER2+ breast cancer, and are paving the road for a forthcoming change in clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS Treatment landscape for HER2+ breast cancer is rapidly changing, and CDK4/6 and PI3K inhibitors represent a new promising strategy to improve patients' outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Agostinetto
- Academic Trials Promoting Team, Institut Jules Bordet and l'Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B), Brussels, Belgium.,Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Humanitas Cancer Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Véronique Debien
- Academic Trials Promoting Team, Institut Jules Bordet and l'Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Guilherme Nader Marta
- Academic Trials Promoting Team, Institut Jules Bordet and l'Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Matteo Lambertini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,Department of Medical Oncology, U.O.C Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Evandro de Azambuja
- Academic Trials Promoting Team, Institut Jules Bordet and l'Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B), Brussels, Belgium
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