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Marius W, Leticia OF, Friedrich KN, Stephan M, Louisa H, Tabea S, Elisa S, Pauline W, Yi D, Qi M, Barbara S, Carsten B, Walter F, Jasmin W, Franziska B. Expression of CD39 is associated with T cell exhaustion in ovarian cancer and its blockade reverts T cell dysfunction. Oncoimmunology 2024; 13:2346359. [PMID: 38737794 PMCID: PMC11087076 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2024.2346359] [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: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune exhaustion is a hallmark of ovarian cancer. Using multiparametric flow cytometry, the study aimed to analyze protein expression of novel immunological targets on CD3+ T cells isolated from the peripheral blood (n = 20), malignant ascites (n = 16), and tumor tissue (n = 6) of patients with ovarian cancer (OVCA). The study revealed an increased proportion of effector memory CD8+ T cells in OVCA tissue and malignant ascites. An OVCA-characteristic PD-1high CD8+ T cell population was detected, which differed from PD-1lowCD8+ T cells by increased co-expression of TIGIT, CD39, and HLA-DR. In addition, these OVCA-characteristic CD8+ T cells showed reduced expression of the transcription factor TCF-1, which may also indicate reduced effector function and memory formation. On the contrary, the transcription factor TOX, which significantly regulates terminal T cell-exhaustion, was found more frequently in these cells. Further protein and gene analysis showed that CD39 and CD73 were also expressed on OVCA tumor cells isolated from solid tumors (n = 14) and malignant ascites (n = 9). In the latter compartment, CD39 and CD73 were also associated with the expression of the "don't eat me" molecule CD24 on tumor cells. Additionally, ascites-derived CD24+EpCAM+ tumor cells showed a higher frequency of CD39+ or CD73+ cells. Furthermore, CD39 expression was associated with unfavorable clinical parameters. Expression of CD39 on T cells was upregulated through CD3/CD28 stimulation and its blockade by a newly developed nanobody construct resulted in increased proliferation (eFluor), activation (CD25 and CD134), and production of cytotoxic cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, and granzyme-B) of CD8+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Witt Marius
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Koch-Nolte Friedrich
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Menzel Stephan
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Mildred Scheel Cancer Career Center HaTriCS4, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Core Facility Nanobodies, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | | | - Seubert Elisa
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Weimer Pauline
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ding Yi
- Department of Gynecology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Minyue Qi
- Department of Gynecology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Bioinformatics Core, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Schmalfeldt Barbara
- Department of Gynecology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bokemeyer Carsten
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Fiedler Walter
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wellbrock Jasmin
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Brauneck Franziska
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, Hamburg, Germany
- Mildred Scheel Cancer Career Center HaTriCS4, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Schlicher L, Green LG, Romagnani A, Renner F. Small molecule inhibitors for cancer immunotherapy and associated biomarkers - the current status. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1297175. [PMID: 38022587 PMCID: PMC10644399 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1297175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Following the success of cancer immunotherapy using large molecules against immune checkpoint inhibitors, the concept of using small molecules to interfere with intracellular negative regulators of anti-tumor immune responses has emerged in recent years. The main targets for small molecule drugs currently include enzymes of negative feedback loops in signaling pathways of immune cells and proteins that promote immunosuppressive signals within the tumor microenvironment. In the adaptive immune system, negative regulators of T cell receptor signaling (MAP4K1, DGKα/ζ, CBL-B, PTPN2, PTPN22, SHP1), co-receptor signaling (CBL-B) and cytokine signaling (PTPN2) have been preclinically validated as promising targets and initial clinical trials with small molecule inhibitors are underway. To enhance innate anti-tumor immune responses, inhibitory immunomodulation of cGAS/STING has been in the focus, and inhibitors of ENPP1 and TREX1 have reached the clinic. In addition, immunosuppressive signals via adenosine can be counteracted by CD39 and CD73 inhibition, while suppression via intratumoral immunosuppressive prostaglandin E can be targeted by EP2/EP4 antagonists. Here, we present the status of the most promising small molecule drug candidates for cancer immunotherapy, all residing relatively early in development, and the potential of relevant biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Schlicher
- Cancer Cell Targeted Therapy, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Luke G. Green
- Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Romagnani
- Cancer Cell Targeted Therapy, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Florian Renner
- Cancer Cell Targeted Therapy, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
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3
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Xing J, Zhang J, Wang J. The Immune Regulatory Role of Adenosine in the Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14928. [PMID: 37834375 PMCID: PMC10573203 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914928] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenosine, an immunosuppressive metabolite, is produced by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) released from dying or stressed cells and is found at high levels in the tumor microenvironment of most solid tumors. It mediates pro-tumor activities by inducing tumor cell proliferation, migration or invasion, tumor tissue angiogenesis, and chemoresistance. In addition, adenosine plays an important role in regulating anti-tumor immune responses and facilitating tumor immune escape. Adenosine receptors are broadly expressed by tumor-infiltrated immune cells, including suppressive tumor-associated macrophages and CD4+ regulatory T cells, as well as effector CD4+ T cells and CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Therefore, adenosine is indispensable in down-regulating anti-tumor immune responses in the tumor microenvironment and contributes to tumor progression. This review describes the current progress on the role of adenosine/adenosine receptor pathway in regulating the tumor-infiltrating immune cells that contribute to tumor immune evasion and aims to provide insights into adenosine-targeted tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianlei Xing
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang 100001, China
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Jinhua Zhang
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Jinyan Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang 100001, China
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Stagg J, Golden E, Wennerberg E, Demaria S. The interplay between the DNA damage response and ectonucleotidases modulates tumor response to therapy. Sci Immunol 2023; 8:eabq3015. [PMID: 37418547 PMCID: PMC10394739 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abq3015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular nucleoside adenosine reduces tissue inflammation and is generated by irreversible dephosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate (AMP) mediated by the ectonucleotidase CD73. The pro-inflammatory nucleotides adenosine triphosphate, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, and cyclic guanosine -monophosphate-AMP (cGAMP), which are produced in the tumor microenvironment (TME) during therapy-induced immunogenic cell death and activation of innate immune signaling, can be converted into AMP by ectonucleotidases CD39, CD38, and CD203a/ENPP1. Thus, ectonucleotidases shape the TME by converting immune-activating signals into an immunosuppressive one. Ectonucleotidases also hinder the ability of therapies including radiation therapy, which enhance the release of pro-inflammatory nucleotides in the extracellular milieu, to induce immune-mediated tumor rejection. Here, we review the immunosuppressive effects of adenosine and the role of different ectonucleotidases in modulating antitumor immune responses. We discuss emerging opportunities to target adenosine generation and/or its ability to signal via adenosine receptors expressed by immune and cancer cells in the context of combination immunotherapy and radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Stagg
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de
l’Université de Montréal, 900 St-Denis street, Montreal,
Quebec, Canada, H2X 0A9
| | - Encouse Golden
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine,
New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Erik Wennerberg
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Institute of Cancer
Research, London SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Sandra Demaria
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine,
New York, NY 10065, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill
Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
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Allard D, Cousineau I, Ma EH, Allard B, Bareche Y, Fleury H, Stagg J. The CD73 immune checkpoint promotes tumor cell metabolic fitness. eLife 2023; 12:e84508. [PMID: 37261423 PMCID: PMC10259490 DOI: 10.7554/elife.84508] [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: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
CD73 is an ectonucleotidase overexpressed on tumor cells that suppresses anti-tumor immunity. Accordingly, several CD73 inhibitors are currently being evaluated in the clinic, including in large randomized clinical trials. Yet, the tumor cell-intrinsic impact of CD73 remain largely uncharacterized. Using metabolomics, we discovered that CD73 significantly enhances tumor cell mitochondrial respiration and aspartate biosynthesis. Importantly, rescuing aspartate biosynthesis was sufficient to restore proliferation of CD73-deficient tumors in immune deficient mice. Seahorse analysis of a large panel of mouse and human tumor cells demonstrated that CD73 enhanced oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glycolytic reserve. Targeting CD73 decreased tumor cell metabolic fitness, increased genomic instability and suppressed poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) activity. Our study thus uncovered an important immune-independent function for CD73 in promoting tumor cell metabolism, and provides the rationale for previously unforeseen combination therapies incorporating CD73 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Allard
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier l’Université de MontréalMontrealCanada
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de MontréalMontrealCanada
- Institut du Cancer de MontréalMontrealCanada
| | - Isabelle Cousineau
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier l’Université de MontréalMontrealCanada
- Institut du Cancer de MontréalMontrealCanada
| | - Eric H Ma
- McGill Goodman Cancer Research CentreMontréalCanada
| | - Bertrand Allard
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier l’Université de MontréalMontrealCanada
- Institut du Cancer de MontréalMontrealCanada
| | - Yacine Bareche
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier l’Université de MontréalMontrealCanada
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de MontréalMontrealCanada
- Institut du Cancer de MontréalMontrealCanada
| | - Hubert Fleury
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier l’Université de MontréalMontrealCanada
- Institut du Cancer de MontréalMontrealCanada
| | - John Stagg
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier l’Université de MontréalMontrealCanada
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de MontréalMontrealCanada
- Institut du Cancer de MontréalMontrealCanada
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6
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Sun BY, Yang ZF, Wang ZT, Liu G, Zhou C, Zhou J, Fan J, Gan W, Yi Y, Qiu SJ. Integrative analyses identify CD73 as a prognostic biomarker and immunotherapeutic target in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. World J Surg Oncol 2023; 21:90. [PMID: 36899373 PMCID: PMC9999525 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-023-02970-6] [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: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CD73 promotes progression in several malignancies and is considered as a novel immune checkpoint. However, the function of CD73 in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) remains uncertain. In this study, we aim to investigate the role of CD73 in ICC. METHODS Multi-omics data of 262 ICC patients from the FU-iCCA cohort were analyzed. Two single-cell datasets were downloaded to examine the expression of CD73 at baseline and in response to immunotherapy. Functional experiments were performed to explore the biological functions of CD73 in ICC. The expression of CD73 and HHLA2 and infiltrations of CD8 + , Foxp3 + , CD68 + , and CD163 + immune cells were evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 259 resected ICC samples from Zhongshan Hospital. The prognostic value of CD73 was assessed by Cox regression analysis. RESULTS CD73 correlated with poor prognosis in two ICC cohorts. Single-cell atlas of ICC indicated high expression of CD73 on malignant cells. TP53 and KRAS gene mutations were more frequent in patients with high CD73 expression. CD73 promoted ICC proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. High CD73 expression was associated with a higher ratio of Foxp3 + /CD8 + tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and CD163 + /CD68 + tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). A positive correlation between CD73 and CD44 was observed, and patients with high CD73 expression showed elevated expression of HHLA2. CD73 expression in malignant cells was significantly upregulated in response to immunotherapy. CONCLUSIONS High expression of CD73 is associated with poor prognosis and a suppressive tumor immune microenvironment in ICC. CD73 could potentially be a novel biomarker for prognosis and immunotherapy in ICC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Ye Sun
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhang-Fu Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhu-Tao Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Gao Liu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Fan
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Gan
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yong Yi
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shuang-Jian Qiu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
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Xia C, Yin S, To KKW, Fu L. CD39/CD73/A2AR pathway and cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:44. [PMID: 36859386 PMCID: PMC9979453 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01733-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer development is closely associated with immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) that attenuates antitumor immune responses and promotes tumor cell immunologic escape. The sequential conversion of extracellular ATP into adenosine by two important cell-surface ectonucleosidases CD39 and CD73 play critical roles in reshaping an immunosuppressive TME. The accumulated extracellular adenosine mediates its regulatory functions by binding to one of four adenosine receptors (A1R, A2AR, A2BR and A3R). The A2AR elicits its profound immunosuppressive function via regulating cAMP signaling. The increasing evidence suggests that CD39, CD73 and A2AR could be used as novel therapeutic targets for manipulating the antitumor immunity. In recent years, monoclonal antibodies or small molecule inhibitors targeting the CD39/CD73/A2AR pathway have been investigated in clinical trials as single agents or in combination with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies. In this review, we provide an updated summary about the pathophysiological function of the adenosinergic pathway in cancer development, metastasis and drug resistance. The targeting of one or more components of the adenosinergic pathway for cancer therapy and circumvention of immunotherapy resistance are also discussed. Emerging biomarkers that may be used to guide the selection of CD39/CD73/A2AR-targeting treatment strategies for individual cancer patients is also deliberated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglai Xia
- Affiliated Foshan Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528000, China. .,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 515150, China.
| | - Shuanghong Yin
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471Affiliated Foshan Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528000 China ,grid.488530.20000 0004 1803 6191State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060 China
| | - Kenneth K. W. To
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482School of Pharmacy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Liwu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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Li H, Xie P, Li P, Du Y, Zhu J, Yuan Y, Wu C, Shi Y, Huang Z, Wang X, Liu D, Liu W. CD73/NT5E is a Potential Biomarker for Cancer Prognosis and Immunotherapy for Multiple Types of Cancers. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2200263. [PMID: 36480312 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cluster of Differentiations 73 (CD73)/ecto-5'-nucleotidase (NT5E) is a novel type of immune molecular marker expressed on many tumor cells and involved in regulating the essential immune functions and affecting the prognosis of cancer patients. However, it is not clear how the NT5E is linked to the infiltration levels of the immune cells in pan-cancer patients and their final prognosis. This study explores the role of NT5E in 33 tumor types using GEPIA, TIMER, Oncomine, BioGPS databases, and several bioinformatic tools. The findings reveal that the NT5E is abnormally expressed in a majority of the types of cancers and can be used for determining the prognosis prediction ability of different cancers. Moreover, NT5E is significantly related to the infiltration status of numerous immune cells, immune-activated pathways, and immunoregulator expressions. Last, specific inhibitor molecules, like NORNICOTINE, AS-703026, and FOSTAMATINIB, which inhibit the expression of NT5E in various types of cancers, are screened with the CMap. Thus, it is proposed that NT5E can be utilized as a potential biomarker for predicting the prognosis of cancer patients and determining the infiltration of various immune cells in different types of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huisheng Li
- Department of Maxillofacial & Otorhinolaryngology Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Huanhu West Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Peng Xie
- Department of Senior Ward, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Huanhu West Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Maxillofacial & Otorhinolaryngology Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Huanhu West Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Yuheng Du
- Department of Maxillofacial & Otorhinolaryngology Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Huanhu West Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Jiajia Zhu
- Department of Maxillofacial & Otorhinolaryngology Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Huanhu West Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Yudong Yuan
- Department of Senior Ward, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Huanhu West Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Huanhu West Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Yantao Shi
- Department of Technology, Swanshine (Tianjin) Biotechnology Development Co. Ltd, Anime East Road, Airport Economic Zone, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Zhiyong Huang
- Department of Industrial Biosystems and Bioprocessing Engineering, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiqi Road Airport Economic Zone, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Xudong Wang
- Department of Maxillofacial & Otorhinolaryngology Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Huanhu West Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Dongying Liu
- Department of Pain Management, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Huanhu West Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Weishuai Liu
- Department of Pain Management, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Huanhu West Road, Hexi District, Tianjin, 300060, China
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9
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Thébault P, Cailhier JF, Lapointe R. Blood Sample Processing and Banking for Functional and Molecular Analyses. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2614:37-46. [PMID: 36587117 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2914-7_3] [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: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Immune monitoring of circulating immune cells in the blood provides insight into a patient's own immune response over the course of a treatment or disease progression. Information such as whether immune cells are functional or non-functional and what specific proteins they express or secrete can be essential to understand if (and how) a treatment is working or a disease is progressing. To do so, it requires careful handling and storage of precious biological samples with the goals of obtaining a large amount of information from limited samples and minimizing future research costs by the use of banked samples. Many factors, including blood sample types, time of collection, containers used, preservatives and other additives, transport means, and length of transit time, all affect the quality of the samples and the stability of biomarkers and must be considered at the initial collection stage. An efficient study design includes provisions for further processing of the original samples, such as cryopreservation of isolated cells, purification of DNA and RNA, and preparation of specimens for genomic, immunological, and biochemical analyses. Development of standard operating procedures and quality control plans is a safeguard of the samples' quality and of the validity of the results. Here, we focus on the collection and processing of blood suitable for plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) banking, including collection, processing, and storage of samples, based on our experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paméla Thébault
- Axe Cancer, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada.,Institut du cancer de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-François Cailhier
- Axe Cancer, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada.,Institut du cancer de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Faculté de Médecine, Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Réjean Lapointe
- Axe Cancer, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada. .,Institut du cancer de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada. .,Faculté de Médecine, Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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10
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Gomez S, Cox OL, Walker RR, Rentia U, Hadley M, Arthofer E, Diab N, Grundy EE, Kanholm T, McDonald JI, Kobyra J, Palmer E, Noonepalle S, Villagra A, Leitenberg D, Bollard CM, Saunthararajah Y, Chiappinelli KB. Inhibiting DNA methylation and RNA editing upregulates immunogenic RNA to transform the tumor microenvironment and prolong survival in ovarian cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-004974. [PMID: 36343976 PMCID: PMC9644370 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-004974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Novel therapies are urgently needed for ovarian cancer (OC), the fifth deadliest cancer in women. Preclinical work has shown that DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTis) can reverse the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in OC. Inhibiting DNA methyltransferases activate transcription of double-stranded (ds)RNA, including transposable elements. These dsRNAs activate sensors in the cytoplasm and trigger type I interferon (IFN) signaling, recruiting host immune cells to kill the tumor cells. Adenosine deaminase 1 (ADAR1) is induced by IFN signaling and edits mammalian dsRNA with an A-to-I nucleotide change, which is read as an A-to-G change in sequencing data. These edited dsRNAs cannot be sensed by dsRNA sensors, and thus ADAR1 inhibits the type I IFN response in a negative feedback loop. We hypothesized that decreasing ADAR1 editing would enhance the DNMTi-induced immune response. METHODS Human OC cell lines were treated in vitro with DNMTi and then RNA-sequenced to measure RNA editing. Adar1 was stably knocked down in ID8 Trp53-/- mouse OC cells. Control cells (shGFP) or shAdar1 cells were tested with mock or DNMTi treatment. Tumor-infiltrating immune cells were immunophenotyped using flow cytometry and cell culture supernatants were analyzed for secreted chemokines/cytokines. Mice were injected with syngeneic shAdar1 ID8 Trp53-/- cells and treated with tetrahydrouridine/DNMTi while given anti-interferon alpha and beta receptor 1, anti-CD8, or anti-NK1.1 antibodies every 3 days. RESULTS We show that ADAR1 edits transposable elements in human OC cell lines after DNMTi treatment in vitro. Combining ADAR1 knockdown with DNMTi significantly increases pro-inflammatory cytokine/chemokine production and sensitivity to IFN-β compared with either perturbation alone. Furthermore, DNMTi treatment and Adar1 loss reduces tumor burden and prolongs survival in an immunocompetent mouse model of OC. Combining Adar1 loss and DNMTi elicited the most robust antitumor response and transformed the immune microenvironment with increased recruitment and activation of CD8+ T cells. CONCLUSION In summary, we showed that the survival benefit from DNMTi plus ADAR1 inhibition is dependent on type I IFN signaling. Thus, epigenetically inducing transposable element transcription combined with inhibition of RNA editing is a novel therapeutic strategy to reverse immune evasion in OC, a disease that does not respond to current immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Gomez
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University Cancer Center, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Olivia L Cox
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University Cancer Center, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Reddick R Walker
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University Cancer Center, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Uzma Rentia
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University Cancer Center, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Melissa Hadley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University Cancer Center, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Elisa Arthofer
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University Cancer Center, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Noor Diab
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University Cancer Center, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Erin E Grundy
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University Cancer Center, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Tomas Kanholm
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University Cancer Center, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - James I McDonald
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University Cancer Center, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Julie Kobyra
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University Cancer Center, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Erica Palmer
- Department of Biochemistry, The George Washington University Cancer Center, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Satish Noonepalle
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Alejandro Villagra
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - David Leitenberg
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Catherine M Bollard
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University Cancer Center, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Yogen Saunthararajah
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Katherine B Chiappinelli
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University Cancer Center, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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11
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Yegutkin GG, Boison D. ATP and Adenosine Metabolism in Cancer: Exploitation for Therapeutic Gain. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:797-822. [PMID: 35738682 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenosine is an evolutionary ancient metabolic regulator linking energy state to physiologic processes, including immunomodulation and cell proliferation. Tumors create an adenosine-rich immunosuppressive microenvironment through the increased release of ATP from dying and stressed cells and its ectoenzymatic conversion into adenosine. Therefore, the adenosine pathway becomes an important therapeutic target to improve the effectiveness of immune therapies. Prior research has focused largely on the two major ectonucleotidases, ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 1/cluster of differentiation (CD)39 and ecto-5'-nucleotidase/CD73, which catalyze the breakdown of extracellular ATP into adenosine, and on the subsequent activation of different subtypes of adenosine receptors with mixed findings of antitumor and protumor effects. New findings, needed for more effective therapeutic approaches, require consideration of redundant pathways controlling intratumoral adenosine levels, including the alternative NAD-inactivating pathway through the CD38-ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase phosphodiesterase (ENPP)1-CD73 axis, the counteracting ATP-regenerating ectoenzymatic pathway, and cellular adenosine uptake and its phosphorylation by adenosine kinase. This review provides a holistic view of extracellular and intracellular adenosine metabolism as an integrated complex network and summarizes recent data on the underlying mechanisms through which adenosine and its precursors ATP and ADP control cancer immunosurveillance, tumor angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, cancer-associated thrombosis, blood flow, and tumor perfusion. Special attention is given to differences and commonalities in the purinome of different cancers, heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment, subcellular compartmentalization of the adenosine system, and novel roles of purine-converting enzymes as targets for cancer therapy. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The discovery of the role of adenosine as immune checkpoint regulator in cancer has led to the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting extracellular adenosine metabolism and signaling in multiple clinical trials and preclinical models. Here we identify major gaps in knowledge that need to be filled to improve the therapeutic gain from agents targeting key components of the adenosine metabolic network and, on this basis, provide a holistic view of the cancer purinome as a complex and integrated network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennady G Yegutkin
- MediCity Research Laboratory and InFLAMES Flagship, University of Turku, Turku, Finland (G.G.Y.); Department of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson and New Jersey Medical Schools, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey (D.B.); and Rutgers Brain Health Institute, Piscataway, New Jersey (D.B.)
| | - Detlev Boison
- MediCity Research Laboratory and InFLAMES Flagship, University of Turku, Turku, Finland (G.G.Y.); Department of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson and New Jersey Medical Schools, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey (D.B.); and Rutgers Brain Health Institute, Piscataway, New Jersey (D.B.)
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12
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Lu T, Zhang Z, Zhang J, Pan X, Zhu X, Wang X, Li Z, Ruan M, Li H, Chen W, Yan M. CD73 in small extracellular vesicles derived from HNSCC defines tumour-associated immunosuppression mediated by macrophages in the microenvironment. J Extracell Vesicles 2022; 11:e12218. [PMID: 35524455 PMCID: PMC9077142 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on tumour cell‐derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) that regulate tumour microenvironment (TME) has provided strategies for targeted therapy of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Herein, we demonstrated that sEVs derived from HNSCC cancer cells carried CD73 (sEVsCD73), which promoted malignant progression and mediated immune evasion. The sEVsCD73 phagocytosed by tumour‐associated macrophages (TAMs) in the TME induced immunosuppression. Higher CD73high TAMs infiltration levels in the HNSCC microenvironment were correlated with poorer prognosis, while sEVsCD73 activated the NF‐κB pathway in TAMs, thereby inhibiting immune function by increasing cytokines secretion such as IL‐6, IL‐10, TNF‐α, and TGF‐β1. The absence of sEVsCD73 enhanced the sensitivity of anti‐PD‐1 therapy through reversed immunosuppression. Moreover, circulating sEVsCD73 increased the risk of lymph node metastasis and worse prognosis. Taken together, our study suggests that sEVsCD73 derived from tumour cells contributes to immunosuppression and is a potential predictor of anti‐PD‐1 responses for immune checkpoint therapy in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingwei Lu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head & Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head & Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianjun Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head & Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinhua Pan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head & Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueqin Zhu
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head & Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhihui Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head & Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Ruan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head & Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huasheng Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head & Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wantao Chen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head & Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Yan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head & Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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13
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Chung DC, Jacquelot N, Ghaedi M, Warner K, Ohashi PS. Innate Lymphoid Cells: Role in Immune Regulation and Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092071. [PMID: 35565201 PMCID: PMC9102917 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are an emerging family of effector cells known to play a major role in innate defenses against pathogens, lymphoid organogenesis, tissue repair, and homeostasis. They are positioned strategically within tissues to provide the first line of defence and shape the ensuing adaptive immune cell response. Recent evidence suggests that ILCs contribute to immune regulation in different diseases, including cancer, and can have significant impact on disease outcome. In this review, we highlight the immunosuppressive roles of ILCs in cancer that inhibit effective immune surveillance and anti-tumour response. Abstract Immune regulation is composed of a complex network of cellular and molecular pathways that regulate the immune system and prevent tissue damage. It is increasingly clear that innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are also armed with immunosuppressive capacities similar to well-known immune regulatory cells (i.e., regulatory T cells). In cancer, immunoregulatory ILCs have been shown to inhibit anti-tumour immune response through various mechanisms including: (a) direct suppression of anti-tumour T cells or NK cells, (b) inhibiting T-cell priming, and (c) promoting other immunoregulatory cells. To provide a framework of understanding the role of immunosuppressive ILCs in the context of cancer, we first outline a brief history and challenges related to defining immunosuppressive ILCs. Furthermore, we focus on the mechanisms of ILCs in suppressing anti-tumour immunity and consequentially promoting tumour progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas C. Chung
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (N.J.); (M.G.); (K.W.)
- Correspondence: (D.C.C.); (P.S.O.)
| | - Nicolas Jacquelot
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (N.J.); (M.G.); (K.W.)
| | - Maryam Ghaedi
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (N.J.); (M.G.); (K.W.)
| | - Kathrin Warner
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (N.J.); (M.G.); (K.W.)
| | - Pamela S. Ohashi
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (N.J.); (M.G.); (K.W.)
- Correspondence: (D.C.C.); (P.S.O.)
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14
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Natural Killer Cells: the Missing Link in Effective Treatment for High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2022; 23:210-226. [PMID: 35192139 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-021-00929-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Ovarian cancer (OC), especially high-grade serous cancer (HGSC), is a highly heterogeneous malignancy with limited options for curative treatment and a high frequency of relapse. Interactions between OC and the immune system may permit immunoediting and immune escape, and current standard of care therapies can influence immune cell infiltration and function within the tumor microenvironment. Natural killer (NK) cells are involved in cancer immunosurveillance and immunoediting and can be activated by therapy, but deliberate approaches to maximize NK cell reactivity for treatment of HGSC are in their infancy. NK cells may be the ideal target for immunotherapy of HGSC. The diverse functions of NK cells, and their established roles in immunosurveillance, make them attractive candidates for more precise and effective HGSC treatment. NK cells' functional capabilities differ because of variation in receptor expression and genetics, with meaningful impacts on their anticancer activity. Studying HGSC:NK cell interactions will define the features that predict the best outcomes for patients with the disease, but the highly diverse nature of HGSC will likely require combination therapies or approaches to simultaneously target multiple, co-existing features of the tumor to avoid tumor escape and relapse. We expect that the ideal therapy will enable NK cell infiltration and activity, reverse immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment, and enable effector functions against the diverse subpopulations that comprise HGSC.
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15
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Lung adenocarcinoma-specific three-integrin signature contributes to poor outcomes by metastasis and immune escape pathways. J Transl Int Med 2021; 9:249-263. [PMID: 35136724 PMCID: PMC8802404 DOI: 10.2478/jtim-2021-0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Inhibitors targeting integrins (ITGs) are applied as a novel strategy for cancers including lung cancer; however, the heterogeneity of ITG subunits might explain why ITG-targeted inhibitors only show limited efficacy for a small group of lung cancer patients. Materials and methods: RNA-Seq data of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) patients were obtained from the TCGA database. Cox regression analysis was performed to construct the prognostic signature and generate the nomogram combined with pathologic stages (pStage). GEO datasets were used for verification. The related biological functions were analyzed by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) software and the TIMER database. Results: By Cox regression analysis of 30 ITG subunits, ITG subunit alpha 5 (ITGA5), ITG subunit alpha 6 (ITGA6), and ITG subunit alpha L (ITGAL) were identified as the prognostic factors in LUAD, which were included in the construction of a LUAD-specific 3-ITG signature. Following the calculation of risk score (RS) of each patient based on 3-ITG signature, patients with high RS in LUAD were found to exhibit worse prognosis, especially in early stage. Nomogram combined with RS and pStage could predict the prognosis of LUAD patients accurately. Mechanism exploration by GSEA showed that metastasis-related microenvironmental pathways were significantly enriched in the high-RS group. An elevated expression of ITGA5 was mainly associated with the promotion of cell migration and invasion, while the high expression of ITGAL had a strong positive correlation with the capability of recognizing and killing cancer cells. Conclusions: Three-ITG signature could improve the prediction ability combined with pStage in LUAD and might contribute to poor prognosis by metastasis and immune escape-related pathways.
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