1
|
Uher O, Hadrava Vanova K, Taïeb D, Calsina B, Robledo M, Clifton-Bligh R, Pacak K. The Immune Landscape of Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma: Current Advances and Perspectives. Endocr Rev 2024; 45:521-552. [PMID: 38377172 PMCID: PMC11244254 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnae005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors derived from neural crest cells from adrenal medullary chromaffin tissues and extra-adrenal paraganglia, respectively. Although the current treatment for PPGLs is surgery, optimal treatment options for advanced and metastatic cases have been limited. Hence, understanding the role of the immune system in PPGL tumorigenesis can provide essential knowledge for the development of better therapeutic and tumor management strategies, especially for those with advanced and metastatic PPGLs. The first part of this review outlines the fundamental principles of the immune system and tumor microenvironment, and their role in cancer immunoediting, particularly emphasizing PPGLs. We focus on how the unique pathophysiology of PPGLs, such as their high molecular, biochemical, and imaging heterogeneity and production of several oncometabolites, creates a tumor-specific microenvironment and immunologically "cold" tumors. Thereafter, we discuss recently published studies related to the reclustering of PPGLs based on their immune signature. The second part of this review discusses future perspectives in PPGL management, including immunodiagnostic and promising immunotherapeutic approaches for converting "cold" tumors into immunologically active or "hot" tumors known for their better immunotherapy response and patient outcomes. Special emphasis is placed on potent immune-related imaging strategies and immune signatures that could be used for the reclassification, prognostication, and management of these tumors to improve patient care and prognosis. Furthermore, we introduce currently available immunotherapies and their possible combinations with other available therapies as an emerging treatment for PPGLs that targets hostile tumor environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ondrej Uher
- Section of Medical Neuroendocrinology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1109, USA
| | - Katerina Hadrava Vanova
- Section of Medical Neuroendocrinology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1109, USA
| | - David Taïeb
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, CHU de La Timone, Marseille 13005, France
| | - Bruna Calsina
- Hereditary Endocrine Cancer Group, Human Cancer Genetics Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid 28029, Spain
- Familiar Cancer Clinical Unit, Human Cancer Genetics Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Mercedes Robledo
- Hereditary Endocrine Cancer Group, Human Cancer Genetics Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid 28029, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Roderick Clifton-Bligh
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney 2065, NSW, Australia
- Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Kolling Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney 2065, NSW, Australia
| | - Karel Pacak
- Section of Medical Neuroendocrinology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1109, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bowen CM, Demarest K, Vilar E, Shah PD. Novel Cancer Prevention Strategies in Individuals With Hereditary Cancer Syndromes: Focus on BRCA1, BRCA2, and Lynch Syndrome. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2024; 44:e433576. [PMID: 38913968 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_433576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Germline pathogenic variants (PVs) in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes confer elevated risks of breast, ovarian, and other cancers. Lynch syndrome (LS) is associated with increased risks of multiple cancer types including colorectal and uterine cancers. Current cancer risk mitigation strategies have focused on pharmacologic risk reduction, enhanced surveillance, and preventive surgeries. While these approaches can be effective, they stand to be improved on because of either limited efficacy or undesirable impact on quality of life. The current review summarizes ongoing investigational efforts in cancer risk prevention strategies for patients with germline PVs in BRCA1, BRCA2, or LS-associated genes. These efforts span radiation, surgery, and pharmacology including vaccine strategies. Understanding the molecular events involved in the premalignant to malignant transformation in high-risk individuals may ultimately contribute significantly to novel prevention strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles M Bowen
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | | | - Eduardo Vilar
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Payal D Shah
- Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Houlahan KE, Khan A, Greenwald NF, Vivas CS, West RB, Angelo M, Curtis C. Germline-mediated immunoediting sculpts breast cancer subtypes and metastatic proclivity. Science 2024; 384:eadh8697. [PMID: 38815010 DOI: 10.1126/science.adh8697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Tumors with the same diagnosis can have different molecular profiles and response to treatment. It remains unclear when and why these differences arise. Somatic genomic aberrations occur within the context of a highly variable germline genome. Interrogating 5870 breast cancer lesions, we demonstrated that germline-derived epitopes in recurrently amplified genes influence somatic evolution by mediating immunoediting. Individuals with a high germline-epitope burden in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/ERBB2) are less likely to develop HER2-positive breast cancer compared with other subtypes. The same holds true for recurrent amplicons defining three aggressive estrogen receptor (ER)-positive subgroups. Tumors that overcome such immune-mediated negative selection are more aggressive and demonstrate an "immune cold" phenotype. These data show that the germline genome plays a role in dictating somatic evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen E Houlahan
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Aziz Khan
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Noah F Greenwald
- Cancer Biology Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | | | - Robert B West
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Michael Angelo
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Christina Curtis
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tao HY, Zhao CY, Wang Y, Sheng WJ, Zhen YS. Targeting Telomere Dynamics as an Effective Approach for the Development of Cancer Therapeutics. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:3805-3825. [PMID: 38708177 PMCID: PMC11069074 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s448556] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Telomere is a protective structure located at the end of chromosomes of eukaryotes, involved in maintaining the integrity and stability of the genome. Telomeres play an essential role in cancer progression; accordingly, targeting telomere dynamics emerges as an effective approach for the development of cancer therapeutics. Targeting telomere dynamics may work through multifaceted molecular mechanisms; those include the activation of anti-telomerase immune responses, shortening of telomere lengths, induction of telomere dysfunction and constitution of telomerase-responsive drug release systems. In this review, we summarize a wide variety of telomere dynamics-targeted agents in preclinical studies and clinical trials, and reveal their promising therapeutic potential in cancer therapy. As shown, telomere dynamics-active agents are effective as anti-cancer chemotherapeutics and immunotherapeutics. Notably, these agents may display efficacy against cancer stem cells, reducing cancer stem levels. Furthermore, these agents can be integrated with the capability of tumor-specific drug delivery by the constitution of related nanoparticles, antibody drug conjugates and HSA-based drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong-yu Tao
- Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chun-yan Zhao
- Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Wang
- Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei-jin Sheng
- Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong-su Zhen
- Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Song J, Cheng X, Zhou C, Huang S, Zhao W, Zong Z, Yang L. Targeting the "tumor microenvironment": RNA-binding proteins in the spotlight in colorectal cancer therapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 131:111876. [PMID: 38493688 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and has the second highest mortality rate among cancers. The development of CRC involves both genetic and epigenetic abnormalities, and recent research has focused on exploring the ex-transcriptome, particularly post-transcriptional modifications. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are emerging epigenetic regulators that play crucial roles in post-transcriptional events. Dysregulation of RBPs can result in aberrant expression of downstream target genes, thereby affecting the progression of colorectal tumors and the prognosis of patients. Recent studies have shown that RBPs can influence CRC pathogenesis and progression by regulating various components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Although previous research on RBPs has primarily focused on their direct regulation of colorectal tumor development, their involvement in the remodeling of the TME has not been systematically reported. This review aims to highlight the significant role of RBPs in the intricate interactions within the CRC tumor microenvironment, including tumor immune microenvironment, inflammatory microenvironment, extracellular matrix, tumor vasculature, and CRC cancer stem cells. We also highlight several compounds under investigation for RBP-TME-based treatment of CRC, including small molecule inhibitors such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), siRNAs, agonists, gene manipulation, and tumor vaccines. The insights gained from this review may lead to the development of RBP-based targeted novel therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating the TME, potentially inhibiting the progression and metastasis of CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiwei Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 MinDe Road, 330006 Nanchang, China; Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Mingde Rd., Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China; Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, 330006 Nanchang, China
| | - Yujun Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 MinDe Road, 330006 Nanchang, China; Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Mingde Rd., Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jingjing Song
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 MinDe Road, 330006 Nanchang, China; Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Mingde Rd., Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China; School of Ophthalmology and Optometry of Nanchang University, China
| | - Xifu Cheng
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry of Nanchang University, China
| | - Chulin Zhou
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Shuo Huang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Wentao Zhao
- The 3rd Clinical Department of China Medical University, 10159 Shenyang, China
| | - Zhen Zong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 MinDe Road, 330006 Nanchang, China.
| | - Lingling Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1 Mingde Rd., Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shou S, Li Y, Chen J, Zhang X, Zhang C, Jiang X, Liu F, Yi L, Zhang X, Geer E, Pu Z, Pang B. Understanding, diagnosing, and treating pancreatic cancer from the perspective of telomeres and telomerase. Cancer Gene Ther 2024:10.1038/s41417-024-00768-6. [PMID: 38594465 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-024-00768-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Telomerase is associated with cellular aging, and its presence limits cellular lifespan. Telomerase by preventing telomere shortening can extend the number of cell divisions for cancer cells. In adult pancreatic cells, telomeres gradually shorten, while in precancerous lesions of cancer, telomeres in cells are usually significantly shortened. At this time, telomerase is still in an inactive state, and it is not until before and after the onset of cancer that telomerase is reactivated, causing cancer cells to proliferate. Methylation of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter and regulation of telomerase by lactate dehydrogenase B (LDHB) is the mechanism of telomerase reactivation in pancreatic cancer. Understanding the role of telomeres and telomerase in pancreatic cancer will help to diagnose and initiate targeted therapy as early as possible. This article reviews the role of telomeres and telomerase as biomarkers in the development of pancreatic cancer and the progress of research on telomeres and telomerase as targets for therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Songting Shou
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanliang Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaqin Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chuanlong Zhang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaochen Jiang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fudong Liu
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Yi
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiyuan Zhang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - En Geer
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenqing Pu
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Pang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Domchek SM, Vonderheide RH. Advancing Cancer Interception. Cancer Discov 2024; 14:600-604. [PMID: 38571414 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-24-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Rapid advances in technology and therapeutics, along with better methods to discern who is at risk for cancer by genetic testing and other means, has enabled the development of cancer interception. Targeted therapies and "immuno-interception" may eliminate premalignant lesions and require clinical trial and treatment paradigms altogether distinct from current approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan M Domchek
- Basser Center for BRCA1/2, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pen-nsylvania
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Robert H Vonderheide
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Antonucci L, Karin M. The Past and Future of Inflammation as a Target to Cancer Prevention. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2024; 17:141-155. [PMID: 38271694 PMCID: PMC10987280 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-23-0423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Inflammation is an essential defense mechanism in which innate immune cells are coordinately activated on encounter of harmful stimuli, including pathogens, tissue injury, and toxic compounds and metabolites to neutralize and eliminate the instigator and initiate healing and regeneration. Properly terminated inflammation is vital to health, but uncontrolled runaway inflammation that becomes chronic begets a variety of inflammatory and metabolic diseases and increases cancer risk. Making damaged tissues behave as "wounds that do not heal" and sustaining the production of growth factors whose physiologic function is tissue healing, chronic inflammation accelerates cancer emergence from premalignant lesions. In 1863, Rudolf Virchow, a leading German pathologist, suggested a possible association between inflammation and tumor formation, but it took another 140 years to fully elucidate and appreciate the tumorigenic role of inflammation. Key findings outlined molecular events in the inflammatory cascade that promote cancer onset and progression and enabled a better appreciation of when and where inflammation should be inhibited. These efforts triggered ongoing research work to discover and develop inflammation-reducing chemopreventive strategies for decreasing cancer risk and incidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Antonucci
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Signal Transduction, Departments of Pharmacology and Pathology, University of California San Diego School of Medicine; La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Michael Karin
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Signal Transduction, Departments of Pharmacology and Pathology, University of California San Diego School of Medicine; La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Stanton SE, Castle PE, Finn OJ, Sei S, Emens LA. Advances and challenges in cancer immunoprevention and immune interception. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e007815. [PMID: 38519057 PMCID: PMC10961508 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007815] [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] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Invasive cancers typically evade immune surveillance through profound local and systemic immunosuppression, preventing their elimination or control. Targeting immune interventions to prevent or intercept premalignant lesions, before significant immune dysregulation has occurred, may be a more successful strategy. The field of cancer immune interception and prevention is nascent, and the scientific community has been slow to embrace this potentially most rational approach to reducing the global burden of cancer. This may change due to recent promising advances in cancer immunoprevention including the use of vaccines for the prevention of viral cancers, the use of cancer-associated antigen vaccines in the setting of precancers, and the development of cancer-preventative vaccines for high-risk individuals who are healthy but carry cancer-associated heritable genetic mutations. Furthermore, there is increasing recognition of the importance of cancer prevention and interception by national cancer organizations. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recently released the National Cancer Plan, which includes cancer prevention among the top priorities of the institute. The NCI's Division of Cancer Prevention has been introducing new funding opportunities for scientists with an interest in the field of cancer prevention: The Cancer Prevention-Interception Targeted Agent Discovery Program and The Cancer Immunoprevention Network. Moreover, the Human Tumor Atlas Network is spearheading the development of a precancer atlas to better understand the biology of pre-invasive changes, including the tissue microenvironment and the underlying genetics that drive carcinogenesis. These data will inform the development of novel immunoprevention/immuno-interception strategies. International cancer foundations have also started recognizing immunoprevention and immune interception with the American Association for Cancer Research, Cancer Research UK and the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer each implementing programming focused on this area. This review will present recent advances, opportunities, and challenges in the emerging field of cancer immune prevention and immune interception.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sasha E Stanton
- Cancer Immunoprevention Laboratory, Earle A Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Philip E Castle
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Olivera J Finn
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Shizuko Sei
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ye X, Yu Y, Zheng X, Ma H. Clinical immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:64. [PMID: 38430289 PMCID: PMC10908626 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03632-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer remains a challenging disease with limited treatment options, resulting in high mortality rates. The predominant approach to managing pancreatic cancer patients continues to be systemic cytotoxic chemotherapy. Despite substantial advancements in immunotherapy strategies for various cancers, their clinical utility in pancreatic cancer has proven less effective and durable. Whether administered as monotherapy, employing immune checkpoint inhibitors, tumor vaccines, chimeric antigen receptors T cells, or in combination with conventional chemoradiotherapy, the clinical outcomes remain underwhelming. Extensive preclinical experiments and clinical trials in the realm of pancreatic cancer have provided valuable insights into the complexities of immunotherapy. Chief among the hurdles are the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, limited immunogenicity, and the inherent heterogeneity of pancreatic cancer. In this comprehensive review, we provide an overview and critical analysis of current clinical immunotherapy strategies for pancreatic cancer, emphasizing their endeavors to overcome immunotherapy resistance. Particular focus is placed on strategies aimed at reshaping the immunosuppressive microenvironment and enhancing T cell-mediated tumor cell killing. Ultimately, through deeper elucidation of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of pancreatic cancer and the refinement of therapeutic approaches, we anticipate breakthroughs that will pave the way for more effective treatments in this challenging disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorong Ye
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaohu Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China.
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Quantitative Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hongdi Ma
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Xu L, Cao Y, Xu Y, Li R, Xu X. Redox-Responsive Polymeric Nanoparticle for Nucleic Acid Delivery and Cancer Therapy: Progress, Opportunities, and Challenges. Macromol Biosci 2024; 24:e2300238. [PMID: 37573033 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300238] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Cancer development and progression of cancer are closely associated with the activation of oncogenes and loss of tumor suppressor genes. Nucleic acid drugs (e.g., siRNA, mRNA, and DNA) are widely used for cancer therapy due to their specific ability to regulate the expression of any cancer-associated genes. However, nucleic acid drugs are negatively charged biomacromolecules that are susceptible to serum nucleases and cannot cross cell membrane. Therefore, specific delivery tools are required to facilitate the intracellular delivery of nucleic acid drugs. In the past few decades, a variety of nanoparticles (NPs) are designed and developed for nucleic acid delivery and cancer therapy. In particular, the polymeric NPs in response to the abnormal redox status in cancer cells have garnered much more attention as their potential in redox-triggered nanostructure dissociation and rapid intracellular release of nucleic acid drugs. In this review, the important genes or signaling pathways regulating the abnormal redox status in cancer cells are briefly introduced and the recent development of redox-responsive NPs for nucleic acid delivery and cancer therapy is systemically summarized. The future development of NPs-mediated nucleic acid delivery and their challenges in clinical translation are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, P. R. China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Nanomaterials, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, P. R. China
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Cao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, P. R. China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Nanomaterials, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, P. R. China
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, P. R. China
| | - Ya Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, P. R. China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Nanomaterials, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, P. R. China
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, P. R. China
| | - Rong Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoding Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, P. R. China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Nanomaterials, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, P. R. China
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, P. R. China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Moussion C, Delamarre L. Antigen cross-presentation by dendritic cells: A critical axis in cancer immunotherapy. Semin Immunol 2024; 71:101848. [PMID: 38035643 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101848] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells that play a key role in shaping adaptive immunity. DCs have a unique ability to sample their environment, capture and process exogenous antigens into peptides that are then loaded onto major histocompatibility complex class I molecules for presentation to CD8+ T cells. This process, called cross-presentation, is essential for initiating and regulating CD8+ T cell responses against tumors and intracellular pathogens. In this review, we will discuss the role of DCs in cancer immunity, the molecular mechanisms underlying antigen cross-presentation by DCs, the immunosuppressive factors that limit the efficiency of this process in cancer, and approaches to overcome DC dysfunction and therapeutically promote antitumoral immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lélia Delamarre
- Cancer Immunology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Pagliari S, Dema B, Sanchez-Martinez A, Montalvo Zurbia-Flores G, Rollier CS. DNA Vaccines: History, Molecular Mechanisms and Future Perspectives. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:168297. [PMID: 37797831 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
The history of DNA vaccine began as early as the 1960s with the discovery that naked DNA can transfect mammalian cells in vivo. In 1992, the evidence that such transfection could lead to the generation of antigen-specific antibody responses was obtained and supported the development of this technology as a novel vaccine platform. The technology then attracted immense interest and high hopes in vaccinology, as evidence of high immunogenicity and protection against virulent challenges accumulated from several animal models for several diseases. In particular, the capacity to induce T-cell responses was unprecedented in non-live vaccines. However, the technology suffered its major knock when the success in animals failed to translate to humans, where DNA vaccine candidates were shown to be safe but remained poorly immunogenic, or not associated with clinical benefit. Thanks to a thorough exploration of the molecular mechanisms of action of these vaccines, an impressive range of approaches have been and are currently being explored to overcome this major challenge. Despite limited success so far in humans as compared with later genetic vaccine technologies such as viral vectors and mRNA, DNA vaccines are not yet optimised for human use and may still realise their potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sthefany Pagliari
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK; Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Barbara Dema
- Pandemic Science Institute, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Christine S Rollier
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kumar N, Sethi G. Telomerase and hallmarks of cancer: An intricate interplay governing cancer cell evolution. Cancer Lett 2023; 578:216459. [PMID: 37863351 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Transformed cells must acquire specific characteristics to be malignant. Weinberg and Hanahan characterize these characteristics as cancer hallmarks. Though these features are independently driven, substantial signaling crosstalk in transformed cells efficiently promotes these feature acquisitions. Telomerase is an enzyme complex that maintains telomere length. However, its main component, Telomere reverse transcriptase (TERT), has been found to interact with various signaling molecules like cMYC, NF-kB, BRG1 and cooperate in transcription and metabolic reprogramming, acting as a strong proponent of malignant features such as cell death resistance, sustained proliferation, angiogenesis activation, and metastasis, among others. It allows cells to avoid replicative senescence and achieve endless replicative potential. This review summarizes both the canonical and noncanonical functions of TERT and discusses how they promote cancer hallmarks. Understanding the role of Telomerase in promoting cancer hallmarks provides vital insight into the underlying mechanism of cancer genesis and progression and telomerase intervention as a possible therapeutic target for cancer treatment. More investigation into the precise molecular mechanisms of telomerase-mediated impacts on cancer hallmarks will contribute to developing more focused and customized cancer treatment methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naveen Kumar
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology and NUS Centre for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wallen M, Aqil F, Spencer W, Gupta RC. Exosomes as an Emerging Plasmid Delivery Vehicle for Gene Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1832. [PMID: 37514019 PMCID: PMC10384126 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite its introduction more than three decades ago, gene therapy has fallen short of its expected potential for the treatment of a broad spectrum of diseases and continues to lack widespread clinical use. The fundamental limitation in clinical translatability of this therapeutic modality has always been an effective delivery system that circumvents degradation of the therapeutic nucleic acids, ensuring they reach the intended disease target. Plasmid DNA (pDNA) for the purpose of introducing exogenous genes presents an additional challenge due to its size and potential immunogenicity. Current pDNA methods include naked pDNA accompanied by electroporation or ultrasound, liposomes, other nanoparticles, and cell-penetrating peptides, to name a few. While the topic of numerous reviews, each of these methods has its own unique set of limitations, side effects, and efficacy concerns. In this review, we highlight emerging uses of exosomes for the delivery of pDNA for gene therapy. We specifically focus on bovine milk and colostrum-derived exosomes as a nano-delivery "platform". Milk/colostrum represents an abundant, scalable, and cost-effective natural source of exosomes that can be loaded with nucleic acids for targeted delivery to a variety of tissue types in the body. These nanoparticles can be functionalized and loaded with pDNA for the exogenous expression of genes to target a wide variety of disease phenotypes, overcoming many of the limitations of current gene therapy delivery techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Farrukh Aqil
- Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | | | - Ramesh C Gupta
- 3P Biotechnologies, Inc., Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Houlahan KE, Khan A, Greenwald NF, West RB, Angelo M, Curtis C. Germline-mediated immunoediting sculpts breast cancer subtypes and metastatic proclivity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.15.532870. [PMID: 36993286 PMCID: PMC10055121 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.15.532870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Cancer represents a broad spectrum of molecularly and morphologically diverse diseases. Individuals with the same clinical diagnosis can have tumors with drastically different molecular profiles and clinical response to treatment. It remains unclear when these differences arise during disease course and why some tumors are addicted to one oncogenic pathway over another. Somatic genomic aberrations occur within the context of an individual's germline genome, which can vary across millions of polymorphic sites. An open question is whether germline differences influence somatic tumor evolution. Interrogating 3,855 breast cancer lesions, spanning pre-invasive to metastatic disease, we demonstrate that germline variants in highly expressed and amplified genes influence somatic evolution by modulating immunoediting at early stages of tumor development. Specifically, we show that the burden of germline-derived epitopes in recurrently amplified genes selects against somatic gene amplification in breast cancer. For example, individuals with a high burden of germline-derived epitopes in ERBB2, encoding human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), are significantly less likely to develop HER2-positive breast cancer compared to other subtypes. The same holds true for recurrent amplicons that define four subgroups of ER-positive breast cancers at high risk of distant relapse. High epitope burden in these recurrently amplified regions is associated with decreased likelihood of developing high risk ER-positive cancer. Tumors that overcome such immune-mediated negative selection are more aggressive and demonstrate an "immune cold" phenotype. These data show the germline genome plays a previously unappreciated role in dictating somatic evolution. Exploiting germline-mediated immunoediting may inform the development of biomarkers that refine risk stratification within breast cancer subtypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen E. Houlahan
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Aziz Khan
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Noah F Greenwald
- Cancer Biology Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Robert B. West
- Cancer Biology Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Michael Angelo
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Christina Curtis
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine (Oncology), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Telomerase: A prominent oncological target for development of chemotherapeutic agents. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 249:115121. [PMID: 36669398 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) responsible for the maintenance of chromosomal integrity by stabilizing telomere length. Telomerase is a widely expressed hallmark responsible for replicative immortality in 80-90% of malignant tumors. Cancer cells produce telomerase which prevents telomere shortening by adding telomeres sequences beyond Hayflick's limit; which enables them to divide uncontrollably. The activity of telomerase is relatively low in somatic cells and absent in normal cells, but the re-activation of this RNP in normal cells suppresses p53 activity which leads to the avoidance of senescence causing malignancy. Here, we have focused explicitly on various anti-telomerase therapies and telomerase-inhibiting molecules for the treatment of cancer. We have covered molecules that are reported in developmental, preclinical, and clinical trial stages as potent telomerase inhibitors. Apart from chemotherapy, we have also included details of immunotherapy, gene therapy, G-quadruplex stabilizers, and HSP-90 inhibitors. The purpose of this work is to discuss the challenges behind the development of novel telomerase inhibitors and to identify various perspectives for designing anti-telomerase compounds.
Collapse
|
18
|
Jacobson JM, Zahrieh D, Strand CA, Cruz-Correa M, Pungpapong S, Roberts LR, Mandrekar SJ, Rodriguez LM, Boyer J, Marrero I, Kraynyak KA, Morrow MP, Sylvester AJ, Pawlicki JM, Gillespie E, Barranco E, Richmond E, Umar A, Weiner DB, Limburg PJ. Phase I Trial of a Therapeutic DNA Vaccine for Preventing Hepatocellular Carcinoma from Chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2023; 16:163-173. [PMID: 36534786 PMCID: PMC9992130 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-22-0217] [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: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. We studied the safety and immunogenicity of a novel therapeutic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1a/1b consensus DNA vaccine, INO-8000, encoding HCV NS3, NS4A, NS4B, and NS5A proteins alone or co-administered with DNA-encoding IL12 (INO-9012), a human cytokine that stimulates cellular immune function, in individuals with chronic hepatitis C. This was a phase I, multisite dose-escalation trial with an expansion cohort evaluating doses of 0, 0.3, 1.0, and 3.0 mg of INO-9012 (IL12 DNA) as an addition to 6.0 mg of (INO-8000; HCV DNA vaccine). Vaccines were administered by intramuscular injection followed by electroporation at study entry and at weeks 4, 12, and 24. HCV-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell immune responses were measured by IFNγ ELISpot and flow cytometry-based assays. Transient, mild-to-moderate injection site reactions unrelated to IL12 DNA dose were common. Increases in HCV-specific IFNγ production occurred in 15/20 (75%) participants. Increases in the frequency of HCV-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells occurred at all dose levels, with the greatest increases seen at 1.0 mg of INO-9012. HCV-specific CD8+ and CD4+ T-cell activities increased in 16/18 (89%) and 14/17 (82%) participants with available data, respectively. The vaccine regimen was safe and induced HCV-specific CD4+ and CD8+ cellular immune responses of modest magnitude in most HCV-infected participants. The addition of 1.0 mg of IL12 DNA provided the best enhancement of immune responses. The vaccine regimen had little effect on controlling HCV viremia. PREVENTION RELEVANCE The administration of IL12 DNA along with a hepatitis C viral antigen DNA vaccine enhanced the HCV-specific immune responses induced by the vaccine in individuals with chronic hepatitis C, an important cause of hepatocellular carcinoma. IL12 could be an effective adjuvant in vaccines targeting HCV and other oncogenic viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Luz Maria Rodriguez
- National Cancer Institute, Division of Cancer Prevention, Rockville, MD
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Bethesda, MD
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ellen Richmond
- National Cancer Institute, Division of Cancer Prevention, Rockville, MD
| | - Asad Umar
- National Cancer Institute, Division of Cancer Prevention, Rockville, MD
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Shi G, Scott M, Mangiamele CG, Heller R. Modification of the Tumor Microenvironment Enhances Anti-PD-1 Immunotherapy in Metastatic Melanoma. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:2429. [PMID: 36365247 PMCID: PMC9695203 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance to checkpoint-blockade treatments is a challenge in the clinic. Both primary and acquired resistance have become major obstacles, greatly limiting the long-lasting effects and wide application of blockade therapy. Many patients with metastatic melanoma eventually require further therapy. The absence of T-cell infiltration to the tumor site is a well-accepted contributor limiting immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy. In this study, we combined intratumoral injection of plasmid IL-12 with electrotransfer and anti-PD-1 in metastatic B16F10 melanoma tumor model to increase tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and improve therapeutic efficacy. We showed that effective anti-tumor responses required a subset of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. Additionally, the combination therapy induced higher MHC-I surface expression on tumor cells to hamper tumor cells escaping from immune recognition. Furthermore, we found that activating T cells by exposure to IL-12 resulted in tumors sensitized to anti-PD-1 treatment, suggesting a therapeutic strategy to improve responses to checkpoint blockade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guilan Shi
- Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Megan Scott
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA
| | - Cathryn G. Mangiamele
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA
| | - Richard Heller
- Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Martínez-Puente DH, Pérez-Trujillo JJ, Zavala-Flores LM, García-García A, Villanueva-Olivo A, Rodríguez-Rocha H, Valdés J, Saucedo-Cárdenas O, Montes de Oca-Luna R, Loera-Arias MDJ. Plasmid DNA for Therapeutic Applications in Cancer. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14091861. [PMID: 36145609 PMCID: PMC9503848 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, the interest in using nucleic acids for therapeutic applications has been increasing. DNA molecules can be manipulated to express a gene of interest for gene therapy applications or vaccine development. Plasmid DNA can be developed to treat different diseases, such as infections and cancer. In most cancers, the immune system is limited or suppressed, allowing cancer cells to grow. DNA vaccination has demonstrated its capacity to stimulate the immune system to fight against cancer cells. Furthermore, plasmids for cancer gene therapy can direct the expression of proteins with different functions, such as enzymes, toxins, and cytotoxic or proapoptotic proteins, to directly kill cancer cells. The progress and promising results reported in animal models in recent years have led to interesting clinical results. These DNA strategies are expected to be approved for cancer treatment in the near future. This review discusses the main strategies, challenges, and future perspectives of using plasmid DNA for cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - José Juan Pérez-Trujillo
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon (UANL), Monterrey 64460, Mexico
| | - Laura Mireya Zavala-Flores
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Northeast Biomedical Research Center (CIBIN) of IMSS, Nuevo Leon Delegation, Monterrey 64720, Mexico
| | - Aracely García-García
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon (UANL), Monterrey 64460, Mexico
| | - Arnulfo Villanueva-Olivo
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon (UANL), Monterrey 64460, Mexico
| | - Humberto Rodríguez-Rocha
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon (UANL), Monterrey 64460, Mexico
| | - Jesús Valdés
- Departamento de Bioquímica, CINVESTAV-México, Av. IPN 2508, Colonia San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Odila Saucedo-Cárdenas
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon (UANL), Monterrey 64460, Mexico
| | - Roberto Montes de Oca-Luna
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon (UANL), Monterrey 64460, Mexico
- Correspondence: (R.M.d.O.-L.); (M.d.J.L.-A.); Tel.: +52-81-8329-4195 (R.M.d.O.-L. & M.d.J.L.-A.)
| | - María de Jesús Loera-Arias
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon (UANL), Monterrey 64460, Mexico
- Correspondence: (R.M.d.O.-L.); (M.d.J.L.-A.); Tel.: +52-81-8329-4195 (R.M.d.O.-L. & M.d.J.L.-A.)
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Gary EN, Tursi NJ, Warner B, Parzych EM, Ali AR, Frase D, Moffat E, Embury-Hyatt C, Smith TRF, Broderick KE, Humeau L, Kobasa D, Patel A, Kulp DW, Weiner DB. Mucosal chemokine adjuvant enhances synDNA vaccine-mediated responses to SARS-CoV-2 and provides heterologous protection in vivo. Cell Rep Med 2022; 3:100693. [PMID: 35839767 PMCID: PMC9237025 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has claimed more than 5 million lives. Emerging variants of concern (VOCs) continually challenge viral control. Directing vaccine-induced humoral and cell-mediated responses to mucosal surfaces may enhance vaccine efficacy. Here we investigate the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of optimized synthetic DNA plasmids encoding wild-type severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein (pS) co-formulated with the plasmid-encoded mucosal chemokine cutaneous T cell-attracting chemokine (pCTACK; CCL27). pCTACK-co-immunized animals exhibit increased spike-specific antibodies at the mucosal surface and increased frequencies of interferon gamma (IFNγ)+ CD8+ T cells in the respiratory mucosa. pCTACK co-immunization confers 100% protection from heterologous Delta VOC challenge. This study shows that mucosal chemokine adjuvants can direct vaccine-induced responses to specific immunological sites and have significant effects on heterologous challenge. Further study of this unique chemokine-adjuvanted vaccine approach in the context of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines is likely important.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ebony N Gary
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nicholas J Tursi
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Bryce Warner
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Elizabeth M Parzych
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ali R Ali
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Drew Frase
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Estella Moffat
- National Center for Foreign Animal Disease (NCFAD), Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Carissa Embury-Hyatt
- National Center for Foreign Animal Disease (NCFAD), Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Darwyn Kobasa
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Ami Patel
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel W Kulp
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David B Weiner
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Electroporation and Electrochemotherapy in Gynecological and Breast Cancer Treatment. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27082476. [PMID: 35458673 PMCID: PMC9026735 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27082476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gynecological carcinomas affect an increasing number of women and are associated with poor prognosis. The gold standard treatment plan is mainly based on surgical resection and subsequent chemotherapy with cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, anthracyclines, or taxanes. Unfortunately, this treatment is becoming less effective and is associated with many side effects that negatively affect patients’ physical and mental well-being. Electroporation based on tumor exposure to electric pulses enables reduction in cytotoxic drugs dose while increasing their effectiveness. EP-based treatment methods have received more and more interest in recent years and are the subject of a large number of scientific studies. Some of them show promising therapeutic potential without using any cytotoxic drugs or molecules already present in the human body (e.g., calcium electroporation). This literature review aims to present the fundamental mechanisms responsible for the course of EP-based therapies and the current state of knowledge in the field of their application in the treatment of gynecological neoplasms.
Collapse
|
23
|
Niebel D, Fröhlich A, Zarbl R, Fietz S, de Vos L, Vogt TJ, Dietrich J, Sirokay J, Kuster P, Saavedra G, Ramírez Valladolid S, Hoffmann F, Strieth S, Landsberg J, Dietrich D. DNA methylation regulates TIGIT expression within the melanoma microenvironment, is prognostic for overall survival, and predicts progression-free survival in patients treated with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:50. [PMID: 35410311 PMCID: PMC9004005 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01270-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND TIGIT is an immune checkpoint under investigation as therapeutic target. Understanding the regulation of TIGIT on an epigenetic level might support the development of companion biomarkers. METHODS We correlated TIGIT DNA methylation of single CpG sites with gene expression, signatures of immune infiltrates and interferon-γ, and survival in melanoma. We further analyzed methylation levels in immune cell subsets, melanocyte and melanoma cell lines. TIGIT expression patterns within components of the melanoma microenvironment were analyzed by single cell sequencing. We used quantitative methylation-specific PCR, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry for correlations between expression and methylation and to assess the effect of pharmacological demethylation of melanoma cells treated with 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine (decitabine). Finally, we investigated the association of patients' survival with TIGIT mRNA and methylation. RESULTS Depending on the sequence context of the analyzed CpG site, we found a cell type-specific TIGIT gene locus methylation pattern and significant correlations of TIGIT methylation with mRNA expression, an interferon γ signature, and distinct immune cell infiltrates, including TIGIT+ lymphocytes. We detected a melanoma cell-intrinsic TIGIT protein expression. Pharmacological demethylation of the A375 melanoma cell line led to a constitutive TIGIT expression. Low promoter flank methylation and high mRNA expression was associated with patients' prognosis and predicted progression-free survival in patients treated with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. A high TIGIT+ lymphocyte score was associated with better progression-free survival under anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate an epigenetic regulation of TIGIT expression via DNA methylation within the melanoma microenvironment. TIGIT DNA methylation and expression may serve as predictive biomarkers in the context of immunotherapies in melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Niebel
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Anne Fröhlich
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Romina Zarbl
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Simon Fietz
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Luka de Vos
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Timo J Vogt
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jörn Dietrich
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Judith Sirokay
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Pia Kuster
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gonzalo Saavedra
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Susana Ramírez Valladolid
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Friederike Hoffmann
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sebastian Strieth
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jennifer Landsberg
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dimo Dietrich
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Bonn (UKB), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Interleukin-12 as an in situ cancer vaccine component: a review. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2022; 71:2057-2065. [PMID: 35024897 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03144-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a type I cytokine involved in both innate and adaptive immunity that stimulates T and natural killer cell activity and induces interferon gamma production. IL-12 has been identified as a potential immunotherapeutic component for combinatorial cancer treatments. While IL-12 has successfully been used to treat a variety of cancers in mice, it was associated with toxicity when administered systemically in cancer patients. In this review, we discuss the research findings and progress of IL-12 used in combination with other cancer treatment modalities. We describe different methods of IL-12 delivery, both systemic and local, and ultimately highlight the potential of an in situ vaccination approach for minimizing toxicities and providing antitumor efficacy. This review offers a basis for pursuing an in situ vaccine approach that may eventually allow IL-12 to be more readily integrated as an immunotherapy into the clinical treatment of cancers.
Collapse
|
25
|
Abbaspour M, Akbari V. Cancer vaccines as a targeted immunotherapy approach for breast cancer: an update of clinical evidence. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 21:337-353. [PMID: 34932427 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2022.2021884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Breast cancer (BC) is the first common neoplastic malignancy and the second leading cause of death in women worldwide. Conventional treatments for BC are often associated with severe side effects and may even lead to late recurrence. For this reason, in recent years, cancer immunotherapy (e.g., cancer vaccines), a novel approach based on the specificity and amplification of acquired immune responses, has been considered as a potential candidate in particular to treat metastatic BC. AREAS COVERED In this review, we summarize and discuss the recent development of therapeutic vaccines for BC, use of specific BC cellular antigens, antigen selection, and probable causes for their insufficient effectiveness. EXPERT OPINION Despite development of several different BC vaccines strategies including protein/peptide, dendritic cell, and genetic vaccines, until now, no BC vaccine has been approved for clinical use. Most of the current BC vaccines themselves fail to bring clinical benefit to BC patients and are applied in combination with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy. It is hoped that with advances in our knowledge about tumor microenvironment and the development of novel combination strategies, the tumor immunosuppressive mechanisms can be overcome and prolonged immunologic and effective anti-tumor response can be developed in patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Abbaspour
- Department of pharmaceutical biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Vajihe Akbari
- Department of pharmaceutical biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.,Isfahan Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|