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Yuan D, Chen W, Jin S, Li W, Liu W, Liu L, Wu Y, Zhang Y, He X, Jiang J, Sun H, Liu X, Liu J. Co-expression of immune checkpoints in glioblastoma revealed by single-nucleus RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:1534-1546. [PMID: 38633388 PMCID: PMC11021796 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.04.014] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most malignant tumors of the central nervous system. The pattern of immune checkpoint expression in GBM remains largely unknown. We performed snRNA-Seq and spatial transcriptomic (ST) analyses on untreated GBM samples. 8 major cell types were found in both tumor and adjacent normal tissues, with variations in infiltration grade. Neoplastic cells_6 was identified in malignant cells with high expression of invasion and proliferator-related genes, and analyzed its interactions with microglia, MDM cells and T cells. Significant alterations in ligand-receptor interactions were observed, particularly between Neoplastic cells_6 and microglia, and found prominent expression of VISTA/VSIG3, suggesting a potential mechanism for evading immune system attacks. High expression of TIM-3, VISTA, PSGL-1 and VSIG-3 with similar expression patterns in GBM, may have potential as therapeutic targets. The prognostic value of VISTA expression was cross-validated in 180 glioma patients, and it was observed that patients with high VISTA expression had a poorer prognosis. In addition, multimodal cross analysis integrated SnRNA-seq and ST, revealing complex intracellular communication and mapping the GBM tumor microenvironment. This study reveals novel molecular characteristics of GBM, co-expression of immune checkpoints, and potential therapeutic targets, contributing to improving the understanding and treatment of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingyi Yuan
- New Drug Screening and Pharmacodynamics Evaluation Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenting Chen
- New Drug Screening and Pharmacodynamics Evaluation Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shasha Jin
- New Drug Screening and Pharmacodynamics Evaluation Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wanmei Liu
- New Drug Screening and Pharmacodynamics Evaluation Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liu Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yinhao Wu
- New Drug Screening and Pharmacodynamics Evaluation Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- New Drug Screening and Pharmacodynamics Evaluation Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyu He
- New Drug Screening and Pharmacodynamics Evaluation Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingwei Jiang
- New Drug Screening and Pharmacodynamics Evaluation Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongbin Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangyu Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Liu
- New Drug Screening and Pharmacodynamics Evaluation Center, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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2
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Muñoz Perez N, Pensabene JM, Galbo PM, Sadeghipour N, Xiu J, Moziak K, Yazejian RM, Welch RL, Bell WR, Sengupta S, Aulakh S, Eberhart CG, Loeb DM, Eskandar E, Zheng D, Zang X, Martin AM. VISTA Emerges as a Promising Target against Immune Evasion Mechanisms in Medulloblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2629. [PMID: 39123357 PMCID: PMC11312086 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16152629] [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: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relapsed medulloblastoma (MB) poses a significant therapeutic challenge due to its highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have struggled to mitigate this challenge, largely due to low T-cell infiltration and minimal PD-L1 expression. Identifying the mechanisms driving low T-cell infiltration is crucial for developing more effective immunotherapies. METHODS We utilize a syngeneic mouse model to investigate the tumor immune microenvironment of MB and compare our findings to transcriptomic and proteomic data from human MB. RESULTS Flow cytometry reveals a notable presence of CD45hi/CD11bhi macrophage-like and CD45int/CD11bint microglia-like tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), alongside regulatory T-cells (Tregs), expressing high levels of the inhibitory checkpoint molecule VISTA. Compared to sham control mice, the CD45hi/CD11bhi compartment significantly expands in tumor-bearing mice and exhibits a myeloid-specific signature composed of VISTA, CD80, PD-L1, CTLA-4, MHCII, CD40, and CD68. These findings are corroborated by proteomic and transcriptomic analyses of human MB samples. Immunohistochemistry highlights an abundance of VISTA-expressing myeloid cells clustering at the tumor-cerebellar border, while T-cells are scarce and express FOXP3. Additionally, tumor cells exhibit immunosuppressive properties, inhibiting CD4 T-cell proliferation in vitro. Identification of VISTA's binding partner, VSIG8, on tumor cells, and its correlation with increased VISTA expression in human transcriptomic analyses suggests a potential therapeutic target. CONCLUSIONS This study underscores the multifaceted mechanisms of immune evasion in MB and highlights the therapeutic potential of targeting the VISTA-VSIG axis to enhance anti-tumor responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Muñoz Perez
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (J.M.P.); (P.M.G.J.); (K.M.); (R.M.Y.); (R.L.W.); (D.M.L.); (E.E.); (D.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | - Juliana M. Pensabene
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (J.M.P.); (P.M.G.J.); (K.M.); (R.M.Y.); (R.L.W.); (D.M.L.); (E.E.); (D.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | - Phillip M. Galbo
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (J.M.P.); (P.M.G.J.); (K.M.); (R.M.Y.); (R.L.W.); (D.M.L.); (E.E.); (D.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | | | - Joanne Xiu
- Caris Life Sciences, Phoenix, AZ 85040, USA; (N.S.); (J.X.)
| | - Kirsten Moziak
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (J.M.P.); (P.M.G.J.); (K.M.); (R.M.Y.); (R.L.W.); (D.M.L.); (E.E.); (D.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | - Rita M. Yazejian
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (J.M.P.); (P.M.G.J.); (K.M.); (R.M.Y.); (R.L.W.); (D.M.L.); (E.E.); (D.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | - Rachel L. Welch
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (J.M.P.); (P.M.G.J.); (K.M.); (R.M.Y.); (R.L.W.); (D.M.L.); (E.E.); (D.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | - W. Robert Bell
- Department of Clinical Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Indiana University, 340 West 10th Street Fairbanks Hall, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
| | - Soma Sengupta
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 170 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
| | - Sonikpreet Aulakh
- Department of Internal Medicine, West Virginia University, 64 Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA;
| | - Charles G. Eberhart
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 600 N Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA;
| | - David M. Loeb
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (J.M.P.); (P.M.G.J.); (K.M.); (R.M.Y.); (R.L.W.); (D.M.L.); (E.E.); (D.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | - Emad Eskandar
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (J.M.P.); (P.M.G.J.); (K.M.); (R.M.Y.); (R.L.W.); (D.M.L.); (E.E.); (D.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | - Deyou Zheng
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (J.M.P.); (P.M.G.J.); (K.M.); (R.M.Y.); (R.L.W.); (D.M.L.); (E.E.); (D.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xingxing Zang
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (J.M.P.); (P.M.G.J.); (K.M.); (R.M.Y.); (R.L.W.); (D.M.L.); (E.E.); (D.Z.); (X.Z.)
| | - Allison M. Martin
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (J.M.P.); (P.M.G.J.); (K.M.); (R.M.Y.); (R.L.W.); (D.M.L.); (E.E.); (D.Z.); (X.Z.)
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3
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Gao Y, He Y, Tang Y, Chen ZS, Qu M. VISTA: A Novel Checkpoint for Cancer Immunotherapy. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:104045. [PMID: 38797321 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.104045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) is a recently identified member of the B7 family of immunoregulatory proteins. It is pivotal for maintaining T cell quiescence and exerts a significant regulatory influence on the immune response to tumors. Accumulating clinical evidence suggests that the influence of VISTA on tumor immunity is more nuanced than initially postulated. Although these revelations add layers of complexity to our understanding of the function of VISTA, they also offer novel avenues for scientific inquiry and potential therapeutic targets. In this review, we scrutinize the current literature pertaining to the expression of VISTA in various of malignancies, aiming to elucidate its intricate roles within the tumor microenvironment and in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Gao
- Translational Medical Center, Weifang Second People's Hospital, Weifang 261041, Shandong, China
| | - Yanting He
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Pingdu 266700, Shandong, China
| | - Yuanyuan Tang
- Translational Medical Center, Weifang Second People's Hospital, Weifang 261041, Shandong, China
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA.
| | - Meihua Qu
- Translational Medical Center, Weifang Second People's Hospital, Weifang 261041, Shandong, China; School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, Shandon, China.
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4
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Olbromski M, Mrozowska M, Piotrowska A, Smolarz B, Romanowicz H. The VISTA/VSIG3/PSGL-1 axis: crosstalk between immune effector cells and cancer cells in invasive ductal breast carcinoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:136. [PMID: 38833004 PMCID: PMC11150347 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03701-w] [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: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
A checkpoint protein called the V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) is important for controlling immune responses. Immune cells that interact with VISTA have molecules, or receptors, known as VISTA receptors. Immune system activity can be modified by the interaction between VISTA and its receptors. Since targeting VISTA or its receptors may be beneficial in certain conditions, VISTA has been studied in relation to immunotherapy for cancer and autoimmune illnesses. The purpose of this study was to examine the expression levels and interactions between VISTA and its receptors, VSIG3 and PSGL-1, in breast cancer tissues. IHC analysis revealed higher levels of proteins within the VISTA/VSIG3/PSGL-1 axis in cancer tissues than in the reference samples (mastopathies). VISTA was found in breast cancer cells and intratumoral immune cells, with membranous and cytoplasmic staining patterns. VISTA was also linked with pathological grade and VSIG3 and PSGL-1 levels. Furthermore, we discovered that the knockdown of one axis member boosted the expression of the other partners. This highlights the significance of VISTA/VSIG3/PSGL-1 in tumor stroma and microenvironment remodeling. Our findings indicate the importance of the VISTA/VSIG3/PSGL-1 axis in the molecular biology of cancer cells and the immune microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Olbromski
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Chalubinskiego 6a, 50-368, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Monika Mrozowska
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Chalubinskiego 6a, 50-368, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Piotrowska
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Chalubinskiego 6a, 50-368, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Beata Smolarz
- Department of Pathology, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute, 93-338, Lodz, Poland
| | - Hanna Romanowicz
- Department of Pathology, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute, 93-338, Lodz, Poland
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5
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Yin N, Li X, Zhang X, Xue S, Cao Y, Niedermann G, Lu Y, Xue J. Development of pharmacological immunoregulatory anti-cancer therapeutics: current mechanistic studies and clinical opportunities. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:126. [PMID: 38773064 PMCID: PMC11109181 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01826-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy represented by anti-PD-(L)1 and anti-CTLA-4 inhibitors has revolutionized cancer treatment, but challenges related to resistance and toxicity still remain. Due to the advancement of immuno-oncology, an increasing number of novel immunoregulatory targets and mechanisms are being revealed, with relevant therapies promising to improve clinical immunotherapy in the foreseeable future. Therefore, comprehending the larger picture is important. In this review, we analyze and summarize the current landscape of preclinical and translational mechanistic research, drug development, and clinical trials that brought about next-generation pharmacological immunoregulatory anti-cancer agents and drug candidates beyond classical immune checkpoint inhibitors. Along with further clarification of cancer immunobiology and advances in antibody engineering, agents targeting additional inhibitory immune checkpoints, including LAG-3, TIM-3, TIGIT, CD47, and B7 family members are becoming an important part of cancer immunotherapy research and discovery, as are structurally and functionally optimized novel anti-PD-(L)1 and anti-CTLA-4 agents and agonists of co-stimulatory molecules of T cells. Exemplified by bispecific T cell engagers, newly emerging bi-specific and multi-specific antibodies targeting immunoregulatory molecules can provide considerable clinical benefits. Next-generation agents also include immune epigenetic drugs and cytokine-based therapeutics. Cell therapies, cancer vaccines, and oncolytic viruses are not covered in this review. This comprehensive review might aid in further development and the fastest possible clinical adoption of effective immuno-oncology modalities for the benefit of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanhao Yin
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xintong Li
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xuanwei Zhang
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Shaolong Xue
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 20, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yu Cao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Laboratory of Emergency Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
- Institute of Disaster Medicine & Institute of Emergency Medicine, Sichuan University, No. 17, Gaopeng Avenue, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Gabriele Niedermann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site DKTK-Freiburg, Robert-Koch-Strasse 3, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - You Lu
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 2222, Xinchuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Jianxin Xue
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center & State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and The National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Lane, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 2222, Xinchuan Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, PR China.
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6
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Thisted T, Smith FD, Mukherjee A, Kleschenko Y, Feng F, Jiang ZG, Eitas T, Malhotra K, Biesova Z, Onumajuru A, Finley F, Cifuentes A, Zhang G, Martin GH, Takeuchi Y, Thiam K, Schreiber RD, van der Horst EH. VISTA checkpoint inhibition by pH-selective antibody SNS-101 with optimized safety and pharmacokinetic profiles enhances PD-1 response. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2917. [PMID: 38575562 PMCID: PMC10995192 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47256-x] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
VISTA, an inhibitory myeloid-T-cell checkpoint, holds promise as a target for cancer immunotherapy. However, its effective targeting has been impeded by issues such as rapid clearance and cytokine release syndrome observed with previous VISTA antibodies. Here we demonstrate that SNS-101, a newly developed pH-selective VISTA antibody, addresses these challenges. Structural and biochemical analyses confirmed the pH-selectivity and unique epitope targeted by SNS-101. These properties confer favorable pharmacokinetic and safety profiles on SNS-101. In syngeneic tumor models utilizing human VISTA knock-in mice, SNS-101 shows in vivo efficacy when combined with a PD-1 inhibitor, modulates cytokine and chemokine signaling, and alters the tumor microenvironment. In summary, SNS-101, currently in Phase I clinical trials, emerges as a promising therapeutic biologic for a wide range of patients whose cancer is refractory to current immunotherapy regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Thisted
- Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc., 1405 Research Blvd, Suite 125, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - F Donelson Smith
- Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc., 1405 Research Blvd, Suite 125, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Arnab Mukherjee
- Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc., 1405 Research Blvd, Suite 125, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Yuliya Kleschenko
- Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc., 1405 Research Blvd, Suite 125, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Feng Feng
- Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc., 1405 Research Blvd, Suite 125, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Zhi-Gang Jiang
- Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc., 1405 Research Blvd, Suite 125, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Timothy Eitas
- Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc., 1405 Research Blvd, Suite 125, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Kanam Malhotra
- Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc., 1405 Research Blvd, Suite 125, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Zuzana Biesova
- Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc., 1405 Research Blvd, Suite 125, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Adejumoke Onumajuru
- Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc., 1405 Research Blvd, Suite 125, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Faith Finley
- Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc., 1405 Research Blvd, Suite 125, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Anokhi Cifuentes
- Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc., 1405 Research Blvd, Suite 125, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Guolin Zhang
- Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc., 1405 Research Blvd, Suite 125, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | | | - Yoshiko Takeuchi
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington Univ. School of Medicine, Mailstop 8118, 425 South Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Kader Thiam
- genOway, Technopark Gerland, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Robert D Schreiber
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington Univ. School of Medicine, Mailstop 8118, 425 South Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
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7
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Li S, Wang G, Ren Y, Liu X, Wang Y, Li J, Liu H, Yang J, Xing J, Zhang Y, He C, Xu S, Hou X, Li N. Expression and function of VISTA on myeloid cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 222:116100. [PMID: 38428824 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
V-domain containing Ig Suppressor of T cell Activation (VISTA) is predominantly expressed on myeloid cells and functions as a ligand/receptor/soluble molecule. In inflammatory responses and immune responses, VISTA regulates multiple functions of myeloid cells, such as chemotaxis, phagocytosis, T cell activation. Since inflammation and immune responses are critical in many diseases, VISTA is a promising therapeutic target. In this review, we will describe the expression and function of VISTA on different myeloid cells, including neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). In addition, we will discuss whether the functions of VISTA on these cells impact the disease processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Li
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
| | - Geng Wang
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
| | - Yan Ren
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
| | - Xinyue Liu
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
| | - Yixuan Wang
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
| | - Jianing Li
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
| | - Hua Liu
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
| | - Jiaqiang Yang
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
| | - Jingjun Xing
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
| | - Yanru Zhang
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
| | - Canxia He
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
| | - Suling Xu
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
| | - Xin Hou
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
| | - Na Li
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China; Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
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8
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Yang Y, Li J, Li D, Zhou W, Yan F, Wang W. Humanized mouse models: A valuable platform for preclinical evaluation of human cancer. Biotechnol Bioeng 2024; 121:835-852. [PMID: 38151887 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28618] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Animal models are routinely employed to assess the treatments for human cancer. However, due to significant differences in genetic backgrounds, traditional animal models are unable to meet bioresearch needs. To overcome this restriction, researchers have generated and optimized immunodeficient mice, and then engrafted human genes, cells, tissues, or organs in mice so that the responses in the model mice could provide a more reliable reference for treatments. As a bridge connecting clinical application and basic research, humanized mice are increasingly used in the preclinical evaluation of cancer treatments, particularly after gene interleukin 2 receptor gamma mutant mice were generated. Human cancer models established in humanized mice support exploration of the mechanism of cancer occurrence and provide an efficient platform for drug screening. However, it is undeniable that the further application of humanized mice still faces multiple challenges. This review summarizes the construction approaches for humanized mice and their existing limitations. We also report the latest applications of humanized mice in preclinical evaluation for the treatment of cancer and point out directions for future optimization of these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuening Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiaqian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Weilin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Feiyang Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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9
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Feng H, Feng J, Han X, Ying Y, Lou W, Liu L, Zhang L. The Potential of Siglecs and Sialic Acids as Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Tumor Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:289. [PMID: 38254780 PMCID: PMC10813689 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020289] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The dysregulation of sialic acid is closely associated with oncogenesis and tumor progression. Most tumor cells exhibit sialic acid upregulation. Sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins (Siglecs) are receptors that recognize sialic acid and are expressed in various immune cells. The activity of Siglecs in the tumor microenvironment promotes immune escape, mirroring the mechanisms of the well-characterized PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in cancer. Cancer cells utilize sialic acid-linked glycans to evade immune surveillance. As Siglecs exhibit similar mechanisms as the established immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), they are potential therapeutic targets for different forms of cancer, especially ICI-resistant malignancies. Additionally, the upregulation of sialic acid serves as a potential tumor biomarker. This review examines the feasibility of using sialic acid and Siglecs for early malignant tumor detection and discusses the potential of targeting Siglec-sialic acid interaction as a novel cancer therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haokang Feng
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (H.F.); (J.F.); (X.H.); (Y.Y.); (W.L.)
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jiale Feng
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (H.F.); (J.F.); (X.H.); (Y.Y.); (W.L.)
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xu Han
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (H.F.); (J.F.); (X.H.); (Y.Y.); (W.L.)
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ying Ying
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (H.F.); (J.F.); (X.H.); (Y.Y.); (W.L.)
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wenhui Lou
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (H.F.); (J.F.); (X.H.); (Y.Y.); (W.L.)
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- The Shanghai Geriatrics Medical Center, Zhongshan Hospital MinHang MeiLong Branch, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (H.F.); (J.F.); (X.H.); (Y.Y.); (W.L.)
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (H.F.); (J.F.); (X.H.); (Y.Y.); (W.L.)
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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10
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Iadonato S, Ovechkina Y, Lustig K, Cross J, Eyde N, Frazier E, Kabi N, Katz C, Lance R, Peckham D, Sridhar S, Talbaux C, Tihista I, Xu M, Guillaudeux T. A highly potent anti-VISTA antibody KVA12123 - a new immune checkpoint inhibitor and a promising therapy against poorly immunogenic tumors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1311658. [PMID: 38152397 PMCID: PMC10751915 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1311658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Immune checkpoint therapies have led to significant breakthroughs in cancer patient treatment in recent years. However, their efficiency is variable, and resistance to immunotherapies is common. VISTA is an immune-suppressive checkpoint inhibitor of T cell response belonging to the B7 family and a promising novel therapeutic target. VISTA is expressed in the immuno-suppressive tumor microenvironment, primarily by myeloid lineage cells, and its genetic knockout or antibody blockade restores an efficient antitumor immune response. Methods Fully human monoclonal antibodies directed against VISTA were produced after immunizing humanized Trianni mice and single B cell sequencing. Anti-VISTA antibodies were evaluated for specificity, cross-reactivity, monocyte and T cell activation, Fc-effector functions, and antitumor efficacy using in vitro and in vivo models to select the KVA12123 antibody lead candidate. The pharmacokinetics and safety profiles of KVA12123 were evaluated in cynomolgus monkeys. Results Here, we report the development of a clinical candidate anti-VISTA monoclonal antibody, KVA12123. KVA12123 showed high affinity binding to VISTA through a unique epitope distinct from other clinical-stage anti-VISTA monoclonal antibodies. This clinical candidate demonstrated high specificity against VISTA with no cross-reactivity detected against other members of the B7 family. KVA12123 blocked VISTA binding to its binding partners. KVA12123 induced T cell activation and demonstrated NK-mediated monocyte activation. KVA12123 treatment mediated strong single-agent antitumor activity in several syngeneic tumor models and showed enhanced efficacy in combination with anti-PD-1 treatment. This clinical candidate was engineered to improve its pharmacokinetic characteristics and reduce Fc-effector functions. It was well-tolerated in preclinical toxicology studies in cynomolgus monkeys, where hematology, clinical chemistry evaluations, and clinical observations revealed no indicators of toxicity. No cytokines associated with cytokine release syndrome were elevated. Conclusion These results establish that KVA12123 is a promising drug candidate with a distinct but complementary mechanism of action of the first generation of immune checkpoint inhibitors. This antibody is currently evaluated alone and in combination with pembrolizumab in a Phase 1/2 open-label clinical trial in patients with advanced solid tumors.
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11
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Liu J, Lin WP, Xiao Y, Yang QC, Bushabu Fidele N, Yu HJ, Sun ZJ. VISTA blockade alleviates immunosuppression of MDSCs in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 125:111128. [PMID: 37907049 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111128] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
V-domain Ig suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA) is a novel immune checkpoint regulator that can inhibit T cell-mediated antitumor immunity. Although the use of anti-VISTA monoclonal antibody has demonstrated encouraging outcomes in the therapy of various malignancies, its specific impact and underlying mechanisms in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain to be explored. In this work, we analyzed human OSCC tissue microarrays, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and immunocompetent transgenic mouse models to investigate the relationship between high VISTA expression and markers of myeloid-derived immunosuppressive cells (MDSCs; CD11b, CD33, Arginase-1), tumor-associated macrophages (CD68, CD163, CD206), and T cell function (CD8, PD-L1, Granzyme B). In OSCC, we discovered that VISTA was highly expressed and stably expressed in MDSCs. Furthermore, we established a mouse OSCC orthotopic xenograft tumor model to investigate the impact of VISTA blockade on the tumor microenvironment. We found that VISTA blockade reduces the immunosuppressive microenvironment and delays tumor growth. This is achieved by suppressing the quantity and function of MDSCs while boosting the function of tumor-infiltrating T cells. Our research indicated that VISTA expressed by MDSCs has a crucial function in the progression of OSCC and that VISTA blockade therapy is a promising immune checkpoint blockade therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Wen-Ping Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Yao Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Qi-Chao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, PR China
| | - Nyimi Bushabu Fidele
- The National Key Laboratory of Basic Science of Stomatology of Kinshasa University, School of Dental Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa B.P. 834 KIN XI, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Hai-Jun Yu
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Hubei Province Cancer Clinical Study Center, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China.
| | - Zhi-Jun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, PR China; Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, PR China.
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12
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Wang B, Ou Z, Zhong W, Huang L, Liao W, Sheng Y, Guo Z, Chen J, Yang W, Chen K, Huang X, Yang T, Lin T, Huang J. Effective Antitumor Immunity Can Be Triggered by Targeting VISTA in Combination with a TLR3-Specific Adjuvant. Cancer Immunol Res 2023; 11:1656-1670. [PMID: 37847894 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0117] [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: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Resistance to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment is often associated with accumulation of intratumoral inhibitory macrophages. V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA) is a nonredundant immune checkpoint that can induce both T-cell and myeloid-cell immunosuppression. In this study, we found that high levels of VISTA+ immune cells were associated with advanced stage bladder cancer and predicted poor survival in patients. A combination of high infiltration of VISTA+ immune cells and PD-L1+ immune cells or PD-1+ T cells predicted the worst survival. Flow cytometry and multiplex immunofluorescence analyses confirmed that VISTA expression was higher in macrophages than in T cells or neutrophils, and only VISTA+CD163+ macrophage density predicted poor prognosis in patients with bladder cancer. Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists are known to trigger the innate immune response in macrophages. We found that the VISTA-specific mAb 13F3 augmented the ability of a TLR3-specific adjuvant to induce macrophage activation in vitro. In the MB49 syngeneic mouse model of bladder cancer, treatment with 13F3 curbed tumor growth and prolonged survival when combined with a TLR3-specific adjuvant. The combination treatment reduced the intratumoral frequency of CD206+ anti-inflammatory macrophages and levels of the immunosuppressive molecule TGFβ1, but it upregulated expression of immunostimulatory molecules (Ifna, Ifnb, and Trail) and increased the CD8+ T cell/regulatory T-cell ratio. These findings indicate that elevated VISTA expression in immune cells, particularly macrophages, is associated with an unfavorable prognosis in patients with bladder cancer and suggest that targeting VISTA in combination with a TLR3-specific adjuvant has translational potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- 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 (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Ziwei Ou
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- 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 (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Wenlong Zhong
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- 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 (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Lin Huang
- 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 (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Wenjian Liao
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yiyu Sheng
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Zhixing Guo
- Department of Ultrasound, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Junyu Chen
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- 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 (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Wenjuan Yang
- Department of Hematology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Ke Chen
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xiaodong Huang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- 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 (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Tenghao Yang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- 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 (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Tianxin Lin
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- 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 (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- 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 (Zhongshan) University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
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13
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Shekari N, Shanehbandi D, Kazemi T, Zarredar H, Baradaran B, Jalali SA. VISTA and its ligands: the next generation of promising therapeutic targets in immunotherapy. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:265. [PMID: 37936192 PMCID: PMC10631023 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03116-0] [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: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) is a novel negative checkpoint receptor (NCR) primarily involved in maintaining immune tolerance. It has a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders and cancer and has shown promising results as a therapeutic target. However, there is still some ambiguity regarding the ligands of VISTA and their interactions with each other. While V-Set and Immunoglobulin domain containing 3 (VSIG-3) and P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1(PSGL-1) have been extensively studied as ligands for VISTA, the others have received less attention. It seems that investigating VISTA ligands, reviewing their functions and roles, as well as outcomes related to their interactions, may allow an understanding of their full functionality and effects within the cell or the microenvironment. It could also help discover alternative approaches to target the VISTA pathway without causing related side effects. In this regard, we summarize current evidence about VISTA, its related ligands, their interactions and effects, as well as their preclinical and clinical targeting agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najibeh Shekari
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Dariush Shanehbandi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Tohid Kazemi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Habib Zarredar
- Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Seyed Amir Jalali
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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14
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Luk SJ, Schoppmeyer R, Ijsselsteijn ME, Somarakis A, Acem I, Remst DFG, Cox DT, van Bergen CAM, Briaire-de Bruijn I, Grönloh MLB, van der Meer WJ, Hawinkels LJAC, Koning RI, Bos E, Bovée JVMG, de Miranda NFCC, Szuhai K, van Buul JD, Falkenburg JHF, Heemskerk MHM. VISTA Expression on Cancer-Associated Endothelium Selectively Prevents T-cell Extravasation. Cancer Immunol Res 2023; 11:1480-1492. [PMID: 37695550 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-22-0759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Cancers evade T-cell immunity by several mechanisms such as secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines, down regulation of antigen presentation machinery, upregulation of immune checkpoint molecules, and exclusion of T cells from tumor tissues. The distribution and function of immune checkpoint molecules on tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating leukocytes is well established, but less is known about their impact on intratumoral endothelial cells. Here, we demonstrated that V-domain Ig suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA), a PD-L1 homolog, was highly expressed on endothelial cells in synovial sarcoma, subsets of different carcinomas, and immune-privileged tissues. We created an ex vivo model of the human vasculature and demonstrated that expression of VISTA on endothelial cells selectively prevented T-cell transmigration over endothelial layers under physiologic flow conditions, whereas it does not affect migration of other immune cell types. Furthermore, endothelial VISTA correlated with reduced infiltration of T cells and poor prognosis in metastatic synovial sarcoma. In endothelial cells, we detected VISTA on the plasma membrane and in recycling endosomes, and its expression was upregulated by cancer cell-secreted factors in a VEGF-A-dependent manner. Our study reveals that endothelial VISTA is upregulated by cancer-secreted factors and that it regulates T-cell accessibility to cancer and healthy tissues. This newly identified mechanism should be considered when using immunotherapeutic approaches aimed at unleashing T cell-mediated cancer immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sietse J Luk
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rouven Schoppmeyer
- Molecular Cell Biology Lab, Department of Molecular Hematology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Leeuwenhoek Centre for Advanced Microscopy, Molecular Cytology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Antonios Somarakis
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ibtissam Acem
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Department of Oncological and Gastrointestinal Surgery, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dennis F G Remst
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Daan T Cox
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Max L B Grönloh
- Molecular Cell Biology Lab, Department of Molecular Hematology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Leeuwenhoek Centre for Advanced Microscopy, Molecular Cytology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Werner J van der Meer
- Molecular Cell Biology Lab, Department of Molecular Hematology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Leeuwenhoek Centre for Advanced Microscopy, Molecular Cytology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lukas J A C Hawinkels
- Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Roman I Koning
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Erik Bos
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Judith V M G Bovée
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Karoly Szuhai
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jaap D van Buul
- Molecular Cell Biology Lab, Department of Molecular Hematology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Leeuwenhoek Centre for Advanced Microscopy, Molecular Cytology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Mirjam H M Heemskerk
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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15
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Roy D, Gilmour C, Patnaik S, Wang LL. Combinatorial blockade for cancer immunotherapy: targeting emerging immune checkpoint receptors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1264327. [PMID: 37928556 PMCID: PMC10620683 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1264327] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The differentiation, survival, and effector function of tumor-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T cells lie at the center of antitumor immunity. Due to the lack of proper costimulation and the abundant immunosuppressive mechanisms, tumor-specific T cells show a lack of persistence and exhausted and dysfunctional phenotypes. Multiple coinhibitory receptors, such as PD-1, CTLA-4, VISTA, TIGIT, TIM-3, and LAG-3, contribute to dysfunctional CTLs and failed antitumor immunity. These coinhibitory receptors are collectively called immune checkpoint receptors (ICRs). Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting these ICRs have become the cornerstone for cancer immunotherapy as they have established new clinical paradigms for an expanding range of previously untreatable cancers. Given the nonredundant yet convergent molecular pathways mediated by various ICRs, combinatorial immunotherapies are being tested to bring synergistic benefits to patients. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms of several emerging ICRs, including VISTA, TIGIT, TIM-3, and LAG-3, and the preclinical and clinical data supporting combinatorial strategies to improve existing ICI therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dia Roy
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Cassandra Gilmour
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Sachin Patnaik
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Li Lily Wang
- Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
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16
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Parra ER, Ilié M, Wistuba II, Hofman P. Quantitative multiplexed imaging technologies for single-cell analysis to assess predictive markers for immunotherapy in thoracic immuno-oncology: promises and challenges. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:1417-1431. [PMID: 37391504 PMCID: PMC10628288 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02318-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The past decade has witnessed a revolution in cancer treatment by the shift from conventional drugs (chemotherapies) towards targeted molecular therapies and immune-based therapies, in particular the immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). These immunotherapies selectively release the host immune system against the tumour and have shown unprecedented durable remission for patients with cancers that were thought incurable such as advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC). The prediction of therapy response is based since the first anti-PD-1/PD-L1 molecules FDA and EMA approvals on the level of PD-L1 tumour cells expression evaluated by immunohistochemistry, and recently more or less on tumour mutation burden in the USA. However, not all aNSCLC patients benefit from immunotherapy equally, since only around 30% of them received ICIs and among them 30% have an initial response to these treatments. Conversely, a few aNSCLC patients could have an efficacy ICIs response despite low PD-L1 tumour cells expression. In this context, there is an urgent need to look for additional robust predictive markers for ICIs efficacy in thoracic oncology. Understanding of the mechanisms that enable cancer cells to adapt to and eventually overcome therapy and identifying such mechanisms can help circumvent resistance and improve treatment. However, more than a unique universal marker, the evaluation of several molecules in the tumour at the same time, particularly by using multiplex immunostaining is a promising open room to optimise the selection of patients who benefit from ICIs. Therefore, urgent further efforts are needed to optimise to individualise immunotherapy based on both patient-specific and tumour-specific characteristics. This review aims to rethink the role of multiplex immunostaining in immuno-thoracic oncology, with the current advantages and limitations in the near-daily practice use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin Roger Parra
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Marius Ilié
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Biobank Côte d'Azur BB-0033-00025, FHU OncoAge, IHU RespirERA, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Ignacio I Wistuba
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Paul Hofman
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Biobank Côte d'Azur BB-0033-00025, FHU OncoAge, IHU RespirERA, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France.
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17
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Noelle RJ, Lines JL, Lewis LD, Martell RE, Guillaudeux T, Lee SW, Mahoney KM, Vesely MD, Boyd-Kirkup J, Nambiar DK, Scott AM. Clinical and research updates on the VISTA immune checkpoint: immuno-oncology themes and highlights. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1225081. [PMID: 37795437 PMCID: PMC10547146 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1225081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoints limit the activation of the immune system and serve an important homeostatic function but can also restrict immune responses against tumors. Inhibition of specific immune checkpoint proteins such as the B7:CD28 family members programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) has transformed the treatment of various cancers by promoting the anti-tumor activation of immune cells. In contrast to these effects, the V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA) regulates the steady state of the resting immune system and promotes homeostasis by mechanisms distinct from PD-1 and CTLA-4. The effects of VISTA blockade have been shown to include a decrease in myeloid suppression coupled with proinflammatory changes by mechanisms that are separate and distinct from other immune checkpoint proteins; in some preclinical studies these immune effects appear synergistic. Given the potential benefits of VISTA blockade in the context of cancer therapy, the second Annual VISTA Symposium was convened virtually on September 23, 2022, to review new research from investigators and immuno-oncology experts. Discussions in the meeting extended the knowledge of VISTA biology and the effects of VISTA inhibition, particularly on cells of the myeloid lineage and resting T cells, as three candidate anti-VISTA antibodies are in, or nearing, clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randolph J. Noelle
- ImmuNext Inc., Lebanon, NH, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, United States
| | - J. Louise Lines
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dartmouth Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, United States
| | - Lionel D. Lewis
- Section of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and Dartmouth Cancer Center, Hanover, NH, United States
| | - Robert E. Martell
- Curis, Inc., Lexington, MA, United States
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Sam W. Lee
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Kathleen M. Mahoney
- Department of Medical, Division of Medical Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Matthew D. Vesely
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | - Dhanya K. Nambiar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Andrew M. Scott
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute and School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Austin Health and Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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18
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Reynolds G. Rheumatic complications of checkpoint inhibitors: Lessons from autoimmunity. Immunol Rev 2023; 318:51-60. [PMID: 37435963 PMCID: PMC10952967 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13242] [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: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors are now an established treatment in the management of a range of cancers. Their success means that their use is likely to increase in future in terms of the numbers of patients treated, the indications and the range of immune checkpoints targeted. They function by counteracting immune evasion by the tumor but, as a consequence, can breach self-tolerance at other sites leading to a range of immune-related adverse events. Included among these complications are a range of rheumatologic complications, including inflammatory arthritis and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. These superficially resemble immune-mediated rheumatic diseases (IMRDs) such as rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren's disease but preliminary studies suggest they are clinically and immunologically distinct entities. However, there appear to be common processes that predispose to the development of both that may inform preventative interventions and predictive tools. Both groups of conditions highlight the centrality of immune checkpoints in controlling tolerance and how it can be restored. Here we will discuss some of these commonalities and differences between rheumatic irAEs and IMRDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Reynolds
- Institute of Cellular MedicineNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory DiseasesMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
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19
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Chmiel P, Gęca K, Michalski A, Kłosińska M, Kaczyńska A, Polkowski WP, Pelc Z, Skórzewska M. Vista of the Future: Novel Immunotherapy Based on the Human V-Set Immunoregulatory Receptor for Digestive System Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9945. [PMID: 37373091 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
While gastrointestinal tumors remain a multifactorial and prevalent group of malignancies commonly treated surgically in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, advancements regarding immunotherapeutic approaches continue to occur. Entering a new era of immunotherapy focused on overcoming resistance to preceding therapies caused the emergence of new therapeutic strategies. A promising solution surfaces with a V-domain Ig suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA), a negative regulator of a T-cell function expressed in hematopoietic cells. Due to VISTA's ability to act as both a ligand and a receptor, several therapeutic approaches can be potentially developed. A broad expression of VISTA was discovered on various tumor-growth-controlling cells, which proved to increase in specific tumor microenvironment (TME) conditions, thus serving as a rationale behind the development of new VISTA-targeting. Nevertheless, VISTA's ligands and signaling pathways are still not fully understood. The uncertain results of clinical trials suggest the need for future examining inhibitor agents for VISTA and implicating a double immunotherapeutic blockade. However, more research is needed before the breakthrough can be achieved. This review discusses perspectives and novel approaches presented in the current literature. Based on the results of the ongoing studies, VISTA might be considered a potential target in combined therapy, especially for treating gastrointestinal malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Chmiel
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 13 St., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Gęca
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 13 St., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Adam Michalski
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 13 St., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Martyna Kłosińska
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 13 St., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Kaczyńska
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 13 St., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Wojciech P Polkowski
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 13 St., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Pelc
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 13 St., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Magdalena Skórzewska
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 13 St., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
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20
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Ziogas DC, Theocharopoulos C, Lialios PP, Foteinou D, Koumprentziotis IA, Xynos G, Gogas H. Beyond CTLA-4 and PD-1 Inhibition: Novel Immune Checkpoint Molecules for Melanoma Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2718. [PMID: 37345056 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
More than ten years after the approval of ipilimumab, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) against PD-1 and CTLA-4 have been established as the most effective treatment for locally advanced or metastatic melanoma, achieving durable responses either as monotherapies or in combinatorial regimens. However, a considerable proportion of patients do not respond or experience early relapse, due to multiple parameters that contribute to melanoma resistance. The expression of other immune checkpoints beyond the PD-1 and CTLA-4 molecules remains a major mechanism of immune evasion. The recent approval of anti-LAG-3 ICI, relatlimab, in combination with nivolumab for metastatic disease, has capitalized on the extensive research in the field and has highlighted the potential for further improvement of melanoma prognosis by synergistically blocking additional immune targets with new ICI-doublets, antibody-drug conjugates, or other novel modalities. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of presently published immune checkpoint molecules, including LAG-3, TIGIT, TIM-3, VISTA, IDO1/IDO2/TDO, CD27/CD70, CD39/73, HVEM/BTLA/CD160 and B7-H3. Beginning from their immunomodulatory properties as co-inhibitory or co-stimulatory receptors, we present all therapeutic modalities targeting these molecules that have been tested in melanoma treatment either in preclinical or clinical settings. Better understanding of the checkpoint-mediated crosstalk between melanoma and immune effector cells is essential for generating more effective strategies with augmented immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios C Ziogas
- First Department of Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Charalampos Theocharopoulos
- First Department of Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis-Petros Lialios
- First Department of Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitra Foteinou
- First Department of Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis-Alexios Koumprentziotis
- First Department of Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Xynos
- First Department of Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Helen Gogas
- First Department of Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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21
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Zhao J, Fong A, Seow SV, Toh HC. Organoids as an Enabler of Precision Immuno-Oncology. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081165. [PMID: 37190074 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the dawn of the past century, landmark discoveries in cell-mediated immunity have led to a greater understanding of the innate and adaptive immune systems and revolutionised the treatment of countless diseases, including cancer. Today, precision immuno-oncology (I/O) involves not only targeting immune checkpoints that inhibit T-cell immunity but also harnessing immune cell therapies. The limited efficacy in some cancers results mainly from a complex tumour microenvironment (TME) that, in addition to adaptive immune cells, comprises innate myeloid and lymphoid cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and the tumour vasculature that contribute towards immune evasion. As the complexity of TME has called for more sophisticated human-based tumour models, organoids have allowed the dynamic study of spatiotemporal interactions between tumour cells and individual TME cell types. Here, we discuss how organoids can study the TME across cancers and how these features may improve precision I/O. We outline the approaches to preserve or recapitulate the TME in tumour organoids and discuss their potential, advantages, and limitations. We will discuss future directions of organoid research in understanding cancer immunology in-depth and identifying novel I/O targets and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junzhe Zhao
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore 168583, Singapore
- Doctor of Medicine Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Antoinette Fong
- Doctor of Medicine Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - See Voon Seow
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore 168583, Singapore
| | - Han Chong Toh
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore 168583, Singapore
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22
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Zhao Y, Du J, Shen X. Targeting myeloid-derived suppressor cells in tumor immunotherapy: Current, future and beyond. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1157537. [PMID: 37006306 PMCID: PMC10063857 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1157537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are one of the major negative regulators in tumor microenvironment (TME) due to their potent immunosuppressive capacity. MDSCs are the products of myeloid progenitor abnormal differentiation in bone marrow, which inhibits the immune response mediated by T cells, natural killer cells and dendritic cells; promotes the generation of regulatory T cells and tumor-associated macrophages; drives the immune escape; and finally leads to tumor progression and metastasis. In this review, we highlight key features of MDSCs biology in TME that are being explored as potential targets for tumor immunotherapy. We discuss the therapies and approaches that aim to reprogram TME from immunosuppressive to immunostimulatory circumstance, which prevents MDSC immunosuppression activity; promotes MDSC differentiation; and impacts MDSC recruitment and abundance in tumor site. We also summarize current advances in the identification of rational combinatorial strategies to improve clinical efficacy and outcomes of cancer patients, via deeply understanding and pursuing the mechanisms and characterization of MDSCs generation and suppression in TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Junfeng Du
- Department of General Surgery, The 7th Medical Center, Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Junfeng Du, ; Xiaofei Shen,
| | - Xiaofei Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Junfeng Du, ; Xiaofei Shen,
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23
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Martin AS, Molloy M, Ugolkov A, von Roemeling RW, Noelle RJ, Lewis LD, Johnson M, Radvanyi L, Martell RE. VISTA expression and patient selection for immune-based anticancer therapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1086102. [PMID: 36891296 PMCID: PMC9986543 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1086102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
V-domain Ig suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA) is a B7 family member that plays key roles in maintaining T cell quiescence and regulation of myeloid cell populations, which together establish it as a novel immunotherapy target for solid tumors. Here we review the growing literature on VISTA expression in relation to various malignancies to better understand the role of VISTA and its interactions with both tumor cells and immune cells expressing other checkpoint molecules within the tumor microenvironment (TME). The biology of VISTA creates several mechanisms to maintain the TME, including supporting the function of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, regulating natural killer cell activation, supporting the survival of regulatory T cells, limiting antigen presentation on antigen-presenting cells and maintaining T cells in a quiescent state. Understanding these mechanisms is an important foundation of rational patient selection for anti-VISTA therapy. We provide a general framework to describe distinct patterns of VISTA expression in correlation with other known predictive immunotherapy biomarkers (programmed cell death ligand 1 and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes) across solid tumors to facilitate investigation of the most efficacious TMEs for VISTA-targeted treatment as a single agent and/or in combination with anti-programmed death 1/anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander S. Martin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | | | | | - Randolph J. Noelle
- ImmuNext Inc., Lebanon, NH, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Norris Cotton Cancer Center Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Lionel D. Lewis
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Norris Cotton Cancer Center Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Melissa Johnson
- Sarah Cannon at Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, TN, United States
| | | | - Robert E. Martell
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
- Curis Inc., Lexington, MA, United States
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24
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Zhou K, Li S, Zhao Y, Cheng K. Mechanisms of drug resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1127071. [PMID: 36845142 PMCID: PMC9944349 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1127071] [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: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in the form of anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 have become the frontier of cancer treatment and successfully prolonged the survival of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). But the efficacy varies among different patient population, and many patients succumb to disease progression after an initial response to ICIs. Current research highlights the heterogeneity of resistance mechanisms and the critical role of tumor microenvironment (TME) in ICIs resistance. In this review, we discussed the mechanisms of ICIs resistance in NSCLC, and proposed strategies to overcome resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexun Zhou
- Abdominal Oncology Ward, Division of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Biological Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Abdominal Oncology Ward, Division of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Biological Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuo Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Zhao
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ke Cheng
- Abdominal Oncology Ward, Division of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Biological Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Abdominal Oncology Ward, Division of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Biological Therapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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25
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Mortezaee K, Majidpoor J, Najafi S. VISTA immune regulatory effects in bypassing cancer immunotherapy: Updated. Life Sci 2022; 310:121083. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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26
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Zheng S, Zhang K, Zhang X, Xiao Y, Wang T, Jiang S. Development of Inhibitors Targeting the V-Domain Ig Suppressor of T Cell Activation Signal Pathway. J Med Chem 2022; 65:11900-11912. [PMID: 36083840 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Blockade of cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death-1/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) has produced considerable therapeutic effect, but only in a fraction of patients, so more targets are being investigated. VISTA (V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation) is a novel immune checkpoint that is broadly expressed within hematopoietic cells and multiple cancers (low expressing frequency on solid tumors), particularly those with a poor immunotherapy response rate. As a result, VISTA has been identified as an appealing target for immunotherapy, and several VISTA inhibitors are currently in clinical and preclinical trials. In this review, the structural features and binding partners of VISTA are summarized, and we describe the latest developments of monoclonal antibodies and small molecules targeting VISTA as well as possible future directions for development of therapies targeting VISTA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Zheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Kuojun Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yibei Xiao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Tianyu Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Sheng Jiang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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27
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Mostböck S, Wu HH, Fenn T, Riegler B, Strahlhofer S, Huang Y, Hansen G, Kroe-Barrett R, Tirapu I, Vogt AB. Distinct immune stimulatory effects of anti-human VISTA antibodies are determined by Fc-receptor interaction. Front Immunol 2022; 13:862757. [PMID: 35967294 PMCID: PMC9367637 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.862757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
VISTA (PD-1H) is an immune regulatory molecule considered part of the next wave of immuno-oncology targets. VISTA is an immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily cell surface molecule mainly expressed on myeloid cells, and to some extent on NK cells and T cells. In previous preclinical studies, some VISTA-targeting antibodies provided immune inhibitory signals, while other antibodies triggered immune stimulatory signals. Importantly, for therapeutic antibodies, the isotype backbone can have a strong impact on antibody function. To elucidate the mode of action of immune stimulatory anti-VISTA antibodies, we studied three different anti-human VISTA antibody clones, each on three different IgG isotypes currently used for therapeutic antibodies: unaltered IgG1 (IgG1-WT), IgG1-KO (IgG1-LL234,235AA-variant with reduced Fc-effector function), and IgG4-Pro (IgG4- S228P-variant with stabilized hinge region). Antibody functionality was analysed in mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR) of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), as a model system for ongoing immune reactions, on unstimulated human PBMCs, as a model system for a resting immune system, and also on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patient samples to evaluate anti-VISTA antibody effects on primary tumor material. The functions of three anti-human VISTA antibodies were determined by their IgG isotype backbones. An MLR of healthy donor PBMCs was effectively augmented by anti-VISTA-IgG4-Pro and anti-VISTA-IgG1-WT antibodies, as indicated by increased levels of cytokines, T cell activation markers and T cell proliferation. However, in a culture of unstimulated PBMCs of single healthy donors, only anti-VISTA-IgG1-WT antibodies increased the activation marker HLA-DR on resting myeloid cells, and chemokine levels. Interestingly, interactions with different Fc-receptors were required for these effects, namely CD64 for augmentation of MLR, and CD16 for activation of resting myeloid cells. Furthermore, anti-VISTA-IgG1-KO antibodies had nearly no impact in any model system. Similarly, in AML patient samples, anti-VISTA-antibody on IgG4-Pro backbone, but not on IgG1-KO backbone, increased interactions, as a novel readout of activity, between immune cells and CD34+ AML cancer cells. In conclusion, the immune stimulatory effects of antagonistic anti-VISTA antibodies are defined by the antibody isotype and interaction with different Fc-gamma-receptors, highlighting the importance of understanding these interactions when designing immune stimulatory antibody therapeutics for immuno-oncology applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Mostböck
- Cancer Immunology and Immune Modulation, Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Sven Mostböck,
| | - Helen Haixia Wu
- Biotherapeutics Discovery, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, CT, United States
| | - Timothy Fenn
- Biotherapeutics Discovery, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, CT, United States
| | - Bettina Riegler
- Cancer Immunology and Immune Modulation, Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanne Strahlhofer
- Cancer Immunology and Immune Modulation, Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
| | - Yining Huang
- Biotherapeutics Discovery, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, CT, United States
| | - Gale Hansen
- Biotherapeutics Discovery, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, CT, United States
| | - Rachel Kroe-Barrett
- Biotherapeutics Discovery, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, CT, United States
| | - Iñigo Tirapu
- Cancer Immunology and Immune Modulation, Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anne B. Vogt
- Cancer Immunology and Immune Modulation, Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Vienna, Austria
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28
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Tang XY, Xiong YL, Shi XG, Zhao YB, Shi AP, Zheng KF, Liu YJ, Jiang T, Ma N, Zhao JB. IGSF11 and VISTA: a pair of promising immune checkpoints in tumor immunotherapy. Biomark Res 2022; 10:49. [PMID: 35831836 PMCID: PMC9277907 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-022-00394-0] [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: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has become the major treatment for tumors in clinical practice, but some intractable problems such as the low response rate and high rates of immune-related adverse events still hinder the progress of tumor immunotherapy. Hence, it is essential to explore additional immunotherapy treatment targets. In this review, we focus on the structure, expression and expression-related mechanisms, interactions, biological functions and the progress in preclinical/clinical research of IGSF11 and VISTA in tumors. We cover the progress in recent research with this pair of immune checkpoints in tumor immune regulation, proliferation, immune resistance and predictive prognosis. Both IGSF11 and VISTA are highly expressed in tumors and are modulated by various factors. They co-participate in the functional regulation of immune cells and the inhibition of cytokine production. Besides, in the downregulation of IGSF11 and VISTA, both inhibit the growth of some tumors. Preclinical and clinical trials all emphasize the predictive role of IGSF11 and VISTA in the prognosis of tumors, and that the predictive role of the same gene varies from tumor to tumor. At present, further research is proving the enormous potential of IGSF11 and VISTA in tumors, and especially the role of VISTA in tumor immune resistance. This may prove to be a breakthrough to solve the current clinical immune resistance, and most importantly, since research has focused on VISTA but less on IGSF11, IGSF11 may be the next candidate for tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Yang Tang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yan-Lu Xiong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xian-Gui Shi
- College of Basic Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ya-Bo Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - An-Ping Shi
- Department of Radiology & Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Lab of Shaanxi Province, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University (Air Force Medical University), 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kai-Fu Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yu-Jian Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Nan Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, 710038, Xi'an, China.
| | - Jin-Bo Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi, China.
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