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Li J, Foged C. Evaluating the breadth of nucleic acid-based payloads delivered in lipid nanoparticles to establish fundamental differences in development. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2024. [PMID: 39387233 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2024.2409142] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 10/15/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nucleic acid (NA)-based therapeutics have shown great potential for downregulating or augmenting gene expression, and for promising applications, e.g. protein-replacement therapy and vaccination, a comprehensive understanding of the requirements for their targeted delivery to specific tissues or cells is needed. AREAS COVERED In this review, we discuss clinical applications of four representative types of NA-based therapeutics, i.e. antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNA, messenger RNA and circular RNA, with focus on the lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology used for intracellular delivery. The in vivo fate of LNPs is discussed to improve the understanding of trafficking of nanomedicines at the systemic and cellular levels. In addition, NA-based vaccines are discussed, focusing on targeting antigen-presenting cells and immune activation. EXPERT OPINION Optimization of delivery systems for NA-based therapeutics is mainly focused on the standard requirements of prolonged systemic circulation and enhancing endosomal escape. Depending on the final destination in specific target tissues or cells, strategies should be adjusted to achieve the desired biodistribution of NA-based payloads. More studies relating to the pharmacokinetics of both cargo and carrier are encouraged, because their in vivo fates may differ, considering the possibility of premature cargo release before reaching the target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinjin Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Camilla Foged
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
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2
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Anczukow O, Allain FHT, Angarola BL, Black DL, Brooks AN, Cheng C, Conesa A, Crosse EI, Eyras E, Guccione E, Lu SX, Neugebauer KM, Sehgal P, Song X, Tothova Z, Valcárcel J, Weeks KM, Yeo GW, Thomas-Tikhonenko A. Steering research on mRNA splicing in cancer towards clinical translation. Nat Rev Cancer 2024:10.1038/s41568-024-00750-2. [PMID: 39384951 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00750-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 10/11/2024]
Abstract
Splicing factors are affected by recurrent somatic mutations and copy number variations in several types of haematologic and solid malignancies, which is often seen as prima facie evidence that splicing aberrations can drive cancer initiation and progression. However, numerous spliceosome components also 'moonlight' in DNA repair and other cellular processes, making their precise role in cancer difficult to pinpoint. Still, few would deny that dysregulated mRNA splicing is a pervasive feature of most cancers. Correctly interpreting these molecular fingerprints can reveal novel tumour vulnerabilities and untapped therapeutic opportunities. Yet multiple technological challenges, lingering misconceptions, and outstanding questions hinder clinical translation. To start with, the general landscape of splicing aberrations in cancer is not well defined, due to limitations of short-read RNA sequencing not adept at resolving complete mRNA isoforms, as well as the shallow read depth inherent in long-read RNA-sequencing, especially at single-cell level. Although individual cancer-associated isoforms are known to contribute to cancer progression, widespread splicing alterations could be an equally important and, perhaps, more readily actionable feature of human cancers. This is to say that in addition to 'repairing' mis-spliced transcripts, possible therapeutic avenues include exacerbating splicing aberration with small-molecule spliceosome inhibitors, targeting recurrent splicing aberrations with synthetic lethal approaches, and training the immune system to recognize splicing-derived neoantigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Anczukow
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA.
| | - Frédéric H-T Allain
- Department of Biology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH), Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Douglas L Black
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Angela N Brooks
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Chonghui Cheng
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Lester & Sue Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ana Conesa
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology, Spanish National Research Council, Paterna, Spain
| | - Edie I Crosse
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Eduardo Eyras
- Shine-Dalgarno Centre for RNA Innovation, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Ernesto Guccione
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sydney X Lu
- Department of Medicine, Stanford Medical School, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Karla M Neugebauer
- Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Priyanka Sehgal
- Division of Cancer Pathobiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Xiao Song
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Zuzana Tothova
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Juan Valcárcel
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kevin M Weeks
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Gene W Yeo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Andrei Thomas-Tikhonenko
- Division of Cancer Pathobiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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3
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Zhu X, Meng L, Xu L, Hua Y, Feng J. Novel Therapeutic Target for ALI/ARDS: Forkhead Box Transcription Factors. Lung 2024; 202:513-522. [PMID: 39259274 DOI: 10.1007/s00408-024-00740-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: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
ALI/ARDS can be a pulmonary manifestation of a systemic inflammatory response or a result of overexpression of the body's normal inflammatory response involving various effector cells, cytokines, and inflammatory mediators, which regulate the body's immune response through different signalling pathways. Forkhead box transcription factors are evolutionarily conserved transcription factors that play a crucial role in various cellular processes, such as cell cycle progression, proliferation, differentiation, migration, metabolism, and DNA damage response. Transcription factors control protein synthesis by regulating gene transcription levels, resulting in diverse biological outcomes. The Fox family plays a role in activating or inhibiting the expression of various molecules related to ALI/ARDS through phosphorylation, acetylation/deacetylation, and control of multiple signalling pathways. An in-depth analysis of the integrated Fox family's role in ALI/ARDS can aid in the development of potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zhu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Disease Key Laboratory of Nantong, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xi-Si Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Leyuan Meng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital and Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liqin Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Disease Key Laboratory of Nantong, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xi-Si Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yun Hua
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Disease Key Laboratory of Nantong, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xi-Si Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian Feng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Respiratory Disease Key Laboratory of Nantong, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xi-Si Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
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4
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Zhou Y, Na C, Li Z. Novel insights into immune cells modulation of tumor resistance. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 202:104457. [PMID: 39038527 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor resistance poses a significant challenge to effective cancer treatment, making it imperative to explore new therapeutic strategies. Recent studies have highlighted the profound involvement of immune cells in the development of tumor resistance. Within the tumor microenvironment, macrophages undergo polarization into the M2 phenotype, thus promoting the emergence of drug-resistant tumors. Neutrophils contribute to tumor resistance by forming extracellular traps. While T cells and natural killer (NK) cells exert their impact through direct cytotoxicity against tumor cells. Additionally, dendritic cells (DCs) have been implicated in preventing tumor drug resistance by stimulating T cell activation. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the current knowledge regarding immune cell-mediated modulation of tumor resistance at the molecular level, with a particular focus on macrophages, neutrophils, DCs, T cells, and NK cells. The targeting of immune cell modulation exhibits considerable potential for addressing drug resistance, and an in-depth understanding of the molecular interactions between immune cells and tumor cells holds promise for the development of innovative therapies. Furthermore, we explore the clinical implications of these immune cells in the treatment of drug-resistant tumors. This review emphasizes the exploration of novel approaches that harness the functional capabilities of immune cells to effectively overcome drug-resistant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhou
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Chuhan Na
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Zhigang Li
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Active Substance Screening and Translational Research, Shenzhen 518107, China.
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5
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Ge J, Yin X, Chen L. Regulatory T cells: masterminds of immune equilibrium and future therapeutic innovations. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1457189. [PMID: 39290699 PMCID: PMC11405253 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1457189] [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: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs), a subset of CD4+T cells marked by the expression of the transcription factor forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3), are pivotal in maintaining immune equilibrium and preventing autoimmunity. In our review, we addressed the functional distinctions between Foxp3+Tregs and other T cells, highlighting their roles in autoimmune diseases and cancer. We uncovered the dual nature of Tregs: they prevented autoimmune diseases by maintaining self-tolerance while contributing to tumor evasion by suppressing anti-tumor immunity. This study underscored the potential for targeted therapeutic strategies, such as enhancing Treg activity to restore balance in autoimmune diseases or depleting Foxp3+Tregs to augment anti-tumor immune responses in cancer. These insights laid the groundwork for future research and clinical applications, emphasizing the critical role of Foxp3+Tregs in immune regulation and the advancement of next-generation immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junwei Ge
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuan Yin
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lujun Chen
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
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6
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Zhou J, Ma X, Liu X, Liu Y, Fu J, Qi Y, Liu H. The impact of histone lactylation on the tumor microenvironment and metabolic pathways and its potential in cancer therapy. Genes Genomics 2024; 46:991-1011. [PMID: 39127851 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-024-01554-2] [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: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The complexity of cancer is intricately linked to its multifaceted biological processes, including the roles of the tumor microenvironment (TME) as well as genetic and metabolic regulation. Histone lactylation has recently emerged as a novel epigenetic modification mechanism that plays a pivotal role in regulating cancer initiation, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. OBJECTIVE This review aims to elucidate the role of histone lactylation in modulating various aspects of tumor biology, including DNA repair mechanisms, glycolytic metabolic abnormalities, functions of non-tumor cells in the TME, and the promotion of tumor inflammatory responses and immune escape. Additionally, the review explores potential therapeutic strategies targeting histone lactylation. METHODS A comprehensive literature review was performed, analyzing recent findings on histone lactylation and its impact on cancer biology. This involved a systematic examination of studies focusing on biochemical pathways, cellular interactions, and clinical implications related to histone lactylation. RESULTS Histone lactylation was identified as a critical regulator of tumor cell DNA repair mechanisms and glycolytic metabolic abnormalities. It also significantly influences the functions of non-tumor cells within the TME, promoting tumor inflammatory responses and immune escape. Moreover, histone lactylation acts as a multifunctional biological signaling molecule impacting immune responses within the TME. Various cell types within the TME, including T cells and macrophages, were found to regulate tumor growth and immune escape mechanisms through lactylation. CONCLUSION Histone lactylation offers a novel perspective on tumor metabolism and its role in cancer development. It presents promising opportunities for the development of innovative cancer therapies. This review underscores the potential of histone lactylation as a therapeutic target, paving the way for new strategies in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanhong Zhou
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xinyun Ma
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaofeng Liu
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yang Liu
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jiaojiao Fu
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yaling Qi
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Huiling Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
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7
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Çakan E, Lara OD, Szymanowska A, Bayraktar E, Chavez-Reyes A, Lopez-Berestein G, Amero P, Rodriguez-Aguayo C. Therapeutic Antisense Oligonucleotides in Oncology: From Bench to Bedside. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2940. [PMID: 39272802 PMCID: PMC11394571 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16172940] [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: 07/24/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Advancements in our comprehension of tumor biology and chemoresistance have spurred the development of treatments that precisely target specific molecules within the body. Despite the expanding landscape of therapeutic options, there persists a demand for innovative approaches to address unmet clinical needs. RNA therapeutics have emerged as a promising frontier in this realm, offering novel avenues for intervention such as RNA interference and the utilization of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). ASOs represent a versatile class of therapeutics capable of selectively targeting messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and silencing disease-associated proteins, thereby disrupting pathogenic processes at the molecular level. Recent advancements in chemical modification and carrier molecule design have significantly enhanced the stability, biodistribution, and intracellular uptake of ASOs, thereby bolstering their therapeutic potential. While ASO therapy holds promise across various disease domains, including oncology, coronary angioplasty, neurological disorders, viral, and parasitic diseases, our review manuscript focuses specifically on the application of ASOs in targeted cancer therapies. Through a comprehensive examination of the latest research findings and clinical developments, we delve into the intricacies of ASO-based approaches to cancer treatment, shedding light on their mechanisms of action, therapeutic efficacy, and prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Çakan
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
- Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Olivia D Lara
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Anna Szymanowska
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Emine Bayraktar
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Gaziantep, Gaziantep 27310, Turkey
| | | | - Gabriel Lopez-Berestein
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Paola Amero
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Cristian Rodriguez-Aguayo
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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8
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Akimova T, Wang L, Bartosh Z, Christensen LM, Eruslanov E, Singhal S, Aishwarya V, Hancock WW. Antisense targeting of FOXP3+ Tregs to boost anti-tumor immunity. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1426657. [PMID: 39234236 PMCID: PMC11371716 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1426657] [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: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Our goal is to improve the outcomes of cancer immunotherapy by targeting FOXP3+ T-regulatory (Treg) cells with a next generation of antisense oligonucleotides (ASO), termed FOXP3 AUMsilence ASO. We performed in vitro experiments with human healthy donor PBMC and clinical samples from patients with lung cancer, mesothelioma and melanoma, and tested our approach in vivo using ASO FOXP3 in syngeneic murine cancer models and in humanized mice. ASO FOXP3 had no effects on cell viability or cell division, did not affect expression of other FOXP members, but decreased expression of FOXP3 mRNA in PBMC by 54.9% and in cancer samples by 64.7%, with corresponding 41.0% (PBMC) and 60.0% (cancer) decreases of Treg numbers (all p<0.0001). Hence, intratumoral Treg were more sensitive to the effects of ASO FOXP3 than peripheral blood Tregs. Isolated human Treg, incubated with ASO FOXP3 for 3.5 hours, had significantly impaired suppressive function (66.4%) versus Scramble control. In murine studies, we observed a significant inhibition of tumor growth, while 13.6% (MC38) to 22% (TC1) of tumors were completely resorbed, in conjunction with ~50% decrease of Foxp3 mRNA by qPCR and decreased numbers of intratumoral Tregs. In addition, there were no changes in FOXP3 mRNA expression or in the numbers of Tregs in draining lymph nodes and in spleens of tumor bearing mice, confirming that intratumoral Treg had enhanced sensitivity to ASO FOXP3 in vivo compared to other Treg populations. ASO FOXP3 Treg targeting in vivo and in vitro was accompanied by significant downregulation of multiple exhaustion markers, and by increased expression of perforin and granzyme-B by intratumoral T cells. To conclude, we report that targeting the key Treg transcription factor FOXP3, with ASO FOXP3, has a powerful anti-tumoral effect and enhances T cell response in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Akimova
- Division of Transplant Immunology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- AUM Biotech, LLC., Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Liqing Wang
- Division of Transplant Immunology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Zhanna Bartosh
- Division of Transplant Immunology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- AUM Biotech, LLC., Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Lanette M Christensen
- Division of Transplant Immunology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Evgeniy Eruslanov
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sunil Singhal
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | - Wayne W Hancock
- Division of Transplant Immunology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Wang Y, Ye J, Zhou K, Chen N, Huang G, Feng G, Zhang G, Gou X. Radiomics Features on Enhanced Computed Tomography Predict FOXP3 Expression and Clinical Prognosis in Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. JOURNAL OF IMAGING INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE 2024; 37:1323-1335. [PMID: 38376584 PMCID: PMC11300763 DOI: 10.1007/s10278-023-00910-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) has been identified as a novel molecular marker in various types of cancer. The present study assessed the expression of FOXP3 in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and its potential as a clinical prognostic indicator, and developed a radiomics model based on enhanced computed tomography (CT) imaging. Data from 483 patients with HNSCC were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas for FOXP3 prognostic analysis and enhanced CT images from 139 patients included in the Cancer Imaging Archives, which were subjected to the maximum relevance and minimum redundancy and recursive feature elimination algorithms for radiomics feature extraction and processing. Logistic regression was used to build a model for predicting FOXP3 expression. A prognostic scoring system for radiomics score (RS), FOXP3, and patient clinicopathological factors was established to predict patient survival. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) and calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate model performance. Furthermore, the relationship between FOXP3 and the immune microenvironment, as well as the association between RS and immune checkpoint-related genes, was analyzed. Results of analysis revealed that patients with HNSCC and high FOXP3 mRNA expression exhibited better overall survival. Immune infiltration analysis revealed that FOXP3 had a positive correlation with CD4 + and CD8 + T cells and other immune cells. The 8 best radiomics features were selected to construct the radiomics model. In the FOXP3 expression prediction model, the AUC values were 0.707 and 0.702 for the training and validation sets, respectively. Additionally, the calibration curve and DCA demonstrated the positive diagnostic utility of the model. RS was correlated with immune checkpoint-related genes such as ICOS, CTLA4, and PDCD1. A predictive nomogram was established, the AUCs were 0.87, 0.787, and 0.801 at 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively, and DCA demonstrated the high clinical applicability of the nomogram. The enhanced CT radiomics model can predict expression of FOXP3 and prognosis in patients with HNSCC. As such, FOXP3 may be used as a novel prognostic marker to improve individualized clinical diagnosis and treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Juan Ye
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Kai Zhou
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Nian Chen
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Gang Huang
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Guangyong Feng
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Guihai Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xiaoxia Gou
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.
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10
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Wu Y, Chen D, Gao Y, Xu Q, Zhou Y, Ni Z, Na M. Immunosuppressive regulatory cells in cancer immunotherapy: restrain or modulate? Hum Cell 2024; 37:931-943. [PMID: 38814516 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-024-01083-w] [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: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Immunosuppressive regulatory cells (IRCs) play important roles in negatively regulating immune response, and are mainly divided into myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs). Large numbers of preclinical and clinical studies have shown that inhibition or reduction of IRCs could effectively elevate antitumor immune responses. However, several studies also reported that excessive inhibition of IRCs function is one of the main reasons causing the side effects of cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, the reasonable regulation of IRCs is crucial for improving the safety and efficiency of cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we summarised the recent research advances in the cancer immunotherapy by regulating the proportion of IRCs, and discussed the roles of IRCs in regulating tumour immune evasion and drug resistance to immunotherapies. Furthermore, we also discussed how to balance the potential opportunities and challenges of using IRCs to improve the safety of cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wu
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 210031, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongfeng Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, 999078, China
| | - Qinggang Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhong Ni
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Manli Na
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 210031, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
- International Genome Center, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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Li Y, Mondaza-Hernandez JL, Moura DS, Revenko AS, Tolentino A, Nguyen JT, Tran N, Meyer CA, Merino-Garcia J, Ramos R, Di Lernia D, Martin-Broto J, Hayenga HN, Bleris L. STAT6-targeting antisense oligonucleotides against solitary fibrous tumor. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102154. [PMID: 38511173 PMCID: PMC10950871 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare, non-hereditary soft tissue sarcoma thought to originate from fibroblastic mesenchymal stem cells. The etiology of SFT is thought to be due to an environmental intrachromosomal gene fusion between NGFI-A-binding protein 2 (NAB2) and signal transducer and activator protein 6 (STAT6) genes on chromosome 12, wherein the activation domain of STAT6 is fused with the DNA-binding domain of NAB2 resulting in the oncogenesis of SFT. All NAB2-STAT6 fusion variations discovered in SFTs contain the C-terminal of STAT6 transcript, and thus can serve as target site for antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs)-based therapies. Indeed, our in vitro studies show the STAT6 3' untranslated region (UTR)-targeting ASO (ASO 993523) was able to reduce expression of NAB2-STAT6 fusion transcripts in multiple SFT cell models with high efficiency (half-maximal inhibitory concentration: 116-300 nM). Encouragingly, in vivo treatment of SFT patient-derived xenograft mouse models with ASO 993523 resulted in acceptable tolerability profiles, reduced expression of NAB2-STAT6 fusion transcripts in xenograft tissues (21.9%), and, importantly, reduced tumor growth (32.4% decrease in tumor volume compared with the untreated control). Taken together, our study established ASO 993523 as a potential agent for the treatment of SFTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Li
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
- Center for Systems Biology, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Jose L. Mondaza-Hernandez
- Health Research Institute Fundacion Jimenez Diaz, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid (IIS/FJD-UAM), 28049 Madrid, Spain
- University Hospital General de Villalba, 28400 Madrid, Spain
| | - David S. Moura
- Health Research Institute Fundacion Jimenez Diaz, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid (IIS/FJD-UAM), 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alexey S. Revenko
- Department of Antisense Drug Discovery, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - Angelica Tolentino
- Department of Antisense Drug Discovery, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA
| | - John T. Nguyen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
- Center for Systems Biology, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Nam Tran
- Neurosurgical Oncology, Department of Neuro-Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Clark A. Meyer
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Jose Merino-Garcia
- Pathology Department, University Hospital Fundacion Jimenez Diaz, Universidad Autonoma, Av. Reyes Catolicos 2, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Ramos
- Pathology Department, University Hospital Son Espases, 07120 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Davide Di Lernia
- Health Research Institute Fundacion Jimenez Diaz, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid (IIS/FJD-UAM), 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Martin-Broto
- Health Research Institute Fundacion Jimenez Diaz, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid (IIS/FJD-UAM), 28049 Madrid, Spain
- University Hospital General de Villalba, 28400 Madrid, Spain
- Medical Oncology Department, University Hospital Fundacion Jimenez Diaz, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Heather N. Hayenga
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Leonidas Bleris
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
- Center for Systems Biology, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
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12
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Wang J, Huang Z, Zhou J. Radiomics Model for Predicting FOXP3 Expression Level and Survival in Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma. Acad Radiol 2024; 31:1447-1459. [PMID: 37940428 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2023.10.008] [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: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES We aimed to evaluate the predictive significance of forkhead box protein 3 (FOXP3) expression levels among individuals with clear cell renal carcinoma (ccRCC) and establish a radiomics model for predicting FOXP3 expression. MATERIALS AND METHODS 430 patients with ccRCC were included in the gene-based prognostic analyses; 100 samples were used for radiomics feature generation, model development, and evaluation. A gradient boosting machine was employed to model the selected radiomics features. The developed model generated radiomics scores (RS) that predicted FOXP3 expression. The FOXP3 prognostic model combining imaging features was applied for survival and clinical indicator correlation analyses. RESULTS FOXP3 was highly expressed in patients with ccRCC and served as an independent predictive marker (hazard ratio [HR]=2.357, 95% CI [confidence interval]: 1.582-3.511, p < 0.001). The radiomics model formed by three radiomics characteristics was identified as a strong prognostic indicator of overall survival (OS). The predictive power of the model was commendable (areas under the curve: 0.835 and 0.809 for training and validation sets, respectively). Significant between-group variations in RS distribution were identified, as indicated by gene expression levels (p < 0.05). Disparities were observed in pathological stage, pharmaceutical therapy, and neoplasm status between low and high RS cohorts (p < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier curves revealed a significant correlation between increased RS and decreased OS (p = 0.001), which was also observed in the multivariate analyses (HR=3.411, 95% CI: 1.039-11.196, p = 0.043). CONCLUSION Prognostic outcome of ccRCC is closely linked to FOXP3 expression level. Computed tomography-based radiomics shows promise for prognostic prediction in ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China (J.W., Z.H., J.Z.)
| | - Zaijie Huang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China (J.W., Z.H., J.Z.)
| | - Jumei Zhou
- Department of Radiotherapy, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China (J.W., Z.H., J.Z.).
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13
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Ullas S, Sinclair C. Applications of Flow Cytometry in Drug Discovery and Translational Research. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3851. [PMID: 38612661 PMCID: PMC11011675 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073851] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Flow cytometry is a mainstay technique in cell biology research, where it is used for phenotypic analysis of mixed cell populations. Quantitative approaches have unlocked a deeper value of flow cytometry in drug discovery research. As the number of drug modalities and druggable mechanisms increases, there is an increasing drive to identify meaningful biomarkers, evaluate the relationship between pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK/PD), and translate these insights into the evaluation of patients enrolled in early clinical trials. In this review, we discuss emerging roles for flow cytometry in the translational setting that supports the transition and evaluation of novel compounds in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charles Sinclair
- Flagship Pioneering, 140 First Street, Cambridge, MA 02141, USA;
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García-Díaz N, Wei Q, Taskén K. Small molecule inhibitors targeting regulatory T cells for cancer treatment. Eur J Immunol 2024; 54:e2350448. [PMID: 37937687 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202350448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are important controllers of the immune system homeostasis by preventing disproportionate immune responses. In the context of cancer, Tregs contribute to tumor development by suppressing other immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Infiltration of Tregs in the TME has been associated with poor prognosis in cancer patients. Thus, understanding the mechanisms underlying Treg recruitment and suppressive functions is essential for developing cancer immunotherapies to boost antitumor immune responses. While antibody-based strategies targeting Tregs have shown promise, small molecule inhibitors offer distinct advantages, including oral bioavailability and the ability to penetrate the TME and target intracellular proteins. Here, we provide an overview of small molecule inhibitors that have demonstrated efficacy in modulating Tregs activity in cancer and highlight the need for phenotypic assays to characterize therapeutic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria García-Díaz
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Qian Wei
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kjetil Taskén
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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15
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Vu TD, Nguyen MA, Jurgoński A, Chu DT. RNA therapeutics for disorders of excretory system. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2024; 203:245-256. [PMID: 38360001 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The excretory system is responsible for removing wastes from the human body, which plays a crucial role in our lives. Current treatments for diseases related to this system have shown several limitations; therefore, there is a rising need for novel methods. In this circumstance, RNA-based therapeutics have rapidly emerged as new and promising candidates. In fact, to date, a handful of potential drugs have passed the development step and entered the clinical pipeline. Among them, one drug received FDA approval to enter the global market, which is Oxlumo (Lumasiran) for the treatment of primary hyperoxaluria type 1. For other excretory diseases, such as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, urothelial cancer or renal cancer, RNA-based candidates are also being tested under clinical trials. Currently, the most potential types of RNA therapeutics to treat disorders of the excretory system are those based on small interfering RNA (siRNA), antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) and messenger RNA (mRNA), Among them, siRNA therapeutics seem to be the most promising, including Oxlumo and two other developing drug candidates. This chapter will provide a general overview on the application of RNA therapeutics in disorders of the excretory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy-Duong Vu
- Center for Biomedicine and Community Health, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Mai Anh Nguyen
- Center for Biomedicine and Community Health, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Adam Jurgoński
- Department of Biological Function of Food, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Dinh-Toi Chu
- Center for Biomedicine and Community Health, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam; Faculty of Applied Sciences, International School, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam.
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16
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Liu L, Rangan L, Vanalken N, Kong Q, Schlenner S, De Jonghe S, Schols D, Van Loy T. Development of a cellular model to study CCR8 signaling in tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cells. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:11. [PMID: 38231448 PMCID: PMC10794316 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03607-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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The human CC chemokine receptor 8 (CCR8) is specifically expressed on tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cells (TITRs) and is a promising drug target for cancer immunotherapy. However, the role of CCR8 signaling in TITR biology and the effectiveness of CCR8 small molecule antagonists as TITR-targeting immunotherapy remain subjects of ongoing debate. In this work, we generated a novel cellular model of TITRs by culturing peripheral blood mononuclear cell-derived regulatory T cells in medium containing tumor cell-conditioned medium, CD3/CD28 activator, interleukin-2 and 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. This cellular model (named TITR mimics) highly and stably expressed a series of TITR signature molecules, including CCR8, FOXP3, CD30, CD39, CD134, CD137, TIGIT and Tim-3. Moreover, TITR mimics displayed robust in vitro immunosuppressive activity. To unravel the functional role of CCR8 in TITR mimics, a chemotaxis assay was performed showing strong and CCR8-specific migration toward CCL1, the natural chemokine agonist of CCR8. However, either stimulation (with CCL1) or blocking (with the small molecule antagonist NS-15) of CCR8 signaling did not affect the immunosuppressive activity, proliferation and survival of TITR mimics. Collectively, our work provides a method for the generation of TITR mimics in vitro, which can be used to study TITR biology and to evaluate drug candidates targeting TITRs. Furthermore, our findings suggest that CCR8 signaling primarily regulates migration of these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libao Liu
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laurie Rangan
- Laboratory of Adaptive Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nathan Vanalken
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Qianqian Kong
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Susan Schlenner
- Laboratory of Adaptive Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steven De Jonghe
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dominique Schols
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tom Van Loy
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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Spiliopoulou P, Kaur P, Hammett T, Di Conza G, Lahn M. Targeting T regulatory (T reg) cells in immunotherapy-resistant cancers. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2024; 7:2. [PMID: 38318526 PMCID: PMC10838381 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2023.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Primary or secondary (i.e., acquired) resistance is a common occurrence in cancer patients and is often associated with high numbers of T regulatory (Treg) cells (CD4+CD25+FOXP3+). The approval of ipilimumab and the development of similar pharmacological agents targeting cell surface proteins on Treg cells demonstrates that such intervention may overcome resistance in cancer patients. Hence, the clinical development and subsequent approval of Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Antigen-4 (CTLA-4) targeting agents can serve as a prototype for similar agents. Such new agents aspire to be highly specific and have a reduced toxicity profile while increasing effector T cell function or effector T/T regulatory (Teff/Treg) ratio. While clinical development with large molecules has shown the greatest advancement, small molecule inhibitors that target immunomodulation are increasingly entering early clinical investigation. These new small molecule inhibitors often target specific intracellular signaling pathways [e.g., phosphoinositide-3-kinase delta (PI3K-δ)] that play an important role in regulating the function of Treg cells. This review will summarize the lessons currently applied to develop novel clinical agents that target Treg cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlina Spiliopoulou
- Department of Drug Development Program, Phase I Unit, Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Center, Glasgow G12 0YN, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Paramjit Kaur
- Department of Oncology Clinical Development, iOnctura SA, Geneva 1202, Switzerland
| | - Tracey Hammett
- Department of Oncology Clinical Development, iOnctura SA, Geneva 1202, Switzerland
| | - Giusy Di Conza
- Department of Oncology Clinical Development, iOnctura SA, Geneva 1202, Switzerland
| | - Michael Lahn
- Department of Oncology Clinical Development, iOnctura SA, Geneva 1202, Switzerland
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18
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Liu M, Yu H, Chen L, Yang D, Liu H, Ouyang J, Zhang J, Yan X, Luo Y, Lin Y, He Q, Chen M, Zhang N, Wang Y. Circulating Regulatory T Cells: A Novel Marker Associated with Liver Metastasis and the Treatment Response of Transarterial Embolization in Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors. Neuroendocrinology 2023; 114:827-839. [PMID: 38061350 PMCID: PMC11410302 DOI: 10.1159/000535385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to investigate the role of circulating regulatory T cells (Tregs) as a novel marker associated with liver metastases and treatment response to transarterial embolization (TAE) in patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs). METHODS Circulating Tregs, defined as the CD4+CD25+CD127low/- population, were examined by flow cytometry in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with GEP-NETs. Clinicopathological parameters, radiologic response, and hepatic progression-free survival (hPFS) data were collected. RESULTS The association between circulating Tregs and clinicopathological parameters was analyzed in 139 GEP-NET patients. Higher Treg levels were significantly associated with more progressive clinical features, including a higher WHO grade, more advanced TNM stage, and the presence of liver metastases. A Treg level ≥8.015% distinguished between patients with and without liver metastases. Among a cohort of 51 GEP-NET patients who were subjected to TAE for reducing liver metastasis burden, patients with higher Treg levels depicted unfavorable responses and significantly reduced hPFS after TAE treatment. We also revealed that patients with Treghigh (≥8.975%) displayed significantly shorter median hPFS than patients with Treglow (<8.975%). Additionally, after adjusting for other confounding clinical parameters, the association between Tregs and treatment response as well as hPFS remained significant, suggesting that Tregs may have a strong and independent prognostic impact in GEP-NETs. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that circulating Tregs are a novel immunological marker associated with liver metastases and treatment response to TAE in patients with GEP-NETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China,
| | - Hang Yu
- Department of Interventional Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Luohai Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dequan Yang
- Department of Interventional Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haikuan Liu
- Department of Interventional Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juan Ouyang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiang Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xu Yan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanji Luo
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Lin
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiao He
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minhu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Interventional Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Li S, Hoefnagel SJM, Krishnadath KK. Molecular Biology and Clinical Management of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5410. [PMID: 38001670 PMCID: PMC10670638 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15225410] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is a highly lethal malignancy. Due to its rising incidence, EAC has become a severe health challenge in Western countries. Current treatment strategies are mainly chosen based on disease stage and clinical features, whereas the biological background is hardly considered. In this study, we performed a comprehensive review of existing studies and discussed how etiology, genetics and epigenetic characteristics, together with the tumor microenvironment, contribute to the malignant behavior and dismal prognosis of EAC. During the development of EAC, several intestinal-type proteins and signaling cascades are induced. The anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive microenvironment is associated with poor survival. The accumulation of somatic mutations at the early phase and chromosomal structural rearrangements at relatively later time points contribute to the dynamic and heterogeneous genetic landscape of EAC. EAC is also characterized by frequent DNA methylation and dysregulation of microRNAs. We summarize the findings of dysregulations of specific cytokines, chemokines and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment and conclude that DNA methylation and microRNAs vary with each different phase of BE, LGD, HGD, early EAC and invasive EAC. Furthermore, we discuss the suitability of the currently employed therapies in the clinic and possible new therapies in the future. The development of targeted and immune therapies has been hampered by the heterogeneous genetic characteristics of EAC. In view of this, the up-to-date knowledge revealed by this work is absolutely important for future EAC studies and the discovery of new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shulin Li
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Kausilia Krishnawatie Krishnadath
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
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Monsrud AL, Avadhani V, Mosunjac MB, Flowers L, Krishnamurti U. Programmed Death Ligand-1 (PD-L1) Expression in Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Does it Correlate With Outcomes? Int J Gynecol Pathol 2023; 42:535-543. [PMID: 37562018 DOI: 10.1097/pgp.0000000000000975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecological malignancies. Upregulation of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1), an immunoregulatory protein, is associated with an adverse outcomes in several malignancies. Most studies evaluating PD-L1 expression in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) lack data on outcomes. In this study, we correlate PD-L1 expression with clinicopathologic factors and clinical outcomes in invasive CSCC. Seventy-three cases of CSCC from 2010 to 2018 were immunostained for PD-L1. A combined positive score (CPS) of ≥1 and ≥10 was correlated with age, stage, and survival outcomes. Kaplan-Meier curves for progression-free survival and overall survival were plotted and compared using the log-rank test. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify significant prognostic factors (2-tailed P <0.05 was considered statistically significant). With CPS ≥1 or ≥10 as the cut-off, PD-L1 was positive in 52/73 (71.2%) and 23/73 (31.5%) of cases, respectively. PD-L1 positive patients present at a higher stage of disease, especially those with CPS ≥10. With CPS of ≥10 as the cut-off, the 5-yr progression-free survival and 5-yr overall survival were significantly lower ( P = 0.034 and 0.012, respectively). Only stage was statistically significant for worse overall survival on multivariate analysis. PD-L1 positive patients present at a higher stage of disease, and stage is an independent prognostic indicator for adverse outcomes in CSCC. This study highlights the potential of PD-L1 targeted therapy in patients with CSCC.
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Wang K, Hua X, Fu X, Hao Z, Jiao A, Li S. Petite Integration Factor 1 knockdown enhances gemcitabine sensitivity in pancreatic cancer cells via increasing DNA damage. J Appl Toxicol 2023; 43:1522-1532. [PMID: 37183367 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4494] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Chemoresistance is still a vital obstacle in various tumors chemotherapy. This study aimed to explore the role of Petite Integration Factor 1 (PIF1) in the sensitivity of gemcitabine response to pancreatic cancer cells. Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database was employed for evaluating the level of PIF1 in pancreatic cancer tissues and normal tissues. The mRNA level of PIF1 was detected via reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis. The relative protein expression of PIF1, cleaved caspase-3, and phosphorylated histone H2Ax (γH2Ax) was assessed through western blot. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed via Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Moreover, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and caspase-3 activity were determined via the corresponding LDH Cytotoxicity Assay Kit and caspase-3 colorimetric assay kit. PIF1 expression was upregulated in pancreatic cancer tissues and cells. Knockdown of PIF1 exhibited the repressive impact on the viability of AsPC-1 and PANC-1 cells. PIF1 knockdown enhanced LDH release and apoptosis in both AsPC-1 and PANC-1 cells. PIF1 downregulation could augment the sensitivity of gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer cells, as evidenced by lower cell viability and higher LDH release and apoptosis rate after knocking down PIF1 in gemcitabine-treated pancreatic cancer cells relative to pancreatic cancer cells treated with gemcitabine alone. Moreover, PIF1 knockdown increased γH2Ax protein expression and DNA damage, and gemcitabine treatment-induced DNA damage in AsPC-1 and PANC-1 cells was exacerbated by PIF1 silencing. Furthermore, gemcitabine treatment-caused increase of DNA damage was alleviated by PIF1 overexpression; whereas, this effect of PIF1 upregulation was reversed by thymidine, a DNA synthesis inhibitor. In addition, the decreased gemcitabine sensitivity response to pancreatic cancer cells caused by PIF1 upregulation was also hindered by thymidine treatment. In conclusion, PIF1 silencing enhanced gemcitabine sensitivity response to pancreatic cancer cells through aggrandizing DNA damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiangdong Hua
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xibo Fu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhiqiang Hao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Ao Jiao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Siyuan Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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22
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Zhang Y, Tian X, Wang Z, Wang H, Liu F, Long Q, Jiang S. Advanced applications of DNA nanostructures dominated by DNA origami in antitumor drug delivery. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1239952. [PMID: 37609372 PMCID: PMC10440542 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1239952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA origami is a cutting-edge DNA self-assembly technique that neatly folds DNA strands and creates specific structures based on the complementary base pairing principle. These innovative DNA origami nanostructures provide numerous benefits, including lower biotoxicity, increased stability, and superior adaptability, making them an excellent choice for transporting anti-tumor agents. Furthermore, they can considerably reduce side effects and improve therapy success by offering precise, targeted, and multifunctional drug delivery system. This comprehensive review looks into the principles and design strategies of DNA origami, providing valuable insights into this technology's latest research achievements and development trends in the field of anti-tumor drug delivery. Additionally, we review the key function and major benefits of DNA origami in cancer treatment, some of these approaches also involve aspects related to DNA tetrahedra, aiming to provide novel ideas and effective solutions to address drug delivery challenges in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Zhang
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining First People’s Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Xinchen Tian
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining First People’s Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Zijian Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Haochen Wang
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining First People’s Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Fen Liu
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining First People’s Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Qipeng Long
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining First People’s Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Shulong Jiang
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining First People’s Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
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23
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Grell P, Borilova S, Fabian P, Selingerova I, Novak D, Muller P, Kiss I, Vyzula R. FoxP3 Expression in Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes as Potential Predictor of Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Patients with Advanced Melanoma and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061901. [PMID: 36980787 PMCID: PMC10047850 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061901] [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: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are the main therapy currently used in advanced malignant melanoma (MM) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Despite the wide variety of uses, the possibility of predicting ICI efficacy in these tumor types is scarce. The aim of our study was to find new predictive biomarkers for ICI treatment. We analyzed, by immunohistochemistry, various cell subsets, including CD3+, CD8+, CD68+, CD20+, and FoxP3+ cells, and molecules such as LAG-3, IDO1, and TGFβ. Comprehensive genomic profiles were analyzed. We evaluated 46 patients with advanced MM (31) and NSCLC (15) treated with ICI monotherapy. When analyzing the malignant melanoma group, shorter median progression-free survival (PFS) was found in tumors positive for nuclear FoxP3 in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) (p = 0.048, HR 3.04) and for CD68 expression (p = 0.034, HR 3.2). Longer PFS was achieved in patients with tumors with PD-L1 TPS ≥ 1 (p = 0.005, HR 0.26). In the NSCLC group, only FoxP3 positivity was associated with shorter PFS and OS. We found that FoxP3 negativity was linked with a better response to ICI in both histological groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Grell
- Department of Comprehensive Cancer Care, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Comprehensive Cancer Care, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Simona Borilova
- Department of Comprehensive Cancer Care, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Comprehensive Cancer Care, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Fabian
- Department of Pathology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Iveta Selingerova
- Research Center for Applied Molecular Oncology (RECAMO), Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - David Novak
- Research Center for Applied Molecular Oncology (RECAMO), Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Muller
- Research Center for Applied Molecular Oncology (RECAMO), Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Igor Kiss
- Department of Comprehensive Cancer Care, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Comprehensive Cancer Care, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Rostislav Vyzula
- Department of Comprehensive Cancer Care, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Zluty kopec 7, 656 53 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Comprehensive Cancer Care, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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24
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Malla R, Adem M, Chakraborty A. Complexity and diversity of FOXP3 isoforms: Novel insights into the regulation of the immune response in metastatic breast cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 118:110015. [PMID: 36931171 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110015] [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: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
FOXP3 is a key transcription factor in the regulation of immune responses, and recent studies have uncovered the complexity and diversity of FOXP3 isoforms in various cancers, including metastatic breast cancers (mBCs). It has dual role in the tumor microenvironment of mBCs. This review aims to provide novel insights into the complexity and diversity of FOXP3 isoforms in the regulation of the immune response in breast cancer. We discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying the function of FOXP3 isoforms, including their interaction with other proteins, regulation of gene expression, and impact on the immune system. We also highlight the importance of understanding the role of FOXP3 isoforms in breast cancer and the potential for using them as therapeutic targets. This review highlights the crucial role of FOXP3 isoforms in the regulation of the immune response in breast cancer and underscores the need for further research to fully comprehend their complex and diverse functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- RamaRao Malla
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, GITAM School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam 530045, Andhra Pradesh, India.
| | - Meghapriya Adem
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Padmavathi Mahila Visvavidhyalayam, Tirupati 517502, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Anindita Chakraborty
- Radiation Biology Laboratory, UGC-DAE-CSR, Kolkata Centere, Kolkata 700098, West Bengal, India
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25
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Iglesias-Escudero M, Arias-González N, Martínez-Cáceres E. Regulatory cells and the effect of cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:26. [PMID: 36739406 PMCID: PMC9898962 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01714-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Several mechanisms and cell types are involved in the regulation of the immune response. These include mostly regulatory T cells (Tregs), regulatory macrophages (Mregs), myeloid suppressor cells (MDSCs) and other regulatory cell types such as tolerogenic dendritic cells (tolDCs), regulatory B cells (Bregs), and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These regulatory cells, known for their ability to suppress immune responses, can also suppress the anti-tumor immune response. The infiltration of many regulatory cells into tumor tissues is therefore associated with a poor prognosis. There is growing evidence that elimination of Tregs enhances anti-tumor immune responses. However, the systemic depletion of Treg cells can simultaneously cause deleterious autoimmunity. Furthermore, since regulatory cells are characterized by their high level of expression of immune checkpoints, it is also expected that immune checkpoint inhibitors perform part of their function by blocking these molecules and enhancing the immune response. This indicates that immunotherapy does not only act by activating specific effector T cells but can also directly or indirectly attenuate the suppressive activity of regulatory cells in tumor tissues. This review aims to draw together our current knowledge about the effect of immunotherapy on the various types of regulatory cells, and how these effects may be beneficial in the response to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Iglesias-Escudero
- Immunology Division, LCMN, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital and Research Institute, Campus Can Ruti, Badalona, Spain. .,Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.
| | - Noelia Arias-González
- grid.411438.b0000 0004 1767 6330Immunology Division, LCMN, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital and Research Institute, Campus Can Ruti, Badalona, Spain
| | - Eva Martínez-Cáceres
- Immunology Division, LCMN, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital and Research Institute, Campus Can Ruti, Badalona, Spain. .,Department of Cellular Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.
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26
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Yang L, Zhao Q, Wang X, Pilapong C, Li Y, Zou J, Jin J, Rong J. Investigation on the regulatory T cells signature and relevant Foxp3/STAT3 axis in esophageal cancer. Cancer Med 2023; 12:4993-5008. [PMID: 36226375 PMCID: PMC9972178 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have an important role in accelerating the immunosuppression of tumor. Tregs regulation is a hopeful strategy to improve the dismal prognosis of Esophageal cancer (EC), while its mechanisms have not yet been fully clarified. METHODS To characterize the role of Tregs in EC, we comprehensively explored its prognostic value, clinical pathology partnership, related biological functions and potential mechanisms at transcriptome level. Through the integrated analysis of GEO and TCGA datasets, we comprehensively evaluated the Tregs infiltration patterns in EC patients. The correlation between Tregs infiltration and genomic characteristics, as well as biological functions were analyzed by a variety of computational algorithms. RESULTS We observed that Tregs were significantly upregulated in EC and involved in various immune processes. According to TCGA and GEO transcriptional classification schemes, Tregs specific genes were observed to be highly expressed in tumor samples, as well as were closely associated with poor prognosis and worse clinical outcomes. In addition, EC patients can be stratified into high-risk and low-risk immune subgroups according to Tregs/macrophages infiltration level, and the results showed significant differences in tumor development, biological processes and probe gene expression pattern. The multi-variate analysis revealed that the interaction between STAT3 and Foxp3 was a potential prognostic signature of Tregs in EC, especially the modulation effect of STAT3 on Foxp3 expression, which has not been well studied in EC. We also identified that STAT3 and Foxp3 expression presented a high accuracy in predicting Tregs infiltration level in EC patients (AUC: 0.817; 95% CI: 0.756-0.878). CONCLUSIONS Our results revealed that Tregs have the potential to predict prognosis and tumor deterioration in EC patients. A comprehensive landscape of Tregs regulation mechanisms will help us interpret the immunosuppression of tumor microenvironment (TME) and novel strategies for EC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Yang
- Department of Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qijie Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.,Center of Excellence for Molecular Imaging (CEMI), Department of Radiologic Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Xing Wang
- Shichuan Nursing Vocational College, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chalermchai Pilapong
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Imaging (CEMI), Department of Radiologic Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Zou
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Jin
- Department of Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinfeng Rong
- Department of Oncology, The Second People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, People's Republic of China
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27
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Ping G, Tian Y, Zhou Z. Constructing a Tregs-associated signature to predict the prognosis of colorectal cancer patients: A STROBE-compliant retrospective study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e31382. [PMID: 36451426 PMCID: PMC9704903 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000031382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a key constituent of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and are significantly associated with patient outcomes. Our study aimed to construct a Treg-associated signature to predict the prognosis of CRC patients. The genes' expression values and patients' clinicopathological features were downloaded from TCGA and gene expression omnibus (GEO) databases. The single-cell RNA (scRNA) sequencing data of CRC were analyzed through the Deeply Integrated human Single-Cell Omics database. WGCNA analysis was used to select Tregs-associated genes (TrAGs). The infiltrated levels of immune and stromal cells were accessed through the ESTIMATE algorithm. Cox regression analysis and the LASSO algorithm were implemented to construct prognostic models. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to annotate enriched gene sets. Based on scRNA sequencing data, our study uncovered that more Tregs were significantly enriched in the TME of CRC. Then we identified 123 differentially expressed TrAGs which mainly participated in immune regulation. Given that CRC patients were reclassified into 2 subgroups with distinct overall survival based on 26 differentially expressed TrAGs with prognostic values, we subsequently constructed a signature for CRC. After training and validating in independent cohorts, we proved that this prognostic model can be well applied to predict the prognosis of CRC patients. Further analysis exhibited that more tumor-suppressing immune cells and higher immune checkpoint genes were enriched in CRC patients with high-risk scores. Moreover, immunohistochemistry analysis validated that the genes in the prognostic model were significantly elevated in CRC tissues. We were the first to construct a prognostic signature for CRC based on TrAGs and further revealed that the poor prognosis of patients was mainly attributed to the tumor-suppressing microenvironment and upregulated immune checkpoint genes in tumor tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqiang Ping
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yichen Tian
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ziqiang Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, Shandong, China
- *Correspondence: Ziqiang Zhou, Department of Pathology, Zibo Central Hospital, No. 54 Gongqingtuanxi Road, Zhangdian District, Zibo 255020, China (e-mail: )
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28
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Regulatory T Cells in Ovarian Carcinogenesis and Future Therapeutic Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225488. [PMID: 36428581 PMCID: PMC9688690 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been shown to play a role in the development of solid tumors. A better understanding of the biology of Tregs, immune suppression by Tregs, and how cancer developed with the activity of Tregs has facilitated the development of strategies used to improve immune-based therapy. In ovarian cancer, Tregs have been shown to promote cancer development and resistance at different cancer stages. Understanding the various Treg-mediated immune escape mechanisms provides opportunities to establish specific, efficient, long-lasting anti-tumor immunity. Here, we review the evidence of Treg involvement in various stages of ovarian cancer. We further provide an overview of the current and prospective therapeutic approaches that arise from the modulation of Treg-related tumor immunity at those specific stages. Finally, we propose combination strategies of Treg-related therapies with other anti-tumor therapies to improve clinical efficacy and overcome tumor resistance in ovarian cancer.
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29
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Riether C. Regulation of hematopoietic and leukemia stem cells by regulatory T cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1049301. [PMID: 36405718 PMCID: PMC9666425 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1049301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult bone marrow (BM) hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are maintained in a quiescent state and sustain the continuous production of all types of blood cells. HSCs reside in a specialized microenvironment the so-called HSC niche, which equally promotes HSC self-renewal and differentiation to ensure the integrity of the HSC pool throughout life and to replenish hematopoietic cells after acute injury, infection or anemia. The processes of HSC self-renewal and differentiation are tightly controlled and are in great part regulated through cellular interactions with classical (e.g. mesenchymal stromal cells) and non-classical niche cells (e.g. immune cells). In myeloid leukemia, some of these regulatory mechanisms that evolved to maintain HSCs, to protect them from exhaustion and immune destruction and to minimize the risk of malignant transformation are hijacked/disrupted by leukemia stem cells (LSCs), the malignant counterpart of HSCs, to promote disease progression as well as resistance to therapy and immune control. CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are substantially enriched in the BM compared to other secondary lymphoid organs and are crucially involved in the establishment of an immune privileged niche to maintain HSC quiescence and to protect HSC integrity. In leukemia, Tregs frequencies in the BM even increase. Studies in mice and humans identified the accumulation of Tregs as a major immune-regulatory mechanism. As cure of leukemia implies the elimination of LSCs, the understanding of these immune-regulatory processes may be of particular importance for the development of future treatments of leukemia as targeting major immune escape mechanisms which revolutionized the treatment of solid tumors such as the blockade of the inhibitory checkpoint receptor programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) seems less efficacious in the treatment of leukemia. This review will summarize recent findings on the mechanisms by which Tregs regulate stem cells and adaptive immune cells in the BM during homeostasis and in leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Riether
- Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland,Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland,*Correspondence: Carsten Riether,
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30
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Long M, Mims AS, Li Z. Factors Affecting the Cancer Immunotherapeutic Efficacy of T Cell Bispecific Antibodies and Strategies for Improvement. Immunol Invest 2022; 51:2176-2214. [PMID: 36259611 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2022.2131569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
T-cell bispecific antibodies (T-BsAbs) are a new class of cancer immunotherapy drugs that can simultaneously bind to tumor-associated antigens on target cells and to the CD3 subunit of the T-cell receptor (TCR) on T cells. In the last decade, numerous T-BsAbs have been developed for the treatment of both hematological malignancies and solid tumors. Among them, blinatumomab has been successfully used to treat CD19 positive malignancies and has been approved by the FDA as standard care for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, in many clinical scenarios, the efficacy of T-BsAbs remains unsatisfactory. To further improve T-BsAb therapy, it will be crucial to better understand the factors affecting treatment efficacy and the nature of the T-BsAb-induced immune response. Herein, we first review the studies on the potential mechanisms by which T-BsAbs activate T-cells and how they elicit efficient target killing despite suboptimal costimulatory support. We focus on analyzing reports from clinical trials and preclinical studies, and summarize the factors that have been identified to impact the efficacy of T-BsAbs. Lastly, we review current and propose new approaches to improve the clinical efficacy of T-BsAbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meixiao Long
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Alice S Mims
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Zihai Li
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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31
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Li B. Why do tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes have variable efficacy in the treatment of solid tumors? Front Immunol 2022; 13:973881. [PMID: 36341370 PMCID: PMC9635507 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.973881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymphocytes in tumor tissue are called tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and they play a key role in the control and treatment of tumor diseases. Since the discovery in 1987 that cultured TILs can kill tumor cells more than 100 times more effectively than T-cells cultured from peripheral blood in melanoma, it has been confirmed that cultured TILs can successfully cure clinical patients with melanoma. Since 1989, after we investigated TIL isolation performance from solid tumors, we modified some procedures to increase efficacy, and thus successfully established new TIL isolation and culture methods in 1994. Moreover, our laboratory and clinicians using our cultured TILs have published more than 30 papers. To improve the efficacy of TILs, we have been carrying out studies of TIL efficacy to treat solid tumor diseases for approximately 30 years. The three main questions of TIL study have been "How do TILs remain silent in solid tumor tissue?", "How do TILs attack homologous and heterologous antigens from tumor cells of solid tumors?", and "How do TILs infiltrate solid tumor tissue from a distance into tumor sites to kill tumor cells?". Research on these three issues has increasingly answered these questions. In this review I summarize the main issues surrounding TILs in treating solid tumors. This review aims to study the killing function of TILs from solid tumor tissues, thereby ultimately introducing the optimal strategy for patients suffering from solid tumors through personalized immunotherapy in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biaoru Li
- Georgia Cancer Center and Department of Pediatrics, Medical College at Georgia (GA), Augusta, GA, United States
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32
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Weißenborn C, von Lenthe S, Hinz N, Langwisch S, Busse M, Schumacher A, Zenclussen AC, Fest S. Depletion of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells but not the absence of
CD19
+
IL
‐10+ regulatory B cells hinders tumor growth in a para‐orthotopic neuroblastoma mouse model. Int J Cancer 2022; 151:2031-2042. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Weißenborn
- Pediatric Immunotherapy Group, Medical Faculty Otto‐von Guericke University of Magdeburg Germany
- Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty Otto‐von Guericke University of Magdeburg Germany
| | - Sophie von Lenthe
- Pediatric Immunotherapy Group, Medical Faculty Otto‐von Guericke University of Magdeburg Germany
- Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty Otto‐von Guericke University of Magdeburg Germany
| | - Nicole Hinz
- Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty Otto‐von Guericke University of Magdeburg Germany
| | - Stefanie Langwisch
- Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty Otto‐von Guericke University of Magdeburg Germany
| | - Mandy Busse
- Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty Otto‐von Guericke University of Magdeburg Germany
| | - Anne Schumacher
- Department of Environmental Immunology Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ Leipzig Germany
| | - Ana C. Zenclussen
- Department of Environmental Immunology Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ Leipzig Germany
| | - Stefan Fest
- Pediatric Immunotherapy Group, Medical Faculty Otto‐von Guericke University of Magdeburg Germany
- Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty Otto‐von Guericke University of Magdeburg Germany
- Department of Environmental Immunology Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ Leipzig Germany
- Städtisches Klinikum Dessau, Academic Hospital of University Brandenburg Dessau Germany
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33
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Parsonidis P, Papasotiriou I. Adoptive Cellular Transfer Immunotherapies for Cancer. Cancer Treat Res Commun 2022; 32:100575. [PMID: 35679756 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2022.100575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Patients with cancer require efficient treatment approaches as the mortality rate due to their disease is high. Conventional therapies, like chemotherapy and radiation, have severe side effects. Drug discovery is focusing on the development of alternative strategies that could have beneficial effects to the patients. Cellular therapies are potential therapeutics, and the generation of new products is growing fast. The concept involves the isolation of immune cells, ex vivo activation and reinfusion into the patient. The goal is to boost the immune cells to fight cancer cells. Different immune cells can be used, including dendritic cells, T cells, NK cells, macrophages and B lymphocytes. Some products have already gained FDA approval, while many more are currently in clinical trials. Research is focusing on the improvement of the function of the cells that may require genetic modification or combination with other therapies. Finally, it is crucial to develop novel technologies that could be used in monitoring of the immune profile of patients that have received a cellular therapy to assess the efficacy of the treatment.
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