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Jeon D, Hill E, McNeel DG. Toll-like receptor agonists as cancer vaccine adjuvants. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2297453. [PMID: 38155525 PMCID: PMC10760790 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2297453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a promising strategy to treat cancer patients. Among the wide range of immunological approaches, cancer vaccines have been investigated to activate and expand tumor-reactive T cells. However, most cancer vaccines have not shown significant clinical benefit as monotherapies. This is likely due to the antigen targets of vaccines, "self" proteins to which there is tolerance, as well as to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. To help circumvent immune tolerance and generate effective immune responses, adjuvants for cancer vaccines are necessary. One representative adjuvant family is Toll-Like receptor (TLR) agonists, synthetic molecules that stimulate TLRs. TLRs are the largest family of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that serve as the sensors of pathogens or cellular damage. They recognize conserved foreign molecules from pathogens or internal molecules from cellular damage and propel innate immune responses. When used with vaccines, activation of TLRs signals an innate damage response that can facilitate the development of a strong adaptive immune response against the target antigen. The ability of TLR agonists to modulate innate immune responses has positioned them to serve as adjuvants for vaccines targeting infectious diseases and cancers. This review provides a summary of various TLRs, including their expression patterns, their functions in the immune system, as well as their ligands and synthetic molecules developed as TLR agonists. In addition, it presents a comprehensive overview of recent strategies employing different TLR agonists as adjuvants in cancer vaccine development, both in pre-clinical models and ongoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghwan Jeon
- Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ethan Hill
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Douglas G. McNeel
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
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2
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Yue T, Wang J, Liu F, Gong P, Li J, Zhang X, Zhang N. The effects of anti-lung cancer in nude mice by a fully human single-chain antibody against associated antigen Ts7TMR between A549 cells and Trichinella spiralis. ARTIFICIAL CELLS, NANOMEDICINE, AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 52:300-308. [PMID: 38753524 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2024.2347377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Lung cancer is a dangerous disease that is lacking in an ideal therapy. Here, we evaluated the anti-lung cancer effect in nude mice of a fully human single-chain antibody (scFv) against the associated antigen 7 transmembrane receptor (Ts7TMR), which is also called G protein-coupled receptor, between A549 cells and Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis). Our data showed that anti-Ts7TMR scFv could inhibit lung cancer growth in a dose-dependent manner, with a tumour inhibition rate of 59.1%. HE staining did not reveal any obvious tissue damage. Mechanistically, immunohistochemical staining revealed that the scFv down-regulated the expression of PCNA and VEGF in tumour tissues. Overall, this study found that anti-Ts7TMR scFv could inhibit A549 lung cancer growth by suppressing cell proliferation and angiogenesis, which may provide a new strategy for treating lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taotao Yue
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jinpeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Fang Liu
- First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Pengtao Gong
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jianhua Li
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xichen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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3
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Wang X, Lu J. Immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:1765-1776. [PMID: 38855876 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000003060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Its high recurrence rate and lack of effective control drugs result in a 5-year survival rate of only about 10%. HCC is a tumor regulated by the immune system. Significant breakthroughs have occurred in treating solid tumors with immunotherapy in recent years. Various immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), including combination therapies, have demonstrated promising therapeutic effects in both clinical applications and research. Other immunotherapies, such as adoptive cell therapies and oncolytic viruses, are also emerging, offering hope for addressing long-term survival issues in HCC. This article reviews current commonly used immunotherapy strategies and the latest research findings for reference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
- Laboratory for Clinical Medicine, Capital Medical University
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
- Laboratory for Clinical Medicine, Capital Medical University
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Okano S. Immunotherapy for head and neck cancer: Fundamentals and therapeutic development. Auris Nasus Larynx 2024; 51:684-695. [PMID: 38729034 DOI: 10.1016/j.anl.2024.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) has been treated by multidisciplinary therapy consisting of surgery, radiotherapy, and cancer chemotherapy, but the recent advent of immunotherapy has produced significant changes in treatment systems and the results of these therapies. Immunotherapy has greatly improved the outcome of recurrent metastatic SCCHN, and the development of new treatment methods based on immunotherapy is now being applied not only to recurrent metastatic cases but also to locally advanced cases. To understand and practice cancer immunotherapy, it is important to understand the immune environment surrounding cancer, and the changes to which it is subject. Currently, the anti-PD-1 antibody drugs nivolumab and pembrolizumab are the only immunotherapies with proven efficacy in head and neck cancer. However, anti-PD-L1 and anti-CTLA-4 antibody drugs have also been shown to be useful in other types of cancer and are being incorporated into clinical practice. In head and neck cancer, numerous clinical trials have aimed to improve efficacy and safety by combining immunotherapy with other drug therapies and treatment modalities. Combinations of immunotherapy with cancer drugs with different mechanisms of action (cytotoxic agents, molecular-targeted agents, immune checkpoint inhibitors), as well as with radiation therapy and surgery are being investigated, and have the potential to significantly change medical care for these patients. The application of cancer immunotherapy not only to daily clinical practice but also to further therapeutic development requires a clear and complete understanding of the fundamentals of cancer immunotherapy, and knowledge of the numerous clinical studies conducted, both past and present. The results of these trials are numerous, both positive and negative, and a comprehensive understanding of this wide range of completed and ongoing clinical trials is critical to a systematic and comprehensive understanding of their scope and lessons learnt. In this article, after outlining the concepts of ``cancer immune cycle,'' ``cancer immune editing,'' and ``tumor microenvironment'' to provide an understanding of the basics of cancer immunity, we summarize the basics and clinical trial data on representative immune checkpoint inhibitors used in various cancer types, as well as recent therapeutic developments in cancer immunotherapy and the current status of these new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susumu Okano
- Department of Head and Neck Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, 6-5-1, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan.
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Nicolini A, Ferrari P. Involvement of tumor immune microenvironment metabolic reprogramming in colorectal cancer progression, immune escape, and response to immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1353787. [PMID: 39119332 PMCID: PMC11306065 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1353787] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is a k`ey hallmark of tumors, developed in response to hypoxia and nutrient deficiency during tumor progression. In both cancer and immune cells, there is a metabolic shift from oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to aerobic glycolysis, also known as the Warburg effect, which then leads to lactate acidification, increased lipid synthesis, and glutaminolysis. This reprogramming facilitates tumor immune evasion and, within the tumor microenvironment (TME), cancer and immune cells collaborate to create a suppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). The growing interest in the metabolic reprogramming of the TME, particularly its significance in colorectal cancer (CRC)-one of the most prevalent cancers-has prompted us to explore this topic. CRC exhibits abnormal glycolysis, glutaminolysis, and increased lipid synthesis. Acidosis in CRC cells hampers the activity of anti-tumor immune cells and inhibits the phagocytosis of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), while nutrient deficiency promotes the development of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and M2-like macrophages. In CRC cells, activation of G-protein coupled receptor 81 (GPR81) signaling leads to overexpression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and reduces the antigen presentation capability of dendritic cells. Moreover, the genetic and epigenetic cell phenotype, along with the microbiota, significantly influence CRC metabolic reprogramming. Activating RAS mutations and overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) occur in approximately 50% and 80% of patients, respectively, stimulating glycolysis and increasing levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) and MYC proteins. Certain bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which activate CD8+ cells and genes involved in antigen processing and presentation, while other mechanisms support pro-tumor activities. The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in selected CRC patients has shown promise, and the combination of these with drugs that inhibit aerobic glycolysis is currently being intensively researched to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Nicolini
- Department of Oncology, Transplantations and New Technologies in Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Ferrari
- Unit of Oncology, Department of Medical and Oncological Area, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
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Olejarz W, Sadowski K, Szulczyk D, Basak G. Advancements in Personalized CAR-T Therapy: Comprehensive Overview of Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Hematological Malignancies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7743. [PMID: 39062986 PMCID: PMC11276786 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147743] [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: 06/30/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy is a novel anticancer therapy using autologous or allogeneic T-cells. To date, six CAR-T therapies for specific B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL), and multiple myeloma (MM) have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Significant barriers to the effectiveness of CAR-T therapy include cytokine release syndrome (CRS), neurotoxicity in the case of Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (Allo-SCT) graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD), antigen escape, modest antitumor activity, restricted trafficking, limited persistence, the immunosuppressive microenvironment, and senescence and exhaustion of CAR-Ts. Furthermore, cancer drug resistance remains a major problem in clinical practice. CAR-T therapy, in combination with checkpoint blockades and bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) or other drugs, appears to be an appealing anticancer strategy. Many of these agents have shown impressive results, combining efficacy with tolerability. Biomarkers like extracellular vesicles (EVs), cell-free DNA (cfDNA), circulating tumor (ctDNA) and miRNAs may play an important role in toxicity, relapse assessment, and efficacy prediction, and can be implicated in clinical applications of CAR-T therapy and in establishing safe and efficacious personalized medicine. However, further research is required to fully comprehend the particular side effects of immunomodulation, to ascertain the best order and combination of this medication with conventional chemotherapy and targeted therapies, and to find reliable predictive biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wioletta Olejarz
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
- Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karol Sadowski
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
- Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Hematology, Transplantation and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Daniel Szulczyk
- Chair and Department of Biochemistry, The Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Grzegorz Basak
- Department of Hematology, Transplantation and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
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Laletin V, Bernard PL, Montersino C, Yamanashi Y, Olive D, Castellano R, Guittard G, Nunès JA. DOK1 and DOK2 regulate CD8 T cell signaling and memory formation without affecting tumor cell killing. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15053. [PMID: 38956389 PMCID: PMC11220026 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66075-0] [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] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeting intracellular inhibiting proteins has been revealed to be a promising strategy to improve CD8+ T cell anti-tumor efficacy. Here, we are focusing on intracellular inhibiting proteins specific to TCR signaling: DOK1 and DOK2 expressed in T cells. We hypothesized that depletion of intracellular inhibition checkpoint DOK1 and DOK2 could improve CD8+ T-cell based cancer therapies. To evaluate the role of DOK1 and DOK2 depletion in physiology and effector function of CD8+ T lymphocytes and in cancer progression, we established a transgenic T cell receptor mouse model specific to melanoma antigen hgp100 (pmel-1 TCR Tg) in WT and Dok1/Dok2 DKO (double KO) mice. We showed that both DOK1 and DOK2 depletion in CD8+ T cells after an in vitro pre-stimulation induced a higher percentage of effector memory T cells as well as an up regulation of TCR signaling cascade- induced by CD3 mAbs, including the increased levels of pAKT and pERK, two major phosphoproteins involved in T cell functions. Interestingly, this improved TCR signaling was not observed in naïve CD8+ T cells. Despite this enhanced TCR signaling essentially shown upon stimulation via CD3 mAbs, pre-stimulated Dok1/Dok2 DKO CD8+ T cells did not show any increase in their activation or cytotoxic capacities against melanoma cell line expressing hgp100 in vitro. Altogether we demonstrate here a novel aspect of the negative regulation by DOK1 and DOK2 proteins in CD8+ T cells. Indeed, our results allow us to conclude that DOK1 and DOK2 have an inhibitory role following long term T cell stimulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Laletin
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, CRCM, Immunity and Cancer Team, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Inserm, CNRS, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre-Louis Bernard
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, CRCM, Immunity and Cancer Team, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Inserm, CNRS, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Camille Montersino
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, CRCM, TrGET Pre-Clinical Assay Platform, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Inserm, CNRS, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Yuji Yamanashi
- Division of Genetics, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Daniel Olive
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, CRCM, Immunity and Cancer Team, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Inserm, CNRS, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Rémy Castellano
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, CRCM, TrGET Pre-Clinical Assay Platform, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Inserm, CNRS, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Geoffrey Guittard
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, CRCM, Immunity and Cancer Team, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Inserm, CNRS, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Jacques A Nunès
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, CRCM, Immunity and Cancer Team, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Inserm, CNRS, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France.
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8
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Shiomi K, Ichinoe M, Ushiwata A, Eshima K, Nagashio R, Hayashi S, Sonoda D, Kondo Y, Maruyama R, Mikubo M, Murakumo Y, Satoh Y. Insight into the significance of Foxp3 + tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in squamous cell lung cancer. Clin Transl Oncol 2024; 26:1708-1715. [PMID: 38402536 PMCID: PMC11178642 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-024-03392-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although developing a better understanding of tumor-infiltrating Foxp3 + lymphocytes (Foxp3 + TILs) might provide essential knowledge to predict response to immunotherapy and prognosis, our current knowledge about Foxp3 + TILs is inadequate. This study investigated the prognostic significance of tumor-infiltrating Foxp3 + lymphocytes (Foxp3 + TILs) in squamous cell lung cancer (SQ-LC) objectively. METHODS Among patients with SQ-LC surgically resected in our institution between 2011 and 2017, those with pathological stage IA3-IIIA were immunohistochemically studied to evaluate Foxp3 + TILs in their tumor stroma. The impact of Foxp3 + TILs on relapse-free survival (RFS) was analyzed with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and multivariate analysis using a Cox proportional hazards model/Fine-Gray model. RESULTS This study analyzed 100 patients. Multivariate analysis showed that a large number of Foxp3 + TILs in the stroma does not associate with a poor prognosis, rather that a large number of Foxp3 + TILs (≥ 64 cells) tend to be associated with a more favorable prognosis than a small number of Foxp3 + TILs (< 64 cells) (large vs small number: HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.17-1.83; P = 0.34). Exploratory analysis also showed that in the two populations divided by a difference in Foxp3 expression levels, similar trends to the main analysis were observed. CONCLUSION Our results showed that a large number of Foxp3 + TILs in the stroma may not associate with a poor prognosis in SQ-LC. To use the seemingly complicated information of Foxp3 + TILs as biomarkers, better understanding the diversity and heterogeneity of Foxp3 + TILs and analyzing their subpopulations that increase in the TME may be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazu Shiomi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-Ku, Sagamihara-Shi, Kanagawa, 252-0374, Japan.
| | - Masaaki Ichinoe
- Department of Pathology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-Ku, Sagamihara-Shi, Kanagawa, 252-0374, Japan
| | - Ai Ushiwata
- Department of Clinical Medicine (Biostatistics), Kitasato University School of Pharmacy, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Koji Eshima
- Department of Biosciences, Kitasato University School of Sciences, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-Ku, Sagamihara-Shi, Kanagawa, 252-0374, Japan
| | - Ryo Nagashio
- Department of Applied Tumor Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-Ku, Sagamihara-Shi, Kanagawa, 252-0374, Japan
| | - Shoko Hayashi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-Ku, Sagamihara-Shi, Kanagawa, 252-0374, Japan
| | - Dai Sonoda
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-Ku, Sagamihara-Shi, Kanagawa, 252-0374, Japan
| | - Yasuto Kondo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-Ku, Sagamihara-Shi, Kanagawa, 252-0374, Japan
| | - Raito Maruyama
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-Ku, Sagamihara-Shi, Kanagawa, 252-0374, Japan
| | - Masashi Mikubo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-Ku, Sagamihara-Shi, Kanagawa, 252-0374, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Murakumo
- Department of Pathology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-Ku, Sagamihara-Shi, Kanagawa, 252-0374, Japan
| | - Yukitoshi Satoh
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-Ku, Sagamihara-Shi, Kanagawa, 252-0374, Japan
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Yang Y, Cheng Y, Cheng L. The emergence of cancer sono-immunotherapy. Trends Immunol 2024; 45:549-563. [PMID: 38910097 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2024.06.001] [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: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Owing to its remarkable ease of use, ultrasound has recently been explored for stimulating or amplifying immune responses during cancer therapy, termed 'sono-immunotherapy'. Ultrasound can cause immunogenic cell death in cancer cells via thermal and nonthermal effects to regulate the tumor microenvironment, thereby priming anticancer immunity; by integrating well-designed biomaterials, novel sono-immunotherapy approaches with augmented efficacy can also be developed. Here, we review the advances in sono-immunotherapy for cancer treatment and summarize existing limitations along with potential trends. We offer emerging insights into this realm, which might prompt breakthroughs and expand its potential applications to other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqi Yang
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China; Monash Suzhou Research Institute, Monash University, Suzhou, 215000, China; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Yuan Cheng
- Monash Suzhou Research Institute, Monash University, Suzhou, 215000, China; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Liang Cheng
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
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10
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Xiang S, Li J, Zhang M. TGF-β1 inhibitor enhances the therapeutic effect of microwave ablation on hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Hyperthermia 2024; 41:2359496. [PMID: 38909985 DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2024.2359496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microwave ablation (MWA) is a widely adopted treatment technique for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, MWA alone is of limited use and has a high recurrence rate. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is recognized as a potential therapeutic target for HCC patients. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate whether the TGF-β1 inhibitor could increase the efficacy of MWA therapy for HCC treatment. METHODS In vitro, HCC cells challenged with TGF-β1 inhibitor (SB-525334), or normal saline were then heated by microwave. Methyl tetrazolium assays were performed to detect cell survival rate and half-maximal drug inhibitory concentration (IC50). Cell viability and apoptosis were detected by cell counting kit-8 assays, flow cytometry and western blotting. In vivo, the mice injected with HepG2 cells received oral gavage of SB-525334 (20 mg/kg) or normal saline and MWA at a power of 15 W. Tumor volume was recorded. Expression of Ki67 and apoptosis-related proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. TUNEL assays were used to detect cell death ratio. Histopathological changes were examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The mechanisms associated with the function of MWA combined with TGF-β1 inhibitor in HCC development were explored by western blotting. RESULTS Combination of MWA and SB-525334 decreased the survival rate and promoted the apoptosis of HCC cells compared with MWA alone. SB-525334 enhanced the suppressive effect of MWA on tumor growth and amplified cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, MWA collaborated with SB-525334 inhibitor inactivated the TGF-β1/Smad2/Smad3 pathway. CONCLUSION TGF-β1 inhibitor enhances the therapeutic effect of MWA on HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shufang Xiang
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou City, P. R.China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou City, P. R.China
| | - Mei Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou City, P. R.China
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11
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Bharadwaj S, Groza Y, Mierzwicka JM, Malý P. Current understanding on TREM-2 molecular biology and physiopathological functions. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 134:112042. [PMID: 38703564 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112042] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM-2), a glycosylated receptor belonging to the immunoglobin superfamily and especially expressed in the myeloid cell lineage, is frequently explained as a reminiscent receptor for both adaptive and innate immunity regulation. TREM-2 is also acknowledged to influence NK cell differentiation via the PI3K and PLCγ signaling pathways, as well as the partial activation or direct inhibition of T cells. Additionally, TREM-2 overexpression is substantially linked to cell-specific functions, such as enhanced phagocytosis, reduced toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated inflammatory cytokine production, increased transcription of anti-inflammatory cytokines, and reshaped T cell function. Whereas TREM-2-deficient cells exhibit diminished phagocytic function and enhanced proinflammatory cytokines production, proceeding to inflammatory injuries and an immunosuppressive environment for disease progression. Despite the growing literature supporting TREM-2+ cells in various diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders and cancer, substantial facets of TREM-2-mediated signaling remain inadequately understood relevant to pathophysiology conditions. In this direction, herein, we have summarized the current knowledge on TREM-2 biology and cell-specific TREM-2 expression, particularly in the modulation of pivotal TREM-2-dependent functions under physiopathological conditions. Furthermore, molecular regulation and generic biological relevance of TREM-2 are also discussed, which might provide an alternative approach for preventing or reducing TREM-2-associated deformities. At last, we discussed the TREM-2 function in supporting an immunosuppressive cancer environment and as a potential drug target for cancer immunotherapy. Hence, summarized knowledge of TREM-2 might provide a window to overcome challenges in clinically effective therapies for TREM-2-induced diseases in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiv Bharadwaj
- Laboratory of Ligand Engineering, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV Research Center, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic.
| | - Yaroslava Groza
- Laboratory of Ligand Engineering, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV Research Center, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Joanna M Mierzwicka
- Laboratory of Ligand Engineering, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV Research Center, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Malý
- Laboratory of Ligand Engineering, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV Research Center, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic.
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Sanaei MJ, Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi A, Rezvani A, Zaboli E, Salari S, Masjedi MR, Bashash D. Lung cancer vaccination from concept to reality: A critical review of clinical trials and latest advances. Life Sci 2024; 346:122652. [PMID: 38641048 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122652] [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: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Lung cancer is a highly lethal malignancy that poses a significant burden on public health worldwide. There have been numerous therapeutic approaches, among which cancer vaccines have emerged as a promising approach to harnessing the patient's immune system to induce long-lasting anti-tumor immunity. The current study aims to provide an overview of cancer vaccination in the context of lung cancer to establish a clearer landscape for lung cancer treatment. To provide a comprehensive review, we not only gathered the published studies of lung cancer vaccination and discussed their effectiveness and safety profile but also analyzed all the relevant clinical trials registered on www.clinicaltrials.gov until March 2024. We demonstrated all utilized vaccine platforms along with having a glance at novel technologies such as mRNA vaccines. The present review discussed the challenges and shortcomings of lung cancer vaccination, as well as the way they could be managed to pave the way for reaching the most optimized vaccine formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad-Javad Sanaei
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atieh Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Rezvani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ehsan Zaboli
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Sina Salari
- Department of Medical Oncology-Hematology, Taleghani Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Masjedi
- Cancer Control Research Center, Cancer Control Foundation, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Davood Bashash
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Febrero B, Ruiz-Manzanera JJ, Ros-Madrid I, Hernández AM, Orenes-Piñero E, Rodríguez JM. Tumor microenvironment in thyroid cancer: Immune cells, patterns, and novel treatments. Head Neck 2024; 46:1486-1499. [PMID: 38380767 DOI: 10.1002/hed.27695] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor immune microenvironment of thyroid cancer is the heterogeneous histological space in which tumor cells coexist with host cells. Published data from this review were identified by search and selection database of Pubmed, Elsevier, and Science Direct. Searching was made in two steps using different keywords. In thyroid pathology, the inflammatory response is very important, and might have a key role finding new diagnostic and therapeutic methods, particularly in thyroid cancer. Different immune cells may be more or less present in different types of thyroid cancer and may even have different functions, hence the importance of knowing their presence in different thyroid tumor pathologies. Cancer-related inflammation could be a useful target for new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies by analyzing peritumoral and intratumoral immune cells in different types of thyroid tumors. Moreover, novel strategies for thyroid cancer treatments, such as monoclonal antibodies targeting checkpoint inhibitors, are emerging as promising alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Febrero
- Department of Endocrine Surgery, General Surgery Service, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, Murcia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Juan José Ruiz-Manzanera
- Department of Endocrine Surgery, General Surgery Service, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, Murcia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Ros-Madrid
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio Miguel Hernández
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, Murcia, Spain
| | - Esteban Orenes-Piñero
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology-A, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - José Manuel Rodríguez
- Department of Endocrine Surgery, General Surgery Service, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, Murcia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
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14
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Ruli TM, Pollack ED, Lodh A, Evers CD, Price CA, Shoreibah M. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Their Hepatic-Related Side Effects: A Review. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2042. [PMID: 38893164 PMCID: PMC11171072 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16112042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide, with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being the most prevalent type of liver cancer. The prognosis of patients with advanced, unresectable HCC has historically been poor. However, with the emergence of immunotherapy, specifically immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), there is reason for optimism. Nevertheless, ICIs do not come without risk, especially when administered in patients with HCC, given their potential underlying poor hepatic reserve. Given their novelty in the management of HCC, there are few studies to date specifically investigating ICI-related side effects on the liver in patients with underlying HCC. This review will serve as a guide for clinicians on ICIs' role in the management of HCC and their potential side effect profile. There will be a discussion on ICI-related hepatotoxicity, the potential for hepatitis B and C reactivation with ICI use, the potential for the development of autoimmune hepatitis with ICI use, and the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding with ICI use. As ICIs become more commonplace as a treatment option in patients with advanced HCC, it is imperative that clinicians not only understand the mechanism of action of such agents but also understand and are able to identify hepatic-related side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M. Ruli
- Internal Medicine Residency Program, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (E.D.P.); (A.L.); (C.A.P.)
| | - Ethan D. Pollack
- Internal Medicine Residency Program, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (E.D.P.); (A.L.); (C.A.P.)
| | - Atul Lodh
- Internal Medicine Residency Program, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (E.D.P.); (A.L.); (C.A.P.)
| | - Charles D. Evers
- Internal Medicine Residency Program, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (E.D.P.); (A.L.); (C.A.P.)
| | - Christopher A. Price
- Internal Medicine Residency Program, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (E.D.P.); (A.L.); (C.A.P.)
| | - Mohamed Shoreibah
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA;
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15
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Zhang J, Shi X, Wang M, Zhai R, Wang M, Gong Z, Ni Z, Xu T, Zhu W, Liu L. Identification of immunogenic cell death-related damage-related molecular patterns (DAMPs) to predict outcomes in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:240. [PMID: 38713284 PMCID: PMC11076381 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05779-2] [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: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common type of cancer worldwide, wherein the immune responses are closely associated with disease occurrence, development, and prognosis. Investigation of the role of immunogenic cell death-related genes (ICDGs) in adaptive immune response activation may provide cues into the mechanism underlying the outcome of HNSCC immunotherapy. METHODS ICDGs expression patterns in HNSCC were analyzed, after which consensus clustering in HNSCC cohort conducted. A 4-gene prognostic model was constructed through LASSO and Cox regression analyses to analyze the prognostic index using the TCGA dataset, followed by validation with two GEO datasets. The distribution of immune cells and the response to immunotherapy were compared between different risk subtypes through multiple algorithms. Moreover, immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses were conducted to validate the prognostic value of HSP90AA1 as a predictor of HNSCC patient prognosis. In vitro assays were performed to further detect the effect of HSP90AA1 in the development of HNSCC. RESULTS A novel prognostic index based on four ICDGs was constructed and proved to be useful as an independent factor of HNSCC prognosis. The risk score derived from this model grouped patients into high- and low-risk subtypes, wherein the high-risk subtype had worse survival outcomes and poorer immunotherapy response. IHC analysis validated the applicability of HSP90AA1 as a predictor of prognosis of HNSCC patients. HSP90AA1 expression in tumor cells promotes the progression of HNSCC. CONCLUSIONS Together, these results highlight a novel four-gene prognostic signature as a valuable tool to assess survival status and prognosis of HNSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Zhang
- Department of Basic Science of Stomatology, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Research, Prevention and Treatment for Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinzhan Shi
- Department of Basic Science of Stomatology, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Research, Prevention and Treatment for Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mengqi Wang
- Department of Basic Science of Stomatology, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Research, Prevention and Treatment for Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rundong Zhai
- Department of Basic Science of Stomatology, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Research, Prevention and Treatment for Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mengyao Wang
- Department of Basic Science of Stomatology, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Research, Prevention and Treatment for Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zizhen Gong
- Department of Basic Science of Stomatology, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Research, Prevention and Treatment for Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zihui Ni
- Department of Basic Science of Stomatology, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Research, Prevention and Treatment for Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Teng Xu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Research, Prevention and Treatment for Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weiwen Zhu
- Department of Basic Science of Stomatology, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Research, Prevention and Treatment for Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Laikui Liu
- Department of Basic Science of Stomatology, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China.
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Research, Prevention and Treatment for Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China.
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Sun J, Zhang X, Xue L, Cheng L, Zhang J, Chen X, Shen Z, Li K, Wang L, Huang C, Song J. Structural insights into the unique pH-responsive characteristics of the anti-TIGIT therapeutic antibody Ociperlimab. Structure 2024; 32:550-561.e5. [PMID: 38460520 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2024.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
TIGIT is mainly expressed on T cells and is an inhibitory checkpoint receptor that binds to its ligand PVR in the tumor microenvironment. Anti-TIGIT monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) such as Ociperlimab and Tiragolumab block the TIGIT-PVR interaction and are in clinical development. However, the molecular blockade mechanism of these mAbs remains elusive. Here, we report the crystal structures of TIGIT in complex with Ociperlimab_Fab and Tiragolumab_Fab revealing that both mAbs bind TIGIT with a large steric clash with PVR. Furthermore, several critical epitopic residues are identified. Interestingly, the binding affinity of Ociperlimab toward TIGIT increases approximately 17-fold when lowering the pH from 7.4 to 6.0. Our structure shows a strong electrostatic interaction between ASP103HCDR3 and HIS76TIGIT explaining the pH-responsive mechanism of Ociperlimab. In contrast, Tiragolumab does not show an acidic pH-dependent binding enhancement. Our results provide valuable information that could help to improve the efficacy of therapeutic antibodies for cancer treatment.
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MESH Headings
- Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
- Humans
- Models, Molecular
- Receptors, Immunologic/metabolism
- Receptors, Immunologic/chemistry
- Crystallography, X-Ray
- Protein Binding
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/chemistry
- Binding Sites
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/chemistry
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Sun
- Department of Biologics, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangxiang Zhang
- Department of Biologics, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Liu Xue
- Department of Biologics, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Cheng
- Department of Biologics, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Biologics, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Translational Science, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Zhirong Shen
- Department of Translational Science, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Kang Li
- Department of Biologics, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Lai Wang
- Department of Biology, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Chichi Huang
- Department of Biologics, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Song
- Department of Biologics, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd, Beijing, China.
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17
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Wei H, Dong C, Li X. Treatment Options for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Immunotherapy: Present and Future. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2024; 12:389-405. [PMID: 38638377 PMCID: PMC11022065 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2023.00462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer, and the body's immune responses greatly affect its progression and the prognosis of patients. Immunological suppression and the maintenance of self-tolerance in the tumor microenvironment are essential responses, and these form part of the theoretical foundations of immunotherapy. In this review, we first discuss the tumor microenvironment of HCC, describe immunosuppression in HCC, and review the major biomarkers used to track HCC progression and response to treatment. We then examine antibody-based therapies, with a focus on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), monoclonal antibodies that target key proteins in the immune response (programmed cell death protein 1, anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4, and programmed death-ligand 1) which have transformed the treatment of HCC and other cancers. ICIs may be used alone or in conjunction with various targeted therapies for patients with advanced HCC who are receiving first-line treatments or subsequent treatments. We also discuss the use of different cellular immunotherapies, including T cell receptor (TCR) T cell therapy and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy. We then review the use of HCC vaccines, adjuvant immunotherapy, and oncolytic virotherapy, and describe the goals of future research in the development of treatments for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbin Wei
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Chunlu Dong
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xun Li
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Key Laboratory Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Cancer Prevention and Treatment Center of Lanzhou University School of Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Institute of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Clinical Research Center for General Surgery of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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Zhang H, Zhang X, Zhang Y, Han D, Ha H, Zhang B, Shang P. Pan-Cancer Analysis Shows that KIFC2 is a Potential Prognostic and Immunotherapeutic Biomarker for Multiple Cancer Types Including Bladder Cancer. Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01149-y. [PMID: 38658471 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01149-y] [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: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
KIFC2 plays an important role in prostate cancer progression and chemotherapy resistance, but the mechanism of its involvement in other malignancies remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze and validate the mechanism of effect of KIFC2 in multiple tumors. Bioinformatic analysis was performed in conjunction with multiple databases (The Cancer Genome Atlas, Genotype-Tissue Expression Project, Human Protein Atlas, etc.) to fully explore the potential role of KIFC2 within individual tumors and to analyze the correlation with major research components such as prognosis, mutations, and the tumor microenvironment. The expression of KIFC2 demonstrates a significant correlation with the prognosis, clinical phenotype, tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, and tumor microenvironment across various malignancies and is associated with the modulation of diverse functional and signaling pathways. The differences in the expression of KIFC2 in the bladder cancer tissues (14 pairs) were statistically significant. The pan-cancer analysis in this study revealed the multifunctionality of KIFC2 in a variety of tumors, indicating a possible prognostic predictor and potential therapeutic target for tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helin Zhang
- The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases in Gansu Province, No. 82 Cui Ying Gate, Cheng Guan District, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, China
| | - Xingxing Zhang
- The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases in Gansu Province, No. 82 Cui Ying Gate, Cheng Guan District, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, China
| | - Yuelin Zhang
- The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases in Gansu Province, No. 82 Cui Ying Gate, Cheng Guan District, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, China
| | - Dali Han
- The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases in Gansu Province, No. 82 Cui Ying Gate, Cheng Guan District, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, China
| | - Hualan Ha
- The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases in Gansu Province, No. 82 Cui Ying Gate, Cheng Guan District, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, China
| | - Biao Zhang
- The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases in Gansu Province, No. 82 Cui Ying Gate, Cheng Guan District, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, China
| | - Panfeng Shang
- The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory of Urological Diseases in Gansu Province, No. 82 Cui Ying Gate, Cheng Guan District, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, China.
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19
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Xiang Y, Liu X, Wang Y, Zheng D, Meng Q, Jiang L, Yang S, Zhang S, Zhang X, Liu Y, Wang B. Mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapy and immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer: promising strategies to overcoming challenges. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1366260. [PMID: 38655260 PMCID: PMC11035781 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1366260] [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: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Resistance to targeted therapy and immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a significant challenge in the treatment of this disease. The mechanisms of resistance are multifactorial and include molecular target alterations and activation of alternative pathways, tumor heterogeneity and tumor microenvironment change, immune evasion, and immunosuppression. Promising strategies for overcoming resistance include the development of combination therapies, understanding the resistance mechanisms to better use novel drug targets, the identification of biomarkers, the modulation of the tumor microenvironment and so on. Ongoing research into the mechanisms of resistance and the development of new therapeutic approaches hold great promise for improving outcomes for patients with NSCLC. Here, we summarize diverse mechanisms driving resistance to targeted therapy and immunotherapy in NSCLC and the latest potential and promising strategies to overcome the resistance to help patients who suffer from NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchu Xiang
- West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xudong Liu
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yifan Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Division of Cardiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Dawei Zheng
- The College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiuxing Meng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Liuzhou People’s Hospital, Liuzhou, China
- Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Clinical Biotechnology (Liuzhou People’s Hospital), Liuzhou, China
| | - Lingling Jiang
- Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Sha Yang
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Sijia Zhang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Organ Transplantation, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Urology, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
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20
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Huang H, Liao W, Zhang K, Wang H, Cheng Q, Mei B. Adjuvant Transarterial Chemoembolization Plus Immunotherapy for Huge Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Propensity Score Matching Cohort Study. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2024; 11:721-735. [PMID: 38618144 PMCID: PMC11011717 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s455878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The prognosis of patients with huge hepatocellular carcinoma (huge HCC, diameter ≥10 cm) is poor owing to the high early recurrence rate. This study aimed to explore the clinical value of postoperative adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization (PA-TACE) plus programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors for huge HCC. Patients and Methods Data from consecutive huge HCC patients treated with hepatectomy during June 2017 and July 2022 were retrospectively collected. Baseline differences were balanced between huge HCC patients who underwent PA-TACE with (AIT group) or without PD-1 inhibitors (AT group) by propensity-score matching (PSM). We compared recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS) and recurrence patterns between the two groups. Independent risk factors for RFS and OS were confirmed by Cox regression analysis, and subgroup analysis was also conducted. Results A total of 294 patients were enrolled, and 77 pairs of patients in the AIT and AT groups were matched by PSM. The 1-year and 2-year RFS were 49.9% and 35.7% in the AIT group compared to 24.7% and 15.5% in the AT group respectively (p<0.001). The 1-year and 2-year OS were 83.6% and 66.9% in the AIT group compared to 50.6% and 36.8% in the AT group respectively (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in recurrence patterns between the two groups. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that combined therapy of PA-TACE plus PD-1 inhibitors was a protective factor related to both RFS and OS. Conclusion PA-TACE plus PD-1 inhibitors could improve survival outcomes for huge HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Huang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Liao
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kaiyue Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hao Wang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qi Cheng
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Mei
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People’s Republic of China
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21
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Shen W, Li Y, Yang Z, Li W, Cao Y, Liu Y, Wang Z, Pei R, Xing C. Tumor microenvironment reprogramming combined with immunogenic enhancement by nanoemulsions potentiates immunotherapy. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:154. [PMID: 38581017 PMCID: PMC10996274 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02401-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors and immunogenic cell death (ICD) inducers has become a promising strategy for the treatment of various cancers. However, its efficacy remains unmet because of the dense stroma and defective vasculatures in the tumor microenvironment (TME) that restricts the intratumoral infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Herein, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs)-targeted nanoemulsions are tailored to combine the ICD induction and the TME reprogramming to sensitize checkpoint blockade immunotherapy. Melittin, as an ICD inducer and an antifibrotic agent, is efficiently encapsulated into the nanoemulsion accompanied by a nitric oxide donor to improve its bioavailability and tumor targeting. The nanoemulsions exhibited dual functionality by directly inducing direct cancer cell death and enhancing the tumoral immunogenicity, while also synergistically reprogramming the TME through reversing the activated CAFs, decreasing collagen deposition and restoring tumor vessels. Consequently, these nanemulsions successfully facilitated the CTLs infiltration and suppressing the recruitment of immunosuppressive cells. A combination of AE-MGNPs and anti-CTLA-4 antibody greatly elicited a striking level of antitumor T-cell response to suppress tumor growth in CAFs-rich colorectal tumor models. Our work emphasized the integration of the ICD induction with simultaneous modulation of the TME to enhance the sensitivity of patients to checkpoint blockade immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqi Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, P. R. China
- Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221002, Jiangsu, China
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Yecheng Li
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, P. R. China
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Ziyi Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Wenjing Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Yi Cao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Yilin Liu
- School of Intelligent Finance and Business, Entrepreneur College, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Zheng Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China.
| | - Renjun Pei
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China.
| | - Chungen Xing
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, P. R. China.
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De Battista D, Yakymi R, Scheibe E, Sato S, Gerstein H, Markowitz TE, Lack J, Mereu R, Manieli C, Zamboni F, Farci P. Identification of Two Distinct Immune Subtypes in Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1370. [PMID: 38611048 PMCID: PMC11011136 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071370] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
HBV is the most common risk factor for HCC development, accounting for almost 50% of cases worldwide. Despite significant advances in immunotherapy, there is limited information on the HBV-HCC tumor microenvironment (TME), which may influence the response to checkpoint inhibitors. Here, we characterize the TME in a unique series of liver specimens from HBV-HCC patients to identify who might benefit from immunotherapy. By combining an extensive immunohistochemistry analysis with the transcriptomic profile of paired liver samples (tumor vs. nontumorous tissue) from 12 well-characterized Caucasian patients with HBV-HCC, we identified two distinct tumor subtypes that we defined immune-high and immune-low. The immune-high subtype, seen in half of the patients, is characterized by a high number of infiltrating B and T cells in association with stromal activation and a transcriptomic profile featuring inhibition of antigen presentation and CTL activation. All the immune-high tumors expressed high levels of CTLA-4 and low levels of PD-1, while PD-L1 was present only in four of six cases. In contrast, the immune-low subtype shows significantly lower lymphocyte infiltration and stromal activation. By whole exome sequencing, we documented that four out of six individuals with the immune-low subtype had missense mutations in the CTNNB1 gene, while only one patient had mutations in this gene in the immune-high subtype. Outside the tumor, there were no differences between the two subtypes. This study identifies two distinctive immune subtypes in HBV-associated HCC, regardless of the microenvironment observed in the surrounding nontumorous tissue, providing new insights into pathogenesis. These findings may be instrumental in the identification of patients who might benefit from immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide De Battista
- Hepatic Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (D.D.B.); (R.Y.); (E.S.); (S.S.); (H.G.)
| | - Rylee Yakymi
- Hepatic Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (D.D.B.); (R.Y.); (E.S.); (S.S.); (H.G.)
| | - Evangeline Scheibe
- Hepatic Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (D.D.B.); (R.Y.); (E.S.); (S.S.); (H.G.)
| | - Shinya Sato
- Hepatic Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (D.D.B.); (R.Y.); (E.S.); (S.S.); (H.G.)
| | - Hannah Gerstein
- Hepatic Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (D.D.B.); (R.Y.); (E.S.); (S.S.); (H.G.)
| | - Tovah E. Markowitz
- Integrated Data Sciences Section, Research Technologies Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Justin Lack
- NIAID Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Roberto Mereu
- Department of Surgery, Liver Transplantation Center, Azienda Ospedaliera Brotzu, 09047 Cagliari, Italy; (R.M.); (F.Z.)
| | - Cristina Manieli
- Sevizio di Anatomia Patologica, Azienda Ospedaliera Brotzu, 09047 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Fausto Zamboni
- Department of Surgery, Liver Transplantation Center, Azienda Ospedaliera Brotzu, 09047 Cagliari, Italy; (R.M.); (F.Z.)
| | - Patrizia Farci
- Hepatic Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (D.D.B.); (R.Y.); (E.S.); (S.S.); (H.G.)
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23
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Tian X, Liu F, Wang Z, Zhang J, Liu Q, Zhang Y, Zhang D, Huang C, Zhao J, Jiang S. Modified Biejia Jianwan decoction restrains PD-L1-mediated immune evasion through the HIF-1α/STAT3/NF-κB signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 322:117577. [PMID: 38104877 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Modified Biejia Jianwan (M-BJJW), a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) decoction, has exhibited great potential in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, its underlying functional mechanism still remains unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY The study aimed to explore the anti-hepatocarcinogenic effects of M-BJJW, specifically its influence on PD-L1-mediated immune evasion in hypoxic conditions, and elucidate the related molecular mechanisms in HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS To investigate the therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms underlying M-BJJW's effects on HCC, we employed a diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced rat model maintained for 120 days. Following model establishment, flow cytometry was utilized to assess the distribution of immune cell populations in peripheral blood, spleens, and tumor tissues after M-BJJW administration. Simultaneously, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were conducted to analyze cytokine profiles in serum samples. Immunohistochemistry was employed to determine the expression levels of crucial proteins within tumor tissues. Furthermore, HCC cells exposed to CoCl2 underwent Western blot analysis to validate the expression levels of HIF-1α, PD-L1, STAT3, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65. The modulatory effects of STAT3 and NF-κB p65 were investigated using specific inhibitors and activators in wild-type cell lines. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS) was utilized to identify the chemical constituents present in M-BJJW-medicated serum. The immunomodulatory properties and the anti-tumor activities of M-BJJW were evaluated by co-culturing with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and the CCK-8 assay. Additionally, we assessed M-BJJW's impact on hypoxia-induced alterations in HCC cell lines using immunofluorescence and Western blot assessments. RESULTS M-BJJW exhibited substantial therapeutic advantages by effectively alleviating pathological deterioration within the HCC microenvironment. In the DEN-induced rat model, M-BJJW administration notably reduced tumor growth. Flow cytometry analyses revealed an increased proportion of Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) accompanied by a simultaneous decrease in regulatory T cells (Tregs). ELISA data supported a marked decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Immunohistochemistry confirmed the suppressive effect of M-BJJW on the expression of HIF-1α and PD-L1. Notably, western blotting unveiled the role of HIF-1α in regulating PD-L1 expression via the STAT3 and NF-κB signaling pathways in HCC cell lines, which was validated using activators and inhibitors of STAT3 and NF-κB. The CCK-8 assay and co-culture techniques demonstrated the anti-tumor activity of M-BJJW. Immunofluorescence and western blotting further confirmed that M-BJJW-containing serum dose-dependently inhibited HIF-1α, PD-L1, p-STAT3, and p-p65 in hypoxic HCC cell lines. CONCLUSIONS M-BJJW demonstrates significant therapeutic potential against HCC by influencing the hypoxic microenvironment, thereby regulating the immunosuppressive milieu. Specifically, M-BJJW modulates the HIF-1α/STAT3/NF-κB signaling pathway, leading to reduced PD-L1 expression and an elevated ratio of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), while concurrently decreasing T regulatory cells (Tregs) and immunosuppressive factors. These synergistic effects aid in countering PD-L1-mediated immune evasion, presenting compelling pharmacological evidence supporting the clinical application of M-BJJW as a therapeutic approach for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinchen Tian
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining No.1 People's Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Fen Liu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Zijian Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining No.1 People's Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Qingbin Liu
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining No.1 People's Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Yiming Zhang
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining No.1 People's Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Dengtian Zhang
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining No.1 People's Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Chen Huang
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining No.1 People's Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining No.1 People's Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jining, China.
| | - Shulong Jiang
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining No.1 People's Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jining, China; First Clinical Medical School, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
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24
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Li Y, Wu X, Fang D, Luo Y. Informing immunotherapy with multi-omics driven machine learning. NPJ Digit Med 2024; 7:67. [PMID: 38486092 PMCID: PMC10940614 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-024-01043-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Progress in sequencing technologies and clinical experiments has revolutionized immunotherapy on solid and hematologic malignancies. However, the benefits of immunotherapy are limited to specific patient subsets, posing challenges for broader application. To improve its effectiveness, identifying biomarkers that can predict patient response is crucial. Machine learning (ML) play a pivotal role in harnessing multi-omic cancer datasets and unlocking new insights into immunotherapy. This review provides an overview of cutting-edge ML models applied in omics data for immunotherapy analysis, including immunotherapy response prediction and immunotherapy-relevant tumor microenvironment identification. We elucidate how ML leverages diverse data types to identify significant biomarkers, enhance our understanding of immunotherapy mechanisms, and optimize decision-making process. Additionally, we discuss current limitations and challenges of ML in this rapidly evolving field. Finally, we outline future directions aimed at overcoming these barriers and improving the efficiency of ML in immunotherapy research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawei Li
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Center for Collaborative AI in Healthcare, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Xin Wu
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Deyu Fang
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Yuan Luo
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Center for Collaborative AI in Healthcare, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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25
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Shin HS, Kim S, Jin SM, Yoo YJ, Heo JH, Lim YT. Molecular Masking of Synthetic Immunomodulator Evokes Antitumor Immunity With Reduced Immune Tolerance and Systemic Toxicity by Temporal Activity Recovery and Sustained Stimulation. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2309039. [PMID: 37903320 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202309039] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Activation of the innate immune system counteracts tumor-induced immunosuppression. Hence, small molecule-based toll-like receptor 7/8 agonists (TLR7/8a), which can modulate immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment along with the activation of innate immunity, are emerging as essential components of cancer immunotherapy. However, the clinical application of synthetic TLR7/8a therapies is limited by systemic immune-associated toxicity and immune tolerance induced by uncontrolled stimulatory activities and repeated treatments. To address these limitations, a dynamic immunomodulation strategy incorporating masking and temporal recovery of the activity of TLR7/8a through prodrug-like TLR7/8a (pro-TLR7/8a) at the molecular level and a sustained and controlled release of active TLR7/8a from nanoliposome (pro-TLR7/8a) (NL(pro-TLR7/8)) in a macroscale depot are designed. Immunization with cationic NL(pro-TLR7/8) and anionic antigens triggers robust activation of innate immune cells as well as antigen-specific T cell responses, eliciting reprogramming of immunosuppressive cells into tumor-suppressive cells, with decreased systemic adverse effects and immune tolerance. Combination treatment with NL(pro-TLR7/8a) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (anti-CTLA-4 plus anti-PD-L1) or nanoliposomes (Doxorubicin) has synergistic effects on antitumor immunity in various tumor models. The concept of pro-TLR7/8a suggested herein may facilitate the advancement of small-molecule-based immunomodulators for clinical translation and safe and effective cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Sik Shin
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Department of Nano Science and Technology, Department of Nano Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Sohyun Kim
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Department of Nano Science and Technology, Department of Nano Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Mo Jin
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Department of Nano Science and Technology, Department of Nano Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon Jeong Yoo
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Department of Nano Science and Technology, Department of Nano Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jang Hun Heo
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Department of Nano Science and Technology, Department of Nano Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Taik Lim
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Department of Nano Science and Technology, Department of Nano Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 16419, Republic of Korea
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26
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Liu J, Zhang W, Wang Z, Wang Y, Li T, Wang Y, Ding J, Ning B. Cathepsin V is correlated with the prognosis and tumor microenvironment in liver cancer. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:400-416. [PMID: 38051285 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23660] [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: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that high cell cycle activity negatively correlates with antitumor immunity in certain cancer types. However, a similar correlation has not been proven in liver cancer. We downloaded transcriptomic profiles of the cancer genome atlas-liver hepatocellular carcinoma (TCGA-LIHC) and assessed the cell cycle distribution of samples using single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), termed the cell cycle score (CCS). We obtained cell cycle-related differentially expressed prognostic genes and identified CENPA, CDC20, and CTSV using LASSO regression. We studied the effect of CTSV on clinical features and immune alterations in liver cancer based on TCGA-LIHC data. In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to validate the role of CTSV in liver cancer using liver cancer cell lines and tissues. We found that the CCS closely correlated with the clinical features and prognosis of patients in TCGA-LIHC. Analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), univariate Cox regression, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression identified cathepsin V (CTSV) with prognostic significance in LIHC. Importantly, single-gene survival analysis of CTSV using microarray and sequencing data indicated that high levels of CTSV expression correlated with an unfavorable prognosis in various cancers. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that high CTSV expression closely correlated with decreased expression of metabolic genes and increased expression of cell cycle genes. Furthermore, difference and correlation analyses of the relationship between CTSV expression and immune infiltrates, determined using CIBERSORT and TIMER algorithms, revealed that CTSV expression correlated with macrophages and CD4+ T cells. In vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that knockdown of CTSV inhibited liver cancer cells proliferation. Immunohistochemical staining showed that high CTSV expression correlated with macrophage infiltration in liver cancer tissues, predicted a poor prognosis, and is associated with the effectiveness of hepatocellular carcinoma treatment. In couclusion, CTSV is a novel cell cycle-associated gene with clinical significance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyu Liu
- Center for Translational Medicine, Clinical Cancer Institute, Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Clinical Cancer Institute, Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhijie Wang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Clinical Cancer Institute, Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yichuan Wang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Clinical Cancer Institute, Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianxing Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaping Wang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Clinical Cancer Institute, Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Ding
- Center for Translational Medicine, Clinical Cancer Institute, Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Beifang Ning
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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27
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Xia Y, Yang M, Xiao X, Tang W, Deng J, Wu L, Xu H, Tang Y, Chen W, Wang Y. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound activated the anti-tumor immunity by irradiating the spleen of mice in 4 T-1 breast cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:50. [PMID: 38349555 PMCID: PMC10864467 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03613-1] [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: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Tumor immunotherapy is booming around the world. However, strategies to activate the immune system and alleviate the immunosuppression still need to be refined. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS, spatial average time average intensity (Isata) is 200 mW/cm2, frequency is 0.3 MHz, repetition frequency is 1 kHz, and duty cycle is 20%) triggers the immune system and further reverses the immunosuppressive state in the mouse models of breast cancer by irradiating the spleen of mice. LIPUS inhibited tumor growth and extended survival in mice with 4 T-1 tumors. Further studies had previously shown that LIPUS enhanced the activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the spleen and led to significant changes in cytokines, as well as induced upregulation of mRNA levels involved in multiple immune regulatory pathways in the spleen. In addition, LIPUS promoted tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte accumulation and CD8+ T cell activation and improved the dynamics of cytokines/chemokines in the tumor microenvironment, resulting in a reversal of the immunosuppressive state of the tumor microenvironment. These results suggest a novel approach to activate the immune response by irradiating the spleen with LIPUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Yixueyuan Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Meijie Yang
- College of Medical Informatics, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinfang Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Yixueyuan Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Wentao Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Yixueyuan Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Juan Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Yixueyuan Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Liu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Yixueyuan Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Haopeng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Yixueyuan Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yilin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Yixueyuan Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Wenzhi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Yixueyuan Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, 1 Yixueyuan Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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28
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Singh R, Srivastava P, Manna PP. Evaluation of regulatory T-cells in cancer immunotherapy: therapeutic relevance of immune checkpoint inhibition. Med Oncol 2024; 41:59. [PMID: 38238513 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02289-y] [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: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The evolution of the complex immune system is equipped to defend against perilous intruders and concurrently negatively regulate the deleterious effect of immune-mediated inflammation caused by self and nonself antigens. Regulatory T-cells (Tregs) are specialized cells that minimize immune-mediated inflammation, but in malignancies, this feature has been exploited toward cancer progression by keeping the antitumor immune response in check. The modulation of Treg cell infiltration and their induction in the TME (tumor microenvironment) alongside associated inhibitory molecules, both soluble or membranes tethered in the TME, have proven clinically beneficial in boosting the tumoricidal activity of the immune system. Moreover, Treg-associated immune checkpoints pose a greater obstruction in cancer immunotherapy. Inhibiting or blocking active immune checkpoint signaling in combination with other therapies has proven clinically beneficial. This review summarizes the ontogeny of Treg cells and their migration, stability, and function in the TME. We also elucidate the Treg-associated checkpoint moieties that impede effective antitumor activity and harness these molecules for effective and targeted immunotherapy against cancer nuisance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjeet Singh
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, 221005, India
| | - Prateek Srivastava
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, 221005, India
| | - Partha Pratim Manna
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, 221005, India.
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29
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Li YR, Halladay T, Yang L. Immune evasion in cell-based immunotherapy: unraveling challenges and novel strategies. J Biomed Sci 2024; 31:5. [PMID: 38217016 PMCID: PMC10785504 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-024-00998-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell-based immunotherapies (CBIs), notably exemplified by chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T (CAR-T) cell therapy, have emerged as groundbreaking approaches for cancer therapy. Nevertheless, akin to various other therapeutic modalities, tumor cells employ counterstrategies to manifest immune evasion, thereby circumventing the impact of CBIs. This phenomenon is facilitated by an intricately immunosuppression entrenched within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Principal mechanisms underpinning tumor immune evasion from CBIs encompass loss of antigens, downregulation of antigen presentation, activation of immune checkpoint pathways, initiation of anti-apoptotic cascades, and induction of immune dysfunction and exhaustion. In this review, we delve into the intrinsic mechanisms underlying the capacity of tumor cells to resist CBIs and proffer prospective stratagems to navigate around these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ruide Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Tyler Halladay
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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Song D, Ding Y. A new target of radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy: regulatory T cells. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1330099. [PMID: 38259489 PMCID: PMC10800811 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1330099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy is one important treatment for malignant tumours. It is widely believed today that radiotherapy has not only been used as a local tumour treatment method, but also can induce systemic anti-tumour responses by influencing the tumour microenvironment, but its efficacy is limited by the tumour immunosuppression microenvironment. With the advancement of technology, immunotherapy has entered a golden age of rapid development, gradually occupying a place in clinical tumour treatment. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) widely distributing in the tumour microenvironment play an important role in mediating tumour development. This article analyzes immunotherapy, the interaction between Tregs, tumours and radiotherapy. It briefly introduces immunotherapies targeting Tregs, aiming to provide new strategies for radiotherapy combined with Immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yun Ding
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
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Chen J, Madina BR, Ahmadi E, Yarovinsky TO, Krady MM, Meehan EV, Wang IC, Ye X, Pitmon E, Ma XY, Almassian B, Nakaar V, Wang K. Cancer immunotherapy with enveloped self-amplifying mRNA CARG-2020 that modulates IL-12, IL-17 and PD-L1 pathways to prevent tumor recurrence. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:335-349. [PMID: 38261838 PMCID: PMC10792965 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeting multiple immune mechanisms may overcome therapy resistance and further improve cancer immunotherapy for humans. Here, we describe the application of virus-like vesicles (VLV) for delivery of three immunomodulators alone and in combination, as a promising approach for cancer immunotherapy. VLV vectors were designed to deliver single chain interleukin (IL)-12, short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), and a dominant-negative form of IL-17 receptor A (dn-IL17RA) as a single payload or as a combination payload. Intralesional delivery of the VLV vector expressing IL-12 alone, as well as the trivalent vector (designated CARG-2020) eradicated large established tumors. However, only CARG-2020 prevented tumor recurrence and provided long-term survival benefit to the tumor-bearing mice, indicating a benefit of the combined immunomodulation. The abscopal effects of CARG-2020 on the non-injected contralateral tumors, as well as protection from the tumor cell re-challenge, suggest immune-mediated mechanism of protection and establishment of immunological memory. Mechanistically, CARG-2020 potently activates Th1 immune mechanisms and inhibits expression of genes related to T cell exhaustion and cancer-promoting inflammation. The ability of CARG-2020 to prevent tumor recurrence and to provide survival benefit makes it a promising candidate for its development for human cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Chen
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
- The Eighth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Foshan 528000, China
| | | | - Elham Ahmadi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
- CaroGen Corporation, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | | | | | - Eileen Victoria Meehan
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Isabella China Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
- The Loomis Chaffee School, Windsor, CT 06095, USA
| | - Xiaoyang Ye
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Elise Pitmon
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | | | | | | | - Kepeng Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
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Sharma P, Otto M. Multifunctional nanocomposites modulating the tumor microenvironment for enhanced cancer immunotherapy. Bioact Mater 2024; 31:440-462. [PMID: 37701452 PMCID: PMC10494322 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has gained momentum for treating malignant tumors over the past decade. Checkpoint blockade and chimeric antigen receptor cell therapy (CAR-T) have shown considerable potency against liquid and solid cancers. However, the tumor microenvironment (TME) is highly immunosuppressive and hampers the effect of currently available cancer immunotherapies on overall treatment outcomes. Advancements in the design and engineering of nanomaterials have opened new avenues to modulate the TME. Progress in the current nanocomposite technology can overcome immunosuppression and trigger robust immunotherapeutic responses by integrating synergistic functions of different molecules. We will review recent advancements in nanomedical applications and discuss specifically designed nanocomposites modulating the TME for cancer immunotherapy. In addition, we provide information on the current landscape of clinical-stage nanocomposites for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Sharma
- Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, ABC1 Building, 425 N 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Mario Otto
- Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, ABC1 Building, 425 N 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders (CCBD), Phoenix Children's, 1919 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85016, USA
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Palamà MEF, Aiello M, Scaglione S. Fluid-Dynamic Culture of Tumour and Immune Cells for More Predictive Infiltration Studies and Immunotherapy Drug Screening. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2782:147-157. [PMID: 38622399 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3754-8_11] [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] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapies represent one of the current most promising challenges in cancer treatment. They are based on the boost of natural immune responses, aimed at cancer eradication. However, the success of immunotherapeutic approaches strictly depends on the interaction between immune cells and cancer cells. Preclinical drug tests currently available are poor in fully predicting the actual safety and efficacy of immunotherapeutic treatments under development. Indeed, conventional 2D cell culture underrepresents the complexity of the tumour microenvironment, while in vivo animal models lack in mimicking the human immune cell responses. In this context, predictability, reliability, and complete immune compatibility still represent challenges to overcome. For this aim, novel 3D, fully humanized in vitro cancer tissue models have been recently optimized by adopting emerging technologies, such as organ-on-chips (OOC) and 3D cancer cell-laden hydrogels. In particular, a novel multi-in vitro organ (MIVO) OOC platform has been recently adopted to culture 3D clinically relevant size cancer tissues under proper physiological culture conditions to investigate anti-cancer treatments and immune-tumour cell crosstalk.The proposed immune-tumour OOC-based model offers a potential tool for accurately modelling human immune-related diseases and effectively assessing immunotherapy efficacy, finally offering promising experimental approaches for personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maurizio Aiello
- React4life, Genoa, Italy
- National Research Council, IEIIT Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Scaglione
- React4life, Genoa, Italy.
- National Research Council, IEIIT Institute, Genoa, Italy.
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Wang R, Kumar P, Reda M, Wallstrum AG, Crumrine NA, Ngamcherdtrakul W, Yantasee W. Nanotechnology Applications in Breast Cancer Immunotherapy. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023:e2308639. [PMID: 38126905 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202308639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Next-generation cancer treatments are expected not only to target cancer cells but also to simultaneously train immune cells to combat cancer while modulating the immune-suppressive environment of tumors and hosts to ensure a robust and lasting response. Achieving this requires carriers that can codeliver multiple therapeutics to the right cancer and/or immune cells while ensuring patient safety. Nanotechnology holds great potential for addressing these challenges. This article highlights the recent advances in nanoimmunotherapeutic development, with a focus on breast cancer. While immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have achieved remarkable success and lead to cures in some cancers, their response rate in breast cancer is low. The poor response rate in solid tumors is often associated with the low infiltration of anti-cancer T cells and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). To enhance anti-cancer T-cell responses, nanoparticles are employed to deliver ICIs, bispecific antibodies, cytokines, and agents that induce immunogenic cancer cell death (ICD). Additionally, nanoparticles are used to manipulate various components of the TME, such as immunosuppressive myeloid cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, and fibroblasts to improve T-cell activities. Finally, this article discusses the outlook, challenges, and future directions of nanoimmunotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijie Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, 3303 S Bond Ave, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Pramod Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, 3303 S Bond Ave, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Moataz Reda
- PDX Pharmaceuticals, 3303 S Bond Ave, CH13B, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | | | - Noah A Crumrine
- PDX Pharmaceuticals, 3303 S Bond Ave, CH13B, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | | | - Wassana Yantasee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, 3303 S Bond Ave, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- PDX Pharmaceuticals, 3303 S Bond Ave, CH13B, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
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Majumder A. Evolving CAR-T-Cell Therapy for Cancer Treatment: From Scientific Discovery to Cures. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:39. [PMID: 38201467 PMCID: PMC10777914 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010039] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapy has emerged as the most promising immunotherapy for cancer that typically uses patients' T cells and genetically engineered them to target cancer cells. Although recent improvements in CAR-T-cell therapy have shown remarkable success for treating hematological malignancies, the heterogeneity in tumor antigens and the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME) limits its efficacy in solid tumors. Despite the enormous efforts that have been made to make CAR-T-cell therapy more effective and have minimal side effects for treating hematological malignancies, more research needs to be conducted regarding its use in the clinic for treating various other types of cancer. The main concern for CAR-T-cell therapy is severe toxicities due to the cytokine release syndrome, whereas the other challenges are associated with complexity and immune-suppressing TME, tumor antigen heterogeneity, the difficulty of cell trafficking, CAR-T-cell exhaustion, and reduced cytotoxicity in the tumor site. This review discussed the latest discoveries in CAR-T-cell therapy strategies and combination therapies, as well as their effectiveness in different cancers. It also encompasses ongoing clinical trials; current challenges regarding the therapeutic use of CAR-T-cell therapy, especially for solid tumors; and evolving treatment strategies to improve the therapeutic application of CAR-T-cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avisek Majumder
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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36
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Huang X, Ren Q, Yang L, Cui D, Ma C, Zheng Y, Wu J. Immunogenic chemotherapy: great potential for improving response rates. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1308681. [PMID: 38125944 PMCID: PMC10732354 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1308681] [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: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The activation of anti-tumor immunity is critical in treating cancers. Recent studies indicate that several chemotherapy agents can stimulate anti-tumor immunity by inducing immunogenic cell death and durably eradicate tumors. This suggests that immunogenic chemotherapy holds great potential for improving response rates. However, chemotherapy in practice has only had limited success in inducing long-term survival or cure of cancers when used either alone or in combination with immunotherapy. We think that this is because the importance of dose, schedule, and tumor model dependence of chemotherapy-activated anti-tumor immunity is under-appreciated. Here, we review immune modulation function of representative chemotherapy agents and propose a model of immunogenic chemotherapy-induced long-lasting responses that rely on synergetic interaction between killing tumor cells and inducing anti-tumor immunity. We comb through several chemotherapy treatment schedules, and identify the needs for chemotherapy dose and schedule optimization and combination therapy with immunotherapy when chemotherapy dosage or immune responsiveness is too low. We further review tumor cell intrinsic factors that affect the optimal chemotherapy dose and schedule. Lastly, we review the biomarkers indicating responsiveness to chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy treatments. A deep understanding of how chemotherapy activates anti-tumor immunity and how to monitor its responsiveness can lead to the development of more effective chemotherapy or chemo-immunotherapy, thereby improving the efficacy of cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Huang
- Cancer Center, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qinghuan Ren
- Alberta Institute, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Leixiang Yang
- Cancer Center, The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Genetic and Genomic Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Di Cui
- Cancer Center, The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chenyang Ma
- Department of Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Second People’s Hospital of Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yueliang Zheng
- Cancer Center, Emergency and Critical Care Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junjie Wu
- Cancer Center, The Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Genetic and Genomic Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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37
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Xu G, Jiang Y, Li Y, Ge J, Xu X, Chen D, Wu J. A novel immunogenic cell death-related genes signature for predicting prognosis, immune landscape and immunotherapy effect in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:16261-16277. [PMID: 37698679 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05370-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Immunogenic cell death (ICD) has emerged as a promising strategy to activate the adaptive immune response, modulate the tumor microenvironment (TME) and enhance the efficacy of immune therapy. However, the relationship between ICD and TME reprogramming in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains poorly understood. METHODS Transcriptional profiles and clinical spectrum of 486 HCC patients were obtained from TCGA and GEO databases. We utilized consensus clustering analysis to construct two distinct molecular subtypes and established an ICD-based scoring system (named ICD score) via WGCNA and LASSO Cox regression to predict the prognosis of the HCC cohort. Then we employed CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE methods to analyze the immune landscape of ICD score in HCC. Subsequently, the immunophenoscore (IPS) and tumor immune dysfunction and rejection (TIDE) analyses were performed to determine whether the ICD score could influence the immune therapeutic effect. Based on the ICD scoring system, a novel nomogram was generated to provide a numerical probability of HCC patients' overall survival (OS). RESULTS We identified two independent ICD clusters (cluster A/B), and cluster B possessed a worse prognosis and higher immune cell infiltration. Using ICD scoring system, the HCC patients were divided into high- and low-ICD-score groups. Through integrative analyses, the high-ICD cohort owned advanced TNM stage, high pathologic grade and increased suppressive immune cell enrichment. We developed a nomogram containing the ICD score, demonstrating a high predictive accuracy with a C-index of 0.703. We further discovered that PSMD2 and PSMD14 could serve as ICD-associated prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in HCC. CONCLUSION The ICD score exhibits a high degree of reliability for predicting prognosis and may provide valuable guidance for the selection of immunotherapy for HCC patients. This novel scoring system enables the estimation of clinical immunotherapy response for HCC patients, offering new opportunities for personalized immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangming Xu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yifan Jiang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yu Li
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Jiangzhen Ge
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Xiaofeng Xu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Diyu Chen
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
| | - Jian Wu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
- Key Laboratory of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Organ Transplantation, Research Unit of Collaborative Diagnosis and Treatment For Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU019), Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Research Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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Dhall A, Patiyal S, Kaur H, Raghava GPS. Risk assessment of cancer patients based on HLA-I alleles, neobinders and expression of cytokines. Comput Biol Med 2023; 167:107594. [PMID: 37918263 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.107594] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Advancements in cancer immunotherapy have shown significant outcomes in treating cancers. To design effective immunotherapy, it's important to understand immune response of a patient based on its genomic profile. However, analyses to do that requires proficiency in the bioinformatic methods. Swiftly growing sequencing technologies and statistical methods create a blockage for the scientists who want to find the biomarkers for different cancers but don't have detailed knowledge of coding or tool. Here, we are providing a web-based resource that gives scientists with no bioinformatics expertise, the ability to obtain the prognostic biomarkers for different cancer types at different levels. We computed prognostic biomarkers from 8346 cancer patients for twenty cancer types. These biomarkers were computed based on i) presence of 352 Human leukocyte antigen class-I, ii) 660959 tumor-specific HLA1 neobinders, and iii) expression profile of 153 cytokines. It was observed that survival risk of cancer patients depends on presence of certain type of HLA-I alleles; for example, liver hepatocellular carcinoma patients with HLA-A*03:01 are at lower risk. Our analysis indicates that neobinders of HLA-I alleles have high correlation with overall survival of certain type of cancer patients. For example, HLA-B*07:02 binders have 0.49 correlation with survival of lung squamous cell carcinoma and -0.77 with kidney chromophobe patients. Additionally, we computed prognostic biomarkers based on cytokine expressions. Higher expression of few cytokines is survival favorable like IL-2 for bladder urothelial carcinoma, whereas IL-5R is survival unfavorable for kidney chromophobe patients. Freely accessible to public, CancerHLA-I maintains raw and analysed data (https://webs.iiitd.edu.in/raghava/cancerhla1/).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Dhall
- Department of Computational Biology, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Okhla Phase 3, New Delhi, 110020, India
| | - Sumeet Patiyal
- Department of Computational Biology, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Okhla Phase 3, New Delhi, 110020, India
| | - Harpreet Kaur
- Department of Computational Biology, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Okhla Phase 3, New Delhi, 110020, India
| | - Gajendra P S Raghava
- Department of Computational Biology, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Okhla Phase 3, New Delhi, 110020, India.
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Zhang H, Yang Y, Xing W, Li Y, Zhang S. Expression and gene regulatory network of S100A16 protein in cervical cancer cells based on data mining. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:1124. [PMID: 37978469 PMCID: PMC10656989 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11574-y] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
S100A16 protein belongs to the S100 family of calcium-binding proteins, which is widely distributed in human tissues and highly conserved. S100 calcium-binding proteins possess broad biological functions, such as cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, tumor metastasis, and inflammation (Nat Rev Cancer 15:96-109, 2015). The S100A16 protein was initially isolated from a cell line derived from astrocytoma. The S100A16 protein, consisting of 103 amino acids, is a small acidic protein with a molecular weight of 11,801.4 Da and an isoelectric point (pI) of 6.28 (Biochem Biophys Res Commun 313:237-244, 2004). This protein exhibits high conservation among mammals and is widely expressed in various human tissues (Biochem Biophys Res Commun 322:1111-1122, 2004). Like other S100 proteins, S100A16 contains two EF-hand motifs that form a helix-loop-helix structural domain. The N-terminal domain and the C-terminal domain of S100A16 are connected by a "hinge" linker.S100A16 protein exhibits distinct characteristics that distinguish it from other S100 proteins. A notable feature is the presence of a single functional Ca2 + binding site located in the C-terminal EF-hand, consisting of 12 amino acids per protein monomer (J Biol Chem 281:38905-38917, 2006). In contrast, the N-terminal EF-hand of S100A16 comprises 15 amino acids instead of the typical 14, and it lacks the conserved glutamate residue at the final position. This unique attribute may contribute to the impaired Ca2 + binding capability in the N-terminal region (J Biol Chem 281:38905-38917, 2006). Studies have shown an integral role of S100 calcium-binding proteins in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of certain diseases (Cancers 12:2037, 2020). Abnormal expression of S100A16 protein is implicated in the progression of breast and prostate cancer, but an inhibitor of oral cancer and acute lymphoblastic leukemia tumor cell proliferation (BMC Cancer 15:53, 2015; BMC Cancer 15:631, 2015). Tu et al. (Front Cell Dev Biol 9:645641, 2021) indicate that the overexpression of S100A16 mRNA in cervical cancer(CC) such as cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma as compared to the control specimens. Tomiyama N. and co-workers (Oncol Lett 15:9929-9933, 2018) (Tomiyama, N) investigated the role of S100A16 in cancer stem cells using Yumoto cells (a CC cell line),The authors found upregulation of S100A16 in Yumoto cells following sphere formation as compared to monolayer culture.Despite a certain degree of understanding, the exact biological function of S100A16 in CC is still unclear. This article explores the role of S100A16 in CC through a bioinformatics analysis. Referencing the mRNA expression and SNP data of cervical cancer available through The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we analyzed S100A16 and its associated regulatory gene expression network in cervical cancer. We further screened genes co-expressed with S100A16 to hypothesize their function and relationship to the S100A16 cervical cancer phenotype.Our results showed that data mining can effectively elucidate the expression and gene regulatory network of S100A16 in cervical cancer, laying the foundation for further investigations into S100A16 cervical tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibin Zhang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730013, Gansu Province, China
- Department of Gynecology, the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730013, Gansu Province, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730013, Gansu Province, China
- The Key Laboratory of Gynecological Tumors in Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730013, Gansu Province, China
| | - Yongxiu Yang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730013, Gansu Province, China.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730013, Gansu Province, China.
- The Key Laboratory of Gynecological Tumors in Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730013, Gansu Province, China.
| | - Wenhu Xing
- Department of Gynecology, the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730013, Gansu Province, China
| | - Yufeng Li
- Department of Gynecology, the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730013, Gansu Province, China
| | - Shan Zhang
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730013, Gansu Province, China
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Qiao H, Li H. PLP2 Could Be a Prognostic Biomarker and Potential Treatment Target in Glioblastoma Multiforme. Pharmgenomics Pers Med 2023; 16:991-1009. [PMID: 37964785 PMCID: PMC10642424 DOI: 10.2147/pgpm.s425251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to discern the association between PLP2 expression, its biological significance, and the extent of immune infiltration in human GBM. Methods Utilizing the GEPIA2 and TCGA databases, we contrasted the expression levels of PLP2 in GBM against normal tissue. We utilized GEPIA2 and LinkedOmics for survival analysis, recognized genes co-expressed with PLP2 via cBioPortal and GEPIA2, and implemented GO and KEGG analyses. The STRING database facilitated the construction of protein-protein interaction networks. We evaluated the relationship of PLP2 with tumor immune infiltrates using ssGSEA and the TIMER 2.0 database. An IHC assay assessed PLP2 and PDL-1 expression in GBM tissue, and the Drugbank database aided in identifying potential PLP2-targeting compounds. Molecular docking was accomplished using Autodock Vina 1.2.2. Results PLP2 expression was markedly higher in GBM tissues in comparison to normal tissues. High PLP2 expression correlated with a decrease in overall survival across two databases. Functional analyses highlighted a focus of PLP2 functions within leukocyte. Discrepancies in PLP2 expression were evident in immune infiltration, impacting CD4+ T cells, neutrophils, myeloid dendritic cells, and macrophages. There was a concomitant increase in PLP2 and PD-L1 expression in GBM tissues, revealing a link between the two. Molecular docking with ethosuximide and praziquantel yielded scores of -7.441 and -4.295 kcal/mol, correspondingly. Conclusion PLP2's upregulation in GBM may adversely influence the lifespan of GBM patients. The involvement of PLP2 in pathways linked to leukocyte function is suggested. The positive correlation between PLP2 and PD-L1 could provide insights into PLP2's role in glioma modulation. Our research hints at PLP2's potential as a therapeutic target for GBM, with ethosuximide and praziquantel emerging as potential treatment candidates, especially emphasizing the potential of these compounds in GBM treatment targeting PLP2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Qiao
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huanting Li
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
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Zhang H, Wang J, Li F. Modulation of natural killer cell exhaustion in the lungs: the key components from lung microenvironment and lung tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1286986. [PMID: 38022613 PMCID: PMC10657845 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1286986] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of tumor-induced death worldwide and remains a primary global health concern. In homeostasis, due to its unique structure and physiological function, the lung microenvironment is in a state of immune tolerance and suppression, which is beneficial to tumor development and metastasis. The lung tumor microenvironment is a more complex system that further enhances the immunosuppressive features in the lungs. NK cells are abundantly located in the lungs and play crucial roles in lung tumor surveillance and antitumor immunity. However, the immunosuppressive microenvironment promotes significant challenges to NK cell features, leading to their hypofunction, exhaustion, and compromised antitumor activity. Thus, understanding the complex interactions among the lung microenvironment, lung tumor microenvironment, and NK cell exhaustion is critical for the development of effective cancer immunotherapeutic strategies. The present review will discuss NK cell hypofunction and exhaustion within the lung microenvironment and lung tumor microenvironment, focusing on lung tissue-specific factors, including key cytokines and unique environmental components, that modulate NK cell activation and function. Understanding the functional mechanisms of key factors would help to design strategies to reverse NK cell exhaustion and restore their antitumor function within the lung tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxia Zhang
- Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Fengqi Li
- Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Duarte-Sanmiguel S, Salazar-Puerta AI, Panic A, Dodd D, Francis C, Alzate-Correa D, Ortega-Pineda L, Lemmerman L, Rincon-Benavides MA, Dathathreya K, Lawrence W, Ott N, Zhang J, Deng B, Wang S, Santander SP, McComb DW, Reategui E, Palmer AF, Carson WE, Higuita-Castro N, Gallego-Perez D. ICAM-1-decorated extracellular vesicles loaded with miR-146a and Glut1 drive immunomodulation and hinder tumor progression in a murine model of breast cancer. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:6834-6847. [PMID: 37646133 PMCID: PMC10591940 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm00573a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-associated immune cells play a crucial role in cancer progression. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), for example, are immature innate immune cells that infiltrate the tumor to exert immunosuppressive activity and protect cancer cells from the host's immune system and/or cancer-specific immunotherapies. While tumor-associated immune cells have emerged as a promising therapeutic target, efforts to counter immunosuppression within the tumor niche have been hampered by the lack of approaches that selectively target the immune cell compartment of the tumor, to effectively eliminate "tumor-protecting" immune cells and/or drive an "anti-tumor" phenotype. Here we report on a novel nanotechnology-based approach to target tumor-associated immune cells and promote "anti-tumor" responses in a murine model of breast cancer. Engineered extracellular vesicles (EVs) decorated with ICAM-1 ligands and loaded with miR-146a and Glut1, were biosynthesized (in vitro or in vivo) and administered to tumor-bearing mice once a week for up to 5 weeks. The impact of this treatment modality on the immune cell compartment and tumor progression was evaluated via RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, and histology. Our results indicate that weekly administration of the engineered EVs (i.e., ICAM-1-decorated and loaded with miR-146a and Glut1) hampered tumor progression compared to ICAM-1-decorated EVs with no cargo. Flow cytometry analyses of the tumors indicated a shift in the phenotype of the immune cell population toward a more pro-inflammatory state, which appeared to have facilitated the infiltration of tumor-targeting T cells, and was associated with a reduction in tumor size and decreased metastatic burden. Altogether, our results indicate that ICAM-1-decorated EVs could be a powerful platform nanotechnology for the deployment of immune cell-targeting therapies to solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana I Salazar-Puerta
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
- The Ohio State University, Gene Therapy Institute, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Ana Panic
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Daniel Dodd
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
- The Ohio State University, Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Carlie Francis
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Diego Alzate-Correa
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
- The Ohio State University, Gene Therapy Institute, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Lilibeth Ortega-Pineda
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Luke Lemmerman
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Maria A Rincon-Benavides
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
- The Ohio State University, Gene Therapy Institute, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- The Ohio State University, Biophysics Program, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Kavya Dathathreya
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - William Lawrence
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
- The Ohio State University, Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Neil Ott
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- The Ohio State University, William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Binbin Deng
- The Ohio State University, Center for Electron Microscopy and Microanalysis (CEMAS), Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Shipeng Wang
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Sandra P Santander
- Juan N. Corpas University Foundation, Center of Phytoimmunomodulation Department of Medicine, Bogota, Colombia
| | - David W McComb
- The Ohio State University, Center for Electron Microscopy and Microanalysis (CEMAS), Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- The Ohio State University, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Eduardo Reategui
- The Ohio State University, William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Andre F Palmer
- The Ohio State University, William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - William E Carson
- The Ohio State University, Department of Surgery, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Natalia Higuita-Castro
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
- The Ohio State University, Gene Therapy Institute, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- The Ohio State University, Biophysics Program, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- The Ohio State University, Department of Surgery, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- The Ohio State University, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- The Ohio State University, Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Daniel Gallego-Perez
- The Ohio State University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
- The Ohio State University, Gene Therapy Institute, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- The Ohio State University, Biophysics Program, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- The Ohio State University, Department of Surgery, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- The Ohio State University, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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Han R, Guan Y, Tang M, Li M, Zhang B, Fei G, Zhou S, Wang R. High Expression of PSRC1 Predicts Poor Prognosis in Lung Adenocarcinoma. J Cancer 2023; 14:3321-3334. [PMID: 37928428 PMCID: PMC10622992 DOI: 10.7150/jca.88635] [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: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The incidence of lung cancer is increasing annually, but the mechanism of its occurrence and development requires further study. This study aimed to investigate the biological function and prognostic value of proline- and serine-rich coiled-coil 1 (PSRC1) in lung cancer. Methods: We used data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to analyze the association between clinical features and PSRC1 expression in non-small cell carcinoma. The relationship between PSRC1 expression and prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves. The function of PSRC1 was identified using enrichment analysis, and the relationship between PSRC1 expression and immune cell infiltration was studied. In addition, the expression of PSRC1 in 150 patients with non-small cell carcinoma was detected using immunohistochemistry, and its clinical significance was analyzed. Results: It was found that the expression level of PSRC1 was higher in LUAD and LUSC tumor tissues than in normal tissues, and the results were confirmed by immunohistochemistry in 150 patients. TCGA data showed that high PSRC1 expression in LUAD was associated with poorer overall survival (p = 0.003) and progression-free interval (p = 0.012). Multivariable analysis showed that PSRC1 was an independent risk factor for LUAD. Functional enrichment analysis showed that PSRC1 is related to tumor development. Conclusion: High PSRC1 expression is significantly associated with LUAD survival and may be a promising prognostic biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Han
- Department of respiratory and critical care medicine, the first affiliated hospital of Anhui medical university, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Youhong Guan
- Department of infectious disease, Hefei second people's hospital, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Min Tang
- Department of respiratory and critical care medicine, the first affiliated hospital of Anhui medical university, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of oncology, the first affiliated hospital of Anhui medical university, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Binbin Zhang
- Department of respiratory and critical care medicine, the first affiliated hospital of Anhui medical university, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Guanghe Fei
- Department of respiratory and critical care medicine, the first affiliated hospital of Anhui medical university, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Sijing Zhou
- Department of Occupational Disease, Hefei third clinical college of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Ran Wang
- Department of respiratory and critical care medicine, the first affiliated hospital of Anhui medical university, Hefei 230022, China
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Shao H, Kaplan HJ, Sun D. The Role of Adenosine in γδ T-Cell Regulation of Th17 Responses in Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1432. [PMID: 37892114 PMCID: PMC10604616 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101432] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases caused by T cells can arise from either T-helper 1 (Th1) or T-helper 17 (Th17)-type pathogenic T cells. However, it is unclear whether these two T-cell subsets are influenced by distinct pathogenic factors and whether treatments that are effective for Th1 responses also work for Th17 responses. To compare these two pathogenic responses, we conducted a systematic analysis in a mouse model of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) to identify the factors that promote or inhibit each response and to determine their responses to various treatments. Our study found that the two types of pathogenic responses differ significantly in their pathological progressions and susceptibility to treatments. Specifically, we observed that extracellular adenosine is a crucial pathogenic molecule involved in the pathogenicity of inflammation and T-cell reactivity and that reciprocal interaction between adenosine and gamma delta (γδ) T cells plays a significant role in amplifying Th17 responses in the development of autoimmune diseases. The potential effect of targeting adenosine or adenosine receptors is analyzed regarding whether such targeting constitutes an effective approach to modulating both γδ T-cell responses and the pathogenic Th17 responses in autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Shao
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kentucky Lions Eye Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Henry J. Kaplan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, St. Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Deming Sun
- Doheny Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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Foy V, McNamara MG, Valle JW, Lamarca A, Edeline J, Hubner RA. Current Evidence for Immune Checkpoint Inhibition in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:8665-8685. [PMID: 37754543 PMCID: PMC10529518 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30090628] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The treatment of advanced unresectable HCC (aHCC) remains a clinical challenge, with limited therapeutic options and poor prognosis. The results of IMbrave150 and HIMALAYA have changed the treatment paradigm for HCC and established immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI), either combined with anti-angiogenic therapy or dual ICI, as preferred first-line therapy for eligible patients with aHCC. Numerous other combination regimens involving ICI are under investigation with the aim of improving the tumour response and survival of patients with all stages of HCC. This review will explore the current evidence for ICI in patients with advanced HCC and discuss future directions, including the unmet clinical need for predictive biomarkers to facilitate patient selection, the effects of cirrhosis aetiology on response to ICI, and the safety of its use in patients with impaired liver function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Foy
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow Rd., Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - Mairéad G. McNamara
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow Rd., Manchester M20 4BX, UK
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Rd., Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Juan W. Valle
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow Rd., Manchester M20 4BX, UK
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Rd., Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Angela Lamarca
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow Rd., Manchester M20 4BX, UK
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Rd., Manchester M13 9PL, UK
- Department of Oncology, OncoHealth Institute, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital, Avenida de los Reyes Catolicos 2, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Julien Edeline
- Centre Eugène Marquis, Av. de la Bataille Flandres Dunkerque-CS 44229, CEDEX, 35042 Rennes, France;
| | - Richard A. Hubner
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow Rd., Manchester M20 4BX, UK
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Rd., Manchester M13 9PL, UK
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46
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Bretscher P. What Determines the Class of Immunity an Antigen Induces? A Foundational Question Whose Rational Consideration Has Been Undermined by the Information Overload. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1253. [PMID: 37759652 PMCID: PMC10525557 DOI: 10.3390/biology12091253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Activated CD4 T helper cells are required to activate B cells to produce antibody and CD8 T cells to generate cytotoxic T lymphocytes. In the absence of such help, antigens inactivate B cells and CD8 T cells. Thus, the activation or inactivation of CD4 T cells determines whether immune responses are generated, or potentially ablated. Most consider that the activation of CD4 T cells requires an antigen-dependent signal, signal 1, as well as a critical costimulatory signal, initiated when a pattern recognition receptor (PRR) engages with a danger- or pathogen-associated molecular pattern (DAMP or PAMP). Most also envisage that the nature of the DAMP/PAMP signal determines the Th subset predominantly generated and so the class of immunity predominantly induced. I argue that this framework is implausible as it is incompatible with diverse observations of the variables of immunization affecting the class of immunity induced. An alternative framework, the threshold hypothesis, posits that different levels of antigen mediated CD4 T cell interactions lead to the generation of different Th subsets and so different classes of immunity, that it is compatible with these observations. This alternative supports a rational approach to preventing and treating diverse clinical conditions associated with infectious disease and, more speculatively, with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Bretscher
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
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Cirella A, Bolaños E, Luri-Rey C, Di Trani CA, Olivera I, Gomis G, Glez-Vaz J, Pinci B, Garasa S, Sánchez-Gregorio S, Azpilikueta A, Eguren-Santamaria I, Valencia K, Palencia B, Alvarez M, Ochoa MC, Teijeira Á, Berraondo P, Melero I. Intratumoral immunotherapy with mRNAs encoding chimeric protein constructs encompassing IL-12, CD137 agonists, and TGF-β antagonists. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:668-682. [PMID: 37650116 PMCID: PMC10462790 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Intratumoral immunotherapy strategies for cancer based on interleukin-12 (IL-12)-encoding cDNA and mRNA are under clinical development in combination with anti-PD-(L)1 monoclonal antibodies. To make the most of these approaches, we have constructed chimeric mRNAs encoding single-chain IL-12 fused to single-chain fragment variable (scFv) antibodies that bind to transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and CD137 (4-1BB). Several neutralizing TGF-β agents and CD137 agonists are also undergoing early-phase clinical trials. To attain TGF-β and CD137 binding by the constructions, we used bispecific tandem scFv antibodies (taFvs) derived from the specific 1D11 and 1D8 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), respectively. Transfection of mRNAs encoding the chimeric constructs achieved functional expression of the proteins able to act on their targets. Upon mRNA intratumoral injections in the transplantable mouse cancer models CT26, MC38, and B16OVA, potent therapeutic effects were observed following repeated injections into the tumors. Efficacy was dependent on the number of CD8+ T cells able to recognize tumor antigens that infiltrated the malignant tissue. Although the abscopal effects on concomitant uninjected lesions were modest, such distant effects on untreated lesions were markedly increased when combined with systemic PD-1 blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assunta Cirella
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Elixabet Bolaños
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carlos Luri-Rey
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Claudia Augusta Di Trani
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Irene Olivera
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Gabriel Gomis
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Javier Glez-Vaz
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Beatrice Pinci
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Saray Garasa
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sandra Sánchez-Gregorio
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Arantza Azpilikueta
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Iñaki Eguren-Santamaria
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Karmele Valencia
- Program of Solid Tumors, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Belén Palencia
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maite Alvarez
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria C. Ochoa
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Álvaro Teijeira
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Berraondo
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 28027 Madrid, Spain
- Centro Del Cancer de La Universidad de Navarra (CCUN), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Nuffield Department of Medicine (NDM), University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
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Li S, Yang M, Teng S, Lin K, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Guo W, Wang D. Chromatin accessibility dynamics in colorectal cancer liver metastasis: Uncovering the liver tropism at single cell resolution. Pharmacol Res 2023; 195:106896. [PMID: 37633511 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Tumor metastasis causes over 90% of cancer related death and no currently available therapies target it. However, there is limited understanding regarding the epigenetic regulation of genes during this complex process. Here by integrating single-cell ATAC-seq (scATAC-seq), single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq), microarray, bulk RNA-seq, immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, as well as proteomics datasets from paired primary and liver metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model and patients, we discovered that liver metastatic CRC cells lose their colon-specific chromatin accessible sites yet gain liver-specific ones. Importantly, we observed elevated accessibility of HNF4A, a liver-specific transcription factor, in liver metastatic CRC cells. Subsequently, we performed clustering analysis of liver metastatic CRC cells together with cells involved in liver development, revealing significant heterogeneity among the liver metastatic CRC cells. Over 50% of the liver metastatic CRC cells exhibited characteristics similar to those of erythroid progenitors and hepatocytes, showing increased expression of genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis. Moreover, our discovery further revealed that the MHC and IFN response genes in these cells exhibit moderate epigenetic activity, which is significantly associated with the low objective response rates in checkpoint blockade immunotherapy. Our findings uncovered the critical roles of HNF4A and the cell populations within liver metastatic CRC cells might serve as crucial therapeutic targets for addressing liver metastasis and improving the immunotherapy response in patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diabetology & Guangzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Mechanistic and Translational Obesity Research, Medical Center for Comprehensive Weight Control, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Shuaishuai Teng
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Kequan Lin
- Department of Cardiology of The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Yumei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yanmei Zhang
- Biomanufacturing Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Haining 314400, China; Institute of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China
| | - Dong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
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49
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Lee YR. A multidisciplinary approach with immunotherapies for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. JOURNAL OF LIVER CANCER 2023; 23:316-329. [PMID: 37743048 PMCID: PMC10565553 DOI: 10.17998/jlc.2023.09.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly aggressive disease that is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage. Advanced HCC has limited treatment options and often has a poor prognosis. For the past decade, tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been the only treatments approved for advanced HCC that have shown overall survival (OS) benefits; however, but their clinical efficacy has been limited. Recent trials have demonstrated promising advancements in survival outcomes through immunotherapy-based treatments, such as combinations of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) with other ICIs, antiangiogenic drugs, and locoregional therapies. The atezolizumab-bevacizumab and durvalumab-tremelimumab (STRIDE) regimen has significantly improved survival rates as a first-line treatment and has become the new standard of care. Therefore, combined treatments for advanced HCC can result in better treatment outcomes owing to their synergistic effects, which requires a multidisciplinary approach. Ongoing studies are examining other therapeutic innovations that can improve disease control and OS rates. Despite improvements in the treatment of advanced HCC, further studies on the optimal treatment selection and sequences, biomarker identification, combination approaches with other therapies, and development of novel immunotherapy agents are required. This review presents the current treatment options and clinical data of the ICI-based combination immunotherapies for advanced HCC from a multidisciplinary perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Rim Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
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50
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Uto T, Fukaya T, Mitoma S, Nishikawa Y, Tominaga M, Choijookhuu N, Hishikawa Y, Sato K. Clec4A4 Acts as a Negative Immune Checkpoint Regulator to Suppress Antitumor Immunity. Cancer Immunol Res 2023; 11:1266-1279. [PMID: 37432112 PMCID: PMC10472101 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-22-0536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Clec4A4 is a C-type lectin receptor (CLR) exclusively expressed on murine conventional dendritic cells (cDC) to regulate their activation status. However, the functional role of murine Clec4A4 (mClec4A4) in antitumor immunity remains unclear. Here, we show that mClec4A4 serves as a negative immune checkpoint regulator to impair antitumor immune responses. Deficiency of mClec4A4 lead to a reduction in tumor development, accompanied by enhanced antitumor immune responses and amelioration of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) mediated through the enforced activation of cDCs in tumor-bearing mice. Furthermore, antagonistic mAb to human CLEC4A (hCLEC4A), which is the functional orthologue of mClec4A4, exerted protection against established tumors without any apparent signs of immune-related adverse events in hCLEC4A-transgenic mice. Thus, our findings highlight the critical role of mClec4A4 expressed on cDCs as a negative immune checkpoint molecule in the control of tumor progression and provide support for hCLEC4A as a potential target for immune checkpoint blockade in tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomofumi Uto
- Division of Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
- Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Fukaya
- Division of Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
- Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuya Mitoma
- Division of Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
- Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yotaro Nishikawa
- Division of Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Moe Tominaga
- Division of Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Narantsog Choijookhuu
- Division of Histochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Hishikawa
- Division of Histochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Katsuaki Sato
- Division of Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
- Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), Tokyo, Japan
- Frontier Science Research Center, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
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