1
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Kim J, Maharjan R, Park J. Current Trends and Innovative Approaches in Cancer Immunotherapy. AAPS PharmSciTech 2024; 25:168. [PMID: 39044047 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-024-02883-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is one of the most promising therapeutic approaches in the field of cancer treatment. As a tumor progresses, tumor cells employ an array of immune-regulatory mechanisms to suppress immune responses within the tumor microenvironment. Using our understanding of these mechanisms, cancer immunotherapy has been developed to enhance the immune system's effectiveness in treating cancer. Numerous cancer immunotherapies are currently in clinical use, yet many others are either in different stages of development or undergoing clinical studies. In this paper, we briefly discuss the features and current status of cancer immunotherapies. This includes the application of monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell therapy, cytokine therapy, cancer vaccines, and gene therapy, all of which have gained significant recognition in clinical practice. Additionally, we discuss limitations that may hinder successful clinical utilization and promising strategies, such as combining immunotherapy with nanotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaechang Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 S. Limestone, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Ruby Maharjan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 S. Limestone, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Jonghyuck Park
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 S. Limestone, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA.
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
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2
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Jiang B, Elkashif A, Coulter JA, Dunne NJ, McCarthy HO. Immunotherapy for HPV negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189138. [PMID: 38889878 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNSCC) is the 8th most common cancer in the UK, with incidence increasing due to lifestyle factors such as tobacco and alcohol abuse. HNSCC is an immune-suppressive disease characterised by impaired cytokine secretion and dysregulation of immune infiltrate. As such, immunotherapy is a potential treatment option, with therapeutic cancer vaccination demonstrating the greatest potential. The success of cancer vaccination is dependent on informed antigen selection: an ideal antigen must be either tumour-specific or tumour-associated, as well as highly immunogenic. Stratification of the patient population for antigen expression and validated biomarkers are also vital. This review focuses on the latest developments in immunotherapy, specifically the development of therapeutic vaccines, and highlights successes, potential drawbacks and areas for future development. Immunotherapy approaches considered for HNSCC include monoclonal antibodies (mAb), Oncolytic viral (OV) therapies, Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs) and cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binyumeng Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Ahmed Elkashif
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Jonathan A Coulter
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Nicholas J Dunne
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Helen O McCarthy
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK.
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3
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Malla R, Srilatha M, Muppala V, Farran B, Chauhan VS, Nagaraju GP. Neoantigens and cancer-testis antigens as promising vaccine candidates for triple-negative breast cancer: Delivery strategies and clinical trials. J Control Release 2024; 370:707-720. [PMID: 38744346 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.05.020] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is gaining prominence as a promising strategy for treating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Neoantigens (neoAgs) and cancer-testis antigens (CTAs) are tumor-specific targets originating from somatic mutations and epigenetic changes in cancer cells. These antigens hold great promise for personalized cancer vaccines, as supported by preclinical and early clinical evidence in TNBC. This review delves into the potential of neoAgs and CTAs as vaccine candidates, emphasizing diverse strategies and delivery approaches. It also highlights the current status of vaccination modalities undergoing clinical trials in TNBC therapy. A comprehensive understanding of neoAgs, CTAs, vaccination strategies, and innovative delivery methods is crucial for optimizing neoAg-based immunotherapies in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- RamaRao Malla
- Cancer Biology Lab, Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, GITAM School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam 530045, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Mundla Srilatha
- Department of Biotechnology, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati 517502, AP, India
| | - Veda Muppala
- Department of Neuroscience, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Batoul Farran
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Virander Singh Chauhan
- Molecular Medicine Group, Molecular Medicines International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Ganji Purnachandra Nagaraju
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA.
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4
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Yoshimaru Y, Nagaoka K, Tanaka K, Narahara S, Inada H, Kurano S, Tokunaga T, Iio E, Watanabe T, Setoyama H, Tateyama M, Yoshida K, Tsunoda T, Nakamura Y, Tanaka M, Sasaki Y, Tanaka Y. Randomized phase I/II study of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor peptide vaccines for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatol Res 2024; 54:451-464. [PMID: 38018304 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
AIM We evaluated the safety and efficacy of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-targeted peptide vaccines for the immunization of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who had responded to transarterial chemoembolization. METHODS Twenty-two patients were randomized 1:1 to receive VEGFR-targeted peptides or placebo. The primary end-point was the safety assessment of the immunization. The secondary end-points were evaluation of immunological responses and clinical outcomes. RESULTS No severe adverse events were induced by the study agents. Among the 12 patients in the vaccine group, a VEGFR1-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response was induced in eight (66.7%) patients and a VEGFR2-specific CTL response was induced in 10 (83.3%). The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 4.8 and 52.0 months, respectively, in the vaccine group, and 2.7 and 21.8 months, respectively, in the placebo group. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups (PFS p = 0.925, OS p = 0.190). When divided into two groups according to immunoreactivity, the median PFS of patients with and without a strong immune response to VEGFR1 were 7.4 and 2.7 months, and that to VEGFR2 were 10.6 and 2.7 months, respectively; there were significant differences according to the immune response. CONCLUSIONS Immunotherapy with peptide vaccines targeting VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 was well tolerated with no serious adverse events. It also effectively induced peptide-specific CTLs in patients with unresectable HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoko Yoshimaru
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Katsuya Nagaoka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kentaro Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Satoshi Narahara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hiroki Inada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Sotaro Kurano
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Takayuki Tokunaga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Etsuko Iio
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Takehisa Watanabe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hiroko Setoyama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Masakuni Tateyama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | | | - Takuya Tsunoda
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Nakamura
- National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Yutaka Sasaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Osaka Central Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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5
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Xie YJ, Tian S, Huang M, Lu LL, Liu ZQ, Chen JH, Fan XX. Depletion of regulatory T cells enhancing the anti-tumor effect of in situ vaccination in solid tumors. Pharmacol Res 2024; 203:107174. [PMID: 38580185 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized the clinical treatment for tumor. However, the low response rate of ICIs remains the major obstacle for curing patients and effective approaches for patients with primary or secondary resistance to ICIs remain lacking. In this study, immune stimulating agent unmethylated CG-enriched (CpG) oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) was locally injected into the tumor to trigger a robust immune response to eradicate cancer cells, while anti-CD25 antibody was applied to remove immunosuppressive regulatory T cells, which further enhanced the host immune activity to attack tumor systematically. The combination of CpG and anti-CD25 antibody obtained notable regression in mouse melanoma model. Furthermore, rechallenge of tumor cells in the xenograft model has resulted in smaller tumor volume, which demonstrated that the combinational treatment enhanced the activity of memory T cells. Remarkably, this combinational therapy presented significant efficacy on multiple types of tumors as well and was able to prevent relapse of tumor partially. Taken together, our combinational immunotherapy provides a new avenue to enhance the clinical outcomes of patients who are insensitive or resistant to ICIs treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Jia Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Sha Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao Special Administrative Region of China; College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Min Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Lin-Lin Lu
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhong-Qiu Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun-Hui Chen
- Intervention and Cell Therapy Center, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Xing-Xing Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao Special Administrative Region of China.
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6
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Rubsamen RM, Sloan AE. Editorial: Synthetic peptide vaccine platforms targeting tumor-specific antigens: advances and challenges. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1363282. [PMID: 38464714 PMCID: PMC10920325 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1363282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Reid M. Rubsamen
- School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, United States
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7
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Rathore AS, Chirmule N, Dash R, Chowdhury A. Current status and future prospective of breast cancer immunotherapy. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2024; 140:293-326. [PMID: 38762272 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2023.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
The immune system is complicated, interconnected, and offers a powerful defense system that protects its host from foreign pathogens. Immunotherapy involves boosting the immune system to kill cancer cells, and nowadays, is a major emerging treatment for cancer. With the advances in our understanding of the immunology of cancer, there has been an explosion of studies to develop and evaluate therapies that engage the immune system in the fight against cancer. Nevertheless, conventional therapies have been effective in reducing tumor burden and prolonging patient life, but the overall efficacy of these treatment regimens has been somewhat mixed and often with severe side effects. A common reason for this is the activation of molecular mechanisms that lead to apoptosis of anti-tumor effector cells. The competency to block tumor escape entirely depends on our understanding of the cellular and molecular pathways which operate in the tumor microenvironment. Numerous strategies have been developed for activating the immune system to kill tumor cells. Breast cancer is one of the major causes of cancer death in women, and is characterized by complex molecular and cellular events that closely intertwine with the host immune system. In this regard, predictive biomarkers of immunotherapy, use of nanotechnology, personalized cancer vaccines, antibodies to checkpoint inhibitors, engineered chimeric antigen receptor-T cells, and the combination with other therapeutic modalities have transformed cancer therapy and optimized the therapeutic effect. In this chapter, we will offer a holistic view of the different therapeutic modalities and recent advances in immunotherapy. Additionally, we will summarize the recent advances and future prospective of breast cancer immunotherapies, as a case study.
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8
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Jang A, Lichterman JN, Zhong JY, Shoag JE, Garcia JA, Zhang T, Barata PC. Immune approaches beyond traditional immune checkpoint inhibitors for advanced renal cell carcinoma. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2276629. [PMID: 37947202 PMCID: PMC10653627 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2276629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC), especially clear cell RCC, is generally considered an immunotherapy-responsive cancer. Recently, the prognosis for patients with locally advanced and metastatic RCC has significantly improved with the regulatory approvals of anti-PD-1/PD-L1/CTLA-4 immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based regimens. Yet in most cases, RCC will remain initially unresponsive to treatment or will develop resistance over time. Hence, there remains an unmet need to understand what leads to ICI resistance and to develop novel immune and nonimmune treatments to enhance the response to ICIs. In this review, we highlight recently published studies and the latest clinical studies investigating the next generation of immune approaches to locally advanced and metastatic RCC beyond traditional ICIs. These trials include cytokines, gut microbiota-based therapies, novel immune checkpoint agents, vaccines, and chimeric antigen receptor T cells. These agents are being evaluated as monotherapy or in combination with traditional ICIs and will hopefully provide improved outcomes to patients with RCC soon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Jang
- Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jake N. Lichterman
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey Y. Zhong
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jonathan E. Shoag
- Department of Urology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jorge A. Garcia
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Tian Zhang
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Pedro C. Barata
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Kondapuram SK, Ramachandran HK, Arya H, Coumar MS. Targeting survivin for cancer therapy: Strategies, small molecule inhibitors and vaccine based therapeutics in development. Life Sci 2023; 335:122260. [PMID: 37963509 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122260] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Survivin is a member of the family of inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs). It is involved in the normal mitotic process and acts as an anti-apoptotic molecule. While terminally differentiated normal tissues lack survivin, several human malignancies have significant protein levels. Resistance to chemotherapy and radiation in tumor cells is associated with survivin expression. Decreased tumor development, apoptosis, and increased sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiation are all effects of downregulating survivin expression or activity. As a prospective cancer treatment, small molecules targeting the transcription and translation of survivin and molecules that can directly bind with the survivin are being explored both in pre-clinical and clinics. Pre-clinical investigations have found and demonstrated the effectiveness of several small-molecule survivin inhibitors. Unfortunately, these inhibitors have also been shown to have off-target effects, which could limit their clinical utility. In addition to small molecules, several survivin peptide vaccines are currently under development. These vaccines are designed to elicit a cytotoxic T-cell response against survivin, which could lead to the destruction of tumor cells expressing survivin. Some survivin-based vaccines are advancing through Phase II clinical studies. Overall, survivin is a promising cancer drug target. However, challenges still need to be addressed before the survivin targeted therapies can be widely used in the clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sree Karani Kondapuram
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Puducherry 605014, India
| | - Hema Kasthuri Ramachandran
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Puducherry 605014, India
| | - Hemant Arya
- Institute for Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Department of Systems Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Mohane Selvaraj Coumar
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Puducherry 605014, India.
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10
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Andrews CE, Zilberberg J, Perez-Olle R, Exley MA, Andrews DW. Targeted immunotherapy for glioblastoma involving whole tumor-derived autologous cells in the upfront setting after craniotomy. J Neurooncol 2023; 165:389-398. [PMID: 38017340 PMCID: PMC10942892 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-023-04491-4] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To date, immunotherapeutic approaches in glioblastoma (GBM) have had limited clinical efficacy as compared to other solid tumors. Here we explore autologous cell treatments that have the potential to circumvent treatment resistance to immunotherapy for GBM. METHODS We performed literature review and assessed clinical outcomes in phase 1 safety trials as well as phase 2 and 3 autologously-derived vaccines for the treatment of newly-diagnosed GBM. In one recent review of over 3,000 neuro-oncology phase 2 and phase 3 clinical trials, most trials were nonblinded (92%), single group (65%), nonrandomized (51%) and almost half were GBM trials. Only 10% involved a biologic and only 2.2% involved a double-blind randomized trial design. RESULTS With this comparative literature review we conclude that our autologous cell product is uniquely antigen-inclusive and antigen-agnostic with a promising safety profile as well as unexpected clinical efficacy in our published phase 1b trial. We have since designed a rigorous double-blinded add-on placebo-controlled trial involving our implantable biologic drug device. We conclude that IGV-001 provides a novel immunotherapy platform for historically intransigent ndGBM in this ongoing phase 2b trial (NCT04485949).
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie E Andrews
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | | | | | | | - David W Andrews
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.
- Imvax, Inc., Philadelphia, PA, 19602, USA.
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Panya A, Thepmalee C, Sawasdee N, Saengmuang S, Luangwattananun P, Yenchitsomanus PT. Enhancing cholangiocarcinoma immunotherapy with adoptive T cells targeting HLA-restricted neoantigen peptides derived from driver gene mutations. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115827. [PMID: 37939617 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115827] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Precision immunotherapy, driven by genomic and bioinformatic advancements, has emerged as a promising and viable approach to combat cancer. Targeting neoantigens offers the advantage of specific immune responses with minimal off-tumor toxicity. In this study, we investigated the potential of adoptive T cells activated by HLA-restricted neoantigen peptides from driver gene mutations for treating cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a highly aggressive cancer with poor prognosis and high mortality rates. Through whole exome sequencing of CCA cell lines, KKU-213A and KKU-100, we identified mutations in common driver genes and predicted corresponding HLA-restricted peptides. Peptides from KRAS, RNF43, and TP53 mutations exhibited strong binding affinity to HLA-A11, as validated through molecular docking and T2-cell binding assays. Dendritic cells (DCs) from healthy donors expressing HLA-A* 11:01, pulsed with individual or pooled peptides, showed comparable levels of costimulatory molecules (CD11c, CD40, CD86, and HLA-DR) to conventional DCs but higher expression of maturation markers, CD80 and CD86. Autologous HLA-A* 11:01-restricted T cells, activated by peptide-pulsed DCs, effectively lysed KKU-213A (HLA-A*11:01) cells, outperforming conventional tumor lysate-pulsed DCs. This effect was specific to HLA-A* 11:01-restricted T cells and not observed in KKU-100 (HLA-A*33:03) cells. Moreover, HLA-A* 11:01-restricted T cells exhibited elevated levels of IFN-gamma, granulysin, and granzyme B, indicating their potent anti-tumor capabilities. These findings underscore the specificity and efficiency of HLA-A* 11:01-restricted T cells targeting KRAS, RNF43, TP53 mutated CCA cells, and offer valuable insights for developing immunotherapeutic strategies and therapeutic peptide-vaccines for CCA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aussara Panya
- Cell Engineering for Cancer Therapy Research Group, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Chutamas Thepmalee
- Division of Biochemistry, School of Medical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand
| | - Nunghathai Sawasdee
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy (SiCORE-CIT), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Sasithorn Saengmuang
- Master of Science Program in Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Piriya Luangwattananun
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy (SiCORE-CIT), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Pa-Thai Yenchitsomanus
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellence for Cancer Immunotherapy (SiCORE-CIT), Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand; Division of Molecular Medicine, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
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12
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Zhu Y, Li X, Chen T, Wang J, Zhou Y, Mu X, Du Y, Wang J, Tang J, Liu J. Personalised neoantigen-based therapy in colorectal cancer. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1461. [PMID: 37921274 PMCID: PMC10623652 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) has become one of the most common tumours with high morbidity, mortality and distinctive evolution mechanism. The neoantigens arising from the somatic mutations have become considerable treatment targets in the management of CRC. As cancer-specific aberrant peptides, neoantigens can trigger the robust host immune response and exert anti-tumour effects while minimising the emergence of adverse events commonly associated with alternative therapeutic regimens. In this review, we summarised the mechanism, generation, identification and prognostic significance of neoantigens, as well as therapeutic strategies challenges of neoantigen-based therapy in CRC. The evidence suggests that the establishment of personalised neoantigen-based therapy holds great promise as an effective treatment approach for patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya‐Juan Zhu
- Department of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xiong Li
- Department of GastroenterologyThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Ting‐Ting Chen
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
| | - Jia‐Xiang Wang
- Department of Renal Cancer and MelanomaPeking University Cancer Hospital & InstituteBeijingChina
| | - Yi‐Xin Zhou
- Department of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xiao‐Li Mu
- Department of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yang Du
- Department of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Jia‐Ling Wang
- Department of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Jie Tang
- Clinical Trial CenterWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Ji‐Yan Liu
- Department of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
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13
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Zhang A, Ji Q, Sheng X, Wu H. mRNA vaccine in gastrointestinal tumors: Immunomodulatory effects and immunotherapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115361. [PMID: 37660645 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal tumors remain a significant healthcare burden worldwide, necessitating the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. mRNA vaccines have emerged as a promising approach in cancer immunotherapy, harnessing the immune system's potential to recognize and eliminate tumor cells. mRNA vaccines offer several advantages, including their ability to elicit both innate and adaptive immune responses, ease of production, and adaptability to different tumor types. In the context of gastrointestinal tumors, mRNA vaccines hold great potential as a therapeutic strategy. In this review, we will delve into the immunomodulatory mechanisms and immunotherapy strategies of mRNA vaccines in gastrointestinal tumors. Additionally, we will discuss the challenges and ongoing research efforts in optimizing mRNA vaccine development, delivery, and stability. By understanding the potential of mRNA vaccines in addressing the unmet medical need of gastrointestinal tumors, we aim to pave the way for improved treatment strategies and better patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Qingming Ji
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Xia Sheng
- Department of Cadre Ward, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Hui Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China.
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14
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Nhàn NTT, Yamada T, Yamada KH. Peptide-Based Agents for Cancer Treatment: Current Applications and Future Directions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12931. [PMID: 37629112 PMCID: PMC10454368 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptide-based strategies have received an enormous amount of attention because of their specificity and applicability. Their specificity and tumor-targeting ability are applied to diagnosis and treatment for cancer patients. In this review, we will summarize recent advancements and future perspectives on peptide-based strategies for cancer treatment. The literature search was conducted to identify relevant articles for peptide-based strategies for cancer treatment. It was performed using PubMed for articles in English until June 2023. Information on clinical trials was also obtained from ClinicalTrial.gov. Given that peptide-based strategies have several advantages such as targeted delivery to the diseased area, personalized designs, relatively small sizes, and simple production process, bioactive peptides having anti-cancer activities (anti-cancer peptides or ACPs) have been tested in pre-clinical settings and clinical trials. The capability of peptides for tumor targeting is essentially useful for peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs), diagnosis, and image-guided surgery. Immunomodulation with peptide vaccines has been extensively tested in clinical trials. Despite such advantages, FDA-approved peptide agents for solid cancer are still limited. This review will provide a detailed overview of current approaches, design strategies, routes of administration, and new technological advancements. We will highlight the success and limitations of peptide-based therapies for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyễn Thị Thanh Nhàn
- Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - Tohru Yamada
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
- Richard & Loan Hill Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois College of Engineering, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Kaori H. Yamada
- Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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15
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Iancu DCE, Fulga A, Vesa D, Stan C, Zenovia A, Bujoreanu F, Piraianu AI, Sarbu MI, Tatu AL. Insight on common forms of cutaneous head and neck carcinoma (Review). Mol Clin Oncol 2023; 18:28. [PMID: 36908978 PMCID: PMC9995598 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2023.2624] [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: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
To improve the outcome and quality of life for patients with head and neck carcinoma, an increasing amount of research has been performed on the particularities of this type of cancer and its treatment methods. Starting from clinical aspects, including histology and imaging features, up-to-date studies from different parts of the world have determined new data leading to a better understanding of the mechanisms behind the disease and proposed new treatment protocols. The head and neck areas are predisposed to almost all skin neoplasms, most commonly those related to ultraviolet exposure. Squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma account for almost 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers in this region; therefore, reviewing the literature on cutaneous carcinomas of the head and neck area and sharing particular aspects of their physiopathology are beneficial for a great number of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doriana Cristea-Ene Iancu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, 'Sfantul Andrei' Emergency Clinical Hospital of Galati, 800578 Galati, Romania.,Clinical Surgical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, 'Dunarea de Jos' University of Galati, 800010 Galati, Romania
| | - Ana Fulga
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, 'Sfantul Andrei' Emergency Clinical Hospital of Galati, 800578 Galati, Romania.,Clinical Surgical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, 'Dunarea de Jos' University of Galati, 800010 Galati, Romania
| | - Doina Vesa
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, 'Sfantul Andrei' Emergency Clinical Hospital of Galati, 800578 Galati, Romania.,Clinical Surgical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, 'Dunarea de Jos' University of Galati, 800010 Galati, Romania
| | - Constantin Stan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, 'Sfantul Andrei' Emergency Clinical Hospital of Galati, 800578 Galati, Romania.,Clinical Surgical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, 'Dunarea de Jos' University of Galati, 800010 Galati, Romania
| | - Andrei Zenovia
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, 'Cai Ferate' General Hospital, 800223 Galati, Romania
| | - Florin Bujoreanu
- Department of Dermatology, 'Sfanta Cuvioasa Parascheva' Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases, 800179 Galati, Romania.,Multidisciplinary Integrative Center for Dermatologic Interface Research (MIC-DIR), 800179 Galati, Romania
| | - Alin Ionut Piraianu
- Clinical Surgical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, 'Dunarea de Jos' University of Galati, 800010 Galati, Romania.,Department of Forensic Medicine, 'Sfantul Andrei' Emergency Clinical Hospital of Galati, 800578 Galati, Romania
| | - Mihaela Ionela Sarbu
- Clinical Surgical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, 'Dunarea de Jos' University of Galati, 800010 Galati, Romania
| | - Alin Laurentiu Tatu
- Clinical Surgical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, 'Dunarea de Jos' University of Galati, 800010 Galati, Romania.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, 'Cai Ferate' General Hospital, 800223 Galati, Romania.,Department of Dermatology, 'Sfanta Cuvioasa Parascheva' Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases, 800179 Galati, Romania.,Multidisciplinary Integrative Center for Dermatologic Interface Research (MIC-DIR), 800179 Galati, Romania
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16
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Perez-Penco M, Weis-Banke SE, Schina A, Siersbæk M, Hübbe ML, Jørgensen MA, Lecoq I, Lara de la Torre L, Bendtsen SK, Martinenaite E, Holmström MO, Madsen DH, Donia M, Ødum N, Grøntved L, Andersen MH. TGFβ-derived immune modulatory vaccine: targeting the immunosuppressive and fibrotic tumor microenvironment in a murine model of pancreatic cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-005491. [PMID: 36600556 PMCID: PMC9730419 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with very poor survival, making it the third and fourth leading cause of all cancer-related deaths in the USA and European Union, respectively. The tumor microenvironment (TME) in PDAC is highly immunosuppressive and desmoplastic, which could explain the limited therapeutic effect of immunotherapy in PDAC. One of the key molecules that contributes to immunosuppression and fibrosis is transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ). The aim of this study was to target the immunosuppressive and fibrotic TME in PDAC using a novel immune modulatory vaccine with TGFβ-derived peptides in a murine model of pancreatic cancer. METHODS C57BL/6 mice were subcutaneously inoculated with Pan02 PDAC cells. Mice were treated with TGFβ1-derived peptides (major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-I and MHC-II-restricted) adjuvanted with Montanide ISA 51VG. The presence of treatment-induced TGFβ-specific T cells was assessed by ELISpot (enzyme-linked immunospot). Changes in the immune infiltration and gene expression profile in tumor samples were characterized by flow cytometry, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and bulk RNA sequencing. RESULTS Treatment with immunogenic TGFβ-derived peptides was safe and controlled tumor growth in Pan02 tumor-bearing mice. Enlargement of tumor-draining lymph nodes in vaccinated mice positively correlated to the control of tumor growth. Analysis of immune infiltration and gene expression in Pan02 tumors revealed that TGFβ-derived peptide vaccine increased the infiltration of CD8+ T cells and the intratumoral M1/M2 macrophage ratio, it increased the expression of genes involved in immune activation and immune response to tumors, and it reduced the expression of myofibroblast-like cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-related genes and genes encoding fibroblast-derived collagens. Finally, we confirmed that TGFβ-derived peptide vaccine actively modulated the TME, as the ability of T cells to proliferate was restored when exposed to tumor-conditioned media from vaccinated mice compared with media from untreated mice. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the antitumor activity of TGFβ-derived multipeptide vaccination in a murine tumor model of PDAC. The data suggest that the vaccine targets immunosuppression and fibrosis in the TME by polarizing the cellular composition towards a more pro-inflammatory phenotype. Our findings support the feasibility and potential of TGFβ-derived peptide vaccination as a novel immunotherapeutic approach to target immunosuppression in the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Perez-Penco
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Stine Emilie Weis-Banke
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Aimilia Schina
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Majken Siersbæk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mie Linder Hübbe
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Mia Aaboe Jørgensen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Inés Lecoq
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark,IO Biotech ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lucia Lara de la Torre
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Simone Kloch Bendtsen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Evelina Martinenaite
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark,IO Biotech ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Orebo Holmström
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Daniel Hargbøl Madsen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marco Donia
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Niels Ødum
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Grøntved
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mads Hald Andersen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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17
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Sjaastad FV, Huggins MA, Lucas ED, Skon-Hegg C, Swanson W, Martin MD, Salgado OC, Xu J, Pierson M, Dileepan T, Kucaba TA, Hamilton SE, Griffith TS. Reduced T Cell Priming in Microbially Experienced "Dirty" Mice Results from Limited IL-27 Production by XCR1+ Dendritic Cells. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 209:2149-2159. [PMID: 36426978 PMCID: PMC10065988 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Successful vaccination strategies offer the potential for lifelong immunity against infectious diseases and cancer. There has been increased attention regarding the limited translation of some preclinical findings generated using specific pathogen-free (SPF) laboratory mice to humans. One potential reason for the difference between preclinical and clinical findings lies in maturation status of the immune system at the time of challenge. In this study, we used a "dirty" mouse model, where SPF laboratory mice were cohoused (CoH) with pet store mice to permit microbe transfer and immune system maturation, to investigate the priming of a naive T cell response after vaccination with a peptide subunit mixed with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid and agonistic anti-CD40 mAb. Although this vaccination platform induced robust antitumor immunity in SPF mice, it failed to do so in microbially experienced CoH mice. Subsequent investigation revealed that despite similar numbers of Ag-specific naive CD4 and CD8 T cell precursors, the expansion, differentiation, and recall responses of these CD4 and CD8 T cell populations in CoH mice were significantly reduced compared with SPF mice after vaccination. Evaluation of the dendritic cell compartment revealed reduced IL-27p28 expression by XCR1+ dendritic cells from CoH mice after vaccination, correlating with reduced T cell expansion. Importantly, administration of recombinant IL-27:EBI3 complex to CoH mice shortly after vaccination significantly boosted Ag-specific CD8 and CD4 T cell expansion, further implicating the defect to be T cell extrinsic. Collectively, our data show the potential limitation of exclusive use of SPF mice when testing vaccine efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances V Sjaastad
- Department of Urology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology Ph.D. Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Matthew A Huggins
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Erin D Lucas
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Cara Skon-Hegg
- Department of Urology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Whitney Swanson
- Department of Urology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | | | - Oscar C Salgado
- Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology Ph.D. Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Julie Xu
- Department of Urology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Mark Pierson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Thamotharampillai Dileepan
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Tamara A Kucaba
- Department of Urology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Sara E Hamilton
- Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology Ph.D. Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN; and
| | - Thomas S Griffith
- Department of Urology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology Ph.D. Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN; and
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN
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18
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Tran TAT, Kim YH, Kim GE, Jung S, Kim IY, Moon KS, Kim YJ, Lee TK, Yun H, Lee JJ, Lee HJ, Lee CW, Jung TY. The long multi-epitope peptide vaccine combined with adjuvants improved the therapeutic effects in a glioblastoma mouse model. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1007285. [DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1007285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging data have suggested that single short peptides have limited success as a cancer vaccine; however, extending the short peptides into longer multi-epitope peptides overcame the immune tolerance and induced an immune response. Moreover, the combination of adjuvants such as lenalidomide and anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) with a peptide vaccine showed potential vaccine effects in previous studies. Therefore, the effects of a long multi-epitope peptide vaccine in combination with lenalidomide and anti-PD1 were analyzed in this study. Long multi-epitope peptides from two MHCI peptides (BIRC597-104 and EphA2682-689) and the pan-human leukocyte antigen-DR isotype (HLA-DR) binding epitope (PADRE) were synthesized. The therapeutic effects of long multi-epitope peptides in combination with lenalidomide and anti-PD1 were confirmed in the murine GL261 intracranial glioma model. Immune cells’ distribution and responses to the long multi-epitope peptides in combination with these adjuvants were also estimated in the spleens, lymph nodes, and tumor tissues. The difference between long multi-epitope peptides and a cocktail of multi-epitope peptides combined with lenalidomide and anti-PD1 was also clarified. As a result, long multi-epitope peptides combined with lenalidomide and anti-PD1 prolonged the survival of mice according to the suppression of tumor growth in an intracranial mouse model. While long multi-epitope peptides combined with these adjuvants enhanced the percentages of activated and memory effector CD8+ T cells, the increase in percentages of regulatory T cells (Tregs) was observed in a cocktail of multi-epitope peptides combined with lenalidomide and anti-PD1 group in the tumors. Long multi-epitope peptides combined with these adjuvants also enhanced the function of immune cells according to the enhanced pro-inflammatory cytokines and cytotoxicity against GL261 cells in ex vivo. In conclusion, long multi-epitope peptides composed of MHCI peptides, BIRC5 and EphA2, and the MHCII peptide, PADRE, in combination with lenalidomide and anti-PD1 has the potential to improve the therapeutic effects of a vaccine against GBM.
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19
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Hunting for Novel Routes in Anticancer Drug Discovery: Peptides against Sam-Sam Interactions. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810397. [PMID: 36142306 PMCID: PMC9499636 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the diverse protein binding modules, Sam (Sterile alpha motif) domains attract attention due to their versatility. They are present in different organisms and play many functions in physiological and pathological processes by binding multiple partners. The EphA2 receptor contains a Sam domain at the C-terminus (EphA2-Sam) that is able to engage protein regulators of receptor stability (including the lipid phosphatase Ship2 and the adaptor Odin). Ship2 and Odin are recruited by EphA2-Sam through heterotypic Sam-Sam interactions. Ship2 decreases EphA2 endocytosis and consequent degradation, producing chiefly pro-oncogenic outcomes in a cellular milieu. Odin, through its Sam domains, contributes to receptor stability by possibly interfering with ubiquitination. As EphA2 is upregulated in many types of tumors, peptide inhibitors of Sam-Sam interactions by hindering receptor stability could function as anticancer therapeutics. This review describes EphA2-Sam and its interactome from a structural and functional perspective. The diverse design strategies that have thus far been employed to obtain peptides targeting EphA2-mediated Sam-Sam interactions are summarized as well. The generated peptides represent good initial lead compounds, but surely many efforts need to be devoted in the close future to improve interaction affinities towards Sam domains and consequently validate their anticancer properties.
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20
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Bose D, Roy L, Chatterjee S. Peptide therapeutics in the management of metastatic cancers. RSC Adv 2022; 12:21353-21373. [PMID: 35975072 PMCID: PMC9345020 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra02062a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains a leading health concern threatening lives of millions of patients worldwide. Peptide-based drugs provide a valuable alternative to chemotherapeutics as they are highly specific, cheap, less toxic and easier to synthesize compared to other drugs. In this review, we have discussed various modes in which peptides are being used to curb cancer. Our review highlights specially the various anti-metastatic peptide-based agents developed by targeting a plethora of cellular factors. Herein we have given a special focus on integrins as targets for peptide drugs, as these molecules play key roles in metastatic progression. The review also discusses use of peptides as anti-cancer vaccines and their efficiency as drug-delivery tools. We hope this work will give the reader a clear idea of the mechanisms of peptide-based anti-cancer therapeutics and encourage the development of superior drugs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debopriya Bose
- Department of Biophysics Bose Institute Unified Academic Campus EN 80, Sector V, Bidhan Nagar Kolkata 700091 WB India
| | - Laboni Roy
- Department of Biophysics Bose Institute Unified Academic Campus EN 80, Sector V, Bidhan Nagar Kolkata 700091 WB India
| | - Subhrangsu Chatterjee
- Department of Biophysics Bose Institute Unified Academic Campus EN 80, Sector V, Bidhan Nagar Kolkata 700091 WB India
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21
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Kim SH, Park JH, Lee SJ, Lee HS, Jung JK, Lee YR, Cho HI, Kim JK, Kim K, Park CS, Lee CK. Efficient Anti-Tumor Immunotherapy Using Tumor Epitope-Coated Biodegradable Nanoparticles Combined With Polyinosinic-Polycytidylic Acid and an Anti-PD1 Monoclonal Antibody. Immune Netw 2022; 22:e42. [DOI: 10.4110/in.2022.22.e42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Hyun Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Ji-Hyun Park
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Sun-Jae Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Hee-Sung Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Jae-Kyung Jung
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Young-Ran Lee
- Center for Convergence Bioceramic Materials, Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering and Technology, Cheongju 28160, Korea
| | - Hyun-Il Cho
- Research and Development Division, ViGenCell Inc., Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Jeong-Ki Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, Korea University College of Pharmacy, Sejong 30019, Korea
| | - Kyungjae Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, Seoul 01795, Korea
| | - Chan-Su Park
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Chong-Kil Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
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