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Hu M, Tang B, Dai Y, Zhao X. Unveiling the regulatory mechanism of nimotuzumab on PD-L1 expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients: Implications for enhanced anticancer treatment strategies. Cell Signal 2024; 121:111290. [PMID: 38977231 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111290] [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: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
The overexpression of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) is associated with resistance to anticancer therapies and poor prognosis in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Nimotuzumab, a humanized anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mAb, has been widely used clinically for treating several solid tumors. However, whether its anticancer effect involves a reduction in PD-L1 expression remains unclear. The current study aimed to investigate the regulatory effects and underlying mechanism of nimotuzumab on PD-L1 expression in HNSCC both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, nimotuzumab inhibited IFN-γ-induced PD-L1 upregulation at both the transcriptional and protein levels in the HNSCC cell lines. Subsequent mechanism research revealed that nimotuzumab suppressed IFN-γ-stimulated PD-L1 upregulation mainly by inhibiting phosphorylation of EGFR/MEK/ERK pathway, which was further validated by MEK and ERK inhibitors. In a HNSCC tumor-bearing model, nimotuzumab significantly decreased PD-L1 expression during tumor progression or chemotherapy, and this reduction was accompanied by increased sensitivity of the tumor to docetaxel and atezolizumab. Additionally, nimotuzumab reversed PD-L1 upregulation when combined with Taxol + Cisplatin (TP) induction chemotherapy regimens and improved the CD4+ and CD8+ T cells infiltration in HNSCC patients. These findings provide new insights into the anticancer mechanisms of nimotuzumab in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minwan Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China; Department of National Institute for Drug Clinical Trial, Affiliated Beijing Tongren Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing 100005, PR China
| | - Borui Tang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China; Department of National Institute for Drug Clinical Trial, Affiliated Beijing Tongren Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing 100005, PR China
| | - Yuyang Dai
- Department of National Institute for Drug Clinical Trial, Affiliated Beijing Tongren Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing 100005, PR China
| | - Xiuli Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China; Department of National Institute for Drug Clinical Trial, Affiliated Beijing Tongren Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing 100005, PR China.
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2
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Ortega MA, Boaru DL, De Leon-Oliva D, Fraile-Martinez O, García-Montero C, Rios L, Garrido-Gil MJ, Barrena-Blázquez S, Minaya-Bravo AM, Rios-Parra A, Álvarez-Mon M, Jiménez-Álvarez L, López-González L, Guijarro LG, Diaz R, Saez MA. PD-1/PD-L1 axis: implications in immune regulation, cancer progression, and translational applications. J Mol Med (Berl) 2024; 102:987-1000. [PMID: 38935130 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-024-02463-3] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The PD-1/PD-L1 axis is a complex signaling pathway that has an important role in the immune system cells. Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) acts as an immune checkpoint on the T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, natural killer (NK), macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), monocytes, and myeloid cells. Its ligand, the programmed cell death 1 ligand (PD-L1), is expressed in the surface of the antigen-presenting cells (APCs). The binding of both promotes the downregulation of the T cell response to ensure the activation to prevent the onset of chronic immune inflammation. This axis in the tumor microenvironment (TME) performs a crucial role in the tumor progression and the escape of the tumor by neutralizing the immune system, the engagement of PD-L1 with PD-1 in the T cell causes dysfunctions, neutralization, and exhaustion, providing the tumor mass production. This review will provide a comprehensive overview of the functions of the PD-1/PD-L1 system in immune function, cancer, and the potential therapeutic implications of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway for cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Ortega
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, CIBEREHD, University of Alcalá, 28801, Alcala de Henares, Spain.
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034, Madrid, Spain.
- Cancer Registry and Pathology Department, Principe de, Asturias University Hospital, Alcala de Henares, Spain.
| | - Diego Liviu Boaru
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, CIBEREHD, University of Alcalá, 28801, Alcala de Henares, Spain
| | - Diego De Leon-Oliva
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, CIBEREHD, University of Alcalá, 28801, Alcala de Henares, Spain
| | - Oscar Fraile-Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, CIBEREHD, University of Alcalá, 28801, Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cielo García-Montero
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, CIBEREHD, University of Alcalá, 28801, Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Rios
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, CIBEREHD, University of Alcalá, 28801, Alcala de Henares, Spain
| | - Maria J Garrido-Gil
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, CIBEREHD, University of Alcalá, 28801, Alcala de Henares, Spain
| | - Silvestra Barrena-Blázquez
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801, Alcala de Henares, Spain
| | - Ana M Minaya-Bravo
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, CIBEREHD, University of Alcalá, 28801, Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Rios-Parra
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, CIBEREHD, University of Alcalá, 28801, Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034, Madrid, Spain
- Cancer Registry and Pathology Department, Principe de, Asturias University Hospital, Alcala de Henares, Spain
| | - Melchor Álvarez-Mon
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, CIBEREHD, University of Alcalá, 28801, Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034, Madrid, Spain
- Immune System Diseases-Rheumatology Service, University Hospital Principe de Asturias, CIBEREHD, 28801, Alcala de Henares, Spain
| | - Laura Jiménez-Álvarez
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, CIBEREHD, University of Alcalá, 28801, Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Surgery, Medical and Social Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801, Alcala de Henares, Spain
| | - Laura López-González
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Surgery, Medical and Social Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801, Alcala de Henares, Spain
| | - Luis G Guijarro
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, CIBEREHD, University of Alcalá, 28801, Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raul Diaz
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034, Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Surgery, Medical and Social Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, 28801, Alcala de Henares, Spain.
- Surgery Service, University Hospital Principe de Asturias, 28801, Alcala de Henares, Spain.
| | - Miguel A Saez
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, CIBEREHD, University of Alcalá, 28801, Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), 28034, Madrid, Spain
- Pathological Anatomy Service, Central University Hospital of Defence-University of Alcalá (UAH) Madrid, Alcala de Henares, Spain
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Zhang H, Ly A, Chou E, Wang L, Zhang P, Prado K, Gu Y, Pellegrini M, Chin AI. Role of Forkhead Box P3 in IFNγ-Mediated PD-L1 Expression and Bladder Cancer Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:2228-2241. [PMID: 39099201 PMCID: PMC11345674 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Antagonism of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis is a critical therapeutic strategy for patients with advanced bladder cancer. IFNγ functions as a key regulator of PD-L1 in both immune as well as cancer cells. Forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) is a transcription factor synonymous in T regulatory cell function but with increasingly described functions in cancer cells. Here, we investigated the relationship between FOXP3 and PD-L1 in bladder cancer. We showed that FOXP3 is critical in the ability for IFNγ to activate PD-L1 in bladder cancer cells. FOXP3 can bind to the PD-L1 promoter and induces a gene program that leads to regulation of multiple immune-related genes and genes involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Using in vitro and in vivo human and murine models, we showed that FOXP3 can influence bladder cancer EMT as well as promote cancer metastases. Furthermore, FOXP3 may be a convergent factor for multiple activators of PD-L1, including the chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin. SIGNIFICANCE Historically a key transcription factor driving T regulatory cell function, FOXP3 has an increasingly recognized role in cancer cells. In bladder cancer, we defined a novel mechanism whereby FOXP3 mediates the activation of the immune checkpoint PD-L1 by the cytokine IFNγ. We also showed that FOXP3 induces other immune checkpoints as well as genes involved in EMT, promoting immune resistance and cancer metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanwei Zhang
- Department of Urology, University of California, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Ann Ly
- Department of Urology, University of California, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Emily Chou
- Department of Urology, University of California, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Paul Zhang
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Kris Prado
- Department of Urology, University of California, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Yiqian Gu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Matteo Pellegrini
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, California.
- UCLA Broad Stem Cell Research Center, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Arnold I. Chin
- Department of Urology, University of California, Los Angeles, California.
- UCLA Broad Stem Cell Research Center, Los Angeles, California.
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Koh YW, Hwang Y, Lee SK, Han JH, Haam S, Lee HW. The impact of CDCA5 expression on the immune microenvironment and its potential utility as a biomarker for PD-L1/PD-1 inhibitors in lung adenocarcinoma. Transl Oncol 2024; 46:102024. [PMID: 38838437 PMCID: PMC11214526 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.102024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have highlighted the important role of cell division cycle associated 5 (CDCA5) in tumor-associated immune dysfunction. We studied immune dysfunction based on CDCA5 expression in lung adenocarcinoma and investigated its potential as a biomarker for patients undergoing anti-programmed death protein-1/ programmed death ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitor therapy. METHODS We used the CIBERSORTx algorithm to investigate the immune cell distribution based on CDCA5 and explored its potential as a biomarker for PD-1/PD-L1 therapy using Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion in three lung adenocarcinoma datasets. Thus, we validated the role of CDCA5 as a biomarker in patients treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. We also investigated the pathways through which CDCA5 regulates PD-L1 expression in a cell line. RESULTS The high CDCA5 expression group showed elevated interferon gamma signature, CD274 expression, CD8+ T cell levels, tumor mutation burden, and microsatellite instability. Higher CDCA5 expression was associated with poorer prognosis in patients not treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. However, in patients treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, higher CDCA5 expression correlated with better response rates and prognosis. CDCA5 expression positively correlated with inhibitory immune checkpoint molecules. CDCA5 regulated the expression of PD-L1 through the ANXA/AKT pathway, and combined suppression of CDCA5 and PD-L1 synergistically inhibited cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS CDCA5 served as a promising biomarker for patients undergoing PD-L1/PD-1 inhibitor treatment, and co-inhibition of CDCA5 and PD-L1 could serve as an effective therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Wha Koh
- Department of Pathology, Ajou University School of Medicine, 16499 Suwon-si, South Korea.
| | - Yoonjung Hwang
- Department of Pathology, Ajou University School of Medicine, 16499 Suwon-si, South Korea
| | - Seul-Ki Lee
- Department of Pathology, Ajou University School of Medicine, 16499 Suwon-si, South Korea
| | - Jae-Ho Han
- Department of Pathology, Ajou University School of Medicine, 16499 Suwon-si, South Korea
| | - Seokjin Haam
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, 16499 Suwon-si, South Korea
| | - Hyun Woo Lee
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Ajou University School of Medicine, 16499 Suwon-si, South Korea
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5
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Mohanty A, Afkhami M, Reyes A, Pharaon R, Yin H, Li H, Do D, Bell D, Nam A, Chang S, Gernon T, Kang R, Amini A, Sampath S, Kulkarni P, Pillai R, Villaflor V, Salgia R, Maghami E, Massarelli E. Exploring markers of immunoresponsiveness in papillary thyroid carcinoma and future treatment strategies. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e008505. [PMID: 39074963 PMCID: PMC11288153 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-008505] [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] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study summarizes the potential use of immunotherapy for BRAF-mutated papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) by analyzing the immune profile of City of Hope PTC patient samples and comparing them to the thyroid dataset available in the TCGA database. MATERIALS AND METHODS PTC cases with available formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded archived tumor tissue were identified. RNA was extracted from the tumor tissue and analyzed by NanoString to evaluate their immune gene expression profile. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the expression of immune suppressive genes and lymphocytic infiltration into the tumor tissue. Thyroid cancer cell lines (MDA-T32, MDA-T68, MDA-T85, and MDA-T120) were used to determine the correlation between the BRAF inhibition and CD274 expression. RESULTS The study found that PTC cases with BRAF mutations had higher expression of immune checkpoint markers CD274 and CTLA4, as well as higher tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, particularly CD4+T cells. Additionally, the study identified immunosuppressive markers expressed by tumor cells like CD73, CD276, and CD200 that could be targeted for immunotherapy. Further experiments using PTC cell lines lead to the conclusion that CD274 expression correlates with BRAF activity and that inhibitors of BRAF could potentially be used in combination with immunotherapy to treat PTC. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that PTC cases with BRAF mutations or high expression may be correlated with an immune hot signature and could benefit from immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atish Mohanty
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Monrovia, California, USA
| | - Michelle Afkhami
- Department of Pathology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Amanda Reyes
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Rebecca Pharaon
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Holly Yin
- Department of Pathology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Haiqing Li
- Computational & Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Dana Do
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Diana Bell
- Department of Pathology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Arin Nam
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Sue Chang
- Department of Pathology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Thomas Gernon
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Robert Kang
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Arya Amini
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Sagus Sampath
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Prakash Kulkarni
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Raju Pillai
- Department of Pathology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Vicky Villaflor
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Ellie Maghami
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Erminia Massarelli
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
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6
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Zhu Z, Nie X, Deng L, Ding J, Chen J, Zhu J, Yin X, Guo B, Zhang F. Regulation of cervical cancer via G15-mediated inhibition of G protein-coupled estrogen receptor. Anticancer Drugs 2024:00001813-990000000-00308. [PMID: 39018257 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is among the most common gynecological malignancies. G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) is involved in the development of various tumors; however, its role in cervical cancer remains unclear. We investigated whether G15, an inhibitor of GPER, can regulate its expression and affect cervical cancer progression. We examined the biological behaviors of G15-treated SiHa and HeLa cells using Cell Counting Kit-8, monoclonal proliferation, plate scratching, and Transwell invasion experiments. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of GPER, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin, Bcl-2, Bax, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT, and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1). The expression of GPER, E-cadherin, vimentin, and PD-L1 in cervical cancer and adjacent tissues was detected using immunohistochemistry. The correlation between GPER expression and clinicopathological characteristics was analyzed. The expression of GPER in cervical cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in paracancerous tissues, and it was detected in the membrane and cytoplasm of SiHa and HeLa cells. The proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of SiHa and HeLa cells were reduced after G15 treatment. The G15-treated groups exhibited higher expression of E-cadherin and Bax and lower expression of N-cadherin, vimentin, Bcl-2, GPER, p-PI3K, p-AKT, and PD-L1 than the control group. The expression of E-cadherin was lower and that of vimentin was higher in cancer tissues than in paracancerous tissues; PD-L1 was highly expressed in tumor and stromal cells in cancer tissues but not in paracancerous tissues. G15 functions by regulating the GPER/PI3K/AKT/PD-L1 signaling pathway and may serve as a new immunotherapy for treating patients with cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyan Zhu
- Graduate School, Hebei North University
| | - Xinyi Nie
- Graduate School, Hebei North University
| | | | - Jia Ding
- Graduate School, Hebei North University
| | | | | | - Xiaoxia Yin
- Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Bowei Guo
- Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China
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7
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Sun Y, Ying K, Sun J, Wang Y, Qiu L, Ji M, Sun L, Chen J. PRRX1-OLR1 axis supports CAFs-mediated lung cancer progression and immune suppression. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:247. [PMID: 39010054 PMCID: PMC11251326 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03436-9] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism by which cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) affect the growth and immune evasion of lung cancer cells. METHODS Initially, datasets comparing CAFs with normal fibroblasts were downloaded from the GEO dataset GSE48397. Genes with the most significant differential expression were selected and validated using clinical data. Subsequently, CAFs were isolated, and the selected genes were knocked down in CAFs. Co-culture experiments were conducted with H1299 or A549 cells to analyze changes in lung cancer cell growth, migration, and immune evasion in vitro and in vivo. To further elucidate the upstream regulatory mechanism, relevant ChIP-seq data were downloaded from the GEO database, and the regulatory relationships were validated through ChIP-qPCR and luciferase reporter assays. RESULTS OLR1 was significantly overexpressed in CAFs and strongly correlated with adverse prognosis in lung cancer patients. Knockdown of OLR1 markedly inhibited CAFs' support for the growth and immune evasion of lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. ChIP-seq results demonstrated that PRRX1 can promote OLR1 expression by recruiting H3K27ac and H3K4me3, thereby activating CAFs. Knockdown of PRRX1 significantly inhibited CAFs' function, while further overexpression of OLR1 restored CAFs' support for lung cancer cell growth, migration, and immune evasion. CONCLUSION PRRX1 promotes OLR1 expression by recruiting H3K27ac and H3K4me3, activating CAFs, and thereby promoting the growth, migration, and immune evasion of lung cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhao Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng City, The Yancheng Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Yancheng, 224005, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaijun Ying
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng City, The Yancheng Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Yancheng, 224005, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng City, The Yancheng Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Yancheng, 224005, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng City, The Yancheng Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Yancheng, 224005, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Limin Qiu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng City, The Yancheng Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Yancheng, 224005, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingming Ji
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng City, The Yancheng Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Yancheng, 224005, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng City, The Yancheng Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Yancheng, 224005, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinjin Chen
- Department of Oncology, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng City, The Yancheng Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Yancheng, 224005, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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8
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Wu J, Sun W, Zhang Y, Mao L, Ding T, Huang X, Lin D. Impact of platinum-based chemotherapy on the tumor mutational burden and immune microenvironment in non-small cell lung cancer with postoperative recurrence. Clin Transl Oncol 2024; 26:1738-1747. [PMID: 38421562 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-024-03397-5] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the impact of platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy on the immunotherapeutic biomarkers of postoperative recurrent tumors in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS This study involved twenty-two cases of NSCLC, all of which underwent postoperative platinum-based chemotherapy, with matched surgical samples obtained from both their primary tumors (PTs) and recurrent tumors (RTs). Multiplex immunofluorescence was performed to assess the tumor proportion score (TPS) and immune cells (IC) on whole sections. Whole exon sequencing (WES) was conducted to investigate the tumor mutational burden (TMB) and tumor neoantigen burden (TNB). RESULTS Compared to paired PTs, RTs exhibited higher PD-L1 expression, along with a slightly elevated density of intratumoral PD-L1+ cells (p = 0.082) and an increased tumor proportion score (mean TPS: 40.51% vs. 28.56%, p = 0.046). Regarding IC infiltration, RTs generally demonstrated significantly lower CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) density (p = 0.011) and lower CD68+ macrophage density (p = 0.005), with a loss of tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS). The comparison between RTs and PTs revealed no significant differences in TMB (p = 0.795), whereas the count of TNB in RTs was notably increased compared to PTs (p = 0.033). Prognosis analysis indicated that a higher density of CD8+ CTLs in RTs was positively correlated with improved overall survival (OS). CONCLUSIONS In NSCLC patients with a history of postoperative platinum-based chemotherapy, the RTs demonstrated a trend towards increased PD-L1 expression and TMB/TNB, but a state of immunosuppression characterized by decreased ICs and loss of TLS, which may potentially impact the therapeutic benefits of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianghua Wu
- Department of Pathology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), No. 52, Fu-Cheng Road, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Pathology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), No. 52, Fu-Cheng Road, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Yanhui Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Luning Mao
- Department of Pathology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), No. 52, Fu-Cheng Road, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Tingting Ding
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaozheng Huang
- Department of Pathology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), No. 52, Fu-Cheng Road, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Dongmei Lin
- Department of Pathology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), No. 52, Fu-Cheng Road, Beijing, 100142, China.
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Jia M, Yuan Z, Yu H, Feng S, Tan X, Long Z, Duan Y, Zhu W, Yan P. Rapamycin circumvents anti PD-1 therapy resistance in colorectal cancer by reducing PD-L1 expression and optimizing the tumor microenvironment. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116883. [PMID: 38876047 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116883] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The unresectable or postoperative recurrence of advanced metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) is the difficulty of its clinical management, and pharmacological therapy is the main source of benefit. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are therapeutic options but are effective in approximately 5 % of patients with deficient mismatch repair (MMR)/microsatellite instability CRC and are ineffective in patients with MMR-proficient (pMMR)/microsatellite stable (MSS) CRCs, which may be associated with the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we propose a new combination strategy and evaluate the efficacy of rapamycin (Rapa) combined with anti-PD-1 (αPD-1) in CT26 tumor-bearing mice, azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) inflammation-associated CRC mice, CT26-Luc tumor-bearing mice with postoperative recurrence, and CT26 liver metastasis mice. The results revealed that Rapa improved the therapeutic effect of αPD-1 and effectively inhibited colorectal carcinogenesis, postoperative recurrence, and liver metastasis. Mechanistically, Rapa improved the anticancer effect of αPD-1, associated with Rapa reprograming of the immunosuppressive TME. Rapa effectively depleted α-SMA+ cancer-associated fibroblasts and degraded collagen in the tumor tissue, increasing T lymphocyte infiltration into the tumor tissue. Rapa induced the downregulation of programed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) protein and transcript levels in CT26 cells, which may be associated with the inhibition of the mTOR/P70S6K signaling axis. Furthermore, co-culture of tumor cells and CD8+ T lymphocytes demonstrated that Rapa-induced PD-L1 downregulation in tumor cells increased spleen-derived CD8+ T lymphocyte activation. Therefore, Rapa improves the anti-tumor effect of αPD-1 in CRCs, providing new ideas for its use to improve combinatorial strategies for anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menglei Jia
- Department of Pharmacy, Biomedicine Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China
| | - Zhongwen Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy, Biomedicine Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China
| | - Hang Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Biomedicine Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China
| | - Senling Feng
- Department of Pharmacy, Biomedicine Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Tan
- Department of Pharmacy, Biomedicine Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China
| | - Zijing Long
- Department of Pharmacy, Biomedicine Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China
| | - Yanrong Duan
- Department of Pharmacy, Biomedicine Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China
| | - Wenting Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, Biomedicine Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China.
| | - Pengke Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, Biomedicine Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China.
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Wu Y, Xu D, Gu Y, Li G, Wang H, Cao M, Wei W, Wan P, Guan Y, Chen X, Xie F. Assessment of PD-L1 Expression in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers Using [ 68Ga]Ga-DOTA-WL12 PET/CT. SMALL METHODS 2024:e2400358. [PMID: 38880776 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202400358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Assessing programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly in metastatic cases, remains challenging. In this study, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-WL12 micro-PET/CT imaging are performed. [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-WL12 PET/CT and [18F]FDG PET/CT are performed on a cohort of 20 patients with NSCLC. Semi-quantitative assessments include SUVmax, metabolic tumor volume (MTV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), and target-to-background ratio (TBR). DOTA-WL12 exhibits robust PD-L1 binding with a KD value of 0.2 nM. Subsequent human studies reveal significant correlations between PD-L1 expression and the [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-WL12 SUVmax in primary and metastatic lesions, surpassing the [18F]FDG results (r = 0.8889, p <0.0001 vs r = 0.0469, p = 0.8127). Notably, [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-WL12 imaging discerned SUVmax and TBR differences between PD-L1 TPS ≤1% and PD-L1 TPS > 1% groups (p all <0.001). In an NSCLC patient with brain metastases, [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-WL12 shows a SUVmean of 0.04 in the brain background, with TBR values of 17 and 23, underscoring its potential for detecting brain metastases. The study provides initial evidence for the clinical utility of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-WL12 PET/CT for lesion detection, immunotherapy selection, and therapeutic efficacy evaluation in PD-L1-expressing NSCLC, demonstrating its potential as a valuable tool in NSCLC research and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfei Wu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Dong Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Yue Gu
- Central Research Institute, United Imaging Healthcare Group Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201807, China
| | - Guanglei Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Min Cao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Weijun Wei
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Clinical Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Posum Wan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Yihui Guan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Xiaofeng Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Fang Xie
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Center, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
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Berland L, Gabr Z, Chang M, Ilié M, Hofman V, Rignol G, Ghiringhelli F, Mograbi B, Rashidian M, Hofman P. Further knowledge and developments in resistance mechanisms to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1384121. [PMID: 38903504 PMCID: PMC11188684 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1384121] [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: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The past decade has witnessed a revolution in cancer treatment, shifting from conventional drugs (chemotherapies) towards targeted molecular therapies and immune-based therapies, in particular immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). These immunotherapies release the host's immune system against the tumor and have shown unprecedented durable remission for patients with cancers that were thought incurable, such as metastatic melanoma, metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), microsatellite instability (MSI) high colorectal cancer and late stages of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, about 80% of the patients fail to respond to these immunotherapies and are therefore left with other less effective and potentially toxic treatments. Identifying and understanding the mechanisms that enable cancerous cells to adapt to and eventually overcome therapy can help circumvent resistance and improve treatment. In this review, we describe the recent discoveries on the onco-immunological processes which govern the tumor microenvironment and their impact on the resistance to PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa Berland
- Inserm U1081 Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Nice (IRCAN) Team 4, Université Côte d’Azur, Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Federation Hospitalo Universitaire (FHU) OncoAge, Nice, France
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Zeina Gabr
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
- School of Life Science, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michelle Chang
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Marius Ilié
- Inserm U1081 Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Nice (IRCAN) Team 4, Université Côte d’Azur, Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Federation Hospitalo Universitaire (FHU) OncoAge, Nice, France
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Federation Hospitalo Universitaire (FHU) OncoAge, Pasteur Hospital, Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
- Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Nice, France
- Hospital-Integrated Biobank (BB-0033–00025), Pasteur Hospital, Nice, France
| | - Véronique Hofman
- Inserm U1081 Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Nice (IRCAN) Team 4, Université Côte d’Azur, Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Federation Hospitalo Universitaire (FHU) OncoAge, Nice, France
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Federation Hospitalo Universitaire (FHU) OncoAge, Pasteur Hospital, Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
- Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Nice, France
- Hospital-Integrated Biobank (BB-0033–00025), Pasteur Hospital, Nice, France
| | - Guylène Rignol
- Inserm U1081 Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Nice (IRCAN) Team 4, Université Côte d’Azur, Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Federation Hospitalo Universitaire (FHU) OncoAge, Nice, France
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Federation Hospitalo Universitaire (FHU) OncoAge, Pasteur Hospital, Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
- Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Nice, France
| | - François Ghiringhelli
- Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Nice, France
- Department of Biology and Pathology of Tumors, Georges-Francois Leclerc Cancer Center-UNICANCER, Dijon, France
| | - Baharia Mograbi
- Inserm U1081 Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Nice (IRCAN) Team 4, Université Côte d’Azur, Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Federation Hospitalo Universitaire (FHU) OncoAge, Nice, France
- Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Nice, France
| | - Mohamad Rashidian
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Paul Hofman
- Inserm U1081 Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging, Nice (IRCAN) Team 4, Université Côte d’Azur, Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Federation Hospitalo Universitaire (FHU) OncoAge, Nice, France
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Federation Hospitalo Universitaire (FHU) OncoAge, Pasteur Hospital, Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
- Institut Hospitalo Universitaire (IHU) RespirERA, Nice, France
- Hospital-Integrated Biobank (BB-0033–00025), Pasteur Hospital, Nice, France
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Wang Q, Tan W, Zhang Z, Chen Q, Xie Z, Yang L, Tang C, Zhuang H, Wang B, Jiang J, Ma X, Wang W, Hua Y, Shang C, Chen Y. FAT10 induces immune suppression by upregulating PD-L1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma. Apoptosis 2024:10.1007/s10495-024-01982-1. [PMID: 38824477 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-024-01982-1] [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] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
The upregulation of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) plays a crucial role in facilitating cancer cells to evade immune surveillance through immunosuppression. However, the precise regulatory mechanisms of PD-L1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain undefined. The correlation between PD-L1 and ubiquitin-like molecules (UBLs) was studied using sequencing data from 20 HCC patients in our center, combined with TCGA data. Specifically, the association between FAT10 and PD-L1 was further validated at both the protein and mRNA levels in HCC tissues from our center. Subsequently, the effect of FAT10 on tumor progression and immune suppression was examined through both in vivo and in vitro experiments. Utilizing sequencing data, qPCR, and Western blotting assays, we confirmed that FAT10 was highly expressed in HCC tissues and positively correlated with PD-L1 expression. Additionally, in vitro experiments demonstrated that the overexpression of FAT10 fostered the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells. Furthermore, the overexpression of FAT10 in HCC cells led to an increase in PD-L1 expression, resulting in the inhibition of T cell proliferation and the enhancement of HCC cell resistance to T cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Moreover, in vivo experiments utilizing the C57BL/6 mouse model revealed that overexpression of FAT10 effectively suppressed the infiltration of CD8 + GZMB + and CD8 + Ki67 + T cells, as well as reduced serum levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ. Mechanistically, we further identified that FAT10 upregulates PD-L1 expression via activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, but not in a ubiquitin-like modification. In conclusion, our findings indicate that FAT10 promotes immune evasion of HCC via upregulating PD-L1 expression, suggesting its potential as a novel target to enhance the efficiency of immunotherapy in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingbin Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Wenliang Tan
- Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhuzhou Hospital Affiliated to Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Zhuzhou, 412000, China
| | - Ziyu Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Qiuju Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Nephrology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Zhiqin Xie
- Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhuzhou Hospital Affiliated to Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Zhuzhou, 412000, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Chenwei Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Hongkai Zhuang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Bingkun Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Jiahao Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Xiaowu Ma
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Wentao Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Yonglin Hua
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Changzhen Shang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
| | - Yajin Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
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Wang Y, Zhang C, Yan M, Ma X, Song L, Wang B, Li P, Liu P. PD-L1 regulates tumor proliferation and T-cell function in NF2-associated meningiomas. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14784. [PMID: 38828669 PMCID: PMC11145367 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14784] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression is an immune evasion mechanism that has been demonstrated in many tumors and is commonly associated with a poor prognosis. Over the years, anti-PD-L1 agents have gained attention as novel anticancer therapeutics that induce durable tumor regression in numerous malignancies. They may be a new treatment choice for neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) patients. AIMS The aims of this study were to detect the expression of PD-L1 in NF2-associated meningiomas, explore the effect of PD-L1 downregulation on tumor cell characteristics and T-cell functions, and investigate the possible pathways that regulate PD-L1 expression to further dissect the possible mechanism of immune suppression in NF2 tumors and to provide new treatment options for NF2 patients. RESULTS PD-L1 is heterogeneously expressed in NF2-associated meningiomas. After PD-L1 knockdown in NF2-associated meningioma cells, tumor cell proliferation was significantly inhibited, and the apoptosis rate was elevated. When T cells were cocultured with siPD-L1-transfected NF2-associated meningioma cells, the expression of CD69 on both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was partly reversed, and the capacity of CD8+ T cells to kill siPD-L1-transfected tumor cells was partly restored. Results also showed that the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway regulates PD-L1 expression, and the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin rapidly and persistently suppresses PD-L1 expression. In vivo experimental results suggested that anti-PD-L1 antibody may have a synergetic effect with the mTOR inhibitor in reducing tumor cell proliferation and that reduced PD-L1 expression could contribute to antitumor efficacy. CONCLUSIONS Targeting PD-L1 could be helpful for restoring the function of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and inducing apoptosis to inhibit tumor proliferation in NF2-associated meningiomas. Dissecting the mechanisms of the PD-L1-driven tumorigenesis of NF2-associated meningioma will help to improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying tumor progression and could facilitate further refinement of current therapies to improve the treatment of NF2 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Beijing Neurosurgical InstituteCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Minjun Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xin Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Lairong Song
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Pinan Liu
- Beijing Neurosurgical InstituteCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
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Tufail M, Wan WD, Jiang C, Li N. Targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling to overcome drug resistance in cancer. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 396:111055. [PMID: 38763348 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.111055] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
This review comprehensively explores the challenge of drug resistance in cancer by focusing on the pivotal PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, elucidating its role in oncogenesis and resistance mechanisms across various cancer types. It meticulously examines the diverse mechanisms underlying resistance, including genetic mutations, feedback loops, and microenvironmental factors, while also discussing the associated resistance patterns. Evaluating current therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway, the article highlights the hurdles encountered in drug development and clinical trials. Innovative approaches to overcome resistance, such as combination therapies and precision medicine, are critically analyzed, alongside discussions on emerging therapies like immunotherapy and molecularly targeted agents. Overall, this comprehensive review not only sheds light on the complexities of resistance in cancer but also provides a roadmap for advancing cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Tufail
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wen-Dong Wan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Canhua Jiang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, China; Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Center of Stomatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Institute of Oral Precancerous Lesions, Central South University, Changsha, China; Research Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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15
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Han R, Rao X, Zhou H, Lu L. Synergistic Immunoregulation: harnessing CircRNAs and PiRNAs to Amplify PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibition Therapy. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:4803-4834. [PMID: 38828205 PMCID: PMC11144010 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s461289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The utilization of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors marks a significant advancement in cancer therapy. However, the efficacy of monotherapy is still disappointing in a substantial subset of patients, necessitating the exploration of combinational strategies. Emerging from the promising results of the KEYNOTE-942 trial, RNA-based therapies, particularly circRNAs and piRNAs, have distinguished themselves as innovative sensitizers to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). These non-coding RNAs, notable for their stability and specificity, were once underrecognized but are now known for their crucial roles in regulating PD-L1 expression and bolstering anti-cancer immunity. Our manuscript offers a comprehensive analysis of selected circRNAs and piRNAs, elucidating their immunomodulatory effects and mechanisms, thus underscoring their potential as ICIs enhancers. In conjunction with the recent Nobel Prize-awarded advancements in mRNA vaccine technology, our review highlights the transformative implications of these findings for cancer treatment. We also discuss the prospects of circRNAs and piRNAs in future therapeutic applications and research. This study pioneers the synergistic application of circRNAs and piRNAs as novel sensitizers to augment PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition therapy, demonstrating their unique roles in regulating PD-L1 expression and modulating immune responses. Our findings offer a groundbreaking approach for enhancing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy, opening new avenues for treatment strategies. This abstract aims to encapsulate the essence of our research and the burgeoning role of these non-coding RNAs in enhancing PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition therapy, encouraging further investigation into this promising field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Han
- Department of Chinese Medicine Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiwu Rao
- Department of Oncology, The First Hospital Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huiling Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lingeng Lu
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- School of Medicine, Center for Biomedical Data Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Wang L, Liu X, Han Y, Tsai HI, Dan Z, Yang P, Xu Z, Shu F, He C, Eriksson JE, Zhu H, Chen H, Cheng F. TRAF6 enhances PD-L1 expression through YAP1-TFCP2 signaling in melanoma. Cancer Lett 2024; 590:216861. [PMID: 38583649 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216861] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy represented by programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) monoclonal antibodies has led tumor treatment into a new era. However, the low overall response rate and high incidence of drug resistance largely damage the clinical benefits of existing immune checkpoint therapies. Recent studies correlate the response to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade with PD-L1 expression levels in tumor cells. Hence, identifying molecular targets and pathways controlling PD-L1 protein expression and stability in tumor cells is a major priority. In this study, we performed a Stress and Proteostasis CRISPR interference screening to identify PD-L1 positive modulators. Here, we identified TRAF6 as a critical regulator of PD-L1 in melanoma cells. As a non-conventional E3 ubiquitin ligase, TRAF6 is inclined to catalyze the synthesis and linkage of lysine-63 (K63) ubiquitin which is related to the stabilization of substrate proteins. Our results showed that suppression of TRAF6 expression down-regulates PD-L1 expression on the membrane surface of melanoma cells. We then used in vitro and in vivo assays to investigate the biological function and mechanism of TRAF6 and its downstream YAP1/TFCP2 signaling in melanoma. TRAF6 stabilizes YAP1 by K63 poly-ubiquitination modification, subsequently promoting the formation of YAP1/TFCP2 transcriptional complex and PD-L1 transcription. Inhibition of TRAF6 by Bortezomib enhanced cytolytic activity of CD8+ T cells by reduction of endogenous PD-L1. Notably, Bortezomib enhances anti-tumor immunity to an extent comparable to anti-PD-1 therapies with no obvious toxicity. Our findings reveal the potential of inhibiting TRAF6 to stimulate internal anti-tumor immunological effect for TRAF6-PD-L1 overexpressing cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linglu Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuhang Han
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hsiang-I Tsai
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Zilin Dan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Peiru Yang
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland; Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Zhanxue Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fan Shu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chao He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - John E Eriksson
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland; Cell Biology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Haitao Zhu
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
| | - Hongbo Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Fang Cheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.
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17
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Fancelli S, Petroni G, Pillozzi S, Antonuzzo L. Unconventional strategy could be the future: From target to KRAS broad range treatment. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29739. [PMID: 38694108 PMCID: PMC11061671 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The RAS gene family comprises genes that regulate cell growth and differentiation. KRAS, a member of this family, is often mutated in different cancers, resulting in uncontrolled cell growth and tumor development. Recent clinical trial results on KRAS inhibition in NSCLC have defined the presence of a significant proportion of patients resistant to direct G12C inhibition. The presence of co-mutations and the occurrence of secondary resistance phenomena observed in preclinical and clinical settings partly justify these poor results. In addition, all other non-G12C mutations currently remain without specific strategies. Evidence of interactions between KRAS signaling and the TME suggests potential in vitro efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this short paper, we have reviewed the most relevant data from recent conferences, with a focus on KRAS inhibitors resistance mechanisms and interactions with the peri-tumor immune system. Commentary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Fancelli
- Clinical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Petroni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Serena Pillozzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences ‘Mario Serio', University of Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Antonuzzo
- Clinical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Italy
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18
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Yonesi A, Tomihara K, Takatsuka D, Tachinami H, Yamazaki M, Jadidi ARY, Takaichi M, Imaue S, Fujiwara K, Yamada SI, Tanuma JI, Noguchi M. Rapamycin Induces Phenotypic Alterations in Oral Cancer Cells That May Facilitate Antitumor T Cell Responses. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1078. [PMID: 38791040 PMCID: PMC11117524 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12051078] [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: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In this study, we investigated the antitumor immunomodulatory effects of rapamycin in oral cancer. STUDY DESIGN We examined the proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of cancer cells and investigated the cell surface expression levels of immune accessory molecules and T cell immune responses in vitro. We investigated the effect of in vivo administration of rapamycin on immune cell distribution and T cell immune responses in oral tumor-bearing mice. RESULTS Rapamycin treatment significantly inhibited OSCC cell proliferation and migration, increased apoptotic cell death, and upregulated cell surface expression of several immune accessory and adhesion molecules, including CD40, CD83, PD-L1, PD-L2, MHC class I, P-selectin, and VCAM-1. These cancer cells augmented T cell proliferation. In vivo rapamycin administration significantly attenuated mouse tumor growth with an increased proportion of immune cells, including CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and dendritic cells (DCs); decreased the proportion of immune suppressive cells, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells; enhanced DC maturation and upregulated the surface expression of CD40, CD86, and ICAM-1. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the therapeutic effect of mTOR inhibition in oral cancer can cause direct antitumor and immunomodulatory effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirmoezz Yonesi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan (A.R.Y.J.); (M.N.)
| | - Kei Tomihara
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8514, Japan
| | - Danki Takatsuka
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan (A.R.Y.J.); (M.N.)
| | - Hidetake Tachinami
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan (A.R.Y.J.); (M.N.)
| | - Manabu Yamazaki
- Division of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8514, Japan (J.-I.T.)
| | - Amir Reza Younesi Jadidi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan (A.R.Y.J.); (M.N.)
| | - Mayu Takaichi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan (A.R.Y.J.); (M.N.)
| | - Shuichi Imaue
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan (A.R.Y.J.); (M.N.)
| | - Kumiko Fujiwara
- Department of Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Takatsuki 569-8686, Japan;
| | - Shin-Ichi Yamada
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan (A.R.Y.J.); (M.N.)
| | - Jun-Ichi Tanuma
- Division of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8514, Japan (J.-I.T.)
| | - Makoto Noguchi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Academic Assembly, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan (A.R.Y.J.); (M.N.)
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19
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de Sauvage MA, Torrini C, Nieblas-Bedolla E, Summers EJ, Sullivan E, Zhang BS, Batchelor E, Marion B, Yamazawa E, Markson SC, Wakimoto H, Nayyar N, Brastianos PK. The ERK inhibitor LY3214996 augments anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in preclinical mouse models of BRAFV600E melanoma brain metastasis. Neuro Oncol 2024; 26:889-901. [PMID: 38134951 PMCID: PMC11066918 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noad248] [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: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have revolutionized cancer treatment; however, only a subset of patients with brain metastasis (BM) respond to ICI. Activating mutations in the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway are frequent in BM. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether therapeutic inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) can improve the efficacy of ICI for BM. METHODS We used immunotypical mouse models of BM bearing dual extracranial/intracranial tumors to evaluate the efficacy of single-agent and dual-agent treatment with selective ERK inhibitor LY3214996 (LY321) and anti-programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) antibody. We verified target inhibition and drug delivery, then investigated treatment effects on T-cell response and tumor-immune microenvironment using high-parameter flow cytometry, multiplex immunoassays, and T-cell receptor profiling. RESULTS We found that dual treatment with LY321 and anti-PD-1 significantly improved overall survival in 2 BRAFV600E-mutant murine melanoma models but not in KRAS-mutant murine lung adenocarcinoma. We demonstrate that although LY321 has limited blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, combined LY321 and anti-PD-1 therapy increases tumor-infiltrating CD8+ effector T cells, broadens the T-cell receptor repertoire in the extracranial tumor, enriches T-cell clones shared by the periphery and brain, and reduces immunosuppressive cytokines and cell populations in tumors. CONCLUSIONS Despite the limited BBB permeability of LY321, combined LY321 and anti-PD-1 treatment can improve intracranial disease control by amplifying extracranial immune responses, highlighting the role of extracranial tumors in driving intracranial response to treatment. Combined ERK and PD-1 inhibition is a promising therapeutic approach, worthy of further investigation for patients with melanoma BM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali A de Sauvage
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Consuelo Torrini
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Edwin Nieblas-Bedolla
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Summers
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emily Sullivan
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Britney S Zhang
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emily Batchelor
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Braxton Marion
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Erika Yamazawa
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Samuel C Markson
- Department of Immunology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hiroaki Wakimoto
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Naema Nayyar
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Priscilla K Brastianos
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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20
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Ruiz G, Enrico D, Mahmoud YD, Ruiz A, Cantarella MF, Leguina L, Barberis M, Beña A, Brest E, Starapoli S, Mendoza Bertelli A, Tsou F, Pupareli C, Coppola MP, Scocimarro A, Sena S, Levit P, Perfetti A, Aman E, Girotti MR, Arrieta O, Martín C, Salanova R. Association of PD-L1 expression with driver gene mutations and clinicopathological characteristics in non-small cell lung cancer: A real-world study of 10 441 patients. Thorac Cancer 2024; 15:895-905. [PMID: 38456253 PMCID: PMC11016406 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.15244] [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: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression is a well-known predictive biomarker of response to immune checkpoint blockade in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, there is limited evidence of the relationship between PD-L1 expression, clinicopathological features, and their association with major driver mutations in NSCLC patients in Latin America. METHODS This retrospective study included patients from Argentina with advanced NSCLC, and centralized evaluation of PD-L1 expression concurrently with genomic alterations in the driver genes EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF, and/or KRAS G12C in FFPE tissue samples. RESULTS A total of 10 441 patients with advanced NSCLC were analyzed. Adenocarcinoma was the most frequent histological subtype (71.1%). PD-L1 expression was categorized as PD-L1 negative (45.1%), PD-L1 positive low-expression 1%-49% (32.3%), and PD-L1 positive high-expression ≥50% (22.6%). Notably, current smokers and males were more likely to have tumors with PD-L1 tumor proportion score (TPS) ≥50% and ≥ 80% expression, respectively (p < 0.001 and p = 0.013). Tumors with non-adenocarcinoma histology had a significantly higher median PD-L1 expression (p < 0.001). Additionally, PD-L1 in distant nodes was more likely ≥50% (OR 1.60 [95% CI: 1.14-2.25, p < 0.01]). In the multivariate analysis, EGFR-positive tumors were more commonly associated with PD-L1 low expression (OR 0.62 [95% CI: 0.51-0.75], p < 0.01), while ALK-positive tumors had a significant risk of being PD-L1 positive (OR 1.81 [95% CI: 1.30-2.52], p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS PD-L1 expression was associated with well-defined clinicopathological and genomic features. These findings provide a comprehensive view of the expression of PD-L1 in patients with advanced NSCLC in a large Latin American cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Ruiz
- Pathology & Molecular Biology LaboratoriesBiomakersBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Diego Enrico
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, Department of Medical OncologyAlexander Fleming Cancer InstituteBuenos AiresArgentina
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medical OncologyAlexander Fleming Cancer InstituteBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Yamil D. Mahmoud
- Universidad Argentina de la Empresa (UADE), Instituto de Tecnología (INTEC)Buenos AiresArgentina
- Laboratorio de Glicomedicina, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME)Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)Buenos AiresArgentina
| | - Alan Ruiz
- Pathology & Molecular Biology LaboratoriesBiomakersBuenos AiresArgentina
| | | | - Laura Leguina
- Pathology & Molecular Biology LaboratoriesBiomakersBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Mariana Barberis
- Pathology & Molecular Biology LaboratoriesBiomakersBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Asunción Beña
- Pathology & Molecular Biology LaboratoriesBiomakersBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Esteban Brest
- Pathology & Molecular Biology LaboratoriesBiomakersBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Solange Starapoli
- Pathology & Molecular Biology LaboratoriesBiomakersBuenos AiresArgentina
| | | | - Florencia Tsou
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, Department of Medical OncologyAlexander Fleming Cancer InstituteBuenos AiresArgentina
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medical OncologyAlexander Fleming Cancer InstituteBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Carmen Pupareli
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, Department of Medical OncologyAlexander Fleming Cancer InstituteBuenos AiresArgentina
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medical OncologyAlexander Fleming Cancer InstituteBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - María Pía Coppola
- Medical Oncology UnitHospital Zonal Especializado en Agudos y Crónicos Dr. Antonio CetrangoloBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Alejandra Scocimarro
- Medical Oncology UnitHospital Zonal Especializado en Agudos y Crónicos Dr. Antonio CetrangoloBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Susana Sena
- Medical Oncology DepartmentHospital AlemánBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Patricio Levit
- Medical Oncology UnitUnión Personal‐Accord SaludBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Aldo Perfetti
- Medical Oncology UnitUnión Personal‐Accord SaludBuenos AiresArgentina
- Medical Oncology DepartmentCentro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas (CEMIC)Buenos AiresArgentina
| | - Enrique Aman
- Medical Oncology Unit, Swiss Medical GroupBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - María Romina Girotti
- Pathology & Molecular Biology LaboratoriesBiomakersBuenos AiresArgentina
- Universidad Argentina de la Empresa (UADE), Instituto de Tecnología (INTEC)Buenos AiresArgentina
| | - Oscar Arrieta
- Head of Thoracic Oncology UnitUnidad Funcional de Oncología Torácica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan)Mexico CityMexico
| | - Claudio Martín
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, Department of Medical OncologyAlexander Fleming Cancer InstituteBuenos AiresArgentina
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medical OncologyAlexander Fleming Cancer InstituteBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Rubén Salanova
- Pathology & Molecular Biology LaboratoriesBiomakersBuenos AiresArgentina
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21
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Xu X, Luo S, Zhao X, Tang B, Zhang E, Liu J, Duan L. Computational analysis of PD-L1 dimerization mechanism induced by small molecules and potential dynamical properties. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 265:130921. [PMID: 38492688 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130921] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
The design of small molecule inhibitors that target the programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) is a forefront issue in immune checkpoint blocking therapy. Small-molecule inhibitors have been shown to exert therapeutic effects by inducing dimerization of the PD-L1 protein, however, the specific mechanisms underlying this dimerization process remain largely unexplored. Furthermore, there is a notable lack of comparative studies examining the binding modes of structurally diverse inhibitors. In view of the research gaps, this work employed molecular dynamics simulations to meticulously examine the interactions between two distinct types of inhibitors and PD-L1 in both monomeric and dimeric forms, and predicted the dimerization mechanism. The results revealed that inhibitors initially bind to a PD-L1 monomer, subsequently attracting another monomer to form a dimer. Notably, symmetric inhibitors observed superior binding efficiency compared to other inhibitors. Key residues, including Ile54, Tyr56, Met115 and Tyr123 played a leading role in binding. Structurally, symmetric inhibitors were capable of thoroughly engaging the binding pocket, promoting a more symmetrical formation of PD-L1 dimers. Furthermore, symmetric inhibitors formed more extensive hydrophobic interactions with protein residues. The insights garnered from this research are expected to significantly contribute to the rational design and optimization of small molecule inhibitors targeting PD-L1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaole Xu
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Song Luo
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhao
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Bolin Tang
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Enhao Zhang
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Jinxin Liu
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Lili Duan
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China.
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22
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Ahmadnia A, Mohammadi S, Yamchi A, Kalani MR, Farazmandfar T, Khosravi A, Memarian A. Augmenting the Antitumor Efficacy of Natural Killer Cells via SynNotch Receptor Engineering for Targeted IL-12 Secretion. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:2931-2945. [PMID: 38666913 PMCID: PMC11048765 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46040183] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial components of innate immunity, known for their potent tumor surveillance abilities. Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have shown promise in cancer targeting, but optimizing CAR designs for NK cell functionality remains challenging. CAR-NK cells have gained attention for their potential to reduce side effects and enable scalable production in cancer immunotherapy. This study aimed to enhance NK cell anti-tumor activity by incorporating PD1-synthetic Notch (synNotch) receptors. A chimeric receptor was designed using UniProt database sequences, and 3D structure models were generated for optimization. Lentiviral transduction was used to introduce PD1-Syn receptors into NK cells. The expression of PD1-Syn receptors on NK cell surfaces was assessed. Engineered NK cells were co-cultured with PDL1+ breast cancer cells to evaluate their cytotoxic activity and ability to produce interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interferon-gamma (IFNγ) upon interaction with the target cells. This study successfully expressed the PD1-Syn receptors on NK cells. CAR-NK cells secreted IL-12 and exhibited target-dependent IFNγ production when engaging PDL1+ cells. Their cytotoxic activity was significantly enhanced in a target-dependent manner. This study demonstrates the potential of synNotch receptor-engineered NK cells in enhancing anti-tumor responses, especially in breast cancer cases with high PDL1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ahmadnia
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Technologies, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan P.O. Box 665, Iran
| | - Saeed Mohammadi
- Golestan Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan P.O. Box 665, Iran
| | - Ahad Yamchi
- Department of Biotechnology, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan P.O. Box 386, Iran
| | - Mohamad Reza Kalani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Technologies, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan P.O. Box 665, Iran
| | - Touraj Farazmandfar
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Technologies, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan P.O. Box 665, Iran
- Medical Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan P.O. Box 665, Iran
| | - Ayyoub Khosravi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Technologies, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan P.O. Box 665, Iran
- Stem Cell Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan P.O. Box 665, Iran
| | - Ali Memarian
- Medical Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan P.O. Box 665, Iran
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan P.O. Box 665, Iran
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23
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Liu B, Yao X, Shang Y, Dai J. The multiple roles of autophagy in uveal melanoma and the microenvironment. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:121. [PMID: 38467935 PMCID: PMC10927889 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05576-3] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary malignant intraocular tumor in adults, and effective clinical treatment strategies are still lacking. Autophagy is a lysosome-dependent degradation system that can encapsulate abnormal proteins, damaged organelles. However, dysfunctional autophagy has multiple types and plays a complex role in tumorigenicity depending on many factors, such as tumor stage, microenvironment, signaling pathway activation, and application of autophagic drugs. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was conducted to analyze the role of autophagy in UM, as well as describing the development of autophagic drugs and the link between autophagy and the tumor microenvironment. RESULTS In this review, we summarize current research advances regarding the types of autophagy, the mechanisms of autophagy, the application of autophagy inhibitors or agonists, autophagy and the tumor microenvironment. Finally, we also discuss the relationship between autophagy and UM. CONCLUSION Understanding the molecular mechanisms of how autophagy differentially affects tumor progression may help to design better therapeutic regimens to prevent and treat UM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueting Yao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Shang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinhui Dai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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24
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Sanchez JC, Pierpont TM, Argueta-Zamora D, Wilson K, August A, Cerione RA. PTEN loss in glioma cell lines leads to increased extracellular vesicles biogenesis and PD-L1 cargo in a PI3K-dependent manner. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.07.26.550575. [PMID: 38464280 PMCID: PMC10925116 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.26.550575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Phosphatase and Tensin Homologue (PTEN) is one of the most frequently lost tumor suppressors in cancer and the predominant negative regulator of the PI3K/AKT signaling axis. A growing body of evidence has highlighted the loss of PTEN with immuno-modulatory functions including the upregulation of the programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1), an altered tumor derived secretome that drives an immunosuppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), and resistance to certain immunotherapies. Given their roles in immunosuppression and tumor growth, we examined whether the loss of PTEN would impact the biogenesis, cargo, and function of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the context of the anti-tumor associated cytokine interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Through genetic and pharmacological approaches, we show that PD-L1 expression is regulated by JAK/STAT signaling, not PI3K signaling. Instead, we observe that PTEN loss positively upregulates cell surface levels of PD-L1 and enhances the biogenesis of EVs enriched with PD-L1 in a PI3K-dependent manner. We demonstrate that because of these changes, EVs derived from glioma cells lacking PTEN have a greater ability to suppress T cell receptor (TCR) signaling. Taken together, these findings provide important new insights into how the loss of PTEN can contribute to an immunosuppressive TIME, facilitate immune evasion, and highlight a novel role for PI3K signaling in the regulation of EV biogenesis and the cargo they contain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio C Sanchez
- Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Timothy M Pierpont
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Dariana Argueta-Zamora
- Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Kristin Wilson
- Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Avery August
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Richard A Cerione
- Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
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Wang N, Jiang Y, Li M, Wang H, Pan J, Tang Y, Xie S, Xu Y, Li X, Zhou X, Xu P, Lin W, Wang X. Protein Kinase STK24 Promotes Tumor Immune Evasion via the AKT-PD-L1 Axis. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2304342. [PMID: 38229183 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202304342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy targeting PD-L1 is still ineffective for a wide variety of tumors with high unpredictability. Deploying combined immunotherapy with alternative targeting is practical to overcome this therapeutic resistance. Here, the deficiency of serine-threonine kinase STK24 is observed in tumor cells causing substantial attenuation of tumor growth in murine syngeneic models, a process relying on cytotoxic CD8+ T and NK cells. Mechanistically, STK24 in tumor cells associates with and directly phosphorylates AKT at Thr21, which promotes AKT activation and subsequent PD-L1 induction. Deletion or inhibition of STK24, by contrast, blocks IFN-γ-mediated PD-L1 expression. Various murine models indicate that in vivo silencing of STK24 can significantly enhance the efficacy of the anti-PD-1 blockade strategy. Elevated STK24 levels are observed in patient specimens in multiple tumor types and inversely correlated with intratumoral infiltration of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and with patient survival. The study collectively identifies STK24 as a critical modulator of antitumor immunity, which engages in AKT and PD-L1/PD-1 signaling and is a promising target for combined immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Wang
- Institute of Immunology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Mengjie Li
- Institute of Immunology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Haofei Wang
- Institute of Immunology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Jie Pan
- Institute of Immunology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Yang Tang
- Institute of Immunology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Shaofang Xie
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
| | - Yunyang Xu
- Institute of Immunology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Xu Li
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
| | - Xuefei Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Pinglong Xu
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Wenlong Lin
- Institute of Immunology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Xiaojian Wang
- Institute of Immunology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
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Wang F, Fu K, Wang Y, Pan C, Wang X, Liu Z, Yang C, Zheng Y, Li X, Lu Y, To KKW, Xia C, Zhang J, Shi Z, Hu Z, Huang M, Fu L. Small-molecule agents for cancer immunotherapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:905-952. [PMID: 38486980 PMCID: PMC10935485 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.12.010] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy, exemplified by the remarkable clinical benefits of the immune checkpoint blockade and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, is revolutionizing cancer therapy. They induce long-term tumor regression and overall survival benefit in many types of cancer. With the advances in our knowledge about the tumor immune microenvironment, remarkable progress has been made in the development of small-molecule drugs for immunotherapy. Small molecules targeting PRR-associated pathways, immune checkpoints, oncogenic signaling, metabolic pathways, cytokine/chemokine signaling, and immune-related kinases have been extensively investigated. Monotherapy of small-molecule immunotherapeutic drugs and their combinations with other antitumor modalities are under active clinical investigations to overcome immune tolerance and circumvent immune checkpoint inhibitor resistance. Here, we review the latest development of small-molecule agents for cancer immunotherapy by targeting defined pathways and highlighting their progress in recent clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Kai Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yujue Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Can Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xueping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Zeyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Chuan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Ying Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiaopeng Li
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yu Lu
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Kenneth Kin Wah To
- School of Pharmacy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Chenglai Xia
- Affiliated Foshan Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Jianye Zhang
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Zhi Shi
- Department of Cell Biology & Institute of Biomedicine, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zeping Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Min Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Liwu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
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Li Y, Lin K, Ren X, Xu J, Yuan H, Bian L, He Y. Activated fibroblasts induce immune escape of TSCC through CCL25/AKT pathway. Oral Dis 2024; 30:448-461. [PMID: 36437627 DOI: 10.1111/odi.14455] [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: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Accumulating evidence suggests that activated fibroblasts are the key cells in the T-cell response to tumor immunosuppression. We attempted to investigate the effect of activated fibroblasts on PD-L1 expression and the related immune escape mechanism in tongue squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS Western blotting, qPCR, and other techniques were used to study the expression of PD-L1 in tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells and the nude mouse model of transplanted tumors in vivo; clinical tissue samples were verified. In addition, we established a direct coculture model of T cells and tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells explore the mechanisms of immune escape. RESULTS We found that PDGF-BB induces fibroblast activation by facilitating the oversecretion of chemokine CCL25. Further analysis showed that CCL25 derived from activated fibroblasts activated the Akt signaling pathway to promote PD-L1 expression. The activated fibroblasts inhibited T-cell IFN-γ secretion through the CCL25/Akt/PD-L1 pathway, which indirectly inhibited T-cell proliferation. CONCLUSION Activated fibroblasts can induce the high expression of PD-L1 in the oral and tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell line Cal-27 via the CCL25/CCR9/p-Akt axis, to significantly inhibit the proliferation and IFN-γ secretion of T cells and promote the immune escape of tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiting Li
- Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Ken Lin
- Department of Otolaryngology, Kunming Children's Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiaobin Ren
- Department of Periodontology, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Jianguo Xu
- Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Haiming Yuan
- Department of Oral Prevention, Stomatological Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Li Bian
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yongwen He
- Department of Dental Research, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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Wang X, Lu L, Hong X, Wu L, Yang C, Wang Y, Li W, Yang Y, Cao D, Di W, Deng L. Cell-intrinsic PD-L1 ablation sustains effector CD8 + T cell responses and promotes antitumor T cell therapy. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113712. [PMID: 38294903 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113712] [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: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapies are emerging forms of immunotherapy that reprogram T cells for enhanced antitumor responses. Although surface programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)/programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) engagement inhibits antitumor immunity, the role of cell-intrinsic PD-L1 in adoptive T cell therapy remains unknown. Here, we found that intracellular PD-L1 was enriched in tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells of cancer patients. PD-L1 ablation promoted antitumor immune responses and the maintenance of an effector-like state of therapeutic CD8+ T cells, while blockade of surface PD-L1 was unable to impact on their expansion and function. Moreover, cell-intrinsic PD-L1 impeded CD8+ T cell activity, which partially relied on mTORC1 signaling. Furthermore, endogenous tumor-reactive CD8+ T cells were motivated by BATF3-driven dendritic cells after adoptive transfer of PD-L1-deficient therapeutic CD8+ T cells. This role of cell-intrinsic PD-L1 in therapeutic CD8+ T cell dysfunction highlights that disrupting cell-intrinsic PD-L1 in CD8+ T cells represents a viable approach to improving T cell-based cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinran Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiaochuan Hong
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Lingling Wu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - You Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Wenwen Li
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yuanqin Yang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Dongqing Cao
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Wen Di
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China.
| | - Liufu Deng
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
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Sahu P, Mitra A, Ganguly A. Targeting KRAS and SHP2 signaling pathways for immunomodulation and improving treatment outcomes in solid tumors. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 386:167-222. [PMID: 38782499 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2024.01.005] [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: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Historically, KRAS has been considered 'undruggable' inspite of being one of the most frequently altered oncogenic proteins in solid tumors, primarily due to the paucity of pharmacologically 'druggable' pockets within the mutant isoforms. However, pioneering developments in drug design capable of targeting the mutant KRAS isoforms especially KRASG12C-mutant cancers, have opened the doors for emergence of combination therapies comprising of a plethora of inhibitors targeting different signaling pathways. SHP2 signaling pathway, primarily known for activation of intracellular signaling pathways such as KRAS has come up as a potential target for such combination therapies as it emerged to be the signaling protein connecting KRAS and the immune signaling pathways and providing the link for understanding the overlapping regions of RAS/ERK/MAPK signaling cascade. Thus, SHP2 inhibitors having potent tumoricidal activity as well as role in immunomodulation have generated keen interest in researchers to explore its potential as combination therapy in KRAS mutant solid tumors. However, the excitement with these combination therapies need to overcome challenges thrown up by drug resistance and enhanced toxicity. In this review, we will discuss KRAS and SHP2 signaling pathways and their roles in immunomodulation and regulation of tumor microenvironment and also analyze the positive effects and drawbacks of the different combination therapies targeted at these signaling pathways along with their present and future potential to treat solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Sahu
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ankita Mitra
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Anirban Ganguly
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, Jharkhand, India.
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30
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Zhou Y, Wang F, Li G, Xu J, Zhang J, Gullen E, Yang J, Wang J. From immune checkpoints to therapies: understanding immune checkpoint regulation and the influence of natural products and traditional medicine on immune checkpoint and immunotherapy in lung cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1340307. [PMID: 38426097 PMCID: PMC10902058 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1340307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is a disease of global concern, and immunotherapy has brought lung cancer therapy to a new era. Besides promising effects in the clinical use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and low response rates are problems unsolved. Natural products and traditional medicine with an immune-modulating nature have the property to influence immune checkpoint expression and can improve immunotherapy's effect with relatively low toxicity. This review summarizes currently approved immunotherapy and the current mechanisms known to regulate immune checkpoint expression in lung cancer. It lists natural products and traditional medicine capable of influencing immune checkpoints or synergizing with immunotherapy in lung cancer, exploring both their effects and underlying mechanisms. Future research on immune checkpoint modulation and immunotherapy combination applying natural products and traditional medicine will be based on a deeper understanding of their mechanisms regulating immune checkpoints. Continued exploration of natural products and traditional medicine holds the potential to enhance the efficacy and reduce the adverse reactions of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibin Zhou
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fenglan Wang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Guangda Li
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Elizabeth Gullen
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale Medical School, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Luo L, Jiang M, Xiong Y, Xiong A, Zhang L, Wu D, Liu Y, Ran Q, Liu J, Zhang Y, Li J, He X, Wang J, Li G. Fine particulate matter 2.5 induces susceptibility to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection via expansion of PD-L1 high neutrophils in mice. Respir Res 2024; 25:90. [PMID: 38355515 PMCID: PMC10865610 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02640-x] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to PM2.5 has been implicated in a range of detrimental health effects, particularly affecting the respiratory system. However, the precise underlying mechanisms remain elusive. METHODS To address this objective, we collected ambient PM2.5 and administered intranasal challenges to mice, followed by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to unravel the heterogeneity of neutrophils and unveil their gene expression profiles. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining were subsequently conducted to validate the obtained results. Furthermore, we assessed the phagocytic potential of neutrophils upon PM2.5 exposure using gene analysis of phagocytosis signatures and bacterial uptake assays. Additionally, we utilized a mouse pneumonia model to evaluate the susceptibility of PM2.5-exposed mice to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. RESULTS Our study revealed a significant increase in neutrophil recruitment within the lungs of PM2.5-exposed mice, with subclustering of neutrophils uncovering subsets with distinct gene expression profiles. Notably, exposure to PM2.5 was associated with an expansion of PD-L1high neutrophils, which exhibited impaired phagocytic function dependent upon PD-L1 expression. Furthermore, PM2.5 exposure was found to increase the susceptibility of mice to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, due in part to increased PD-L1 expression on neutrophils. Importantly, monoclonal antibody targeting of PD-L1 significantly reduced bacterial burden, dissemination, and lung inflammation in PM2.5-exposed mice upon Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that PM2.5 exposure promotes expansion of PD-L1high neutrophils with impaired phagocytic function in mouse lungs, contributing to increased vulnerability to bacterial infection, and therefore targeting PD-L1 may be a therapeutic strategy for reducing the harmful effects of PM2.5 exposure on the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Luo
- Laboratory of Allergy and Precision Medicine, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Chengdu Institute of Respiratory Health, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Manling Jiang
- Laboratory of Allergy and Precision Medicine, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Chengdu Institute of Respiratory Health, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science & Technology, Macao Special Administrative Region, Taipa, China
| | - Ying Xiong
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Friendship Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Anying Xiong
- Laboratory of Allergy and Precision Medicine, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Chengdu Institute of Respiratory Health, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Laboratory of Allergy and Precision Medicine, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Chengdu Institute of Respiratory Health, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science & Technology, Macao Special Administrative Region, Taipa, China
| | - Dehong Wu
- Laboratory of Allergy and Precision Medicine, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Chengdu Institute of Respiratory Health, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Yao Liu
- Laboratory of Allergy and Precision Medicine, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Chengdu Institute of Respiratory Health, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science & Technology, Macao Special Administrative Region, Taipa, China
| | - Qin Ran
- Laboratory of Allergy and Precision Medicine, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Chengdu Institute of Respiratory Health, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Jiliu Liu
- Laboratory of Allergy and Precision Medicine, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Chengdu Institute of Respiratory Health, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Laboratory of Allergy and Precision Medicine, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Chengdu Institute of Respiratory Health, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Jiahuan Li
- Laboratory of Allergy and Precision Medicine, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Chengdu Institute of Respiratory Health, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
- North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Xiang He
- Laboratory of Allergy and Precision Medicine, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Chengdu Institute of Respiratory Health, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China.
| | - Junyi Wang
- Laboratory of Allergy and Precision Medicine, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Chengdu Institute of Respiratory Health, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science & Technology, Macao Special Administrative Region, Taipa, China.
| | - Guoping Li
- Laboratory of Allergy and Precision Medicine, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Chengdu Institute of Respiratory Health, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China.
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Li Y, Jiang M, Aye L, Luo L, Zhang Y, Xu F, Wei Y, Peng D, He X, Gu J, Yu X, Li G, Ge D, Lu C. UPP1 promotes lung adenocarcinoma progression through the induction of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1200. [PMID: 38331898 PMCID: PMC10853547 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45340-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The complexity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a crucial factor in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) progression. To gain deeper insights into molecular mechanisms of LUAD, we perform an integrative single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data analysis of 377,574 cells from 117 LUAD patient samples. By linking scRNA-seq data with bulk gene expression data, we identify a cluster of prognostic-related UPP1high tumor cells. These cells, primarily situated at the invasive front of tumors, display a stronger association with the immunosuppressive components in the TME. Our cytokine array analysis reveals that the upregulation of UPP1 in tumor cells leads to the increased release of various immunosuppressive cytokines, with TGF-β1 being particularly prominent. Furthermore, this UPP1 upregulation also elevates the expression of PD-L1 through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, which contributes to the suppression of CD8 + T cells. Cytometry by time-of-flight (CyTOF) analysis provides additional evidence of the role of UPP1 in shaping the immunosuppressive nature of the TME. Using patient-derived organoids (PDOs), we discover that UPP1high tumors exhibit relatively increased sensitivity to Bosutinib and Dasatinib. Collectively, our study highlights the immunosuppressive role of UPP1 in LUAD, and these findings may provide insights into the molecular features of LUAD and facilitate the development of personalized treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Manling Jiang
- Laboratory of Allergy and Precision Medicine, Chengdu Institute of Respiratory Health, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, 610031, Sichuan, China
| | - Ling Aye
- Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Li Luo
- Laboratory of Allergy and Precision Medicine, Chengdu Institute of Respiratory Health, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, 610031, Sichuan, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Fengkai Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yongqi Wei
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Dan Peng
- Laboratory of Allergy and Precision Medicine, Chengdu Institute of Respiratory Health, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, 610031, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiang He
- Laboratory of Allergy and Precision Medicine, Chengdu Institute of Respiratory Health, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, 610031, Sichuan, China
| | - Jie Gu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaofang Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Guoping Li
- Laboratory of Allergy and Precision Medicine, Chengdu Institute of Respiratory Health, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, 610031, Sichuan, China.
| | - Di Ge
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Chunlai Lu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Shan KS, Bonano-Rios A, Theik NWY, Hussein A, Blaya M. Molecular Targeting of the Phosphoinositide-3-Protein Kinase (PI3K) Pathway across Various Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1973. [PMID: 38396649 PMCID: PMC10888452 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25041973] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The dysregulation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway can lead to uncontrolled cellular growth and tumorigenesis. Targeting PI3K and its downstream substrates has been shown to be effective in preclinical studies and phase III trials with the approval of several PI3K pathway inhibitors by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over the past decade. However, the limited clinical efficacy of these inhibitors, intolerable toxicities, and acquired resistances limit the clinical application of PI3K inhibitors. This review discusses the PI3K signaling pathway, alterations in the PI3K pathway causing carcinogenesis, current and novel PI3K pathway inhibitors, adverse effects, resistance mechanisms, challenging issues, and future directions of PI3K pathway inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khine S. Shan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Memorial Health Care, Pembroke Pines, FL 33028, USA; (A.B.-R.); (A.H.); (M.B.)
| | - Amalia Bonano-Rios
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Memorial Health Care, Pembroke Pines, FL 33028, USA; (A.B.-R.); (A.H.); (M.B.)
| | - Nyein Wint Yee Theik
- Division of Internal Medicine, Memorial Health Care, Pembroke Pines, FL 33028, USA;
| | - Atif Hussein
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Memorial Health Care, Pembroke Pines, FL 33028, USA; (A.B.-R.); (A.H.); (M.B.)
| | - Marcelo Blaya
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Memorial Health Care, Pembroke Pines, FL 33028, USA; (A.B.-R.); (A.H.); (M.B.)
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Abramenko N, Vellieux F, Veselá K, Kejík Z, Hajduch J, Masařík M, Babula P, Hoskovec D, Pacák K, Martásek P, Smetana K, Jakubek M. Investigation of the potential effects of estrogen receptor modulators on immune checkpoint molecules. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3043. [PMID: 38321096 PMCID: PMC10847107 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51804-2] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoints regulate the immune system response. Recent studies suggest that flavonoids, known as phytoestrogens, may inhibit the PD-1/PD-L1 axis. We explored the potential of estrogens and 17 Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) as inhibiting ligands for immune checkpoint proteins (CTLA-4, PD-L1, PD-1, and CD80). Our docking studies revealed strong binding energy values for quinestrol, quercetin, and bazedoxifene, indicating their potential to inhibit PD-1 and CTLA-4. Quercetin and bazedoxifene, known to modulate EGFR and IL-6R alongside estrogen receptors, can influence the immune checkpoint functionality. We discuss the impact of SERMs on PD-1 and CTLA-4, suggesting that these SERMs could have therapeutic effects through immune checkpoint inhibition. This study highlights the potential of SERMs as inhibitory ligands for immune checkpoint proteins, emphasizing the importance of considering PD-1 and CTLA-4 inhibition when evaluating SERMs as therapeutic agents. Our findings open new avenues for cancer immunotherapy by exploring the interaction between various SERMs and immune checkpoint pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Abramenko
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 252 50, Vestec, Czech Republic
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, 120 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Fréderic Vellieux
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 252 50, Vestec, Czech Republic
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, 120 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Veselá
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 252 50, Vestec, Czech Republic
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, 120 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zdeněk Kejík
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 252 50, Vestec, Czech Republic
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, 120 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Hajduch
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 252 50, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Masařík
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 252 50, Vestec, Czech Republic
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, 120 00, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Babula
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - David Hoskovec
- 1st Department of Surgery-Department of Abdominal, Thoracic Surgery and Traumatology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, U Nemocnice 2, 121 08, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Pacák
- Section on Medical Neuroendocrinology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 1-3140, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Pavel Martásek
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, 120 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Smetana
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 252 50, Vestec, Czech Republic
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 120 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Jakubek
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 252 50, Vestec, Czech Republic.
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, 120 00, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Zhang X, Liu Z, Guang Y, Jiang B, Park JH. The multiple arrays of a PD1-derived peptide on chromatin specifically bind to PD-L1 and induce doxorubicin resistance in cancer cell lines. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 695:149435. [PMID: 38154265 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.149435] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and its ligand 1 (PD-L1) have been extensively studied to block the activation of the PD-1 axis immune checkpoint pathway on T cells. However, recent evidence suggests that PD-1-independent PD-L1 pathways in cancer cells and macrophages are important in cellular proliferation and survival of those cell types but the underlying mechanism is little understood. To recapitulate the binding of multiple PD-1 to the high levels of PD-L1 expression on cancer cell membranes, recombinant histones carrying a PD-1 receptor-derived peptide (PDR) were prepared and used to assemble a PDR-displayed nucleosome array. PDR-displayed chromatin showed physiologically spaced nucleosomes, unaffected by N-terminal histone tails and biotinylated DNA modifications. PDR-displayed chromatin exhibited selective binding to the breast cancer cell line with high PD-L1 expression, MDA-MB-231, where saturated binding occurred within 3 h, comparable to well-known antigen-antibody reactions. Notably, PDR-displayed chromatin enhanced resistance to doxorubicin in PD-L1-overexpressed cancer cells, revealing a PD-L1 level-dependent effect on cell survival upon chemotherapy. Our study sheds light on the potential of PDR-displayed chromatin as a tool to induce chemoresistance in cancer cells without employing anti-PD-L1 antibodies or soluble PD-1 receptors. Further investigation into the underlying signaling pathways and therapeutic applications is warranted, positioning PDR-displayed chromatin as a valuable tool for understanding PD-L1-mediated intracellular signaling pathways in cancer cells with high PD-L1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinghan Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China.
| | - Zuobin Liu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China.
| | - Yixin Guang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China.
| | - Bingjie Jiang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China.
| | - Jeong Hyeon Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China.
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Chuang YM, Tzeng SF, Ho PC, Tsai CH. Immunosurveillance encounters cancer metabolism. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:471-488. [PMID: 38216787 PMCID: PMC10897436 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-023-00038-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells reprogram nutrient acquisition and metabolic pathways to meet their energetic, biosynthetic, and redox demands. Similarly, metabolic processes in immune cells support host immunity against cancer and determine differentiation and fate of leukocytes. Thus, metabolic deregulation and imbalance in immune cells within the tumor microenvironment have been reported to drive immune evasion and to compromise therapeutic outcomes. Interestingly, emerging evidence indicates that anti-tumor immunity could modulate tumor heterogeneity, aggressiveness, and metabolic reprogramming, suggesting that immunosurveillance can instruct cancer progression in multiple dimensions. This review summarizes our current understanding of how metabolic crosstalk within tumors affects immunogenicity of tumor cells and promotes cancer progression. Furthermore, we explain how defects in the metabolic cascade can contribute to developing dysfunctional immune responses against cancers and discuss the contribution of immunosurveillance to these defects as a feedback mechanism. Finally, we highlight ongoing clinical trials and new therapeutic strategies targeting cellular metabolism in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ming Chuang
- Department of Fundamental Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sheue-Fen Tzeng
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Chih Ho
- Department of Fundamental Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Chin-Hsien Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department and Graduate Institute of Biochemistry, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Yan J, Li KX, Yu L, Yuan HY, Zhao ZM, Lin J, Wang CS. PRMT1 Integrates Immune Microenvironment and Fatty Acid Metabolism Response in Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2024; 11:15-27. [PMID: 38213310 PMCID: PMC10778267 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s443130] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Protein arginine methyltransferase (PRMT) family members have important roles in cancer processes. However, its functions in the regulation of cancer immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are incompletely understood. This study aimed to investigate the roles of PRMT1 in HCC. Methods Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and clinicopathological data were obtained and used to explore the diagnostic and prognostic value, cellular functions and roles in immune microenvironment regulation of PRMT1 in HCC. The functions of PRMT1 were explored using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO), as well as gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). TIMER and CIBERSORT were used to analyze the relationships between PRMT1 expression and immune cell infiltration. The STRING database was used to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Results PRMT1 was aberrantly expressed in HCC, which high expression was associated with tumor progression, worse overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of patients with HCC. PRMT1 was also associated with immune cell infiltration. Moreover, it was specifically expressed in immune cells, including exhausted CD8 T cells, B cells, and mono/macro cells in patients with immunotherapy. The expression of immune checkpoints was significantly increased in the high-PRMT1 expression groups of HCC patients. Regarding biological mechanisms, cell viability, migration and invasion, and the expression of genes related to fatty acid metabolism were suppressed in PRMT1 knockdown HCC cells. Moreover, genes co-expressed with PRMT1 were involved in the fatty acid metabolic process and enriched in fatty and drug-induced liver disease. Conclusion Taken together, these results indicate that PRMT1 might exert its oncogenic effects via immune microenvironment regulation and fatty acid metabolism in HCC. Our finding will provide a foundation for further studies and indicate a potential clinical therapeutic target for liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Yan
- School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
- College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
- Medical Experimental Center of Basic Medical School, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ke xin Li
- College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Yu
- College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Heng ye Yuan
- College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhi min Zhao
- College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Lin
- College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
- Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chang Shan Wang
- College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People’s Republic of China
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Hussain MS, Altamimi ASA, Afzal M, Almalki WH, Kazmi I, Alzarea SI, Saleem S, Prasher P, Oliver B, Singh SK, MacLoughlin R, Dua K, Gupta G. From carcinogenesis to therapeutic avenues: lncRNAs and mTOR crosstalk in lung cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 253:155015. [PMID: 38103364 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.155015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to have a crucial function in the modulation of the activity of genes, impacting a variety of homeostatic processes involving growth, survival, movement, and genomic consistency. Certain lncRNAs' aberrant expression has been linked to carcinogenesis, tumor growth, and therapeutic resistance. They are beneficial for the management of malignancies since they can function as cancer-causing or cancer-suppressing genes and behave as screening or prognosis indicators. The modulation of the tumor microenvironment, metabolic modification, and spread have all been linked to lncRNAs in lung cancer. Recent research has indicated that lncRNAs may interact with various mTOR signalling systems to control expression in lung cancer. Furthermore, the route can affect how lncRNAs are expressed. Emphasizing the function of lncRNAs as crucial participants in the mTOR pathway, the current review intends to examine the interactions between the mTOR cascade and the advancement of lung cancer. The article will shed light on the roles and processes of a few lncRNAs associated with the development of lung cancer, as well as their therapeutic prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Sadique Hussain
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jaipur National University, Jagatpura, 302017 Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Abdulmalik S A Altamimi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Afzal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy Program, Batterjee Medical College, P.O. Box 6231, Jeddah 21442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed Hassan Almalki
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Imran Kazmi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, 21589, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sami I Alzarea
- ōDepartment of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, 72341, Sakaka, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shakir Saleem
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Parteek Prasher
- Department of Chemistry, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Energy Acres, Dehradun 248007, India
| | - Brian Oliver
- Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Macquarie university, Sydney, NSW, 2137
| | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India; Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Ronan MacLoughlin
- School of Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Leinster D02 YN77, Ireland; School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College, Dublin, Leinster D02 PN40, Ireland; Research and Development, Science and Emerging Technologies, Aerogen Ltd., Galway Business Park, H91 HE94 Galway, Ireland
| | - Kamal Dua
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, India; School of Pharmacy, Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun 248007, India; School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jagatpura, Mahal Road, Jaipur, India.
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Zhou Z, Wang H, Li J, Jiang X, Li Z, Shen J. Recent progress, perspectives, and issues of engineered PD-L1 regulation nano-system to better cure tumor: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 254:127911. [PMID: 37939766 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Currently, immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies that target the programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) have been used as revolutionary cancer treatments in the clinic. Apart from restoring the antitumor response of cytotoxic T cells by blocking the interaction between PD-L1 on tumor cells and programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) on T cells, PD-L1 proteins were also newly revealed to possess the capacity to accelerate DNA damage repair (DDR) and enhance tumor growth through multiple mechanisms, leading to the impaired efficacy of tumor therapies. Nevertheless, current free anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy still suffered from poor therapeutic outcomes in most solid tumors due to the non-selective tumor accumulation, ineludible severe cytotoxic effects, as well as the common occurrence of immune resistance. Recently, nanoparticles with efficient tumor-targeting capacity, tumor-responsive prosperity, and versatility for combination therapy were identified as new avenues for PD-L1 targeting cancer immunotherapies. In this review, we first summarized the multiple functions of PD-L1 protein in promoting tumor growth, accelerating DDR, as well as depressing immunotherapy efficacy. Following this, the effects and mechanisms of current clinically widespread tumor therapies on tumor PD-L1 expression were discussed. Then, we reviewed the recent advances in nanoparticles for anti-PD-L1 therapy via using PD-L1 antibodies, small interfering RNA (siRNA), microRNA (miRNA), clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), peptide, and small molecular drugs. At last, we discussed the challenges and perspectives to promote the clinical application of nanoparticles-based PD-L1-targeting therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaigang Zhou
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Haoxiang Wang
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Jie Li
- College of Pharmacy, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Xin Jiang
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Zhangping Li
- The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou, Zhejiang 324000, China.
| | - Jianliang Shen
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China; Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325000, China.
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Blanc-Durand F, Clemence Wei Xian L, Tan DSP. Targeting the immune microenvironment for ovarian cancer therapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1328651. [PMID: 38164130 PMCID: PMC10757966 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1328651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is an aggressive malignancy characterized by a complex immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Immune checkpoint inhibitors have emerged as a breakthrough in cancer therapy by reactivating the antitumor immune response suppressed by tumor cells. However, in the case of OC, these inhibitors have failed to demonstrate significant improvements in patient outcomes, and existing biomarkers have not yet identified promising subgroups. Consequently, there remains a pressing need to understand the interplay between OC tumor cells and their surrounding microenvironment to develop effective immunotherapeutic approaches. This review aims to provide an overview of the OC TME and explore its potential as a therapeutic strategy. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are major actors in OC TME. Evidence has been accumulating regarding the spontaneous TILS response against OC antigens. Activated T-helpers secrete a wide range of inflammatory cytokines with a supportive action on cytotoxic T-cells. Simultaneously, mature B-cells are recruited and play a significant antitumor role through opsonization of target antigens and T-cell recruitment. Macrophages also form an important subset of innate immunity (M1-macrophages) while participating in the immune-stimulation context. Finally, OC has shown to engage a significant natural-killer-cells immune response, exerting direct cytotoxicity without prior sensitization. Despite this initial cytotoxicity, OC cells develop various strategies to induce an immune-tolerant state. To this end, multiple immunosuppressive molecules are secreted to impair cytotoxic cells, recruit regulatory cells, alter antigen presentation, and effectively evade immune response. Consequently, OC TME is predominantly infiltrated by immunosuppressive cells such as FOXP3+ regulatory T-cells, M2-polarized macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Despite this strong immunosuppressive state, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors have failed to improve outcomes. Beyond PD-1/PD-L1, OC expresses multiple other immune checkpoints that contribute to immune evasion, and each representing potential immune targets. Novel immunotherapies are attempting to overcome the immunosuppressive state and induce specific immune responses using antibodies adoptive cell therapy or vaccines. Overall, the OC TME presents both opportunities and obstacles. Immunotherapeutic approaches continue to show promise, and next-generation inhibitors offer exciting opportunities. However, tailoring therapies to individual immune characteristics will be critical for the success of these treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Blanc-Durand
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Cancer Science Institute (CSI), National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lai Clemence Wei Xian
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Cancer Science Institute (CSI), National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - David S. P. Tan
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR) and Cancer Science Institute (CSI), National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Han JH, Lee EJ, Park W, Choi JG, Ha KT, Chung HS. Cosmosiin Induces Apoptosis in Colorectal Cancer by Inhibiting PD-L1 Expression and Inducing ROS. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:2131. [PMID: 38136250 PMCID: PMC10740471 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12122131] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies, particularly those concerning immune checkpoint inhibitors, have transformed cancer treatment in recent years. Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a key target for immunotherapy that is overexpressed in the cells of colorectal cancer, a widespread malignant cancer that poses a significant healthcare challenge. This study investigated the effects of cosmosiin treatment on colorectal cancer cell lines. Cosmosiin is a naturally occurring flavone glycoside compound that has potential health benefits, including antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. This study showed that cosmosiin effectively suppresses the expression of PD-L1 and triggers apoptosis, which is facilitated through pathways that are related to reactive oxygen species. These outcomes suggest that cosmosiin could be a promising candidate for an immune checkpoint inhibitor in the treatment of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Ho Han
- Korean Medicine (KM)-Application Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM), Daegu 41062, Republic of Korea; (J.H.H.); (E.-J.L.); (J.-G.C.)
| | - Eun-Ji Lee
- Korean Medicine (KM)-Application Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM), Daegu 41062, Republic of Korea; (J.H.H.); (E.-J.L.); (J.-G.C.)
| | - Wonyoung Park
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea; (W.P.); (K.-T.H.)
| | - Jang-Gi Choi
- Korean Medicine (KM)-Application Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM), Daegu 41062, Republic of Korea; (J.H.H.); (E.-J.L.); (J.-G.C.)
| | - Ki-Tae Ha
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea; (W.P.); (K.-T.H.)
| | - Hwan-Suck Chung
- Korean Medicine (KM)-Application Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM), Daegu 41062, Republic of Korea; (J.H.H.); (E.-J.L.); (J.-G.C.)
- Korean Convergence Medical Science Major, University of Science and Technology (UST), KIOM Campus, Daegu 41062, Republic of Korea
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Xu H, Jia Z, Liu F, Li J, Huang Y, Jiang Y, Pu P, Shang T, Tang P, Zhou Y, Yang Y, Su J, Liu J. Biomarkers and experimental models for cancer immunology investigation. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e437. [PMID: 38045830 PMCID: PMC10693314 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid advancement of tumor immunotherapies poses challenges for the tools used in cancer immunology research, highlighting the need for highly effective biomarkers and reproducible experimental models. Current immunotherapy biomarkers encompass surface protein markers such as PD-L1, genetic features such as microsatellite instability, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and biomarkers in liquid biopsy such as circulating tumor DNAs. Experimental models, ranging from 3D in vitro cultures (spheroids, submerged models, air-liquid interface models, organ-on-a-chips) to advanced 3D bioprinting techniques, have emerged as valuable platforms for cancer immunology investigations and immunotherapy biomarker research. By preserving native immune components or coculturing with exogenous immune cells, these models replicate the tumor microenvironment in vitro. Animal models like syngeneic models, genetically engineered models, and patient-derived xenografts provide opportunities to study in vivo tumor-immune interactions. Humanized animal models further enable the simulation of the human-specific tumor microenvironment. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the advantages, limitations, and prospects of different biomarkers and experimental models, specifically focusing on the role of biomarkers in predicting immunotherapy outcomes and the ability of experimental models to replicate the tumor microenvironment. By integrating cutting-edge biomarkers and experimental models, this review serves as a valuable resource for accessing the forefront of cancer immunology investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengyi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular OncologyNational Cancer Center /National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Ziqi Jia
- Department of Breast Surgical OncologyNational Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Fengshuo Liu
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Jiayi Li
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Department of Breast Surgical OncologyNational Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yansong Huang
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Department of Breast Surgical OncologyNational Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yiwen Jiang
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Pengming Pu
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Tongxuan Shang
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Pengrui Tang
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yongxin Zhou
- Eight‐year MD ProgramSchool of Clinical Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yufan Yang
- School of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jianzhong Su
- Oujiang LaboratoryZhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision, and Brain HealthWenzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular OncologyNational Cancer Center /National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- Department of Breast Surgical OncologyNational Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
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Sun Z, Mai H, Xue C, Fan Z, Li J, Chen H, Huo N, Kang X, Tang C, Fang L, Zhao H, Han Y, Sun C, Peng H, Du Y, Yang J, Du N, Xu X. Hsa-LINC02418/mmu-4930573I07Rik regulated by METTL3 dictates anti-PD-L1 immunotherapeutic efficacy via enhancement of Trim21-mediated PD-L1 ubiquitination. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007415. [PMID: 38040417 PMCID: PMC10693898 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007415] [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] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited response to programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1)/programmed death 1 (PD-1) immunotherapy is a major hindrance of checkpoint immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The abundance of PD-L1 on the tumor cell surface is crucial for the responsiveness of PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy. However, the negative control of PD-L1 expression and the physiological significance of the PD-L1 inhibition in NSCLC immunotherapy remain obscure. METHODS Bioinformatics analysis was performed to profile and investigate the long non-coding RNAs that negatively correlated with PD-L1 expression and positively correlated with CD8+T cell infiltration in NSCLC. Immunofluorescence, in vitro PD-1 binding assay, T cell-induced apoptosis assays and in vivo syngeneic mouse models were used to investigate the functional roles of LINC02418 and mmu-4930573I07Rik in regulating anti-PD-L1 therapeutic efficacy in NSCLC. The molecular mechanism of LINC02418-enhanced PD-L1 downregulation was explored by immunoprecipitation, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and ubiquitination assays. RIP, luciferase reporter, and messenger RNA degradation assays were used to investigate the m6A modification of LINC02418 or mmu-4930573I07Rik expression. Bioinformatics analysis and immunohistochemistry (IHC) verification were performed to determine the significance of LINC02418, PD-L1 expression and CD8+T cell infiltration. RESULTS LINC02418 is a negative regulator of PD-L1 expression that positively correlated with CD8+T cell infiltration, predicting favorable clinical outcomes for patients with NSCLC. LINC02418 downregulates PD-L1 expression by enhancing PD-L1 ubiquitination mediated by E3 ligase Trim21. Both hsa-LINC02418 and mmu-4930573I07Rik (its homologous RNA in mice) regulate PD-L1 therapeutic efficacy in NSCLC via Trim21, inducing T cell-induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, METTL3 inhibition via N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification mediated by YTHDF2 reader upregulates hsa-LINC02418 and mmu-4930573I07Rik. In patients with NSCLC, LINC02418 expression is inversely correlated with PD-L1 expression and positively correlated with CD8+T infiltration. CONCLUSION LINC02418 functions as a negative regulator of PD-L1 expression in NSCLC cells by promoting the degradation of PD-L1 through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. The expression of LINC02418 is regulated by METTL3/YTHDF2-mediated m6A modification. This study illuminates the underlying mechanisms of PD-L1 negative regulation and presents a promising target for improving the effectiveness of anti-PD-L1 therapy in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijia Sun
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Air Force Medical Center PLA, Air Force Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Haixing Mai
- Department of Urology, the Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chunyuan Xue
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongyi Fan
- Department of Biotherapy Center, Third People's Hospital, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiangbo Li
- Bioinformatics Center of Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hairui Chen
- Department of Urology, the Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Huo
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaofeng Kang
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Chuanhao Tang
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Liaoxin Fang
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Chinese PLA General Hospital Fifth Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yuchen Han
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Sun
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Huanyan Peng
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Yimeng Du
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Oncology, Chinese PLA General Hospital Second Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Du
- Department of Oncology, Chinese PLA General Hospital Fifth Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojie Xu
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
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Hu S, Yan X, Bian W, Ni B. The m6A reader IGF2BP1 manipulates BUB1B expression to affect malignant behaviors, stem cell properties, and immune resistance of non-small-cell lung cancer stem cells. Cytotechnology 2023; 75:517-532. [PMID: 37841956 PMCID: PMC10575838 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-023-00594-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is the most common internal modification in eukaryotic mRNA and an important mechanism for post-transcriptional regulation of genes. This study focuses on the role of the m6A reader insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) in the malignant behaviors of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and especially the cancer stem cells (CSCs). We obtained IGF2BP1 as an aberrantly upregulated gene linking to poor survival of patients with NSCLC by bioinformatics, and then confirmed increased IGF2BP1 expression in NSCLC tissues and cells, especially in the enriched CSCs. Knockdown of IGF2BP1 suppressed proliferation, mobility and epithelial-mesenchymal transition activity of NSCLC cells and CSCs, and it reduced stemness, self-renewal ability, xenograft tumorigenesis and immune resistance of the CSCs. IGF2BP1 was predicted to have a positive correlation with BUB1 mitotic checkpoint serine/threonine kinase B (BUB1B), and it upregulated BUB1B expression through m6A modification. Further overexpression of BUB1B in CSCs counteracted the effects of IGF2BP1 silencing and restored the malignant phenotype, self-renewal, and immune resistance of CSCs in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, this work demonstrates that IGF2BP1 manipulates BUB1B expression to affect malignant behaviors, stem cell properties and immune resistance of NSCLC stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Hu
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006 Jiangsu People’s Republic of China
| | - Xi Yan
- Physical Examination Center, Suzhou Jiulong Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Suzhou, 215006 Jiangsu People’s Republic of China
| | - Wen Bian
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006 Jiangsu People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Ni
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, No. 899, Pinghai Road, Gusu District, Suzhou, 215006 Jiangsu People’s Republic of China
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Taghiloo S, Ajami A, Alizadeh-Navaei R, Asgarian-Omran H. Combination therapy of acute myeloid leukemia by dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor BEZ235 and TLR-7/8 agonist R848 in murine model. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 125:111211. [PMID: 37956488 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111211] [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: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to the high relapse rate and toxicity of the common therapies in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), modifications in the treatment strategies are required. The present study was conducted to determine the effects of combinational therapy with a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, BEZ235, and TLR7/8 agonist, R848, on murine AML model. METHODS BEZ235 and R848 were administered to AML leukemic mice in either a single or combination treatment. Frequency of T-CD4+, T-CD8+, MDSCs, NK, exhausted T cells and the degranulation levels was measured via flow cytometry. The cytotoxicity and proliferation levels were evaluated by MTT assay. Then, the expression of iNOS, arginase-1, PD-L1, Gal-9, PVR, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12 and IL-17 was investigated by Real-Time PCR. Organomegaly, body weight and survival rate were also monitored. RESULTS Following combinational therapy with BEZ235 and R848, increasing in the frequency of anti-tumor immune cells including T-CD4+ cells and M1 macroghages, and decreasing in pro-tumor immune cells including MDSCs, exhausted T-CD4+ and T-CD8+ cells and also M2 macrophages were observed. The functional defects of immune cells in term of proliferation, cytotoxicity, degranulation, and cytokines expression were improved in leukemic mice after treatment with BEZ235 and R848. Finally, organomegaly, body weight and survival analysis showed significant improvements after treatment with BEZ235 and R848. CONCLUSION Taken together, we indicated that the combinational therapy with BEZ235 and R848 could be considered as a potential and powerful therapeutic option for AML patients. Further clinical studies are required to expand our current findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeid Taghiloo
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Abolghasem Ajami
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Reza Alizadeh-Navaei
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, Non-Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hossein Asgarian-Omran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, Non-Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
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Maines LW, Keller SN, Smith CD. Opaganib (ABC294640) Induces Immunogenic Tumor Cell Death and Enhances Checkpoint Antibody Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16901. [PMID: 38069222 PMCID: PMC10706694 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-based cancer drugs that target the checkpoint proteins CTLA-4, PD-1 and PD-L1 provide marked improvement in some patients with deadly diseases such as lung cancer and melanoma. However, most patients are either unresponsive or relapse following an initial response, underscoring the need for further improvement in immunotherapy. Certain drugs induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) in tumor cells in which the dying cells promote immunologic responses in the host that may enhance the in vivo activity of checkpoint antibodies. Sphingolipid metabolism is a key pathway in cancer biology, in which ceramides and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) regulate tumor cell death, proliferation and drug resistance, as well as host inflammation and immunity. In particular, sphingosine kinases are key sites for manipulation of the ceramide/S1P balance that regulates tumor cell proliferation and sensitivity to radiation and chemotherapy. We and others have demonstrated that inhibition of sphingosine kinase-2 by the small-molecule investigational drug opaganib (formerly ABC294640) kills tumor cells and increases their sensitivities to other drugs and radiation. Because sphingolipids have been shown to regulate ICD, opaganib may induce ICD and improve the efficacy of checkpoint antibodies for cancer therapy. This was demonstrated by showing that in vitro treatment with opaganib increases the surface expression of the ICD marker calreticulin on a variety of tumor cell types. In vivo confirmation was achieved using the gold standard immunization assay in which B16 melanoma, Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) or Neuro-2a neuroblastoma cells were treated with opaganib in vitro and then injected subcutaneously into syngeneic mice, followed by implantation of untreated tumor cells 7 days later. In all cases, immunization with opaganib-treated cells strongly suppressed the growth of subsequently injected tumor cells. Interestingly, opaganib treatment induced crossover immunity in that opaganib-treated B16 cells suppressed the growth of both untreated B16 and LLC cells and opaganib-treated LLC cells inhibited the growth of both untreated LLC and B16 cells. Next, the effects of opaganib in combination with a checkpoint antibody on tumor growth in vivo were assessed. Opaganib and anti-PD-1 antibody each slowed the growth of B16 tumors and improved mouse survival, while the combination of opaganib plus anti-PD-1 strongly suppressed tumor growth and improved survival (p < 0.0001). Individually, opaganib and anti-CTLA-4 antibody had modest effects on the growth of LLC tumors and mouse survival, whereas the combination of opaganib with anti-CTLA-4 substantially inhibited tumor growth and increased survival (p < 0.001). Finally, the survival of mice bearing B16 tumors was only marginally improved by opaganib or anti-PD-L1 antibody alone but was nearly doubled by the drugs in combination (p < 0.005). Overall, these studies demonstrate the ability of opaganib to induce ICD in tumor cells, which improves the antitumor activity of checkpoint antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Charles D. Smith
- Apogee Biotechnology Corporation, 1214 Research Blvd, Suite 2015, Hummelstown, PA 17036, USA; (L.W.M.)
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Yu J, Ling S, Hong J, Zhang L, Zhou W, Yin L, Xu S, Que Q, Wu Y, Zhan Q, Bao J, Xu N, Liu Y, Chen K, Wei X, Liu Z, Feng T, Zhou L, Xie H, Wang S, Liu J, Zheng S, Xu X. TP53/mTORC1-mediated bidirectional regulation of PD-L1 modulates immune evasion in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007479. [PMID: 38030304 PMCID: PMC10689408 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunotherapy has facilitated great breakthroughs in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the efficacy and response rate of immunotherapy are limited and vary among different patients with HCC. TP53 mutation substantially affects the expression of immune checkpoint molecules in multiple cancers. However, the regulatory relationship between programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and TP53 is poorly studied in HCC. We aimed to elucidate the regulatory mechanism of PD-L1 in HCC with different TP53 statuses and to assess its role in modulating immune evasion in HCC. METHODS HCC mouse models and cell lines with different TP53 statuses were constructed. PD-L1 levels were detected by PCR, western blotting and flow cytometry. RNA-seqencing, immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation and transmission electron microscopy were used to elucidate the regulatory mechanism in HCC with different TP53 status. HCC mouse models and patient with HCC samples were analyzed to demonstrate the preclinical and clinical significance of the findings. RESULTS We report that loss of p53 promoted PD-L1 expression and reduced CD8+ T-cell infiltration in patient with HCC samples and mouse models. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway was activated in p53-loss-of-function HCC or after knocking down TP53. The transcription factor E2F1 was found to bind to the p53 protein in TP53 wild-type HCC cells, and inhibiting mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) disrupted this binding and enhanced E2F1 translocation to the nucleus, where it bound to the PD-L1 promoter and transcriptionally upregulated PD-L1. In p53-loss-of-function HCC cells, autophagosomes were activated after mTORC1 suppression, promoting the degradation of PD-L1 protein. The combination of mTOR inhibitor and anti-PD-L1 antibody enhanced CD8+ T-cell infiltration and tumor suppression in TP53 wild-type HCC mouse models, but no benefit was observed in p53-loss-of-function HCC mouse models. In patients with TP53 wild-type HCC, PD-L1 levels were significantly higher in the high E2F1 group than in the low E2F1 group, and the low E2F1 level group had significantly superior survival. CONCLUSION We revealed the bidirectional regulatory mechanism of PD-L1 mediated by TP53/mTORC1 in HCC. The combination of mTOR inhibitor and anti-PD-L1 antibody could be a novel precise immunotherapy scheme for TP53 wild-type HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiongjie Yu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sunbin Ling
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | | | - Lincheng Zhang
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lu Yin
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shengjun Xu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qingyang Que
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongfeng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qifan Zhan
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiaqi Bao
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Nan Xu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuchen Liu
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kangchen Chen
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuyong Wei
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhikun Liu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Feng
- Department of Colorectal Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lin Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haiyang Xie
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jimin Liu
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shusen Zheng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
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Chiari R, Palladino S, Emili R, De Lisa M, Sarti D, Catalano V, Magnani M, Graziano F, Ruzzo A. KRAS4A and KRAS4B in liquid biopsy of metastatic lung adenocarcinoma patients treated with Pembrolizumab or chemotherapy plus Pembrolizumab. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21036. [PMID: 38030703 PMCID: PMC10687227 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48304-0] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
KRAS is involved in the stability and expression of PD-L1. We investigated the expression of circulating mRNA (cmRNA) of KRAS4A and KRAS4B and the possible impact on progression-free survival (PFS) of patients with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma treated with immunotherapy. Patients without driver mutations undergoing Pembrolizumab (P) or P plus chemotherapy (PC) were prospectively accrued for liquid biopsy analysis of KRAS4A, KRAS4B, and PD-L1 cmRNA. Both KRAS isoforms were also studied for association with PD-L1 cmRNA. Of 56 patients, 28 received P and 28 PC. Patients with high levels of both KRAS isoforms showed significantly better PFS. The median PFS for KRAS4A was 29 months (95% CI 22-29 months) and KRAS4B 24 months (95% CI 13-29 months), respectively. The median PFS of patients with low levels of both isoforms was 12 months (95% CI 6-15 months for KRAS4A and 95% CI 5-20 months for KRAS4B). High KRAS4A retained a significant positive association with PFS in the multivariate model. An exploratory analysis in treatment subgroups found a positive association between high KRAS4A and KRAS4B with PFS in patients treated with P. PD-L1 cmRNA was significantly higher in patients with high KRAS isoforms levels and this effect was pronounced for high KRAS4A carriers. KRAS4A deserves further investigation as a potential marker for defining patients who may benefit the most from immune checkpoint inhibitors therapy and improving personalized cancer immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Chiari
- Oncology Unit, AST1 Pesaro e Urbino, Stabilimento di Muraglia - Via Lombroso 1, 61122, Pesaro, Italy
- Oncology Unit, AST1 Pesaro e Urbino, Fano, Italy
| | - Silvia Palladino
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Via Arco d'Augusto, 2, 61032, Fano, Italy
| | - Rita Emili
- Oncology Unit, AST1 Pesaro e Urbino, Urbino, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Mauro Magnani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Via Arco d'Augusto, 2, 61032, Fano, Italy
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Francesco Graziano
- Oncology Unit, AST1 Pesaro e Urbino, Stabilimento di Muraglia - Via Lombroso 1, 61122, Pesaro, Italy.
| | - Annamaria Ruzzo
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Via Arco d'Augusto, 2, 61032, Fano, Italy.
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Shi B, Ge F, Cai L, Yang Y, Guo X, Wu R, Fan Z, Cao B, Wang N, Si Y, Lin X, Dong W, Sun H. Significance of NotchScore and JAG1 in predicting prognosis and immune response of low-grade glioma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1247288. [PMID: 38022677 PMCID: PMC10679421 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1247288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Low-grade glioma (LGG) is a prevalent malignant tumor in the intracranial region. Despite the advancements in treatment methods for this malignancy over the past decade, significant challenges still persist in the form of drug resistance and tumor recurrence. The Notch signaling pathway plays essential roles in many physiological processes as well as in cancer development. However, the significance of the pathway and family genes in LGG are poorly understood. Methods We conducted gene expression profiling analysis using the TCGA dataset to investigate the gene set associated with the Notch signaling pathway. we have proposed a metric called "NotchScore" that quantifies the strength of the Notch signaling pathway and enables us to assess its significance in predicting prognosis and immune response in LGG. We downregulated JAG1 in low-grade gliomas to assess its influence on the proliferation and migration of these tumors. Ultimately, we determined the impact of the transcription factor VDR on the transcription of PDL1 through chip-seq data analysis. Results Our findings indicate that tumors with a higher NotchScore, exhibit poorer prognosis, potentially due to their ability to evade the anti-tumor effects of immune cells by expressing immune checkpoints. Among the genes involved in the Notch signaling pathway, JAG1 has emerged as the most representative in terms of capturing the characteristics of both NotchScore and Notch pathways. The experimental results demonstrate that silencing JAG1 yielded a significant decrease in tumor cell proliferation in LGG cell lines. Our study revealed mechanisms by which tumors evade the immune system through the modulation of PDL1 transcription levels via the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Additionally, JAG1 potentially influences PDL1 in LGG by regulating the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and the expression of the transcription factor VDR. Discussion These findings contribute to our understanding of immune evasion by tumors in LGG. The insights gained from this research may have implications for the development of therapeutic interventions for LGG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Shi
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-Coding RNA Research, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fei Ge
- Department of Gastroenterology, Haian Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liangliang Cai
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-Coding RNA Research, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-Coding RNA Research, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaohui Guo
- School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Rui Wu
- School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhehao Fan
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-Coding RNA Research, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Binjie Cao
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-Coding RNA Research, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-Coding RNA Research, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yue Si
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-Coding RNA Research, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinyue Lin
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-Coding RNA Research, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weibing Dong
- School of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Haibo Sun
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-Coding RNA Research, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Ma H, Jiang S, Yuan Y, Li J, Li Y, Lv Y, Du T, Guan J, Jiang X, Tian L, Zheng Q, Yang L, Li Q. RUNX1 promotes proliferation and migration in non-small cell lung cancer cell lines via the mTOR pathway. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23195. [PMID: 37801076 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300687rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
RUNX1, a member of the RUNX family of metazoan transcription factors, participates in the regulation of differentiation, proliferation, and other processes involved in growth and development. It also functions in the occurrence and development of tumors. However, the role and mechanism of action of RUNX1 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are not yet clear. We used a bioinformatics approach as well as in vitro and in vivo assays to evaluate the role of RUNX1 in NSCLC as the molecular mechanisms underlying its effects. Using the TCGA, GEO, GEPIA (Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis), and Kaplan-Meier databases, we screened the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and found that RUNX1 was highly expressed in lung cancer and was associated with a poor prognosis. Immunohistochemical staining based on tissue chips from 110 samples showed that the expression of RUNX1 in lung cancer tissues was higher than that in adjacent normal tissues and was positively correlated with lymph node metastasis and TNM staging. In vitro experiments, we found that RUNX1 overexpression promoted cell proliferation and migration functions and affected downstream functional proteins by regulating the activity of the mTOR pathway, as confirmed by an analysis using the mTOR pathway inhibitor rapamycin. In addition, RUNX1 affected PD-L1 expression via the mTOR pathway. These results indicate that RUNX1 is a potential therapeutic target for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Ma
- Department of Pathology, Basic Medicine College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Siyu Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Basic Medicine College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yinan Yuan
- Department of Pathology, Basic Medicine College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ji Li
- Department of Pathology, Basic Medicine College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yizhuo Li
- Department of Pathology, Basic Medicine College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yanping Lv
- Department of Pathology, Basic Medicine College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tengjiao Du
- Department of Pathology, Basic Medicine College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jingqian Guan
- Department of Pathology, Basic Medicine College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xizi Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Basic Medicine College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lei Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Qianqian Zheng
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medicine College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lianhe Yang
- Department of Pathology, Basic Medicine College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qingchang Li
- Department of Pathology, Basic Medicine College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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