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Orlandi E, Ceccuzzi L, Belpinati F, Rodolfo M, Malerba G, Trabetti E, Gomez-Lira M, Romanelli MG. Sex-dependent interaction of PTGS2 with miR-146a as risk factor for melanoma and the impact of sex hormones in gene expression in skin cells. Melanoma Res 2024; 34:296-306. [PMID: 38934060 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0000000000000978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Gender disparity in melanoma is a complex issue where sex hormones could be engaged. Differences in genetic variations are important in understanding the mechanisms of sex disparity in melanoma. Post-transcriptional regulation of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase (PTGS2) mRNA occurs through a complex interplay of specific trans-acting RNA-binding proteins and microRNAs. MiR-146a is a key player in melanoma, modulating immune responses and tumor microenvironment (TME). Polymorphisms in PTGS2 gene rs20415GC have been associated with an increased risk of melanoma. Epistasis between polymorphisms rs20415GC was investigated by genotyping 453 melanoma patients and 382 control individuals. The effects of testosterone and 17β-estradiol were analyzed in keratinocytes and two melanoma cell lines. The rs2910164GG showed a higher risk in the presence of the genotype rs20417CC in the male population. Testosterone and 17β-estradiol act differently on PTGS2 and miR-146a expression, depending on the cell type. Testosterone augments PTGS2 gene expression in keratinocytes and miR-146a in melanoma cells. While 17β-estradiol only increases miR-146a expression in HaCaT cells. The present study indicates a sex-specific relation between miR-146a and PTGS2 polymorphisms with melanoma cancer risk. Testosterone and 17β-estradiol act differently on the expression of PTGS2 and miR-146a depending on the skin cell type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Orlandi
- Section of Biology and Genetics, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, Verona
| | - Laura Ceccuzzi
- Section of Biology and Genetics, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, Verona
| | - Francesca Belpinati
- Section of Biology and Genetics, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, Verona
| | - Monica Rodolfo
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Malerba
- Section of Biology and Genetics, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, Verona
| | - Elisabetta Trabetti
- Section of Biology and Genetics, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, Verona
| | - Macarena Gomez-Lira
- Section of Biology and Genetics, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, Verona
| | - Maria Grazia Romanelli
- Section of Biology and Genetics, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie, Verona
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2
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Brummer T, Zeiser R. The role of the MDM2/p53 axis in antitumor immune responses. Blood 2024; 143:2701-2709. [PMID: 37467495 PMCID: PMC11251213 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023020731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Mouse double minute 2 homolog (MDM2) is a negative regulator of the tumor suppressor p53 and is often highly expressed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and other solid tumors. Inactivating mutations in TP53, the gene encoding p53, confers an unfavorable prognosis in AML and increases the risk for relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. We review the concept that manipulation of MDM2 and p53 could enhance immunogenicity of AML and solid tumor cells. Additionally, we discuss the mechanisms by which MDM2 and p53 regulate the expression of major histocompatibility complex class I and II, transcription of double stranded RNA of endogenous retroviruses, responses of interferons, production of interleukin-15, and expression of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor 1 and 2 on malignant cells. The direct effects of MDM2 inhibition or MDM2 deletion in effector T cells are discussed in the context of cancer immunotherapy. The preclinical findings are connected to clinical studies using MDM2 inhibition to enhance antitumor immunity in patients. This review summarizes current evidence supporting the use of MDM2 inhibition to restore p53 as well as the direct effects of MDM2 inhibition on T cells as an emerging concept for combined antitumor immunotherapy against hematological malignancies and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilman Brummer
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium Partner Site Freiburg and German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and Centre for Integrative Biological Signaling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert Zeiser
- Faculty of Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium Partner Site Freiburg and German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and Centre for Integrative Biological Signaling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Medicine I (Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation), Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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3
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Vinnakota JM, Adams RC, Athanassopoulos D, Schmidt D, Biavasco F, Zähringer A, Erny D, Schwabenland M, Langenbach M, Wenger V, Salié H, Cook J, Mossad O, Andrieux G, Dersch R, Rauer S, Duquesne S, Monaco G, Wolf P, Blank T, Häne P, Greter M, Becher B, Henneke P, Pfeifer D, Blazar BR, Duyster J, Boerries M, Köhler N, Chhatbar CM, Bengsch B, Prinz M, Zeiser R. Anti-PD-1 cancer immunotherapy induces central nervous system immune-related adverse events by microglia activation. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadj9672. [PMID: 38865481 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adj9672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Cancer treatment with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy can cause central nervous system immune-related adverse events (CNS-irAEs). The role of microglia in anti-PD-1 immunotherapy-induced CNS-irAEs is unclear. We found that anti-PD-1 treatment of mice caused morphological signs of activation and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II up-regulation on microglia. Functionally, anti-PD-1 treatment induced neurocognitive deficits in mice, independent of T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells. Instead, we found that microglia mediated these CNS-irAEs. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed major transcriptional changes in microglia upon anti-PD-1 treatment. The anti-PD-1 effects were mediated by anti-PD-1 antibodies interacting directly with microglia and were not secondary to peripheral T cell activation. Using a proteomics approach, we identified spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) as a potential target in activated microglia upon anti-PD-1 treatment. Syk inhibition reduced microglia activation and improved neurocognitive function without impairing anti-melanoma effects. Moreover, we analyzed CNS tissue from a patient cohort that had received anti-PD-1 treatment. Imaging mass cytometry revealed that anti-PD-1 treatment of patients was associated with increased surface marker expression indicative of microglia activation. In summary, we identified a disease-promoting role for microglia in CNS-irAEs driven by Syk and provide an inhibitor-based approach to interfere with this complication after anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janaki Manoja Vinnakota
- Department of Medicine I-Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rachael C Adams
- Department of Medicine I-Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, 4006 Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 4072 Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Dimitrios Athanassopoulos
- Department of Medicine I-Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dominik Schmidt
- Department of Medicine I-Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Francesca Biavasco
- Department of Medicine I-Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Zähringer
- Department of Medicine I-Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Erny
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marius Schwabenland
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marlene Langenbach
- Department of Medicine I-Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Valentin Wenger
- Department of Medicine I-Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Henrike Salié
- Department of Medicine II-Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - James Cook
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Omar Mossad
- Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Geoffroy Andrieux
- Institute of Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rick Dersch
- Clinic of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Rauer
- Clinic of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Duquesne
- Department of Medicine I-Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gianni Monaco
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Single-Cell Omics Platform Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Phillipp Wolf
- Department of Medicine I-Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Urology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Blank
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Häne
- Institute of Experimental Immunology at the University of Zürich, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Melanie Greter
- Institute of Experimental Immunology at the University of Zürich, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Burkhard Becher
- Institute of Experimental Immunology at the University of Zürich, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Henneke
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency and Center for Pediatrics, University Medical Center Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS-Center for Integrative Biological Signaling Studies, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dietmar Pfeifer
- Department of Medicine I-Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bruce R Blazar
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA
| | - Justus Duyster
- Department of Medicine I-Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Boerries
- Institute of Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg, a partnership between DKFZ and Medical Center - University of Freiburg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Natalie Köhler
- Department of Medicine I-Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS-Center for Integrative Biological Signaling Studies, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Chintan M Chhatbar
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bertram Bengsch
- Department of Medicine II-Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS-Center for Integrative Biological Signaling Studies, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marco Prinz
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS-Center for Integrative Biological Signaling Studies, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Neuro Modulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert Zeiser
- Department of Medicine I-Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS-Center for Integrative Biological Signaling Studies, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg, a partnership between DKFZ and Medical Center - University of Freiburg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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4
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Abdul Manap AS, Wisham AA, Wong FW, Ahmad Najmi HR, Ng ZF, Diba RS. Mapping the function of MicroRNAs as a critical regulator of tumor-immune cell communication in breast cancer and potential treatment strategies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1390704. [PMID: 38726321 PMCID: PMC11079208 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1390704] [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: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Among women, breast cancer ranks as the most prevalent form of cancer, and the presence of metastases significantly reduces prognosis and diminishes overall survival rates. Gaining insights into the biological mechanisms governing the conversion of cancer cells, their subsequent spread to other areas of the body, and the immune system's monitoring of tumor growth will contribute to the advancement of more efficient and targeted therapies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in the interaction between tumor cells and immune cells, facilitating tumor cells' evasion of the immune system and promoting cancer progression. Additionally, miRNAs also influence metastasis formation, including the establishment of metastatic sites and the transformation of tumor cells into migratory phenotypes. Specifically, dysregulated expression of these genes has been associated with abnormal expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, thereby facilitating tumor development. This study aims to provide a concise overview of the significance and function of miRNAs in breast cancer, focusing on their involvement as tumor suppressors in the antitumor immune response and as oncogenes in metastasis formation. Furthermore, miRNAs hold tremendous potential as targets for gene therapy due to their ability to modulate specific pathways that can either promote or suppress carcinogenesis. This perspective highlights the latest strategies developed for miRNA-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimi Syamima Abdul Manap
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Fei Wen Wong
- Faculty of Biosciences, MAHSA University, Kuala Langat, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Zhi Fei Ng
- Faculty of Biosciences, MAHSA University, Kuala Langat, Selangor, Malaysia
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5
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Nappi F. Non-Coding RNA-Targeted Therapy: A State-of-the-Art Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3630. [PMID: 38612441 PMCID: PMC11011542 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073630] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) as drug targets is being researched due to their discovery and their role in disease. Targeting ncRNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), is an attractive approach for treating various diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. This seminar discusses the current status of ncRNAs as therapeutic targets in different pathological conditions. Regarding miRNA-based drugs, this approach has made significant progress in preclinical and clinical testing for cardiovascular diseases, where the limitations of conventional pharmacotherapy are evident. The challenges of miRNA-based drugs, including specificity, delivery, and tolerability, will be discussed. New approaches to improve their success will be explored. Furthermore, it extensively discusses the potential development of targeted therapies for cardiovascular disease. Finally, this document reports on the recent advances in identifying and characterizing microRNAs, manipulating them, and translating them into clinical applications. It also addresses the challenges and perspectives towards clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Nappi
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Centre Cardiologique du Nord, 93200 Saint-Denis, France
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6
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Zabeti Touchaei A, Vahidi S. MicroRNAs as regulators of immune checkpoints in cancer immunotherapy: targeting PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 pathways. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:102. [PMID: 38462628 PMCID: PMC10926683 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03293-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment by harnessing the power of the immune system to eliminate tumors. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) block negative regulatory signals that prevent T cells from attacking cancer cells. Two key ICIs target the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, which includes programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and its receptor programmed death 1 (PD-1). Another ICI targets cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4). While ICIs have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in various malignancies, only a subset of patients respond favorably. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression, play a crucial role in modulating immune checkpoints, including PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4. This review summarizes the latest advancements in immunotherapy, highlighting the therapeutic potential of targeting PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 immune checkpoints and the regulatory role of miRNAs in modulating these pathways. Consequently, understanding the complex interplay between miRNAs and immune checkpoints is essential for developing more effective and personalized immunotherapy strategies for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sogand Vahidi
- Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
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7
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Suman S, Markovic SN. Melanoma-derived mediators can foster the premetastatic niche: crossroad to lymphatic metastasis. Trends Immunol 2023; 44:724-743. [PMID: 37573226 PMCID: PMC10528107 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2023.07.002] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
The natural history of advanced malignant melanoma demonstrates that, in most cases, widespread tumor dissemination is preceded by regional metastases involving tumor-draining lymph nodes [sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs)]. Under physiological conditions, LNs play a central role in immunosurveillance to non-self-antigens to which they are exposed via afferent lymph. The dysfunctional immunity in SLNs is mediated by tumor secretory factors that allow the survival of metastatic melanoma cells within the LN by creating a premetastatic niche (PMN). Recent studies outline the altered microenvironment of LNs shaped by melanoma mediators. Here, we discuss tumor secretory factors involved in subverting tumor immunity and remodeling LNs and highlight emerging therapeutic strategies to reinvigorate antitumoral immunity in SLNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shankar Suman
- Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Svetomir N Markovic
- Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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8
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Langenbach M, Giesler S, Richtsfeld S, Costa-Pereira S, Rindlisbacher L, Wertheimer T, Braun LM, Andrieux G, Duquesne S, Pfeifer D, Woessner NM, Menssen HD, Taromi S, Duyster J, Börries M, Brummer T, Blazar BR, Minguet S, Turko P, Levesque MP, Becher B, Zeiser R. MDM2 Inhibition Enhances Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Efficacy by Increasing IL15 and MHC Class II Production. Mol Cancer Res 2023; 21:849-864. [PMID: 37071397 PMCID: PMC10524444 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-22-0898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
The treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) leads to impressive response rates but primary and secondary resistance to ICI reduces progression-free survival. Novel strategies that interfere with resistance mechanisms are key to further improve patient outcome during ICI therapy. P53 is often inactivated by mouse-double-minute-2 (MDM2), which may decrease immunogenicity of melanoma cells. We analyzed primary patient-derived melanoma cell lines, performed bulk sequencing analysis of patient-derived melanoma samples, and used melanoma mouse models to investigate the role of MDM2-inhibition for enhanced ICI therapy. We found increased expression of IL15 and MHC-II in murine melanoma cells upon p53 induction by MDM2-inhibition. MDM2-inhibitor induced MHC-II and IL15-production, which was p53 dependent as Tp53 knockdown blocked the effect. Lack of IL15-receptor in hematopoietic cells or IL15 neutralization reduced the MDM2-inhibition/p53-induction-mediated antitumor immunity. P53 induction by MDM2-inhibition caused anti-melanoma immune memory as T cells isolated from MDM2-inhibitor-treated melanoma-bearing mice exhibited anti-melanoma activity in secondary melanoma-bearing mice. In patient-derived melanoma cells p53 induction by MDM2-inhibition increased IL15 and MHC-II. IL15 and CIITA expressions were associated with a more favorable prognosis in patients bearing WT but not TP53-mutated melanoma. IMPLICATIONS MDM2-inhibition represents a novel strategy to enhance IL15 and MHC-II-production, which disrupts the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. On the basis of our findings, a clinical trial combining MDM2-inhibition with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma is planned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Langenbach
- Department of Medicine I - Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sophie Giesler
- Department of Medicine I - Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Richtsfeld
- Department of Medicine I - Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sara Costa-Pereira
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Rindlisbacher
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Wertheimer
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lukas M. Braun
- Department of Medicine I - Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Geoffroy Andrieux
- Institute of Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany. German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sandra Duquesne
- Department of Medicine I - Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dietmar Pfeifer
- Department of Medicine I - Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nadine M. Woessner
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS – Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Sanaz Taromi
- Department of Medicine I - Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Justus Duyster
- Department of Medicine I - Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Börries
- Institute of Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany. German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tilman Brummer
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Freiburg, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research (IMMZ), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany Germany
| | - Bruce R. Blazar
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplant & Cellular Therapy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Susana Minguet
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS – Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg
| | - Patrick Turko
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Burkhard Becher
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Robert Zeiser
- Department of Medicine I - Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS – Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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9
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Les I, Martínez M, Pérez-Francisco I, Cabero M, Teijeira L, Arrazubi V, Torrego N, Campillo-Calatayud A, Elejalde I, Kochan G, Escors D. Predictive Biomarkers for Checkpoint Inhibitor Immune-Related Adverse Events. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15051629. [PMID: 36900420 PMCID: PMC10000735 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are antagonists of inhibitory receptors in the immune system, such as the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4, the programmed cell death protein-1 and its ligand PD-L1, and they are increasingly used in cancer treatment. By blocking certain suppressive pathways, ICIs promote T-cell activation and antitumor activity but may induce so-called immune-related adverse events (irAEs), which mimic traditional autoimmune disorders. With the approval of more ICIs, irAE prediction has become a key factor in improving patient survival and quality of life. Several biomarkers have been described as potential irAE predictors, some of them are already available for clinical use and others are under development; examples include circulating blood cell counts and ratios, T-cell expansion and diversification, cytokines, autoantibodies and autoantigens, serum and other biological fluid proteins, human leucocyte antigen genotypes, genetic variations and gene profiles, microRNAs, and the gastrointestinal microbiome. Nevertheless, it is difficult to generalize the application of irAE biomarkers based on the current evidence because most studies have been retrospective, time-limited and restricted to a specific type of cancer, irAE or ICI. Long-term prospective cohorts and real-life studies are needed to assess the predictive capacity of different potential irAE biomarkers, regardless of the ICI type, organ involved or cancer site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iñigo Les
- Internal Medicine Department, Navarre University Hospital, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Autoimmune Diseases Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Navarre University Hospital, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Inflammatory and Immune-Mediated Diseases Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Navarrabiomed-Public University of Navarre, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Correspondence: (I.L.); (D.E.); Tel.: +34-84-842-9516 (I.L.)
| | - Mireia Martínez
- Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Department of Medical Oncology, Araba University Hospital, 01009 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Lung Cancer Research Group, Bioaraba Health Research Institute, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Inés Pérez-Francisco
- Breast Cancer Research Group, Bioaraba Health Research Institute, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - María Cabero
- Clinical Trials Platform, Bioaraba Health Research Institute, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Lucía Teijeira
- Medical Oncology Department, Navarre University Hospital, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Virginia Arrazubi
- Medical Oncology Department, Navarre University Hospital, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Nuria Torrego
- Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Department of Medical Oncology, Araba University Hospital, 01009 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Lung Cancer Research Group, Bioaraba Health Research Institute, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Ana Campillo-Calatayud
- Inflammatory and Immune-Mediated Diseases Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Navarrabiomed-Public University of Navarre, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Iñaki Elejalde
- Internal Medicine Department, Navarre University Hospital, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Autoimmune Diseases Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Navarre University Hospital, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Inflammatory and Immune-Mediated Diseases Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Navarrabiomed-Public University of Navarre, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Grazyna Kochan
- Oncoimmunology Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Navarrabiomed-Public University of Navarre, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - David Escors
- Oncoimmunology Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Navarrabiomed-Public University of Navarre, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Correspondence: (I.L.); (D.E.); Tel.: +34-84-842-9516 (I.L.)
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10
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Dutta S, Ganguly A, Chatterjee K, Spada S, Mukherjee S. Targets of Immune Escape Mechanisms in Cancer: Basis for Development and Evolution of Cancer Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020218. [PMID: 36829496 PMCID: PMC9952779 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has emerged as a novel therapeutic tool for cancer therapy in the last decade. Unfortunately, a small number of patients benefit from approved immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Therefore, multiple studies are being conducted to find new ICIs and combination strategies to improve the current ICIs. In this review, we discuss some approved immune checkpoints, such as PD-L1, PD-1, and CTLA-4, and also highlight newer emerging ICIs. For instance, HLA-E, overexpressed by tumor cells, represents an immune-suppressive feature by binding CD94/NKG2A, on NK and T cells. NKG2A blockade recruits CD8+ T cells and activates NK cells to decrease the tumor burden. NKG2D acts as an NK cell activating receptor that can also be a potential ICI. The adenosine A2A and A2B receptors, CD47-SIRPα, TIM-3, LAG-3, TIGIT, and VISTA are targets that also contribute to cancer immunoresistance and have been considered for clinical trials. Their antitumor immunosuppressive functions can be used to develop blocking antibodies. PARPs, mARTs, and B7-H3 are also other potential targets for immunosuppression. Additionally, miRNA, mRNA, and CRISPR-Cas9-mediated immunotherapeutic approaches are being investigated with great interest. Pre-clinical and clinical studies project these targets as potential immunotherapeutic candidates in different cancer types for their robust antitumor modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shovan Dutta
- The Center for Immunotherapy & Precision Immuno-Oncology (CITI), Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Anirban Ganguly
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar 814152, India
| | | | - Sheila Spada
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (S.M.)
| | - Sumit Mukherjee
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (S.M.)
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11
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Zhu Q, Zhang Y, Li M, Zhang Y, Zhang H, Chen J, Liu Z, Yuan P, Yang Z, Wang X. MiR-124-3p impedes the metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer via extracellular exosome transport and intracellular PI3K/AKT signaling. Biomark Res 2023; 11:1. [PMID: 36600320 PMCID: PMC9811783 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-022-00441-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastasis is a significant factor that affects the survival of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Nevertheless, the molecular regulatory mechanism underlying the metastasis is currently not fully understood. This study aims to identify the important role of miR-124-3p in metastasis of NSCLC, thereby providing a potential therapeutic intervention. METHODS Exosome secretion was determined by Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) and the uptake was measured by fluorescence inverted microscope. The binding mechanism between miR-124-3p and its upstream or downstream target genes was validated experimentally by Luciferase reporter. Cells migration was evaluated by transwell assays. Transcriptome sequencing on A549 was carried out to verify the potential signaling pathway underlying miR-124-3p regulation. Western blotting analysis was used to assess the level of AKT, p-AKT, PI3K, and p-PI3K protein expression in NSCLC cell lines. The role of miR-124-3p to suppress the tumor metastasis was verified in NSCLC xenograft model. RESULTS Exosomes were more abundant in serum from patients with advanced lung cancer (n = 24 patients) than in these from patients with early-stage lung cancer (n = 30 patients), which suggested the potential correlation between amount of exosome secretion and the metastasis of NSCLC. Interestingly, the exosome release, uptake and the migration of NSCLC cells were notably inhibited by miR-124-3p. LINC00511 suppressed the expression of miR-124-3p to facilitate exosome transport due to its role as the competitive endogenous RNA for miR-124-3p. The miR-124-3p could directly target the 3'-UTR of Rab27a in NSCLC cells to inhibit exosome secretion and thereby prevent cell migration and invasion. Aside from the inhibition of exosome transport, miR-124-3p inhibited the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling in the intracellular environment. Finally, by measuring subcutaneous tumor weight and volume and lung metastasis, we also demonstrated that miR-124-3p inhibited tumor growth in vivo. CONCLUSION In NSCLC, miR-124-3p significantly suppressed metastasis through extracellular exosome transport and intracellular PI3K/AKT signaling. These findings provide new insights toward a better understanding of the NSCLC metastasis and suggest a potential treatment biomarker for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhu
- grid.24696.3f0000 0004 0369 153XDepartment of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050 China ,grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021 China
| | - Yixuan Zhang
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021 China
| | - Mo Li
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021 China
| | - Ying Zhang
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021 China
| | - Huan Zhang
- grid.64924.3d0000 0004 1760 5735School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, No. 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012 China
| | - Jiayi Chen
- grid.64924.3d0000 0004 1760 5735School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, No. 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012 China
| | - Zhaoyang Liu
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021 China
| | - Peng Yuan
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Department of VIP Medical Services, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021 China
| | - Zhaogang Yang
- grid.64924.3d0000 0004 1760 5735School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, No. 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012 China
| | - Xiaobing Wang
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021 China
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12
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Anestopoulos I, Kyriakou S, Tragkola V, Paraskevaidis I, Tzika E, Mitsiogianni M, Deligiorgi MV, Petrakis G, Trafalis DT, Botaitis S, Giatromanolaki A, Koukourakis MI, Franco R, Pappa A, Panayiotidis MI. Targeting the epigenome in malignant melanoma: Facts, challenges and therapeutic promises. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 240:108301. [PMID: 36283453 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108301] [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: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is the most lethal type of skin cancer with high rates of mortality. Although current treatment options provide a short-clinical benefit, acquired-drug resistance highlights the low 5-year survival rate among patients with advanced stage of the disease. In parallel, the involvement of an aberrant epigenetic landscape, (e.g., alterations in DNA methylation patterns, histone modifications marks and expression of non-coding RNAs), in addition to the genetic background, has been also associated with the onset and progression of melanoma. In this review article, we report on current therapeutic options in melanoma treatment with a focus on distinct epigenetic alterations and how their reversal, by specific drug compounds, can restore a normal phenotype. In particular, we concentrate on how single and/or combinatorial therapeutic approaches have utilized epigenetic drug compounds in being effective against malignant melanoma. Finally, the role of deregulated epigenetic mechanisms in promoting drug resistance to targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors is presented leading to the development of newly synthesized and/or improved drug compounds capable of targeting the epigenome of malignant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Anestopoulos
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - S Kyriakou
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - V Tragkola
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - I Paraskevaidis
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - E Tzika
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - M V Deligiorgi
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - G Petrakis
- Saint George Hospital, Chania, Crete, Greece
| | - D T Trafalis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - S Botaitis
- Department of Surgery, Alexandroupolis University Hospital, Democritus University of Thrace School of Medicine, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - A Giatromanolaki
- Department of Pathology, Democritus University of Thrace, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - M I Koukourakis
- Radiotherapy / Oncology, Radiobiology & Radiopathology Unit, Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - R Franco
- Redox Biology Centre, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA; School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - A Pappa
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - M I Panayiotidis
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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13
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Deng Y, Xiao M, Wan AH, Li J, Sun L, Liang H, Wang QP, Yin S, Bu X, Wan G. RNA and RNA Derivatives: Light and Dark Sides in Cancer Immunotherapy. Antioxid Redox Signal 2022; 37:1266-1290. [PMID: 35369726 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2022.0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Immunotherapy, which utilizes the patient's immune system to fight tumor cells, has been approved for the treatment of some types of advanced cancer. Recent Advances: The complexity and diversity of tumor immunity are responsible for the varying response rates toward current immunotherapy strategies and highlight the importance of exploring regulators in tumor immunotherapy. Several genetic factors have proved to be critical regulators of tumor immunotherapy. RNAs, including messenger RNAs and non-coding RNAs, play vital and diverse roles in tumorigenesis, metastasis, drug resistance, and immunotherapy response. RNA modifications, including N6-methyladenosine methylation, are involved in tumor immunity. Critical Issues: A critical issue is the lack of summary of the regulatory RNA molecules and their derivatives in mediating immune activities in human cancers that could provide potential applications for tumor immunotherapeutic strategy. Future Directions: This review summarizes the dual roles (the light and dark sides) of RNA and its derivatives in tumor immunotherapy and discusses the development of RNA-based therapies as novel immunotherapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 37, 1266-1290.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Deng
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, National Engineering Research Center for New Drug and Druggability (Cultivation), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Xiao
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, National Engineering Research Center for New Drug and Druggability (Cultivation), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Arabella H Wan
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiarui Li
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, National Engineering Research Center for New Drug and Druggability (Cultivation), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Sun
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, National Engineering Research Center for New Drug and Druggability (Cultivation), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Heng Liang
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, National Engineering Research Center for New Drug and Druggability (Cultivation), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiao-Ping Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sheng Yin
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, National Engineering Research Center for New Drug and Druggability (Cultivation), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianzhang Bu
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, National Engineering Research Center for New Drug and Druggability (Cultivation), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guohui Wan
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drug Evaluation, National Engineering Research Center for New Drug and Druggability (Cultivation), Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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14
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Rubanov A, Berico P, Hernando E. Epigenetic Mechanisms Underlying Melanoma Resistance to Immune and Targeted Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235858. [PMID: 36497341 PMCID: PMC9738385 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235858] [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: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer reliant on early detection for high likelihood of successful treatment. Solar UV exposure transforms melanocytes into highly mutated tumor cells that metastasize to the liver, lungs, and brain. Even upon resection of the primary tumor, almost thirty percent of patients succumb to melanoma within twenty years. Identification of key melanoma genetic drivers led to the development of pharmacological BRAFV600E and MEK inhibitors, significantly improving metastatic patient outcomes over traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy or pioneering IFN-α and IL-2 immune therapies. Checkpoint blockade inhibitors releasing the immunosuppressive effects of CTLA-4 or PD-1 proved to be even more effective and are the standard first-line treatment. Despite these major improvements, durable responses to immunotherapy and targeted therapy have been hindered by intrinsic or acquired resistance. In addition to gained or selected genetic alterations, cellular plasticity conferred by epigenetic reprogramming is emerging as a driver of therapy resistance. Epigenetic regulation of chromatin accessibility drives gene expression and establishes distinct transcriptional cell states. Here we review how aberrant chromatin, transcriptional, and epigenetic regulation contribute to therapy resistance and discuss how targeting these programs sensitizes melanoma cells to immune and targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey Rubanov
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group, Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Pietro Berico
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group, Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Eva Hernando
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group, Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Correspondence:
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15
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The Roles of MiRNAs (MicroRNAs) in Melanoma Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314775. [PMID: 36499102 PMCID: PMC9736803 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, characterized by life-threatening and rapidly spreading progression. Traditional targeted therapy can alleviate tumors by inactivating hyperactive kinases such as BRAF or MEK but inevitably encounters drug resistance. The advent of immunotherapy has revolutionized melanoma treatment and significantly improved the prognosis of melanoma patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are intricately involved in innate and adaptive immunity and are implicated in melanoma immunotherapy. This systematic review describes the roles of miRNAs in regulating the functions of immune cells in skin and melanoma, as well as the involvement of miRNAs in pharmacology including the effect, resistance and immune-related adverse events of checkpoint inhibitors such as PD-1 and CTLA-4 inhibitors, which are used for treating cutaneous, uveal and mucosal melanoma. The expressions and functions of miRNAs in immunotherapy employing tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and Toll-like receptor 9 agonists are also discussed. The prospect of innovative therapeutic strategies such as the combined administration of miRNAs and immune checkpoint inhibitors and the nanotechnology-based delivery of miRNAs are also provided. A comprehensive understanding of the interplay between miRNAs and immunotherapy is crucial for the discovery of reliable biomarkers and for the development of novel miRNA-based therapeutics against melanoma.
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16
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Vera J, Lai X, Baur A, Erdmann M, Gupta S, Guttà C, Heinzerling L, Heppt MV, Kazmierczak PM, Kunz M, Lischer C, Pützer BM, Rehm M, Ostalecki C, Retzlaff J, Witt S, Wolkenhauer O, Berking C. Melanoma 2.0. Skin cancer as a paradigm for emerging diagnostic technologies, computational modelling and artificial intelligence. Brief Bioinform 2022; 23:6761961. [PMID: 36252807 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbac433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We live in an unprecedented time in oncology. We have accumulated samples and cases in cohorts larger and more complex than ever before. New technologies are available for quantifying solid or liquid samples at the molecular level. At the same time, we are now equipped with the computational power necessary to handle this enormous amount of quantitative data. Computational models are widely used helping us to substantiate and interpret data. Under the label of systems and precision medicine, we are putting all these developments together to improve and personalize the therapy of cancer. In this review, we use melanoma as a paradigm to present the successful application of these technologies but also to discuss possible future developments in patient care linked to them. Melanoma is a paradigmatic case for disruptive improvements in therapies, with a considerable number of metastatic melanoma patients benefiting from novel therapies. Nevertheless, a large proportion of patients does not respond to therapy or suffers from adverse events. Melanoma is an ideal case study to deploy advanced technologies not only due to the medical need but also to some intrinsic features of melanoma as a disease and the skin as an organ. From the perspective of data acquisition, the skin is the ideal organ due to its accessibility and suitability for many kinds of advanced imaging techniques. We put special emphasis on the necessity of computational strategies to integrate multiple sources of quantitative data describing the tumour at different scales and levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio Vera
- Department of Dermatology, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Xin Lai
- Department of Dermatology, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Baur
- Department of Dermatology, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Erdmann
- Department of Dermatology, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Shailendra Gupta
- Department of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, Institute of Computer Science, University of Rostock, Rostock 18051, Germany
| | - Cristiano Guttà
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Lucie Heinzerling
- Department of Dermatology, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus V Heppt
- Department of Dermatology, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Manfred Kunz
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christopher Lischer
- Department of Dermatology, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Brigitte M Pützer
- Institute of Experimental Gene Therapy and Cancer Research, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Markus Rehm
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany.,Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Christian Ostalecki
- Department of Dermatology, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jimmy Retzlaff
- Department of Dermatology, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Olaf Wolkenhauer
- Department of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, Institute of Computer Science, University of Rostock, Rostock 18051, Germany
| | - Carola Berking
- Department of Dermatology, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen and Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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17
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Chow CY, Lie EF, Wu CH, Chow LW. Clinical implication of genetic composition and molecular mechanism on treatment strategies of HER2-positive breast cancers. Front Oncol 2022; 12:964824. [PMID: 36387174 PMCID: PMC9659858 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.964824] [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: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The current clinical management model of HER2-positive breast cancers is commonly based on guidelines, which in turn are based on the design and outcome of clinical trials. While this model is useful to most practicing clinicians, the treatment outcome of individual patient is not certain at the start of treatment. As the understanding of the translational research of carcinogenesis and the related changes in cancer genetics and tumor microenvironment during treatment is critical in the selection of right choice of treatment to maximize the successful clinical outcome for the patient, this review article intends to discuss the latest developments in the genetic and molecular mechanisms of cancer progression and treatment resistance, and how they influence the planning of the treatment strategies of HER2-positive breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Y.C. Chow
- UNIMED Medical Institute, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | - Cheng-Hsun Wu
- Department of Anatomy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Louis W.C. Chow
- UNIMED Medical Institute, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Organisation for Oncology and Translational Research, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Louis W.C. Chow,
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18
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Karami Fath M, Azargoonjahromi A, Soofi A, Almasi F, Hosseinzadeh S, Khalili S, Sheikhi K, Ferdousmakan S, Owrangi S, Fahimi M, Zalpoor H, Nabi Afjadi M, Payandeh Z, Pourzardosht N. Current understanding of epigenetics role in melanoma treatment and resistance. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:313. [PMID: 36224606 PMCID: PMC9555085 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02738-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer resulting from genetic mutations in melanocytes. Several factors have been considered to be involved in melanoma progression, including genetic alteration, processes of damaged DNA repair, and changes in mechanisms of cell growth and proliferation. Epigenetics is the other factor with a crucial role in melanoma development. Epigenetic changes have become novel targets for treating patients suffering from melanoma. These changes can alter the expression of microRNAs and their interaction with target genes, which involves cell growth, differentiation, or even death. Given these circumstances, we conducted the present review to discuss the melanoma risk factors and represent the current knowledge about the factors related to its etiopathogenesis. Moreover, various epigenetic pathways, which are involved in melanoma progression, treatment, and chemo-resistance, as well as employed epigenetic factors as a solution to the problems, will be discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Karami Fath
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Asma Soofi
- Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Chemistry, College of Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faezeh Almasi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Lab, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, School of Biology and Center of Excellence in Phylogeny of Living Organisms, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahnaz Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Microbiology, Parasitology and Immunology, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Saeed Khalili
- Department of Biology Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kamran Sheikhi
- School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Kurdistan, Iran
| | - Saeid Ferdousmakan
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Nargund College of Pharmacy, Bangalore, 560085, India
| | - Soroor Owrangi
- Student Research Committe, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | | | - Hamidreza Zalpoor
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Nabi Afjadi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Zahra Payandeh
- Department Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division Medical Inflammation Research, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Navid Pourzardosht
- Biochemistry Department, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
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19
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The Features of Immune Checkpoint Gene Regulation by microRNA in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169324. [PMID: 36012588 PMCID: PMC9409052 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, the search for new promising tools of immunotherapy continues. In this regard, microRNAs (miRNAs) that influence immune checkpoint (IC) gene expression in tumor and T-cells and may be important regulators of immune cells are considered. MiRNAs regulate gene expression by blocking mRNA translation. An important feature of miRNA is its ability to affect the expression of several genes simultaneously, which corresponds to the trend toward the use of combination therapy. The article provides a list of miRNAs acting simultaneously on several ICs and miRNAs that, in addition to IC, can regulate the expression of targeted therapy genes. There is dependence of miRNA interactions with IC genes on the type of cancer. The analysis of the accumulated data demonstrates that only about 14% (95% CI: 9.8–20.1%) of the studied miRNAs regulate the expression of specific IC in more than one type of cancer. That is, there is tumor specificity in the miRNA action on ICs. A number of miRNAs demonstrated high efficiency in vitro and in vivo. This indicates the potential of miRNAs as promising agents for cancer immunotherapy. Additional studies of the miRNA–gene interaction features and the search for an optimal miRNA mimic structure are necessary.
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20
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Chen Y, Yi X, Sun N, Guo W, Li C. Epigenetics Regulates Antitumor Immunity in Melanoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:868786. [PMID: 35693795 PMCID: PMC9174518 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.868786] [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: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most malignant skin cancer, which originates from epidermal melanocytes, with increasing worldwide incidence. The escape of immune surveillance is a hallmark of the tumor, which is manifested by the imbalance between the enhanced immune evasion of tumor cells and the impaired antitumor capacity of infiltrating immune cells. According to this notion, the invigoration of the exhausted immune cells by immune checkpoint blockades has gained encouraging outcomes in eliminating tumor cells and significantly prolonged the survival of patients, particularly in melanoma. Epigenetics is a pivotal non-genomic modulatory paradigm referring to heritable changes in gene expression without altering genome sequence, including DNA methylation, histone modification, non-coding RNAs, and m6A RNA methylation. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated how the dysregulation of epigenetics regulates multiple biological behaviors of tumor cells and contributes to carcinogenesis and tumor progression in melanoma. Nevertheless, the linkage between epigenetics and antitumor immunity, as well as its implication in melanoma immunotherapy, remains elusive. In this review, we first introduce the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and therapeutic innovations of melanoma. Then, the tumor microenvironment and the functions of different types of infiltrating immune cells are discussed, with an emphasis on their involvement in antitumor immunity in melanoma. Subsequently, we systemically summarize the linkage between epigenetics and antitumor immunity in melanoma, from the perspective of distinct paradigms of epigenetics. Ultimately, the progression of the clinical trials regarding epigenetics-based melanoma immunotherapy is introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiuli Yi
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ningyue Sun
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Weinan Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chunying Li
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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21
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Abstract
The discovery of microRNAs and their role in diseases was a breakthrough that inspired research into microRNAs as drug targets. Cardiovascular diseases are an area in which limitations of conventional pharmacotherapy are highly apparent and where microRNA-based drugs have appreciably progressed into preclinical and clinical testing. In this Review, we summarize the current state of microRNAs as therapeutic targets in the cardiovascular system. We report recent advances in the identification and characterization of microRNAs, their manipulation and clinical translation, and discuss challenges and perspectives toward clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Laggerbauer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Engelhardt
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
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22
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Cheng P, Chen X, Dalton R, Calescibetta A, So T, Gilvary D, Ward G, Smith V, Eckard S, Fox JA, Guenot J, Markowitz J, Cleveland JL, Wright KL, List AF, Wei S, Eksioglu EA. Immunodepletion of MDSC by AMV564, a novel bivalent, bispecific CD33/CD3 T cell engager, ex vivo in MDS and melanoma. Mol Ther 2022; 30:2315-2326. [PMID: 35150889 PMCID: PMC9171150 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We have reported previously that CD33hi myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play a direct role in the pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) and that their sustained activation contributes to hematopoietic and immune impairment, including modulation of PD1/PDL1. MDSCs can also limit the clinical activity of immune checkpoint inhibition in solid malignancies. We hypothesized that depletion of MDSCs may ameliorate resistance to checkpoint inhibitors and, hence, targeted them with AMV564 combined with anti-PD1 in MDS bone marrow (BM) mononuclear cells (MNCs) enhanced activation of cytotoxic T cells. AMV564 was active in vivo in a leukemia xenograft model when co-administered with healthy donor peripheral blood MNCs (PBMCs). Our findings provide a strong rationale for clinical investigation of AMV564 as a single agent or in combination with an anti-PD1 antibody and in particular for treatment of cancers resistant to checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingyan Cheng
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Xianghong Chen
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Robert Dalton
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Alexandra Calescibetta
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Tina So
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Danielle Gilvary
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Grace Ward
- Department of Malignant Hematology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Victoria Smith
- Amphivena Therapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Sterling Eckard
- Amphivena Therapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Judith A Fox
- Amphivena Therapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Jeanmarie Guenot
- Amphivena Therapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Joseph Markowitz
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - John L Cleveland
- Department of Tumor Biology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Kenneth L Wright
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Alan F List
- Department of Malignant Hematology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Precision BioSciences, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Sheng Wei
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Erika A Eksioglu
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
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23
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Cheng S, Li F, Qin H, Ping Y, Zhao Q, Gao Q, Song M, Qu J, Shan J, Zhang K, Zhang Z, Lian J, Liu S, Wang L, Zhang Y. Long Noncoding RNA lncNDEPD1 Regulates PD-1 Expression via miR-3619-5p in CD8 + T Cells. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 208:1483-1492. [PMID: 35246494 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Therapies targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) have gained great success in patients with multiple types of cancer. The regulatory mechanisms underlying PD-1 expression have been extensively explored. However, the impact of long noncoding RNAs on PD-1 expression remains elusive. In this study, we identified the Notch1/lncNDEPD1 axis, which plays a critical role in PD-1 expression in human CD8+ T cells. RNA sequencing and quantitative reverse transcription PCR data showed that lncNDEPD1 was upregulated in activated T cells, especially in PD-1high subsets. Fluorescence in situ hybridization demonstrated that lncNDEPD1 was localized in the cytoplasm. A mechanistic study showed that lncNDEPD1 could bind with miR-3619-5p and PDCD1 mRNA to prevent PDCD1 mRNA degradation and then upregulate PD-1 expression. A chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that Notch1 directly binds to the promoter of lncNDEPD1 instead of PDCD1 Furthermore, chimeric Ag receptor T cells expressing lncNDEPD1-specific short hairpin RNAs were generated. Chimeric Ag receptor T cells with decreased lncNDEPD1 expression showed enhanced tumoricidal effects when PD-L1 was present. Our work uncovered a new regulatory mechanism of PD-1 expression and thus provided a potential target to decrease PD-1 without affecting T cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoyan Cheng
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Li
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiming Qin
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Ping
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qitai Zhao
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qun Gao
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengjia Song
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiao Qu
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiqi Shan
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingyao Lian
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shasha Liu
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Liping Wang
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China;
| | - Yi Zhang
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China;
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China; and
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People's Republic of China
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24
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Lai X, Schmitz U, Vera J. The Role of MicroRNAs in Cancer Biology and Therapy from a Systems Biology Perspective. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1385:1-22. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-08356-3_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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25
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Small Extracellular Vesicles Loaded with Immunosuppressive miRNAs Leads to an Inhibition of Dendritic Cell Maturation. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2022; 70:27. [PMID: 36318344 PMCID: PMC9626419 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-022-00664-7] [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: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In particular conditions, inhibition of an immune response is required to prevent tissue damage. Among these conditions are diseases caused by an over-reactive immune response, such as autoimmune or allergic disorders, or imminent organ rejection after transplantation. To avoid tissue damage, drug-mediated systemic immune suppression is an option, but it comes with high costs in the form of susceptibility to viral and bacterial infections. Thus, the induction of antigen-specific tolerance is preferable. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are capable of delivering antigen together with immunosuppressive signals and may be used to specifically induce antigen-specific tolerance. However, naturally occurring EVs are heterogeneous and not all of them show immunosuppressive character. In our trials to engineer cell culture derived EVs to increase their tolerogenic potential, we equipped them with immunosuppressive miRNA mimics. Small EVs (sEVs) were isolated and purified from the human monocytic THP-1 cell line or from healthy donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and electroporated with miR-494 and miR-146a mimics. The acquired immunosuppressive potential of the modified sEVs was demonstrated by their ability to alter the major histocompatibility complex molecules and co-stimulatory receptors present on dendritic cells (DCs). To avoid allogeneic responses, the same cells that produced the sEVs served also as recipient cells. In contrast to the treatment with unmodified sEVs, the tolerogenic sEVs impeded lipopolysaccharide-induced maturation and kept DCs in a more immature developmental stage. Our experiments show that simple manipulations of sEVs using immunosuppressive cargo can lead to the inhibition of DC maturation.
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26
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Do Extracellular RNAs Provide Insight into Uveal Melanoma Biology? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13235919. [PMID: 34885029 PMCID: PMC8657116 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13235919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The study of RNAs in the extracellular environment in physiological and pathological conditions has become a growing field of research with intriguing applications in diagnostics and prognostics. Such extracellular RNAs are passively or actively released by all cells into biological fluids to spread biological signals to other cells. The perturbation of such RNA-based cell-to-cell communications in cancer can be easily identified by molecular analysis of liquid biopsies, even if source cells secreting RNAs are often elusive. In uveal melanoma (UM), extracellular RNAs can be assayed in serum, plasma, and vitreous and aqueous humor. In this review, we explore the possibility that extracellular RNA alterations in UM could partially match with RNA dysregulations observed in tumor tissues and provide information to better understand UM biology. Abstract Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular malignant tumor in adults, showing a high mortality due to metastasis. Although it is considered a rare disease, a growing number of papers have reported altered levels of RNAs (i.e., coding and non-coding RNAs) in cancerous tissues and biological fluids from UM patients. The presence of circulating RNAs, whose dysregulation is associated with UM, paved the way to the possibility of exploiting it for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. However, the biological meaning and the origin of such RNAs in blood and ocular fluids of UM patients remain unexplored. In this review, we report the state of the art of circulating RNAs in UM and debate whether the amount and types of RNAs measured in bodily fluids mirror the RNA alterations from source cancer cells. Based on literature data, extracellular RNAs in UM patients do not represent, with rare exceptions, a snapshot of RNA dysregulations occurring in cancerous tissues, but rather the complex and heterogeneous outcome of a systemic dysfunction, including immune system activity, that modifies the mechanisms of RNA delivery from several cell types.
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27
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Nguyen MHT, Luo YH, Li AL, Tsai JC, Wu KL, Chung PJ, Ma N. miRNA as a Modulator of Immunotherapy and Immune Response in Melanoma. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1648. [PMID: 34827646 PMCID: PMC8615556 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a promising therapy for the treatment of cancers, including melanoma, that improved benefit clinical outcomes. However, a subset of melanoma patients do not respond or acquire resistance to immunotherapy, which limits their clinical applicability. Recent studies have explored the reasons related to the resistance of melanoma to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Of note, miRNAs are the regulators of not only cancer progression but also of the response between cancer cells and immune cells. Investigation of miRNA functions within the tumor microenvironment have suggested that miRNAs could be considered as key partners in immunotherapy. Here, we reviewed the known mechanism by which melanoma induces resistance to immunotherapy and the role of miRNAs in immune responses and the microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai-Huong Thi Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan 320317, Taiwan; (M.-H.T.N.); (A.-L.L.); (K.-L.W.); (P.-J.C.)
| | - Yueh-Hsia Luo
- Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Taoyuan 320317, Taiwan;
| | - An-Lun Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan 320317, Taiwan; (M.-H.T.N.); (A.-L.L.); (K.-L.W.); (P.-J.C.)
| | - Jen-Chieh Tsai
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300044, Taiwan;
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli 350401, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Lin Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan 320317, Taiwan; (M.-H.T.N.); (A.-L.L.); (K.-L.W.); (P.-J.C.)
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital, Taoyuan 325208, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jung Chung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan 320317, Taiwan; (M.-H.T.N.); (A.-L.L.); (K.-L.W.); (P.-J.C.)
| | - Nianhan Ma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan 320317, Taiwan; (M.-H.T.N.); (A.-L.L.); (K.-L.W.); (P.-J.C.)
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28
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Yu R, Jin G, Fujimoto M. Dihydroartemisinin: A Potential Drug for the Treatment of Malignancies and Inflammatory Diseases. Front Oncol 2021; 11:722331. [PMID: 34692496 PMCID: PMC8529146 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.722331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) has been globally recognized for its efficacy and safety in the clinical treatment of malaria for decades. Recently, it has been found that DHA inhibits malignant tumor growth and regulates immune system function in addition to anti-malaria. In parasites and tumors, DHA causes severe oxidative stress by inducing excessive reactive oxygen species production. DHA also kills tumor cells by inducing programmed cell death, blocking cell cycle and enhancing anti-tumor immunity. In addition, DHA inhibits inflammation by reducing the inflammatory cells infiltration and suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Further, genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and network pharmacology of DHA therapy provide the basis for elucidating the pharmacological effects of DHA. This review provides a summary of the recent research progress of DHA in anti-tumor, inhibition of inflammatory diseases and the relevant pharmacological mechanisms. With further research of DHA, it is likely that DHA will become an alternative therapy in the clinical treatment of malignant tumors and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Yu
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Guihua Jin
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Manabu Fujimoto
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Laboratory of Cutaneous Immunology, Osaka University Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka, Japan
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29
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Sloane RAS, White MG, Witt RG, Banerjee A, Davies MA, Han G, Burton E, Ajami N, Simon JM, Bernatchez C, Haydu LE, Tawbi HA, Gershenwald JE, Keung E, Ross M, McQuade J, Amaria RN, Wani K, Lazar AJ, Woodman SE, Wang L, Andrews MC, Wargo JA. Identification of MicroRNA-mRNA Networks in Melanoma and Their Association with PD-1 Checkpoint Blockade Outcomes. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5301. [PMID: 34771465 PMCID: PMC8582574 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma is a deadly malignancy with poor outcomes historically. Immuno-oncology (IO) agents, targeting immune checkpoint molecules such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein-4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death-1 (PD-1), have revolutionized melanoma treatment and outcomes, achieving significant response rates and remarkable long-term survival. Despite these vast improvements, roughly half of melanoma patients do not achieve long-term clinical benefit from IO therapies and there is an urgent need to understand and mitigate mechanisms of resistance. MicroRNAs are key post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression that regulate many aspects of cancer biology, including immune evasion. We used network analysis to define two core microRNA-mRNA networks in melanoma tissues and cell lines corresponding to 'MITF-low' and 'Keratin' transcriptomic subsets of melanoma. We then evaluated expression of these core microRNAs in pre-PD-1-inhibitor-treated melanoma patients and observed that higher expression of miR-100-5p and miR-125b-5p were associated with significantly improved overall survival. These findings suggest that miR-100-5p and 125b-5p are potential markers of response to PD-1 inhibitors, and further evaluation of these microRNA-mRNA interactions may yield further insight into melanoma resistance to PD-1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A. Szczepaniak Sloane
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (R.A.S.S.); (M.G.W.); (R.G.W.); (A.B.); (E.B.); (J.M.S.); (L.E.H.); (J.E.G.); (E.K.); (M.R.); (M.C.A.)
| | - Michael G. White
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (R.A.S.S.); (M.G.W.); (R.G.W.); (A.B.); (E.B.); (J.M.S.); (L.E.H.); (J.E.G.); (E.K.); (M.R.); (M.C.A.)
| | - Russell G. Witt
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (R.A.S.S.); (M.G.W.); (R.G.W.); (A.B.); (E.B.); (J.M.S.); (L.E.H.); (J.E.G.); (E.K.); (M.R.); (M.C.A.)
| | - Anik Banerjee
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (R.A.S.S.); (M.G.W.); (R.G.W.); (A.B.); (E.B.); (J.M.S.); (L.E.H.); (J.E.G.); (E.K.); (M.R.); (M.C.A.)
| | - Michael A. Davies
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.A.D.); (H.A.T.); (J.M.); (R.N.A.); (S.E.W.)
| | - Guangchun Han
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (G.H.); (N.A.); (K.W.); (A.J.L.); (L.W.)
| | - Elizabeth Burton
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (R.A.S.S.); (M.G.W.); (R.G.W.); (A.B.); (E.B.); (J.M.S.); (L.E.H.); (J.E.G.); (E.K.); (M.R.); (M.C.A.)
| | - Nadim Ajami
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (G.H.); (N.A.); (K.W.); (A.J.L.); (L.W.)
| | - Julie M. Simon
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (R.A.S.S.); (M.G.W.); (R.G.W.); (A.B.); (E.B.); (J.M.S.); (L.E.H.); (J.E.G.); (E.K.); (M.R.); (M.C.A.)
| | - Chantale Bernatchez
- Department of Biologics Development, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Lauren E. Haydu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (R.A.S.S.); (M.G.W.); (R.G.W.); (A.B.); (E.B.); (J.M.S.); (L.E.H.); (J.E.G.); (E.K.); (M.R.); (M.C.A.)
| | - Hussein A. Tawbi
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.A.D.); (H.A.T.); (J.M.); (R.N.A.); (S.E.W.)
| | - Jeffrey E. Gershenwald
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (R.A.S.S.); (M.G.W.); (R.G.W.); (A.B.); (E.B.); (J.M.S.); (L.E.H.); (J.E.G.); (E.K.); (M.R.); (M.C.A.)
| | - Emily Keung
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (R.A.S.S.); (M.G.W.); (R.G.W.); (A.B.); (E.B.); (J.M.S.); (L.E.H.); (J.E.G.); (E.K.); (M.R.); (M.C.A.)
| | - Merrick Ross
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (R.A.S.S.); (M.G.W.); (R.G.W.); (A.B.); (E.B.); (J.M.S.); (L.E.H.); (J.E.G.); (E.K.); (M.R.); (M.C.A.)
| | - Jennifer McQuade
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.A.D.); (H.A.T.); (J.M.); (R.N.A.); (S.E.W.)
| | - Rodabe N. Amaria
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.A.D.); (H.A.T.); (J.M.); (R.N.A.); (S.E.W.)
| | - Khalida Wani
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (G.H.); (N.A.); (K.W.); (A.J.L.); (L.W.)
| | - Alexander J. Lazar
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (G.H.); (N.A.); (K.W.); (A.J.L.); (L.W.)
| | - Scott E. Woodman
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.A.D.); (H.A.T.); (J.M.); (R.N.A.); (S.E.W.)
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (G.H.); (N.A.); (K.W.); (A.J.L.); (L.W.)
| | - Linghua Wang
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (G.H.); (N.A.); (K.W.); (A.J.L.); (L.W.)
| | - Miles C. Andrews
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (R.A.S.S.); (M.G.W.); (R.G.W.); (A.B.); (E.B.); (J.M.S.); (L.E.H.); (J.E.G.); (E.K.); (M.R.); (M.C.A.)
- Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Jennifer A. Wargo
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (R.A.S.S.); (M.G.W.); (R.G.W.); (A.B.); (E.B.); (J.M.S.); (L.E.H.); (J.E.G.); (E.K.); (M.R.); (M.C.A.)
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (G.H.); (N.A.); (K.W.); (A.J.L.); (L.W.)
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Ammal Kaidery N, Ahuja M, Sharma SM, Thomas B. An Emerging Role of miRNAs in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Mechanisms and Perspectives on miR146a. Antioxid Redox Signal 2021; 35:580-594. [PMID: 33403895 PMCID: PMC8388248 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2020.8256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Advancements in and access to health care have led to unprecedented improvements in the quality of life and increased lifespan of human beings in the past century. However, aging is a significant risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Hence, improved life expectancy has led to an increased incidence of NDs. Despite intense research, effective treatments for NDs remain elusive. The future of neurotherapeutics development depends on effective disease modification strategies centered on carefully scrutinized targets. Recent Advances: As a promising new direction, recent evidence has demonstrated that epigenetic processes modify diverse biochemical pathways, including those related to NDs. Small non-coding RNAs, known as microRNAs (miRNAs), are components of the epigenetic system that alter the expression of target genes at the post-transcriptional level. Critical Issues: miRNAs are expressed abundantly in the central nervous system and are critical for the normal functioning and survival of neurons. Here, we review recent advances in elucidating miRNAs' roles in NDs and discuss their potential as therapeutic targets. In particular, neuroinflammation is a major pathological hallmark of NDs and miR146a is a crucial regulator of inflammation. Future Directions: Finally, we explore the possibilities of developing miR146a as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target where additional research may help facilitate the detection and amelioration of neuroinflammation in NDs. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 35, 580-594.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navneet Ammal Kaidery
- Darby Children's Research Institute, Departments of Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.,Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Manuj Ahuja
- Darby Children's Research Institute, Departments of Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.,Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Sudarshana M Sharma
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.,Hollings Cancer Center, and Departments of Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Bobby Thomas
- Darby Children's Research Institute, Departments of Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.,Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.,Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.,Drug Discovery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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Kumar S, Sarthi P, Mani I, Ashraf MU, Kang MH, Kumar V, Bae YS. Epitranscriptomic Approach: To Improve the Efficacy of ICB Therapy by Co-Targeting Intracellular Checkpoint CISH. Cells 2021; 10:2250. [PMID: 34571899 PMCID: PMC8466810 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular immunotherapy has recently emerged as a fourth pillar in cancer treatment co-joining surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Where, the discovery of immune checkpoint blockage or inhibition (ICB/ICI), anti-PD-1/PD-L1 and anti-CTLA4-based, therapy has revolutionized the class of cancer treatment at a different level. However, some cancer patients escape this immune surveillance mechanism and become resistant to ICB-therapy. Therefore, a more advanced or an alternative treatment is required urgently. Despite the functional importance of epitranscriptomics in diverse clinico-biological practices, its role in improving the efficacy of ICB therapeutics has been limited. Consequently, our study encapsulates the evidence, as a possible strategy, to improve the efficacy of ICB-therapy by co-targeting molecular checkpoints especially N6A-modification machineries which can be reformed into RNA modifying drugs (RMD). Here, we have explained the mechanism of individual RNA-modifiers (editor/writer, eraser/remover, and effector/reader) in overcoming the issues associated with high-dose antibody toxicities and drug-resistance. Moreover, we have shed light on the importance of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS/CISH) and microRNAs in improving the efficacy of ICB-therapy, with brief insight on the current monoclonal antibodies undergoing clinical trials or already approved against several solid tumor and metastatic cancers. We anticipate our investigation will encourage researchers and clinicians to further strengthen the efficacy of ICB-therapeutics by considering the importance of epitranscriptomics as a personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Kumar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (M.U.A.); (M.-H.K.)
- Science Research Center (SRC) for Immune Research on Non-lymphoid Organ (CIRNO), Sungkyunkwan University, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Parth Sarthi
- University Department of Botany, M.Sc. Biotechnology, Ranchi University, Ranchi 834008, India;
| | - Indra Mani
- Department of Microbiology, Gargi College, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110049, India;
| | - Muhammad Umer Ashraf
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (M.U.A.); (M.-H.K.)
- Science Research Center (SRC) for Immune Research on Non-lymphoid Organ (CIRNO), Sungkyunkwan University, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Myeong-Ho Kang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (M.U.A.); (M.-H.K.)
- Science Research Center (SRC) for Immune Research on Non-lymphoid Organ (CIRNO), Sungkyunkwan University, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Vishal Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Dayananda Sagar University, Bengaluru 560078, India;
| | - Yong-Soo Bae
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Gyeonggi-do, Korea; (M.U.A.); (M.-H.K.)
- Science Research Center (SRC) for Immune Research on Non-lymphoid Organ (CIRNO), Sungkyunkwan University, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16419, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
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Zhang Y, Mi K, Li Z, Qiang L, Lv M, Wu Y, Yuan L, Jin S. Identification of Prognostic miRNAs Associated With Immune Cell Tumor Infiltration Predictive of Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:705869. [PMID: 34277450 PMCID: PMC8281680 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.705869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A detailed means of prognostic stratification in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is urgently needed to support individualized treatment plans. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been used as biomarkers due to their previously reported prognostic roles in cancer. This study aimed to construct an immune-related miRNA signature that effectively predicts NSCLC patient prognosis. Methods The miRNAs and mRNA expression and mutation data of NSCLC was obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Immune-associated miRNAs were identified using immune scores calculated by the ESTIMATE algorithm. LASSO-penalized multivariate survival models were using for development of a tumor immune-related miRNA signature (TIM-Sig), which was evaluated in several public cohorts from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and the CellMiner database. The miRTarBase was used for constructing the miRNA-target interactions. Results The TIM-Sig, including 10 immune-related miRNAs, was constructed and successfully predicted overall survival (OS) in the validation cohorts. TIM-Sig score negatively correlated with CD8+ T cell infiltration, IFN-γ expression, CYT activity, and tumor mutation burden. The correlation between TIM-Sig score and genomic mutation and cancer chemotherapeutics was also evaluated. A miRNA-target network of 10 miRNAs in TIM-Sig was constructed. Further analysis revealed that these target genes showed prognostic value in both lung squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Conclusions We concluded that the immune-related miRNAs demonstrated a potential value in clinical prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuepeng Zhang
- Department of Respiratory, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Kai Mi
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhiheng Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Lixia Qiang
- Department of Respiratory, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Meiyu Lv
- Department of Respiratory, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yushan Wu
- Department of Respiratory, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ligong Yuan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shoude Jin
- Department of Respiratory, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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Miliotis C, Slack FJ. miR-105-5p regulates PD-L1 expression and tumor immunogenicity in gastric cancer. Cancer Lett 2021; 518:115-126. [PMID: 34098061 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapies targeting the interaction between Programmed death 1 (PD-1) and Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) have recently been approved for the treatment of multiple cancer types, including gastric cancer. However, not all patients respond to these therapies, while some eventually acquire resistance. A partial predictive biomarker for positive response to PD-1/PD-L1 therapy is PD-L1 expression, which has been shown to be under strict post-transcriptional control in cancer. By fractionating the PD-L1 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) into multiple overlapping fragments, we identified a small 100-nucleotide-long cis-acting region as being necessary and sufficient for post-transcriptional repression of PD-L1 expression in gastric cancer. In parallel, we performed a correlation analysis between PD-L1 expression and all host miRNAs in stomach cancer patient samples. A single miRNA, miR-105-5p, was predicted to bind to the identified cis-acting 3'UTR region and to negatively correlate with PD-L1 expression. Overexpression of miR-105-5p in gastric cancer cell lines resulted in decreased expression of PD-L1, both at the total protein and surface expression levels, and induced CD8+ T cell activation in co-culture assays. Finally, we show that expression of miR-105-5p in gastric cancer is partly controlled by DNA methylation of a cancer- and germline-specific promoter of its host gene, GABRA3. Dysregulation of miR-105-5p is observed in many cancer types and this study shows the importance of this miRNA in controlling the immunogenicity of cancer cells, thus highlighting it as a potential biomarker for PD-1/PD-L1 therapy and target for combinatorial immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Miliotis
- Harvard Medical School Initiative for RNA Medicine, Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Frank J Slack
- Harvard Medical School Initiative for RNA Medicine, Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Wang X, Xu S, Huang L, Wang L, Wu N. Systematic identification of the cancer pathways and molecules related with breast cancer immunogenicity. Med Oncol 2021; 38:79. [PMID: 34086106 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-021-01515-9] [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: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
To identify molecular features related to immunogenic activity in breast cancer (BC) and provide new targets and directions for BC immunotherapy, we firstly used ESTIMATE to evaluate the degree of immune cell infiltration of the BC patients in TCGA and METABRIC, and explore the relationship between the degree of immune cell infiltration and prognosis of BC patients. Then, we identified the cancer pathways, proteins and miRNAs related to BC immunogenicity, predicted the target genes of these miRNAs, and identified the pathways related to these target genes with KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. We also explored the correlation between PD-L1 expression level and cancer pathways and found that PD-L1 expression showed a positive association with cancer-related pathways. In this article we have successfully identified several cancer-related pathways, proteins, miRNAs, and their target genes, which provided promising new targets for BC immunotherapy. And PD-L1 blockade therapy may be more effective in BC patients with the activation of some cancer-related pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Wang
- Department of Medicine, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institution of Cancer Research and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Silu Xu
- Department of Medicine, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institution of Cancer Research and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingli Huang
- Department of Medicine, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institution of Cancer Research and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Medicine, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institution of Cancer Research and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Nan Wu
- Department of Medicine, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institution of Cancer Research and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China.
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Ghafouri-Fard S, Gholipour M, Taheri M. MicroRNA Signature in Melanoma: Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets. Front Oncol 2021; 11:608987. [PMID: 33968718 PMCID: PMC8100681 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.608987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the utmost fatal kind of skin neoplasms. Molecular changes occurring during the pathogenic processes of initiation and progression of melanoma are diverse and include activating mutations in BRAF and NRAS genes, hyper-activation of PI3K/AKT pathway, inactivation of p53 and alterations in CDK4/CDKN2A axis. Moreover, several miRNAs have been identified to be implicated in the biology of melanoma through modulation of expression of genes being involved in these pathways. In the current review, we provide a summary of the bulk of information about the role of miRNAs in the pathobiology of melanoma, their possible application as biomarkers and their emerging role as therapeutic targets for this kind of skin cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Gholipour
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Identification of Key miRNAs in the Treatment of Dabrafenib-Resistant Melanoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:5524486. [PMID: 33880366 PMCID: PMC8046546 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5524486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Dabrafenib resistance is a significant problem in melanoma, and its underlying molecular mechanism is still unclear. The purpose of this study is to research the molecular mechanism of drug resistance of dabrafenib and to explore the key genes and pathways that mediate drug resistance in melanoma. GSE117666 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and 492 melanoma statistics were also downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Besides, differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were identified by taking advantage of the R software and GEO2R. The Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) and FunRich was used to perform Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis to identify potential pathways and functional annotations linked with melanoma chemoresistance. 9 DEMs and 872 mRNAs were selected after filtering. Then, target genes were uploaded to Metascape to construct protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Also, 6 hub mRNAs were screened after performing the PPI network. Furthermore, a total of 4 out of 9 miRNAs had an obvious association with the survival rate (P < 0.05) and showed a good power of risk prediction model of over survival. The present research may provide a deeper understanding of regulatory genes of dabrafenib resistance in melanoma.
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miRNAs and lncRNAs as Novel Therapeutic Targets to Improve Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071587. [PMID: 33808190 PMCID: PMC8036682 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer onset and progression are promoted by high deregulation of the immune system. Recently, major advances in molecular and clinical cancer immunology have been achieved, offering new agents for the treatment of common tumors, often with astonishing benefits in terms of prolonged survival and even cure. Unfortunately, most tumors are still resistant to current immune therapy approaches, and basic knowledge of the resistance mechanisms is eagerly awaited. We focused our attention on noncoding RNAs, a class of RNA that regulates many biological processes by targeting selectively crucial molecular pathways and that, recently, had their role in cancer cell immune escape and modulation of the tumor microenvironment identified, suggesting their function as promising immunotherapeutic targets. In this scenario, we point out that noncoding RNAs are progressively emerging as immunoregulators, and we depict the current information on the complex network involving the immune system and noncoding RNAs and the promising therapeutic options under investigation. Novel opportunities are emerging from noncoding-RNAs for the treatment of immune-refractory tumors. Abstract Immunotherapy is presently one of the most promising areas of investigation and development for the treatment of cancer. While immune checkpoint-blocking monoclonal antibodies and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell-based therapy have recently provided in some cases valuable therapeutic options, the goal of cure has not yet been achieved for most malignancies and more efforts are urgently needed. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNA), including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), regulate several biological processes via selective targeting of crucial molecular signaling pathways. Recently, the key roles of miRNA and lncRNAs as regulators of the immune-response in cancer have progressively emerged, since they may act (i) by shaping the intrinsic tumor cell and microenvironment (TME) properties; (ii) by regulating angiogenesis, immune-escape, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, invasion, and drug resistance; and (iii) by acting as potential biomarkers for prognostic assessment and prediction of response to immunotherapy. In this review, we provide an overview on the role of ncRNAs in modulating the immune response and the TME. We discuss the potential use of ncRNAs as potential biomarkers or as targets for development or clinical translation of new therapeutics. Finally, we discuss the potential combinatory approaches based on ncRNA targeting agents and tumor immune-checkpoint inhibitor antibodies or CAR-T for the experimental treatment of human cancer.
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Huemer F, Leisch M, Geisberger R, Zaborsky N, Greil R. miRNA-Based Therapeutics in the Era of Immune-Checkpoint Inhibitors. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14020089. [PMID: 33530393 PMCID: PMC7911012 DOI: 10.3390/ph14020089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by binding to complementary target regions on gene transcripts. Thus, miRNAs fine-tune gene expression profiles in a cell-type-specific manner and thereby regulate important cellular functions, such as cell growth, proliferation and cell death. MiRNAs are frequently dysregulated in cancer cells by several mechanisms, which significantly affect the course of the disease. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on how dysregulated miRNAs contribute to cancer and how miRNAs can be exploited as predictive factors and therapeutic targets, particularly in regard to immune-checkpoint inhibitor therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Huemer
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Oncologic Center, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (F.H.); (M.L.); (R.G.); (N.Z.)
- Salzburg Cancer Research Institute–Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR), 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Michael Leisch
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Oncologic Center, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (F.H.); (M.L.); (R.G.); (N.Z.)
- Salzburg Cancer Research Institute–Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR), 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Roland Geisberger
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Oncologic Center, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (F.H.); (M.L.); (R.G.); (N.Z.)
- Salzburg Cancer Research Institute–Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR), 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Nadja Zaborsky
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Oncologic Center, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (F.H.); (M.L.); (R.G.); (N.Z.)
- Salzburg Cancer Research Institute–Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR), 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Richard Greil
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Oncologic Center, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (F.H.); (M.L.); (R.G.); (N.Z.)
- Salzburg Cancer Research Institute–Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR), 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Correspondence:
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Patil N, Allgayer H, Leupold JH. MicroRNAs in the Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1277:1-31. [PMID: 33119862 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-50224-9_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is decisive for the eradication or survival of any tumor mass. Moreover, it plays a pivotal role for metastasis and for providing the metastatic niche. The TME offers special physiological conditions and is composed of, for example, surrounding blood vessels, the extracellular matrix (ECM), diverse signaling molecules, exosomes and several cell types including, but not being limited to, infiltrated immune cells, cancer-associated endothelial cells (CAEs), and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). These cells can additionally and significantly contribute to tumor and metastasis progression, especially also by acting via their own deregulated micro (mi) RNA expression or activity. Thus, miRNAs are essential players in the crosstalk between cancer cells and the TME. MiRNAs are small non-coding (nc) RNAs that typically inhibit translation and stability of messenger (m) RNAs, thus being able to regulate several cell functions including proliferation, migration, differentiation, survival, invasion, and several steps of the metastatic cascade. The dynamic interplay between miRNAs in different cell types or organelles such as exosomes, ECM macromolecules, and the TME plays critical roles in many aspects of cancer development. This chapter aims to give an overview on the multiple contributions of miRNAs as players within the TME, to summarize the role of miRNAs in the crosstalk between different cell populations found within the TME, and to illustrate how they act on tumorigenesis and the behavior of cells in the TME context. Lastly, the potential clinical utility of miRNAs for cancer therapy is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitin Patil
- Department of Experimental Surgery - Cancer Metastasis, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- Centre for Biomedicine and Medical Technology Mannheim (CBTM), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Heike Allgayer
- Department of Experimental Surgery - Cancer Metastasis, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- Centre for Biomedicine and Medical Technology Mannheim (CBTM), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jörg H Leupold
- Department of Experimental Surgery - Cancer Metastasis, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.
- Centre for Biomedicine and Medical Technology Mannheim (CBTM), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht Karls University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.
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Simiczyjew A, Dratkiewicz E, Mazurkiewicz J, Ziętek M, Matkowski R, Nowak D. The Influence of Tumor Microenvironment on Immune Escape of Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8359. [PMID: 33171792 PMCID: PMC7664679 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The low efficiency of currently-used anti-cancer therapies poses a serious challenge, especially in the case of malignant melanoma, a cancer characterized by elevated invasiveness and relatively high mortality rate. The role of the tumor microenvironment in the progression of melanoma and its acquisition of resistance to treatment seems to be the main focus of recent studies. One of the factors that, in normal conditions, aids the organism in its fight against the cancer and, following the malignant transformation, adapts to facilitate the development of the tumor is the immune system. A variety of cell types, i.e., T and B lymphocytes, macrophages, and dendritic and natural killer cells, as well as neutrophils, support the growth and invasiveness of melanoma cells, utilizing a plethora of mechanisms, including secretion of pro-inflammatory molecules, induction of inhibitory receptors expression, or depletion of essential nutrients. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the processes regulated by tumor-associated cells that promote the immune escape of melanoma cells. The described mechanisms offer potential new targets for anti-cancer treatment and should be further studied to improve currently-employed therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Simiczyjew
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.D.); (J.M.); (D.N.)
| | - Ewelina Dratkiewicz
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.D.); (J.M.); (D.N.)
| | - Justyna Mazurkiewicz
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.D.); (J.M.); (D.N.)
| | - Marcin Ziętek
- Department of Oncology and Division of Surgical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.Z.); (R.M.)
- Wroclaw Comprehensive Cancer Center, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Rafał Matkowski
- Department of Oncology and Division of Surgical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.Z.); (R.M.)
- Wroclaw Comprehensive Cancer Center, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Nowak
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.D.); (J.M.); (D.N.)
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Han J, Xu X, Liu Z, Li Z, Wu Y, Zuo D. Recent advances of molecular mechanisms of regulating PD-L1 expression in melanoma. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 88:106971. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Vergani E, Dugo M, Cossa M, Frigerio S, Di Guardo L, Gallino G, Mattavelli I, Vergani B, Lalli L, Tamborini E, Valeri B, Gargiuli C, Shahaj E, Ferrarini M, Ferrero E, Gomez Lira M, Huber V, Vecchio MD, Sensi M, Leone BE, Santinami M, Rivoltini L, Rodolfo M, Vallacchi V. miR-146a-5p impairs melanoma resistance to kinase inhibitors by targeting COX2 and regulating NFkB-mediated inflammatory mediators. Cell Commun Signal 2020; 18:156. [PMID: 32967672 PMCID: PMC7510138 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-020-00601-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Targeted therapy with BRAF and MEK inhibitors has improved the survival of patients with BRAF-mutated metastatic melanoma, but most patients relapse upon the onset of drug resistance induced by mechanisms including genetic and epigenetic events. Among the epigenetic alterations, microRNA perturbation is associated with the development of kinase inhibitor resistance. Here, we identified and studied the role of miR-146a-5p dysregulation in melanoma drug resistance. Methods The miR-146a-5p-regulated NFkB signaling network was identified in drug-resistant cell lines and melanoma tumor samples by expression profiling and knock-in and knock-out studies. A bioinformatic data analysis identified COX2 as a central gene regulated by miR-146a-5p and NFkB. The effects of miR-146a-5p/COX2 manipulation were studied in vitro in cell lines and with 3D cultures of treatment-resistant tumor explants from patients progressing during therapy. Results miR-146a-5p expression was inversely correlated with drug sensitivity and COX2 expression and was reduced in BRAF and MEK inhibitor-resistant melanoma cells and tissues. Forced miR-146a-5p expression reduced COX2 activity and significantly increased drug sensitivity by hampering prosurvival NFkB signaling, leading to reduced proliferation and enhanced apoptosis. Similar effects were obtained by inhibiting COX2 by celecoxib, a clinically approved COX2 inhibitor. Conclusions Deregulation of the miR-146a-5p/COX2 axis occurs in the development of melanoma resistance to targeted drugs in melanoma patients. This finding reveals novel targets for more effective combination treatment. Video Abstract
Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Vergani
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Dugo
- Platform of Integrated Biology, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori AmadeoLab, Milan, Italy
| | - Mara Cossa
- Department of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Frigerio
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenza Di Guardo
- Unit of Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianfrancesco Gallino
- Melanoma and Sarcoma Surgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Mattavelli
- Melanoma and Sarcoma Surgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Vergani
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Luca Lalli
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Tamborini
- Department of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Valeri
- Department of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Gargiuli
- Platform of Integrated Biology, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori AmadeoLab, Milan, Italy
| | - Eriomina Shahaj
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Ferrarini
- Experimental Oncology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Macarena Gomez Lira
- Biology and Genetics, Department of Neurosciences Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Veronica Huber
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Del Vecchio
- Unit of Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Sensi
- Platform of Integrated Biology, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori AmadeoLab, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Mario Santinami
- Melanoma and Sarcoma Surgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Licia Rivoltini
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Rodolfo
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Viviana Vallacchi
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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Cantoni C, Wurzer H, Thomas C, Vitale M. Escape of tumor cells from the NK cell cytotoxic activity. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 108:1339-1360. [PMID: 32930468 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.2mr0820-652r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, NK cells, initially identified as potent cytotoxic effector cells, have revealed an unexpected complexity, both at phenotypic and functional levels. The discovery of different NK cell subsets, characterized by distinct gene expression and phenotypes, was combined with the characterization of the diverse functions NK cells can exert, not only as circulating cells, but also as cells localized or recruited in lymphoid organs and in multiple tissues. Besides the elimination of tumor and virus-infected cells, these functions include the production of cytokines and chemokines, the regulation of innate and adaptive immune cells, the influence on tissue homeostasis. In addition, NK cells display a remarkable functional plasticity, being able to adapt to the environment and to develop a kind of memory. Nevertheless, the powerful cytotoxic activity of NK cells remains one of their most relevant properties, particularly in the antitumor response. In this review, the process of tumor cell recognition and killing mediated by NK cells, starting from the generation of cytolytic granules and recognition of target cell, to the establishment of the NK cell immunological synapse, the release of cytotoxic molecules, and consequent tumor cell death is described. Next, the review focuses on the heterogeneous mechanisms, either intrinsic to tumors or induced by the tumor microenvironment, by which cancer cells can escape the NK cell-mediated attack.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Hannah Wurzer
- Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.,Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Clément Thomas
- Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Massimo Vitale
- UO Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genova, Genoa, Italy
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Zhang H, Zhu C, He Z, Chen S, Li L, Sun C. LncRNA PSMB8-AS1 contributes to pancreatic cancer progression via modulating miR-382-3p/STAT1/PD-L1 axis. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2020; 39:179. [PMID: 32891166 PMCID: PMC7487636 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01687-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Accumulating evidence demonstrates the essential role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in various types of cancers, including pancreatic cancer. However, the functions and regulation mechanism of lncRNA PMSB8-AS1 in pancreatic cancer are largely unclear. Methods Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) is used to examine the expression of PMSB8-AS1 in PC tissues and PC cell lines. The effect of PMSB8-AS1 on the proliferation of PC cells was detected using CCK8 assay, colony assay, and flow cytometry. The effect of PMSB8-AS1 on the migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells was detected using a wound-healing assay and transwell migration assay. Bioinformatic analysis, double luciferase reporting assay, western blot, and rescue experiments were used to detect the regulatory relationship between PMSB8-AS1, miR-382–3p, STAT1, and PD-L1. Results PMSB8-AS1 expression was upregulated in PC tissues and cell lines and positively associated with the worst survival in patients with PC. The in vitro and in vivo assays demonstrated that overexpression of PMSB8-AS1 significantly promoted pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, whereas knockdown of PMSB8-AS1 suppressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT, and decreased apoptosis of PC cells. Besides, PMSB8-AS1 directly bound to miR-382–3p downregulated its expression. Besides, PMSB8-AS1 reversed the effect of miR-382–3p on the growth and metastasis of PC cells, which might be targeted on STAT1. Furthermore, STAT1 is the transcriptional factor that activates the expression of PD-L1. Conclusion lncRNA PMSB8-AS1 promotes pancreatic cancer progression via STAT1 by sponging miR-382–3p involving regulation PD-L1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, No.9, Beijing Road, Guiyang, 550000, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Changhao Zhu
- College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, No.9, Beijing Road, Guiyang, 550000, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Zhiwei He
- College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, No.9, Beijing Road, Guiyang, 550000, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Shiyu Chen
- College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Lin Li
- College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Chengyi Sun
- College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China. .,College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China. .,Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, No.9, Beijing Road, Guiyang, 550000, Guizhou Province, China.
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Jia Y, Liu L, Shan B. Future of immune checkpoint inhibitors: focus on tumor immune microenvironment. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1095. [PMID: 33145314 PMCID: PMC7575936 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-3735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has become a powerful clinical strategy in cancer treatment. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have opened a new era for cancer immunotherapy. Nowadays, the number of immunotherapy drug approvals has increased, with numerous treatment options in clinical and preclinical development. However, there remain some obstacles to improve the efficacy of ICIs further. The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) consists of cancer cell, immune cells and cytokines, et cetera. The dynamics of TIME determine the efficacies of ICIs. Although the ICIs showed manageable toxicity, immune-related adverse effects (irAEs) are still unignorable for clinicians. Since some primary resistance mechanisms exist in TIME, ICIs can only show effects in individual cancer patients. Even for the patients who responded, acquired resistance will occur to neutralize the effect of ICIs. Understanding how to increase the response rates and overcome the resistance to various classes of ICIs is the key to improving clinical efficacy. Besides the novel ICIs in development, there are some approaches to establish combination therapies are underway to improve further the efficacies of ICIs in treating cancer patients. Here, we describe the complicated TIME and state quo of ICIs to prospect the future of ICIs in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Jia
- Department of Tumor Immunotherapy, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Hebei Cancer Institute, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lihua Liu
- Department of Tumor Immunotherapy, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Hebei Cancer Institute, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Baoen Shan
- Hebei Cancer Institute, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Research Center, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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Daveri E, Vergani E, Shahaj E, Bergamaschi L, La Magra S, Dosi M, Castelli C, Rodolfo M, Rivoltini L, Vallacchi V, Huber V. microRNAs Shape Myeloid Cell-Mediated Resistance to Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1214. [PMID: 32793185 PMCID: PMC7387687 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors can achieve long-term tumor control in subsets of patients. However, its effect can be blunted by myeloid-induced resistance mechanisms. Myeloid cells are highly plastic and physiologically devoted to wound healing and to immune homeostasis maintenance. In cancer, their physiological activities can be modulated, leading to an expansion of pro-inflammatory and immunosuppressive cells, the myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), with detrimental consequences. The involvement of MDSCs in tumor development and progression has been widely investigated and MDSC-induced immunosuppression is acknowledged as a mechanism hindering effective immune checkpoint blockade. Small non-coding RNA molecules, the microRNAs (miRs), contribute to myeloid cell regulation at different levels, comprising metabolism and function, as well as their skewing to a MDSC phenotype. miR expression can be indirectly induced by cancer-derived factors or through direct miR import via extracellular vesicles. Due to their structural stability and their presence in body fluids miRs represent promising predictive biomarkers of resistance, as we recently found by investigating plasma samples of melanoma patients undergoing immune checkpoint blockade. Dissection of the miR-driven involved mechanisms would pave the way for the identification of new druggable targets. Here, we discuss the role of these miRs in shaping myeloid resistance to immunotherapy with a special focus on immunosuppression and immune escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Daveri
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Vergani
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Eriomina Shahaj
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Bergamaschi
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano La Magra
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Dosi
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Castelli
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Rodolfo
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Licia Rivoltini
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Viviana Vallacchi
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Huber
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
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Yu R, Jin L, Li F, Fujimoto M, Wei Q, Lin Z, Ren X, Jin Q, Li H, Meng F, Jin G. Dihydroartemisinin inhibits melanoma by regulating CTL/Treg anti-tumor immunity and STAT3-mediated apoptosis via IL-10 dependent manner. J Dermatol Sci 2020; 99:193-202. [PMID: 32859456 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2020.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been shown that dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is effective in the treatment of malaria. Recently studies have demonstrated that DHA also regulates tumor cell growth, angiogenesis, T cell differentiation and generation. However, how DHA affects melanoma development remains poorly defined. OBJECTIVES To investigate the effects of DHA on the proliferation and migration of melanoma in vivo and in vitro, and to explore its possible mechanism. METHODS B16F10 cells and melanoma-bearing BALB/c mice were used to investigate the effects of DHA on melanoma. RESULTS DHA had inhibitory effect on melanoma proliferation in a time-and dose-dependent manner. Treatment of DHA attenuated melanoma severity and histopathological changes in BALB/c mice. DHA also inhibited melanoma invasion, migration, and community formation in a dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometry revealed a significant increase in IFN-γ+CD8+ T cells in the DHA groups. In tumor microenvironment and spleen, DHA induced expansion of CD8+CTL, while, CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells and IL-10+CD4+CD25+ T cells were normalized by DHA treatment. DHA diminished expression of IL-10 and IL-6, and increased the expression of IFN-γ in the tumor and spleen. Moreover, DHA administration significantly promoted the mitochondrial apoptosis of melanoma by regulating the STAT3 pathway. CONCLUSION DHA induces mitochondrial apoptosis and alters cytokines expression by inhibiting the phosphorylation of STAT3. DHA improves anti-tumor immunity in mice through controlling CD8+CTL function by counteracting IL-10-dependent Treg cells suppression, which promises to be an alternative drug for melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Yu
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Linbo Jin
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Fangfang Li
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Manabu Fujimoto
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Laboratory of Cutaneous Immunology, Osaka UniversityImmunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Qiang Wei
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Zhenhua Lin
- Department of Pathology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Xiangshan Ren
- Department of Pathology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Quanxin Jin
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Honghua Li
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Fanping Meng
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China
| | - Guihua Jin
- Department of Immunology and Pathogenic Biology, Yanbian University Medical College, Yanji, China.
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Epigenetic Mechanisms of Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10071061. [PMID: 32708698 PMCID: PMC7407667 DOI: 10.3390/biom10071061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have demonstrated to be highly efficient in treating solid tumors; however, many patients have limited benefits in terms of response and survival. This rapidly led to the investigation of combination therapies to enhance response rates. Moreover, predictive biomarkers were assessed to better select patients. Although PD-L1 expression remains the only validated marker in clinics, molecular profiling has brought valuable information, showing that the tumor mutation load and microsatellite instability (MSI) status were associated to higher response rates in nearly all cancer types. Moreover, in lung cancer, EGFR and MET mutations, oncogene fusions or STK11 inactivating mutations were associated with low response rates. Cancer progression towards invasive phenotypes that impede immune surveillance relies on complex regulatory networks and cell interactions within the tumor microenvironment. Epigenetic modifications, such as the alteration of histone patterns, chromatin structure, DNA methylation status at specific promoters and changes in microRNA levels, may alter the cell phenotype and reshape the tumor microenvironment, allowing cells to grow and escape from immune surveillance. The objective of this review is to make an update on the identified epigenetic changes that target immune surveillance and, ultimately, ICI responses, such as histone marks, DNA methylation and miR signatures. Translational studies or clinical trials, when available, and potential epigenetic biomarkers will be discussed as perspectives in the context of combination treatment strategies to enhance ICI responses in patients with solid tumors.
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Khan AQ, Ahmad F, Raza SS, Zarif L, Siveen KS, Sher G, Agha MV, Rashid K, Kulinski M, Buddenkotte J, Uddin S, Steinhoff M. Role of non-coding RNAs in the progression and resistance of cutaneous malignancies and autoimmune diseases. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 83:208-226. [PMID: 32717336 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Yeon M, Kim Y, Jung HS, Jeoung D. Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors to Overcome Resistance to Targeted and Immuno Therapy in Metastatic Melanoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:486. [PMID: 32626712 PMCID: PMC7311641 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapies that target oncogenes and immune checkpoint molecules constitute a major group of treatments for metastatic melanoma. A mutation in BRAF (BRAF V600E) affects various signaling pathways, including mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and PI3K/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in melanoma. Target-specific agents, such as MAPK inhibitors improve progression-free survival. However, BRAFV600E mutant melanomas treated with BRAF kinase inhibitors develop resistance. Immune checkpoint molecules, such as programmed death-1 (PD-1) and programmed death ligand-1(PD-L1), induce immune evasion of cancer cells. MAPK inhibitor resistance results from the increased expression of PD-L1. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as anti-PD-L1 or anti-PD-1, are main players in immune therapies designed to target metastatic melanoma. However, melanoma patients show low response rate and resistance to these inhibitors develops within 6–8 months of treatment. Epigenetic reprogramming, such as DNA methylaion and histone modification, regulates the expression of genes involved in cellular proliferation, immune checkpoints and the response to anti-cancer drugs. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) remove acetyl groups from histone and non-histone proteins and act as transcriptional repressors. HDACs are often dysregulated in melanomas, and regulate MAPK signaling, cancer progression, and responses to various anti-cancer drugs. HDACs have been shown to regulate the expression of PD-1/PD-L1 and genes involved in immune evasion. These reports make HDACs ideal targets for the development of anti-melanoma therapeutics. We review the mechanisms of resistance to anti-melanoma therapies, including MAPK inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors. We address the effects of HDAC inhibitors on the response to MAPK inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors in melanoma. In addition, we discuss current progress in anti-melanoma therapies involving a combination of HDAC inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and MAPK inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjeong Yeon
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chunchon, South Korea
| | - Youngmi Kim
- Institute of New Frontier Research, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chunchon, South Korea
| | - Hyun Suk Jung
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chunchon, South Korea
| | - Dooil Jeoung
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chunchon, South Korea
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