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Persaud NV, Park JA, Cheung NKV. High-Risk Neuroblastoma Challenges and Opportunities for Antibody-Based Cellular Immunotherapy. J Clin Med 2024; 13:4765. [PMID: 39200906 PMCID: PMC11355836 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13164765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as an attractive option for patients with relapsed or refractory high-risk neuroblastoma (HRNB). Neuroblastoma (NB), a sympathetic nervous system cancer arising from an embryonic neural crest cell, is heterogeneous clinically, with outcomes ranging from an isolated abdominal mass that spontaneously regresses to a widely metastatic disease with cure rates of about 50% despite intensive multimodal treatment. Risk group stratification and stage-adapted therapy to achieve cure with minimal toxicities have accomplished major milestones. Targeted immunotherapeutic approaches including monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, adoptive cellular therapies, their combinations, and their integration into standard of care are attractive therapeutic options, although curative challenges and toxicity concerns remain. In this review, we provide an overview of immune approaches to NB and the tumor microenvironment (TME) within the clinical translational framework. We propose a novel T cell-based therapeutic approach that leverages the unique properties of tumor surface antigens such as ganglioside GD2, incorporating specific monoclonal antibodies and recent advancements in adoptive cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha V. Persaud
- Department of Pediatrics Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Jeong A. Park
- Pediatrics Inha University Hospital, Icheon 22332, Republic of Korea;
| | - Nai Kong V. Cheung
- Department of Pediatrics Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA;
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2
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Ghasemi N, Azizi H. Exploring Myc puzzle: Insights into cancer, stem cell biology, and PPI networks. Gene 2024; 916:148447. [PMID: 38583818 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
"The grand orchestrator," "Universal Amplifier," "double-edged sword," and "Undruggable" are just some of the Myc oncogene so-called names. It has been around 40 years since the discovery of the Myc, and it remains in the mainstream of cancer treatment drugs. Myc is part of basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper (bHLH-LZ) superfamily proteins, and its dysregulation can be seen in many malignant human tumors. It dysregulates critical pathways in cells that are connected to each other, such as proliferation, growth, cell cycle, and cell adhesion, impacts miRNAs action, intercellular metabolism, DNA replication, differentiation, microenvironment regulation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Myc, surprisingly, is used in stem cell research too. Its family includes three members, MYC, MYCN, and MYCL, and each dysfunction was observed in different cancer types. This review aims to introduce Myc and its function in the body. Besides, Myc deregulatory mechanisms in cancer cells, their intricate aspects will be discussed. We will look at promising drugs and Myc-based therapies. Finally, Myc and its role in stemness, Myc pathways based on PPI network analysis, and future insights will be explained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nima Ghasemi
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran
| | - Hossein Azizi
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran.
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3
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Ho M, Bonavida B. Cross-Talks between Raf Kinase Inhibitor Protein and Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 Expressions in Cancer: Role in Immune Evasion and Therapeutic Implications. Cells 2024; 13:864. [PMID: 38786085 PMCID: PMC11119125 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Innovations in cancer immunotherapy have resulted in the development of several novel immunotherapeutic strategies that can disrupt immunosuppression. One key advancement lies in immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), which have shown significant clinical efficacy and increased survival rates in patients with various therapy-resistant cancers. This immune intervention consists of monoclonal antibodies directed against inhibitory receptors (e.g., PD-1) on cytotoxic CD8 T cells or against corresponding ligands (e.g., PD-L1/PD-L2) overexpressed on cancer cells and other cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, not all cancer cells respond-there are still poor clinical responses, immune-related adverse effects, adaptive resistance, and vulnerability to ICIs in a subset of patients with cancer. This challenge showcases the heterogeneity of cancer, emphasizing the existence of additional immunoregulatory mechanisms in many patients. Therefore, it is essential to investigate PD-L1's interaction with other oncogenic genes and pathways to further advance targeted therapies and address resistance mechanisms. Accordingly, our aim was to investigate the mechanisms governing PD-L1 expression in tumor cells, given its correlation with immune evasion, to uncover novel mechanisms for decreasing PD-L1 expression and restoring anti-tumor immune responses. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the upregulation of Raf Kinase Inhibitor Protein (RKIP) in many cancers contributes to the suppression of key hyperactive pathways observed in malignant cells, alongside its broadening involvement in immune responses and the modulation of the TME. We, therefore, hypothesized that the role of PD-L1 in cancer immune surveillance may be inversely correlated with the low expression level of the tumor suppressor Raf Kinase Inhibitor Protein (RKIP) expression in cancer cells. This hypothesis was investigated and we found several signaling cross-talk pathways between the regulations of both RKIP and PD-L1 expressions. These pathways and regulatory factors include the MAPK and JAK/STAT pathways, GSK3β, cytokines IFN-γ and IL-1β, Sox2, and transcription factors YY1 and NFκB. The pathways that upregulated PD-L1 were inhibitory for RKIP expression and vice versa. Bioinformatic analyses in various human cancers demonstrated the inverse relationship between PD-L1 and RKIP expressions and their prognostic roles. Therefore, we suspect that the direct upregulation of RKIP and/or the use of targeted RKIP inducers in combination with ICIs could result in a more targeted anti-tumor immune response-addressing the therapeutic challenges related to PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapy alone.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Benjamin Bonavida
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
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4
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Singla N, Nirschl TR, Obradovic AZ, Shenderov E, Lombardo K, Liu X, Pons A, Zarif JC, Rowe SP, Trock BJ, Hammers HJ, Bivalacqua TJ, Pierorazio PM, Deutsch JS, Lotan TL, Taube JM, Ged YMA, Gorin MA, Allaf ME, Drake CG. Immunomodulatory response to neoadjuvant nivolumab in non-metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1458. [PMID: 38228729 PMCID: PMC10792074 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51889-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Novel perioperative strategies are needed to reduce recurrence rates in patients undergoing nephrectomy for high-risk, non-metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). We conducted a prospective, phase I trial of neoadjuvant nivolumab prior to nephrectomy in 15 evaluable patients with non-metastatic ccRCC. We leveraged tissue from that cohort to elucidate the effects of PD-1 inhibition on immune cell populations in ccRCC and correlate the evolving immune milieu with anti-PD-1 response. We found that nivolumab durably induces a pro-inflammatory state within the primary tumor, and baseline immune infiltration within the primary tumor correlates with nivolumab responsiveness. Nivolumab increases CTLA-4 expression in the primary tumor, and subsequent nephrectomy increases circulating concentrations of sPD-L1, sPD-L3 (sB7-H3), and s4-1BB. These findings form the basis to consider neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) for high-risk ccRCC while the tumor remains in situ and provide the rationale for perioperative strategies of novel ICI combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmish Singla
- Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Park 213, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Thomas R Nirschl
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Pathobiology Graduate Program, Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Eugene Shenderov
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kara Lombardo
- Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Park 213, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Xiaopu Liu
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alice Pons
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jelani C Zarif
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Steven P Rowe
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bruce J Trock
- Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Park 213, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Hans J Hammers
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Trinity J Bivalacqua
- Division of Urology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Phillip M Pierorazio
- Division of Urology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Julie S Deutsch
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tamara L Lotan
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Janis M Taube
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yasser M A Ged
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael A Gorin
- Milton and Carroll Petrie Department of Urology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mohamad E Allaf
- Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Park 213, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Charles G Drake
- Immuno-Oncology, The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Raritan, NJ, USA
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D’Amico S, Tempora P, Gragera P, Król K, Melaiu O, De Ioris MA, Locatelli F, Fruci D. Two bullets in the gun: combining immunotherapy with chemotherapy to defeat neuroblastoma by targeting adrenergic-mesenchymal plasticity. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1268645. [PMID: 37849756 PMCID: PMC10577183 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1268645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a childhood tumor that originates in the peripheral sympathetic nervous system and is responsible for 15% of cancer-related deaths in the pediatric population. Despite intensive multimodal treatment, many patients with high-risk NB relapse and develop a therapy-resistant tumor. One of the phenomena related to therapeutic resistance is intratumor heterogeneity resulting from the adaptation of tumor cells in response to different selective environmental pressures. The transcriptional and epigenetic profiling of NB tissue has recently revealed the existence of two distinct cellular identities in the NB, termed adrenergic (ADRN) and mesenchymal (MES), which can spontaneously interconvert through epigenetic regulation. This phenomenon, known as tumor plasticity, has a major impact on cancer pathogenesis. The aim of this review is to describe the peculiarities of these two cell states, and how their plasticity affects the response to current therapeutic treatments, with special focus on the immunogenic potential of MES cells. Furthermore, we will discuss the opportunity to combine immunotherapy with chemotherapy to counteract NB phenotypic interconversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia D’Amico
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Tempora
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Paula Gragera
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Kamila Król
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Ombretta Melaiu
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta De Ioris
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Doriana Fruci
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
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Rohila D, Park IH, Pham TV, Jones R, Tapia E, Liu KX, Tamayo P, Yu A, Sharabi AB, Joshi S. Targeting macrophage Syk enhances responses to immune checkpoint blockade and radiotherapy in high-risk neuroblastoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1148317. [PMID: 37350973 PMCID: PMC10283071 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1148317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neuroblastoma (NB) is considered an immunologically cold tumor and is usually less responsive to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are highly infiltrated in NB tumors and promote immune escape and resistance to ICB. Hence therapeutic strategies targeting immunosuppressive TAMs can improve responses to ICB in NB. We recently discovered that spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) reprograms TAMs toward an immunostimulatory phenotype and enhances T-cell responses in the lung adenocarcinoma model. Here we investigated if Syk is an immune-oncology target in NB and tested whether a novel immunotherapeutic approach utilizing Syk inhibitor together with radiation and ICB could provide a durable anti-tumor immune response in an MYCN amplified murine model of NB. Methods Myeloid Syk KO mice and syngeneic MYCN-amplified cell lines were used to elucidate the effect of myeloid Syk on the NB tumor microenvironment (TME). In addition, the effect of Syk inhibitor, R788, on anti-tumor immunity alone or in combination with anti-PDL1 mAb and radiation was also determined in murine NB models. The underlying mechanism of action of this novel therapeutic combination was also investigated. Results Herein, we report that Syk is a marker of NB-associated macrophages and plays a crucial role in promoting immunosuppression in the NB TME. We found that the blockade of Syk in NB-bearing mice markedly impairs tumor growth. This effect is facilitated by macrophages that become immunogenic in the absence of Syk, skewing the suppressive TME towards immunostimulation and activating anti-tumor immune responses. Moreover, combining FDA-approved Syk inhibitor, R788 (fostamatinib) along with anti-PDL1 mAb provides a synergistic effect leading to complete tumor regression and durable anti-tumor immunity in mice bearing small tumors (50 mm3) but not larger tumors (250 mm3). However, combining radiation to R788 and anti-PDL1 mAb prolongs the survival of mice bearing large NB9464 tumors. Conclusion Collectively, our findings demonstrate the central role of macrophage Syk in NB progression and demonstrate that Syk blockade can "reeducate" TAMs towards immunostimulatory phenotype, leading to enhanced T cell responses. These findings further support the clinical evaluation of fostamatinib alone or with radiation and ICB, as a novel therapeutic intervention in neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Rohila
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - In Hwan Park
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Timothy V. Pham
- Office of Cancer Genomics, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Riley Jones
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Elisabette Tapia
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Kevin X. Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Pablo Tamayo
- Office of Cancer Genomics, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Alice Yu
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Andrew B. Sharabi
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Shweta Joshi
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
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Parvini S, Majidpoor J, Mortezaee K. The impact of PD-L1 as a biomarker of cancer responses to combo anti-PD-1/CTLA-4. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 247:154583. [PMID: 37267723 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154583] [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] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Combination therapy of solid tumors with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is a promising and rapidly evolving area of clinical research. Combo nivolumab-ipilimumab therapy has demonstrated potent efficacy in recent years, and PD-L1 expression profile has shown to play a key role in determining the most optimal immunotherapeutic regimen in advanced cancer patients. Here, the focus is over the impact of PD-L1 on combo nivolumab-ipilimumab in advanced solid cancer patients. Interpretations of this review indicate that patient responses to combo nivolumab-ipilimumab can be affected from different levels of PD-L1 expression states. A point required attention is the variations in responses among diverse cancer types or between different doses of the immunotherapy drugs. In general, higher rates of responses are seen with higher PD-L1 expression levels in many cancer types. This, however, is not coincided with survival of patients. Taken all into consideration, it could be asserted that considering PD-L1 as a solo biomarker may not be reliable for predicting clinical efficacy of combo nivolumab-ipilimumab. Thus, a search for other biomarkers or combination of PD-L1 with other factors may be considered for predicting patient responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasan Parvini
- Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | - Jamal Majidpoor
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Keywan Mortezaee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
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Zwergel C, Fioravanti R, Mai A. PD-L1 small-molecule modulators: A new hope in epigenetic-based multidrug cancer therapy? Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103435. [PMID: 36370994 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.103435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is an immune checkpoint protein the overexpression of which results in an inhibitory signal that induces T cell exhaustion responsible for immune escape in tumors. Immunotherapy strategies targeting the PD-L1 pathway have achieved remarkable success in treating various types of cancer. More recently, numerous advances in understanding the complex PD-L1 biology have been made, and the first small-molecule inhibitors have been described in the literature. In this review, we highlight the most promising recent advances in understanding the complex regulation mechanisms focusing on small-molecule modulators, which could be used in rational therapy combinations with other epigenetic chemotherapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Zwergel
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Rossella Fioravanti
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; Pasteur Institute, Cenci-Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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9
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Merhi M, Ahmad F, Taib N, Inchakalody V, Uddin S, Shablak A, Dermime S. The complex network of transcription factors, immune checkpoint inhibitors and stemness features in colorectal cancer: A recent update. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 89:1-17. [PMID: 36621515 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunity is regulated by several mechanisms that include co-stimulatory and/or co-inhibitory molecules known as immune checkpoints expressed by the immune cells. In colorectal cancer (CRC), CTLA-4, LAG3, TIM-3 and PD-1 are the major co-inhibitory checkpoints involved in tumor development and progression. On the other hand, the deregulation of transcription factors and cancer stem cells activity plays a major role in the development of drug resistance and in the spread of metastatic disease in CRC. In this review, we describe how the modulation of such transcription factors affects the response of CRC to therapies. We also focus on the role of cancer stem cells in tumor metastasis and chemoresistance and discuss both preclinical and clinical approaches for targeting stem cells to prevent their tumorigenic effect. Finally, we provide an update on the clinical applications of immune checkpoint inhibitors in CRC and discuss the regulatory effects of transcription factors on the expression of the immune inhibitory checkpoints with specific focus on the PD-1 and PD-L1 molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maysaloun Merhi
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fareed Ahmad
- Translational Research Institute and Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nassiba Taib
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Varghese Inchakalody
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute and Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Alaaeldin Shablak
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Said Dermime
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
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10
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Estevez-Ordonez D, Gary SE, Atchley TJ, Maleknia PD, George JA, Laskay NMB, Gross EG, Devulapalli RK, Johnston JM. Immunotherapy for Pediatric Brain and Spine Tumors: Current State and Future Directions. Pediatr Neurosurg 2022; 58:313-336. [PMID: 36549282 PMCID: PMC10233708 DOI: 10.1159/000528792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain tumors are the most common solid tumors and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children. Incidence in the USA has been on the rise for the last 2 decades. While therapeutic advances in diagnosis and treatment have improved survival and quality of life in many children, prognosis remains poor and current treatments have significant long-term sequelae. SUMMARY There is a substantial need for the development of new therapeutic approaches, and since the introduction of immunotherapy by immune checkpoint inhibitors, there has been an exponential increase in clinical trials to adopt these and other immunotherapy approaches in children with brain tumors. In this review, we summarize the current immunotherapy landscape for various pediatric brain tumor types including choroid plexus tumors, embryonal tumors (medulloblastoma, AT/RT, PNETs), ependymoma, germ cell tumors, gliomas, glioneuronal and neuronal tumors, and mesenchymal tumors. We discuss the latest clinical trials and noteworthy preclinical studies to treat these pediatric brain tumors using checkpoint inhibitors, cellular therapies (CAR-T, NK, T cell), oncolytic virotherapy, radioimmunotherapy, tumor vaccines, immunomodulators, and other targeted therapies. KEY MESSAGES The current landscape for immunotherapy in pediatric brain tumors is still emerging, but results in certain tumors have been promising. In the age of targeted therapy, genetic tumor profiling, and many ongoing clinical trials, immunotherapy will likely become an increasingly effective tool in the neuro-oncologist armamentarium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagoberto Estevez-Ordonez
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA,
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, USA,
| | - Sam E Gary
- Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Travis J Atchley
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Pedram D Maleknia
- Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Jordan A George
- Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Nicholas M B Laskay
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Evan G Gross
- Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Rishi K Devulapalli
- Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - James M Johnston
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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Lucarini V, Melaiu O, D’Amico S, Pastorino F, Tempora P, Scarsella M, Pezzullo M, De Ninno A, D’Oria V, Cilli M, Emionite L, Infante P, Di Marcotullio L, De Ioris MA, Barillari G, Alaggio R, Businaro L, Ponzoni M, Locatelli F, Fruci D. Combined mitoxantrone and anti-TGFβ treatment with PD-1 blockade enhances antitumor immunity by remodelling the tumor immune landscape in neuroblastoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:326. [PMID: 36397148 PMCID: PMC9670422 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02525-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Poor infiltration of functioning T cells renders tumors unresponsive to checkpoint-blocking immunotherapies. Here, we identified a combinatorial in situ immunomodulation strategy based on the administration of selected immunogenic drugs and immunotherapy to sensitize poorly T-cell-infiltrated neuroblastoma (NB) to the host antitumor immune response. Methods 975A2 and 9464D NB cell lines derived from spontaneous tumors of TH-MYCN transgenic mice were employed to study drug combinations able of enhancing the antitumor immune response using in vivo and ex vivo approaches. Migration of immune cells towards drug-treated murine-derived organotypic tumor spheroids (MDOTS) were assessed by microfluidic devices. Activation status of immune cells co-cultured with drug-treated MDOTS was evaluated by flow cytometry analysis. The effect of drug treatment on the immune content of subcutaneous or orthotopic tumors was comprehensively analyzed by flow-cytometry, immunohistochemistry and multiplex immunofluorescence. The chemokine array assay was used to detect soluble factors released into the tumor microenvironment. Patient-derived organotypic tumor spheroids (PDOTS) were generated from human NB specimens. Migration and activation status of autologous immune cells to drug-treated PDOTS were performed. Results We found that treatment with low-doses of mitoxantrone (MTX) recalled immune cells and promoted CD8+ T and NK cell activation in MDOTS when combined with TGFβ and PD-1 blockade. This combined immunotherapy strategy curbed NB growth resulting in the enrichment of a variety of both lymphoid and myeloid immune cells, especially intratumoral dendritic cells (DC) and IFNγ- and granzyme B-expressing CD8+ T cells and NK cells. A concomitant production of inflammatory chemokines involved in remodelling the tumor immune landscape was also detected. Interestingly, this treatment induced immune cell recruitment against PDOTS and activation of CD8+ T cells and NK cells. Conclusions Combined treatment with low-dose of MTX and anti-TGFβ treatment with PD-1 blockade improves antitumor immunity by remodelling the tumor immune landscape and overcoming the immunosuppressive microenvironment of aggressive NB. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02525-9.
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Du H, Cai W. Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome associated with neuroblastoma: Insights into antitumor immunity. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29949. [PMID: 36094353 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29949] [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] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome (OMS) is a rare neurological disorder. Half of these cases occur in children with neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma patients with OMS usually have better oncological outcomes than those without OMS even after stratification by tumor stage and age, indicating that factors mediating OMS may also inhibit tumor cell proliferation. Although the mechanisms underlying OMS remain undefined, the cytokines and lymphocytes alterations in the cerebrospinal fluid support the concept that it is a pattern of neuroinflammation due to an autoimmune effect. The presence of lymphoid follicles consisting of follicular dendritic cells, CD20+ B lymphocytes, CD3+ T lymphocytes, and CD68+ macrophages in the tumor microenvironment in OMS-associated neuroblastoma support the autoimmune nature of this disorder. This review focuses on the clinical and genetic features of OMS-associated neuroblastoma, and we update readers on immune features of neuroblastoma with or without OMS to gain insights into antitumor immunity as it relates to tumor biology and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Du
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Weisong Cai
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Chen J, Sun M, Chen C, Jiang B, Fang Y. Identification of hub genes and their correlation with infiltration of immune cells in MYCN positive neuroblastoma based on WGCNA and LASSO algorithm. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1016683. [PMID: 36311753 PMCID: PMC9596756 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1016683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe prognosis of MYCN positive NB is poor, and there is no targeted drug for N-myc at present. This study aims to screen out hub genes closely related to MYCN, analyze the relationship between hub genes and NB microenvironment, and provide basis for molecular targeted therapy of MYCN positive NB.MethodsWe combined the microarray data of GSE45547 (n=649) and GSE49710 (n=498), screened the DEGs between MYCN positive (n=185) and MYCN negative NB (n=951), performed WGCNA, Lasso regression and Roc analyses on the merged matrix, and obtained the hub genes related to MYCN in the training group. We performed ssGSEA on the experimental group to calculate the infiltration level of 28 kinds of immune cells in each sample, compared the differences of immune cell infiltration between MYCN positive and MYCN negative group. The influences of hub genes on the distribution of each immune cell were also analyzed by ssGSEA. The expression differences of the three hub genes were verified in the E-MTAB-8248 cohort (n=223), and the correlation between hub genes and prognosis of NB was calculated by Kaplan-Meier method in GSE62564 (n=498) and the validation group. We also verified the expression differences of hub genes by qRT-PCR in SK-N-BE(2), SKNDZ, Kelly and SH-SY5Y cell lines.ResultsHere were 880 DEGs including 420 upregulated and 460 downregulated genes in MYCN positive NB in the training group. Overlap of the DEGs and WGCNA networks identified four shared genes, namely, ZNF695, CHEK1, C15ORF42 and EXO1, as candidate hub genes in MYCN positive NB. Three core genes, ZNF695, CHEK1 and C15ORF42, were finally identified by Lasso regression and Roc analyses. ZNF695, CHEK1 and C15ORF42 were highly expressed in MYCN positive NB tissues and cell lines. These three genes were closely related to the prognosis of children with NB. Except that Activated CD4 T cell and Type2 T helper cell increased, the infiltration levels of the other 26 cells decreased significantly in MYCN positive NB tissues. The infiltration levels of Type2 T helper cell and Activated CD4 T cell were also significantly positively correlated with the expression levels of the three hub genes.ConclusionZNF695, CHEK1 and C15ORF42 are highly expressed in MYCN positive NB, and their expression levels are negatively correlated with the prognosis of children with NB. The infiltration levels of Activated CD4 T cell and Type2 T helper cell increased in the microenvironment of MYCN positive NB and were significantly positively correlated with the expression levels of the three hub genes. The results of this study provide that ZNF695, CHEK1 and C15ORF42 may be potential prognostic markers and immunotherapy targets for MYCN positive NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengjiao Sun
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chuqin Chen
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bin Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Bin Jiang, ; Yongjun Fang,
| | - Yongjun Fang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Bin Jiang, ; Yongjun Fang,
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Gomez RL, Ibragimova S, Ramachandran R, Philpott A, Ali FR. Tumoral heterogeneity in neuroblastoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188805. [PMID: 36162542 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a solid, neuroendocrine tumor with divergent clinical behavior ranging from asymptomatic to fatal. The diverse clinical presentations of neuroblastoma are directly linked to the high intra- and inter-tumoral heterogeneity it presents. This heterogeneity is strongly associated with therapeutic resistance and continuous relapses, often leading to fatal outcomes. The development of successful risk assessment and tailored treatment strategies lies in evaluating the extent of heterogeneity via the accurate genetic and epigenetic profiling of distinct cell subpopulations present in the tumor. Recent studies have focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms that drive tumoral heterogeneity in pursuing better therapeutic and diagnostic approaches. This review describes the cellular, genetic, and epigenetic aspects of neuroblastoma heterogeneity. In addition, we summarize the recent findings on three crucial factors that can lead to heterogeneity in solid tumors: the inherent diversity of the progenitor cells, the presence of cancer stem cells, and the influence of the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshna Lawrence Gomez
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shakhzada Ibragimova
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Revathy Ramachandran
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Anna Philpott
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Center, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Fahad R Ali
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
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Bottino C, Della Chiesa M, Sorrentino S, Morini M, Vitale C, Dondero A, Tondo A, Conte M, Garaventa A, Castriconi R. Strategies for Potentiating NK-Mediated Neuroblastoma Surveillance in Autologous or HLA-Haploidentical Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplants. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194548. [PMID: 36230485 PMCID: PMC9559312 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194548] [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: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary High-risk neuroblastomas (HR-NB) are malignant tumors of childhood that are treated with a very aggressive and life-threatening approach; this includes autologous hemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and the infusion of a mAb targeting the GD2 tumor-associated antigen. Although the current treatment provided benefits, the 5-year overall survival remains below 50% due to relapses and refractoriness to therapy. Thus, there is an urgent need to ameliorate the standard therapeutic protocol, particularly improving the immune-mediated anti-tumor responses. Our review aims at summarizing and critically discussing novel immunotherapeutic strategies in HR-NB, including NK cell-based therapies and HLA-haploidentical HSCT from patients’ family. Abstract High-risk neuroblastomas (HR-NB) still have an unacceptable 5-year overall survival despite the aggressive therapy. This includes standardized immunotherapy combining autologous hemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and the anti-GD2 mAb. The treatment did not significantly change for more than one decade, apart from the abandonment of IL-2, which demonstrated unacceptable toxicity. Of note, immunotherapy is a promising therapeutic option in cancer and could be optimized by several strategies. These include the HLA-haploidentical αβT/B-depleted HSCT, and the antibody targeting of novel NB-associated antigens such as B7-H3, and PD1. Other approaches could limit the immunoregulatory role of tumor-derived exosomes and potentiate the low antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity of CD16 dim/neg NK cells, abundant in the early phase post-transplant. The latter effect could be obtained using multi-specific tools engaging activating NK receptors and tumor antigens, and possibly holding immunostimulatory cytokines in their construct. Finally, treatments also consider the infusion of novel engineered cytokines with scarce side effects, and cell effectors engineered with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). Our review aims to discuss several promising strategies that could be successfully exploited to potentiate the NK-mediated surveillance of neuroblastoma, particularly in the HSCT setting. Many of these approaches are safe, feasible, and effective at pre-clinical and clinical levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Bottino
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-01056363855
| | - Mariella Della Chiesa
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Martina Morini
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy
| | - Chiara Vitale
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Dondero
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Annalisa Tondo
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and HSCT, Meyer Children’s University Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Massimo Conte
- Pediatric Oncology Unit-IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Alberto Garaventa
- Pediatric Oncology Unit-IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberta Castriconi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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Bartolucci D, Montemurro L, Raieli S, Lampis S, Pession A, Hrelia P, Tonelli R. MYCN Impact on High-Risk Neuroblastoma: From Diagnosis and Prognosis to Targeted Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:4421. [PMID: 36139583 PMCID: PMC9496712 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Among childhood cancers, neuroblastoma is the most diffuse solid tumor and the deadliest in children. While to date, the pathology has become progressively manageable with a significant increase in 5-year survival for its less aggressive form, high-risk neuroblastoma (HR-NB) remains a major issue with poor outcome and little survivability of patients. The staging system has also been improved to better fit patient needs and to administer therapies in a more focused manner in consideration of pathology features. New and improved therapies have been developed; nevertheless, low efficacy and high toxicity remain a staple feature of current high-risk neuroblastoma treatment. For this reason, more specific procedures are required, and new therapeutic targets are also needed for a precise medicine approach. In this scenario, MYCN is certainly one of the most interesting targets. Indeed, MYCN is one of the most relevant hallmarks of HR-NB, and many studies has been carried out in recent years to discover potent and specific inhibitors to block its activities and any related oncogenic function. N-Myc protein has been considered an undruggable target for a long time. Thus, many new indirect and direct approaches have been discovered and preclinically evaluated for the interaction with MYCN and its pathways; a few of the most promising approaches are nearing clinical application for the investigation in HR-NB.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luca Montemurro
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | - Andrea Pession
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Hrelia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Tonelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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Gu J, Zhao G, Yu J, Xu P, Yan J, Jin Z, Chen S, Wang Y, Zhang LW, Wang Y. Injectable pH-responsive hydrogel for combinatorial chemoimmunotherapy tailored to the tumor microenvironment. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:372. [PMID: 35953828 PMCID: PMC9367026 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01561-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Although combination chemoimmunotherapy shows promising clinical results for cancer treatment, this approach is largely restricted by variable objective response rate and severe systemic adverse effects of immunotherapeutic antibody and chemotherapeutic drugs. Therefore, an in situ-formed therapeutic silk-chitosan composite scaffold is fabricated in this study to allow local release of the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX) and JQ1 (small molecular inhibitor used for the extraterminal protein BRD4 and bromodomain) with control release kinetics. DOX-JQ1@Gel contains a pH-degradable group that releases therapeutics in a weak acidic tumor microenvironment. The released DOX could directly kill tumor cells or lead to immunogenic cell death, thereby triggering the response of antitumor immunity. Meanwhile, chemotherapy-triggered antigen release and JQ1-mediated PD-L1 checkpoint blockade cumulatively contribute to trigger the response of antitumor immunity. Finally, the DOX-JQ1@Gel is locally injected to evaluate its synergistic cancer therapeutic effect, which is expected to improve objective response rate of immunotherapy and minimize systemic side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Gu
- The Affiliated Jiangsu Shengze Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215228, China
| | - Gang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Jiangkun Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Pei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Jiabin Yan
- The Affiliated Jiangsu Shengze Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215228, China
| | - Zhengshuai Jin
- The Affiliated Jiangsu Shengze Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215228, China
| | - Sheng Chen
- The Affiliated Jiangsu Shengze Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215228, China.
| | - Yong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Leshuai W Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Yangyun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
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Tong L, Shan M, Zou W, Liu X, Felsher DW, Wang J. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate/phosphodiesterase 4 pathway associated with immune infiltration and PD-L1 expression in lung adenocarcinoma cells. Front Oncol 2022; 12:904969. [PMID: 35978822 PMCID: PMC9376450 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.904969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The cyclic adenosine monophosphate/phosphodiesterase 4 (cAMP/PDE4) pathway is involved in inflammation and immune regulation; however, the effect of cAMP/PDE4 on immune infiltration and immune evasion in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains unclear. Methods CBioPortal, which is the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) online database, and the Kaplan Meier plotter were used to analyze the association between genes and the prognosis of TCGA-LUAD. Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) was used to analyze the association between gene expression and immune infiltration. The Genecards database was used to identify the transcription factors of related genes. The lung adenocarcinoma cell line H1299 and A549 were treated with cAMP pathway drugs. Flow cytometry and qRT-PCR were used to detect the PD-L1 protein and gene expression, respectively. A one-way analysis of variance with Tukey’s post-hoc test or a Student’s t-test were used. Results It was found that PDE4B and CREB1, which are downstream genes of the cAMP/PDE4 axis, were differentially expressed in LUAD and adjacent tissues and are correlated with the prognosis and immune infiltration of LUAD. In the CBioPortal database, cAMP pathway genes are closely related to programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in TCGA-LUAD. The protein-protein interaction revealed that there was a direct interaction between CREB1/CREBBP, which are the downstream molecules of the cAMP/PDE4 axis, and MYC; additionally, MYC was predicted to bind to the PD-L1 transcription site and regulate PD-L1 expression. CREB1 was also predicted to transcriptionally bind to both MYC and PD-L1. These results predicted the interaction network of cAMP/PDE4/CREB1/CREBP/MYC/PD-L1, and the core factor may be related to MYC. In the cell experiment, forskolin (an adenylate cyclase activator) and zardaverine (a PDE4 inhibitor) enhance the cAMP pathway and decrease PD-L1 expression, while SQ2253 (an adenylate cyclase inhibitor) inhibits the cAMP pathway and increases PD-L1 expression of the LUAD cell lines H1299 and A549, and MYC regulation by these drugs was positively correlated with PD-L1 regulation, which verified the regulation of the cAMP/PDE4 pathway on MYC and PD-L1. Conclusions This study showed that the cAMP/PDE4 pathway may play an important role in PD-L1 regulation and immune infiltration in LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Tong
- Division of Oncology, Departments of Medicine and Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Minjie Shan
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wen Zou
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - XianLing Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Dean W. Felsher
- Division of Oncology, Departments of Medicine and Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Jingjing Wang,
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Pathania AS, Prathipati P, Murakonda SP, Murakonda AB, Srivastava A, Avadhesh A, Byrareddy SN, Coulter DW, Gupta SC, Challagundla KB. Immune checkpoint molecules in neuroblastoma: A clinical perspective. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:247-258. [PMID: 35787940 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
High-risk neuroblastoma (NB) is challenging to treat with 5-year long-term survival in patients remaining below 50% and low chances of survival after tumor relapse or recurrence. Different strategies are being tested or under evaluation to destroy resistant tumors and improve survival outcomes in NB patients. Immunotherapy, which uses certain parts of a person's immune system to recognize or kill tumor cells, effectively improves patient outcomes in several types of cancer, including NB. One of the immunotherapy strategies is to block immune checkpoint signaling in tumors to increase tumor immunogenicity and anti-tumor immunity. Immune checkpoint proteins put brakes on immune cell functions to regulate immune activation, but this activity is exploited in tumors to evade immune surveillance and attack. Immune checkpoint proteins play an essential role in NB biology and immune escape mechanisms, which makes these tumors immunologically cold. Therapeutic strategies to block immune checkpoint signaling have shown promising outcomes in NB but only in a subset of patients. However, combining immune checkpoint blockade with other therapies, including conjugated antibody-based immunotherapy, radioimmunotherapy, tumor vaccines, or cellular therapies like modified T or natural killer (NK) cells, has shown encouraging results in enhancing anti-tumor immunity in the preclinical setting. An analysis of publicly available dataset using computational tools has unraveled the complexity of multiple cancer including NB. This review comprehensively summarizes the current information on immune checkpoint molecules, their biology, role in immune suppression and tumor development, and novel therapeutic approaches combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with other therapies to combat high-risk NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anup S Pathania
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Philip Prathipati
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, 7-6-8 Saito-Asagi, Ibaraki City, Osaka 567-0085, Japan
| | - Swati P Murakonda
- Sri Rajiv Gandhi College of Dental Sciences & Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560032, India
| | - Ajay B Murakonda
- Sree Sai Dental College & Research Institute, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh 532001, India
| | - Ankit Srivastava
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
| | - Avadhesh Avadhesh
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
| | - Siddappa N Byrareddy
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Don W Coulter
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Subash C Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India; Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Guwahati, Assam, India.
| | - Kishore B Challagundla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; The Child Health Research Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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20
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Verhoeven BM, Mei S, Olsen TK, Gustafsson K, Valind A, Lindström A, Gisselsson D, Fard SS, Hagerling C, Kharchenko PV, Kogner P, Johnsen JI, Baryawno N. The immune cell atlas of human neuroblastoma. Cell Rep Med 2022; 3:100657. [PMID: 35688160 PMCID: PMC9245004 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the complete immune cell composition of human neuroblastoma (NB) is crucial for the development of immunotherapeutics. Here, we perform single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on 19 human NB samples coupled with multiplex immunohistochemistry, survival analysis, and comparison with normal fetal adrenal gland data. We provide a comprehensive immune cell landscape and characterize cell-state changes from normal tissue to NB. Our analysis reveals 27 immune cell subtypes, including distinct subpopulations of myeloid, NK, B, and T cells. Several different cell types demonstrate a survival benefit. In contrast to adult cancers and previous NB studies, we show an increase in inflammatory monocyte cell state when contrasting normal and tumor tissue, while no differences in cytotoxicity and exhaustion score for T cells, nor in Treg activity, are observed. Our receptor-ligand interaction analysis reveals a highly complex interactive network of the NB microenvironment from which we highlight several interactions that we suggest for future therapeutic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bronte Manouk Verhoeven
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shenglin Mei
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Thale Kristin Olsen
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin Gustafsson
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anders Valind
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Genetics, Lund University, 221 85 Lund, Sweden; Department of Pediatrics, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Axel Lindström
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Genetics, Lund University, 221 85 Lund, Sweden
| | - David Gisselsson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Genetics, Lund University, 221 85 Lund, Sweden
| | - Shahrzad Shirazi Fard
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Catharina Hagerling
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Genetics, Lund University, 221 85 Lund, Sweden
| | - Peter V Kharchenko
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Per Kogner
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - John Inge Johnsen
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ninib Baryawno
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
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21
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Ognibene M, De Marco P, Parodi S, Meli M, Di Cataldo A, Zara F, Pezzolo A. Genomic Analysis Made It Possible to Identify Gene-Driver Alterations Covering the Time Window between Diagnosis of Neuroblastoma 4S and the Progression to Stage 4. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126513. [PMID: 35742955 PMCID: PMC9224358 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a tumor of the developing sympathetic nervous system. Despite recent advances in understanding the complexity of NB, the mechanisms that determine its regression or progression are still largely unknown. Stage 4S NB is characterized by a favorable course of disease and often by spontaneous regression, while progression to true stage 4 is a very rare event. Here, we focused on genomic analysis of an NB case that progressed from stage 4S to stage 4 with a very poor outcome. Array-comparative genomic hybridization (a-CGH) on tumor-tissue DNA, and whole-exome sequencing (WES) on exosomes DNA derived from plasma collected at the onset and at the tumor progression, pointed out relevant genetic changes that can explain this clinical worsening. The combination of a-CGH and WES data allowed for the identification iof somatic copy number aberrations and single-nucleotide variants in genes known to be responsible for aggressive NB. KLRB1, MAPK3 and FANCA genes, which were lost at the time of progression, were studied for their possible role in this event by analyzing in silico the impact of their expression on the outcome of 786 NB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzia Ognibene
- U.O.C. Genetica Medica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy; (P.D.M.); (F.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-010-5636-2601
| | - Patrizia De Marco
- U.O.C. Genetica Medica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy; (P.D.M.); (F.Z.)
| | - Stefano Parodi
- Scientific Directorate, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy;
| | - Mariaclaudia Meli
- U.O.C. Ematologia e Oncologia Pediatrica, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.M.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Andrea Di Cataldo
- U.O.C. Ematologia e Oncologia Pediatrica, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.M.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Federico Zara
- U.O.C. Genetica Medica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy; (P.D.M.); (F.Z.)
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22
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Tang XX, Shimada H, Ikegaki N. Macrophage-mediated anti-tumor immunity against high-risk neuroblastoma. Genes Immun 2022; 23:129-140. [PMID: 35525858 PMCID: PMC9232393 DOI: 10.1038/s41435-022-00172-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial childhood solid tumor. The majority of high-risk neuroblastoma is resistant/refractory to the current high intensity therapy. Neuroblastoma lacks classical HLA Class I expression and exhibits low mutation burden, allowing neuroblastoma cells to evade CD8+ T cell-mediated immunity. Neuroblastoma cells do not express PD-L1, and tumor-associated macrophages are the predominant PD-L1+ cells in the tumor. In this study, we performed gene expression profiling and survival analyses on large neuroblastoma datasets to address the prognostic effect of PD-L1 gene expression and the possible involvement of the SLAMF7 pathway in the anti-neuroblastoma immunity. High-level expression of PD-L1 was found significantly associated with better outcome of high-risk neuroblastoma patients; two populations of PD-1+ PD-L1+ macrophages could be present in high-risk tumors with PD-1/PD-L1 ratios, ≈1 and >1. Patients with the PD-1/PD-L1 ratio >1 tumor showed inferior survival. High-level co-expression of SLAMF7 and SH2D1B was significantly associated with better survival of the high-risk neuroblastoma patients. Together, this study supports the hypothesis that macrophages are important effector cells in the anti-high-risk neuroblastoma immunity, that PD-1 blockade therapy can be beneficial to the high-risk neuroblastoma subset with the PD-1/PD-L1 expression ratio >1, and that SLAMF7 is a new therapeutic target of high-risk neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xao X Tang
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Hiroyuki Shimada
- Departments of Pathology and Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Naohiko Ikegaki
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
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23
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Abstract
Neuroblastomas are tumours of sympathetic origin, with a heterogeneous clinical course ranging from localized or spontaneously regressing to widely metastatic disease. Neuroblastomas recapitulate many of the features of sympathoadrenal development, which have been directly targeted to improve the survival outcomes in patients with high-risk disease. Over the past few decades, improvements in the 5-year survival of patients with metastatic neuroblastomas, from <20% to >50%, have resulted from clinical trials incorporating high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation, differentiating agents and immunotherapy with anti-GD2 monoclonal antibodies. The next generation of trials are designed to improve the initial response rates in patients with high-risk neuroblastomas via the addition of immunotherapies, targeted therapies (such as ALK inhibitors) and radiopharmaceuticals to standard induction regimens. Other trials are focused on testing precision medicine strategies for patients with relapsed and/or refractory disease, enhancing the antitumour immune response and improving the effectiveness of maintenance regimens, in order to prolong disease remission. In this Review, we describe advances in delineating the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma and in identifying the drivers of high-risk disease. We then discuss how this knowledge has informed improvements in risk stratification, risk-adapted therapy and the development of novel therapies.
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24
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Sunpaweravong P, Thongwatchara P, Chotipanvithayakul R, Sangkhathat S, Thongsuksai P. Expression and Prognostic Significance of c-Myc, ALK, ROS1, BRAF, and PD-L1 Among Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. CLINICAL MEDICINE INSIGHTS: ONCOLOGY 2022; 16:11795549221092747. [PMID: 35479767 PMCID: PMC9036383 DOI: 10.1177/11795549221092747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a leading cause of cancer death worldwide, for which better knowledge in molecular prognostic factors is needed to improve clinical outcome. This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of c-Myc, ALK, ROS1, BRAF, and PD-L1 in NSCLC patients. Methods: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue specimens were obtained from 124 NSCLC patients. Of these, 66 matched specimens of normal respiratory epithelial and tumor tissue from patients with stages I-III, who underwent surgical resection, and 58 NSCLC specimens from stage IV patients were recruited into this analysis. Immunohistochemistry staining along with semiquantitative criteria were used to evaluate the expression of the interested proteins. Results: Of the 66 patients with stages I-III, positive expression of c-Myc was detected in 12 specimens (18.2%) of NSCLC tissue, whereas none of the normal respiratory epithelial tissue was found to have c-Myc expression (P < .001). Of the 66 NSCLC patients, 28 (43.8%) had PD-L1-positive staining on 1%-49% tumor cells and 7 (10.9%) patients expressed PD-L1 in ⩾50% tumor cells. One (2.3%) adenocarcinoma patient was found to have ROS1 rearrangement. Patients with no expression of c-Myc and PD-L1 (co-negative expression) tended to have a better prognosis than other subgroups. Conclusions: NSCLC tissue significantly expressed more c-Myc and PD-L1, compared with the matched normal respiratory epithelium, emphasizing the important role of these key drivers in tumorigenesis. Therapeutic approach to precisely inhibit the targetable molecular pathways should be considered on an individual patient basis to improve survival outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrapim Sunpaweravong
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand.,Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Patcharaporn Thongwatchara
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | | | - Surasak Sangkhathat
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand.,Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Paramee Thongsuksai
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand.,Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
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25
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Expression of Immunomodulatory Checkpoint Molecules in Drug-Resistant Neuroblastoma: An Exploratory Study. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030751. [PMID: 35159017 PMCID: PMC8833944 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Neuroblastoma is a common childhood cancer with poor prognosis. Prior studies suggest that inhibition of molecules called checkpoint proteins, which normally prevent one’s own immune system from attacking itself, has been successfully used for treatment of multiple advanced adult cancers but has yet to be fully explored in neuroblastoma. Cancer can hijack these pathways to prevent the immune system from recognizing and destroying cancer cells. We investigated checkpoint protein expression in pediatric neuroblastoma and its role in drug resistance. We created drug-resistant neuroblastoma cell lines and compared expression of checkpoint proteins between drug-resistant and parental cell lines. In total, 13 checkpoint proteins were expressed by all cell lines regardless of drug resistance. Although PD-L1 and checkpoint proteins do not necessarily impart drug resistance, they may be potential targets for drug therapy. Benchmarking checkpoint proteins provides the basis for future studies identifying targets for directed therapy and biomarkers for cancer detection or prognosis. Abstract Neuroblastoma is a common childhood cancer with poor prognosis when at its advanced stage. Checkpoint molecule inhibition is successful in treating multiple advanced adult cancers. We investigated PD-L1 and other checkpoint molecule expression to determine their roles in drug resistance and usefulness as targets for drug therapy. We developed three doxorubicin-resistant (DoxR) cell lines from parental cell lines. Matrigel in vitro invasion assays were used to compare invasiveness. Western blot assays were used to compare PD-L1 expression. Immuno-oncology checkpoint protein panels were used to compare concentrations of 17 checkpoint molecules both cellular and soluble. PD-L1 and 12 other checkpoint molecules were present in all cell lysates of each cell line without significantly different levels. Three were solubilized in the media of each cell line. PD-L1 is expressed in all DoxR and parental neuroblastoma cells and may be a potential target for drug therapy although its role in drug resistance remains unclear. Benchmarking checkpoint molecules provides the basis for future studies identifying targets for directed therapy and biomarkers for cancer detection or prognosis.
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26
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The MYC oncogene - the grand orchestrator of cancer growth and immune evasion. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2022; 19:23-36. [PMID: 34508258 PMCID: PMC9083341 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-021-00549-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 313] [Impact Index Per Article: 156.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The MYC proto-oncogenes encode a family of transcription factors that are among the most commonly activated oncoproteins in human neoplasias. Indeed, MYC aberrations or upregulation of MYC-related pathways by alternate mechanisms occur in the vast majority of cancers. MYC proteins are master regulators of cellular programmes. Thus, cancers with MYC activation elicit many of the hallmarks of cancer required for autonomous neoplastic growth. In preclinical models, MYC inactivation can result in sustained tumour regression, a phenomenon that has been attributed to oncogene addiction. Many therapeutic agents that directly target MYC are under development; however, to date, their clinical efficacy remains to be demonstrated. In the past few years, studies have demonstrated that MYC signalling can enable tumour cells to dysregulate their microenvironment and evade the host immune response. Herein, we discuss how MYC pathways not only dictate cancer cell pathophysiology but also suppress the host immune response against that cancer. We also propose that therapies targeting the MYC pathway will be key to reversing cancerous growth and restoring antitumour immune responses in patients with MYC-driven cancers.
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27
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Wang J, Xu Y, Rao X, Zhang R, Tang J, Zhang D, Jie X, Zhu K, Wang X, Xu Y, Zhang S, Dong X, Zhang T, Yang K, Xu S, Meng R, Wu G. BRD4-IRF1 axis regulates chemoradiotherapy-induced PD-L1 expression and immune evasion in non-small cell lung cancer. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e718. [PMID: 35083874 PMCID: PMC8792480 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemoradiotherapy-induced PD-L1 upregulation leads to therapeutic resistance and treatment failure. The PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies sensitize cancers to chemoradiotherapy by blocking extracellular PD-1 and PD-L1 binding without affecting the oncogenic function of intracellular PD-L1. Reversing the chemoradiation-induced PD-L1 expression could provide a new strategy to achieve a greater anti-tumour effect of chemoradiotherapy. Here, we aimed to identify candidate small molecular inhibitors that might boost the anti-tumour immunity of chemoradiotherapy by decreasing treatment-induced PD-L1 expression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS A drug array was used to recognize compounds that can suppress the cisplatin-induced and radiation-induced PD-L1 expression in NSCLC via the flow cytometry-based assay. We examined whether and how targeting bromodomain containing 4 (BRD4) inhibits chemoradiation-induced PD-L1 expression and evaluated the effect of BRD4 inhibition and chemoradiation combination in vivo. RESULTS BRD4 inhibitors JQ1 and ARV-771 were identified as the most promising drugs both in the cisplatin and radiation screening projects in two NSCLC cell lines. Targeting BRD4 was supposed to block chemoradiotherapy inducible PD-L1 expression by disrupting the recruitment of BRD4-IRF1 complex to PD-L1 promoter. A positive correlation between BRD4 and PD-L1 expression was observed in human NSCLC tissues. Moreover, BRD4 inhibition synergized with chemoradiotherapy and PD-1 blockade to show a robust anti-tumour immunity dependent on CD8+ T cell through limiting chemoradiation-induced tumour cell surface PD-L1 upregulation in vivo. Notably, the BRD4-targeted combinatory treatments did not show increased toxicities. CONCLUSION The data showed that BRD4-targeted therapy synergized with chemoradiotherapy and anti-PD-1 antibody by boosting anti-tumour immunity in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- Cancer Center, Union HospitalTongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430022China
| | - Yingzhuo Xu
- Cancer Center, Union HospitalTongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430022China
| | - Xinrui Rao
- Cancer Center, Union HospitalTongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430022China
| | - Ruiguang Zhang
- Cancer Center, Union HospitalTongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430022China
| | - Jing Tang
- Cancer Center, Union HospitalTongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430022China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Cancer Center, Union HospitalTongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430022China
| | - Xiaohua Jie
- Cancer Center, Union HospitalTongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430022China
| | - Kuikui Zhu
- Cancer Center, Union HospitalTongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430022China
| | - Xu Wang
- Cancer Center, Union HospitalTongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430022China
| | - Yunhong Xu
- Cancer Center, Union HospitalTongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430022China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Cancer Center, Union HospitalTongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430022China
| | - Xiaorong Dong
- Cancer Center, Union HospitalTongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430022China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Cancer Center, Union HospitalTongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430022China
| | - Kunyu Yang
- Cancer Center, Union HospitalTongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430022China
| | - Shuangbing Xu
- Cancer Center, Union HospitalTongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430022China
| | - Rui Meng
- Cancer Center, Union HospitalTongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430022China
| | - Gang Wu
- Cancer Center, Union HospitalTongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430022China
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28
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Ciaccio R, De Rosa P, Aloisi S, Viggiano M, Cimadom L, Zadran SK, Perini G, Milazzo G. Targeting Oncogenic Transcriptional Networks in Neuroblastoma: From N-Myc to Epigenetic Drugs. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12883. [PMID: 34884690 PMCID: PMC8657550 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the most frequently occurring neurogenic extracranial solid cancers in childhood and infancy. Over the years, many pieces of evidence suggested that NB development is controlled by gene expression dysregulation. These unleashed programs that outline NB cancer cells make them highly dependent on specific tuning of gene expression, which can act co-operatively to define the differentiation state, cell identity, and specialized functions. The peculiar regulation is mainly caused by genetic and epigenetic alterations, resulting in the dependency on a small set of key master transcriptional regulators as the convergence point of multiple signalling pathways. In this review, we provide a comprehensive blueprint of transcriptional regulation bearing NB initiation and progression, unveiling the complexity of novel oncogenic and tumour suppressive regulatory networks of this pathology. Furthermore, we underline the significance of multi-target therapies against these hallmarks, showing how novel approaches, together with chemotherapy, surgery, or radiotherapy, can have substantial antineoplastic effects, disrupting a wide variety of tumorigenic pathways through combinations of different treatments.
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29
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Kang W, Hu J, Zhao Q, Song F. Identification of an Autophagy-Related Risk Signature Correlates With Immunophenotype and Predicts Immune Checkpoint Blockade Efficacy of Neuroblastoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:731380. [PMID: 34746127 PMCID: PMC8567030 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.731380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is one of the malignant solid tumors with the highest mortality in childhood. Targeted immunotherapy still cannot achieve satisfactory results due to heterogeneity and tolerance. Exploring markers related to prognosis and evaluating the immune microenvironment remain the major obstacles. Herein, we constructed an autophagy-related gene (ATG) risk model by multivariate Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, and identified four prognostic ATGs (BIRC5, GRID2, HK2, and RNASEL) in the training cohort, then verified the signature in the internal and external validation cohorts. BIRC5 and HK2 showed higher expression in MYCN amplified cell lines and tumor tissues consistently, whereas GRID2 and RNASEL showed the opposite trends. The correlation between the signature and clinicopathological parameters was further analyzed and showing consistency. A prognostic nomogram using risk score, International Neuroblastoma Staging System stage, age, and MYCN status was built subsequently, and the area under curves, net reclassification improvement, and integrated discrimination improvement showed more satisfactory prognostic predicting performance. The ATG prognostic signature itself can significantly divide patients with neuroblastoma into high- and low-risk groups; differentially expressed genes between the two groups were enriched in autophagy-related behaviors and immune cell reactions in gene set enrichment analysis (false discovery rate q -value < 0.05). Furthermore, we evaluated the relationship of the signature risk score with immune cell infiltration and the cancer-immunity cycle. The low-risk group was characterized by more abundant expression of chemokines and higher immune checkpoints (PDL1, PD1, CTLA-4, and IDO1). The risk score was significantly correlated with the proportions of CD8+ T cells, CD4+ memory resting T cells, follicular helper T cells, memory B cells, plasma cells, and M2 macrophages in tumor tissues. In conclusion, we developed and validated an autophagy-related signature that can accurately predict the prognosis, which might be meaningful to understand the immune microenvironment and guide immune checkpoint blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Kang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, Tianjin, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiajian Hu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Department of Pediatric Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiang Zhao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Department of Pediatric Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Fengju Song
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology, Tianjin, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
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30
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Zhang Z, Zhang Q, Xie J, Zhong Z, Deng C. Enzyme-responsive micellar JQ1 induces enhanced BET protein inhibition and immunotherapy of malignant tumors. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:6915-6926. [PMID: 34524279 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm00724f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins are attractive targets for treating various malignancies including melanoma. The inhibition of BET bromodomains, e.g. with JQ1, is found to downregulate the expression of both c-MYC oncoprotein and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), which play a crucial role in tumor growth and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, respectively. The BET bromodomain inhibitors like JQ1 though exhibiting high selectivity and affinity show usually low bioavailability and efficacy in vivo due to fast clearance and inferior uptake by tumor cells. The therapeutic effect of JQ1 might further be lowered by drug resistance. Here, enzyme-responsive micellar JQ1 (mJQ1) was fabricated from a poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(L-tyrosine) copolypeptide to enhance JQ1 delivery and the immunotherapy of malignant melanoma. The in vitro results showed that mJQ1 induced clearly better repression of c-MYC and PD-L1 proteins, cell cycle arrest, cell inhibition, and apoptotic activity than free JQ1 in B16F10 cancer cells. The intratumoral administration of mJQ1 at 2.5 mg of JQ1 equiv. per kg was found to show better inhibition of B16F10 tumors in C57BL/6 mice than the intraperitoneal administration of free JQ1 at 50 mg kg-1. In particular, when combined with radiotherapy, mJQ1 effectively suppressed tumor growth and brought about strong local and systemic antitumor immunity as evidenced by elevated CD8+ T cells and increased ratios of CD8+ T cells to Tregs, affording significantly improved survival of B16F10 tumor-bearing mice than their JQ1 counterparts and marked growth suppression of distant tumors. The great potency of enzyme-responsive micellar JQ1 makes it interesting for immunotherapy of various tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenqi Zhang
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Jiguo Xie
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Zhiyuan Zhong
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Chao Deng
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
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31
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Szydłowski M, Garbicz F, Jabłońska E, Górniak P, Komar D, Pyrzyńska B, Bojarczuk K, Prochorec-Sobieszek M, Szumera-Ciećkiewicz A, Rymkiewicz G, Cybulska M, Statkiewicz M, Gajewska M, Mikula M, Gołas A, Domagała J, Winiarska M, Graczyk-Jarzynka A, Białopiotrowicz E, Polak A, Barankiewicz J, Puła B, Pawlak M, Nowis D, Golab J, Tomirotti AM, Brzózka K, Pacheco-Blanco M, Kupcova K, Green MR, Havranek O, Chapuy B, Juszczyński P. Inhibition of PIM Kinases in DLBCL Targets MYC Transcriptional Program and Augments the Efficacy of Anti-CD20 Antibodies. Cancer Res 2021; 81:6029-6043. [PMID: 34625423 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-1023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The family of PIM serine/threonine kinases includes three highly conserved oncogenes, PIM1, PIM2, and PIM3, which regulate multiple pro-survival pathways and cooperate with other oncogenes such as MYC. Recent genomic CRISPR-Cas9 screens further highlighted oncogenic functions of PIMs in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cells, justifying development of small molecule PIM inhibitors and therapeutic targeting of PIM kinases in lymphomas. However, detailed consequences of PIM inhibition in DLBCL remain undefined. Using chemical and genetic PIM blockade, we comprehensively characterized PIM kinase-associated pro-survival functions in DLBCL and the mechanisms of PIM inhibition-induced toxicity. Treatment of DLBCL cells with SEL24/MEN1703, a pan PIM inhibitor in clinical development, decreased BAD phosphorylation and cap-dependent protein translation, reduced MCL1 expression, and induced apoptosis. PIM kinases were tightly coexpressed with MYC in diagnostic DLBCL biopsies, and PIM inhibition in cell lines and patient-derived primary lymphoma cells decreased MYC levels as well as expression of multiple MYC-dependent genes, including PLK1. Chemical and genetic PIM inhibition upregulated surface CD20 levels in a MYC-dependent fashion. Consistently, MEN1703 and other clinically available pan-PIM inhibitors synergized with the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab in vitro, increasing complement-dependent cytotoxicity and antibody-mediated phagocytosis. Combined treatment with PIM inhibitor and rituximab suppressed tumor growth in lymphoma xenografts more efficiently than either drug alone. Taken together, these results show that targeting PIM in DLBCL exhibits pleiotropic effects that combine direct cytotoxicity with potentiated susceptibility to anti-CD20 antibodies, justifying further clinical development of such combinatorial strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Szydłowski
- Dept. of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine
| | - Filip Garbicz
- Dept. of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine
| | - Ewa Jabłońska
- Department of Diagnostic Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine
| | - Patryk Górniak
- Dept. of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine
| | - Dorota Komar
- Dept. of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine
| | | | - Kamil Bojarczuk
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center - Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
| | | | - Anna Szumera-Ciećkiewicz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Diagnostics, IMaria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology
| | - Grzegorz Rymkiewicz
- Dept. of Pathology and Laboratory Diagnostics, National Research Institute of Oncology
| | | | | | - Marta Gajewska
- Dept. of Genetics, National Research Institute of Oncology
| | - Michal Mikula
- Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Anna Polak
- Department of Diagnostic Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine
| | | | - Bartosz Puła
- Dept. of Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine
| | - Michał Pawlak
- Dept. of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine
| | - Dominika Nowis
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw
| | - Jakub Golab
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw
| | | | | | | | | | - Michael R Green
- Lymphoma/Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
| | | | - Bjoern Chapuy
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen
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32
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Yu Y, Zeng Y, Xia X, Zhou JG, Cao F. Establishment and Validation of a Prognostic Immune Signature in Neuroblastoma. Cancer Control 2021; 28:10732748211033751. [PMID: 34569303 PMCID: PMC8477712 DOI: 10.1177/10732748211033751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroblastoma (NBL) is the most common extracranial solid tumor in childhood, and patients with high-risk neuroblastoma had a relatively poor prognosis despite multimodal treatment. To improve immunotherapy efficacy in neuroblastoma, systematic profiling of the immune landscape in neuroblastoma is an urgent need. METHODS RNA-seq and according clinical information of neuroblastoma were downloaded from the TARGET database and GEO database (GSE62564). With an immune-related-gene set obtained from the ImmPort database, Immune-related Prognostic Gene Pairs for Neuroblastoma (IPGPN) for overall survival (OS) were established with the TARGET-NBL cohort and then verified with the GEO-NBL cohort. Immune cell infiltration analysis was subsequently performed. The integrated model was established with IPGPN and clinicopathological parameters. Immune cell infiltration was analyzed with the XCELL algorithm. Functional enrichment analysis was performed with clusterProfiler package in R. RESULTS Immune-related Prognostic Gene Pairs for Neuroblastoma was successfully established with seven immune-related gene pairs (IGPs) involving 13 unique genes in the training cohort. In the training cohort, IPGPN successfully stratified neuroblastoma patients into a high and low immune-risk groups with different OS (HR=3.92, P = 2 × 10-8) and event-free survival (HR=3.66, P=2 × 10-8). ROC curve analysis confirmed its predictive power. Consistently, high IPGPN also predicted worse OS (HR=1.84, P = .002) and EFS in validation cohort (HR=1.38, P = .06) Moreover, higher activated dendritic cells, M1 macrophage, Th1 CD4+, and Th2 CD4+ T cell enrichment were evident in low immune-risk group. Further integrating IPGPN with age and stage demonstrated improved predictive performance than IPGPN alone. CONCLUSION Herein, we presented an immune landscape with IPGPN for prognosis prediction in neuroblastoma, which complements the present understanding of the immune signature in neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhu Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.,Clinical Research Center for Neurological Disease, the People's Hospital of HongHuaGang District of ZunYi, Zunyi, China
| | - Yu Zeng
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, 70570Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangping Xia
- Department of Cerebrovascular Disease, 66367Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Jian-Guo Zhou
- Department of Oncology, 66367Second Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Fang Cao
- Department of Cerebrovascular Disease, 66367Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
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Shawraba F, Hammoud H, Mrad Y, Saker Z, Fares Y, Harati H, Bahmad HF, Nabha S. Biomarkers in Neuroblastoma: An Insight into Their Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Utilities. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2021; 22:102. [PMID: 34580780 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-021-00898-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Neuroblastoma (NB) is a heterogeneous solid tumor of the pediatric population that originates from neural crest cells and affects the developing sympathetic nervous system. It is the most common neuroblastic tumor accounting for approximately 10% of all childhood cancers and 10-15% of pediatric tumor mortalities. The outcomes range from spontaneous tumor regression in low-risk groups to metastasis and death even after multimodal therapy in high-risk groups. Hence, the detection of NB at an early stage improves outcomes and provides a better prognosis for patients. Early detection and prognosis of NB depend on specific molecules termed biomarkers which can be tissue-specific or circulating. Certain biomarkers are employed in the classification of NB into different groups to improve the treatment and prognosis, and others can be used as therapeutic targets. Therefore, novel biomarker discovery is essential for the early detection of NB, predicting the course of the disease, and developing new targeted treatment strategies. In this review, we aim to summarize the literature pertinent to some important biomarkers of NB and discuss the prognostic role of these biomarkers as well as their potential role in targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Shawraba
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hussein Hammoud
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Yara Mrad
- Université Clermont Auvergne, Inserm, Neuro-Dol, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Zahraa Saker
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Youssef Fares
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Beirut, Lebanon.,Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hayat Harati
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hisham F Bahmad
- Arkadi M. Rywlin M.D. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL, 33140, USA.
| | - Sanaa Nabha
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Beirut, Lebanon.
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The Role of Oncogenes and Redox Signaling in the Regulation of PD-L1 in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13174426. [PMID: 34503236 PMCID: PMC8431622 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells can evade the immune system via multiple mechanisms, including the dysregulation of the immune checkpoint signaling. These signaling molecules are important factors that can either stimulate or inhibit tumor immune response. Under normal physiological conditions, the interaction between programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and its receptor, programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), negatively regulates T cell function. In cancer cells, high expression of PD-L1 plays a key role in cancer evasion of the immune surveillance and seems to be correlated with clinical response to immunotherapy. As such, it is important to understand various mechanisms by which PD-L1 is regulated. In this review article, we provide an up-to-date review of the different mechanisms that regulate PD-L1 expression in cancer. We will focus on the roles of oncogenic signals (c-Myc, EML4-ALK, K-ras and p53 mutants), growth factor receptors (EGFR and FGFR), and redox signaling in the regulation of PD-L1 expression and discuss their clinical relevance and therapeutic implications. These oncogenic signalings have common and distinct regulatory mechanisms and can also cooperatively control tumor PD-L1 expression. Finally, strategies to target PD-L1 expression in tumor microenvironment including combination therapies will be also discussed.
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35
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Bussola N, Papa B, Melaiu O, Castellano A, Fruci D, Jurman G. Quantification of the Immune Content in Neuroblastoma: Deep Learning and Topological Data Analysis in Digital Pathology. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8804. [PMID: 34445517 PMCID: PMC8396341 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We introduce here a novel machine learning (ML) framework to address the issue of the quantitative assessment of the immune content in neuroblastoma (NB) specimens. First, the EUNet, a U-Net with an EfficientNet encoder, is trained to detect lymphocytes on tissue digital slides stained with the CD3 T-cell marker. The training set consists of 3782 images extracted from an original collection of 54 whole slide images (WSIs), manually annotated for a total of 73,751 lymphocytes. Resampling strategies, data augmentation, and transfer learning approaches are adopted to warrant reproducibility and to reduce the risk of overfitting and selection bias. Topological data analysis (TDA) is then used to define activation maps from different layers of the neural network at different stages of the training process, described by persistence diagrams (PD) and Betti curves. TDA is further integrated with the uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) dimensionality reduction and the hierarchical density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (HDBSCAN) algorithm for clustering, by the deep features, the relevant subgroups and structures, across different levels of the neural network. Finally, the recent TwoNN approach is leveraged to study the variation of the intrinsic dimensionality of the U-Net model. As the main task, the proposed pipeline is employed to evaluate the density of lymphocytes over the whole tissue area of the WSIs. The model achieves good results with mean absolute error 3.1 on test set, showing significant agreement between densities estimated by our EUNet model and by trained pathologists, thus indicating the potentialities of a promising new strategy in the quantification of the immune content in NB specimens. Moreover, the UMAP algorithm unveiled interesting patterns compatible with pathological characteristics, also highlighting novel insights into the dynamics of the intrinsic dataset dimensionality at different stages of the training process. All the experiments were run on the Microsoft Azure cloud platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Bussola
- Data Science for Health, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, 38123 Trento, Italy; (N.B.); (B.P.)
- CIBIO Department, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Bruno Papa
- Data Science for Health, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, 38123 Trento, Italy; (N.B.); (B.P.)
| | - Ombretta Melaiu
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy; (O.M.); (A.C.); (D.F.)
| | - Aurora Castellano
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy; (O.M.); (A.C.); (D.F.)
| | - Doriana Fruci
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy; (O.M.); (A.C.); (D.F.)
| | - Giuseppe Jurman
- Data Science for Health, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, 38123 Trento, Italy; (N.B.); (B.P.)
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Farina AR, Cappabianca LA, Zelli V, Sebastiano M, Mackay AR. Mechanisms involved in selecting and maintaining neuroblastoma cancer stem cell populations, and perspectives for therapeutic targeting. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:685-736. [PMID: 34367474 PMCID: PMC8316860 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i7.685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric neuroblastomas (NBs) are heterogeneous, aggressive, therapy-resistant embryonal tumours that originate from cells of neural crest (NC) origin and in particular neuroblasts committed to the sympathoadrenal progenitor cell lineage. Therapeutic resistance, post-therapeutic relapse and subsequent metastatic NB progression are driven primarily by cancer stem cell (CSC)-like subpopulations, which through their self-renewing capacity, intermittent and slow cell cycles, drug-resistant and reversibly adaptive plastic phenotypes, represent the most important obstacle to improving therapeutic outcomes in unfavourable NBs. In this review, dedicated to NB CSCs and the prospects for their therapeutic eradication, we initiate with brief descriptions of the unique transient vertebrate embryonic NC structure and salient molecular protagonists involved NC induction, specification, epithelial to mesenchymal transition and migratory behaviour, in order to familiarise the reader with the embryonic cellular and molecular origins and background to NB. We follow this by introducing NB and the potential NC-derived stem/progenitor cell origins of NBs, before providing a comprehensive review of the salient molecules, signalling pathways, mechanisms, tumour microenvironmental and therapeutic conditions involved in promoting, selecting and maintaining NB CSC subpopulations, and that underpin their therapy-resistant, self-renewing metastatic behaviour. Finally, we review potential therapeutic strategies and future prospects for targeting and eradication of these bastions of NB therapeutic resistance, post-therapeutic relapse and metastatic progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta Rosella Farina
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Lucia Annamaria Cappabianca
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Veronica Zelli
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Michela Sebastiano
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Andrew Reay Mackay
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy.
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Burchett JB, Knudsen-Clark AM, Altman BJ. MYC Ran Up the Clock: The Complex Interplay between MYC and the Molecular Circadian Clock in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7761. [PMID: 34299381 PMCID: PMC8305799 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The MYC oncoprotein and its family members N-MYC and L-MYC are known to drive a wide variety of human cancers. Emerging evidence suggests that MYC has a bi-directional relationship with the molecular clock in cancer. The molecular clock is responsible for circadian (~24 h) rhythms in most eukaryotic cells and organisms, as a mechanism to adapt to light/dark cycles. Disruption of human circadian rhythms, such as through shift work, may serve as a risk factor for cancer, but connections with oncogenic drivers such as MYC were previously not well understood. In this review, we examine recent evidence that MYC in cancer cells can disrupt the molecular clock; and conversely, that molecular clock disruption in cancer can deregulate and elevate MYC. Since MYC and the molecular clock control many of the same processes, we then consider competition between MYC and the molecular clock in several select aspects of tumor biology, including chromatin state, global transcriptional profile, metabolic rewiring, and immune infiltrate in the tumor. Finally, we discuss how the molecular clock can be monitored or diagnosed in human tumors, and how MYC inhibition could potentially restore molecular clock function. Further study of the relationship between the molecular clock and MYC in cancer may reveal previously unsuspected vulnerabilities which could lead to new treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamison B. Burchett
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA;
| | - Amelia M. Knudsen-Clark
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA;
| | - Brian J. Altman
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA;
- Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
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38
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Tang XX, Shimada H, Ikegaki N. Clinical Relevance of CD4 Cytotoxic T Cells in High-Risk Neuroblastoma. Front Immunol 2021; 12:650427. [PMID: 33968044 PMCID: PMC8101497 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.650427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial childhood solid tumor. The majority of high-risk neuroblastoma is resistant/refractory to the current high intensity therapy, and the survival of these patients remains poor for the last three decades. To effectively treat these extremely unfavorable neuroblastomas, innovative immunotherapy approaches would be the most promising. In this article, we discuss the identity of tumor-infiltrating effector cells and immunosuppressive cells in high-risk neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is unique in that it expresses little or no classical HLA Class I and II. In contrast, high-risk neuroblastomas express the stress-responsive non-classical Class I, HLA-E molecule. HLA-E is the ligand of activating receptors NKG2C/E that are expressed on memory NK cells, CD8+T cells and CD4 CTLs. By examining a comprehensive RNA-seq gene expression dataset, we detected relatively high levels of CD4 expression in high-risk neuroblastoma tissues. The majority of CD4+ cells were CD3+, and thus they were likely tumor-associated CD4+T cells. In addition, high-level of both CD4 and NKG2C/E expression was associated with prolonged survival of the high-risk neuroblastoma patients, but CD8 levels were not, further suggesting that the CD4+ NKG2C/E+ T cells or CD4 CTL conferred cytotoxicity against the neuroblastoma cells. However, this T cell mediated- "protective effect" declined over time, in part due to the progressive formation of immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. These observations suggest that to improve survival of high-risk neuroblastoma patients, it is essential to gain insights into how to enhance CD4 CTL cytotoxicity and control the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment during the course of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xao X. Tang
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Hiroyuki Shimada
- Departments of Pathology and Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Naohiko Ikegaki
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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39
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Cocco C, Morandi F, Airoldi I. Immune Checkpoints in Pediatric Solid Tumors: Targetable Pathways for Advanced Therapeutic Purposes. Cells 2021; 10:cells10040927. [PMID: 33920505 PMCID: PMC8074115 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) represents a complex network between tumor cells and a variety of components including immune, stromal and vascular endothelial cells as well as the extracellular matrix. A wide panel of signals and interactions here take place, resulting in a bi-directional modulation of cellular functions. Many stimuli, on one hand, induce tumor growth and the spread of metastatic cells and, on the other hand, contribute to the establishment of an immunosuppressive environment. The latter feature is achieved by soothing immune effector cells, mainly cytotoxic T lymphocytes and B and NK cells, and/or through expansion of regulatory cell populations, including regulatory T and B cells, tumor-associated macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. In this context, immune checkpoints (IC) are key players in the control of T cell activation and anti-cancer activities, leading to the inhibition of tumor cell lysis and of pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Thus, these pathways represent promising targets for the development of effective and innovative therapies both in adults and children. Here, we address the role of different cell populations homing the TME and of well-known and recently characterized IC in the context of pediatric solid tumors. We also discuss preclinical and clinical data available using IC inhibitors alone, in combination with each other or administered with standard therapies.
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40
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Dondero A, Morini M, Cangelosi D, Mazzocco K, Serra M, Spaggiari GM, Rotta G, Tondo A, Locatelli F, Castellano A, Scuderi F, Sementa AR, Eva A, Conte M, Garaventa A, Bottino C, Castriconi R. Multiparametric flow cytometry highlights B7-H3 as a novel diagnostic/therapeutic target in GD2neg/low neuroblastoma variants. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2020-002293. [PMID: 33795387 PMCID: PMC8021887 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-002293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background High-risk neuroblastomas (HR-NBs) are rare, aggressive pediatric cancers characterized by resistance to therapy and relapse in more than 30% of cases, despite using an aggressive therapeutic protocol including targeting of GD2. The mechanisms responsible for therapy resistance are unclear and might include the presence of GD2neg/low NB variants and/or the expression of immune checkpoint ligands such as B7-H3. Method Here, we describe a multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC) combining the acquisition of 106 nucleated singlets, Syto16pos CD45neg CD56pos cells, and the analysis of GD2 and B7-H3 surface expression. 41 bone marrow (BM) aspirates from 25 patients with NB, at the onset or relapse, are analyzed, comparing results with cytomorphological analysis (CA) and/or immunohistochemistry (IHC). Spike in experiments assesses the sensitivity of MFC. Kaplan-Meier analysis on 498 primary NBs selects novel prognostic markers possibly integrating the MFC panel. Results No false positive are detected, and MFC shows high sensitivity (0.0005%). Optimized MFC identifies CD45negCD56pos NB cells in 11 out of 12 (91.6%) of BM indicated as infiltrated by CA, 7 of which coexpress high levels of GD2 and B7-H3. MFC detects CD45negCD56posGD2neg/low NB variants expressing high surface levels of B7-H3 in two patients with HR-NB (stage M) diagnosed at 53 and 139 months of age. One of them has a non-MYCN amplified tumor with unusual THpos PHOX2Bneg phenotype, which relapsed 141 months post-diagnosis with BM infiltration and a humerus lesion. All GD2neg/low NB variants are detected in patients at relapse. Kaplan-Meier analysis highlights an interesting dichotomous prognostic value of MML5, ULBPs, PVR, B7-H6, and CD47, ligands involved in NB recognition by the immune system. Conclusions Our study validates a sensitive MFC analysis providing information on GD2 and B7-H3 surface expression and allowing fast, specific and sensitive evaluation of BM tumor burden. With other routinely used diagnostic and prognostic tools, MFC can improve diagnosis, prognosis, orienting novel personalized treatments in patients with GD2low/neg NB, who might benefit from innovative therapies combining B7-H3 targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Dondero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Martina Morini
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Davide Cangelosi
- Clinical Bioinformatic, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Katia Mazzocco
- UOC Anatomia Patologica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Martina Serra
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | | | | | - Annalisa Tondo
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Firenze, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital, Roma, Italy
| | - Aurora Castellano
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital, Roma, Italy
| | | | | | - Alessandra Eva
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Massimo Conte
- UOC Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Cristina Bottino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy .,Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Roberta Castriconi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
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Wu Z, Wei F, Zou Y. Effects of programmed death ligand 1 on the prognosis of neuroblastoma: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e24920. [PMID: 33655954 PMCID: PMC7939199 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000024920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have investigated the prognostic role of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in patients with neuroblastoma, while the results are still controversial. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to clarify the relationship between the expression of PD-L1 and the prognosis of neuroblastoma. METHODS Search electronic databases include PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science, and the search time is set to build the database until January 2021. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to analyze the included results. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 15.0 software. RESULTS This review will be disseminated in print by peer-review. CONCLUSION The study will provide updated evidence for the evaluation of whether the expression of PD-L1 is associated with poor prognosis in patients with neuroblastoma. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The private information from individuals will not be published. This systematic review also should not damage participants' rights. Ethical approval is not available. The results may be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated in relevant conferences. OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/FBCY6.
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Raieli S, Di Renzo D, Lampis S, Amadesi C, Montemurro L, Pession A, Hrelia P, Fischer M, Tonelli R. MYCN Drives a Tumor Immunosuppressive Environment Which Impacts Survival in Neuroblastoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:625207. [PMID: 33718189 PMCID: PMC7951059 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.625207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A wide range of malignancies presents MYCN amplification (MNA) or dysregulation. MYCN is associated with poor prognosis and its over-expression leads to several dysregulations including metabolic reprogramming, mitochondria alteration, and cancer stem cell phenotype. Some hints suggest that MYCN overexpression leads to cancer immune-escape. However, this relationship presents various open questions. Our work investigated in details the relationship of MYCN with the immune system, finding a correlated immune-suppressive phenotype in neuroblastoma (NB) and different cancers where MYCN is up-regulated. We found a downregulated Th1-lymphocytes/M1-Macrophages axis and upregulated Th2-lymphocytes/M2-macrophages in MNA NB patients. Moreover, we unveiled a complex immune network orchestrated by N-Myc and we identified 16 genes modules associated to MNA NB. We also identified a MYCN-associated immune signature that has a prognostic value in NB and recapitulates clinical features. Our signature also discriminates patients with poor survival in non-MNA NB patients where MYCN expression is not discriminative. Finally, we showed that targeted inhibition of MYCN by BGA002 (anti-MYCN antigene PNA) is able to restore NK sensibility in MYCN-expressing NB cells. Overall, our study unveils a MYCN-driven immune network in NB and shows a therapeutic option to restore sensibility to immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniele Di Renzo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnologies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | - Luca Montemurro
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Pession
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Hrelia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnologies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matthias Fischer
- Department of Experimental Pediatric Oncology, Medical Faculty, University Children's Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Roberto Tonelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnologies, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Lucarini V, Melaiu O, Tempora P, D’Amico S, Locatelli F, Fruci D. Dendritic Cells: Behind the Scenes of T-Cell Infiltration into the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:433. [PMID: 33498755 PMCID: PMC7865357 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells have been shown to play a crucial role in controlling tumor progression. However, the recruitment and activation of these immune cells at the tumor site are strictly dependent on several factors, including the presence of dendritic cells (DCs), the main orchestrators of the antitumor immune responses. Among the various DC subsets, the role of cDC1s has been demonstrated in several preclinical experimental mouse models. In addition, the high density of tumor-infiltrating cDC1s has been associated with improved survival in many cancer patients. The ability of cDC1s to modulate antitumor activity depends on their interaction with other immune populations, such as NK cells. This evidence has led to the development of new strategies aimed at increasing the abundance and activity of cDC1s in tumors, thus providing attractive new avenues to enhance antitumor immunity for both established and novel anticancer immunotherapies. In this review, we provide an overview of the various subsets of DCs, focusing in particular on the role of cDC1s, their ability to interact with other intratumoral immune cells, and their prognostic significance on solid tumors. Finally, we outline key therapeutic strategies that promote the immunogenic functions of DCs in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Lucarini
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy; (V.L.); (O.M.); (P.T.); (S.D.); (F.L.)
| | - Ombretta Melaiu
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy; (V.L.); (O.M.); (P.T.); (S.D.); (F.L.)
| | - Patrizia Tempora
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy; (V.L.); (O.M.); (P.T.); (S.D.); (F.L.)
| | - Silvia D’Amico
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy; (V.L.); (O.M.); (P.T.); (S.D.); (F.L.)
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy; (V.L.); (O.M.); (P.T.); (S.D.); (F.L.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Doriana Fruci
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy; (V.L.); (O.M.); (P.T.); (S.D.); (F.L.)
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Qiao H, Chen X, Wang Q, Zhang J, Huang D, Chen E, Qian H, Zhong Y, Tang Q, Chen W. Tumor localization of oncolytic adenovirus assisted by pH-degradable microgels with JQ1-mediated boosting replication and PD-L1 suppression for enhanced cancer therapy. Biomater Sci 2021; 8:2472-2480. [PMID: 32196028 DOI: 10.1039/d0bm00172d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Oncolytic therapy is a fast-developing cancer treatment field based on the promising clinical performance from the selective tumor cell killing and induction of systemic antitumor immunity. The virotherapy efficacy, however, is strongly hindered by the limited virus propagation and negative immune regulation in the tumor microenvironments. To enhance the antitumor activity, we developed injectable pH-degradable PVA microgels encapsulated with oncolytic adenovirus (OA) by microfluidics for localized OA delivery and cancer treatments. PVA microgels were tailored with an OA encapsulation efficiency of 68% and exhibited a pH-dependent OA release as the microgel degradation at mildly acidic conditions. PVA microgels mediated fast viral release and increased replication in HEK293T and A549 cells at a lower pH, and the replication efficiency could be further reinforced by co-loading with one BET bromodomain inhibitor JQ1, inducing significant cytotoxicity against A549 cells. An in vivo study revealed that OA release was highly located at the tumor tissue assisted by PVA microgels, and the OA infection was also enhanced with the addition of JQ1 treatment, meanwhile greatly inhibiting the PD-L1 expression to overcome the immune suppression. OA/JQ1 co-encapsulated injectable microgels exhibited a superior in vivo antitumor activity on the A549 lung tumor-bearing mice by the combination of inhibited proliferation, amplified oncolysis, and potential immune regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haishi Qiao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
| | - Xingmei Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
| | - Qiming Wang
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, PR China
| | - Junmei Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
| | - Dechun Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
| | - Enping Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
| | - Hongliang Qian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
| | - Yinan Zhong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
| | - Qi Tang
- Key Laboratory of Antibody Technology, National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, PR China.
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
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45
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Cheng B, Wang W, Niu X, Ren Y, Liu T, Cao H, Wang S, Tu Y, Chen J, Liu S, Yang X, Chen J. Discovery of Novel and Highly Potent Resorcinol Dibenzyl Ether-Based PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors with Improved Drug-like and Pharmacokinetic Properties for Cancer Treatment. J Med Chem 2020; 63:15946-15959. [PMID: 33264007 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A series of programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors based on the resorcinol diphenyl ether scaffold were discovered by incorporating hydrophilic moieties into the side chain and converting into the corresponding hydrochloride salt. Among these compounds, P18 showed the highest inhibitory activity against PD-1/PD-L1 with an IC50 value of 9.1 nM in a homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence binding assay. Besides, P18 promoted HepG2 cell death dose dependently in a HepG2/PD-L1 and Jurkat/PD-1 coculture cell model. Further, P18 demonstrated significantly higher water solubility (17.61 mg/mL) and improved pharmacokinetics (e.g., t1/2 of ∼20 h and oral bioavailability of 12%) than the previous analogues. Moreover, P18 was highly effective in suppressing tumor growth in an immune checkpoint humanized mouse model without apparent toxicity. Collectively, these results suggest that compound P18 represents a promising PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor worthy of further investigation as a potential anticancer agent.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacokinetics
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Apoptosis
- B7-H1 Antigen/antagonists & inhibitors
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/immunology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Cell Proliferation
- Drug Discovery
- Humans
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/chemistry
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/pharmacokinetics
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/immunology
- Liver Neoplasms/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Male
- Melanoma, Experimental/drug therapy
- Melanoma, Experimental/immunology
- Melanoma, Experimental/metabolism
- Melanoma, Experimental/pathology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Phenyl Ethers/chemistry
- Piperidines/chemistry
- Piperidines/pharmacokinetics
- Piperidines/pharmacology
- Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/antagonists & inhibitors
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Resorcinols/chemistry
- Tissue Distribution
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Affiliation(s)
- Binbin Cheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xiaoge Niu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yichang Ren
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ting Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Hao Cao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Shuanghu Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yingfeng Tu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jingxuan Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Shuwen Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xuchao Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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Wienke J, Dierselhuis MP, Tytgat GAM, Künkele A, Nierkens S, Molenaar JJ. The immune landscape of neuroblastoma: Challenges and opportunities for novel therapeutic strategies in pediatric oncology. Eur J Cancer 2020; 144:123-150. [PMID: 33341446 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2020.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy holds great promise for the treatment of pediatric cancers. In neuroblastoma, the recent implementation of anti-GD2 antibody Dinutuximab into the standard of care has improved patient outcomes substantially. However, 5-year survival rates are still below 50% in patients with high-risk neuroblastoma, which has sparked investigations into novel immunotherapeutic approaches. T cell-engaging therapies such as immune checkpoint blockade, antibody-mediated therapy and adoptive T cell therapy have proven remarkably successful in a range of adult cancers but still meet challenges in pediatric oncology. In neuroblastoma, their limited success may be due to several factors. Neuroblastoma displays low immunogenicity due to its low mutational load and lack of MHC-I expression. Tumour infiltration by T and NK cells is especially low in high-risk neuroblastoma and is prognostic for survival. Only a small fraction of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes shows tumour reactivity. Moreover, neuroblastoma tumours employ a variety of immune evasion strategies, including expression of immune checkpoint molecules, induction of immunosuppressive myeloid and stromal cells, as well as secretion of immunoregulatory mediators, which reduce infiltration and reactivity of immune cells. Overcoming these challenges will be key to the successful implementation of novel immunotherapeutic interventions. Combining different immunotherapies, as well as personalised strategies, may be promising approaches. We will discuss the composition, function and prognostic value of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) in neuroblastoma, reflect on challenges for immunotherapy, including a lack of TIL reactivity and tumour immune evasion strategies, and highlight opportunities for immunotherapy and future perspectives with regard to state-of-the-art developments in the tumour immunology space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Wienke
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | | | | | - Annette Künkele
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt - Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Nierkens
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jan J Molenaar
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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47
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Cheng B, Xiao Y, Xue M, Cao H, Chen J. Recent Advances in the Development of PD-L1 Modulators: Degraders, Downregulators, and Covalent Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2020; 63:15389-15398. [PMID: 33272018 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic interference of the programmed cell death protein 1(PD-1)/immunosuppressive programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) signaling pathway by monoclonal antibodies has achieved spectacular success for treating various tumors. However, the development of small molecule inhibitors of PD-1/PD-L1 has lagged far behind due to the challenge of targeting the highly hydrophobic and relatively flat binding interface, despite the benefits small molecule can bring over therapeutic antibodies. This technical challenge provokes the adoption of different strategies in searching for small, medium-sized, and large molecule modulators (e.g., degraders, downregulators, and covalent inhibitors) of the PD-1/PD-L1 protein-protein interaction. In this review article, we discuss latest advances in the development of PD-L1 modulators, with a focus on degraders, downregulators, and covalent inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binbin Cheng
- Drug Design and Discovery Research Innovation Community, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yao Xiao
- Wuchang Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan Wuchang Hospital, Wuchang 430063, China
| | - Mingming Xue
- Tianjin Tiancheng Chemical Co., Ltd., Chemical Street, Binhai New District, Tianjin 300480, China
| | - Hao Cao
- Drug Design and Discovery Research Innovation Community, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Drug Design and Discovery Research Innovation Community, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Baiyun District, Guangzhou 510515, China
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48
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Cellular and gene signatures of tumor-infiltrating dendritic cells and natural-killer cells predict prognosis of neuroblastoma. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5992. [PMID: 33239635 PMCID: PMC7689423 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19781-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes play an essential role in improving clinical outcome of neuroblastoma (NB) patients, but their relationship with other tumor-infiltrating immune cells in the T cell-inflamed tumors remains poorly investigated. Here we show that dendritic cells (DCs) and natural killer (NK) cells are positively correlated with T-cell infiltration in human NB, both at transcriptional and protein levels, and associate with a favorable prognosis. Multiplex imaging displays DC/NK/T cell conjugates in the tumor microenvironment of low-risk NB. Remarkably, this connection is further strengthened by the identification of gene signatures related to DCs and NK cells able to predict survival of NB patients and strongly correlate with the expression of PD-1 and PD-L1. In summary, our findings unveil a key prognostic role of DCs and NK cells and indicate their related gene signatures as promising tools for the identification of clinical biomarkers to better define risk stratification and survival of NB patients. Tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes play a crucial role in neuroblastoma, but their relationship to other immune cells is poorly understood. Here the authors identify the cellular and gene signatures of intratumoural dendritic cells and natural killer cells that predict the clinical outcome of neuroblastoma.
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Khan P, Siddiqui JA, Maurya SK, Lakshmanan I, Jain M, Ganti AK, Salgia R, Batra SK, Nasser MW. Epigenetic landscape of small cell lung cancer: small image of a giant recalcitrant disease. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 83:57-76. [PMID: 33220460 PMCID: PMC8218609 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a particular subtype of lung cancer with high mortality. Recent advances in understanding SCLC genomics and breakthroughs of immunotherapy have substantially expanded existing knowledge and treatment modalities. However, challenges associated with SCLC remain enigmatic and elusive. Most of the conventional drug discovery approaches targeting altered signaling pathways in SCLC end up in the 'grave-yard of drug discovery', which mandates exploring novel approaches beyond inhibiting cell signaling pathways. Epigenetic modifications have long been documented as the key contributors to the tumorigenesis of almost all types of cancer, including SCLC. The last decade witnessed an exponential increase in our understanding of epigenetic modifications for SCLC. The present review highlights the central role of epigenetic regulations in acquiring neoplastic phenotype, metastasis, aggressiveness, resistance to chemotherapy, and immunotherapeutic approaches of SCLC. Different types of epigenetic modifications (DNA/histone methylation or acetylation) that can serve as predictive biomarkers for prognostication, treatment stratification, neuroendocrine lineage determination, and development of potential SCLC therapies are also discussed. We also review the utility of epigenetic targets/epidrugs in combination with first-line chemotherapy and immunotherapy that are currently under investigation in preclinical and clinical studies. Altogether, the information presents the inclusive landscape of SCLC epigenetics and epidrugs that will help to improve SCLC outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parvez Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Jawed Akhtar Siddiqui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Shailendra Kumar Maurya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Imayavaramban Lakshmanan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Maneesh Jain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Apar Kishor Ganti
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Division of Oncology-Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, VA-Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, 68105, USA; Division of Oncology-Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte 91010, CA, USA
| | - Surinder Kumar Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Mohd Wasim Nasser
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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50
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Marinkovic D, Marinkovic T. The new role for an old guy: MYC as an immunoplayer. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:3234-3243. [PMID: 33094851 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
As an oncogene, myelocytomatosis oncogene (MYC) is implicated in the concept of "oncogene addiction," where switching off the oncogene leads to the cell cycle arrest and cell differentiation. However, recent data suggest that MYC also controls the establishment of the tumour microenvironment and that "oncogene addiction" actually has a strong immune background. Evaluation of the MYC role in the immunoediting process led to the speculation that cancer just uses and distorts the physiological mechanism by which MYC normally prevents rapidly proliferating cells from the elicitation of an autoimmune response. Concordantly, elevated levels of MYC and induction of immunosuppressive molecules are observed during the processes of growth and development, tissue repair, placenta development, and so forth, implying that MYC may be involved in saving regular physiologically proliferating cells from the immune system attack. Even more, a growing body of evidence suggests MYC involvement in the shaping of the adaptive immune response, immunological memory development, and establishment of immunotolerance. This paper offers an overview of MYC actions in the context of modulation of the immune response in pathological and physiological conditions. The determination of such a new role for a well-known oncogene opens new perspectives in biomedicine, and consequently, in the treatment of various pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragan Marinkovic
- Faculty of Special Education and Rehabilitation, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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