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Le Saux O, Ardin M, Berthet J, Barrin S, Bourhis M, Cinier J, Lounici Y, Treilleux I, Just PA, Bataillon G, Savoye AM, Mouret-Reynier MA, Coquan E, Derbel O, Jeay L, Bouizaguen S, Labidi-Galy I, Tabone-Eglinger S, Ferrari A, Thomas E, Ménétrier-Caux C, Tartour E, Galy-Fauroux I, Stern MH, Terme M, Caux C, Dubois B, Ray-Coquard I. Immunomic longitudinal profiling of the NeoPembrOv trial identifies drivers of immunoresistance in high-grade ovarian carcinoma. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5932. [PMID: 39013886 PMCID: PMC11252308 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47000-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
PD-1/PD-L1 blockade has so far shown limited survival benefit for high-grade ovarian carcinomas. By using paired samples from the NeoPembrOv randomized phase II trial (NCT03275506), for which primary outcomes are published, and by combining RNA-seq and multiplexed immunofluorescence staining, we explore the impact of NeoAdjuvant ChemoTherapy (NACT) ± Pembrolizumab (P) on the tumor environment, and identify parameters that correlated with response to immunotherapy as a pre-planned exploratory analysis. Indeed, i) combination therapy results in a significant increase in intraepithelial CD8+PD-1+ T cells, ii) combining endothelial and monocyte gene signatures with the CD8B/FOXP3 expression ratio is predictive of response to NACT + P with an area under the curve of 0.93 (95% CI 0.85-1.00) and iii) high CD8B/FOXP3 and high CD8B/ENTPD1 ratios are significantly associated with positive response to NACT + P, while KDR and VEGFR2 expression are associated with resistance. These results indicate that targeting regulatory T cells and endothelial cells, especially VEGFR2+ endothelial cells, could overcome immune resistance of ovarian cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Le Saux
- "Cancer Immune Surveillance and Therapeutic Targeting" Laboratory, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, INSERM 1052-CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69008, Lyon, France
- Lyon University, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
- National Investigators Group for Ovarian and Breast Cancer Studies, Paris, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Maude Ardin
- "Cancer Immune Surveillance and Therapeutic Targeting" Laboratory, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, INSERM 1052-CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69008, Lyon, France
- Lyon University, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Justine Berthet
- "Cancer Immune Surveillance and Therapeutic Targeting" Laboratory, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, INSERM 1052-CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69008, Lyon, France
- Lyon University, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
- Lyon Immunotherapy for Cancer Laboratory (LICL), Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Sarah Barrin
- Lyon Immunotherapy for Cancer Laboratory (LICL), Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Morgane Bourhis
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm, PARCC, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Justine Cinier
- "Cancer Immune Surveillance and Therapeutic Targeting" Laboratory, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, INSERM 1052-CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69008, Lyon, France
- Lyon University, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Yasmine Lounici
- "Cancer Immune Surveillance and Therapeutic Targeting" Laboratory, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, INSERM 1052-CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69008, Lyon, France
- Lyon University, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | | | | | - Guillaume Bataillon
- Department of Anatomopathology, University hospital of Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Aude-Marie Savoye
- National Investigators Group for Ovarian and Breast Cancer Studies, Paris, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Jean Godinot, Reims, France
| | - Marie-Ange Mouret-Reynier
- National Investigators Group for Ovarian and Breast Cancer Studies, Paris, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Jean Perrin, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Elodie Coquan
- National Investigators Group for Ovarian and Breast Cancer Studies, Paris, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre François Baclesse, Caen, France
| | - Olfa Derbel
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hôpital Privé Jean Mermoz, Lyon, France
| | - Louis Jeay
- Keen Eye Technologies-Paris, France, now Tribun Health, Paris, France
| | | | - Intidhar Labidi-Galy
- Department of Oncology, Hôpitaux universitaires de Genève, Faculty of Medecine, Center of Translational Research in Onco-Hematology, Swiss Cancer Center Leman, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Anthony Ferrari
- Synergie Lyon Cancer, Gilles Thomas Bioinformatics Platform, Centre Léon Bérard, CEDEX 08, F-69373, Lyon, France
| | - Emilie Thomas
- Synergie Lyon Cancer, Gilles Thomas Bioinformatics Platform, Centre Léon Bérard, CEDEX 08, F-69373, Lyon, France
| | - Christine Ménétrier-Caux
- "Cancer Immune Surveillance and Therapeutic Targeting" Laboratory, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, INSERM 1052-CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69008, Lyon, France
- Lyon University, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
- Lyon Immunotherapy for Cancer Laboratory (LICL), Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Eric Tartour
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm, PARCC, F-75015, Paris, France
| | | | - Marc-Henri Stern
- Inserm U830, DNA Repair and Uveal Melanoma (D.R.U.M.) Team, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Magali Terme
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm, PARCC, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Caux
- "Cancer Immune Surveillance and Therapeutic Targeting" Laboratory, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, INSERM 1052-CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69008, Lyon, France
- Lyon University, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
- Lyon Immunotherapy for Cancer Laboratory (LICL), Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Bertrand Dubois
- "Cancer Immune Surveillance and Therapeutic Targeting" Laboratory, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, INSERM 1052-CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69008, Lyon, France.
- Lyon University, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France.
- Lyon Immunotherapy for Cancer Laboratory (LICL), Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France.
| | - Isabelle Ray-Coquard
- Lyon University, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France.
- National Investigators Group for Ovarian and Breast Cancer Studies, Paris, France.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008, Lyon, France.
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Wan Y, Mu X, Zhao J, Li L, Xu W, Zhang M. Myeloid‑derived suppressor cell accumulation induces Treg expansion and modulates lung malignancy progression. Biomed Rep 2024; 20:68. [PMID: 38533389 PMCID: PMC10963946 DOI: 10.3892/br.2024.1754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous family of myeloid cells that suppress T cell immunity in tumor-bearing hosts. The present study aimed to examine roles of T and MDSC subsets in lung malignancy. The study analyzed 102 cases with lung malignancy and 34 healthy individuals. Flow cytometry was performed for identification of T cell and MDSC subsets and their phenotypic characteristics in peripheral blood. The lung malignancy cases exhibited lower frequencies of granulocyte-like MDSCs (G-MDSCs) expressing PD-L2 and PD-L1 than healthy controls (P=0.013 and P<0.001, respectively). Additionally, there was a higher frequency of monocyte-like MDSCs (M-MDSCs) expressing PD-L1 in the peripheral blood of patients with lung malignancy than healthy controls (P<0.001). The frequencies of G-MDSCs and M-MDSCs were positively correlated with proportions of PD-1+ and CTLA-4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). In vitro co-culture assay demonstrated M-MDSCs of lung malignancy enhanced naive T cell apoptosis and promoted Treg subset differentiation compared with M-MDSCs of healthy controls. The findings suggested accumulation of MDSC subsets in lung malignancy and MDSCs expressing PD-L2 and PD-L1 induced Treg expansion by binding to PD-1 on the surface of Tregs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghua Wan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, P.R. China
| | - Xiangdong Mu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, P.R. China
| | - Jingquan Zhao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, P.R. China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, P.R. China
| | - Wenshuai Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, P.R. China
| | - Mingqiang Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, P.R. China
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Khamis SSS, Lu J, Yi Y, Rao S, Sun W. Pyroptosis-related gene signature for predicting gastric cancer prognosis. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1336734. [PMID: 38571505 PMCID: PMC10990040 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1336734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a prevalent form of malignancy characterized by significant heterogeneity. The development of a specific prediction model is of utmost importance to improve therapy alternatives. The presence of H. pylori can elicit pyroptosis, a notable carcinogenic process. Furthermore, the administration of chemotherapeutic drugs is often employed as a therapeutic approach to addressing this condition. In the present investigation, it was observed that there were variations in the production of 17 pyroptosis-regulating proteins between stomach tissue with tumor development and GC cells. The predictive relevance of each gene associated with pyroptosis was assessed using the cohort from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA). The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was utilized to enhance the outcomes of the regression approach. Patients with gastric cancer GC in the cohort from the TCGA were categorized into low-risk or high-risk groups based on their gene expression profiles. Patients with a low risk of gastric cancer had a higher likelihood of survival compared to persons classified as high risk (P<0.0001). A subset of patients diagnosed with GC from a Genes Expression Omnibus (GEO) cohort was stratified according to their overall survival (OS) duration. The statistical analysis revealed a higher significance level (P=0.0063) regarding OS time among low-risk individuals. The study revealed that the GC risk score emerged as a significant independent prognostic factor for OS in patients diagnosed with GC. The results of Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) research revealed that genes associated with a high-risk group had significantly elevated levels of immune system-related activity. Furthermore, it was found that the state of immunity was diminished within this particular group. The relationship between the immune response to cancer and pyroptosis genes is highly interconnected, suggesting that these genes have the potential to serve as prognostic indicators for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salem Saeed Saad Khamis
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianhua Lu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yongdong Yi
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shangrui Rao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weijian Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Wenzhou Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Lv Y, Tian W, Teng Y, Wang P, Zhao Y, Li Z, Tang S, Chen W, Xie R, Lü M, Zhuang Y. Tumor-infiltrating mast cells stimulate ICOS + regulatory T cells through an IL-33 and IL-2 axis to promote gastric cancer progression. J Adv Res 2024; 57:149-162. [PMID: 37086778 PMCID: PMC10918354 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In solid tumors, regulatory T cell (Treg) and mast cell perform different roles depending on the microenvironment. Nevertheless, mast cell and Treg-mediated interactions in gastric cancer (GC) are unclear, as are their regulation, function, and clinical significance. OBJECTIVE The present study demonstrated the mechanism of tumor-infiltrating mast cells stimulating ICOS+ regulatory T cells via the IL-33/IL-2 axis to promote the growth of gastric cancer. METHODS Analyses of 98 patients with GC were conducted to examine mast cell counts, ICOS+ Tregs, and the levels of IL-33 or IL-2. Isolated ICOS+ Treg and CD8+ T cell were stimulated, cultured and tested for their functional abilities in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS GC patients exhibited a significantly more production of IL-33 in tumors. Mast cell stimulated by tumor-derived IL-33 exhibited a prolonged lifespan through IL-33 mediated inhibition of apoptosis. Moreover, mast cells stimulated by tumor-derived IL-33 secreted IL-2, which induced Treg expansion. These inducible Tregs displayed an activated immunosuppressive phenotype with positive expression for the inducible T cell co-stimulator (ICOS). In vitro, IL-2 from IL to 33-stimulated mast cells induced increased numbers of ICOS+ Tregs with increased immunosuppressive activity against proliferation and effector function of CD8+ T cell. In vivo, ICOS+ Tregs were treated with anti-IL-2 neutralizing antibody followed by co-injection with CD8+ T cells in GC mouse model, which showed an increased CD8+ T cell infiltration and effector molecules production, meanwhile tumor growth and progression were inhibited. Besides, reduction in GC patient survival was associated with tumor-derived ICOS+ Tregs. CONCLUSION Our results highlight a crosstalk between GC-infiltrating mast cells and ICOS+ Tregs and provide a novel mechanism describing ICOS+ Treg expansion and induction by an IL-33/mast cell/IL-2 signaling axis in GC, and also provide functional evidence that the modulation of this immunosuppressive pathway can attenuate GC-mediated immune tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yipin Lv
- Department of Digestive Diseases, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Wenqing Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Yongsheng Teng
- The 940th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA, Lanzhou, China
| | - Pan Wang
- The 940th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yongliang Zhao
- Department of General Surgery and Centre of Minimal Invasive Gastrointestinal Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhengyan Li
- Department of General Surgery and Centre of Minimal Invasive Gastrointestinal Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shanhong Tang
- Department of Digestive Diseases, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Weisan Chen
- La Trobe Institute of Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rui Xie
- The Collaborative Innovation Center of Tissue Damage Repair and Regeneration Medicine of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China.
| | - Muhan Lü
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yuan Zhuang
- The Collaborative Innovation Center of Tissue Damage Repair and Regeneration Medicine of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China; Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China; National Engineering Research Center of Immunological Products, Department of Microbiology and Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Wang P, Zhang Q, Zhang H, Shao J, Zhang H, Wang Z. Molecular and clinical characterization of ICOS expression in breast cancer through large-scale transcriptome data. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293469. [PMID: 38127899 PMCID: PMC10734928 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
ICOS (Inducible T Cell Costimulator), one of the co-stimulatory B7 superfamily members, was characterized as a co-stimulatory receptor for T-cell enhancement. However, the role of ICOS in breast cancer remains largely unknown. The present study systematically investigated the expression pattern and its relation to clinical characteristics and immunotherapy by integrating multiple clinical cohorts and large-scale gene expression data. This study included 2994 breast tumor samples with transcriptome data and matched clinical data. To make our findings more reliable, we set the TCGA cohort as the discovery set and the METABRIC cohort as the validation set. The expression of ICOS in breast cancer is strongly associated with major clinical and molecular characteristics. There is an association between higher ICOS expression and malignant subtypes and grades of tumors. In addition, gene ontology analysis based on genes significantly correlated with ICOS expression indicated that the expression of ICOS is mainly associated with immune responses and inflammation. We also observed strong correlations between ICOS and other promising immune-checkpoint molecules, including PD1, PDL1, CTLA4, and IDO1. Furthermore, we found that ICOS expression is associated with the response to anti-PDL1 immunotherapy and may serve as a biomarker for immunotherapy prediction. Our results indicated higher ICOS expression is significantly associated with favorable survival in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients, but not for all subtypes of breast cancer patients. In summary, ICOS correlates with higher malignant breast cancers, and it contributes to the regulation of the immune microenvironment of breast tumors, making it a potential biomarker and immunotherapy target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Wang
- Thyroid and Breast Department III, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei Province, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Thyroid and Breast Department III, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei Province, China
| | - Hengle Zhang
- Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Jianqiang Shao
- Thyroid and Breast Department III, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei Province, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Thyroid and Breast Department III, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei Province, China
| | - Zunyi Wang
- Thyroid and Breast Department III, Cangzhou Central Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei Province, China
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Blanc-Durand F, Clemence Wei Xian L, Tan DSP. Targeting the immune microenvironment for ovarian cancer therapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1328651. [PMID: 38164130 PMCID: PMC10757966 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1328651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is an aggressive malignancy characterized by a complex immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Immune checkpoint inhibitors have emerged as a breakthrough in cancer therapy by reactivating the antitumor immune response suppressed by tumor cells. However, in the case of OC, these inhibitors have failed to demonstrate significant improvements in patient outcomes, and existing biomarkers have not yet identified promising subgroups. Consequently, there remains a pressing need to understand the interplay between OC tumor cells and their surrounding microenvironment to develop effective immunotherapeutic approaches. This review aims to provide an overview of the OC TME and explore its potential as a therapeutic strategy. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are major actors in OC TME. Evidence has been accumulating regarding the spontaneous TILS response against OC antigens. Activated T-helpers secrete a wide range of inflammatory cytokines with a supportive action on cytotoxic T-cells. Simultaneously, mature B-cells are recruited and play a significant antitumor role through opsonization of target antigens and T-cell recruitment. Macrophages also form an important subset of innate immunity (M1-macrophages) while participating in the immune-stimulation context. Finally, OC has shown to engage a significant natural-killer-cells immune response, exerting direct cytotoxicity without prior sensitization. Despite this initial cytotoxicity, OC cells develop various strategies to induce an immune-tolerant state. To this end, multiple immunosuppressive molecules are secreted to impair cytotoxic cells, recruit regulatory cells, alter antigen presentation, and effectively evade immune response. Consequently, OC TME is predominantly infiltrated by immunosuppressive cells such as FOXP3+ regulatory T-cells, M2-polarized macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Despite this strong immunosuppressive state, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors have failed to improve outcomes. Beyond PD-1/PD-L1, OC expresses multiple other immune checkpoints that contribute to immune evasion, and each representing potential immune targets. Novel immunotherapies are attempting to overcome the immunosuppressive state and induce specific immune responses using antibodies adoptive cell therapy or vaccines. Overall, the OC TME presents both opportunities and obstacles. Immunotherapeutic approaches continue to show promise, and next-generation inhibitors offer exciting opportunities. However, tailoring therapies to individual immune characteristics will be critical for the success of these treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Blanc-Durand
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Cancer Science Institute (CSI), National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lai Clemence Wei Xian
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Cancer Science Institute (CSI), National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore, Singapore
| | - David S. P. Tan
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR) and Cancer Science Institute (CSI), National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Wang J, Ford JC, Mitra AK. Defining the Role of Metastasis-Initiating Cells in Promoting Carcinogenesis in Ovarian Cancer. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1492. [PMID: 38132318 PMCID: PMC10740540 DOI: 10.3390/biology12121492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological malignancy with a high prevalence of transcoelomic metastasis. Metastasis is a multi-step process and only a small percentage of cancer cells, metastasis-initiating cells (MICs), have the capacity to finally establish metastatic lesions. These MICs maintain a certain level of stemness that allows them to differentiate into other cell types with distinct transcriptomic profiles and swiftly adapt to external stresses. Furthermore, they can coordinate with the microenvironment, through reciprocal interactions, to invade and establish metastases. Therefore, identifying, characterizing, and targeting MICs is a promising strategy to counter the spread of ovarian cancer. In this review, we provided an overview of OC MICs in the context of characterization, identification through cell surface markers, and their interactions with the metastatic niche to promote metastatic colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Wang
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; (J.W.); (J.C.F.)
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - James C. Ford
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; (J.W.); (J.C.F.)
| | - Anirban K. Mitra
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; (J.W.); (J.C.F.)
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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Quixabeira DCA, Jirovec E, Pakola S, Havunen R, Basnet S, Santos JM, Kudling TV, Clubb JHA, Haybout L, Arias V, Grönberg-Vähä-Koskela S, Cervera-Carrascon V, Pasanen A, Anttila M, Tapper J, Kanerva A, Hemminki A. Improving the cytotoxic response of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes towards advanced stage ovarian cancer with an oncolytic adenovirus expressing a human vIL-2 cytokine. Cancer Gene Ther 2023; 30:1543-1553. [PMID: 37666898 PMCID: PMC10645590 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00658-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
While the presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) associates with improved survival prognosis in ovarian cancer (OvCa) patients, TIL therapy benefit is limited. Here, we evaluated an oncolytic adenovirus coding for a human variant IL-2 (vIL-2) cytokine, Ad5/3-E2F-d24-vIL2 (vIL-2 virus), also known as TILT-452, as an immunotherapeutic strategy to enhance TIL responsiveness towards advanced stage OvCa tumors. Fragments of resected human OvCa tumors were processed into single-cell suspensions, and autologous TILs were expanded from said samples. OvCa tumor specimens were co-cultured with TILs plus vIL-2 virus, and cell killing was assessed in real time through cell impedance measurement. Combination therapy was further evaluated in vivo through a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) ovarian cancer murine model. The combination of vIL-2 virus plus TILs had best cancer cell killing ex vivo compared to TILs monotherapy. These results were supported by an in vivo experiment, where the best OvCa tumor control was obtained when vIL-2 virus was added to TIL therapy. Furthermore, the proposed therapy induced a highly cytotoxic phenotype demonstrated by increased granzyme B intensity in NK cells, CD4+ T, and CD8+ T cells in treated tumors. Our results demonstrate that Ad5/3-E2F-d24-vIL2 therapy consistently improved TILs therapy cytotoxicity in treated human OvCa tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- D C A Quixabeira
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- TILT Biotherapeutics Ltd, Helsinki, Finland
| | - E Jirovec
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - S Pakola
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - R Havunen
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- TILT Biotherapeutics Ltd, Helsinki, Finland
| | - S Basnet
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - J M Santos
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- TILT Biotherapeutics Ltd, Helsinki, Finland
| | - T V Kudling
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - J H A Clubb
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- TILT Biotherapeutics Ltd, Helsinki, Finland
| | - L Haybout
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - V Arias
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - S Grönberg-Vähä-Koskela
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - V Cervera-Carrascon
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- TILT Biotherapeutics Ltd, Helsinki, Finland
| | - A Pasanen
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M Anttila
- Pathology, Finnish Food Authority, Helsinki, Finland
| | - J Tapper
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - A Kanerva
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - A Hemminki
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Translational Immunology Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
- TILT Biotherapeutics Ltd, Helsinki, Finland.
- Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland.
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9
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Thomsen LCV, Kleinmanns K, Anandan S, Gullaksen SE, Abdelaal T, Iversen GA, Akslen LA, McCormack E, Bjørge L. Combining Mass Cytometry Data by CyTOFmerge Reveals Additional Cell Phenotypes in the Heterogeneous Ovarian Cancer Tumor Microenvironment: A Pilot Study. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5106. [PMID: 37894472 PMCID: PMC10605295 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15205106] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The prognosis of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is poor, and treatment selection is challenging. A heterogeneous tumor microenvironment (TME) characterizes HGSOC and influences tumor growth, progression, and therapy response. Better characterization with multidimensional approaches for simultaneous identification and categorization of the various cell populations is needed to map the TME complexity. While mass cytometry allows the simultaneous detection of around 40 proteins, the CyTOFmerge MATLAB algorithm integrates data sets and extends the phenotyping. This pilot study explored the potential of combining two datasets for improved TME phenotyping by profiling single-cell suspensions from ten chemo-naïve HGSOC tumors by mass cytometry. A 35-marker pan-tumor dataset and a 34-marker pan-immune dataset were analyzed separately and combined with the CyTOFmerge, merging 18 shared markers. While the merged analysis confirmed heterogeneity across patients, it also identified a main tumor cell subset, additionally to the nine identified by the pan-tumor panel. Furthermore, the expression of traditional immune cell markers on tumor and stromal cells was revealed, as were marker combinations that have rarely been examined on individual cells. This study demonstrates the potential of merging mass cytometry data to generate new hypotheses on tumor biology and predictive biomarker research in HGSOC that could improve treatment effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liv Cecilie Vestrheim Thomsen
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 5015 Bergen, Norway
| | - Katrin Kleinmanns
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Shamundeeswari Anandan
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Stein-Erik Gullaksen
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Tamim Abdelaal
- Delft Bioinformatics Laboratory, Delft University of Technology, 2628XE Delft, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Grete Alrek Iversen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Andreas Akslen
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Pathology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Emmet McCormack
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- Centre for Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Line Bjørge
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
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10
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Fattori S, Le Roy A, Houacine J, Robert L, Abes R, Gorvel L, Granjeaud S, Rouvière MS, Ben Amara A, Boucherit N, Tarpin C, Pakradouni J, Charafe-Jauffret E, Houvenaeghel G, Lambaudie E, Bertucci F, Rochigneux P, Gonçalves A, Foussat A, Chrétien AS, Olive D. CD25high Effector Regulatory T Cells Hamper Responses to PD-1 Blockade in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Cancer Res 2023; 83:3026-3044. [PMID: 37379438 PMCID: PMC10502453 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-0613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Treg) impede effective antitumor immunity. However, the role of Tregs in the clinical outcomes of patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains controversial. Here, we found that an immunosuppressive TNBC microenvironment is marked by an imbalance between effector αβCD8+ T cells and Tregs harboring hallmarks of highly suppressive effector Tregs (eTreg). Intratumoral eTregs strongly expressed PD-1 and persisted in patients with TNBC resistant to PD-1 blockade. Importantly, CD25 was the most selective surface marker of eTregs in primary TNBC and metastases compared with other candidate targets for eTreg depletion currently being evaluated in trials for patients with advanced TNBC. In a syngeneic TNBC model, the use of Fc-optimized, IL2 sparing, anti-CD25 antibodies synergized with PD-1 blockade to promote systemic antitumor immunity and durable tumor growth control by increasing effector αβCD8+ T-cell/Treg ratios in tumors and in the periphery. Together, this study provides the rationale for the clinical translation of anti-CD25 therapy to improve PD-1 blockade responses in patients with TNBC. SIGNIFICANCE An imbalance between effector CD8+ T cells and CD25high effector Tregs marks immunosuppressive microenvironments in αPD-1-resistant TNBC and can be reversed through effector Treg depletion to increase αPD-1 efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Fattori
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, UM105, Marseille, France
- Cancer Immunomonitoring Platform, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | | | | | - Lucie Robert
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, UM105, Marseille, France
| | - Riad Abes
- Alderaan Biotechnology, Paris, France
| | - Laurent Gorvel
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, UM105, Marseille, France
- Cancer Immunomonitoring Platform, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Samuel Granjeaud
- Systems Biology Platform, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, UM105, Marseille, France
| | - Marie-Sarah Rouvière
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, UM105, Marseille, France
- Cancer Immunomonitoring Platform, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Amira Ben Amara
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, UM105, Marseille, France
- Cancer Immunomonitoring Platform, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Nicolas Boucherit
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, UM105, Marseille, France
- Cancer Immunomonitoring Platform, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Carole Tarpin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Jihane Pakradouni
- Department of Clinical Research and Innovations, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Emmanuelle Charafe-Jauffret
- Department of Pathology, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
- Faculty of Medical and Paramedic Sciences, Aix-Marseille University, UM105, Marseille, France
| | - Gilles Houvenaeghel
- Faculty of Medical and Paramedic Sciences, Aix-Marseille University, UM105, Marseille, France
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Eric Lambaudie
- Department of Pathology, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
- Faculty of Medical and Paramedic Sciences, Aix-Marseille University, UM105, Marseille, France
| | - François Bertucci
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
- Faculty of Medical and Paramedic Sciences, Aix-Marseille University, UM105, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Rochigneux
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, UM105, Marseille, France
- Cancer Immunomonitoring Platform, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Anthony Gonçalves
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
- Faculty of Medical and Paramedic Sciences, Aix-Marseille University, UM105, Marseille, France
| | | | - Anne-Sophie Chrétien
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, UM105, Marseille, France
- Cancer Immunomonitoring Platform, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
- Faculty of Medical and Paramedic Sciences, Aix-Marseille University, UM105, Marseille, France
| | - Daniel Olive
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, UM105, Marseille, France
- Cancer Immunomonitoring Platform, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
- Alderaan Biotechnology, Paris, France
- Faculty of Medical and Paramedic Sciences, Aix-Marseille University, UM105, Marseille, France
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11
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Tang PW, Frisbie L, Hempel N, Coffman L. Insights into the tumor-stromal-immune cell metabolism cross talk in ovarian cancer. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 325:C731-C749. [PMID: 37545409 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00588.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
The ovarian cancer tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a constellation of abundant cellular components, extracellular matrix, and soluble factors. Soluble factors, such as cytokines, chemokines, structural proteins, extracellular vesicles, and metabolites, are critical means of noncontact cellular communication acting as messengers to convey pro- or antitumorigenic signals. Vast advancements have been made in our understanding of how cancer cells adapt their metabolism to meet environmental demands and utilize these adaptations to promote survival, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. The stromal TME contribution to this metabolic rewiring has been relatively underexplored, particularly in ovarian cancer. Thus, metabolic activity alterations in the TME hold promise for further study and potential therapeutic exploitation. In this review, we focus on the cellular components of the TME with emphasis on 1) metabolic signatures of ovarian cancer; 2) understanding the stromal cell network and their metabolic cross talk with tumor cells; and 3) how stromal and tumor cell metabolites alter intratumoral immune cell metabolism and function. Together, these elements provide insight into the metabolic influence of the TME and emphasize the importance of understanding how metabolic performance drives cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla W Tang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Leonard Frisbie
- Department of Integrative Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Nadine Hempel
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Lan Coffman
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
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12
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Ryu S, Lim M, Kim J, Kim HY. Versatile roles of innate lymphoid cells at the mucosal barrier: from homeostasis to pathological inflammation. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:1845-1857. [PMID: 37696896 PMCID: PMC10545731 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01022-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are innate lymphocytes that do not express antigen-specific receptors and largely reside and self-renew in mucosal tissues. ILCs can be categorized into three groups (ILC1-3) based on the transcription factors that direct their functions and the cytokines they produce. Their signature transcription factors and cytokines closely mirror those of their Th1, Th2, and Th17 cell counterparts. Accumulating studies show that ILCs are involved in not only the pathogenesis of mucosal tissue diseases, especially respiratory diseases, and colitis, but also the resolution of such diseases. Here, we discuss recent advances regarding our understanding of the biology of ILCs in mucosal tissue health and disease. In addition, we describe the current research on the immune checkpoints by which other cells regulate ILC activities: for example, checkpoint molecules are potential new targets for therapies that aim to control ILCs in mucosal diseases. In addition, we review approved and clinically- trialed drugs and drugs in clinical trials that can target ILCs and therefore have therapeutic potential in ILC-mediated diseases. Finally, since ILCs also play important roles in mucosal tissue homeostasis, we explore the hitherto sparse research on cell therapy with regulatory ILCs. This review highlights various therapeutic approaches that could be used to treat ILC-mediated mucosal diseases and areas of research that could benefit from further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungwon Ryu
- Department of Microbiology, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, 21999, South Korea
| | - MinYeong Lim
- Laboratory of Mucosal Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, South Korea
- Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, South Korea
- CIRNO, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Jinwoo Kim
- Laboratory of Mucosal Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, South Korea
- Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, South Korea
- CIRNO, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Hye Young Kim
- Laboratory of Mucosal Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, South Korea.
- Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, South Korea.
- CIRNO, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea.
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13
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Taki M. Mini-review: Immunology in ovarian cancer. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2023; 49:2245-2251. [PMID: 37415252 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy for ovarian cancer has been studied for many years and programmed cell death protein 1 ligand/programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-L1/PD-1) blockade has been attempted in several clinical trials; however, the expected therapeutic effect has not been achieved. In contrast, the PD-L1/PD-1 blockade has been clinically applied to endometrial and cervical cancers, and a certain therapeutic effect has been observed. In endometrial cancer, promising outcomes have been achieved with a combination of an anti-PD-1 antibody and lenvatinib, regardless of the number of regimens, even in cases of recurrence after platinum administration. Therefore, immunotherapy is expected to have a therapeutic effect on ovarian cancer regardless of platinum resistance. In this review, considering immunotherapy for ovarian cancer, we discuss the immune mechanisms that exist in ovarian cancer and the immunotherapeutic strategies that should be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mana Taki
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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14
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Deng SZ, Wu X, Tang J, Dai L, Cheng B. Integrative analysis of lysine acetylation-related genes and identification of a novel prognostic model for oral squamous cell carcinoma. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1185832. [PMID: 37705968 PMCID: PMC10495994 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1185832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), which accounts for a high proportion of oral cancers, is characterized by high aggressiveness and rising incidence. Lysine acetylation is associated with cancer pathogenesis. Lysine acetylation-related genes (LARGs) are therapeutic targets and potential prognostic indicators in various tumors, including oral squamous cell carcinoma. However, systematic bioinformatics analysis of the Lysine acetylation-related genes in Oral squamous cell carcinoma is still unexplored. Methods: We analyzed the expression of 33 Lysine acetylation-related genes in oral squamous cell carcinoma and the effects of their somatic mutations on oral squamous cell carcinoma prognosis. Consistent clustering analysis identified two lysine acetylation patterns and the differences between the two patterns were further evaluated. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was used to develop a lysine acetylation-related prognostic model using TCGA oral squamous cell carcinoma datasets, which was then validated using gene expression omnibus (GEO) dataset GSE41613. Results: Patients with lower risk scores had better prognoses, in both the overall cohort and within the subgroups These patients also had "hot" immune microenvironments and were more sensitive to immunotherapy. Disscussion: Our findings offer a new model for classifying oral squamous cell carcinoma and determining its prognosis and offer novel insights into oral squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Zhou Deng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xi-Jing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xuechen Wu
- Department of Stomatology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiezhang Tang
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Lin Dai
- Department of Stomatology, The First Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan, China
| | - Bo Cheng
- Department of Stomatology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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15
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Okamoto M, Sasai M, Kuratani A, Okuzaki D, Arai M, Wing JB, Sakaguchi S, Yamamoto M. A genetic method specifically delineates Th1-type Treg cells and their roles in tumor immunity. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112813. [PMID: 37440410 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells expressing the transcription factor (TF) Foxp3 also express other TFs shared by T helper (Th) subsets under certain conditions. Here, to determine the roles of T-bet-expressing Treg cells, we generate a mouse strain, called VeDTR, in which T-bet/Foxp3 double-positive cells are engineered to be specifically labeled and depleted by a combination of Cre- and Flp-recombinase-dependent gene expression control. Characterization of T-bet+Foxp3+ cells using VeDTR mice reveals high resistance under oxidative stress, which is involved in accumulation of T-bet+Foxp3+ cells in tumor tissues. Moreover, short-term depletion of T-bet+Foxp3+ cells leads to anti-tumor immunity but not autoimmunity, whereas that of whole Treg cells does both. Although ablation of T-bet+Foxp3+ cells during Toxoplasma infection slightly enhances Th1 immune responses, it does not affect the course of the infection. Collectively, the intersectional genetic method reveals the specific roles of T-bet+Foxp3+ cells in suppressing tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaaki Okamoto
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Miwa Sasai
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Department of Immunoparasitology, Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Ayumi Kuratani
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Daisuke Okuzaki
- Genome Information Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masaya Arai
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - James B Wing
- Laboratory of Human Immunology (Single Cell Immunology), WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Human Immunology Team, Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shimon Sakaguchi
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masahiro Yamamoto
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Department of Immunoparasitology, Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
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16
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Wilczyński JR, Wilczyński M, Paradowska E. "DEPHENCE" system-a novel regimen of therapy that is urgently needed in the high-grade serous ovarian cancer-a focus on anti-cancer stem cell and anti-tumor microenvironment targeted therapies. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1201497. [PMID: 37448521 PMCID: PMC10338102 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1201497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer, especially high-grade serous type, is the most lethal gynecological malignancy. The lack of screening programs and the scarcity of symptomatology result in the late diagnosis in about 75% of affected women. Despite very demanding and aggressive surgical treatment, multiple-line chemotherapy regimens and both approved and clinically tested targeted therapies, the overall survival of patients is still unsatisfactory and disappointing. Research studies have recently brought some more understanding of the molecular diversity of the ovarian cancer, its unique intraperitoneal biology, the role of cancer stem cells, and the complexity of tumor microenvironment. There is a growing body of evidence that individualization of the treatment adjusted to the molecular and biochemical signature of the tumor as well as to the medical status of the patient should replace or supplement the foregoing therapy. In this review, we have proposed the principles of the novel regimen of the therapy that we called the "DEPHENCE" system, and we have extensively discussed the results of the studies focused on the ovarian cancer stem cells, other components of cancer metastatic niche, and, finally, clinical trials targeting these two environments. Through this, we have tried to present the evolving landscape of treatment options and put flesh on the experimental approach to attack the high-grade serous ovarian cancer multidirectionally, corresponding to the "DEPHENCE" system postulates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek R Wilczyński
- Department of Gynecological Surgery and Gynecological Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Miłosz Wilczyński
- Department of Gynecological, Endoscopic and Oncological Surgery, Polish Mother's Health Center-Research Institute, Lodz, Poland
- Department of Surgical and Endoscopic Gynecology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Edyta Paradowska
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodz, Poland
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17
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Colombo I, Karakasis K, Suku S, Oza AM. Chasing Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Ovarian Cancer: Novel Combinations and Biomarker Discovery. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3220. [PMID: 37370830 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A deep understanding of the tumor microenvironment and the recognition of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes as a prognostic factor have resulted in major milestones in immunotherapy that have led to therapeutic advances in treating many cancers. Yet, the translation of this knowledge to clinical success for ovarian cancer remains a challenge. The efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors as single agents or combined with chemotherapy has been unsatisfactory, leading to the exploration of alternative combination strategies with targeted agents (e.g., poly-ADP-ribose inhibitors (PARP)and angiogenesis inhibitors) and novel immunotherapy approaches. Among the different histological subtypes, clear cell ovarian cancer has shown a higher sensitivity to immunotherapy. A deeper understanding of the mechanism of immune resistance within the context of ovarian cancer and the identification of predictive biomarkers remain central discovery benchmarks to be realized. This will be critical to successfully define the precision use of immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Colombo
- Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland (IOSI), Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Via A. Gallino, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Katherine Karakasis
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada
| | - Sneha Suku
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada
| | - Amit M Oza
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada
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18
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Yoon WH, DeFazio A, Kasherman L. Immune checkpoint inhibitors in ovarian cancer: where do we go from here? CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2023; 6:358-377. [PMID: 37457131 PMCID: PMC10344730 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2023.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most lethal gynaecological malignancy, and despite advancements in therapeutics, most women unfortunately still succumb to their disease. Immunotherapies, in particular immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), have been therapeutically transformative in many tumour types, including gynaecological malignancies such as cervical and endometrial cancer. Unfortunately, these therapeutic successes have not been mirrored in ovarian cancer clinical studies. This review provides an overview of the ovarian tumour microenvironment (TME), particularly factors associated with survival, and explores current research into immunotherapeutic strategies in EOC, with an exploratory focus on novel therapeutics in navigating drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Hee Yoon
- Department of Medical Oncology, Blacktown Cancer and Haematology Centre, Blacktown Hospital, Blacktown 2148, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead Hospital, Westmead 2145, Australia
- Centre for Cancer Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead 2145, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown 2050, Australia
| | - Anna DeFazio
- Centre for Cancer Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead 2145, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown 2050, Australia
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead 2145, Australia
- The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council New South Wales, Sydney 2011, Australia
| | - Lawrence Kasherman
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown 2050, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Illawarra Cancer Care Centre, Wollongong 2500, Australia
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19
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Peng Z, Li M, Li H, Gao Q. PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade in ovarian cancer: dilemmas and opportunities. Drug Discov Today 2023:103666. [PMID: 37302543 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized treatment in oncology. Antibodies against PD-1/PD-L1 and ICI-based combinations are under clinical investigations in multiple cancers, including ovarian cancer. However, the success of ICIs has not materialized in ovarian cancer, which remains one of the few malignancies where ICIs exhibit modest efficacy as either monotherapy or combination therapy. In this review, we summarize completed and ongoing clinical trials of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in ovarian cancer, categorize the underlying mechanisms of resistance emergence, and introduce candidate approaches to rewire the tumor microenvironment (TME) to potentiate anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies. Teaser: The intrinsic resistance of ovarian cancer to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade could be overcome by advanced understanding of underlying mechanisms and discoveries of new actionable targets for combinatory treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zikun Peng
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; National Clinical Research Centre for Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cancer Biology Research Centre (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; National Clinical Research Centre for Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cancer Biology Research Centre (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huayi Li
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; National Clinical Research Centre for Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cancer Biology Research Centre (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qinglei Gao
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; National Clinical Research Centre for Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cancer Biology Research Centre (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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20
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Zhuo B, Zhang Q, Xie T, Wang Y, Chen Z, Zuo D, Guo B. Integrative epigenetic analysis reveals AP-1 promotes activation of tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cells in HCC. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:103. [PMID: 36941472 PMCID: PMC11071886 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04746-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells that infiltrate human tumors exhibit stronger immunosuppressive activity compared to peripheral blood Treg cells (PBTRs), thus hindering the induction of effective antitumor immunity. Previous transcriptome studies have identified a set of genes that are conserved in tumor-infiltrating Treg cells (TITRs). However, epigenetic profiles of TITRs have not yet been completely deciphered. Here, we employed ATAC-seq and CUT&Tag assays to integrate transcriptome profiles and identify functional regulatory elements in TITRs. We observed a global difference in chromatin accessibility and enhancer landscapes between TITRs and PBTRs. We identified two types of active enhancer formation in TITRs. The H3K4me1-predetermined enhancers are poised to be activated in response to tumor microenvironmental stimuli. We found that AP-1 family motifs are enriched at the enhancer regions of TITRs. Finally, we validated that c-Jun binds at regulatory regions to regulate signature genes of TITRs and AP-1 is required for Treg cells activation in vitro. High c-Jun expression is correlated with poor survival in human HCC. Overall, our results provide insights into the mechanism of AP-1-mediated activation of TITRs and can hopefully be used to develop new therapeutic strategies targeting TITRs in liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baowen Zhuo
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
- Medical Research Institute, Shenzhen Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518102, Guangdong, China
| | - Qifan Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Tingyan Xie
- Medical Research Institute, Shenzhen Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518102, Guangdong, China
| | - Yidan Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shenzhen Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518102, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhengliang Chen
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
| | - Daming Zuo
- Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
| | - Bo Guo
- Medical Research Institute, Shenzhen Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518102, Guangdong, China.
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21
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Johnson J, Kim SY, Sam PK, Asokan R, Cari EL, Bales ES, Luu TH, Perez L, Kallen AN, Nel-Themaat L, Polotsky AJ, Post MD, Orlicky DJ, Jordan KR, Bitler BG. Expression and T cell regulatory action of the PD-1 immune checkpoint in the ovary and fallopian tube. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 89:e13649. [PMID: 36394352 PMCID: PMC10559227 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Immune cell trafficking and surveillance within the ovary and fallopian tube are thought to impact fertility and also tumorigenesis in those organs. However, little is known of how native cells of the ovary and fallopian tube interact with resident immune cells. Interaction of the Programmed Cell Death Protein-1 (PD-1/PDCD-1/CD279) checkpoint with PD-L1 is associated with downregulated immune response. We have begun to address the question of whether PD-1 ligand or its receptors (PD-L1/-L2) can regulate immune cell function in these tissues of the female reproductive tract. METHOD OF STUDY PD-1 and ligand protein expression was evaluated in human ovary and fallopian tube specimens, the latter of which included stages of tubal cell transformation and early tumorigenesis. Ovarian expression analysis included the determination of the proteins in human follicular fluid (HFF) specimens collected during in vitro fertilization procedures. Finally, checkpoint bioactivity of HFF was determined by treatment of separately-isolated human T cells and the measurement of interferon gamma (IFNγ). RESULTS We show that membrane bound and soluble variants of PD-1 and ligands are expressed by permanent constituent cell types of the human ovary and fallopian tube, including granulosa cells and oocytes. PD-1 and soluble ligands were present in HFF at bioactive levels that control T cell PD-1 activation and IFNγ production; full-length checkpoint proteins were found to be highly enriched in HFF exosome fractions. CONCLUSION The detection of PD-1 checkpoint proteins in the human ovary and fallopian tube suggests that the pathway is involved in immunomodulation during folliculogenesis, the window of ovulation, and subsequent egg and embryo immune-privilege. Immunomodulatory action of receptor and ligands in HFF exosomes is suggestive of an acute checkpoint role during ovulation. This is the first study in the role of PD-1 checkpoint proteins in human tubo-ovarian specimens and the first examination of its potential regulatory action in the contexts of normal and assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Johnson
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, Building RC2, Room P15 3103, Mail Stop 8613, Aurora, Colorado 80045
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, 12631 East 17th Avenue, Room 4409, B198-3 Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - So-Youn Kim
- Olson Center for Women’s Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985860 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198
| | | | - Rengasamy Asokan
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, Building RC2, Room P15 3103, Mail Stop 8613, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Evelyn Llerena Cari
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, Building RC2, Room P15 3103, Mail Stop 8613, Aurora, Colorado 80045
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, 12631 East 17th Avenue, Room 4409, B198-3 Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Elise S. Bales
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, Building RC2, Room P15 3103, Mail Stop 8613, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Thanh-Ha Luu
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, Building RC2, Room P15 3103, Mail Stop 8613, Aurora, Colorado 80045
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, 12631 East 17th Avenue, Room 4409, B198-3 Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | | | | | - Liesl Nel-Themaat
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, 12631 East 17th Avenue, Room 4409, B198-3 Aurora, Colorado 80045
- Shady Grove Fertility – Colorado, Denver, CO
| | - Alex J. Polotsky
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, Building RC2, Room P15 3103, Mail Stop 8613, Aurora, Colorado 80045
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, 12631 East 17th Avenue, Room 4409, B198-3 Aurora, Colorado 80045
- Shady Grove Fertility – Colorado, Denver, CO
| | - Miriam D. Post
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Pathology, Mailstop F768, 12605 East 16th Avenue, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - David J. Orlicky
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Pathology, Mailstop F768, 12605 East 16th Avenue, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Kimberly R. Jordan
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Initiative, Human Immune Monitoring Shared Resource, RC1-North, 8113, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Benjamin G. Bitler
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, Building RC2, Room P15 3103, Mail Stop 8613, Aurora, Colorado 80045
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22
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Interactions between Platelets and Tumor Microenvironment Components in Ovarian Cancer and Their Implications for Treatment and Clinical Outcomes. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041282. [PMID: 36831623 PMCID: PMC9953912 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Platelets, the primary operatives of hemostasis that contribute to blood coagulation and wound healing after blood vessel injury, are also involved in pathological conditions, including cancer. Malignancy-associated thrombosis is common in ovarian cancer patients and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Platelets extravasate into the tumor microenvironment in ovarian cancer and interact with cancer cells and non-cancerous elements. Ovarian cancer cells also activate platelets. The communication between activated platelets, cancer cells, and the tumor microenvironment is via various platelet membrane proteins or mediators released through degranulation or the secretion of microvesicles from platelets. These interactions trigger signaling cascades in tumors that promote ovarian cancer progression, metastasis, and neoangiogenesis. This review discusses how interactions between platelets, cancer cells, cancer stem cells, stromal cells, and the extracellular matrix in the tumor microenvironment influence ovarian cancer progression. It also presents novel potential therapeutic approaches toward this gynecological cancer.
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23
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Zhang C, Bai J, Yang Y, Wang X, Liu W, Hou S, Ai Z, Xia Q, Shao L. Construction of prediction model for prognosis of uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma based on pyroptosis gene. Clin Transl Oncol 2022; 25:1413-1424. [PMID: 36520385 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-03037-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the expression of genes that are relevant to pyroptosis and the relationship between these genes and prognosis in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC). METHODS The research identifies 16 pyroptosis regulators with different expressions in normal endometrium and UCEC. In accordance with the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), the various kinds of UCEC are classified into two sub-types. With the help of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the prognostic value of all pyroptosis-related genes for survival was assessed, and a multigene model has constructed accordingly. Ten genes were modeled by applying the minimum criteria for determining risk score selection (LASSO) Cox regression method. Meanwhile, by referring to the TCGA atlas, UCEC patients were divided into the high- and low-risk subgroups. The effects of the gene with significant differences on the proliferation of two cancer cells were also verified. RESULTS The survival rate of UCEC cases with higher risk was higher than that with lower risk (P < 0.001). Through the median risk score of TCGA atlas, UCEC cases were ranked as patients with higher risk and patients with lower risk. The low risk has a significant relationship with the prolongation of overall survival (OS) (p = 0.001) in the low-risk subgroup. Moreover, the KEGG and gene ontology (GO) enrichment models indicated that among the patients in the high-risk subgroup, their immune-related genes were concentrated but with decreased immune status. CONCLUSION The apoptosis-related genes are crucial for the immunity of tumors and may forecast the prognosis of UCEC.
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Construction of Pyroptosis-Related Prognostic and Immune Infiltration Signature in Bladder Cancer. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:6429993. [PMID: 36569221 PMCID: PMC9771655 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6429993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Pyroptosis is a kind of programmed cell death related to inflammation, which is closely related to cancer. The goal of this study is to establish and verify pyroptosis-related gene signature to predict the prognosis of patients with bladder cancer (BLCA) and explore its relationship with immunity. Somatic mutation, copy number variation, correlation, and expression of 33 pyroptosis-related genes were evaluated based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. BLCA cases were divided into two clusters by consistent clustering and found that pyroptosis-related genes were related to the overall survival (OS) of BLCA. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression was used to construct the signature (including 7 pyroptosis-realated genes). Survival analysis curve and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) showed that this signature could predict the prognosis of BLCA patients. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed the independent prognostic value of this model. Immune infiltration analysis showed that the six types of immune cells have significantly different infiltrations. The effect of immunotherapy is better in the low-risk group. In summary, our effort indicated the potential role of pyroptosis-related genes in BLCA and provided new perspectives on the prognosis of BLCA and new ideas for immunotherapy.
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25
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The Association of CD8+ Cytotoxic T Cells and Granzyme B+ Lymphocytes with Immunosuppressive Factors, Tumor Stage and Prognosis in Cutaneous Melanoma. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123209. [PMID: 36551965 PMCID: PMC9775436 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of suppressive cells producing a variety of immunomodulatory proteins, such as programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). Although granzyme B (GrB) is known to convey the cytolytic activities of CD8+ cytotoxic lymphocytes, it is also expressed by other cells, such as regulatory T and B cells, for immunosuppressive purposes. The role of GrB+ lymphocytes in melanoma has not been examined extensively. In this study, benign, premalignant, and malignant melanocytic tumors were stained immunohistochemically for CD8 and GrB. PD-L1 was also stained from malignant samples that had accompanying clinicopathological data. The association of CD8+ and GrB+ lymphocytes with PD-L1 expression, tumor stage, prognosis, and previously analyzed immunosuppressive factors were evaluated. Our aim was to obtain a more comprehensive perception of the immunosuppressive TME in melanoma. The results show that both CD8+ and GrB+ lymphocytes were more abundant in pT4 compared to pT1 melanomas, and in lymph node metastases compared to primary melanomas. Surprisingly, a low GrB/CD8 ratio was associated with better recurrence-free survival in primary melanomas, which indicates that GrB+ lymphocytes might represent activated immunosuppressive lymphocytes rather than cytotoxic T cells. In the present study, CD8+ lymphocytes associated positively with both tumor and stromal immune cell PD-L1 and IDO expression. In addition, PD-L1+ tumor and stromal immune cells associated positively with IDO+ stromal immune and melanoma cells. The data suggest that IDO and PD-L1 seem to be key immunosuppressive factors in CD8+ lymphocyte-predominant tumors in CM.
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Xu T, Liu Z, Huang L, Jing J, Liu X. Modulating the tumor immune microenvironment with nanoparticles: A sword for improving the efficiency of ovarian cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1057850. [PMID: 36532066 PMCID: PMC9751906 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1057850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
With encouraging antitumor effects, immunotherapy represented by immune checkpoint blockade has developed into a mainstream cancer therapeutic modality. However, only a minority of ovarian cancer (OC) patients could benefit from immunotherapy. The main reason is that most OC harbor a suppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Emerging studies suggest that M2 tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), T regulatory cells (Tregs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are enriched in OC. Thus, reversing the suppressive TIME is considered an ideal candidate for improving the efficiency of immunotherapy. Nanoparticles encapsulating immunoregulatory agents can regulate immunocytes and improve the TIME to boost the antitumor immune response. In addition, some nanoparticle-mediated photodynamic and photothermal therapy can directly kill tumor cells and induce tumor immunogenic cell death to activate antigen-presenting cells and promote T cell infiltration. These advantages make nanoparticles promising candidates for modulating the TIME and improving OC immunotherapy. In this review, we analyzed the composition and function of the TIME in OC and summarized the current clinical progress of OC immunotherapy. Then, we expounded on the promising advances in nanomaterial-mediated immunotherapy for modulating the TIME in OC. Finally, we discussed the obstacles and challenges in the clinical translation of this novel combination treatment regimen. We believe this resourceful strategy will open the door to effective immunotherapy of OC and benefit numerous patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jing Jing
- *Correspondence: Xiaowei Liu, ; Jing Jing,
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Regulatory T Cells in Ovarian Carcinogenesis and Future Therapeutic Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225488. [PMID: 36428581 PMCID: PMC9688690 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been shown to play a role in the development of solid tumors. A better understanding of the biology of Tregs, immune suppression by Tregs, and how cancer developed with the activity of Tregs has facilitated the development of strategies used to improve immune-based therapy. In ovarian cancer, Tregs have been shown to promote cancer development and resistance at different cancer stages. Understanding the various Treg-mediated immune escape mechanisms provides opportunities to establish specific, efficient, long-lasting anti-tumor immunity. Here, we review the evidence of Treg involvement in various stages of ovarian cancer. We further provide an overview of the current and prospective therapeutic approaches that arise from the modulation of Treg-related tumor immunity at those specific stages. Finally, we propose combination strategies of Treg-related therapies with other anti-tumor therapies to improve clinical efficacy and overcome tumor resistance in ovarian cancer.
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28
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Wang J, Shi F, Shan A. Transcriptome profile and clinical characterization of ICOS expression in gliomas. Front Oncol 2022; 12:946967. [PMID: 36276141 PMCID: PMC9582985 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.946967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inducible co-stimulator (ICOS), an immune costimulatory molecule, has been found to play an essential role across various malignancies. This study investigated the transcriptome profile and clinical characterization of ICOS in gliomas. Clinical information and transcriptome data of 301 glioma samples were downloaded from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) dataset for analysis (CGGA301 cohort). Furthermore, the results were validated in 697 samples with RNAseq data from the TCGA glioma dataset and 325 gliomas with RNAseq data from the CGGA325 dataset. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate ICOS protein expression across different WHO grades in a tissue microarray (TMA). In addition, single-cell sequencing data from CGGA and GSE 163108 datasets were used to analyze the ICOS expression across different cell types. Statistical analyses and figure production were performed with R-language. We found that ICOS was significantly upregulated in higher-grade, IDH wild type, and mesenchymal subtype of gliomas. Functional enrichment analyses revealed that ICOS was mainly involved in glioma-related immune response. Moreover, ICOS showed a robust correlation with other immune checkpoints, including the PD1/PD-L1/PD-L2 pathway, CTLA4, ICOSL (ICOS ligand), and IDO1. Subsequent Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) analysis revealed that GBM patients with higher ICOS expression seemed to be more sensitive to ICB therapy. Furthermore, based on seven clusters of metagenes, GSVA identified that ICOS was tightly associated with HCK, LCK, MHC-I, MHC-II, STAT1, and interferon, especially with LCK, suggesting a strong correlation between ICOS and T-cell activity in gliomas. In cell lineage analysis, Higher-ICOS gliomas tended to recruit dendritic cells, monocytes, and macrophages into the tumor microenvironment. Single-cell sequencing analysis indicated that ICOS was highly expressed by regulatory T cells (Tregs), especially in mature Tregs. Finally, patients with higher ICOS had shortened survival. ICOS was an independent prognosticator for glioma patients. In conclusion, higher ICOS is correlated with more malignancy of gliomas and is significantly associated with Treg activity among glioma-related immune responses. Moreover, ICOS could contribute as an independent prognostic factor for gliomas. Our study highlights the role of ICOS in glioma and may facilitate therapeutic strategies targeting ICOS for glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Wang
- *Correspondence: Jin Wang, ; Fei Shi, ; Aijun Shan,
| | - Fei Shi
- *Correspondence: Jin Wang, ; Fei Shi, ; Aijun Shan,
| | - Aijun Shan
- *Correspondence: Jin Wang, ; Fei Shi, ; Aijun Shan,
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29
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Identification of Novel Immunologic Checkpoint Gene Prognostic Markers for Ovarian Cancer. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:8570882. [PMID: 36157232 PMCID: PMC9499758 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8570882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer has a higher resistance to chemotherapy, displaying the highest mortality rate among gynecological cancers. Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy is an effective treatment for selected patients. However, a low response rate for immune checkpoint treatment was observed for ovarian cancer patients. Therefore, it is necessary to identify ovarian cancer patients who might gain benefits from immune checkpoint treatment. Datasets containing ovarian cancer samples with mRNA-seq and clinical follow-up data were downloaded from different databases like The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The researchers applied the univariate analysis for selecting the immune checkpoint genes (ICGs) at a significance level of P < 0.05 as the candidate ICGs. The Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated to compare the correlation between tumor mutation burden and candidate ICGs, and the Kaplan-Meier plots were generated. They also assessed the external validation datasets and the results of immunohistochemical staining. 46 and 35 ICGs were extracted from the TCGA and GEO datasets, respectively, and we categorized the ICGs into 3 expression patterns. Nine (TCGA) and three (GEO) ICGs were significantly related to the prognosis. Univariate survival analysis indicated a significant prognostic relationship between the expression levels of ICOS, TIGIT, and TNFRSF8 and overall survival (OS). Moreover, the expression of ICOS and TIGIT also presented a significantly positive relationship with the CD8A expression. Importantly, patients with a higher CD8A and ICOS expression level (ICOS-H/CD8A-H) showed a better survival rate compared to other patients. Stratified analysis using TIGIT, TNFRSF8, and CD8A expression also showed an improved prognosis for the high TIGIT/high CD8A expression subgroup and the low TNFRSF8/low CD8A expression subgroup compared to the other subgroups. This study identified different immune subtypes that can predict the OS of ovarian cancer patients. This data could prove to be beneficial for making important clinical decisions and designing individual immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Li H, Chang X, Wang H, Peng B, Wang J, Zhang P, Zhang L. Identification of a prognostic index system and tumor immune infiltration characterization for lung adenocarcinoma based on mRNA molecular of pyroptosis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:934835. [PMID: 36186792 PMCID: PMC9520088 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.934835] [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: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose Pyroptosis is a form of programmed cell death, which plays an important role in tumorigenesis, progression, and regulation of the tumor microenvironment. It can affect lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) progression. This study aimed to construct a pyroptosis-related mRNA prognostic index (PRMPI) for LUAD and clarify the tumor microenvironment infiltration characterization of LUAD. Materials and methods We performed a univariate Cox regression analysis for pyroptosis-related mRNAs in the TCGA cohort. Then, we used LASSO Cox regression to establish a PRMPI. The quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to quantify the relative expression of pyroptosis-related mRNAs. The CPTAC cohort was used to confirm the stability and wide applicability of the PRMPI. The single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was performed to assess the tumor microenvironment infiltration characterization. Results A total of 36 pyroptosis-related mRNAs were identified. The PRMPI was established based on five pyroptosis-related mRNAs. The expression patterns of these mRNAs were verified in LUAD samples from our medical center by qRT-PCR. High-PRMPI patients had worse overall survival than low-PRMPI patients. The result was validated in the CPTAC cohort. The comprehensive analysis indicated that the high-PRMPI patients exhibited lower immune activity, more aggressive immunophenotype, lower expression of immune checkpoint molecule, higher TP53 mutation rate, and higher tumor stemness than low-PRMPI patients. Low-PRMPI patients may be more sensitive to immunotherapy, while high-PRMPI patients may benefit more from chemotherapy and targeted therapy. Conclusions The PRMPI may be a promising biomarker to predict the prognosis, tumor microenvironment infiltration characterization, and the response to adjuvant therapy in LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huawei Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xiaoyan Chang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, 83 Group Military Hospital of People’s Liberation Army, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Bo Peng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Linyou Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- *Correspondence: Linyou Zhang,
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Gupta R, Jit BP, Kumar S, Mittan S, Tanwer P, Ray MD, Mathur S, Perumal V, Kumar L, Rath GK, Sharma A. Leveraging epigenetics to enhance the efficacy of cancer-testis antigen: a potential candidate for immunotherapy. Epigenomics 2022; 14:865-886. [DOI: 10.2217/epi-2021-0479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological malignancy in women. The phenotype is characterized by delayed diagnosis, recurrence and drug resistance. Inherent immunogenicity potential, oncogenic function and expression of cancer-testis/germline antigen (CTA) in ovarian cancer render them a potential candidate for immunotherapy. Revolutionary clinical findings indicate that tumor antigen-mediated T-cell and dendritic cell-based immunotherapeutic approaches provide an excellent strategy for targeting tumors. Currently, dendritic cell vaccination for the treatment of B-cell lymphoma and CTA-based T-cell receptor transduced T-cell therapy involving MAGE-A4 and NY-ESO-1 are well documented and shown to be effective. This review highlighted the mechanical aspects of epigenetic drugs that can elicit a CTA-based humoral and cellular immune response and implicate T-cell and dendritic cell-based immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashmi Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry, National Cancer Institute – India, Jhajjar Campus, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Bimal Prasad Jit
- Department of Biochemistry, National Cancer Institute – India, Jhajjar Campus, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Santosh Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, National Cancer Institute – India, Jhajjar Campus, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Sandeep Mittan
- Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY 10467, USA
| | - Pranay Tanwer
- Laboratory Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - M D Ray
- Department of Surgical Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Sandeep Mathur
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Vanamail Perumal
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Lalit Kumar
- Department of Medical Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - G K Rath
- Department of Radiotherapy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Ashok Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, National Cancer Institute – India, Jhajjar Campus, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India
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Xiao S, Yan Z, Zeng F, Lu Y, Qiu J, Zhu X. Identification of a pyroptosis-related prognosis gene signature and its relationship with an immune microenvironment in gliomas. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e29391. [PMID: 35839032 PMCID: PMC11132325 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000029391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioma is the most common type of primary brain cancer, and the prognosis of most patients with glioma is poor. Pyroptosis is a newly discovered inflammatory programmed cell death. However, the expression of pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) in glioma and its correlation with prognosis are unclear. METHODS 27 pyroptosis genes differentially expressed between glioma and adjacent normal tissues were identified. All glioma cases could be stratified into 2 subtypes based on these differentially expressed PRGs. The prognostic value of each PRG was evaluated to construct a prognostic model. RESULTS A novel 16-gene signature was constructed by using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression method. Then, patients with glioma were divided into low- and high-risk groups in the TCGA cohort. The survival rate of patients in the low-risk group was significantly higher than that in the high-risk group (P = .001). Patients with glioma from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) cohort were stratified into 2 risk groups by using the median risk score. The overall survival (OS) of the low-risk group was longer than that of the high-risk group (P = .001). The risk score was considered an independent prognostic factor of the OS of patients with glioma. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encylopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis showed that the differentially expressed PRGs were mainly related to neutrophil activation involved in immune responses, focal adhesion, cell cycle, and p53 signaling pathway. CONCLUSION PRGs could predict the prognosis of glioma and play significant roles in a tumor immune microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengying Xiao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, Hunan 410016, P.R. China
| | - Zhiguang Yan
- Department of Orthopedics, Ningxiang Hospital Affiliated to Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Ningxiang, Hunan, 410600, P.R. China
| | - Furen Zeng
- Department of Oncology, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, Hunan 410016, P.R. China
| | - Yichen Lu
- Department of Oncology, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, Hunan 410016, P.R. China
| | - Jun Qiu
- Department of Oncology, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, Hunan 410016, P.R. China
| | - Xiaodong Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
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Chung DC, Jacquelot N, Ghaedi M, Warner K, Ohashi PS. Innate Lymphoid Cells: Role in Immune Regulation and Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2071. [PMID: 35565201 PMCID: PMC9102917 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune regulation is composed of a complex network of cellular and molecular pathways that regulate the immune system and prevent tissue damage. It is increasingly clear that innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are also armed with immunosuppressive capacities similar to well-known immune regulatory cells (i.e., regulatory T cells). In cancer, immunoregulatory ILCs have been shown to inhibit anti-tumour immune response through various mechanisms including: (a) direct suppression of anti-tumour T cells or NK cells, (b) inhibiting T-cell priming, and (c) promoting other immunoregulatory cells. To provide a framework of understanding the role of immunosuppressive ILCs in the context of cancer, we first outline a brief history and challenges related to defining immunosuppressive ILCs. Furthermore, we focus on the mechanisms of ILCs in suppressing anti-tumour immunity and consequentially promoting tumour progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas C. Chung
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (N.J.); (M.G.); (K.W.)
| | - Nicolas Jacquelot
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (N.J.); (M.G.); (K.W.)
| | - Maryam Ghaedi
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (N.J.); (M.G.); (K.W.)
| | - Kathrin Warner
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (N.J.); (M.G.); (K.W.)
| | - Pamela S. Ohashi
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (N.J.); (M.G.); (K.W.)
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Han S, Liu ZQ, Chung DC, Paul MS, Garcia-Batres CR, Sayad A, Elford AR, Gold MJ, Grimshaw N, Ohashi PS. Overproduction of IFNγ by Cbl-b-Deficient CD8+ T Cells Provides Resistance against Regulatory T Cells and Induces Potent Antitumor Immunity. Cancer Immunol Res 2022; 10:437-452. [PMID: 35181779 PMCID: PMC9662906 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-20-0973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Treg) are an integral component of the adaptive immune system that negatively affect antitumor immunity. Here, we investigated the role of the E3 ubiquitin ligase casitas B-lineage lymphoma-b (Cbl-b) in establishing CD8+ T-cell resistance to Treg-mediated suppression to enhance antitumor immunity. Transcriptomic analyses suggested that Cbl-b regulates pathways associated with cytokine signaling and cellular proliferation. We showed that the hypersecretion of IFNγ by Cbl-b-deficient CD8+ T cells selectively attenuated CD8+ T-cell suppression by Tregs. Although IFNγ production by Cbl-b-deficient T cells contributed to phenotypic alterations in Tregs, the cytokine did not attenuate the suppressive function of Tregs. Instead, IFNγ had a profound effect on CD8+ T cells by directly upregulating interferon-stimulated genes and modulating T-cell activation. In murine models of adoptive T-cell therapy, Cbl-b-deficient T cells elicited superior antitumor immune response. Furthermore, Cbl-b-deficient CD8+ T cells were less susceptible to suppression by Tregs in the tumor through the effects of IFNγ. Collectively, this study demonstrates that the hypersecretion of IFNγ serves as a key mechanism by which Cbl-b-deficient CD8+ T cells are rendered resistant to Tregs. See related Spotlight by Wolf and Baier, p. 370.
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Affiliation(s)
- SeongJun Han
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zhe Qi Liu
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Douglas C. Chung
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael St. Paul
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Azin Sayad
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alisha R. Elford
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthew J. Gold
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Natasha Grimshaw
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pamela S. Ohashi
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Corresponding Author: Pamela S. Ohashi, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, 610 University Avenue, 9-406, Toronto ON M5G 2M9, Canada. Phone: 416-946-4501 ×3689; E-mail:
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Hong MMY, Maleki Vareki S. Addressing the Elephant in the Immunotherapy Room: Effector T-Cell Priming versus Depletion of Regulatory T-Cells by Anti-CTLA-4 Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:1580. [PMID: 35326731 PMCID: PMC8946681 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte Associated Protein 4 (CTLA-4) is an immune checkpoint molecule highly expressed on regulatory T-cells (Tregs) that can inhibit the activation of effector T-cells. Anti-CTLA-4 therapy can confer long-lasting clinical benefits in cancer patients as a single agent or in combination with other immunotherapy agents. However, patient response rates to anti-CTLA-4 are relatively low, and a high percentage of patients experience severe immune-related adverse events. Clinical use of anti-CTLA-4 has regained interest in recent years; however, the mechanism(s) of anti-CTLA-4 is not well understood. Although activating T-cells is regarded as the primary anti-tumor mechanism of anti-CTLA-4 therapies, mounting evidence in the literature suggests targeting intra-tumoral Tregs as the primary mechanism of action of these agents. Tregs in the tumor microenvironment can suppress the host anti-tumor immune responses through several cell contact-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Anti-CTLA-4 therapy can enhance the priming of T-cells by blockading CD80/86-CTLA-4 interactions or depleting Tregs through antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and phagocytosis. This review will discuss proposed fundamental mechanisms of anti-CTLA-4 therapy, novel uses of anti-CTLA-4 in cancer treatment and approaches to improve the therapeutic efficacy of anti-CTLA-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan M Y Hong
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada;
| | - Saman Maleki Vareki
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada;
- London Regional Cancer Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
- Department of Oncology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
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Muik A, Altintas I, Gieseke F, Schoedel KB, Burm SM, Toker A, Salcedo TW, Verzijl D, Eisel D, Grunwitz C, Kranz LM, Vormehr M, Satijn DP, Diken M, Kreiter S, Sasser K, Ahmadi T, Türeci Ö, Breij EC, Jure-Kunkel M, Sahin U. An Fc-inert PD-L1×4-1BB bispecific antibody mediates potent anti-tumor immunity in mice by combining checkpoint inhibition and conditional 4-1BB co-stimulation. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2030135. [PMID: 35186440 PMCID: PMC8855865 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2030135] [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] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis have changed the treatment paradigm for advanced solid tumors; however, many patients experience treatment resistance. In preclinical models 4-1BB co-stimulation synergizes with ICI by activating cytotoxic T- and NK-cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity. Here we characterize the mechanism of action of a mouse-reactive Fc-inert PD-L1×4-1BB bispecific antibody (mbsAb-PD-L1×4-1BB) and provide proof-of-concept for enhanced anti-tumor activity. In reporter assays mbsAb-PD-L1×4-1BB exhibited conditional 4-1BB agonist activity that was dependent on simultaneous binding to PD-L1. mbsAb-PD-L1×4-1BB further blocked the PD-L1/PD-1 interaction independently of 4-1BB binding. By combining both mechanisms, mbsAb-PD-L1×4-1BB strongly enhanced T-cell proliferation, cytokine production and antigen-specific cytotoxicity using primary mouse cells in vitro. Furthermore, mbsAb-PD-L1×4-1BB exhibited potent anti-tumor activity in the CT26 and MC38 models in vivo, leading to the rejection of CT26 tumors that were unresponsive to PD-L1 blockade alone. Anti-tumor activity was associated with increased tumor-specific CD8+ T cells and reduced regulatory T cells within the tumor microenvironment and tumor-draining lymph nodes. In immunocompetent tumor-free mice, mbsAb-PD-L1×4-1BB treatment neither induced T-cell infiltration into the liver nor elevated liver enzymes in the blood. Dual targeting of PD-L1 and 4-1BB with a bispecific antibody may therefore address key limitations of first generation 4-1BB-agonistic antibodies, and may provide a novel approach to improve PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ugur Sahin
- BioNTech SE, Mainz, Germany
- TRON – Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University gGmbH, Mainz, Germany
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Li T, Liu H, Dong C, Lyu J. Prognostic Implications of Pyroptosis-Related Gene Signatures in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:806995. [PMID: 35153782 PMCID: PMC8829032 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.806995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) has been a highly malignant tumor with very poor prognosis. It is confirmed that pyroptosis refers to the deaths of cells in a programmed and inflammatory manner. Nevertheless, the correlation between expression of genes related with pyroptosis and their prognosis remains uncertain in LUSC. Methods: Utilization of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort has been done for evaluating the prognostics of pyroptosis-related genes for survival and constructing a signature with multiple genes. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression was performed for establishing such pyroptosis-related gene signature. Results: Eventually, identification of 28 genes in relation to pyroptosis was made in LUSC and healthy lung tissues. Upon the basis of these differentially-expressed genes (DEGs), the patients of LUSC can be divided into two subtypes. Nine gene signatures were established using LASSO. The surviving rate for low-risk group was apparently greater in contrast with the high-risk group (p < .001). According to our finding, risk score worked as an independent predictive factor of OS among LUSC sufferers in combination with clinical characteristics. In line with Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses, the enrichment of immunity-related genes and decreasing immunity status among the high-risk group. Conclusion: Genes in relation with pyroptosis played an essential role in tumor immunity, which is capable of predicting the prognosis for LUSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Xi'an Chest Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Huanqing Liu
- Department of Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunsheng Dong
- School of Computer Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jun Lyu
- Department of Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Chuckran CA, Cillo AR, Moskovitz J, Overacre-Delgoffe A, Somasundaram AS, Shan F, Magnon GC, Kunning SR, Abecassis I, Zureikat AH, Luketich J, Pennathur A, Sembrat J, Rojas M, Merrick DT, Taylor SE, Orr B, Modugno F, Buckanovich R, Schoen RE, Kim S, Duvvuri U, Zeh H, Edwards R, Kirkwood JM, Coffman L, Ferris RL, Bruno TC, Vignali DAA. Prevalence of intratumoral regulatory T cells expressing neuropilin-1 is associated with poorer outcomes in patients with cancer. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:eabf8495. [PMID: 34878821 PMCID: PMC9022491 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abf8495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Despite the success of immune checkpoint blockade therapy, few strategies sufficiently overcome immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Targeting regulatory T cells (Tregs) is challenging, because perturbing intratumoral Treg function must be specific enough to avoid systemic inflammatory side effects. Thus, no Treg-targeted agents have proven both safe and efficacious in patients with cancer. Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) is recognized for its role in supporting intratumoral Treg function while being dispensable for peripheral homeostasis. Nonetheless, little is known about the biology of human NRP1+ Tregs and the signals that regulate NRP1 expression. Here, we report that NRP1 is preferentially expressed on intratumoral Tregs across six distinct cancer types compared to healthy donor peripheral blood [peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL)] and site-matched, noncancer tissue. Furthermore, NRP1+ Treg prevalence is associated with reduced progression-free survival in head and neck cancer. Human NRP1+ Tregs have broad activation programs and elevated suppressive function. Unlike mouse Tregs, we demonstrate that NRP1 identifies a transient activation state of human Tregs driven by continuous T cell receptor (TCR) signaling through the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and interleukin-2 exposure. The prevalence of NRP1+ Tregs in patient PBL correlates with the intratumoral abundance of NRP1+ Tregs and may indicate higher disease burden. These findings support further clinical evaluation of NRP1 as a suitable therapeutic target to enhance antitumor immunity by inhibiting Treg function in the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A. Chuckran
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Graduate Program of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 200 Lothrop St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Anthony R. Cillo
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Jessica Moskovitz
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Abigail Overacre-Delgoffe
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Ashwin S. Somasundaram
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Feng Shan
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Integrative Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Grant C. Magnon
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Sheryl R. Kunning
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Irina Abecassis
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Amer H. Zureikat
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and UPMC Pancreatic Cancer Program, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - James Luketich
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Arjun Pennathur
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - John Sembrat
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Mauricio Rojas
- Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood, and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Daniel T. Merrick
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Sarah E. Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Brian Orr
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gynecologic Oncology Division, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Francesmary Modugno
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Women’s Cancer Research Center, Magee-Women’s Research Institute and Foundation and Hillman Cancer Center and Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Ron Buckanovich
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Robert E. Schoen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Seungwon Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Umamaheswar Duvvuri
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Herbert Zeh
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Robert Edwards
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - John M. Kirkwood
- Departments of Medicine, Dermatology, and Translational Science, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Lan Coffman
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Robert L. Ferris
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Tullia C. Bruno
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Dario A. A. Vignali
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Jacquelot N, Ghaedi M, Warner K, Chung DC, Crome SQ, Ohashi PS. Immune Checkpoints and Innate Lymphoid Cells-New Avenues for Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5967. [PMID: 34885076 PMCID: PMC8657134 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13235967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoints (IC) are broadly characterized as inhibitory pathways that tightly regulate the activation of the immune system. These molecular "brakes" are centrally involved in the maintenance of immune self-tolerance and represent a key mechanism in avoiding autoimmunity and tissue destruction. Antibody-based therapies target these inhibitory molecules on T cells to improve their cytotoxic function, with unprecedented clinical efficacies for a number of malignancies. Many of these ICs are also expressed on innate lymphoid cells (ILC), drawing interest from the field to understand their function, impact for anti-tumor immunity and potential for immunotherapy. In this review, we highlight ILC specificities at different tissue sites and their migration potential upon inflammatory challenge. We further summarize the current understanding of IC molecules on ILC and discuss potential strategies for ILC modulation as part of a greater anti-cancer armamentarium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Jacquelot
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (M.G.); (K.W.); (D.C.C.)
| | - Maryam Ghaedi
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (M.G.); (K.W.); (D.C.C.)
| | - Kathrin Warner
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (M.G.); (K.W.); (D.C.C.)
| | - Douglas C. Chung
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (M.G.); (K.W.); (D.C.C.)
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada;
| | - Sarah Q. Crome
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada;
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Pamela S. Ohashi
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (M.G.); (K.W.); (D.C.C.)
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada;
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40
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Xu PC, Luan Y, Yu SY, Xu J, Coulter DW, Kim SY. Effects of PD-1 blockade on ovarian follicles in a prepubertal female mouse. J Endocrinol 2021; 252:15-30. [PMID: 34647523 PMCID: PMC8630981 DOI: 10.1530/joe-21-0209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged at the forefront of cancer treatment. Checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA), a chimeric antibody which targets programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in pediatric patients with relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, there is currently no published data regarding the effects of pembrolizumab on the ovary of female pediatric patients. In this study, prepubertal immunocompetent and immunodeficient female mice were injected with pembrolizumab or anti-mouse PD-1 antibody. The number of primordial follicles significantly decreased post-injection of both pembrolizumab and anti-mouse PD-1 antibody in immunocompetent mice. However, no changes in follicle numbers were observed in immunodeficient nude mice. Superovulation test and vaginal opening experiments suggest that there is no difference in the number of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) and the timing of puberty onset between the control and anti-mouse PD-1 antibody treatment groups, indicating that there is no effect on short-term fertility. Elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α following COX-2 upregulation was observed in the ovary. CD3+ T-cell infiltration was detected within some ovarian follicles and between stromal cells of the ovaries in mice following treatment with anti-mouse PD-1 antibody. Thus, PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade affects the ovarian reserve through a mechanism possibly involving inflammation following CD3+ T-cell infiltration.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/adverse effects
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/adverse effects
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/pharmacology
- Cell Count
- Female
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/adverse effects
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Infertility, Female/chemically induced
- Infertility, Female/pathology
- Mice
- Mice, Nude
- Oocytes/cytology
- Oocytes/drug effects
- Ovarian Follicle/drug effects
- Ovarian Reserve/drug effects
- Ovary/drug effects
- Ovary/physiology
- Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/antagonists & inhibitors
- Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/immunology
- Sexual Maturation/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline C. Xu
- Olson Center for Women’s Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Yi Luan
- Olson Center for Women’s Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Seok-Yeong Yu
- Olson Center for Women’s Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Jing Xu
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Donald W. Coulter
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - So-Youn Kim
- Olson Center for Women’s Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
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Lorvik KB, Meyer-Myklestad MH, Kushekar K, Handeland C, Medhus AW, Lund-Iversen M, Stiksrud B, Kvale D, Dyrhol-Riise AM, Taskén K, Reikvam DH. Enhanced Gut-Homing Dynamics and Pronounced Exhaustion of Mucosal and Blood CD4 + T Cells in HIV-Infected Immunological Non-Responders. Front Immunol 2021; 12:744155. [PMID: 34691047 PMCID: PMC8529151 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.744155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunological non-responders (INR), a subgroup of people living with HIV (PLHIV) who fail to restore CD4+ T cell numbers upon effective antiretroviral treatment, have impaired gut mucosal barrier function and an inferior clinical prognosis compared with immunological responders (IR). The contribution of gut-homing and exhaustion of mucosal T cells to the INR phenotype was previously unknown. Flow cytometry analysis of mononuclear cells from peripheral blood and ileal and colonic lamina propria showed that INR had higher fractions of gut-homing CD4+ T cells in blood compared with IR. In addition, gut-homing cells were more likely to display signs of exhaustion in INR. The increased CD4+ T cell exhaustion in INR was ubiquitous and not restricted to subpopulations defined by activation, differentiation or regulatory T cell markers. In INR, colon CD4+ T cell exhaustion correlated negatively with the fraction of CD4+ T cells in the same compartment, this was not apparent in the ileum. The fraction of exhausted mucosal CD4+ T cells correlated with I-FABP and REG3α, markers of enterocyte damage. We conclude that alterations of gut-homing and exhaustion of T cells may contribute to impaired gut immune and barrier functions associated with immunological non-response in PLHIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Berg Lorvik
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Nordic EMBL Partnership, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Malin Holm Meyer-Myklestad
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kushi Kushekar
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Nordic EMBL Partnership, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Charlotte Handeland
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Nordic EMBL Partnership, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Birgitte Stiksrud
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dag Kvale
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Margarita Dyrhol-Riise
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kjetil Taskén
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Nordic EMBL Partnership, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dag Henrik Reikvam
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Li X, He J. A Novel Pyroptosis-Related Gene Signature for Early-Stage Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Gen Med 2021; 14:6439-6453. [PMID: 34675612 PMCID: PMC8502038 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s331975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diagnosis of early stage lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) has improved; however, a comprehensive analysis of prognostic signatures is needed. Purpose To identify, establish, and validate a signature model based on pyroptosis-related genes for prognostic predictions of early stage LUSC. Patients and Methods Two independent cohorts were included. RNA-seq transcriptome data from patients with early stage LUSC were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Thirty-three pyroptosis-related genes were analyzed between early stage LUSC and normal lung tissues. Cox regression analysis, random survival forest, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithms established a three-gene signature. Kaplan–Meier survival and receiver-operating characteristic curves assessed the prognostic efficacy of the model. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) assessed the relationship between pyroptosis and immune cells. Patients with early stage LUSC from the GSE74777 dataset were used for validation. Pyroptosis-related genes were verified by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Results Twenty-three differentially expressed pyroptosis-related genes were identified in the LUSC and adjacent normal tissues. Three differentially expressed pyroptosis-related genes were identified as hub genes in early stage LUSC. Patients with early stage LUSC in the TCGA cohort were classified into low- and high-risk subgroups according to the risk score. Overall survival (OS) was significantly short in the high-risk subgroup versus the low-risk subgroup. A similar result was found for the GSE74777 dataset. ssGSEA of immune cells and immune-related pathways between the low- and high-risk subgroups may explain the different OS for patients with early-stage LUSC. IL-6 expression was upregulated, which was inconsistent with the bioinformatic analysis. NOD1 and CASP4 were downregulated in LUSC (all P < 0.05) versus normal lung tissues. Conclusion Differentially expressed pyroptosis-related genes may be involved in early stage LUSC. Pyroptosis-related genes are important in tumor immunity and may be potential prognostic predictors for early stage LUSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Li
- Clinical Medical College of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610500, People's Republic of China.,Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610500, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie He
- Clinical Medical College of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610500, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610500, People's Republic of China
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43
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Thaker PH, Bradley WH, Leath CA, Gunderson Jackson C, Borys N, Anwer K, Musso L, Matsuzaki J, Bshara W, Odunsi K, Alvarez RD. GEN-1 in Combination with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Patients with Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: A Phase I Dose-escalation Study. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:5536-5545. [PMID: 34326131 PMCID: PMC9338778 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-0360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE GEN-1 (phIL-12-005/PPC), an IL12 plasmid formulated with polyethyleneglycol-polyethyleneimine cholesterol lipopolymer, has preclinical activity when combined with platinum-taxane intravenous chemotherapy and administered intraperitoneally in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) models. OVATION I was a multicenter, nonrandomized, open-label phase IB trial to evaluate the safety, preliminary antitumor activity, and immunologic response to GEN-1 in combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) carboplatin-paclitaxel in patients with advanced EOC. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 18 patients with newly diagnosed stage IIIC and IV EOC were enrolled. A standard 3+3 dose-escalation design tested four GEN-1 doses (36, 47, 61, 79 mg/m2) to determine the maximum tolerated dose and dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs). GEN-1 was administered in eight weekly intraperitoneal infusions starting at cycle 1 week 2 in combination with three 21-day cycles of NACT carboplatin AUC 6 and weekly paclitaxel 80 mg/m2. RESULTS The most common treatment-emergent adverse events at least possibly related were nausea, fatigue, abdominal pain/cramping, anorexia, diarrhea, and vomiting. Eight patients experience grade 4 neutropenia attributed to NACT. No DLTs occurred. A total of 14 patients were evaluable for response and 12 (85.7%) had radiological response (two complete response and 10 partial response) prior to debulking; nine were R0 at debulking and one patient had complete pathologic response. IL12 and its downstream cytokine, IFNγ, increased in peritoneal washings but not as much in blood. Increased levels of myeloid dendritic cells and T-effector memory cells in peritoneal fluid, plus elevated CD8+ T cells and reduced immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment were found. A median time to treatment failure of 18.4 months (95% confidence interval, 9.2-24.5) was observed in the intention-to-treat population. CONCLUSIONS Adding GEN-1 to standard NACT is safe, appears active, and has an impact on the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Premal H Thaker
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.
| | | | - Charles A Leath
- O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Wiam Bshara
- Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Kunle Odunsi
- Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
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44
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Fucikova J, Coosemans A, Orsulic S, Cibula D, Vergote I, Galluzzi L, Spisek R. Immunological configuration of ovarian carcinoma: features and impact on disease outcome. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-002873. [PMID: 34645669 PMCID: PMC8515436 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) is a relatively rare malignancy but is the fifth-leading cause of cancer-related death in women, largely reflecting early, prediagnosis dissemination of malignant disease to the peritoneum. At odds with other neoplasms, EOC is virtually insensitive to immune checkpoint inhibitors, correlating with a tumor microenvironment that exhibits poor infiltration by immune cells and active immunosuppression. Here, we comparatively summarize the humoral and cellular features of primary and metastatic EOC, comparatively analyze their impact on disease outcome, and propose measures to alter them in support of treatment sensitivity and superior patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitka Fucikova
- Sotio Biotech, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Immunology, Charles University, 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - An Coosemans
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Leuven Cancer Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sandra Orsulic
- UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - David Cibula
- Gynecologic Oncology Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ignace Vergote
- Division of Gynecological Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Radek Spisek
- Sotio Biotech, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Immunology, Charles University, 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
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45
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Pisano S, Lenna S, Healey GD, Izardi F, Meeks L, Jimenez YS, Velazquez OS, Gonzalez D, Conlan RS, Corradetti B. Assessment of the immune landscapes of advanced ovarian cancer in an optimized in vivo model. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e551. [PMID: 34709744 PMCID: PMC8506632 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian cancer (OC) is typically diagnosed late, associated with high rates of metastasis and the onset of ascites during late stage disease. Understanding the tumor microenvironment and how it impacts the efficacy of current treatments, including immunotherapies, needs effective in vivo models that are fully characterized. In particular, understanding the role of immune cells within the tumor and ascitic fluid could provide important insights into why OC fails to respond to immunotherapies. In this work, we comprehensively described the immune cell infiltrates in tumor nodules and the ascitic fluid within an optimized preclinical model of advanced ovarian cancer. METHODS Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)-ID8 OC cells were injected intraperitoneally into C57BL/6 mice and the development of advanced stage OC monitored. Nine weeks after tumor injection, mice were sacrificed and tumor nodules analyzed to identify specific immune infiltrates by immunohistochemistry. Ascites, developed in tumor bearing mice over a 10-week period, was characterized by mass cytometry (CyTOF) to qualitatively and quantitatively assess the distribution of the immune cell subsets, and their relationship to ascites from ovarian cancer patients. RESULTS Tumor nodules in the peritoneal cavity proved to be enriched in T cells, antigen presenting cells and macrophages, demonstrating an active immune environment and cell-mediated immunity. Assessment of the immune landscape in the ascites showed the predominance of CD8+ , CD4+ , B- , and memory T cells, among others, and the coexistance of different immune cell types within the same tumor microenvironment. CONCLUSIONS We performed, for the first time, a multiparametric analysis of the ascitic fluid and specifically identify immune cell populations in the peritoneal cavity of mice with advanced OC. Data obtained highlights the impact of CytOF as a diagnostic tool for this malignancy, with the opportunity to concomitantly identify novel targets, and define personalized therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Pisano
- Department of NanomedicineHouston Methodist Research InstituteHoustonTexas
- Center for NanoHealthSwansea University Medical SchoolSwanseaUK
| | - Stefania Lenna
- Department of NanomedicineHouston Methodist Research InstituteHoustonTexas
| | | | | | - Lucille Meeks
- Department of NanomedicineHouston Methodist Research InstituteHoustonTexas
| | - Yajaira S. Jimenez
- Department of NanomedicineHouston Methodist Research InstituteHoustonTexas
- Texas A&M Health Science CenterCollege of MedicineBryanTexas
| | - Oscar S Velazquez
- Department of NanomedicineHouston Methodist Research InstituteHoustonTexas
| | | | - Robert Steven Conlan
- Department of NanomedicineHouston Methodist Research InstituteHoustonTexas
- Center for NanoHealthSwansea University Medical SchoolSwanseaUK
| | - Bruna Corradetti
- Department of NanomedicineHouston Methodist Research InstituteHoustonTexas
- Center for NanoHealthSwansea University Medical SchoolSwanseaUK
- Texas A&M Health Science CenterCollege of MedicineBryanTexas
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Kang Y, Flores L, Ngai HW, Cornejo YR, Haber T, McDonald M, Moreira DF, Gonzaga JM, Abidi W, Zhang Y, Hammad M, Kortylewski M, Aboody KS, Berlin JM. Large, Anionic Liposomes Enable Targeted Intraperitoneal Delivery of a TLR 7/8 Agonist To Repolarize Ovarian Tumors' Microenvironment. Bioconjug Chem 2021; 32:1581-1592. [PMID: 34289694 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.1c00139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological malignancy in the United States. Current standard of treatment includes surgical debulking and chemotherapy, such as cisplatin and paclitaxel. However, the patients' response rate for chemotherapy in ovarian cancer is not optimal, and they often develop chemoresistance and suffer from side effects. Current clinical trials make extensive use of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) as a novel cancer immunotherapeutic strategy against ovarian tumors. However, the response rates for ICB antibodies remain limited to 10-20% of treated ovarian cancer patients despite the success of this approach in melanoma, renal, head and neck, and nonsmall cell lung cancers. This lack of efficacy is often attributed to the "cold" immune status of ovarian tumors, as these tumors often have a low number of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) but a high number of suppressive immune cells, including tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), or regulatory T cells (Tregs). Repolarizing TAMs could be a promising strategy to reshape the tumor immune microenvironment and promote antitumor activity when combined with ICBs. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7 and 8 agonists, such as imiquimod and resiquimod, are potent immunostimulatory molecules with potential to repolarize macrophages. However, these small molecules have poor pharmacokinetic profiles and can induce severe side effects when administered systemically. Previously, our group demonstrated that various large, anionic nanomaterials (silica, PLGA, and polystyrene) specifically target TAMs when administered intraperitoneally (IP) to ovarian tumor-bearing mice. In the present study, we demonstrate that large, anionic liposomes administered IP also efficiently localize to TAMs and can be used to target the delivery of resiquimod. Resiquimod delivered in this targeted fashion promoted activation of M1 macrophages and T cell infiltration, while reducing the percentage of Tregs in the tumor microenvironment. Finally, liposome-formulated resiquimod significantly enhanced the efficacy of PD1 blockade against syngeneic ovarian tumors. We anticipate that further optimization of our liposomal delivery strategy can generate a clinically relevant strategy for more effective and safer immunotherapy for ovarian cancer patients.
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Jiménez-Cortegana C, López-Saavedra A, Sánchez-Jiménez F, Pérez-Pérez A, Castiñeiras J, Virizuela-Echaburu JA, de la Cruz-Merino L, Sánchez-Margalet V. Leptin, Both Bad and Good Actor in Cancer. Biomolecules 2021; 11:913. [PMID: 34202969 PMCID: PMC8235379 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptin is an important regulator of basal metabolism and food intake, with a pivotal role in obesity. Leptin exerts many different actions on various tissues and systems, including cancer, and is considered as a linkage between metabolism and the immune system. During the last decades, obesity and leptin have been associated with the initiation, proliferation and progression of many types of cancer. Obesity is also linked with complications and mortality, irrespective of the therapy used, affecting clinical outcomes. However, some evidence has suggested its beneficial role, called the "obesity paradox", and the possible antitumoral role of leptin. Recent data regarding the immunotherapy of cancer have revealed that overweight leads to a more effective response and leptin may probably be involved in this beneficial process. Since leptin is a positive modulator of both the innate and the adaptive immune system, it may contribute to the increased immune response stimulated by immunotherapy in cancer patients and may be proposed as a good actor in cancer. Our purpose is to review this dual role of leptin in cancer, as well as trying to clarify the future perspectives of this adipokine, which further highlights its importance as a cornerstone of the immunometabolism in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Jiménez-Cortegana
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain; (C.J.-C.); (A.L.-S.); (F.S.-J.); (A.P.-P.)
| | - Ana López-Saavedra
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain; (C.J.-C.); (A.L.-S.); (F.S.-J.); (A.P.-P.)
| | - Flora Sánchez-Jiménez
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain; (C.J.-C.); (A.L.-S.); (F.S.-J.); (A.P.-P.)
| | - Antonio Pérez-Pérez
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain; (C.J.-C.); (A.L.-S.); (F.S.-J.); (A.P.-P.)
| | - Jesús Castiñeiras
- Urology Service, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, University of Seville, 41009 Sevilla, Spain;
| | - Juan A. Virizuela-Echaburu
- Medical Oncology Service, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, University of Seville, 41009 Sevilla, Spain; (J.A.V.-E.); (L.d.l.C.-M.)
| | - Luis de la Cruz-Merino
- Medical Oncology Service, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, University of Seville, 41009 Sevilla, Spain; (J.A.V.-E.); (L.d.l.C.-M.)
| | - Víctor Sánchez-Margalet
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Immunology, School of Medicine, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain; (C.J.-C.); (A.L.-S.); (F.S.-J.); (A.P.-P.)
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Laumont CM, Wouters MCA, Smazynski J, Gierc NS, Chavez EA, Chong LC, Thornton S, Milne K, Webb JR, Steidl C, Nelson BH. Single-cell Profiles and Prognostic Impact of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes Coexpressing CD39, CD103, and PD-1 in Ovarian Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:4089-4100. [PMID: 33963000 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-4394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) are strongly associated with survival in most cancers; however, the tumor-reactive subset that drives this prognostic effect remains poorly defined. CD39, CD103, and PD-1 have been independently proposed as markers of tumor-reactive CD8+ TIL in various cancers. We evaluated the phenotype, clonality, and prognostic significance of TIL expressing various combinations of these markers in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC), a malignancy in need of more effective immunotherapeutic approaches. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Expression of CD39, CD103, PD-1, and other immune markers was assessed by high-dimensional flow cytometry, single-cell sequencing, and multiplex immunofluorescence of primary and matched pre/post-chemotherapy HGSC specimens. RESULTS Coexpression of CD39, CD103, and PD-1 ("triple-positive" phenotype) demarcated subsets of CD8+ TIL and CD4+ regulatory T cells (Treg) with a highly activated/exhausted phenotype. Triple-positive CD8+ TIL exhibited reduced T-cell receptor (TCR) diversity and expressed genes involved in both cytolytic and humoral immunity. Triple-positive Tregs exhibited higher TCR diversity and a tumor-resident phenotype. Triple-positive TIL showed superior prognostic impact relative to TIL expressing other combinations of these markers. TIGIT was uniquely upregulated on triple-positive CD8+ effector cells relative to their CD4+ Treg counterparts. CONCLUSIONS Coexpression of CD39, CD103, and PD-1 demarcates highly activated CD8+ and CD4+ TIL with inferred roles in cytolytic, humoral, and regulatory immune functions. Triple-positive TIL demonstrate exceptional prognostic significance and express compelling targets for combination immunotherapy, including PD-1, CD39, and TIGIT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline M Laumont
- Deeley Research Centre, BC Cancer, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Julian Smazynski
- Deeley Research Centre, BC Cancer, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nicole S Gierc
- Deeley Research Centre, BC Cancer, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Elizabeth A Chavez
- Centre for Lymphoid Cancer, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lauren C Chong
- Centre for Lymphoid Cancer, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Shelby Thornton
- Deeley Research Centre, BC Cancer, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Katy Milne
- Deeley Research Centre, BC Cancer, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - John R Webb
- Deeley Research Centre, BC Cancer, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Christian Steidl
- Centre for Lymphoid Cancer, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Brad H Nelson
- Deeley Research Centre, BC Cancer, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. .,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
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Recruitment and Expansion of Tregs Cells in the Tumor Environment-How to Target Them? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13081850. [PMID: 33924428 PMCID: PMC8069615 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The immune response against cancer is generated by effector T cells, among them cytotoxic CD8+ T cells that destroy cancer cells and helper CD4+ T cells that mediate and support the immune response. This antitumor function of T cells is tightly regulated by a particular subset of CD4+ T cells, named regulatory T cells (Tregs), through different mechanisms. Even if the complete inhibition of Tregs would be extremely harmful due to their tolerogenic role in impeding autoimmune diseases in the periphery, the targeted blockade of their accumulation at tumor sites or their targeted depletion represent a major therapeutic challenge. This review focuses on the mechanisms favoring Treg recruitment, expansion and stabilization in the tumor microenvironment and the therapeutic strategies developed to block these mechanisms. Abstract Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are present in a large majority of solid tumors and are mainly associated with a poor prognosis, as their major function is to inhibit the antitumor immune response contributing to immunosuppression. In this review, we will investigate the mechanisms involved in the recruitment, amplification and stability of Tregs in the tumor microenvironment (TME). We will also review the strategies currently developed to inhibit Tregs’ deleterious impact in the TME by either inhibiting their recruitment, blocking their expansion, favoring their plastic transformation into other CD4+ T-cell subsets, blocking their suppressive function or depleting them specifically in the TME to avoid severe deleterious effects associated with Treg neutralization/depletion in the periphery and normal tissues.
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50
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Treatment of solid tumors using bispecific anti-PDL-1/ICOS antibody. Pharm Pat Anal 2021; 10:67-72. [PMID: 33829869 DOI: 10.4155/ppa-2020-0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PD-L1 and ICOS are immune control points in cancer and their presence in cancer tends to have a poor prognosis. WO2019122882 patent describes a bispecific antibody that targets PDL-1/ICOS with the potential application of cancer treatment. WO2019122882 patent describes a bispecific antibody with antitumor efficacy in CT26 model through of the depletion of TReg cells and improved ratio of CD8+ T cells: TReg in tumor microenvironment. The anti-PDL-1/ICOS antibody is new; however, only preclinical assays are shown using colon carcinoma model. So far, there are no reports of clinical trials to evaluate the safety, toxicity and efficacy, but it will be of great interest to analyze in the future if this antibody surpasses the action of the combinatorial therapy in cancer.
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