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Hibler W, Merlino G, Yu Y. CAR NK Cell Therapy for the Treatment of Metastatic Melanoma: Potential & Prospects. Cells 2023; 12:2750. [PMID: 38067178 PMCID: PMC10706172 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232750] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is among the most lethal forms of cancer, accounting for 80% of deaths despite comprising just 5% of skin cancer cases. Treatment options remain limited due to the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms associated with melanoma heterogeneity that underlie the rapid development of secondary drug resistance. For this reason, the development of novel treatments remains paramount to the improvement of patient outcomes. Although the advent of chimeric antigen receptor-expressing T (CAR-T) cell immunotherapies has led to many clinical successes for hematological malignancies, these treatments are limited in their utility by their immune-induced side effects and a high risk of systemic toxicities. CAR natural killer (CAR-NK) cell immunotherapies are a particularly promising alternative to CAR-T cell immunotherapies, as they offer a more favorable safety profile and have the capacity for fine-tuned cytotoxic activity. In this review, the discussion of the prospects and potential of CAR-NK cell immunotherapies touches upon the clinical contexts of melanoma, the immunobiology of NK cells, the immunosuppressive barriers preventing endogenous immune cells from eliminating tumors, and the structure and design of chimeric antigen receptors, then finishes with a series of proposed design innovations that could improve the efficacy CAR-NK cell immunotherapies in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yanlin Yu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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2
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Lobos-González L, Oróstica L, Díaz-Valdivia N, Rojas-Celis V, Campos A, Duran-Jara E, Farfán N, Leyton L, Quest AFG. Prostaglandin E2 Exposure Disrupts E-Cadherin/Caveolin-1-Mediated Tumor Suppression to Favor Caveolin-1-Enhanced Migration, Invasion, and Metastasis in Melanoma Models. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16947. [PMID: 38069269 PMCID: PMC10707163 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316947] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Caveolin-1 (CAV1) is a membrane-bound protein that suppresses tumor development yet also promotes metastasis. E-cadherin is important in CAV1-dependent tumor suppression and prevents CAV1-enhanced lung metastasis. Here, we used murine B16F10 and human A375 melanoma cells with low levels of endogenous CAV1 and E-cadherin to unravel how co-expression of E-cadherin modulates CAV1 function in vitro and in vivo in WT C57BL/6 or Rag-/- immunodeficient mice and how a pro-inflammatory environment generated by treating cells with prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) alters CAV1 function in the presence of E-cadherin. CAV1 expression augmented migration, invasion, and metastasis of melanoma cells, and these effects were abolished via transient co-expression of E-cadherin. Importantly, exposure of cells to PGE2 reverted the effects of E-cadherin expression and increased CAV1 phosphorylation on tyrosine-14 and metastasis. Moreover, PGE2 administration blocked the ability of the CAV1/E-cadherin complex to prevent tumor formation. Therefore, our results support the notion that PGE2 can override the tumor suppressor potential of the E-cadherin/CAV1 complex and that CAV1 released from the complex is phosphorylated on tyrosine-14 and promotes migration/invasion/metastasis. These observations provide direct evidence showing how a pro-inflammatory environment caused here via PGE2 administration can convert a potent tumor suppressor complex into a promoter of malignant cell behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Lobos-González
- Centro de Medicina Regenerativa, Facultad de Medicina-Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Avenida Lo Plaza 680, Las Condes 7610658, Chile; (L.L.-G.); (E.D.-J.)
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380494, Chile; (N.D.-V.); (V.R.-C.); (A.C.)
| | - Lorena Oróstica
- Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Center for Studies on Exercise, Metabolism and Cancer (CEMC), Program of Cell and Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago 8370007, Chile
| | - Natalia Díaz-Valdivia
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380494, Chile; (N.D.-V.); (V.R.-C.); (A.C.)
- Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Center for Studies on Exercise, Metabolism and Cancer (CEMC), Program of Cell and Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile;
| | - Victoria Rojas-Celis
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380494, Chile; (N.D.-V.); (V.R.-C.); (A.C.)
- Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Center for Studies on Exercise, Metabolism and Cancer (CEMC), Program of Cell and Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile;
| | - America Campos
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380494, Chile; (N.D.-V.); (V.R.-C.); (A.C.)
- CRUK Scotland Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Eduardo Duran-Jara
- Centro de Medicina Regenerativa, Facultad de Medicina-Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Avenida Lo Plaza 680, Las Condes 7610658, Chile; (L.L.-G.); (E.D.-J.)
- Subdepartamento Genética Molecular, Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Santiago 7780050, Chile
| | - Nicole Farfán
- Cancer and ncRNAs Laboratory, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 7550611, Chile;
| | - Lisette Leyton
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380494, Chile; (N.D.-V.); (V.R.-C.); (A.C.)
- Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Center for Studies on Exercise, Metabolism and Cancer (CEMC), Program of Cell and Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile;
| | - Andrew F. G. Quest
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380494, Chile; (N.D.-V.); (V.R.-C.); (A.C.)
- Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Center for Studies on Exercise, Metabolism and Cancer (CEMC), Program of Cell and Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile;
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3
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Huang Q, Lai T, Wang Q, Luo L. mPGES-1 Inhibitor Discovery Based on Computer-Aided Screening: Pharmacophore Models, Molecular Docking, ADMET, and MD Simulations. Molecules 2023; 28:6059. [PMID: 37630311 PMCID: PMC10458489 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28166059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
mPGES-1 is an enzyme, which, when activated by inflammatory factors, can cause prostaglandin E synthesis. Traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are capable of inhibiting prostaglandin production, yet they can also cause gastrointestinal reactions and coagulation disorders. mPGES-1, the enzyme at the conclusion of prostaglandin production, does not cause any adverse reactions when inhibited. Numerous studies have demonstrated that mPGES-1 is more abundant in cancerous cells than in healthy cells, indicating that decreasing the expression of mPGES-1 could be a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer. Consequently, the invention of mPGES-1 inhibitors presents a fresh avenue for the treatment of inflammation and cancer. Incorporating a database of TCM compounds, we collected a batch of compounds that had an inhibitory effect on mPGES-1 and possessed IC50 value. Firstly, a pharmacophore model was constructed, and the TCM database was screened, and the compounds with score cut-off values of more than 1 were retained. Then, the compounds retained after being screened via the pharmacodynamic model were screened for docking at the mPGES-1 binding site, followed by high-throughput virtual screening [HTVS] and standard precision [SP] and super-precision [XP] docking, and the compounds in the top 20% of the XP docking score were selected to calculate the total free binding energy of MM-GBSA. The best ten compounds were chosen by comparing their score against the reference ligand 4U9 and the MM-GBSA_dG_Bind score. ADMET analysis resulted in the selection of ten compounds, three of which had desirable medicinal properties. Finally, the binding energy of the target protein mPGES-1 and the candidate ligand compound was analyzed using a 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation of the reference ligand 4U9 and three selected compounds. After a gradual screening study and analysis, we identified a structure that is superior to the reference ligand 4U9 in all aspects, namely compound 15643. Taken together, the results of this study reveal a structure that can be used to inhibit mPGES-1 compound 15643, thereby providing a new option for anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiqi Huang
- The First Clinical College, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524023, China; (Q.H.); (T.L.)
| | - Tianli Lai
- The First Clinical College, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524023, China; (Q.H.); (T.L.)
| | - Qu Wang
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524023, China;
| | - Lianxiang Luo
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524023, China;
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Guangdong Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang 524023, China
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4
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Fukuda Y, Kim SH, Bustos MA, Cho SN, Roszik J, Burks JK, Kim H, Hoon DS, Grimm EA, Ekmekcioglu S. Inhibition of Microsomal Prostaglandin E2 Synthase Reduces Collagen Deposition in Melanoma Tumors and May Improve Immunotherapy Efficacy by Reducing T-cell Exhaustion. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:1397-1408. [PMID: 37529399 PMCID: PMC10389052 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
The arachidonic acid pathway participates in immunosuppression in various types of cancer. Our previous observation detailed that microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase 1 (mPGES-1), an enzyme downstream of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), limited antitumor immunity in melanoma; in addition, genetic depletion of mPGES-1 specifically enhanced immune checkpoint blockade therapy. The current study set out to distinguish the roles of mPGES-1 from those of COX-2 in tumor immunity and determine the potential of mPGES-1 inhibitors for reinforcing immunotherapy in melanoma. Genetic deletion of mPGES-1 showed different profiles of prostaglandin metabolites from that of COX-2 deletion. In our syngeneic mouse model, mPGES-1-deficient cells exhibited similar tumorigenicity to that of COX-2-deficient cells, despite a lower ability to suppress PGE2 synthesis by mPGES-1 depletion, indicating the presence of factors other than PGE2 that are likely to regulate tumor immunity. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that mPGES-1 depletion reduced the expressions of collagen-related genes, which have been found to be associated with immunosuppressive signatures. In our mouse model, collagen was reduced in mPGES-1-deficient tumors, and phenotypic analysis of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes indicated that mPGES-1-deficient tumors had fewer TIM3+ exhausted CD8+ T cells compared with COX-2-deficient tumors. CAY10678, an mPGES-1 inhibitor, was equivalent to celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, in reinforcing anti-PD-1 treatment. Our study indicates that mPGES-1 inhibitors represent a promising adjuvant for immunotherapies in melanoma by reducing collagen deposition and T-cell exhaustion. Significance Collagen is a predominant component of the extracellular matrix that may influence the tumor immune microenvironment for cancer progression. We present here that mPGES-1 has specific roles in regulating tumor immunity, associated with several collagen-related genes and propose that pharmacologic inhibition of mPGES-1 may hold therapeutic promise for improving immune checkpoint-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasunari Fukuda
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Sun-Hee Kim
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Matias A. Bustos
- Department of Translational Molecular Medicine and Genome Sequencing, Saint John's Cancer Institute, Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, California
| | - Sung-Nam Cho
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jason Roszik
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jared K. Burks
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Hong Kim
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Dave S.B. Hoon
- Department of Translational Molecular Medicine and Genome Sequencing, Saint John's Cancer Institute, Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, California
| | - Elizabeth A. Grimm
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- MD Anderson Cancer Center UT Health Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas
| | - Suhendan Ekmekcioglu
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- MD Anderson Cancer Center UT Health Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas
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5
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Li W, Pan X, Chen L, Cui H, Mo S, Pan Y, Shen Y, Shi M, Wu J, Luo F, Liu J, Li N. Cell metabolism-based optimization strategy of CAR-T cell function in cancer therapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1186383. [PMID: 37342333 PMCID: PMC10278966 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1186383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells has revolutionized the field of immune-oncology, showing remarkable efficacy against hematological malignancies. However, its success in solid tumors is limited by factors such as easy recurrence and poor efficacy. The effector function and persistence of CAR-T cells are critical to the success of therapy and are modulated by metabolic and nutrient-sensing mechanisms. Moreover, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), characterized by acidity, hypoxia, nutrient depletion, and metabolite accumulation caused by the high metabolic demands of tumor cells, can lead to T cell "exhaustion" and compromise the efficacy of CAR-T cells. In this review, we outline the metabolic characteristics of T cells at different stages of differentiation and summarize how these metabolic programs may be disrupted in the TME. We also discuss potential metabolic approaches to improve the efficacy and persistence of CAR-T cells, providing a new strategy for the clinical application of CAR-T cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenshuai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuanxuan Pan
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lirong Chen
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haoshu Cui
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaocong Mo
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yida Pan
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuru Shen
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Menglin Shi
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianlin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Feifei Luo
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Na Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, Macao SAR, China
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6
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Dai H, Wang G, Cao W, Qi W, Chen W, Guo H. Stress granules affect the sensitivity of renal cancer cells to sorafenib by sequestering and stabilizing COX‑2 mRNA. Oncol Lett 2023; 25:274. [PMID: 37216166 PMCID: PMC10193378 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.13860] [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: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Most patients with renal cancer will develop resistance to sorafenib therapy and will therefore exhibit disease progression. Effective therapies for these patients are extremely limited. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) promotes the malignant transformation of cancer cells and drug resistance. The potential of COX-2 inhibitor (celecoxib) administration in combination with sorafenib for the treatment of renal cancer is unclear. The present study demonstrated that sorafenib rapidly increased the expression of COX-2 in renal cancer cells, as determined using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting. The results of the MTT assay and cell apoptosis experiment demonstrated that the cytotoxicity of sorafenib was also affected by COX-2 expression and celecoxib enhanced the cytotoxicity of sorafenib against renal cell carcinoma. Immunofluorescence analysis indicated that sorafenib induced the formation of stress granules (SGs) in renal cancer cells. In addition, COX-2 expression was associated with the formation of SGs, and SGs could capture and stabilize COX-2 mRNAs in renal cancer cells; this was confirmed using RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization and an actinomycin D chase experiment. The protective effect of SGs was further demonstrated in cell experiments and xenograft tumor models. Thus, the present study indicated that the use of celecoxib may significantly enhance the sensitivity of renal cancer cells to sorafenib and improve efficacy. Sorafenib-induced SGs may contribute to critical events that promote COX-2 expression and survival in renal cancer cells. Therefore, the present study may provide novel ideas for the treatment of renal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiqi Dai
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Institute of Urology Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
| | - Guoli Wang
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Institute of Urology Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
| | - Wenmin Cao
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Institute of Urology Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
| | - Wei Qi
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Institute of Urology Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
- Department of Urology, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei, Anhui 230001, P.R. China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Institute of Urology Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
| | - Hongqian Guo
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Institute of Urology Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
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Zou Y, Yaguchi T. Programmed cell death-1 blockade therapy in melanoma: Resistance mechanisms and combination strategies. Exp Dermatol 2023; 32:264-275. [PMID: 36645031 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma is a highly aggressive tumor derived from melanocytes. In recent years, the incidence and mortality of melanoma have gradually increased, seriously threatening human health. Classic treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy show very limited efficacy. Due to the high immunogenicity of melanoma cells, immune checkpoint inhibitors have received considerable attention as melanoma treatments. One such therapy is blockade of programmed cell death-1 (PD-1), which is one of the most important negative immune regulators and is mainly expressed on activated T cells. Disruption of the interactions between PD-1 and its ligands, programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) or programmed death-ligand 2 (PD-L2) rejuvenates exhausted T cells and enhances antitumor immunity. Although PD-1 blockade therapy is widely used in melanoma, a substantial proportion of patients still show no response or short durations of remission. Recent researches have focused on revealing the underlying mechanisms for resistance to this treatment and improving its efficacy through combination therapy. Here, we will introduce the resistance mechanisms associated with PD-1 blockade therapy in melanoma and review the combination therapies available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Zou
- Division of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, Center for Cancer Immunotherapy and Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomonori Yaguchi
- Division of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, Center for Cancer Immunotherapy and Immunobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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8
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Jin K, Qian C, Lin J, Liu B. Cyclooxygenase-2-Prostaglandin E2 pathway: A key player in tumor-associated immune cells. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1099811. [PMID: 36776289 PMCID: PMC9911818 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1099811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclooxygenases-2 (COX-2) and Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which are important in chronic inflammatory diseases, can increase tumor incidence and promote tumor growth and metastasis. PGE2 binds to various prostaglandin E receptors to activate specific downstream signaling pathways such as PKA pathway, β-catenin pathway, NF-κB pathway and PI3K/AKT pathway, all of which play important roles in biological and pathological behavior. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which play as COX-2 inhibitors, and EP antagonists are important in anti-tumor immune evasion. The COX-2-PGE2 pathway promotes tumor immune evasion by regulating myeloid-derived suppressor cells, lymphocytes (CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells and natural killer cells), and antigen presenting cells (macrophages and dendritic cells). Based on conventional treatment, the addition of COX-2 inhibitors or EP antagonists may enhance immunotherapy response in anti-tumor immune escape. However, there are still a lot of challenges in cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we focus on how the COX-2-PGE2 pathway affects tumor-associated immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaipeng Jin
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China,Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China,Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chao Qian
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China,Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China,Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinti Lin
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China,Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China,Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China,*Correspondence: Bing Liu, ; Jinti Lin,
| | - Bing Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China,Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China,Key Laboratory of Motor System Disease Research and Precision Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China,*Correspondence: Bing Liu, ; Jinti Lin,
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9
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Menter DG, Bresalier RS. An Aspirin a Day: New Pharmacological Developments and Cancer Chemoprevention. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2023; 63:165-186. [PMID: 36202092 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-052020-023107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Chemoprevention refers to the use of natural or synthetic agents to reverse, suppress, or prevent the progression or recurrence of cancer. A large body of preclinical and clinical data suggest the ability of aspirin to prevent precursor lesions and cancers, but much of the clinical data are inferential and based on descriptive epidemiology, case control, and cohort studies or studies designed to answer other questions (e.g., cardiovascular mortality). Multiple pharmacological, clinical, and epidemiologic studies suggest that aspirin can prevent certain cancers but may also cause other effects depending on the tissue or disease and organ site in question. The best-known biological targets of aspirin are cyclooxygenases, which drive a wide variety of functions, including hemostasis, inflammation, and immune modulation. Newly recognized molecular and cellular interactions suggest additional modifiable functional targets, and the existence of consensus molecular cancer subtypes suggests that aspirin may have differential effects based on tumor heterogeneity. This review focuses on new pharmacological developments and innovations in biopharmacology that clarify the potential role of aspirin in cancer chemoprevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G Menter
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Robert S Bresalier
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA;
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10
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Wu Q, Liu Z, Gao Z, Luo Y, Li F, Yang C, Wang T, Meng X, Chen H, Li J, Kong Y, Dong C, Sun S, Chen C. KLF5 inhibition potentiates anti-PD1 efficacy by enhancing CD8 + T-cell-dependent antitumor immunity. Theranostics 2023; 13:1381-1400. [PMID: 36923542 PMCID: PMC10008740 DOI: 10.7150/thno.82182] [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: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs) are revolutionized therapeutic strategies for cancer, but most patients with solid neoplasms remain resistant to ICBs, partly because of the difficulty in reversing the highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Exploring the strategies for tumor immunotherapy is highly dependent on the discovery of molecular mechanisms of tumor immune escape and potential therapeutic target. Krüppel-like Factor 5 (KLF5) is a cell-intrinsic oncogene to promote tumorigenesis. However, the cell-extrinsic effects of KLF5 on suppressing the immune response to cancer remain unclear. Methods: We analyzed the immunosuppressive role of KLF5 in mice models transplanted with KLF5-deleted/overexpressing tumor cells. We performed RNA sequencing, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, real time-PCR, ELISA, luciferase assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and flow cytometry to demonstrate the effects of KLF5 on CD8+ T cell infiltration and related molecular mechanism. Single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics analysis were applied to further decipher the association between KLF5 expression and infiltrating immune cells. The efficacy of KLF5/COX2 inhibitors combined with anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD1) therapy were explored in pre-clinical models. Finally, a gene-expression signature depending on KLF5/COX2 axis and associated immune markers was created to predict patient survival. Results: KLF5 inactivation decelerated basal-like breast tumor growth in a CD8+ T-cell-dependent manner. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that KLF5 loss in tumors increases the number and activated function of T lymphocytes. Mechanistically, KLF5 binds to the promoter of the COX2 gene and promotes COX2 transcription; subsequently, KLF5 deficiency decreases prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release from tumor cells by reducing COX2 expression. Inhibition of the KLF5/COX2 axis increases the number and functionality of intratumoral antitumor T cells to synergize the antitumorigenic effects of anti-PD1 therapy. Analysis of patient datasets at single-cell and spatial resolution shows that low expression of KLF5 is associated with an immune-supportive TME. Finally, we generate a KLF5/COX2-associated immune score (KC-IS) to predict patient survival. Conclusions: Our results identified a novel mechanism responsible for KLF5-mediated immunosuppression in TME, and targeting the KLF5/COX2/PGE2 axis is a critical immunotherapy sensitizer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhou Liu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhijie Gao
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yao Luo
- Medical Faculty of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Fubing Li
- Academy of Biomedical Engineering, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - ChuanYu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Tiantian Wang
- School of Life Science, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Xiangyu Meng
- Center for Single-Cell Omics and Tumor Liquid Biopsy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Haijun Chen
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China
| | - Juanjuan Li
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yanjie Kong
- Pathology department, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518035, China
| | - Chao Dong
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Si Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ceshi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Academy of Biomedical Engineering, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China.,The Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650118, China
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11
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Zheng M, Zhang W, Chen X, Guo H, Wu H, Xu Y, He Q, Ding L, Yang B. The impact of lipids on the cancer–immunity cycle and strategies for modulating lipid metabolism to improve cancer immunotherapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 13:1488-1497. [PMID: 37139414 PMCID: PMC10149904 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipids have been found to modulate tumor biology, including proliferation, survival, and metastasis. With the new understanding of tumor immune escape that has developed in recent years, the influence of lipids on the cancer-immunity cycle has also been gradually discovered. First, regarding antigen presentation, cholesterol prevents tumor antigens from being identified by antigen presenting cells. Fatty acids reduce the expression of major histocompatibility complex class I and costimulatory factors in dendritic cells, impairing antigen presentation to T cells. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) reduce the accumulation of tumor-infiltrating dendritic cells. Regarding T-cell priming and activation, cholesterol destroys the structure of the T-cell receptor and reduces immunodetection. In contrast, cholesterol also promotes T-cell receptor clustering and relative signal transduction. PGE2 represses T-cell proliferation. Finally, regarding T-cell killing of cancer cells, PGE2 and cholesterol weaken granule-dependent cytotoxicity. Moreover, fatty acids, cholesterol, and PGE2 can improve the activity of immunosuppressive cells, increase the expression of immune checkpoints and promote the secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines. Given the regulatory role of lipids in the cancer-immunity cycle, drugs that modulate fatty acids, cholesterol and PGE2 have been envisioned as effective way in restoring antitumor immunity and synergizing with immunotherapy. These strategies have been studied in both preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Zheng
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wenxin Zhang
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hongjie Guo
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Honghai Wu
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yanjun Xu
- Department of Medical Thoracic Oncology, the Cancer Hospital of University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Qiaojun He
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- The Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
- Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ling Ding
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Corresponding authors. Tel./fax: +86 571 88208400.
| | - Bo Yang
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- The Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
- Corresponding authors. Tel./fax: +86 571 88208400.
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12
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Niu D, Chen Y, Mi H, Mo Z, Pang G. The epiphany derived from T-cell–inflamed profiles: Pan-cancer characterization of CD8A as a biomarker spanning clinical relevance, cancer prognosis, immunosuppressive environment, and treatment responses. Front Genet 2022; 13:974416. [PMID: 36035168 PMCID: PMC9403071 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.974416] [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: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CD8A encodes the CD8 alpha chain of αβT cells, which has been proposed as a quantifiable indicator for the assessment of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) recruitment or activity and a robust biomarker for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy responses. Nonetheless, the lack of research into the role of CD8A in tumor microenvironment predisposes to limitations in its clinical utilization. In the presented study, multiple computational tools were used to investigate the roles of CD8A in the pan-cancer study, revealing its essential associations with tumor immune infiltration, immunosuppressive environment formation, cancer progression, and therapy responses. Based on the pan-cancer cohorts of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, our results demonstrated the distinctive CD8A expression patterns in cancer tissues and its close associations with the prognosis and disease stage of cancer. We then found that CD8A was correlated with six major immune cell types, and immunosuppressive cells in multiple cancer types. Besides, epigenetic modifications of CD8A were related to CTL levels and T cell dysfunctional states, thereby affecting survival outcomes of specific cancer types. After that, we explored the co-occurrence patterns of CD8A mutation, thus identifying RMND5A, RNF103-CHMP3, CHMP3, CD8B, MRPL35, MAT2A, RGPD1, RGPD2, REEP1, and ANAPC1P1 genes, which co-occurred mutations with CD8A, and are concomitantly implicated in the regulation of cancer-related pathways. Finally, we tested CD8A as a therapeutic biomarker for multiple antitumor agents’ or compounds’ responsiveness on various cancer cell lines and cancer cohorts. Our findings denoted the underlying mechanics of CD8A in reflecting the T-cell-inflamed profiles, which has potential as a biomarker in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Decao Niu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Department of Urology, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yifeng Chen
- Department of Urology, The First People’s Hospital of Yulin, Yulin, China
| | - Hua Mi
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- *Correspondence: Hua Mi, ; Zengnan Mo, ; Guijian Pang,
| | - Zengnan Mo
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- *Correspondence: Hua Mi, ; Zengnan Mo, ; Guijian Pang,
| | - Guijian Pang
- Department of Urology, The First People’s Hospital of Yulin, Yulin, China
- *Correspondence: Hua Mi, ; Zengnan Mo, ; Guijian Pang,
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13
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Prostanoid Signaling in Cancers: Expression and Regulation Patterns of Enzymes and Receptors. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11040590. [PMID: 35453789 PMCID: PMC9029281 DOI: 10.3390/biology11040590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cancer-associated disturbance of prostanoid signaling provides an aberrant accumulation of prostanoids. This signaling consists of 19 target genes, encoding metabolic enzymes and G-protein-coupled receptors, and prostanoids (prostacyclin, thromboxane, and prostaglandins E2, F2α, D2, H2). The study addresses the systems biology analysis of target genes in 24 solid tumors using a data mining pipeline. We analyzed differential expression patterns of genes and proteins, promoter methylation status as well as tissue-specific master regulators and microRNAs. Tumor types were clustered into several groups according to gene expression patterns. Target genes were characterized as low mutated in tumors, with the exception of melanoma. We found at least six ubiquitin ligases and eight protein kinases that post-translationally modified the most connected proteins PTGES3 and PTGIS. Models of regulation of PTGIS and PTGIR gene expression in lung and uterine cancers were suggested. For the first time, we found associations between the patient’s overall survival rates with nine multigene transcriptomics signatures in eight tumors. Expression patterns of each of the six target genes have predictive value with respect to cytostatic therapy response. One of the consequences of the study is an assumption of prostanoid-dependent (or independent) tumor phenotypes. Thus, pharmacologic targeting the prostanoid signaling could be a probable additional anticancer strategy.
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14
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Cell death-induced immunogenicity enhances chemoimmunotherapeutic response by converting immune-excluded into T-cell inflamed bladder tumors. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1487. [PMID: 35347124 PMCID: PMC8960844 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29026-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemoimmunotherapy has recently failed to demonstrate significant clinical benefit in advanced bladder cancer patients; and the mechanism(s) underlying such suboptimal response remain elusive. To date, most studies have focused on tumor-intrinsic properties that render them "immune-excluded". Here, we explore an alternative, drug-induced mechanism that impedes therapeutic response via disrupting the onset of immunogenic cell death. Using two immune-excluded syngeneic mouse models of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), we show that platinum-based chemotherapy diminishes CD8+ T cell tumor infiltration and constraines their antitumoral activity, despite expression of activation markers IFNγ and granzyme B. Mechanistically, chemotherapy induces the release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) from dying cancer cells, which is an inhibitory damage-associated molecular pattern (iDAMP) that hinderes dendritic cell maturation. Upon pharmaceutical blockade of PGE2 release, CD8+ T cells become tumoricidal and display an intraepithelial-infiltrating (or inflamed) pattern. This "iDAMP blockade" approach synergizes with chemotherapy and sensitizes bladder tumors towards anti-PD1 immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. These findings provide a compelling rationale to evaluate this drug combination in future clinical trials.
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15
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CRISPR/Cas9 Mediated Knockout of Cyclooxygenase-2 Gene Inhibits Invasiveness in A2058 Melanoma Cells. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040749. [PMID: 35203404 PMCID: PMC8870212 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The inducible isoenzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an important hub in cellular signaling, which contributes to tumor progression by modulating and enhancing a pro-inflammatory tumor microenvironment, tumor growth, apoptosis resistance, angiogenesis and metastasis. In order to understand the role of COX-2 expression in melanoma, we investigated the functional knockout effect of COX-2 in A2058 human melanoma cells. COX-2 knockout was validated by Western blot and flow cytometry analysis. When comparing COX-2 knockout cells to controls, we observed significantly reduced invasion, colony and spheroid formation potential in cell monolayers and three-dimensional models in vitro, and significantly reduced tumor development in xenograft mouse models in vivo. Moreover, COX-2 knockout alters the metabolic activity of cells under normoxia and experimental hypoxia as demonstrated by using the radiotracers [18F]FDG and [18F]FMISO. Finally, a pilot protein array analysis in COX-2 knockout cells verified significantly altered downstream signaling pathways that can be linked to cellular and molecular mechanisms of cancer metastasis closely related to the enzyme. Given the complexity of the signaling pathways and the multifaceted role of COX-2, targeted suppression of COX-2 in melanoma cells, in combination with modulation of related signaling pathways, appears to be a promising therapeutic approach.
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16
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Elwakeel E, Brüggemann M, Wagih J, Lityagina O, Elewa MAF, Han Y, Froemel T, Popp R, Nicolas AM, Schreiber Y, Gradhand E, Thomas D, Nüsing R, Steinmetz-Späh J, Savai R, Fokas E, Fleming I, Greten FR, Zarnack K, Brüne B, Weigert A. Disruption of prostaglandin E2 signaling in cancer-associated fibroblasts limits mammary carcinoma growth but promotes metastasis. Cancer Res 2022; 82:1380-1395. [PMID: 35105690 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-2116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The activation and differentiation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are involved in tumor progression. Here we show that the tumor-promoting lipid mediator prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) plays a paradoxical role in CAF activation and tumor progression. Restricting PGE2 signaling via knockout of microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) in PyMT mice or of the prostanoid E receptor 3 (EP3) in CAFs stunted mammary carcinoma growth associated with strong CAF proliferation. CAF proliferation upon EP3 inhibition required p38 MAPK signaling. Mechanistically, TGF-β-activated kinase-like protein (TAK1L), which was identified as a negative regulator of p38 MAPK activation, was decreased following ablation of mPGES-1 or EP3. In contrast to its effects on primary tumor growth, disruption of PGE2 signaling in CAFs induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition in cancer organoids and promoted metastasis in mice. Moreover, TAK1L expression in CAFs was associated with decreased CAF activation, reduced metastasis, and prolonged survival in human breast cancer. These data characterize a new pathway of regulating inflammatory CAF activation, which affects breast cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiman Elwakeel
- Faculty of Medicine/Institute of Biochemistry I, Goethe University Frankfurt
| | - Mirko Brüggemann
- Computational RNA Biology, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (BMLS) and Faculty of Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt
| | - Jessica Wagih
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Goethe University Frankfurt
| | - Olga Lityagina
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Goethe University Frankfurt
| | | | - Yingying Han
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Goethe University Frankfurt
| | | | - Rüdiger Popp
- Insitute of Vascular Signalling, Goethe University Frankfurt
| | - Adele M Nicolas
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg Speyer Haus
| | - Yannick Schreiber
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Frankfurt
| | - Elise Gradhand
- Senckenbergisches Institut für Pathologie, Goethe University Frankfurt
| | | | - Rolf Nüsing
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe University
| | - Julia Steinmetz-Späh
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospita
| | - Rajkumar Savai
- Lung Microenvironmental Niche in Cancerogenesis, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research
| | - Emmanouil Fokas
- Radiation Therapy and Oncology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main
| | | | - Florian R Greten
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy Paul-Ehrlich-Str
| | - Kathi Zarnack
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (BMLS) and Faculty of Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt
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17
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Motofei IG. Nobel Prize for immune checkpoint inhibitors, understanding the immunological switching between immunosuppression and autoimmunity. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2021; 21:599-612. [PMID: 34937484 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2022.2020243] [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: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a revolutionary form of immunotherapy in cancer. However, the percentage of patients responding to therapy is relatively low, while adverse effects occur in a large number of patients. In addition, the therapeutic mechanisms of ICIs are not yet completely described. AREAS COVERED The initial view (articles published in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, etc.) was that ICIs increase tumor-specific immunity. Recent data (collected from the same databases) suggest that the ICIs pharmacotherapy actually extends beyond the topic of immune reactivity, including additional immune pathways, such as disrupting immunosuppression and increasing tumor-specific autoimmunity. Unfortunately, there is no clear delimitation between these specific autoimmune reactions that are therapeutically beneficial, and nonspecific autoimmune reactions/toxicity that can be extremely severe side effects. EXPERT OPINION Immune checkpoint mechanisms perform a non-selective immune regulation, maintaining a dynamic balance between immunosuppression and autoimmunity. By blocking these mechanisms, ICIs actually perform an immunological reset, decreasing immunosuppression and increasing tumor-specific immunity and predisposition to autoimmunity. The predisposition to autoimmunity induces both side effects and beneficial autoimmunity. Consequently, further studies are necessary to maximize the beneficial tumor-specific autoimmunity, while reducing the counterproductive effect of associated autoimmune toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ion G Motofei
- Department of Surgery/ Oncology, Carol Davila University, Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Surgery/ Oncology, St. Pantelimon Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
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18
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An Y, Yao J, Niu X. The Signaling Pathway of PGE 2 and Its Regulatory Role in T Cell Differentiation. Mediators Inflamm 2021; 2021:9087816. [PMID: 34867083 PMCID: PMC8641993 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9087816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a lipid mediator derived from the fatty acid arachidonic acid. As an essential inflammatory factor, PGE2 has a critical impact on immune regulation through the prostanoid E (EP) receptor pathway. T cells, including CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets, play crucial roles in the adaptive immune response. Previous studies have shown that PGE2 is involved in regulating CD4+ T cell differentiation and inflammatory cytokine production via the EP receptor pathway, thereby affecting the development of diseases mediated by CD4+ T cells. In this review, we summarize the signaling pathway of PGE2 and describe the relationship between PGE2 and T cell differentiation. Hence, this review may provide important evidence for immune therapies and may even promote the development of biomedicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang An
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Jiameng Yao
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
- Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1111 Xianxia Road, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Xiaoyin Niu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
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Pelly VS, Moeini A, Roelofsen LM, Bonavita E, Bell CR, Hutton C, Blanco-Gomez A, Banyard A, Bromley CP, Flanagan E, Chiang SC, Jørgensen C, Schumacher TN, Thommen DS, Zelenay S. Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Remodel the Tumor Immune Environment to Enhance Immune Checkpoint Blockade Efficacy. Cancer Discov 2021; 11:2602-2619. [PMID: 34031121 PMCID: PMC7611767 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-20-1815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Identifying strategies to improve the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) remains a major clinical need. Here, we show that therapeutically targeting the COX2/PGE2/EP2-4 pathway with widely used nonsteroidal and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs synergized with ICB in mouse cancer models. We exploited a bilateral surgery model to distinguish responders from nonresponders shortly after treatment and identified acute IFNγ-driven transcriptional remodeling in responder mice, which was also associated with patient benefit to ICB. Monotherapy with COX2 inhibitors or EP2-4 PGE2 receptor antagonists rapidly induced this response program and, in combination with ICB, increased the intratumoral accumulation of effector T cells. Treatment of patient-derived tumor fragments from multiple cancer types revealed a similar shift in the tumor inflammatory environment to favor T-cell activation. Our findings establish the COX2/PGE2/EP2-4 axis as an independent immune checkpoint and a readily translatable strategy to rapidly switch the tumor inflammatory profile from cold to hot. SIGNIFICANCE: Through performing in-depth profiling of mice and human tumors, this study identifies mechanisms by which anti-inflammatory drugs rapidly alter the tumor immune landscape to enhance tumor immunogenicity and responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors.See related commentary by Melero et al., p. 2372.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 2355.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria S Pelly
- Cancer Inflammation and Immunity Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Agrin Moeini
- Cancer Inflammation and Immunity Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Lisanne M Roelofsen
- Divison of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Eduardo Bonavita
- Cancer Inflammation and Immunity Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte R Bell
- Cancer Inflammation and Immunity Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Colin Hutton
- Systems Oncology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Blanco-Gomez
- Systems Oncology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Antonia Banyard
- Flow Cytometry, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Christian P Bromley
- Cancer Inflammation and Immunity Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Eimear Flanagan
- Cancer Inflammation and Immunity Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Shih-Chieh Chiang
- Cancer Inflammation and Immunity Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Claus Jørgensen
- Systems Oncology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ton N Schumacher
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Daniela S Thommen
- Divison of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Santiago Zelenay
- Cancer Inflammation and Immunity Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park, Manchester, United Kingdom.
- The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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20
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Markosyan N, Smyth EM, Patrignani P, Ricciotti E. Editorial: Eicosanoids in Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:765214. [PMID: 34566667 PMCID: PMC8458895 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.765214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nune Markosyan
- Department of Medicine, Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Emer M Smyth
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Paola Patrignani
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, CAST (Center for Advanced Studies and Technology), "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Emanuela Ricciotti
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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21
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Bayless S, Travers JB, Sahu RP, Rohan CA. Inhibition of photodynamic therapy induced-immunosuppression with aminolevulinic acid leads to enhanced outcomes of tumors and pre-cancerous lesions. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:664. [PMID: 34386086 PMCID: PMC8298988 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12925] [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: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment option for tumors and pre-cancerous lesions, but it has immunosuppressive side effects that limit its effectiveness. Recent studies suggest that PDT-mediated immunosuppression occurs through a cyclooxygenase type 2 (COX-2) mediated pathway that leads to increases in regulatory T cells (Tregs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which act as negative regulators of immune responses. Given this pathway, there are three main methods to block immunosuppression: i) Inhibiting the proliferation of Tregs, which can be achieved with the administration of cyclophosphamide or inhibitors of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1, an activator of Tregs; ii) inhibiting MDSCs by reducing hypoxia around the tumor to create an unfavorable environment or administering all-trans-retinoic acid, which converts MDSCs to a non-immunosuppressive state; and iii) inhibiting COX-2 through selective or non-selective COX-inhibitors. In the present review article, strategies that have shown increased efficacy of PDT in treating tumors and pre-cancerous lesions by blocking the immunosuppressive side effects are outlined and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharlo Bayless
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA
| | - Jeffrey B Travers
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA.,Department of Dermatology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA.,Deparment of Dermatology, Dayton Veterans Administration Medical Center, Dayton, OH 45428, USA
| | - Ravi P Sahu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA
| | - Craig A Rohan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA.,Department of Dermatology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA
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22
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Jiang X, Renkema H, Smeitink J, Beyrath J. Sonlicromanol's active metabolite KH176m normalizes prostate cancer stem cell mPGES-1 overexpression and inhibits cancer spheroid growth. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254315. [PMID: 34242345 PMCID: PMC8270194 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggressiveness of cancers, like prostate cancer, has been found to be associated with elevated expression of the microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1). Here, we investigated whether KH176m (the active metabolite of sonlicromanol), a recently discovered selective mPGES-1 inhibitor, could affect prostate cancer cells-derived spheroid growth. We demonstrated that KH176m suppressed mPGES-1 expression and growth of DU145 (high mPGES-1 expression)-derived spheroids, while it had no effect on the LNCaP cell line, which has low mPGES-1 expression. By addition of exogenous PGE2, we found that the effect of KH176m on mPGES-1 expression and spheroid growth is due to the inhibition of a PGE2-driven positive feedback control-loop of mPGES-1 transcriptional regulation. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subset of cancer cells exhibiting the ability of self-renewal, plasticity, and initiating and maintaining tumor growth. Our data shows that mPGES-1 is specifically expressed in this CSCs subpopulation (CD44+CD24-). KH176m inhibited the expression of mPGES-1 and reduced the growth of spheroids derived from the CSC. Based on the results obtained we propose selective mPGES-1 targeting by the sonlicromanol metabolite KH176m as a potential novel treatment approach for cancer patients with high mPGES-1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolan Jiang
- Khondrion BV, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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23
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Yap TA, Parkes EE, Peng W, Moyers JT, Curran MA, Tawbi HA. Development of Immunotherapy Combination Strategies in Cancer. Cancer Discov 2021; 11:1368-1397. [PMID: 33811048 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-20-1209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Harnessing the immune system to treat cancer through inhibitors of CTLA4 and PD-L1 has revolutionized the landscape of cancer. Rational combination strategies aim to enhance the antitumor effects of immunotherapies, but require a deep understanding of the mechanistic underpinnings of the immune system and robust preclinical and clinical drug development strategies. We review the current approved immunotherapy combinations, before discussing promising combinatorial approaches in clinical trials and detailing innovative preclinical model systems being used to develop rational combinations. We also discuss the promise of high-order immunotherapy combinations, as well as novel biomarker and combinatorial trial strategies. SIGNIFICANCE: Although immune-checkpoint inhibitors are approved as dual checkpoint strategies, and in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy and angiogenesis inhibitors for multiple cancers, patient benefit remains limited. Innovative approaches are required to guide the development of novel immunotherapy combinations, ranging from improvements in preclinical tumor model systems to biomarker-driven trial strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy A Yap
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (Phase I Program), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. .,Institute for Applied Cancer Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Khalifa Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Eileen E Parkes
- Oxford Institute of Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Weiyi Peng
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Justin T Moyers
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (Phase I Program), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Michael A Curran
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Hussein A Tawbi
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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24
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Thinking Small: Small Molecules as Potential Synergistic Adjuncts to Checkpoint Inhibition in Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063228. [PMID: 33810078 PMCID: PMC8005112 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma remains the deadliest form of skin cancer. Immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) immunotherapy has defined a new age in melanoma treatment, but responses remain inconsistent and some patients develop treatment resistance. The myriad of newly developed small molecular (SM) inhibitors of specific effector targets now affords a plethora of opportunities to increase therapeutic responses, even in resistant melanoma. In this review, we will discuss the multitude of SM classes currently under investigation, current and prospective clinical combinations of ICI and SM therapies, and their potential for synergism in melanoma eradication based on established mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance.
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25
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Song M, Xia W, Tao Z, Zhu B, Zhang W, Liu C, Chen S. Self-assembled polymeric nanocarrier-mediated co-delivery of metformin and doxorubicin for melanoma therapy. Drug Deliv 2021; 28:594-606. [PMID: 33729072 PMCID: PMC7996084 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2021.1898703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is a life-threatening form of skin cancer with a low response rate to single-agent chemotherapy. Although combined therapies of metformin (MET) and doxorubicin (DOX) are effective in treating a variety of cancers, including breast cancer, their different physicochemical properties and administration routines reduce the effective co-accumulation of both drugs in tumors. Nanoparticles (NPs) have been demonstrated to potentially improve drug delivery efficiency in cancer therapy of, for example, liver and lung cancers. Hence, in this study, we prepared pH-sensitive, biocompatible, tumor-targeting NPs based on the conjugation of biomaterials, including sodium alginate, cholesterol, and folic acid (FCA). As expected, since cholesterol and folic acid are two essentials, but insufficient, substrates for melanoma growth, we observed that the FCA NPs specifically and highly effectively accumulated in xenograft melanoma tumors. Taking advantage of the FCA NP system, we successfully co-delivered a combination of MET and DOX into melanoma tumors to trigger pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis (PANoptosis) of the melanoma cells, thus blocking melanoma progression. Combined, the establishment of such an FCA NP system provides a promising vector for effective drug delivery into melanoma and increases the possibility and efficiency of drug combinations for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Song
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wentao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zixuan Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenxiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Siyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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26
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Pu D, Yin L, Huang L, Qin C, Zhou Y, Wu Q, Li Y, Zhou Q, Li L. Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitor: A Potential Combination Strategy With Immunotherapy in Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:637504. [PMID: 33718229 PMCID: PMC7952860 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.637504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical application of immunotherapy is the milestone of cancer treatment. However, some patients have bad reaction. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is frequently expressed in multiple cancer cells and is associated with poor prognosis. It is the key enzyme of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) that has been proved to promote the development, proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells. Recent studies further find the PGE2 in tumor microenvironment (TME) actively triggers tumor immune evasion via many ways, leading to poor response of immunotherapy. COX-2 inhibitor is suggested to restrain the immunosuppression of PGE2 and may enhance or reverse the response of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). This review provides insight into the mechanism of COX-2/PGE2 signal in immunosuppressive TME and summarizes the clinical application and trials in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Pu
- Department of Lung Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liyuan Yin
- Department of Lung Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lin Huang
- Department of Lung Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Changlong Qin
- Department of Lung Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuwen Zhou
- Oncology Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiang Wu
- Department of Lung Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Lung Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qinghua Zhou
- Department of Lung Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lu Li
- Department of Lung Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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27
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Fultang N, Li X, Li T, Chen YH. Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Differentiation in Cancer: Transcriptional Regulators and Enhanceosome-Mediated Mechanisms. Front Immunol 2021; 11:619253. [PMID: 33519825 PMCID: PMC7840597 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.619253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs) are a sub-population of leukocytes that are important for carcinogenesis and cancer immunotherapy. During carcinogenesis or severe infections, inflammatory mediators induce MDSCs via aberrant differentiation of myeloid precursors. Although several transcription factors, including C/EBPβ, STAT3, c-Rel, STAT5, and IRF8, have been reported to regulate MDSC differentiation, none of them are specifically expressed in MDSCs. How these lineage-non-specific transcription factors specify MDSC differentiation in a lineage-specific manner is unclear. The recent discovery of the c-Rel−C/EBPβ enhanceosome in MDSCs may help explain these context-dependent roles. In this review, we examine several transcriptional regulators of MDSC differentiation, and discuss the concept of non-modular regulation of MDSC signature gene expression by transcription factors such as c-Rel and C/EBPß.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman Fultang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Xinyuan Li
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ting Li
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Youhai H Chen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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28
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Lipid metabolic Reprogramming: Role in Melanoma Progression and Therapeutic Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113147. [PMID: 33121001 PMCID: PMC7692067 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Melanoma is a devastating skin cancer characterized by an impressive metabolic plasticity. Melanoma cells are able to adapt to the tumor microenvironment by using a variety of fuels that contribute to tumor growth and progression. In this review, the authors summarize the contribution of the lipid metabolic network in melanoma plasticity and aggressiveness, with a particular attention to specific lipid classes such as glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, sterols and eicosanoids. They also highlight the role of adipose tissue in tumor progression as well as the potential antitumor role of drugs targeting critical steps of lipid metabolic pathways in the context of melanoma. Abstract Metabolic reprogramming contributes to the pathogenesis and heterogeneity of melanoma. It is driven both by oncogenic events and the constraints imposed by a nutrient- and oxygen-scarce microenvironment. Among the most prominent metabolic reprogramming features is an increased rate of lipid synthesis. Lipids serve as a source of energy and form the structural foundation of all membranes, but have also emerged as mediators that not only impact classical oncogenic signaling pathways, but also contribute to melanoma progression. Various alterations in fatty acid metabolism have been reported and can contribute to melanoma cell aggressiveness. Elevated expression of the key lipogenic fatty acid synthase is associated with tumor cell invasion and poor prognosis. Fatty acid uptake from the surrounding microenvironment, fatty acid β-oxidation and storage also appear to play an essential role in tumor cell migration. The aim of this review is (i) to focus on the major alterations affecting lipid storage organelles and lipid metabolism. A particular attention has been paid to glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, sterols and eicosanoids, (ii) to discuss how these metabolic dysregulations contribute to the phenotype plasticity of melanoma cells and/or melanoma aggressiveness, and (iii) to highlight therapeutic approaches targeting lipid metabolism that could be applicable for melanoma treatment.
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29
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Jin S, Muhammad N, Sun Y, Tan Y, Yuan H, Song D, Guo Z, Wang X. Multispecific Platinum(IV) Complex Deters Breast Cancer via Interposing Inflammation and Immunosuppression as an Inhibitor of COX‐2 and PD‐L1. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202011273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Suxing Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 P. R. China
| | - Nafees Muhammad
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 P. R. China
- School of Chemistry Sun Yat-Sen University Guangzhou 510275 P. R. China
| | - Yuewen Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology School of Life Sciences Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 P. R. China
| | - Yehong Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology School of Life Sciences Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 P. R. China
| | - Hao Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 P. R. China
| | - Dongfan Song
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 P. R. China
| | - Zijian Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 P. R. China
- Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology School of Life Sciences Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 P. R. China
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30
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Jin S, Muhammad N, Sun Y, Tan Y, Yuan H, Song D, Guo Z, Wang X. Multispecific Platinum(IV) Complex Deters Breast Cancer via Interposing Inflammation and Immunosuppression as an Inhibitor of COX-2 and PD-L1. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:23313-23321. [PMID: 32897000 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202011273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignancies in women and often accompanied by inflammatory processes. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) plays a vital role in the progression of BC, correlating with the expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). Overexpression of PD-L1 contributes to the immune escape of cancer cells, and its blockade would stimulate anticancer immunity. Two multispecific platinum(IV) complexes DNP and NP were prepared using non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug naproxen (NPX) as axial ligand(s) to inhibit the BC cells. DNP exhibited high cytotoxicity and antiinflammatory properties superior over NP, cisplatin and NPX; moreover, it displayed potent antitumor activity and almost no general toxicity in mice bearing triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Mechanistic studies revealed that DNP could downregulate the expression of COX-2 and PD-L1 in vitro and vivo, inhibit the secretion of prostaglandin, reduce the expression of BC-associated protein BRD4 and phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (Erk1/2), and block the oncogene c-Myc in BC cells. These findings demonstrate that DNP is capable of intervening in inflammatory, immune, and metastatic processes of BC, thus presenting a new mechanism of action for anticancer platinum(IV) complexes. The multispecificity offers a special superiority for DNP to treat TNBC by combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy in one molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suxing Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Nafees Muhammad
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China.,School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China
| | - Yuewen Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Yehong Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Hao Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Dongfan Song
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Zijian Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China.,Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
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31
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Vergani E, Dugo M, Cossa M, Frigerio S, Di Guardo L, Gallino G, Mattavelli I, Vergani B, Lalli L, Tamborini E, Valeri B, Gargiuli C, Shahaj E, Ferrarini M, Ferrero E, Gomez Lira M, Huber V, Vecchio MD, Sensi M, Leone BE, Santinami M, Rivoltini L, Rodolfo M, Vallacchi V. miR-146a-5p impairs melanoma resistance to kinase inhibitors by targeting COX2 and regulating NFkB-mediated inflammatory mediators. Cell Commun Signal 2020; 18:156. [PMID: 32967672 PMCID: PMC7510138 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-020-00601-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Targeted therapy with BRAF and MEK inhibitors has improved the survival of patients with BRAF-mutated metastatic melanoma, but most patients relapse upon the onset of drug resistance induced by mechanisms including genetic and epigenetic events. Among the epigenetic alterations, microRNA perturbation is associated with the development of kinase inhibitor resistance. Here, we identified and studied the role of miR-146a-5p dysregulation in melanoma drug resistance. Methods The miR-146a-5p-regulated NFkB signaling network was identified in drug-resistant cell lines and melanoma tumor samples by expression profiling and knock-in and knock-out studies. A bioinformatic data analysis identified COX2 as a central gene regulated by miR-146a-5p and NFkB. The effects of miR-146a-5p/COX2 manipulation were studied in vitro in cell lines and with 3D cultures of treatment-resistant tumor explants from patients progressing during therapy. Results miR-146a-5p expression was inversely correlated with drug sensitivity and COX2 expression and was reduced in BRAF and MEK inhibitor-resistant melanoma cells and tissues. Forced miR-146a-5p expression reduced COX2 activity and significantly increased drug sensitivity by hampering prosurvival NFkB signaling, leading to reduced proliferation and enhanced apoptosis. Similar effects were obtained by inhibiting COX2 by celecoxib, a clinically approved COX2 inhibitor. Conclusions Deregulation of the miR-146a-5p/COX2 axis occurs in the development of melanoma resistance to targeted drugs in melanoma patients. This finding reveals novel targets for more effective combination treatment. Video Abstract
Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Vergani
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Dugo
- Platform of Integrated Biology, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori AmadeoLab, Milan, Italy
| | - Mara Cossa
- Department of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Frigerio
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenza Di Guardo
- Unit of Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianfrancesco Gallino
- Melanoma and Sarcoma Surgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Mattavelli
- Melanoma and Sarcoma Surgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Vergani
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Luca Lalli
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Tamborini
- Department of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Valeri
- Department of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Gargiuli
- Platform of Integrated Biology, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori AmadeoLab, Milan, Italy
| | - Eriomina Shahaj
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Ferrarini
- Experimental Oncology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Macarena Gomez Lira
- Biology and Genetics, Department of Neurosciences Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Veronica Huber
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Del Vecchio
- Unit of Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Sensi
- Platform of Integrated Biology, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori AmadeoLab, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Mario Santinami
- Melanoma and Sarcoma Surgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Licia Rivoltini
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Rodolfo
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Viviana Vallacchi
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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32
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Sheng Y, Wen L, Zheng X, Li M, Wang D, Chen S, Li R, Tang L, Zhou F. CYP2S1 might regulate proliferation and immune response of keratinocyte in psoriasis. Epigenetics 2020; 16:618-628. [PMID: 32924783 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2020.1814486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disorder influenced by genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors. We previously found CYP2S1 intragenic DNA methylation cg19430423 site strongly hypomethylated in psoriatic skin tissues. In this study, we performed methylation loci fine-mapping to search the top signals in the entire CYP2S1 gene region, and further carried out gene expression assay, cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation and migration in CYP2S1 overexpressed (CYP2S1over) and silenced (siRNA) human keratinocytes. Target bisulphite conversion sequencing revealed cg19430423 and nearby two loci were the top differentially methylated loci. These three loci located within active enhancer region marked by H3K4Me1 and H3K27AC peaks. Cg19430423 might not bind with ATF1 directly. CYP2S1over repressed NHEK cell proliferation, but have no confirmed evidence on affecting migration, apoptosis and differentiation. Real-time PCR showed that CYP2S1 inhibited expression of IL1β, IL8, IL33, IL36, LL37, CXCL10 and CCL20 gene. In summary, CYP2S1 might inhibit keratinocyte proliferation, and modulate immune response through IL-8, IL-33, IL-36, CXCL-10, CCL20, thus contribute to the development of psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujun Sheng
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Institute of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Key Laboratory of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China.,State Key Laboratory Incubation Base of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory, Anhui Province, Hefei, China
| | - Leilei Wen
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Institute of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Key Laboratory of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China.,State Key Laboratory Incubation Base of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory, Anhui Province, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaodong Zheng
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Institute of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Key Laboratory of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China.,State Key Laboratory Incubation Base of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory, Anhui Province, Hefei, China
| | - Mengqing Li
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Institute of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Key Laboratory of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China.,State Key Laboratory Incubation Base of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory, Anhui Province, Hefei, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Institute of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Key Laboratory of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China.,State Key Laboratory Incubation Base of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory, Anhui Province, Hefei, China
| | - Sixian Chen
- The First Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ran Li
- The First Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lili Tang
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Institute of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Key Laboratory of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China.,State Key Laboratory Incubation Base of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory, Anhui Province, Hefei, China
| | - Fusheng Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Institute of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Key Laboratory of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China.,State Key Laboratory Incubation Base of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory, Anhui Province, Hefei, China.,Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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33
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Lipid droplets: platforms with multiple functions in cancer hallmarks. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:105. [PMID: 32029741 PMCID: PMC7005265 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2297-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 230] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Lipid droplets (also known as lipid bodies) are lipid-rich, cytoplasmic organelles that play important roles in cell signaling, lipid metabolism, membrane trafficking, and the production of inflammatory mediators. Lipid droplet biogenesis is a regulated process, and accumulation of these organelles within leukocytes, epithelial cells, hepatocytes, and other nonadipocyte cells is a frequently observed phenotype in several physiologic or pathogenic situations and is thoroughly described during inflammatory conditions. Moreover, in recent years, several studies have described an increase in intracellular lipid accumulation in different neoplastic processes, although it is not clear whether lipid droplet accumulation is directly involved in the establishment of these different types of malignancies. This review discusses current evidence related to the biogenesis, composition and functions of lipid droplets related to the hallmarks of cancer: inflammation, cell metabolism, increased proliferation, escape from cell death, and hypoxia. Moreover, the potential of lipid droplets as markers of disease and targets for novel anti-inflammatory and antineoplastic therapies will be discussed.
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Nichetti F, Ligorio F, Zattarin E, Signorelli D, Prelaj A, Proto C, Galli G, Marra A, Apollonio G, Porcu L, de Braud F, Lo Russo G, Ferrara R, Garassino MC. Is There an Interplay between Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, Thromboprophylactic Treatments and Thromboembolic Events? Mechanisms and Impact in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 12:cancers12010067. [PMID: 31881699 PMCID: PMC7016680 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PD-1 pathway blockade has been shown to promote proatherogenic T-cell responses and destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques. Moreover, preclinical evidence suggests a potential synergy of antiplatelet drugs with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). We conducted an analysis within a prospective observational protocol (APOLLO study) to investigate the rates, predictors, and prognostic significance of thromboembolic events (TE) and thromboprophylaxis in patients with advanced NSCLC treated with ICIs. Among 217 patients treated between April 2014 and September 2018, 13.8% developed TE events. Current smoking status (HR 3.61 (95% CI 1.52–8.60), p = 0.004) and high (>50%) PD-L1 (HR 2.55 (95% CI 1.05–6.19), p = 0.038) resulted in being independent TE predictors. An increased risk of death following a diagnosis of TE (HR 2.93; 95% CI 1.59–5.42; p = 0.0006) was observed. Patients receiving antiplatelet treatment experienced longer progression-free survival (PFS) (6.4 vs. 3.4 months, HR 0.67 (95% CI 0.48–0.92), p = 0.015) and a trend toward better OS (11.2 vs. 9.6 months, HR 0.78 (95% CI 0.55–1.09), p = 0.14), which were not confirmed in a multivariate model. No impact of anticoagulant treatment on patients’ outcomes was observed. NSCLC patients treated with ICIs bear a consistent risk for thrombotic complications, with a detrimental effect on survival. The impact of antiplatelet drugs on ICIs efficacy deserves further investigation in prospective trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Nichetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (F.L.); (E.Z.); (D.S.); (A.P.); (C.P.); (G.G.); (G.A.); (F.d.B.); (G.L.R.); (R.F.); (M.C.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-022-390-3066
| | - Francesca Ligorio
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (F.L.); (E.Z.); (D.S.); (A.P.); (C.P.); (G.G.); (G.A.); (F.d.B.); (G.L.R.); (R.F.); (M.C.G.)
| | - Emma Zattarin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (F.L.); (E.Z.); (D.S.); (A.P.); (C.P.); (G.G.); (G.A.); (F.d.B.); (G.L.R.); (R.F.); (M.C.G.)
| | - Diego Signorelli
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (F.L.); (E.Z.); (D.S.); (A.P.); (C.P.); (G.G.); (G.A.); (F.d.B.); (G.L.R.); (R.F.); (M.C.G.)
| | - Arsela Prelaj
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (F.L.); (E.Z.); (D.S.); (A.P.); (C.P.); (G.G.); (G.A.); (F.d.B.); (G.L.R.); (R.F.); (M.C.G.)
| | - Claudia Proto
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (F.L.); (E.Z.); (D.S.); (A.P.); (C.P.); (G.G.); (G.A.); (F.d.B.); (G.L.R.); (R.F.); (M.C.G.)
| | - Giulia Galli
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (F.L.); (E.Z.); (D.S.); (A.P.); (C.P.); (G.G.); (G.A.); (F.d.B.); (G.L.R.); (R.F.); (M.C.G.)
| | - Antonio Marra
- Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia, 20141 Milan, Italy;
| | - Giulia Apollonio
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (F.L.); (E.Z.); (D.S.); (A.P.); (C.P.); (G.G.); (G.A.); (F.d.B.); (G.L.R.); (R.F.); (M.C.G.)
| | - Luca Porcu
- Department of Oncology, IRCCS Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, 20156 Milan, Italy;
| | - Filippo de Braud
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (F.L.); (E.Z.); (D.S.); (A.P.); (C.P.); (G.G.); (G.A.); (F.d.B.); (G.L.R.); (R.F.); (M.C.G.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lo Russo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (F.L.); (E.Z.); (D.S.); (A.P.); (C.P.); (G.G.); (G.A.); (F.d.B.); (G.L.R.); (R.F.); (M.C.G.)
| | - Roberto Ferrara
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (F.L.); (E.Z.); (D.S.); (A.P.); (C.P.); (G.G.); (G.A.); (F.d.B.); (G.L.R.); (R.F.); (M.C.G.)
| | - Marina Chiara Garassino
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (F.L.); (E.Z.); (D.S.); (A.P.); (C.P.); (G.G.); (G.A.); (F.d.B.); (G.L.R.); (R.F.); (M.C.G.)
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35
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Terzuoli E, Bellan C, Aversa S, Ciccone V, Morbidelli L, Giachetti A, Donnini S, Ziche M. ALDH3A1 Overexpression in Melanoma and Lung Tumors Drives Cancer Stem Cell Expansion, Impairing Immune Surveillance through Enhanced PD-L1 Output. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11121963. [PMID: 31817719 PMCID: PMC6966589 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11121963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma and non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cell lines are characterized by an intrinsic population of cancer stem-like cells (CSC), and high expression of detoxifying isozymes, the aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs), regulating the redox state. In this study, using melanoma and NSCLC cells, we demonstrate that ALDH3A1 isozyme overexpression and activity is closely associated with a highly aggressive mesenchymal and immunosuppressive profile. The contribution of ALDH3A1 to the stemness and immunogenic status of melanoma and NSCLC cells was evaluated by their ability to grow in 3D forming tumorspheres, and by the expression of markers for stemness, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and inflammation. Furthermore, in specimens from melanoma and NSCLC patients, we investigated the expression of ALDH3A1, PD-L1, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) by immunohistochemistry. We show that cells engineered to overexpress the ALDH3A1 enzyme enriched the CSCs population in melanoma and NSCLC cultures, changing their transcriptome. In fact, we found increased expression of EMT markers, such as vimentin, fibronectin, and Zeb1, and of pro-inflammatory and immunosuppressive mediators, such as NFkB, prostaglandin E2, and interleukin-6 and -13. ALDH3A1 overexpression enhanced PD-L1 output in tumor cells and resulted in reduced proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells when co-cultured with tumor cells. Furthermore, in tumor specimens from melanoma and NSCLC patients, ALDH3A1 expression was invariably correlated with PD-L1 and the pro-inflammatory marker COX-2. These findings link ALDH3A1 expression to tumor stemness, EMT and PD-L1 expression, and suggest that aldehyde detoxification is a redox metabolic pathway that tunes the immunological output of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Terzuoli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Cristiana Bellan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (C.B.); (S.A.)
| | - Sara Aversa
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (C.B.); (S.A.)
| | - Valerio Ciccone
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (V.C.); (L.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Lucia Morbidelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (V.C.); (L.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Antonio Giachetti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (V.C.); (L.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Sandra Donnini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (V.C.); (L.M.); (A.G.)
- Correspondence: (S.D.); (M.Z.); Tel.: +39-0577-235382 (S.D.)
| | - Marina Ziche
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
- Correspondence: (S.D.); (M.Z.); Tel.: +39-0577-235382 (S.D.)
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36
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Ercolano G, De Cicco P, Rubino V, Terrazzano G, Ruggiero G, Carriero R, Kunderfranco P, Ianaro A. Knockdown of PTGS2 by CRISPR/CAS9 System Designates a New Potential Gene Target for Melanoma Treatment. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1456. [PMID: 31920649 PMCID: PMC6915044 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 has become a powerful method to engineer genomes and to activate or to repress genes expression. As such, in cancer research CRISPR/Cas9 technology represents an efficient tool to dissect mechanisms of tumorigenesis and to discover novel targets for drug development. Here, we employed the CRISPR/Cas9 technology for studying the role of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) in melanoma development and progression. Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer with a median survival of less than 1 year. Although oncogene-targeted drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors have demonstrated a significant success in improving overall survival in patients, related toxicity and emerging resistance are ongoing challenges. Gene therapy appears to be an appealing option to enhance the efficacy of currently available melanoma therapeutics leading to better patient prognosis. Several gene therapy targets have been identified and have proven to be effective against melanoma cells. Particularly, PTGS2 is frequently expressed in malignant melanomas and its expression significantly correlates with poor survival in patients. In this study we investigated on the effect of ptgs2 knockdown in B16F10 murine melanoma cells. Our results show that reduced expression of ptgs2 in melanoma cells: i) inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasiveness; ii) modulates immune response by impairing myeloid derived suppressor cell differentiation; iii) reduces tumor development and metastasis in vivo. Collectively, these findings indicate that ptgs2 could represent an ideal gene to be targeted to improve success rates in the development of new and highly selective drugs for melanoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Ercolano
- Department of Oncology UNIL CHUV and Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Paola De Cicco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Rubino
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Terrazzano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Ruggiero
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Carriero
- Bioinformatic Unit, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Paolo Kunderfranco
- Bioinformatic Unit, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Angela Ianaro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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37
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A review on mPGES-1 inhibitors: From preclinical studies to clinical applications. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2019; 147:106383. [PMID: 31698145 DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2019.106383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a lipid mediator of inflammation and cancer progression. It is mainly formed via metabolism of arachidonic acid by cyclooxygenases (COX) and the terminal enzyme microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1). Widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit COX activity, resulting in decreased PGE2 production and symptomatic relief. However, NSAIDs block the production of many other lipid mediators that have important physiological and resolving actions, and these drugs cause gastrointestinal bleeding and/or increase the risk for severe cardiovascular events. Selective inhibition of downstream mPGES-1 for reduction in only PGE2 biosynthesis is suggested as a safer therapeutic strategy. This review covers the recent advances in characterization of new mPGES-1 inhibitors in preclinical models and their future clinical applications.
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38
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Maseda D, Ricciotti E, Crofford LJ. Prostaglandin regulation of T cell biology. Pharmacol Res 2019; 149:104456. [PMID: 31553935 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Prostaglandins (PG) are pleiotropic bioactive lipids involved in the control of many physiological processes, including key roles in regulating inflammation. This links PG to the modulation of the quality and magnitude of immune responses. T cells, as a core part of the immune system, respond readily to inflammatory cues from their environment, and express a diverse array of PG receptors that contribute to their function and phenotype. Here we put in context our knowledge about how PG affect T cell biology, and review advances that bring light into how specific T cell functions that have been newly discovered are modulated through PG. We will also comment on drugs that target PG metabolism and sensing, their effect on T cell function during disease, and we will finally discuss how we can design new approaches that modulate PG in order to maximize desired therapeutic T cell effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian Maseda
- Department of Microbiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 8-138 Smillow Center for Translational Research, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Emanuela Ricciotti
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Leslie J Crofford
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
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39
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Sun X, Cao N, Mu L, Cao W. RETRACTED: Stress induced phosphoprotein 1 promotes tumor growth and metastasis of melanoma via modulating JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 116:108962. [PMID: 31103826 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.108962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). This article has been retracted at the request of the authors, who have informed the Editor-in-Chief that the M14 cells used in this study were contaminated with HeLa cells, identified by short tandem repeat analysis. The regulatory effects of STIP1 on M14 cell proliferation, colony formation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and the JAK2/STAT3 pathway experimental data contained within this study cannot be fully repeated using non-contaminated M14 cells. Therefore, the authors no longer have confidence in the reliability of the results. The Editor-in-Chief agreed to retract the article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Sun
- Department of Dermatology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, 256 Youyi West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710068, China
| | - Ningjia Cao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, 256 Youyi West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710068, China
| | - Liang Mu
- Ultrasound Diagnosis Center, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital,256 Youyi West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710068, China
| | - Wei Cao
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, 256 Youyi West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710068, China.
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