1
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Eglenen-Polat B, Kowash RR, Huang HC, Siteni S, Zhu M, Chen K, Bender ME, Mender I, Stastny V, Drapkin BJ, Raj P, Minna JD, Xu L, Shay JW, Akbay EA. A telomere-targeting drug depletes cancer initiating cells and promotes anti-tumor immunity in small cell lung cancer. Nat Commun 2024; 15:672. [PMID: 38253555 PMCID: PMC10803750 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44861-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
There are few effective treatments for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) underscoring the need for innovative therapeutic approaches. This study focuses on exploiting telomerase, a critical SCLC dependency as a therapeutic target. A prominent characteristic of SCLC is their reliance on telomerase activity, a key enzyme essential for their continuous proliferation. Here we utilize a nucleoside analog, 6-Thio-2'-deoxyguanosine (6TdG) currently in phase II clinical trials, that is preferentially incorporated by telomerase into telomeres leading to telomere dysfunction. Using preclinical mouse and human derived models we find low intermittent doses of 6TdG inhibit tumor growth and reduce metastatic burden. Anti-tumor efficacy correlates with a reduction in a subpopulation of cancer initiating like cells (CICs) identified by their expression of L1CAM/CD133 and highest telomerase activity. 6TdG treatment also leads to activation of innate and adaptive anti-tumor responses. Mechanistically, 6TdG depletes CICs and induces type-I interferon signaling leading to tumor immune visibility by activating tumor cell STING signaling. We also observe increased sensitivity to irradiation after 6TdG treatment in both syngeneic and humanized SCLC xenograft models both of which are dependent on the presence of host immune cells. This study underscores the immune-enhancing and metastasis-reducing effects of 6TdG, employing a range of complementary in vitro and in vivo SCLC preclinical models providing a potential therapeutic approach to SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Buse Eglenen-Polat
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ryan R Kowash
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Hai-Cheng Huang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Silvia Siteni
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Mingrui Zhu
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Kenian Chen
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Department of Population & Data Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Matthew E Bender
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ilgen Mender
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Victor Stastny
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Benjamin J Drapkin
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Prithvi Raj
- Department of Immunology and Microbiome Research Laboratory University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - John D Minna
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas TX, Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Lin Xu
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jerry W Shay
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Esra A Akbay
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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2
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Rossi E, Bernabeu C. Novel vascular roles of human endoglin in pathophysiology. J Thromb Haemost 2023; 21:2327-2338. [PMID: 37315795 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtha.2023.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Endoglin, alias CD105, is a human membrane glycoprotein highly expressed in vascular endothelial cells. It is involved in angiogenesis and angiogenesis-related diseases, including the rare vascular pathology known as hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia type 1. Although endoglin acts as an accessory receptor for members of the transforming growth factor-β family, in recent years, emerging evidence has shown a novel functional role for this protein beyond the transforming growth factor-β system. In fact, endoglin has been found to be an integrin counterreceptor involved in endothelial cell adhesion processes during pathological inflammatory conditions and primary hemostasis. Furthermore, a circulating form of endoglin, also named as soluble endoglin, whose levels are abnormally increased in different pathological conditions, such as preeclampsia, seems to act as an antagonist of membrane-bound endoglin and as a competitor of the fibrinogen-integrin interaction in platelet-dependent thrombus formation. These studies suggest that membrane-bound endoglin and circulating endoglin are important components involved in vascular homeostasis and hemostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Rossi
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM U1140, Innovative Therapies in Haemostasis, Paris, France.
| | - Carmelo Bernabeu
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
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3
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Oladejo M, Nguyen HM, Wood L. CD105 in the progression and therapy of renal cell carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2023; 570:216327. [PMID: 37499740 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Molecular biomarkers that interact with the vascular and immune compartments play an important role in the progression of solid malignancies. CD105, which is a component of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF β) signaling cascade, has long been studied for its role in potentiating angiogenesis in numerous cancers. In renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the role of CD105 is more complicated due to its diverse expression profile on the tumor cells, tumor vasculature, and the components of the immune system. Since its discovery, its angiogenic role has overshadowed other potential functions, especially in cancers. In this review, we aim to summarize the recent evidence and findings of the multifunctional roles of CD105 in angiogenesis and immunomodulation in the context of the various subtypes of RCC, with a specific emphasis on the clear cell RCC subtype. Since CD105 is an established biomarker and tumor antigen, we also provide an update on the preclinical and clinical applications of CD105 as a therapeutic platform in RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Oladejo
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, 79601, USA
| | - Hong-My Nguyen
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, 79601, USA
| | - Laurence Wood
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, 79601, USA.
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4
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Hakuno SK, Janson SGT, Trietsch MD, de Graaf M, de Jonge-Muller E, Crobach S, Harryvan TJ, Boonstra JJ, Dinjens WNM, Slingerland M, Hawinkels LJAC. Endoglin and squamous cell carcinomas. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1112573. [PMID: 37396898 PMCID: PMC10313935 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1112573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the fact that the role of endoglin on endothelial cells has been extensively described, its expression and biological role on (epithelial) cancer cells is still debatable. Especially its function on squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells is largely unknown. Therefore, we investigated SCC endoglin expression and function in three types of SCCs; head and neck (HNSCC), esophageal (ESCC) and vulvar (VSCC) cancers. Endoglin expression was evaluated in tumor specimens and 14 patient-derived cell lines. Next to being expressed on angiogenic endothelial cells, endoglin is selectively expressed by individual SCC cells in tumor nests. Patient derived HNSCC, ESCC and VSCC cell lines express varying levels of endoglin with high interpatient variation. To assess the function of endoglin in signaling of TGF-β ligands, endoglin was overexpressed or knocked out or the signaling was blocked using TRC105, an endoglin neutralizing antibody. The endoglin ligand BMP-9 induced strong phosphorylation of SMAD1 independent of expression of the type-I receptor ALK1. Interestingly, we observed that endoglin overexpression leads to strongly increased soluble endoglin levels, which in turn decreases BMP-9 signaling. On the functional level, endoglin, both in a ligand dependent and independent manner, did not influence proliferation or migration of the SCC cells. In conclusion, these data show endoglin expression on individual cells in the tumor nests in SCCs and a role for (soluble) endoglin in paracrine signaling, without directly affecting proliferation or migration in an autocrine manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K. Hakuno
- Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Stefanus G. T. Janson
- Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Marjolijn D. Trietsch
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Gynecology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Manon de Graaf
- Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Eveline de Jonge-Muller
- Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Stijn Crobach
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Tom J. Harryvan
- Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jurjen J. Boonstra
- Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Winand N. M. Dinjens
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marije Slingerland
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Lukas J. A. C. Hawinkels
- Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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5
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van Gulijk M, van Krimpen A, Schetters S, Eterman M, van Elsas M, Mankor J, Klaase L, de Bruijn M, van Nimwegen M, van Tienhoven T, van Ijcken W, Boon L, van der Schoot J, Verdoes M, Scheeren F, van der Burg SH, Lambrecht BN, Stadhouders R, Dammeijer F, Aerts J, van Hall T. PD-L1 checkpoint blockade promotes regulatory T cell activity that underlies therapy resistance. Sci Immunol 2023; 8:eabn6173. [PMID: 37205768 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abn6173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Despite the clinical success of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), in certain cancer types, most patients with cancer do not respond well. Furthermore, in patients for whom ICB is initially successful, this is often short-lived because of the development of resistance to ICB. The mechanisms underlying primary or secondary ICB resistance are incompletely understood. Here, we identified preferential activation and enhanced suppressive capacity of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in αPD-L1 therapy-resistant solid tumor-bearing mice. Treg cell depletion reversed resistance to αPD-L1 with concomitant expansion of effector T cells. Moreover, we found that tumor-infiltrating Treg cells in human patients with skin cancer, and in patients with non-small cell lung cancer, up-regulated a suppressive transcriptional gene program after ICB treatment, which correlated with lack of treatment response. αPD-1/PD-L1-induced PD-1+ Treg cell activation was also seen in peripheral blood of patients with lung cancer and mesothelioma, especially in nonresponders. Together, these data reveal that treatment with αPD-1 and αPD-L1 unleashes the immunosuppressive role of Treg cells, resulting in therapy resistance, suggesting that Treg cell targeting is an important adjunct strategy to enhance therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy van Gulijk
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Anneloes van Krimpen
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd Schetters
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation and Mucosal Immunology, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mike Eterman
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marit van Elsas
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Joanne Mankor
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Larissa Klaase
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marjolein de Bruijn
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Menno van Nimwegen
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Tim van Tienhoven
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Wilfred van Ijcken
- Department of Biomics, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Johan van der Schoot
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Martijn Verdoes
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Institute for Chemical Immunology, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Ferenc Scheeren
- Department of Dermatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd H van der Burg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Bart N Lambrecht
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation and Mucosal Immunology, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ralph Stadhouders
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Floris Dammeijer
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Joachim Aerts
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Thorbald van Hall
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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6
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Smith BN, Mishra R, Billet S, Placencio-Hickok VR, Kim M, Zhang L, Duong F, Madhav A, Scher K, Moldawer N, Oppenheim A, Angara B, You S, Tighiouart M, Posadas EM, Bhowmick NA. Antagonizing CD105 and androgen receptor to target stromal-epithelial interactions for clinical benefit. Mol Ther 2023; 31:78-89. [PMID: 36045587 PMCID: PMC9840108 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Androgen receptor signaling inhibitors (ARSIs) are standard of care for advanced prostate cancer (PCa) patients. Eventual resistance to ARSIs can include the expression of androgen receptor (AR) splice variant, AR-V7, expression as a recognized means of ligand-independent androgen signaling. We demonstrated that interleukin (IL)-6-mediated AR-V7 expression requires bone morphogenic protein (BMP) and CD105 receptor activity in both PCa and associated fibroblasts. Chromatin immunoprecipitation supported CD105-dependent ID1- and E2F-mediated expression of RBM38. Further, RNA immune precipitation demonstrated RBM38 binds the AR-cryptic exon 3 to enable AR-V7 generation. The forced expression of AR-V7 by primary prostatic fibroblasts diminished PCa sensitivity to ARSI. Conversely, downregulation of AR-V7 expression in cancer epithelia and associated fibroblasts was achieved by a CD105-neutralizing antibody, carotuximab. These compelling pre-clinical findings initiated an interventional study in PCa patients developing ARSI resistance. The combination of carotuximab and ARSI (i.e., enzalutamide or abiraterone) provided disease stabilization in four of nine assessable ARSI-refractory patients. Circulating tumor cell evaluation showed AR-V7 downregulation in the responsive subjects on combination treatment and revealed a three-gene panel that was predictive of response. The systemic antagonism of BMP/CD105 signaling can support ARSI re-sensitization in pre-clinical models and subjects that have otherwise developed resistance due to AR-V7 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany N Smith
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Cancer, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Rajeev Mishra
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Cancer, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208024, India
| | - Sandrine Billet
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Cancer, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | | | - Minhyung Kim
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Cancer, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Le Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Cancer, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Frank Duong
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Cancer, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Anisha Madhav
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Cancer, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Kevin Scher
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Cancer, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Nancy Moldawer
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Cancer, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Amy Oppenheim
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Cancer, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Bryan Angara
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Cancer, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA
| | - Sungyong You
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Cancer, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Mourad Tighiouart
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Cancer, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Edwin M Posadas
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Cancer, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Neil A Bhowmick
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Cancer, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA.
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7
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Oladejo M, Nguyen HM, Seah H, Datta A, Wood LM. Tumoral CD105 promotes immunosuppression, metastasis, and angiogenesis in renal cell carcinoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2022; 72:1633-1646. [PMID: 36586013 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03356-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
CD105 (endoglin) is a transmembrane protein that functions as a TGF-beta coreceptor and is highly expressed on endothelial cells. Unsurprisingly, preclinical and clinical evidence strongly suggests that CD105 is an important contributor to tumor angiogenesis and tumor progression. Emerging evidence suggests that CD105 is also expressed by tumor cells themselves in certain cancers such as renal cell carcinoma (RCC). In human RCC tumor cells, CD105 expression is associated with stem cell-like properties and contributes to the malignant phenotype in vitro and in xenograft models. However, as a regulator of TGF-beta signaling, there is a striking lack of evidence for the role of tumor-expressed CD105 in the anti-tumor immune response and the tumor microenvironment. In this study, we report that tumor cell-expressed CD105 potentiates both the in vitro and in vivo tumorigenic potential of RCC in a syngeneic murine RCC tumor model. Importantly, we find that tumor cell-expressed CD105 sculpts the tumor microenvironment by enhancing the recruitment of immunosuppressive cell types and inhibiting the polyfunctionality of tumor-infiltrating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Finally, while CD105 expression by endothelial cells is a well-established contributor to tumor angiogenesis, we also find that tumor cell-expressed CD105 significantly contributes to tumor angiogenesis in RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Oladejo
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, USA
| | - Hong-My Nguyen
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, USA
| | - Hannah Seah
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, USA
| | - Arani Datta
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, USA
| | - Laurence M Wood
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX, USA.
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8
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Lontos K, Wang Y, Colbert M, Kumar A, Joshi S, Philbin M, Wang Y, Frisch A, Lohmueller J, Rivadeneira DB, Delgoffe GM. Fully murine CD105-targeted CAR-T cells provide an immunocompetent model for CAR-T cell biology. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2131229. [PMID: 36275862 PMCID: PMC9586682 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2131229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The modeling of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies has been mostly focused on immunodeficient models. However, there are many advantages in studying CAR-T cell biology in an immunocompetent setting. We generated a fully murine CAR targeting CD105 (endoglin), a component of the TGFβ receptor expressed on the surface of certain solid tumors and acute leukemias. CD105-targeted CAR-T cells can be grown from various murine backgrounds, tracked in vivo by congenic marks, and be activated by CD105 in isolation or expressed by tumor cells. CD105-targeted CAR-T cells were toxic at higher doses but proved safe in lower doses and modestly effective in treating wild-type B16 melanoma-bearing mice. CAR-T cells infiltrating the tumor expressed high levels of exhaustion markers and exhibited metabolic insufficiencies. We also generated a human CD105 CAR, which was efficacious in treating human melanoma and acute myeloid leukemia in vivo. Our work details a new murine model of CAR-T cell therapy that can be used from immunologists to further our understanding of CAR-T cell biology. We also set the foundation for further exploration of CD105 as a possible human CAR-T cell target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Lontos
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, Department of Immunology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yiyang Wang
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, Peking, China
| | - Mason Colbert
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, Department of Immunology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alok Kumar
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, Department of Immunology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Supriya Joshi
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, Department of Immunology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mary Philbin
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, Department of Immunology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yupeng Wang
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, Department of Immunology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, Peking, China
| | - Andrew Frisch
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, Department of Immunology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Graduate Program of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jason Lohmueller
- Department of Surgery, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Dayana B. Rivadeneira
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, Department of Immunology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Greg M. Delgoffe
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, Department of Immunology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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9
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Shasha T, Gruijs M, van Egmond M. Mechanisms of colorectal liver metastasis development. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:607. [PMID: 36436127 PMCID: PMC9701652 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04630-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, largely due to the development of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). For the establishment of CRLM, CRC cells must remodel their tumor-microenvironment (TME), avoid the immune system, invade the underlying stroma, survive the hostile environment of the circulation, extravasate into the liver, reprogram the hepatic microenvironment into a permissive pre-metastatic niche, and finally, awake from a dormant state to grow out into clinically detectable CRLM. These steps form part of the invasion-metastasis cascade that relies on reciprocal interactions between the tumor and its ever-changing microenvironment. Such interplay provides a strong rational for therapeutically targeting the TME. In fact, several TME constituents, such as VEGF, TGF-β coreceptor endoglin, and CXCR4, are already targeted in clinical trials. It is, however, of utmost importance to fully understand the complex interactions in the invasion-metastasis cascade to identify novel potential therapeutic targets and prevent the establishment of CRLM, which may ultimately greatly improve patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tal Shasha
- Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mandy Gruijs
- Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolein van Egmond
- Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Surgery, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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10
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Cui G. Towards a precision immune checkpoint blockade immunotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer: Strategies and perspectives. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 149:112923. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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11
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Generation of αGal-enhanced bifunctional tumor vaccine. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:3177-3186. [PMID: 35865091 PMCID: PMC9293690 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor with poor prognosis and high mortality. In this study, we demonstrated a novel vaccine targeting HCC and tumor neovascular endothelial cells by fusing recombinant MHCC97H cells expressing porcine α-1,3-galactose epitopes (αGal) and endorphin extracellular domains (END) with dendritic cells (DCs) from healthy volunteers. END+/Gal+-MHCC97H/DC fusion cells induced cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and secretion of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). CTLs targeted cells expressing αGal and END and tumor angiogenesis. The fused cell vaccine can effectively inhibit tumor growth and prolong the survival time of human hepatoma mice, indicating the high clinical potential of this new cell based vaccine.
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12
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Pawlak JB, Blobe GC. TGF-β superfamily co-receptors in cancer. Dev Dyn 2022; 251:137-163. [PMID: 33797167 PMCID: PMC8484463 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily signaling via their cognate receptors is frequently modified by TGF-β superfamily co-receptors. Signaling through SMAD-mediated pathways may be enhanced or depressed depending on the specific co-receptor and cell context. This dynamic effect on signaling is further modified by the release of many of the co-receptors from the membrane to generate soluble forms that are often antagonistic to the membrane-bound receptors. The co-receptors discussed here include TβRIII (betaglycan), endoglin, BAMBI, CD109, SCUBE proteins, neuropilins, Cripto-1, MuSK, and RGMs. Dysregulation of these co-receptors can lead to altered TGF-β superfamily signaling that contributes to the pathophysiology of many cancers through regulation of growth, metastatic potential, and the tumor microenvironment. Here we describe the role of several TGF-β superfamily co-receptors on TGF-β superfamily signaling and the impact on cellular and physiological functions with a particular focus on cancer, including a discussion on recent pharmacological advances and potential clinical applications targeting these co-receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gerard C. Blobe
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center,Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center,Corresponding author: Gerard Blobe, B354 LSRC, Box 91004 DUMC, Durham, NC 27708, , 919-668-1352
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13
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Therapeutic Potential of Thymoquinone in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Prevention and Progression through the Modulation of the Tumor Microenvironment. Nutrients 2021; 14:nu14010079. [PMID: 35010954 PMCID: PMC8746460 DOI: 10.3390/nu14010079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, the tumor microenvironment (TME) has gained considerable attention in various areas of cancer research due to its role in driving a loss of immune surveillance and enabling rapid advanced tumor development and progression. The TME plays an integral role in driving advanced aggressive breast cancers, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a pivotal mediator for tumor cells to communicate with the surrounding cells via lymphatic and circulatory systems. Furthermore, the TME plays a significant role in all steps and stages of carcinogenesis by promoting and stimulating uncontrolled cell proliferation and protecting tumor cells from the immune system. Various cellular components of the TME work together to drive cancer processes, some of which include tumor-associated adipocytes, fibroblasts, macrophages, and neutrophils which sustain perpetual amplification and release of pro-inflammatory molecules such as cytokines. Thymoquinone (TQ), a natural chemical component from black cumin seed, is widely used traditionally and now in clinical trials for the treatment/prevention of multiple types of cancer, showing a potential to mitigate components of TME at various stages by various pathways. In this review, we focus on the role of TME in TNBC cancer progression and the effect of TQ on the TME, emphasizing their anticipated role in the prevention and treatment of TNBC. It was concluded from this review that the multiple components of the TME serve as a critical part of TNBC tumor promotion and stimulation of uncontrolled cell proliferation. Meanwhile, TQ could be a crucial compound in the prevention and progression of TNBC therapy through the modulation of the TME.
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14
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Schoonderwoerd MJA, Hakuno SK, Sassen M, Kuhlemaijer EB, Paauwe M, Slingerland M, Fransen MF, Hawinkels LJAC. Targeting Endoglin Expressing Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment Does Not Inhibit Tumor Growth in a Pancreatic Cancer Mouse Model. Onco Targets Ther 2021; 14:5205-5220. [PMID: 34744438 PMCID: PMC8565992 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s322276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal forms of cancer and is known to have low immunogenicity and an immunosuppressive microenvironment. It is also characterized by high accumulation of dense stroma, composed of mostly cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Multiple subsets of CAFs are described, with one of them expressing the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β co-receptor endoglin. In previous work, we and others have shown that endoglin-expressing CAFs stimulate tumor progression and metastasis. Therefore, in this study, we set out to investigate the role of endoglin-expressing CAFs in pancreatic cancer progression. Methods First, we investigated the expression of endoglin on CAFs in both human tissues as well as a mouse model for PDAC. Since CAF-specific endoglin expression was high, we targeted endoglin by using the endoglin neutralizing antibody TRC105 in the murine KPC model for PDAC. Results Although some signs of immune activation were observed, TRC105 did not affect tumor growth. Since 90% of the CD8+ T-cells expressed the immune checkpoint PD-1, we investigated the combination with a PD1 checkpoint inhibitor, which did not enhance therapeutic responses. Finally, genetic deletion of endoglin from collagen 1a1 expressing cells also did not affect the growth of the mouse KPC tumors. Conclusion Our results show that although endoglin is highly expressed on PDAC-CAFs and signaling is efficiently inhibited by TRC105, this does not result in decreased tumor growth in the KPC model for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J A Schoonderwoerd
- Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sarah K Hakuno
- Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn Sassen
- Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Eleonore B Kuhlemaijer
- Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Madelon Paauwe
- Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Marije Slingerland
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Marieke F Fransen
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Lukas J A C Hawinkels
- Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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15
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The Dual Effect of the BMP9-ALK1 Pathway in Blood Vessels: An Opportunity for Cancer Therapy Improvement? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215412. [PMID: 34771575 PMCID: PMC8582496 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The modulation of tumor blood vessels is a great opportunity for improving cancer therapies. Understanding the cellular and molecular players that regulate the biology of tumor blood vessels and tumor angiogenesis is necessary for the development of new anti-tumor strategies. Bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9) is a circulating factor with multiple effects in vascular biology through its receptor activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1). In this review, we give an overview of the possible benefits of modulating BMP9–ALK1 functions for cancer therapy improvement. Abstract The improvement of cancer therapy efficacy, the extension of patient survival and the reduction of adverse side effects are major challenges in cancer research. Targeting blood vessels has been considered a promising strategy in cancer therapy. Since the tumor vasculature is disorganized, leaky and triggers immunosuppression and tumor hypoxia, several strategies have been studied to modify tumor vasculature for cancer therapy improvement. Anti-angiogenesis was first described as a mechanism to prevent the formation of new blood vessels and prevent the oxygen supply to tumor cells, showing numerous limitations. Vascular normalization using low doses of anti-angiogenic drugs was purposed to overcome the limitations of anti-angiogenic therapies. Other strategies such as vascular promotion or the induction of high endothelial venules are being studied now to improve cancer therapy. Bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9) exerts a dual effect through the activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1) receptor in blood vessel maturation or activation phase of angiogenesis. Thus, it is an interesting pathway to target in combination with chemotherapies or immunotherapies. This review manuscript explores the effect of the BMP9–ALK1 pathway in tumor angiogenesis and the possible usefulness of targeting this pathway in anti-angiogenesis, vascular normalization or vascular promotion therapies.
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16
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Lin X, Li H, Li X, Yang X, Shi W, Ding Z, Zhong D, Li Y, Yang W, Yu X, Xie S, Jiang X, Lu X. A Single-Chain Variable Fragment Antibody/Chemokine Fusion Protein Targeting Human Endoglin to Enhance the Anti-Tumor Activity of Cytokine-Induced Killer Cells. J Biomed Nanotechnol 2021; 17:1574-1583. [PMID: 34544535 DOI: 10.1166/jbn.2021.3140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Cytokine-induced killer cell immunotherapy is an ideal candidate for adoptive cell transfer therapy. However, therapeutic approaches to enhance the anti-tumor activity of cytokine-induced killer cells remain to be explored. Here, we described the successful development of a novel antibody-chemokine fusion protein containing the anti-human Endoglin antibody in the single-chain variable fragment format and human interferon-gamma-induced protein 10 (hENG scFv/hIP-10). Its anti-Endoglin immunoreactivity and chemotactic activity against the cytokine-induced killer cells were characterized in vitro. To evaluate the anti-tumor effect in vivo, cytokine-induced killer cells were intravenously injected into human hepatocellular carcinoma-bearing nude mice, together with intratumoral administration of the fusion protein hENG scFv/hIP-10 as an enhancer. The tumor volume and survival time of the mice were monitored, whilst the tumor-infiltrating cytokine-induced killer cells, serum levels of interferon-gamma, tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis were measured. The results demonstrated that hENG scFv/hIP-10 and cytokine-induced killer cells synergistically inhibited tumor growth and prolonged survival of tumor-bearing mice. Moreover, the number of tumor-infiltrating cytokine-induced killer cells, serum levels of interferon-gamma, and tumor cell apoptosis were increased, accompanied with decreased tumor proliferation and angiogenesis. Thus, our study suggests that hENG scFv/hIP-10 could enhance the anti-tumor activity of cytokine-induced killer cells against human hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuandong Lin
- College of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Haixia Li
- International Nanobody Research Center of Guangxi, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xi Li
- International Nanobody Research Center of Guangxi, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xiaomei Yang
- International Nanobody Research Center of Guangxi, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Wei Shi
- International Nanobody Research Center of Guangxi, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Ziqiang Ding
- International Nanobody Research Center of Guangxi, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Dani Zhong
- International Nanobody Research Center of Guangxi, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Yangzi Li
- International Nanobody Research Center of Guangxi, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Wenli Yang
- International Nanobody Research Center of Guangxi, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xia Yu
- National Center for International Research of Biological Targeting Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Shenxia Xie
- International Nanobody Research Center of Guangxi, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xiaobing Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xiaoling Lu
- College of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
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17
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Wu Y, Liang X, Ni J, Zhao R, Shao S, Lu S, Han W, Yu L. Effect of ISM1 on the Immune Microenvironment and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Colorectal Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:681240. [PMID: 34350177 PMCID: PMC8326811 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.681240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: An increasing number of studies have shown that Isthmin 1 (ISM1), a secreted protein, is important in tumorigenesis and invasion, including in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the mechanisms are still unclear. This study aims to explore the function and prognosis capacity of ISM1 in CRC. Methods: We investigated the expression of ISM1 in 18 CRC tissues vs. adjacent normal tissues from GSE50760, 473 CRC tissues vs. 41 normal tissues from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and across gastrointestinal cancer types. Differences were further confirmed in CRC tissues via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Then, we analyzed correlations between clinicopathologic features and ISM1 expression, including prognostic prediction value, using the Kaplan–Meier method and multivariate Cox regression. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to identify ISM1-related pathways. In vitro experiments were performed to verify the role of ISM1 in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and CRC progression. Results: Multiple datasets showed that ISM1 is upregulated in CRC tissues, which was validated. Patients with higher ISM1 expression had shorter overall survival (OS), and ISM1 expression served as an independent prognostic factor. Enrichment analysis showed that ISM1 upregulation was positively correlated with cancer-related pathways, such as EMT, hypoxia, and the Notch and KRAS signaling pathways. We were exclusively interested in the connection between ISM1 and EMT because 71% of genes in this pathway were significantly positively co-expressed with ISM1, which may account for why patients with higher ISM1 expression are prone to regional lymph node involvement and progression to advanced stages. In addition, we found that ISM1 was positively correlated with multiple immunosuppressive pathways such as IL2/STAT5, TNF-α/NF-κB, and TGF-β, and immune checkpoints, including PD-L1, PD-1, CTLA-4, and LAG3, which may account for upregulation of ISM1 in immunotherapy-resistant patients. Notably, through in vitro experiments, we found that ISM1 promoted EMT and colon cancer cell migration and proliferation. Conclusion: ISM1 is critical for CRC development and progression, which enhances our understanding of the low response rate of CRC to immunotherapy via immunosuppressive signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhui Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojing Liang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junjie Ni
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Jinhua Municipal Central Hospital, Jinhua, China
| | - Rongjie Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shengpeng Shao
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Fuyang, Hangzhou, China
| | - Si Lu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weidong Han
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liangliang Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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18
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Preclinical models and technologies to advance nanovaccine development. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 172:148-182. [PMID: 33711401 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The remarkable success of targeted immunotherapies is revolutionizing cancer treatment. However, tumor heterogeneity and low immunogenicity, in addition to several tumor-associated immunosuppression mechanisms are among the major factors that have precluded the success of cancer vaccines as targeted cancer immunotherapies. The exciting outcomes obtained in patients upon the injection of tumor-specific antigens and adjuvants intratumorally, reinvigorated interest in the use of nanotechnology to foster the delivery of vaccines to address cancer unmet needs. Thus, bridging nano-based vaccine platform development and predicted clinical outcomes the selection of the proper preclinical model will be fundamental. Preclinical models have revealed promising outcomes for cancer vaccines. However, only few cases were associated with clinical responses. This review addresses the major challenges related to the translation of cancer nano-based vaccines to the clinic, discussing the requirements for ex vivo and in vivo models of cancer to ensure the translation of preclinical success to patients.
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19
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Listik E, Horst B, Choi AS, Lee NY, Győrffy B, Mythreye K. A bioinformatic analysis of the inhibin-betaglycan-endoglin/CD105 network reveals prognostic value in multiple solid tumors. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249558. [PMID: 33819300 PMCID: PMC8021191 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibins and activins are dimeric ligands belonging to the TGFβ superfamily with emergent roles in cancer. Inhibins contain an α-subunit (INHA) and a β-subunit (either INHBA or INHBB), while activins are mainly homodimers of either βA (INHBA) or βB (INHBB) subunits. Inhibins are biomarkers in a subset of cancers and utilize the coreceptors betaglycan (TGFBR3) and endoglin (ENG) for physiological or pathological outcomes. Given the array of prior reports on inhibin, activin and the coreceptors in cancer, this study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis, assessing their functional prognostic potential in cancer using a bioinformatics approach. We identify cancer cell lines and cancer types most dependent and impacted, which included p53 mutated breast and ovarian cancers and lung adenocarcinomas. Moreover, INHA itself was dependent on TGFBR3 and ENG/CD105 in multiple cancer types. INHA, INHBA, TGFBR3, and ENG also predicted patients' response to anthracycline and taxane therapy in luminal A breast cancers. We also obtained a gene signature model that could accurately classify 96.7% of the cases based on outcomes. Lastly, we cross-compared gene correlations revealing INHA dependency to TGFBR3 or ENG influencing different pathways themselves. These results suggest that inhibins are particularly important in a subset of cancers depending on the coreceptor TGFBR3 and ENG and are of substantial prognostic value, thereby warranting further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Listik
- Department of Pathology, Division of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Ben Horst
- Department of Pathology, Division of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Alex Seok Choi
- Department of Pathology, Division of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Nam. Y. Lee
- Division of Pharmacology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Balázs Győrffy
- TTK Cancer Biomarker Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, and Semmelweis University Department of Bioinformatics and 2nd Department of Pediatrics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Karthikeyan Mythreye
- Department of Pathology, Division of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
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20
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Ollauri-Ibáñez C, Ayuso-Íñigo B, Pericacho M. Hot and Cold Tumors: Is Endoglin (CD105) a Potential Target for Vessel Normalization? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1552. [PMID: 33800564 PMCID: PMC8038031 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors are complex masses formed by malignant but also by normal cells. The interaction between these cells via cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and enzymes that remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM) constitutes the tumor microenvironment (TME). This TME can be determinant in the prognosis and the response to some treatments such as immunotherapy. Depending on their TME, two types of tumors can be defined: hot tumors, characterized by an immunosupportive TME and a good response to immunotherapy; and cold tumors, which respond poorly to this therapy and are characterized by an immunosuppressive TME. A therapeutic strategy that has been shown to be useful for the conversion of cold tumors into hot tumors is vascular normalization. In this review we propose that endoglin (CD105) may be a useful target of this strategy since it is involved in the three main processes involved in the generation of the TME: angiogenesis, inflammation, and cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) accumulation. Moreover, the analysis of endoglin expression in tumors, which is already used in the clinic to study the microvascular density and that is associated with worse prognosis, could be used to predict a patient's response to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Miguel Pericacho
- Renal and Cardiovascular Research Unit, Group of Physiopathology of the Vascular Endothelium (ENDOVAS), Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca (IBSAL), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (C.O.-I.); (B.A.-Í.)
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21
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Jeng KS, Sheen IS, Lin SS, Leu CM, Chang CF. The Role of Endoglin in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063208. [PMID: 33809908 PMCID: PMC8004096 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Endoglin (CD105) is a type-1 integral transmembrane glycoprotein and coreceptor for transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) ligands. The endoglin/TGF-β signaling pathway regulates hemostasis, cell proliferation/migration, extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and angiogenesis. Angiogenesis contributes to early progression, invasion, postoperative recurrence, and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most widespread malignancies globally. Endoglin is overexpressed in newly formed HCC microvessels. It increases microvessel density in cirrhotic and regenerative HCC nodules. In addition, circulating endoglin is present in HCC patients, suggesting potential for use as a diagnostic or prognostic factor. HCC angiogenesis is dynamic and endoglin expression varies by stage. TRC105 (carotuximab) is an antibody against endoglin, and three of its clinical trials were related to liver diseases. A partial response was achieved when combining TRC105 with sorafenib. Although antiangiogenic therapy still carries some risks, combination therapy with endoglin inhibitors or other targeted therapies holds promise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Shyang Jeng
- Division of General Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei 22060, Taiwan; (K.-S.J.); (S.-S.L.)
| | - I-Shyan Sheen
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan city 33305, Taiwan;
| | - Shu-Sheng Lin
- Division of General Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei 22060, Taiwan; (K.-S.J.); (S.-S.L.)
| | - Chuen-Miin Leu
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, Taipei city 11221, Taiwan;
| | - Chiung-Fang Chang
- Division of General Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei 22060, Taiwan; (K.-S.J.); (S.-S.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-7728-4564
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22
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Endoglin in the Spotlight to Treat Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063186. [PMID: 33804796 PMCID: PMC8003971 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
A spotlight has been shone on endoglin in recent years due to that fact of its potential to serve as both a reliable disease biomarker and a therapeutic target. Indeed, endoglin has now been assigned many roles in both physiological and pathological processes. From a molecular point of view, endoglin mainly acts as a co-receptor in the canonical TGFβ pathway, but also it may be shed and released from the membrane, giving rise to the soluble form, which also plays important roles in cell signaling. In cancer, in particular, endoglin may contribute to either an oncogenic or a non-oncogenic phenotype depending on the cell context. The fact that endoglin is expressed by neoplastic and non-neoplastic cells within the tumor microenvironment suggests new possibilities for targeted therapies. Here, we aimed to review and discuss the many roles played by endoglin in different tumor types, as well as the strong evidence provided by pre-clinical and clinical studies that supports the therapeutic targeting of endoglin as a novel clinical strategy.
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23
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Cui G. The Mechanisms Leading to Distinct Responses to PD-1/PD-L1 Blockades in Colorectal Cancers With Different MSI Statuses. Front Oncol 2021; 11:573547. [PMID: 33763344 PMCID: PMC7982849 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.573547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Current clinical studies showed distinct therapeutic outcomes, in which CRC patients with mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR)/microsatellite instability high (MSI-H) seem to be relatively more "sensitive" in response to anti-programmed death-1 receptor (PD-1)/programmed death-1 receptor ligand 1 (PD-L1) therapy than those with mismatch repair-proficient (pMMR)/microsatellite instability-low (MSI-L). The mechanisms by which the same PD-1/PD-L1 blockades lead to two distinct therapeutic responses in CRC patients with different MSI statuses remain poorly understood and become a topic of great interest in both basic research and clinical practice. In this review of the potential mechanisms for the distinct response to PD-1/PD-L1 blockades between dMMR/MSI-H CRCs and pMMR/MSI-L CRCs, relevant references were electronically searched and collected from databases PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google scholar. Sixty-eight articles with full text and 10 articles by reference-cross search were included for final analysis after eligibility selection according to the guidelines of PRISMA. Analysis revealed that multiple factors e.g. tumor mutation burden, immune cell densities and types in the tumor microenvironment, expression levels of PD-1/PD-L1 and cytokines are potential determinants of such distinct response to PD-1/PD-L1 blockades in CRC patients with different MSI statuses which might help clinicians to select candidates for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy and improve therapeutic response in patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanglin Cui
- Research Group of Gastrointestinal Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Faculty of Health Science, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
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Liu Y, Paauwe M, Nixon AB, Hawinkels LJ. Endoglin Targeting: Lessons Learned and Questions That Remain. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010147. [PMID: 33375670 PMCID: PMC7795616 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 30 years ago, endoglin was identified as a transforming growth factor (TGF)-β coreceptor with a crucial role in developmental biology and tumor angiogenesis. Its selectively high expression on tumor vessels and its correlation with poor survival in cancer patients led to the exploration of endoglin as a therapeutic target for cancer. The endoglin neutralizing antibody TRC105 (Carotuximab®, Tracon Pharmaceuticals (San Diego, CA, USA) was subsequently tested in a wide variety of preclinical cancer models before being tested in phase I-III clinical studies in cancer patients as both a monotherapy and in combination with other chemotherapeutic and anti-angiogenic therapies. The combined data of these studies have revealed new insights into the role of endoglin in angiogenesis and its expression and functional role on other cells in the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we will summarize the preclinical work, clinical trials and biomarker studies of TRC105 and explore what these studies have enabled us to learn and what questions remain unanswered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingmiao Liu
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (Y.L.); (A.B.N.)
| | - Madelon Paauwe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Andrew B. Nixon
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (Y.L.); (A.B.N.)
| | - Lukas J.A.C. Hawinkels
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-71-526-6736
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Endoglin: An 'Accessory' Receptor Regulating Blood Cell Development and Inflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239247. [PMID: 33287465 PMCID: PMC7729465 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is a pleiotropic factor sensed by most cells. It regulates a broad spectrum of cellular responses including hematopoiesis. In order to process TGF-β1-responses in time and space in an appropriate manner, there is a tight regulation of its signaling at diverse steps. The downstream signaling is mediated by type I and type II receptors and modulated by the ‘accessory’ receptor Endoglin also termed cluster of differentiation 105 (CD105). Endoglin was initially identified on pre-B leukemia cells but has received most attention due to its high expression on activated endothelial cells. In turn, Endoglin has been figured out as the causative factor for diseases associated with vascular dysfunction like hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia-1 (HHT-1), pre-eclampsia, and intrauterine growth restriction (IUPR). Because HHT patients often show signs of inflammation at vascular lesions, and loss of Endoglin in the myeloid lineage leads to spontaneous inflammation, it is speculated that Endoglin impacts inflammatory processes. In line, Endoglin is expressed on progenitor/precursor cells during hematopoiesis as well as on mature, differentiated cells of the innate and adaptive immune system. However, so far only pro-monocytes and macrophages have been in the focus of research, although Endoglin has been identified in many other immune system cell subsets. These findings imply a functional role of Endoglin in the maturation and function of immune cells. Aside the functional relevance of Endoglin in endothelial cells, CD105 is differentially expressed during hematopoiesis, arguing for a role of this receptor in the development of individual cell lineages. In addition, Endoglin expression is present on mature immune cells of the innate (i.e., macrophages and mast cells) and the adaptive (i.e., T-cells) immune system, further suggesting Endoglin as a factor that shapes immune responses. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on Endoglin expression and function in hematopoietic precursors and mature hematopoietic cells of different lineages.
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Paulino E, de Melo AC. Immunotherapy in gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: great times are coming. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2020; 30:1654-1655. [DOI: 10.1136/ijgc-2020-001943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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Fujimura T, Aiba S. Significance of Immunosuppressive Cells as a Target for Immunotherapies in Melanoma and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10081087. [PMID: 32707850 PMCID: PMC7464513 DOI: 10.3390/biom10081087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) have been detected in most skin cancers. TAMs produce various chemokines and angiogenic factors that promote tumor development, along with other immunosuppressive cells such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), regulatory T cells (Tregs) and tumor-associated neutrophils. TAMs generated from monocytes develop into functional, fully activated macrophages, and TAMs obtain various immunosuppressive functions to maintain the tumor microenvironment. Since TAMs express PD1 to maintain the immunosuppressive M2 phenotype by PD1/PD-L1 signaling from tumor cells, and the blockade of PD1/PD-L1 signaling by anti-PD1 antibodies (Abs) activate and re-polarize TAMs into immunoreactive M1 phenotypes, TAMs represent a potential target for anti-PD1 Abs. The main population of TAMs comprises CD163+ M2 macrophages, and CD163+ TAMs release soluble (s)CD163 and several proinflammatory chemokines (CXCL5, CXCL10, CCL19, etc.) as a result of TAM activation to induce an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment together with other immunosuppressive cells. Since direct blockade of PD1/PD-L1 signaling between tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating T cells (both effector T cells and Tregs) is mandatory for inducing an anti-immune response by anti-PD1 Abs, anti-PD1 Abs need to reach the tumor microenvironment to induce anti-immune responses in the tumor-bearing host. Taken together, TAM-related factors could offer a biomarker for anti-PD1 Ab-based immunotherapy. Understanding the crosstalk between TAMs and immunosuppressive cells is important for optimizing PD1 Ab-based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taku Fujimura
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-22-717-7271; Fax: +81-22-717-7361
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