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Louault K, De Clerck YA, Janoueix-Lerosey I. The neuroblastoma tumor microenvironment: From an in-depth characterization towards novel therapies. EJC PAEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY 2024; 3:100161. [PMID: 39036648 PMCID: PMC11259008 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcped.2024.100161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a cancer of the sympathetic nervous system that develops in young children, either as low-risk or high-risk disease. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is now recognized as an important player of the tumor ecosystem that may promote drug resistance and immune escape. Targeting the TME in combination with therapies directly targeting tumor cells therefore represents an interesting strategy to prevent the emergence of resistance in cancer and improve patient's outcome. The development of such strategies however requires an in-depth understanding of the TME landscape, due to its high complexity and intra and inter-tumoral heterogeneity. Various approaches have been used in the last years to characterize the immune and non-immune cell populations present in tumors of neuroblastoma patients, both quantitatively and qualitatively, in particular with the use of single-cell transcriptomics. It is anticipated that in the near future, both genomic and TME information in tumors will contribute to a precise approach to therapy in neuroblastoma. Deciphering the mechanisms of interaction between neuroblastoma cells and stromal or immune cells in the TME is key to identify novel therapeutic combinations. Over the last decade, numerous in vitro studies and in vivo pre-clinical experiments in immune-competent and immune-deficient models have identified therapeutic approaches to circumvent drug resistance and immune escape. Some of these studies have formed the basis for early phase I and II clinical trials in children with recurrent and refractory high-risk neuroblastoma. This review summarizes recently published data on the characterization of the TME landscape in neuroblastoma and novel strategies targeting various TME cellular components, molecules and pathways activated as a result of the tumor-host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Louault
- Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Cancer, and Blood Disease Institute, 4650 Sunset Bld., Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yves A. De Clerck
- Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Cancer, and Blood Disease Institute, 4650 Sunset Bld., Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Southern California, CA, USA
| | - Isabelle Janoueix-Lerosey
- Curie Institute, PSL Research University, Inserm U830, Paris, France
- SIREDO: Care, Innovation and Research for Children, Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer, Curie Institute, Paris, France
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2
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Zhao K, Wu C, Li X, Niu M, Wu D, Cui X, Zhao H. From mechanism to therapy: the journey of CD24 in cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1401528. [PMID: 38881902 PMCID: PMC11176514 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1401528] [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: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
CD24 is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein that is expressed in a wide range of tissues and cell types. It is involved in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, including cell adhesion, migration, differentiation, and apoptosis. Additionally, CD24 has been studied extensively in the context of cancer, where it has been found to play a role in tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. In recent years, there has been growing interest in CD24 as a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment. This review summarizes the current knowledge of CD24, including its structure, function, and its role in cancer. Finally, we provide insights into potential clinical application of CD24 and discuss possible approaches for the development of targeted cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Caifeng Wu
- Department of Hand and Foot, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiangjun Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Mengchao Niu
- Department of Operation Room, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Dan Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaofeng Cui
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hai Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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3
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Ren Z, Zhang X, Fu YX. Facts and Hopes on Chimeric Cytokine Agents for Cancer Immunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:2025-2038. [PMID: 38190116 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-1160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Cytokines are key mediators of immune responses that can modulate the antitumor activity of immune cells. Cytokines have been explored as a promising cancer immunotherapy. However, there are several challenges to cytokine therapy, especially a lack of tumor targeting, resulting in high toxicity and limited efficacy. To overcome these limitations, novel approaches have been developed to engineer cytokines with improved properties, such as chimeric cytokines. Chimeric cytokines are fusion proteins that combine different cytokine domains or link cytokines to antibodies (immunocytokines) or other molecules that can target specific receptors or cells. Chimeric cytokines can enhance the selectivity and stability of cytokines, leading to reduced toxicity and improved efficacy. In this review, we focus on two promising cytokines, IL2 and IL15, and summarize the current advances and challenges of chimeric cytokine design and application for cancer immunotherapy. Most of the current approaches focus on increasing the potency of cytokines, but another important goal is to reduce toxicity. Cytokine engineering is promising for cancer immunotherapy as it can enhance tumor targeting while minimizing adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xuhao Zhang
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang-Xin Fu
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing, China
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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4
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Zheng M, Kumar A, Sharma V, Behl T, Sehgal A, Wal P, Shinde NV, Kawaduji BS, Kapoor A, Anwer MK, Gulati M, Shen B, Singla RK, Bungau SG. Revolutionizing pediatric neuroblastoma treatment: unraveling new molecular targets for precision interventions. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1353860. [PMID: 38601081 PMCID: PMC11004261 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1353860] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most frequent solid tumor in pediatric cases, contributing to around 15% of childhood cancer-related deaths. The wide-ranging genetic, morphological, and clinical diversity within NB complicates the success of current treatment methods. Acquiring an in-depth understanding of genetic alterations implicated in the development of NB is essential for creating safer and more efficient therapies for this severe condition. Several molecular signatures are being studied as potential targets for developing new treatments for NB patients. In this article, we have examined the molecular factors and genetic irregularities, including those within insulin gene enhancer binding protein 1 (ISL1), dihydropyrimidinase-like 3 (DPYSL3), receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1) and murine double minute 2-tumor protein 53 (MDM2-P53) that play an essential role in the development of NB. A thorough summary of the molecular targeted treatments currently being studied in pre-clinical and clinical trials has been described. Recent studies of immunotherapeutic agents used in NB are also studied in this article. Moreover, we explore potential future directions to discover new targets and treatments to enhance existing therapies and ultimately improve treatment outcomes and survival rates for NB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zheng
- Joint Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence for Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ankush Kumar
- Amity School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amity University, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Vishakha Sharma
- Amity School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amity University, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Tapan Behl
- Amity School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amity University, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Aayush Sehgal
- GHG Khalsa College of Pharmacy, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Pranay Wal
- Pranveer Singh Institute of Technology, Pharmacy, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | | | - Anupriya Kapoor
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Md. Khalid Anwer
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Monica Gulati
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
- Australian Research Consortium in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Bairong Shen
- Joint Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence for Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rajeev K. Singla
- Joint Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence for Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | - Simona Gabriela Bungau
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
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5
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Philippova J, Shevchenko J, Sennikov S. GD2-targeting therapy: a comparative analysis of approaches and promising directions. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1371345. [PMID: 38558810 PMCID: PMC10979305 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1371345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Disialoganglioside GD2 is a promising target for immunotherapy with expression primarily restricted to neuroectodermal and epithelial tumor cells. Although its role in the maintenance and repair of neural tissue is well-established, its functions during normal organism development remain understudied. Meanwhile, studies have shown that GD2 plays an important role in tumorigenesis. Its functions include proliferation, invasion, motility, and metastasis, and its high expression and ability to transform the tumor microenvironment may be associated with a malignant phenotype. Structurally, GD2 is a glycosphingolipid that is stably expressed on the surface of tumor cells, making it a suitable candidate for targeting by antibodies or chimeric antigen receptors. Based on mouse monoclonal antibodies, chimeric and humanized antibodies and their combinations with cytokines, toxins, drugs, radionuclides, nanoparticles as well as chimeric antigen receptor have been developed. Furthermore, vaccines and photoimmunotherapy are being used to treat GD2-positive tumors, and GD2 aptamers can be used for targeting. In the field of cell therapy, allogeneic immunocompetent cells are also being utilized to enhance GD2 therapy. Efforts are currently being made to optimize the chimeric antigen receptor by modifying its design or by transducing not only αβ T cells, but also γδ T cells, NK cells, NKT cells, and macrophages. In addition, immunotherapy can combine both diagnostic and therapeutic methods, allowing for early detection of disease and minimal residual disease. This review discusses each immunotherapy method and strategy, its advantages and disadvantages, and highlights future directions for GD2 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sergey Sennikov
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology, Novosibirsk, Russia
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Li X, Wu M, Lu J, Yu J, Chen D. Interleukin-21 as an adjuvant in cancer immunotherapy: Current advances and future directions. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189084. [PMID: 38354828 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189084] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment. However, it's well-recognized that a considerable proportion of patients fail to benefit from immunotherapy, and to improve immunotherapy response is clinically urgent. Insufficient immune infiltration and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments (TME) are main contributors to immunotherapy resistance. Thus sustaining functional self-renewal capacity for immune cells and subverting immune-suppressive signals are potential strategies for boosting the efficacy of immunotherapy. Interleukin-21 (IL-21), a crucial cytokine, which could enhance cytotoxic function of immune cells and reduces immunosuppressive cells enrichment in TME, shows promising orientations as an immunoadjuvant in tumor immunotherapy. This review focuses on IL-21 in cancer treatment, including function and mechanisms of IL-21, preclinical and clinical studies, and future directions for IL-21-assisted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyang Li
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China; Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Meng Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jie Lu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jinming Yu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China; Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Dawei Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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Jahangiri L. Neuroblastoma Interaction with the Tumour Microenvironment and Its Implications for Treatment and Disease Progression. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:9116-9140. [PMID: 37887559 PMCID: PMC10605583 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30100659] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma, a paediatric malignancy of the peripheral nervous system, displays a wide range of clinical outcomes, including regression to fatality despite extensive treatment. Neuroblastoma tumours display a complex interplay with their surrounding environment, known as the tumour microenvironment, which may affect disease progression and patient prognosis. This study aimed to dissect the ways in which neuroblastoma biology, treatment, prognosis, progression, and relapse are linked with the extracellular matrix, the dichotomous identities of neuroblastoma, various regulatory proteins and RNA, and extracellular vesicles within the backdrop of the tumour microenvironment. In addition, other aspects, such as immune cell infiltration, therapeutic options including monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors; and the ways in which these may affect disease progression and immunosuppression within the context of the neuroblastoma tumour microenvironment, are addressed. Such studies may shed light on useful therapeutic targets within the tumour microenvironment that may benefit groups of NB patients. Ultimately, a detailed understanding of these aspects will enable the neuroblastoma scientific community to improve treatment options, patient outcomes, and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Jahangiri
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Site, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK;
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Addenbrookes Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
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8
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Lara-Vega I, Correa-Lara MVM, Vega-López A. Effectiveness of radiotherapy and targeted radionuclide therapy for melanoma in preclinical mouse models: A combination treatments overview. Bull Cancer 2023; 110:912-936. [PMID: 37277266 DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2023.05.002] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is an aggressive and highly metastatic skin cancer. In recent years, immunotherapy and targeted small-molecule inhibitors have improved the overall survival of patients. Unfortunately, most patients in advanced stages of disease exhibit either intrinsically resistant or rapidly acquire resistance to these approved treatments. However, combination treatments have emerged to overcome resistance, and novel treatments based on radiotherapy (RT) and targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) have been developed to treat melanoma in the preclinical mouse model, raising the question of whether synergy in combination therapies may motivate and increase their use as primary treatments for melanoma. To help clarify this question, we reviewed the studies in preclinical mouse models where they evaluated RT and TRT in combination with other approved and unapproved therapies from 2016 onwards, focusing on the type of melanoma model used (primary tumor and or metastatic model). PubMed® was the database in which the search was performed using mesh search algorithms resulting in 41 studies that comply with the inclusion rules of screening. Studies reviewed showed that synergy with RT or TRT had strong antitumor effects, such as tumor growth inhibition and fewer metastases, also exhibiting systemic protection. In addition, most studies were carried out on antitumor response for the implanted primary tumor, demonstrating that more studies are needed to evaluate these combined treatments in metastatic models on long-term protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel Lara-Vega
- National School of Biological Sciences, National Polytechnic Institute, Environmental Toxicology Laboratory, Avenida Wilfrido Massieu s/n, Unidad Profesional Adolfo López Mateos, Mexico City CP 07738, Mexico
| | - Maximiliano V M Correa-Lara
- National School of Biological Sciences, National Polytechnic Institute, Environmental Toxicology Laboratory, Avenida Wilfrido Massieu s/n, Unidad Profesional Adolfo López Mateos, Mexico City CP 07738, Mexico
| | - Armando Vega-López
- National School of Biological Sciences, National Polytechnic Institute, Environmental Toxicology Laboratory, Avenida Wilfrido Massieu s/n, Unidad Profesional Adolfo López Mateos, Mexico City CP 07738, Mexico.
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Machy P, Mortier E, Birklé S. Biology of GD2 ganglioside: implications for cancer immunotherapy. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1249929. [PMID: 37670947 PMCID: PMC10475612 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1249929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Part of the broader glycosphingolipid family, gangliosides are composed of a ceramide bound to a sialic acid-containing glycan chain, and locate at the plasma membrane. Gangliosides are produced through sequential steps of glycosylation and sialylation. This diversity of composition is reflected in differences in expression patterns and functions of the various gangliosides. Ganglioside GD2 designates different subspecies following a basic structure containing three carbohydrate residues and two sialic acids. GD2 expression, usually restrained to limited tissues, is frequently altered in various neuroectoderm-derived cancers. While GD2 is of evident interest, its glycolipid nature has rendered research challenging. Physiological GD2 expression has been linked to developmental processes. Passing this stage, varying levels of GD2, physiologically expressed mainly in the central nervous system, affect composition and formation of membrane microdomains involved in surface receptor signaling. Overexpressed in cancer, GD2 has been shown to enhance cell survival and invasion. Furthermore, binding of antibodies leads to immune-independent cell death mechanisms. In addition, GD2 contributes to T-cell dysfunction, and functions as an immune checkpoint. Given the cancer-associated functions, GD2 has been a source of interest for immunotherapy. As a potential biomarker, methods are being developed to quantify GD2 from patients' samples. In addition, various therapeutic strategies are tested. Based on initial success with antibodies, derivates such as bispecific antibodies and immunocytokines have been developed, engaging patient immune system. Cytotoxic effectors or payloads may be redirected based on anti-GD2 antibodies. Finally, vaccines can be used to mount an immune response in patients. We review here the pertinent biological information on GD2 which may be of use for optimizing current immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stéphane Birklé
- Nantes Université, Univ Angers, INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France
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Larrosa C, Mora J, Cheung NK. Global Impact of Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs) in Children: A Focus on Anti-GD2. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3729. [PMID: 37509390 PMCID: PMC10378537 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), as the name implies, are clonal antibodies that bind to the same antigen. mAbs are broadly used as diagnostic or therapeutic tools for neoplasms, autoimmune diseases, allergic conditions, and infections. Although most mAbs are approved for treating adult cancers, few are applicable to childhood malignancies, limited mostly to hematological cancers. As for solid tumors, only anti-disialoganglioside (GD2) mAbs are approved specifically for neuroblastoma. Inequities of drug access have continued, affecting most therapeutic mAbs globally. To understand these challenges, a deeper dive into the complex transition from basic research to the clinic, or between marketing and regulatory agencies, is timely. This review focuses on current mAbs approved or under investigation in pediatric cancer, with special attention on solid tumors and anti-GD2 mAbs, and the hurdles that limit their broad global access. Beyond understanding the mechanisms of drug resistance, the continual discovery of next generation drugs safer for children and easier to administer, the discovery of predictive biomarkers to avoid futility should ease the acceptance by patient, health care professionals and regulatory agencies, in order to expand clinical utility. With a better integration into the multimodal treatment for each disease, protocols that align with the regional clinical practice should also improve acceptance and cost-effectiveness. Communication and collaboration between academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and regulatory agencies should help to ensure accessible, affordable, and sustainable health care for all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Larrosa
- Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona, 08950 Barcelona, Spain; (C.L.); (J.M.)
| | - Jaume Mora
- Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona, 08950 Barcelona, Spain; (C.L.); (J.M.)
| | - Nai-Kong Cheung
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
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11
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Tian J, Wang J, Li S. Advances in the treatment of solid tumors in children and adolescents. CANCER INNOVATION 2023; 2:131-139. [PMID: 38090056 PMCID: PMC10686120 DOI: 10.1002/cai2.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Tumor is one of the leading causes of death in children (0 to 14-year-old) and adolescents (15 to 19-year-old) worldwide. Unlike adult tumors, childhood and adolescent tumors are unique in their type, molecular characteristics, and pathogenesis, and their treatment involves many challenges. In recent years, with the development of a large number of clinical studies, the survival rate of children and adolescents with tumors has improved significantly. The extensive research and application of optimized treatment regimens and new targeted drugs have led to new hope for the treatment of childhood and adolescent tumors. This article reviews the clinical and basic research and treatment of childhood and adolescent tumors and provides new ideas for the future development of precise treatment of childhood and adolescent tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Tian
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, National Key Discipline of Pediatrics (Capital Medical University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Children's Hospital, Hematology Center, National Center for Children's Health Capital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Jiayu Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, National Key Discipline of Pediatrics (Capital Medical University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Children's Hospital, Hematology Center, National Center for Children's Health Capital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Sidan Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Beijing China
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Vitale C, Bottino C, Castriconi R. Monocyte and Macrophage in Neuroblastoma: Blocking Their Pro-Tumoral Functions and Strengthening Their Crosstalk with Natural Killer Cells. Cells 2023; 12:885. [PMID: 36980226 PMCID: PMC10047506 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, immunotherapy has represented an enormous step forward in the fight against cancer. Immunotherapeutic approaches have increasingly become a fundamental part of the combined therapies currently adopted in the treatment of patients with high-risk (HR) neuroblastoma (NB). An increasing number of studies focus on the understanding of the immune landscape in NB and, since this tumor expresses low or null levels of MHC class I, on the development of new strategies aimed at enhancing innate immunity, especially Natural Killer (NK) cells and macrophages. There is growing evidence that, within the NB tumor microenvironment (TME), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which mainly present an M2-like phenotype, have a crucial role in mediating NB development and immune evasion, and they have been correlated to poor clinical outcomes. Importantly, TAM can also impair the antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) mediated by NK cells upon the administration of anti-GD2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), the current standard immunotherapy for HR-NB patients. This review deals with the main mechanisms regulating the crosstalk among NB cells and TAMs or other cellular components of the TME, which support tumor development and induce drug resistance. Furthermore, we will address the most recent strategies aimed at limiting the number of pro-tumoral macrophages within the TME, reprogramming the TAMs functional state, thus enhancing NK cell functions. We also prospectively discuss new or unexplored aspects of human macrophage heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Vitale
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Cristina Bottino
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy
| | - Roberta Castriconi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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Aaltonen K, Radke K, Adamska A, Seger A, Mañas A, Bexell D. Patient-derived models: Advanced tools for precision medicine in neuroblastoma. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1085270. [PMID: 36776363 PMCID: PMC9910084 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1085270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a childhood cancer derived from the sympathetic nervous system. High-risk neuroblastoma patients have a poor overall survival and account for ~15% of childhood cancer deaths. There is thus a need for clinically relevant and authentic models of neuroblastoma that closely resemble the human disease to further interrogate underlying mechanisms and to develop novel therapeutic strategies. Here we review recent developments in patient-derived neuroblastoma xenograft models and in vitro cultures. These models can be used to decipher mechanisms of metastasis and treatment resistance, for drug screening, and preclinical drug testing. Patient-derived neuroblastoma models may also provide useful information about clonal evolution, phenotypic plasticity, and cell states in relation to neuroblastoma progression. We summarize current opportunities for, but also barriers to, future model development and application. Integration of patient-derived models with patient data holds promise for the development of precision medicine treatment strategies for children with high-risk neuroblastoma.
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Sun M, Cao Y, Okada R, Reyes-González JM, Stack HG, Qin H, Li N, Seibert C, Kelly MC, Ruppin E, Ho M, Thiele CJ, Nguyen R. Preclinical optimization of a GPC2-targeting CAR T-cell therapy for neuroblastoma. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e005881. [PMID: 36631162 PMCID: PMC9835961 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although most patients with newly diagnosed high-risk neuroblastoma (NB) achieve remission after initial therapy, more than 50% experience late relapses caused by minimal residual disease (MRD) and succumb to their cancer. Therapeutic strategies to target MRD may benefit these children. We developed a new chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting glypican-2 (GPC2) and conducted iterative preclinical engineering of the CAR structure to maximize its anti-tumor efficacy before clinical translation. METHODS We evaluated different GPC2-CAR constructs by measuring the CAR activity in vitro. NOD-SCID mice engrafted orthotopically with human NB cell lines or patient-derived xenografts and treated with human CAR T cells served as in vivo models. Mechanistic studies were performed using single-cell RNA-sequencing. RESULTS Applying stringent in vitro assays and orthotopic in vivo NB models, we demonstrated that our single-chain variable fragment, CT3, integrated into a CAR vector with a CD28 hinge, CD28 transmembrane, and 4-1BB co-stimulatory domain (CT3.28H.BBζ) elicits the best preclinical anti-NB activity compared with other tested CAR constructs. This enhanced activity was associated with an enrichment of CD8+ effector T cells in the tumor-microenvironment and upregulation of several effector molecules such as GNLY, GZMB, ZNF683, and HMGN2. Finally, we also showed that the CT3.28H.BBζ CAR we developed was more potent than a recently clinically tested GD2-targeted CAR to control NB growth in vivo. CONCLUSION Given the robust preclinical activity of CT3.28H.BBζ, these results form a promising basis for further clinical testing in children with NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Sun
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Yingying Cao
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Reona Okada
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Haiying Qin
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Nan Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Charlie Seibert
- Center for Cancer Research Single Cell Analysis Facility, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael C Kelly
- Single Cell Analysis Facility, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Eytan Ruppin
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mitchell Ho
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Rosa Nguyen
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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